agent contracts

[TL Rese]

Hi Nathan,

I was wondering: if agents usually take 10-15% of clients' royalties, what happens if the client switches agents? Does the former agent still continue taking 10-15% for all deals s/he negotiated forever? Or does the new agent take over?

Thanks!

[Nathan Bransford]

Hi Nathan,

I was wondering: if agents usually take 10-15% of clients' royalties, what happens if the client switches agents? Does the former agent still continue taking 10-15% for all deals s/he negotiated forever? Or does the new agent take over?

Thanks!

Usually the agent who negotiated the original agreement continues to receive the commission for that agreement. It ultimately depends on the author/agency agreement, but that is the customary arrangement. Where things vary is if the new agent is allowed to negotiate and/or receive commission for a new contract stemming from that original project. As always, make sure you understand and are comfortable with the arrangement when you sign on with an agent.