By Maria Bregman
Literary agents are often seen as the gatekeepers of the publishing industry, the ones who decide which books get published and which ones don’t. But what exactly do literary agents do, and why are they so essential for authors and publishers alike?
Literary agents are not just brokers or middlemen who sell manuscripts to publishers. They are also mentors, editors, advocates, and partners for their authors, who help them develop their craft, polish their work, and navigate the complex and competitive world of publishing.
Literary Agents as Discoverers and Nurturers
One of the main roles of literary agents is to discover new talent and nurture existing authors. Literary agents are constantly on the lookout for fresh and original voices, who can offer something different and exciting to the readers. They receive thousands of submissions every year, and they have to sift through them and select the ones that have the most potential.
Once they find a promising author, they work closely with them to improve their manuscript, offer feedback, suggest revisions, and prepare it for submission to publishers. They also help their authors build their platform, manage their expectations, and plan their career.
Literary Agents as Negotiators and Collaborators
Another key role of literary agents is to negotiate the best possible deals for their authors and collaborate with publishers to ensure the success of their books. Literary agents have the expertise and the connections to pitch their authors’ work to the right editors, who are interested in their genre and style. They also have the skills and the experience to negotiate the terms of the contract, such as the advance, the royalties, the rights, and the deadlines.
But literary agents don’t stop there. They also work with publishers to make sure that their authors’ books get the attention and the support they deserve. They communicate with the editors, the designers, the marketers, the publicists, and the salespeople, to provide input, feedback, and guidance. They also monitor the sales and the reviews, and deal with any issues or problems that might arise.
Literary Agents as Innovators and Influencers
A third and emerging role of literary agents is to innovate and influence the publishing industry, by creating new opportunities and trends for their authors and their books. Literary agents are not just passive observers of the market, but active participants who shape and challenge it. They are always looking for new ways to reach and engage the readers, such as creating online courses, podcasts, or events, or collaborating with other media platforms, such as film, TV, or gaming.
Literary agents are also at the forefront of the social and cultural changes that affect the publishing industry, such as diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. They champion the voices and the stories of underrepresented and marginalized groups, and they advocate for ethical and environmental practices in the production and distribution of books.
Literary agents are central to the success of authors and publishers, and they play a vital role in the publishing industry. They are not just a fringe benefit, but a core component of the creative and commercial process. They are the secret agents of the book world, who make the magic happen.