Agents vs. Publicists

{Photo by Nicole Honeywill on Unsplash}

I was recently asked by an author what the difference was between an agent and a publicist and which was more important to a successful writing career. The old adage of comparing apples and oranges is very fitting. Both are fruits, part of the same world, but within that world, they couldn’t be more different.

In a nutshell, agents shop material to editors and publishers in the hopes of securing a lucrative deal for their clients. Agents make money from a percentage of any sales to publishers/production companies/etc.

Tip: It is strongly advised not to move forward with an agent who requires or requests money upfront. There are even states with regulations against such business practices.

Publicists work on either an hourly rate or for a specified amount (often called a retainer). Publicists are responsible for getting material (in this case books and authors) media coverage and placement. They send out pitches and press releases alerting the media to the existence of the book and why it is “newsworthy,” and would make a good fit with their audience. When you see an author interviewed in a magazine or on a television news program, that is the work of a publicist (either in-house or independently hired).

Agents and publicists are both extremely helpful in building an author’s career. They can both help to create and facilitate an author’s brand and platform.