literary agent
Quick Summary
A literary agent is a professional who assists writers in getting their works published. As the publishing industry has become more complex, literary agents have gained prominence. They act on behalf of authors, negotiating contracts with publishers and handling subsidiary rights. Authors typically pay agents a commission, often 10 percent, from their earnings.12
Agents primarily focus on general books and may offer advice on new projects or even provide advances for authors with exceptional promise. While publishers sometimes found agents' involvement intrusive, agents perform a valuable service by managing the routine administrative tasks associated with an author's literary affairs.2
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history of publishingThe first literary agentsA new factor at this time, which was to change the financial climate for fiction publishers in particular, was the advent of the literary agent. The first agent began business in 1875, and between 1900 and 1914 many more appeared. Reasonable though it…
Read MoreA new factor at this time, which was to change the financial climate for fiction publishers in particular, was the advent of the literary agent. The first agent began business in 1875, and between 1900 and 1914 many more appeared. Reasonable though it…
Read More- history of publishingLiterary agents and scouts
Literary agents have become increasingly important and prominent as publishing has grown more complex. A high proportion of the more successful authors of novels and general books now employ literary agents to place their books with publishers and to handle negotiations…
Read MoreLiterary agents have become increasingly important and prominent as publishing has grown more complex. A high proportion of the more successful authors of novels and general books now employ literary agents to place their books with publishers and to handle negotiations…
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