Test Your Literary Agent IQ

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| Written by MikeWells

MikeWells

Community Contributor

Quizzes Created: 6 | Total Attempts: 41,188

Questions: 12 | Attempts: 2,545 | Updated: Mar 21, 2023

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Dealing with literary agents can be tricky. How well do you understand the finer points of how they operate?
(Answers & explanations given at end)

Questions and Answers

1.

If you feel strongly about a particular agent who posts that he or she is not presently taking new clients, you should go ahead and query that agent anyway.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Most agents read every query they receive, regardless of how "full" their lists are, because they can always make room for a book that really hits their hot button. (Some agents will want to throttle me for telling you this, but it's the truth)

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1
0
2.

Some agents who charge reading fees are considered legitimate.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Industry consensus is that any agent who charges a reading fee is unethical. The only people who seem to disagree with this are agents who charge reading fees.

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3.

To maximize your response from agents, you should tell everything you possibly can about your book in your query letter.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Queries should be limited to one page, maximum, and should only include enough to whet the agent's appetite and make him/her want to read more. (See 15 Common Mistakes Found in Query Letters under the Advice for Writers tab on this blog)

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4.

If you sign a representation agreement with a literary agent, that agent must represent any and all subsequent books you write.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Most agencies have agreements that promise they will market your present book, but give them the right to pick and choose which of your future books they handle. Usually the contract guarantees the agency the "first right of refusal," and if they pass on a subsequent book, you have the right to find another agent who will represent it.

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5.

In the USA, to legally advertise their services as a "literary agent," agencies must be a member of the Association of Artist's Representatives (AAR)
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
The statement is false because in the USA, there is no legal requirement for literary agencies to be a member of the Association of Artist's Representatives (AAR) in order to advertise their services as a "literary agent." While being a member of AAR may provide certain benefits and credibility, it is not a legal requirement.

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6.

One of the most common reasons first novels are passed over by agents is that the story takes too long to get started.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
See A Dozen+ Reasons Books are Rejected by Agents & Editors under the Advice for Writers tab on this blog

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7.

It is perfectly ethical to query more than one agent at a time about the same book.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
If you choose to do so, some agents believe that you, as author, are obligated to notify them of this fact in your query, but most agents assume that you are making a "multiple submission" unless you indicate otherwise. (see "What is an exclusive query..." in Common Questions about Agents & Publishers post on this blog)

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8.

If you want to see your unpublished novel made into a movie, you should query Hollywood studios and producers directly.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Hollywood rarely buys the film rights to manuscripts written by unknown authors and which have not already been sold to a publisher. Once sold, most good agents can handle the film rights for you, but this is something you should ask about before signing any contract of representation. (See Common Questions about Agents & Publishers)

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9.

Depending upon your circumstances, it may be appropriate for you to seek a literary agent in a country other than the one in which you presently live.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
More on this in the Common Questions about Agents & Publishers post

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10.

Most agents devote a great deal of time editing their clients’ books.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
ost agents expect your novel to be in publishable shape before they will agree to represent it. Sometimes agents will devote a significant amount of time editing and polishing a manuscript, but this the exception, not the rule. The agent's primary functions are marketing, contract negotiation and royalty accounting.

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11.

It is against the AAR’s Canon of Ethics for any member agency to charge a reading fee.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
The given statement is true. According to the AAR's Canon of Ethics, it is prohibited for any member agency to charge a reading fee. This means that agencies cannot require individuals to pay a fee in order to have their work reviewed or considered. This guideline ensures fairness and equal opportunity for all writers, regardless of their financial situation.

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12.

Except for using their established publishing industry contacts to submit manuscripts to editors, agents provide no other tangible services to authors to justify the commissions they earn.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Literary agents provide a wide range of services which justify their commissions (see 5 Steps to Landing a Good Literary Agent post)

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Test Your Literary Agent IQ

If you feel strongly about a particular agent who posts that he or she is not presently taking new clients, you should go ahead and query that agent anyway.

Some agents who charge reading fees are considered legitimate.

To maximize your response from agents, you should tell everything you possibly can about your book in your query letter.

If you sign a representation agreement with a literary agent, that agent must represent any and all subsequent books you write.

In the USA, to legally advertise their services as a "literary agent," agencies must be a member of the Association of Artist's Representatives (AAR)

One of the most common reasons first novels are passed over by agents is that the story takes too long to get started.

It is perfectly ethical to query more than one agent at a time about the same book.

If you want to see your unpublished novel made into a movie, you should query Hollywood studios and producers directly.

Depending upon your circumstances, it may be appropriate for you to seek a literary agent in a country other than the one in which you presently live.

Most agents devote a great deal of time editing their clients’ books.

It is against the AAR’s Canon of Ethics for any member agency to charge a reading fee.

Except for using their established publishing industry contacts to submit manuscripts to editors, agents provide no other tangible services to authors to justify the commissions they earn.