Lindstrom Literary Management LLC

News and Views

Qustions and Answers for Debut Authors

Kristin Lindstrom is a member of International Thriller Writers Organization. She took part in the AgentFest program at ITW's Thrillerfest conference jn July. The following is adapted from an online forum she conducted for the organization's Debut Author program earlier this year.

Q After a contract is signed for a client, what is your role?

A When a contract has been signed, sealed and delivered, I become involved in the editor/author relationship on a different level. Ideally, the author and editor will form a bond, at least on a professional basis, as they work with the manuscript in question. The agent's role then is to field any issues that may come up relating to the production and sale of the book. Anything that pops up regarding, for example, royalty periods and statements are my responsibility to handle, and I work directly with editors and/or rights and contracts personnel. The purpose of this arrangement is to remove uncomfortable financial and technical issues from the author/editor relationship.

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Q Once you've landed a contract, how do you help your author succeed?

A Part of my job is to help prepare the author for the realities of the publishing world and to anticipate problems or opportunities as they develop. Though the editor's opinions reign supreme, I generally read over and edit finished manuscripts before they go to the publisher. The publishing cycle is long and complex, and particularly for debut authors there may be a sense of frustration. For example, a manuscript sold in August 2010 might not be scheduled for publication until Fall 2012. So I'm there to shepherd authors through this process as well as to help shape their careers.

Q What happens if an author wants to switch agents mid-contract?

A No one likes to lose an author -- unless they are difficult to work with -- but I see no point in trying to hold onto a writer who wants to move on. Ideally, the author will discuss the problem with me personally. If we are in the middle of negotiations with a publisher that end in a done deal, I remain the agent of record for that sale and will continue receiving my share of the proceeds. Likewise if I've already sold a manuscript and the author changes agents, I would continue to receive my percentage for that book. Clients should keep in mind that legitimate agents make no money at all unless a manuscript is sold, so should an author decide to leave, an acknowledgement of all the work done on the client's behalf is nice to receive.