How to Be Your Own Literary Agent: An Insider's Guide to Getting Your Book Published

by Richard Curtis

Book Overview

How to Be Your Own Literary Agent takes the mystery out of book publishing for any writer, published or not. Richard Curtis -- a top literary agent for more than thirty years -- provides a comprehensive practical overview of the publishing process, from submissions to contract negotiations to subsidiary rights to marketing, publicity, and beyond. He also gives away trade secrets and invaluable wisdom -- candid advice that can be found nowhere else...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0618380418
• ISBN13: 9780618380411
• Release Date: November 2003
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

A Conversation with a Top Consultant

Every aspiring writer should read at least one book on the business aspects of writing and publishing. If you only read one, it should be this one. If you read two or three, this should be one of them. It's a valuable book for all writers, agented or unagented. If you do have an agent, you should have some basic understanding of the contracts your agent sends you and the realities of the publishing industry. You may feel you don't need to understand contracts if you're still trying to make your first sale, but you're going to be presented with a contract even for a magazine sale, and you should have some understanding of what you're signing. And you should understand some things, such as the libel rules, from the time you first start writing. Curtis is a veteran author and agent. For a small price, you get the equivalent of several hours of conversation with a top consultant.

You need this book

The author is an experienced agent sharing his knowledge with a gentle humour. Ok, sometimes not so gentle - the quip about the type of negotiating stance a first-time author should take with their publisher is a real gem. I read the book cover to cover in one sitting, skimming only the sections on collaborative writing and book packagers, and not only did I learn a lot I also laughed out loud at several observations. Information is so much easier to digest when it's presented in a breezy conversational style. The book includes a sample publishing contract and several author-friendly clauses which can be substituted for the more usual publisher-friendly versions. Like another reviewer's copy, my book also looks like a group of preschoolers had a go at it. Corners folded, underlining everywhere, notes in the margins... but that's always the sign of an informative title. Highly recommended if you're at this stage of the game.

Business Side of Writing

Richard Curtis--a successful literary agent from New York City--tells writers what they must know to get published and to not get taken advantage of by agents and publishers. Mr. Curtis has been around the publishing business for many years and his commentary shows it. He discusses literary agencies, rights, money matters, agent clout, movies into books, multibook deals, advances, book clubs, taxes, publication dates, and the matter of fees, royalties and expenses. As one of the leading literary agent he covers approaching the various markets, negotiating successful contracts, benefitting from agents, handling legalities, and strategies and skills that will benefit writers in today's publishing market.A must for anybody seeking a professional writing career. Even established writers will learn a few things about the book business.

You don't have to be Black to TAKE BACK THE POWER!

I've spent my life getting fired from jobs, then my agent even fired me in the middle of selling my fourth book. I had too many questions... wanted to be a part of my own career. I was so annoying. But agents and gallery dealers hate for us to know and want too much, because then they'll be at OUR mercy instead! Ha! TAKE BACK THE POWER AND READ THIS. It's not one of those fluffy, inspirational "you-can-be-a-writer-too!" books. It's filled with information you might have to read three times with a highlighter in hand.I'm a writer and I've been so busy making books for the last three years, this is the first book I've READ in a long, long, time. I'm sure glad I didn't choose BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY instead, I'll tell you that much. This one's saving my life. Know what they're talking about when they say "sub serial rights," or whatever (I'm STILL figuring that one out). It's your work, your sexless life you're selling... know the stakes... stop being apologetic and GLAD they return your calls. Be a Viking while kissing their butts from here!--- Good luck to you all. If you're a cranky, bitter writer and read one book in this year, make it THIS one.And if you don't choose to go it alone, at least you'll be more of a partner to your agent. I guess.

Should be on every author's book shelf!

Richard Curtis' book was recommended to me by a number of other published authors. After reading it, I understamd my book contract(s) and I feel much better prepared to negotiate with editors and publishers. pyhuff