My agent appears to be missing in action. We're half way through a book that's time-sensitive. What should I do? Any tips on new agents? Don't want to lose momentum. Thanks in advance! x
My agent appears to be missing in action. We're half way through a book that's time-sensitive. What should I do? Any tips on new agents? Don't want to lose momentum. Thanks in advance! x
An agent should be available to you throughout a project. As Dor suggests - have you called them? Is there anyone else in the agency you can speak to or is it a one person band?
A friend signed a contract with an agent who went very quiet on her - but it turned out there was a good reason for it - and they have a great working relationship now.
The first question is: how have you tried to contact them? Emails can get swallowed, auto-spammed, ignored, pushed into the "I'm definitely going to get onto this THIS week, no really, I am" folder. If you haven't tried ringing them, that should be your first step. Yes, obvious, but I know of many people who panic without bothering to do that.
Following that, have you THOROUGHLY done your research on this agent? Before accepting the contract, did you speak to their other clients? Did you look them up on Pred-ed or the Absolute Write Watercooler? (Both of those places are American, so don't always have the British companies listed. If the person you're seeking isn't there, start a thread, send an e-mail, ask the questions.) These places may be able to give you more information, not only regarding the legitimacy of your agent, but also general info from others who have been in the situation you're in (this may just be how your agent works!).
If you decide you wish to seek new representation and are at all unsure about anything, do seek legal advice.
Your contract: read it, find the clauses regarding termination. They will outline what you need to do. It will likely necessitate your giving a period of notice. You CANNOT sign with a new agent until you have terminated your existing contract. It's better to not even send out new submissions until you are free of it.
Good luck.