The Importance of a Literary Agent in Negotiating a Publishing Contract

An author should always show a publishing contract to an experienced agent before signing, advises literary agent and book development consultant Claire Gerus. Even if the author secures a contract without an agent, the next best step is to get in contact with one. Agents know how to negotiate contracts and decipher the murky language publishers sometimes use. A lawyer may also need to be brought in, and an agent will be able to make that call. When negotiating a contract, literary agents can advise...