Do you need a literary agent? The answer is...it depends. With so many publishing options available to writers today, figuring out the best way to get your novel into readers' hands can be overwhelming. If you're a writer who's not really sure what a literary agent is, what a literary agent does, or why having a literary agent might be important, then this book is for you. What are a literary agent's roles and responsibilities? What should agents do for their clients? What shouldn't they do? How do you know when it's time to look for an agent to represent you, or when it's time to sever your relationship with an agent who isn't your best professional fit? This book provides a deep dive into the traditional-publishing process, giving you a clear view of what to expect from the moment you get an idea for a novel to the moment your novel goes out of print. Topics include: - How to handle an offer of representation from a literary agent - How to navigate an agency agreement - How to read and audit royalty statements - When and how to request a reversion of rights from your publisher - And more Gain the industry knowledge you need to make informed decisions that will help you build the writing career you want.