Richard Curtis on Publishing

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 fifty 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. Now completely revised and expanded, How to Be Your Own Literary Agent is essential reading for all writers.

"Maybe the best money I’ve ever spent on a book. It is a crash course in the many facets and nuances of negotiating publishing contracts. Very well explained with practical, easy to understand examples that inform an author of what they’re really signing when they sign a book deal. Every wanna be author whether agents or not should read this and know what they’re signing!”

"This is a thoroughly professional run-down on every question authors – whether they have agents or not – are likely to ask about book publishers and how to deal with them. It is direct, clear, specific, practical – and honest ….A book to dispel the novice’s fantasies and to help even the veteran."

"Every aspect of book publishing is covered, from first contracts between writers and publishers through the multi-layered process of negotiation, right up to recovering and possibly reselling rights to an out-of-print book. Even authors who already have agents can benefit from the wide range of information included here."

The publishing world is thoroughly dissected and expertly discussed in this encyclopedic collection of content-packed with essential advice for the professional writer and the novice. Everything from All About Agents to Titles, Taxes and Termination clauses is contained in an easy-to-consult format. If you wanted just one book to teach you what you need to know, Beyond the Bestseller is it.

"In these 53 short chapters . . . a New York literary agent describes the publishing scene in general and explains many aspects of his profession. In the section "Agents Demystified," he defines clout and compares the benefits and shortcomings of variously sized agencies. "Breaking In" addresses the subjects of book outlines, hardcover vs. softcover publication, book packagers, multi-book deals, payout schedules and escalation clauses. Other subjects include sales conferences, promotion and advertising, book club sales, movie adaptations. The section "Manners and Morals" examines courtesy, honor, scruples, luck, bankruptcy and mergers in the industry. Curtis also proposes reforms in publishing and speculates about collective activity by authors. Full of facts, advice, opinions and anecdotes, this book offers food for thought to authors, editors and publishers, aspiring and established."

"A veteran writer's representative and author of How To Be Your Own Literary Agent, Curtis writes the "Agent's Corner" column in Locus, a magazine for science fiction authors, publishers, and fans. This book is largely drawn from those columns. Topics include trends and economics in publishing and pay scales, with frequent asides in the form of advice or empathy (he too was a freelance writer). Most writers will gather insight from these pages, learning why checks from publishers are so slow, how movie rights work, or what agents can and cannot do."

"A reliable and imaginative approach to the book business."

Here is the definitive, comprehensive insider’s guide to the business of being a professional writer. In Mastering the Business of Writing, all aspects of the publishing industry are explained, for both the aspiring author and the established writer wishing to jump-start a professional career. Everything you need to know about publishers, agents, and contracts is here, plus a range of insider tips, including:

  • What agents do and how they develop relationships within the publishing industry
  • The best way to formulate a book proposal that sells
  • What publishers are really looking for in a book—and what they aren’t
  • Understanding technicalities of advances, contracts, multi-book deals and subsidiary rights;
  • The significance of sales conferences and bookstore chains
  • Essential protocols for establishing positive relations with your agent, editor and publisher
  • Legal issues
  • Copyright

. . . and much, much more.

“Curtis does a commendable job here, delving into the many facets of what agents do, and what the author needs to know about the entire business."

"Insightful and entertaining. . . . Mastering the Business of Writing is an unusual and candid insider's perceptive insights on the business of being a writer."

"Provides a practical business approach to handling the financial details of writing. Everything from approaching bookstore chain buyers to copyright issues is covered in this practical guide. A must for any seeking a professional writing career."

"Even established writers will learn a few things about the book business."

In This Business of Publishing, over thirty years of lessons learned in the publishing industry form the basis of this analysis of major changes that took place in the business. These include:

  • The damage caused by the archaic practice of selling books on consignment
  • The changing nature of the wholesale business and how it affects authors, editors, and agents
  • The way large corporate mergers have brought about the disenfranchisement of authors and editors
  • The electronic media revolution and the opportunities – and pitfalls – it represents
  • The “blockbuster mentality” dominating publisher thinking, leading to increased dependence on overpaid authors with big-name market status.

“This is an engaging and thoroughly readable guidebook to one of the most rapidly changing industries in America. It is an essential reference work for anyone hoping to understand or function in the publishing world.”

“Must reading for writers, agents, and anyone else who cares about the future of publishing. Richard's passion and understanding shine through the turmoil of the industry and illuminate what must be done for a brighter future.”

“Richard Curtis leads us through both the history and business of modern publishing with insight and expertise unmatched in the field."