what exactly does an agent do for an author?

Question

I am writing a book and look to get it published soon

How do I find a good agent? What do they actually do? How do I know if they are a good one?

Answer 1

Finding a publisher to publish the author's book.

Answer 2

There are lists of agents on the Internet. You need to find one that would be interest in your genre, then send them a query (check out what they want to see of your work. Like editors, they sometimes will look at the first pages, and a synopsis) tell them about your book and about yourself (experience and reason you're the person to write this book).

The agent, if they accept you as a client, may give you suggested changes to your book, they will market it to publishers, and handle all the details of the contract, and will protect your rights.

Agents usually list the names of other clients, you can contact those people to get a run down on the agent, or you can do a search on the agency/agent and see if there's any items pro or con.

Answer 3

Agents match authors with publishers, handle bookings for publicity tours, book signings, etc., handle correspondence and legal affairs.

Answer 4

helps them get published