Support for Indie Authors discussion

Hi, all:

I have begun a crime thriller series set in New York City. I've published the first in the series through a small publishing house. The second in the series will be released this coming September. It has been completed, and is in the later stages of editing now.

I might have the chance for different representation for the third in the series, which I just began writing and expect to complete by April or so of 2019.

My question is, is it possible or advisable to attempt a new relationship with an agent or even query the agent without the completed manuscript of the third in the series? I'm assuming I need a completed MS to query anyone for fiction, but I wasn't sure if the rules were different given that a series is already underway (and received some positive feedback).

I'm grateful for any thoughts. Thank you!

Hi Roger
Congratulations on your series so far! I don't really know the answer to your question - have you already had some communication with the agent if you already know you have a chance for representation by them?

Let's see. You don't mention the status of the first relationship so if you do query someone different about book three and they reply, expect them to ask about what is going on with the first two books. I'm not asking you to reveal that here, but just as a heads up as to what they may ask.

Well, published writers do change agents mid-series - but I'd have thought an agent would want to know about your current publisher and how well the series is doing. Will you be wanting the new agent to be finding you a more lucrative deal with another publisher? Are you wanting to re-negotiate with the current publisher ? (Not asking these questions for an answer - but for you to know for yourself what you are wanting to gain.)

Thanks, all- I very much appreciate these thoughtful comments.

I actually don't have an agent at the moment- I signed directly with a hybrid publisher. They are legitimate and trying, but I would prefer to find a more traditional, agent/publisher situation if I can.

The big question is whether I can/should seek new representation without a completed manuscript. Normally I would think that wouldn't be possible for fiction. But, since I have two completed books (one published, one in final edits) that it might be possible for me to query a potential agent anyway. I'm just wondering if that's proper form.

Again, thank you!

If you query an agent you need to be upfront about contractual obligations. Publishing with a hybrid does not mean too much in the world of self-publishing. I mention this because it sounds like the fact that there is one published (one close to), is the basis for searching for an agent for the one that isn't finished.

So for querying about the unfinished manuscript, what will you tell them if they want to see more or the whole thing? If you have to say it isn't finished, in my opinion, that makes the writer look flaky. If you already have a relationship with an agent, that's different, but for what is basically a 'cold call' it sounds like everything is not in order.

It's up to you of course and could work out.

I think if you are looking to go down the agent road you should hire one to do all three books because it's a series you would want the same representation for all three books, just a thought. You could always try self-publishing them that way you have total control as well.

Also I like the concept of your books, crime thrillers in NY always sound gripping!

Thanks M.L. and Justin- very grateful for your insight.

Here's the deal:

1. An agent expects the book to be finished. There's an "unless" attached to that, but it's related to point two:

2. That agent is going to look at the sales record, and current standings for books one and two. So they better be selling well, now.

Why? A publisher is going to invest thousands of dollars in editing, cover design, and selling it to the bookstores (and they're a hard sell). Added to that is the cost of printing and shipping books to thousands of bookstores—and the cost of taking back those that don't sell (books are sent to the stores on consignment).

So unless your previous books have made you more than ten thousand dollars each, a publisher can't expect to break even with the third one. And they will not republish the first two under their name unless they're doing really well.

Got it- thank you very much. Those are great points. As it stands, the first in the series was just released in September of this year, and while sales aren't bad, they're not clipping either. The second in the series will be released in September of 2019.