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Topic: Breaking It Off With Agent
| Author | Message |
| Lescalier | Posted – 10/14/2008 6:56:37 PM | show profile What is the best way to break it off with my literary agent? She sold my first book but I've never been thrilled with her "bedside manner" (i.e. personality) and have decided to go with a new agent for my next book. I'm not contractually bound to her for more than the book contract she negotiated. I'd like to make as clean and professional a break as possible, not get into details or burn any bridges, certainly. What's the customary and most polite way to break it off? Email? US Mail? Handwritten note? In addition, I know she will be the agent forever for the book sale she negotiated, taking her 15% of royalties, paying me, etc. Is there anything I need to do when ending this relationship to acknowledge that our connection will live on? |
| brainfry | Posted – 10/14/2008 8:40:48 PM | show profile I think a polite and carefully worded email should be enough. Just let her know how much you enjoyed working together thus far, but that you are planning to seek new representation. If she presses you, just let tell her that you feel that that the new agent is more compatible with your next project. As far as future royalty statements, most agents just limit their correspondence to sending you statements and/or checks in the mail so you wouldn't have to constantly interact with her. |
| Agirlwalksintoabookstore... | Posted – 10/14/2008 8:51:22 PM | show profile Ditto on what brainfry said. Just be short and to the point: "dear so-and-so, I'd like to tell you that I've decided to go in a different direction. I've enjoyed working with you, but feel that my interests might be better served elsewhere. Thank you so much, Sincerely..." You have the right idea about being professional and classy. |
| dribbledrive1 | Posted – 10/14/2008 9:32:20 PM | show profile I would send a certified letter. Make it short and businesslike. |
| caitlinkelly | Posted – 10/14/2008 10:55:38 PM | show profile I think a letter is appropriate but I would also speak to her by phone. I've broken with an agent, cordially, and I think not speaking at all would be a little odd. |
| Marie | Posted – 10/15/2008 12:39:29 AM | show profile I would call her, and then follow it up with an e-mail, confirming what you said in the phone conversation, just so that there's never a misunderstanding about what you intend to do. I really can't imagine ending a relationship like this through e-mail. alone. Sorry, call me old school if you like. I think e-mail has gone too far in replacing conversation. |
| Lescalier | Posted – 10/15/2008 4:18:07 PM | show profile Breaking It Off With Agent Thanks for the thoughtful responses. I've been advised by another agent to do this by email. I find it cold as well but I'd rather not waste my old agent's time by calling (she's typically busy, then has to call me back). Her phone manner is cold even when the news is good and I'd rather not experience her response, as cowardly as I know that is, but am devoted to doing this cordially. |
