Here are some frequently asked questions posed by writers seeking representation. If your specific questions have not been answered, just ask.
I established my agency as a sole proprietorship in 1993, operating it on a part-time basis while continuing to subcontract my services as a free-lance writer and editor to high-tech corporations. In 1995, I began operating my agency on a full-time basis.What was your earlier career history?
I worked for a very large multinational corporation for 28 years, holding a wide range of corporate communications and public relations management and professional positions. I took advantage of an early retirement incentive in 1989, but I continued to work for my company nearly full time as an independent contractor until 1991 when I decided to offer my writing/editing services to other high-tech firms as well.How did you prepare yourself to become a literary agent?
I spent two years at New York University's Center for Book Publishing, taking courses in "agenting," publishing law (contracts, libel, etc.), book publicity, and selling subsidiary rights. Adjunct professors were working professionals at America's largest publishers (HarperCollins and Random House).What is your educational background?
I received the B.A. in English (with honors) from San Jose State College in 1959. I minored in Journalism. I received the M.A. in English from San Jose State in 1961, with emphases in American literature and structural linguistics. In the late 1970s, I completed all requirements, except for writing a dissertation, for the Ph.D. in Communications Studies at New York University.Are you a member of The Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR)?
Yes.In which directories is your agency listed?
My agency is listed in Guide to Literary Agents and Writer's Market, published annually by Writer's Digest Books, and Literary Market Place, published annually by Information Today, Inc., and often found in libraries' reference departments. I also have begun to list my agency on several Internet Web sites. NOTE: Unfortunately, the listing for The Cypher Agency in Jeff Herman's Writer's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers and Literary Agents, 2000-2001, pages 548-549, is garbled, leading readers to believe I specialize in handling only children's books. I expect to be listed in Herman's 15th Edition.Are you a fee-charging agent?
No. I charge back to clients only such out-of-pocket expenses as postage, overseas facsimile transmissions, and printing/reproduction.Which subjects/genres are you most enthusiastic about representing?
I especially enjoy marketing health/medical, current affairs, history, memoir/biography, sports (NASCAR, golf, baseball, football), criminology and true-crime books.Which subjects/genres are you not interested in representing?
Nonfiction: I don't handle cookbooks, computer books, children's books, gardening and sewing books, spiritual, New Age, poetry or religious books. And humor. I've tried to sell humor, but editors obviously don't think what I think is funny is funny.What commission do you charge clients?
My commission for domestic sales is 15% of a client's advance payment(s) and royalties. For sales of film/TV rights, a client pays a commission of 20%, split 10% to me and 10% to a Hollywood co-agent. Similarly, for British Commonwealth and foreign translation rights, a client pays a 20% commission, split 10% to me and 10% to overseas co-agents.What do you think differentiates your literary agency from others?
I feel I'm not just another paper shuffler. Because I have strong line-editing skills, I work closely with all clients to ensure manuscripts submitted to acquisitions editors are as nearly "perfect" as possible. I also help nonfiction book writers develop sound book proposals that will make their proposed works more attractive to editors. I render these value-added services at no additional charge because I feel strongly that well-presented submissions increase the likelihood of eventual placement.May I contact some of your clients to find out how satisfied they are with your services?
Although I value my clients' privacy, some don't mind offering information about their relationships with the Cypher Agency. If we get close to initiating an agency agreement, I will make available to you the Internet e-mail addresses and phone numbers of selected clients whom you may contact as references.