When to Get an Agent or Literary Manager
Writers often wonder when it is time to find a literary agent or manager. As a writer the first thing you should know before finding either is the differences between them. Both work for you, however, an agent will actively seek out work and assignments for you while a manager is more about marketing your already completed work. This does not mean a manager will not obtain work for you. It simply means that they will be seeking people to pay for your ideas instead of telling you what to write. Another difference is that an agent is mandated by laws that govern each state concerning employment, while a manager works based on the contract between parties without state laws involved. Regardless of which one you are seeking, you know it is time to find one when you are ready to start actively marketing your material. If you are looking for jobs and do not know where to begin, it is time to start seeking an agent. They have access to resources and job listings that the average writer does not. If you have completed your manuscript and want to put it out there, it is time to hire either one.