What are Literary Agents?

$5.95

Add to cart

6 word format

document in english

literature

research papers

date published 05/09/2007

review : not yet assessed

level : Advanced

requested 1 times

Author's resume

Selection criteria

Summary

The concept of a literary agent is often a mystery to those not intimate with the field of publishing. Their function is obscured, and many writers even are uncertain of their purpose. However, since their inception in the 19th century, they have come to play an integral part of the book publishing game and are depended on by authors and publishers alike for their services.
According to the Association of Author’s Representatives, “literary . . . agents are engaged in the marketing of rights to literary properties.”

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. According to the Association of Author's Representatives, 'literary . . . agents are engaged in the marketing of rights to literary properties.?
2. The agent's function has evolved and changed since they first appeared, from being mere business managers to being personal assistants and advisors
History
1. The end of the 18th century saw writing beginning to be recognized as a profession, since writers could make a small income selling their stories to newspapers and magazines
2. Copyright laws put writers into a position of greater power than ever before, but the rules were becoming so complex that most of them did not know how to take advantage of the situation
3. America's first successful agent was Paul Revere Reynolds of Boston, who established his business in New York City in 1893
The Role of the Agent Today
1. It is almost impossible for a writer to break into the writing field with any success without an agent, since most publishers hardly consider their slush piles
2. The primary concern of agents is the building of authors' careers
3. Though once antagonistic toward agents, publishers today have come to rely on them for the services they provide.
The Future of Literary Agents
1. It is almost impossible for a writer to break into the writing field with any success without an agent, since most publishers hardly consider their slush piles
2. Beyond the creative process, agents assist the author in first getting an editor's attention and then in negotiating the contract
3. These days, agents must often go beyond their traditional roles in service to their authors
The Future of Literary Agents
1. As publishing companies continually merge and reinvent themselves, literary agencies seem to be the only stable factor left in the business
2. As the industry draws together in fewer and fewer houses, even going so far as to span across oceans, the question arises as to whether or not agencies need to do the same
3. The need for literary agents has been apparent since the beginnings of the mass market produced by the creation of the novel