After you sign and working with a team
How Brand Deals Work With a Manager, Agent, or Publicist
Quick answer
When a creator or public figure works with a manager, agent, or publicist, each person plays a different part in a brand deal: finding and negotiating it, approving it, signing it, and getting paid. The main challenge is visibility, because details can sit with several people.
Key takeaways
- Managers, agents, and publicists often have different roles, so ask who does what.
- Commissions can affect your take-home, so know what they apply to.
- Agree who negotiates, who approves content, who signs, and who receives payment.
- Keep one shared record of every deal so no one is working from old terms.
Who does what
Roles vary, so confirm what each person does for you.
| Role | What they usually do | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Manager | Guides your career and often helps source and shape brand deals | What deals they handle, and whether you can see every contract |
| Agent | Finds and negotiates deals, and often handles contracts | Who signs, and how they report on deals |
| Publicist | Manages press and public image, and may support brand partnerships | Whether they negotiate deals or only support them |
| Attorney or business manager | Reviews contracts or handles money | When they review a contract, and how payments flow |
How commissions work
Commission is the share of a deal that a manager or agent keeps for work they do on it. Details differ, so ask for them in writing: what deals it applies to, what it is calculated on, whether it comes out of your fee or is added on top, and whether it continues after your relationship ends.
Who negotiates, approves, signs, and gets paid
Deals with a team have more steps. Agree these points before each deal:
- Who negotiates. One person should lead, and others should know the terms.
- Who approves content. Agree who reviews drafts and how quickly.
- Who signs. Some people sign for themselves. Others sign through a representative.
- Who is paid first. Payment may go to you, to a representative, or to a company. Know where the money goes and when you receive your share.
Where visibility gets lost
- Terms are shared in email threads that not everyone sees.
- Different people hold different versions of the contract.
- Usage and exclusivity dates sit in one person’s notes.
- No one sees the whole picture of active deals.
- Payments are tracked in one place and approvals in another.
Questions to ask your team
- Can I see every contract and every invoice for my deals?
- Who keeps the list of active deals and their exclusivity and usage dates?
- How and when will I be told about new offers?
- How is commission calculated and paid?
- Who follows up on late payments?
Questions to ask a brand
- Who is the main contact, and who has the authority to approve?
- Who will sign, and who will receive payment?
- Will you work through my representative, or with me directly?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a manager or agent for brand deals?
Not to get started. Many creators handle deals themselves. A manager or agent can help as deals grow larger or more complex.
What does a manager do in a brand deal?
A manager often helps find, shape, and track deals. The exact role depends on your agreement.
What is the difference between a manager and an agent?
Roles vary. Often a manager guides a career, while an agent finds and negotiates work. Ask each person what they do for you.
How do commissions work?
A commission is a share of a deal kept for work done on it. Ask what it applies to and how it is calculated.
Who should sign a brand deal?
It depends on your setup. Know who signs and who has authority, and keep a copy of every signed contract.
How can I keep track of deals when several people are involved?
Keep one shared record of every deal, with its terms, dates, and payments.