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Okay, #PitchWars, going to add a few things to my thread from yesterday. Let's talk about agent red flags. https://twitter.com/gigigriffis/status/1352251262419562497
First, a word about new agents: New agents can be fantastic! They're motivated. They've got time on their hands to devote to their first clients. Etc. Etc. As long as they are at a good agency and have a good mentor, don't count new agents out.
That said, here's a new agent red flag: How many clients are they signing at once?
If the number is high, they probably won't have time for you and they probably don't have good mentorship.
If the number is high, they probably won't have time for you and they probably don't have good mentorship.
2. It's a normal part of the agent-getting process for you (the author with the offer) to contact the agent's current clients. That's a great way to get a sense of things like communication style, how quickly they respond to things, etc.
If an agent tells you not to contact their clients, I'd consider this a big red flag. What are they hiding?
Red flag #3: Once you have an offer, that agent should be available to answer follow-up questions. If the agent gets irritated with you for asking questions, I'd consider that a red flag.
4. How diverse is their client list? And are you willing to be their first disabled client, Black client, queer client, etc.? Will they know how to advocate for you?
One of the biggest reasons I signed with my agent is that I knew she'd fight for my stories. Her track record reflects that.
