answersLogoWhite

0

What do literary agents do?

User Avatar

Anonymous

15y ago
Updated: 8/17/2019

They are like the go-betweens of writers and publishers. Because Publishing houses probably will not read an unsolicited manuscript (one that isn't represented by an agent) you will have a hard time getting published without one. They assist you with the legal issues and help to make deals. If your book is accepted by a publisher, then your literary agent will receive a small cut of the book's earnings. If you can get a lit. agent interested in your work (usually by sending in the first 10-15 pages of your manuscript) then you have moved one step closer to getting published.

They also represent screen writers and non-fiction writers; not just novels.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What are some websites for literary agents?

Answer Using any Search Engine you can find Literary Agents, but you have to be careful as good literary agents don't charge reading fee's, so if you happen upon one who asks for a fee up front to read your manuscript, move on till you find one who doesn't ask a reading fee.


What has the author Rachel Vater written?

Rachel Vater has written: 'The agents directory' -- subject(s): Directories, Literary agents


Are there any literary agents out there accepting debut sci fi authors as clients?

You need to get the latest edition of Guide to Literary Agents in order to find this out - it lists all the agents who are searching for new authors, and you can pick out one who's looking for science fictions writers.


What does a literary agent do?

Answer Literary Agents if you can find an honest one, first read the writers manuscript and if he or she seems to think it will sell then they take it to the approiate Publisher to be published. It seems that honest hard working literary agents are soon to become a thing of the past. I don't say this to sound like I hate literary agents, but I certainly don't trust them either. I have three books published and not one of these three books did I bother to use a Literary Agent because I couldn't find an honest one to represent me. The one piece of information that I can offer you is this. If you contact a Literary Agent and that person wants to charge you a reading fee, run like the devil is chasing you because Literary Agents with good standing in the writing business don't ask for reading fee's.


What has the author Adam Begley written?

Adam Begley has written: 'Certitude' -- subject(s): Anecdotes, World history, Certainty, Biography, Humor (Nonfiction), Nonfiction, OverDrive 'Literary agents' -- subject(s): Literary agents


Train to Be A Literary Agent?

A literary agent represents an author in negotiations with publishers. Literary agents evaluate a manuscript for the chances of being successfully commercially published and contact editors and publishers that are likely to be interested in the book. If an editor makes an offer, the literary agent negotiates the terms of the publishing deal as the author’s representative. Literary agents are not paid until and unless they successfully negotiate a deal with a publisher, at which point the agent is paid a percentage of the author’s advance and royalties. Literary agents are not paid until the author is paid. Most literary agents work with and for a literary agency. Some literary agents are independent; they work alone (though they often have an assistant), and they are not part of an agency. Most literary agents have a four year college degree; often it’s a degree in English or another humanities field, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many agents with degrees in the sciences or social sciences. Some literary agents have graduate degrees, but many don’t. Generally, literary agents begin their professional training by obtaining an internship at an established agency. Sometimes an agent starts out as an administrative assistant or an established agent’s assistant at an agency. The basic idea is that agents learn on the job under the supervision and mentorship of a senior, experienced agent. It is fairly common for literary agents to have already had several years (sometimes ten or twenty years) experience working in publishing as an editor or assistant editor at a publisher publishing the sorts of book the agent would be interested in acquiring, or sometimes, working in marketing at a publisher. Many agents also have experience working in bookstores hand-selling books to customers. Some have a degree in publishing from a school with a strong reputation in placing interns with literary agencies and publishers. Assistants to literary agents are often responsible for answering phone calls and mail and directing the inquirer to the correct person or conveying messages. They may be responsible for reading through initial queries from authors and deciding whether or not they merit passing on to the senior agent. A literary agent may be involved in resolving conflict between their author clients and publishers. They need to be exceedingly fond of reading and deeply familiar with publishing. They need to be skillful negotiators and exceedingly knowledgeable about publishing contracts. They need to be patient, extremely ethical, and comfortable dealing with people under stress. Solid communication and social skills are extremely important. Agenting is not a nine-to-five job; you’ll have to do a great deal of reading and communicating outside of standard office hours. If you’re interested in a career as a literary agent, look for publishing or literary agency internships, and think about reading how other literary agents started.


Who were Lillian Hellman's literary agents?

Lillian Hellman's literary agents included the prominent firm of Harold Ober Associates, which represented many notable authors of her time. Additionally, she was associated with agents like Elizabeth McKee and later, Margaret McElderry. These agents played a crucial role in managing her various works, including plays and screenplays, helping to establish her reputation in American literature.


What do publishing agents do?

Publishing agents, or literary agents, can be very beneficial in your quest to have your book published. Agents will pitch your work and negotiate a deal with prospective publishers. After the deal has been made they will most likely maintain your business affairs with the publisher.


Where can I locate a good literary agent?

One can locate a good literary agent on the Publishers Marketplace website. For a monthly fee of $25, you can access agents, editors, and read reviews.


Who are the 5 best Literary Agents in Hollywood?

This depends on what year it is. The best way to find a good literary agent is to get the latest copy of the Writer's Market Guide to Literary Agents. You can also find out who your favorite author's agent is, and write to that agency.


who is Stephen kings agent?

Stephen King's agent is currently Chuck Verrill of Darhansoff & Verrill Literary Agents.


Christopher Little is related to which area?

Christopher Little Literary Agency is based in London. They are a firm of literary agents; previously managing J.K Rowling who is known for writing the Harry Potter novels.