I have an agent opportunity and I have a question before I sign
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@tom-shannon Not something I've ever come across.
Maybe not a red flag -- but definitely a yellow one.
Typically promotions with an agent are split between the agent and illustrator. So if an agent gets 25% of any project fee they also pay 25% of promotional fee.
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@tom-shannon Wait. Are you saying that the agent wants you to sign up for a third party promotional site? Or are you saying that childrensillustrator IS the agency that reached out to you and wants you to pay to be on their website? Because the way you worded it sounds a bit like the latter and if that's the case. there's a problem. As far as I know, childrensillustrators.com is not an agency at all. It's a directory of illustrators and anyone can pay to include their portfolio on there.
The difference between that and an agent is that apart from giving you a spot on the website they will not do any legwork to find you work. They will not send mailers to their clients with you artwork, put your name forward for contracts, or show your work at trade shows and book fairs. Any clients that find your work on their website will contact you directly. I do believe childrensillustrators has some resources to help members with contracts and can even give 1-1 advice regarding specific situation, but they will not handle the whole conversation with the client and negotiate on your behalf like an agent does. They will not take a percentage of your sales, they will only collect your yearly membership fee. There is no vetting, as far as I know anyone who pays can be listed on the directory.
You should think of this more like a paid membership than representation, more akin to an SCBWI membership than an agent.
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@tom-shannon it's exciting to have an agent opportunity! But you're also wise to do some research into the agency first.
If you're an SCBWI member, The Book has a really informative chapter on "Finding an Agent: Best Practices" (page 207). Gives a great overview on what to expect and things to watch out for.
This article also has great tips on finding and signing with an agent, including advice on how to check out an agency.
You may also consider reaching out to other illustrators that are represented by the agency to see what their experience has been like.
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@melissa_bailey Thanks Melissa. I'm a SCBWI member, I will do my research! I appreciate it!
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@Tom-Shannon I got a notification that you replied to me, but I can't see your reply because you deleted your post. Everything ok?
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@nessillustration He Ness, all is good. Thank you for your feedback. I was trying clean up the boards, didn't mean to delete everything. No biggie, all is good. Thank you for your input. Talking with the agency, sounds like the website is an option only for me. If I want it, I have to pay for it. It's not a deal breaker.
