Do I need a Literary Agent to Self Publish a book?

Posted on Friday, October 4, 2013 by Angelyn Cañete — 2 Comments

Many publishers will suggest that the author hire a literary agent before publishing a book. These literary agents can be expensive and time consuming, and can’t guarantee that they will find a publisher. Often called a publishing agent or book agent, literary agents will simply submit your manuscript to multiple publishers in hopes that one will take notice, buy your manuscript and begin publishing your book. Many literary agents work on a retainer or a fee-based arrangement with no guarantees of success for your project. Some unscrupulous publishing agents may even charge reading fees. In fact, 98 percent of all unsolicited manuscripts submitted to traditional publishers are rejected. Here are a few things to consider before deciding to work with a book agent:

Literary agents can be expensive.
Literary agents can be time consuming.
Literary agents can’t guarantee your book will be published.
There are no licensing requirements to become a literary agent.
Unscrupulous publishing agents may charge read fees.

AuthorHouse is here to help you avoid all the pitfalls and headaches that are commonly associated when working with a book agent. At AuthorHouse, you become your own publishing agent by self-publishing your book and bypassing all the literary agents. You’ll have an in-depth conversation with an author advocate to discuss your project goals and then choose the services that align with your goals. From copy editing to promotional press releases, you have the flexibility to create a custom project plan for the submission, production and promotion of your book.

If you have been considering hiring a literary agent or contacting various literary agents and want to learn more about self-publishing your book, you owe it to yourself to contact AuthorHouse.