Working with An Agent: If you decide it’s time to part ways with your agent…

I’m always hoping that my clients and I are working on a career-long relationship, and sign people with that in mind.

And like any relationship, it’s always better to talk about your concerns early before small things turn into big issues. It’s possible that what you’re unhappy with is something fixable with just a little more communication.

But if, for whatever reason, you decide it’s time to seek new representation, you should always terminate your previous agreement before seeking out a new one.

It’s not fair to your current agent to shop for a client to be shopping for new representation while they’re still doing work for you – and, out of respect for fellow agents, I would not request material from someone who was searching while still under an active agency agreement with someone else.

To end the author-agent relationship, take another look at your Agency Agreement for the termination terms. Usually, either party just has to write and send a letter ending the agreement.

Once you part ways, an agent will still receive commission on any contracts they negotiated under your agreement. They may also have a time limit in their agreement to wrap up any submissions that are already out there.

If you’re parting on good terms and the issue is more that your career goals/genres have changed, you can also ask your previous agent if they have anybody they would recommend for their new career direction. (If you’re parting on bad terms, I would skip this!)

Above all though, you always want to be professional. The industry is small and the truth is – it doesn’t matter how wonderful your work is if people don’t want to work with you!