Enlarging upon what has been said in an earlier chapter,[31] the
literary agent may be found much more useful in the marketing of short
stories than in novels. The relations of the author to the publisher
are much closer than those existing between the short-story writer
and the magazine editor, and the personality of the author is a less
important factor. If the writer of short-stories makes a study of
the market, and possesses ordinary business ability, he has no more
occasion for an "agent" than a man engaged in any other profession. On
the other hand, it is a fact that the average writer does not develop
himself along these lines, so that the advice and co-operation of one
who makes a business of acting as a go-between can be made exceedingly
valuable.
In placing oneself in the hands of a literary agent, great care should
be exercised to select one with a reputation for the successful placing
of manuscripts and for prompt financial dealings.
The ordinary commission of the literary agent is 10 per cent. upon all
sums received on account of the author, and it is customary for him
to handle the financial as well as the literary relations between the
writer and the magazines.