Very often the agent knows the writer better, and usually has known them for longer, than the publicist. The other rights available and appropriate for exploitation are also handled by the agent. These rights can include film and television rights, audio rights and publication rights in other territories. Services often provided by an agent include fielding inquires which might come in for the writer such as speaking and appearance requests, offers of review work and a variety of other enquiries. The agent also provides a friendly face for the writer to turn to when times might not be as bright as is preferred.
Agents are there for the writer between books as well as during the publication process.
The agent looks after the business side of the writer's career. They know the market place and spend a lot of time researching and keeping up to date with fluctuations. The best agents can also strategically plan, by looking beyond the next book, offering advice and direction to help shape a career as well as freeing up the writer from the often mundane details of the business. These lists will often outline each agent's preferred form of approach. The writing needs to speak for itself.