Should I accept contract asking for 33% COMMISSION?

Nyrryl Cadiz

@smceccarelli hmm... I see. I guess I was just being too paranoid. Thank you, Simona! You're very helpful. I consider you one of the experts here in SVS.

audrey dowling

My agent takes 35%. 30-35% seems to be the norm in the UK

jimsz

Should you decide to pursue a relationship with them remember to have the contract looked at by an attorney familiar with contracts like this. It will cost you a couple hundred dollars but is worth every cent.

Nyrryl Cadiz

@audrey-dowling Hi, Audrey! Thanks for the input. This only proves what an ignorant and paranoid person I actually am. Thank you so much. Do you know anything about Allied Artists illustration agency? It would be great to hear some first-hand opinions about them. Again, thanks.

Nyrryl Cadiz

@jimsz Hi, Jim! I will consider that but I'm afraid I can't do that as of the moment. My funds are very limited. Plus, I live in the Philippines. I don't know any attorney who is experienced in these type of contracts. However, I will try to do this in the future. Thank you so much for your input!

audrey dowling

@nyrryl-cadiz no sorry, I don't know them but you could contact some of their artists. Ask them if they're happy with their agent, how much work they get, pros and cons... Try artists whose style is similar to yours. That's what I did before I signed. Illustrators are usually happy to help

Nyrryl Cadiz

@audrey-dowling Hi, Audrey! I'll try that. Thank you.

Nyrryl Cadiz

Does anyone else have some suggestions? I would love to hear them. Thank you.

Lee White

Having an agent can be an essential component to breaking into the business. That said, it can be expensive. 33% is definitely on the high side, but it's within the scope of what I'm seeing these days.

If you don't have much published work, I would say go for it. 33% of something is better than 100% of nothing. Think of it as a limited time thing until you are established enough to let them go. Or, in a best case scenario, you stay because they are getting you lots of work. When you leave them in a few years, consider writing your own content and getting a literary rep at 15%.

Look closely at the terms for ending the relationship. Make sure you are comfortable with all of it.

Good luck!
-Lee

Nyrryl Cadiz

@lee-white Thank you so much, Lee. This is very hepful.