Can I have two agents?

[Shoeless Joe]

I am a writer is currently working on a modest two-book contract in the thriller genre. I got an amazing opportunity to do a sports bio (was asked by the very well-known sports figure to do an official bio)

I'm pretty sure I could get a higher profile agent for the sports book, but here's the deal--

I haven't submitted by second book of the two-book contract yet-- I'm afraid to upset the apple cart and piss off my current agent who is tight with my editor. I'd like to continue writing thrillers so I don't want to mess that up.

Can I shop the sports project to another agent without getting into problems with agent one?

[Wonky]

Does agent 1 do anything with sports stuff? I'd at least let agent 1 know what you're doing. Wouldn't he/she be shocked to see you sold a book she/he never even heard of?

[Mary M.]

Protect your professional standing by discussing with your present agent the sports bio offer AND ask when the second book of your contract is expected to be submitted.

Your agent may grant you time to work outside of your contract, even if he doesn't rep sports work, but then again, he may elect to concentrate only on the contract you share. In any event, he will surely appreciate your honesty.

You're in an enviable position, so nurture your future.

[N J]

Most agents don't care if you have two as long as they do different categories. Example, I used to have a non-fiction agent who when asked, told me to go right ahead and get a fiction agent. In fact, he suggested it strongly as his agency didn't handle much fiction at all.