[PubQ] Choosing an agent
I am a debut author, and have two agents I'm trying to choose from. Both have a track record with Big 5 (using Publisher's Marketplace), I think they'd both be called heavy hitters, but neither has sold a book in my particular genre (Agent A has more recently placed books in an adjacent genre). Both seem confident about my book's prospects at top tier presses (without promising), and expect. Agent A is at a large agency (but is not personally based in NYC), and Agent B is at a self-named boutique based in NYC. I had a good and productive convo with both. I realize this is a great problem to have, but as a debut author, I feel uneasy about the riskiness of my position, and I am afraid if I go with A, and it doesn't work out, I'll wish I went with B, and vice-versa.
I believe Agent A is the most sensible choice. They feel practical. I sometimes had a "hm" feeling when they talked about (relatively minor) changes to the proposal, but I also got the feeling that I would have veto power, they were just suggestions. But it made me wonder a bit. If it doesn't fly, I may kick myself for not going with the one who was happier with my original vision.
Agent B is much more trusting of my original vision "as is", and would just help me tighten it up. I like their calm confidence. I also think they'd be good at helping me find the right next book idea. But I also worry that I am possibly enticed by an easier/ more flattering vision for my project. They feel a little riskier, perhaps because their vision for tightening is more polishing than adjusting, if that makes sense. I feel like if I go with Agent B, and it doesn't go well, I'll kick myself for not going with the (slightly more) cautious/editorial agent.
Agent B is known to be a powerful deal-maker, great at setting up auctions; they want to cast a wide nest initially. But Agent A also has lots of auctions in their record, and they want to start a little more cautiously and see how it is received first, so as not to "burn" more than needed.
I'd like input on how to better navigate this choice. I keep going around and around. I think it's just because it's a high stakes choice, they're both solid on paper, and my emotions have room to whirl around and confuse me. Thank you!