The average cost of a literary agent is typically a commission of 15% of a book deal. This is the industry standard percentage charged by most literary agents.
Understanding Literary Agent Commissions
Literary agents do not charge upfront fees. Instead, they earn their income through a percentage of the deals they secure for their clients. This commission-based model means that an agent's success is directly tied to their client's success. Reputable literary agents get paid only when their client gets paid.
The Standard Commission Rate
- 15% Commission: For most book deals, particularly within the United States, the standard literary agent commission is 15%. This percentage is deducted from any advances or royalties an author earns from their published work.
- No Upfront Fees: It is crucial to remember that legitimate literary agents never charge reading fees, submission fees, or any other upfront costs. Their earnings are solely based on successfully selling your manuscript and negotiating your contract.
Variations in Commission Rates
While 15% is the most common rate, there can be slight variations:
- Higher Percentages: A small number of literary agencies may charge a slightly higher percentage, sometimes up to 20%, especially for specific types of deals like foreign rights sales or film/TV adaptations of your book. These higher percentages are often due to the increased complexity or specialized work involved in such deals, which might require co-agenting with international or entertainment agencies.
In essence, the "cost" of a literary agent is a share of your earnings, ensuring their motivation is aligned with your publishing success.
