Break ups are messy, whether you’re dealing with marriage break ups or business relationships. Such is the case with an agent-writer relationship. Somehow something went awry, the writer and agent were not on the same page, the writer had unrealistic expectations or perhaps the agent simply wanted to grab the writer before anyone else did and then sat on the writer to squash the competition from their existing client (rare, but it does happen).
In either case, how would a writer separate from an agent in a way that would be amicable and not burn any bridges. The agent you may despise now, for whatever reason, may become a friend and helpful colleague in the near future.
We asked two literary agents about the best way to handle such an issue.
Sharlene Martin of Martin Literary Management and author of the forthcoming book, Publish Your Nonfiction Book says, “Isn’t it Neil Sedaka that sang Breakin’ Up Is Hard To Do? Well, breaking up with your agent should be fairly straightforward.”
Caren Estesen of Johnson Literary Agency suggests, “First, have a conversation with the agent, at least over the phone, no matter how uncomfortable. Over an email you cannot get nuance or tone.”
“Once you’ve done that,” Martin adds, “then, I suggest a simple email saying that you’re not happy with the relationship (and feel free to give reasons why) and then cut and paste the termination clause in the email.”
Estesen agrees and notes that the letter does not have to be elaborate, nor does it have to give a reason for wanting to sign with another agent. But she cautions that if for whatever reason you feel that the agent is being particularly nasty or vindictive, that you “do not engage in an argument. After all, it is hard to argue with someone’s whose not arguing back.”
Martin adds, “Recognize that if your agent sold a book for you, regardless of your calling it quits, they’re still entitled to receive any monies in the form of advances and royalties on the sales they executed for you. So, if you want to get your money in a timely fashion, I highly suggest letting them down politely and gently.”