How to Be a Literary Agent: An Introductory Guide to Literary Representation

Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommended
Review: I am a literary agent and when I was starting out I found this book to be a great help. I didn't start by working in a publishing house, so I needed a lot of instruction. This is the first book I found that had the information I needed. I think it also helps authors who want to send in their own work. I would highly recommend this as one of the few helpful agent books that are on the market.

Rating:
Summary: I returned this book.
Review: The information given in this book frequently goes againt the canon of ethics set up by the Association of Author Representatives. It gives a detailed listing, for instance, of "fees" that an agent can charge an author. (AAR says that legitimate agents do not charge up-front fees to authors.) In addition, it had a severe paucity of useful information. The chapter on negotiation had only one paragraph on royalties, and it did not even address the issue of royalties being charged on retail price versus net receipts--something imperative for an agent to discuss and negotiate.

Rating:
Summary: Summary of book by Richard Mariotti
Review: This book takes you step-by-step through the business of literary representation covering everything from setting up your business, finding and working with writers, locating the best publishers, working with editors, and making the sale, to negotiating contracts. It reveals the many fascinating inside secrets about getting published. Although written primarily for people considering careers as literary agents, this book also explains how you can be your own agent. Writers don't need agents if they know how to approach publishers, properly prepare and send submissions, and deal with editors--all of which are covered in this book. You will learn how to present yourslf as a professional and get the same respect that is given to successful authors and agents.