RICHARD CURTIS is a leading New York literary agent, publishing authority, e-book pioneer, and authors’ advocate. While running his eponymous literary agency, he wrote numerous columns, blogs and articles for Publishers Weekly and other writers’ publications, leading to four information-packed books about writing, agenting and the book business. He was the first president of the Independent Literary Agents Association and subsequently president of the Association of Authors’ Representatives.

Curtis’s fascination with emerging media and technology led to his founding one of the first commercial e-book publishers – seven years prior to the introduction of the Kindle and the advent of the E-Book Revolution. He developed e-book business and royalty accounting models that are still in use today. His popular blog, Publishing in The Twenty-First Century, describing the wonders and challenges of the digital paradigm, was followed by both professionals and lay audiences.

Curtis is also author of dozens of works of fiction and nonfiction. His satirical end-of-year verses for Publishers Weekly, published over a span of 45 years, made him the unofficial poet laureate of the book industry. His plays have been performed in a variety of venues in New York. He has written, produced and directed a number of podcasts.