Steve D has it down pat. However,you should speak with at least 3 agents each from different companies. Keep all the info to yourself.
You can negotiate the commission rate but as Steve said, many agents will not bother to show it because of the commission split between agents. If the listing agent can sell it as well,it would be a different consideration. 5-6% is common.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.