From Publishers Weekly
Addressed mainly to the inexperienced writer, this succinct, straightforward guide contains basic information on what literary agents do, how they operate, how they can be helpful, how to select one and submit a proposal or manuscript, as well as advice on advances, subsidiary rights, royalties, etc. Editors and other publishing professionals may also find the material useful; and they will enjoy the two chapters on a terrible day and a terrific day in the life of an agent, even though many of them will groan in exasperation at the "cute" punning section titles. Larsen is a San Francisco agent.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
This snappy, nuts-and-bolts guide to the world and role of literary agents is aimed at the aspiring author who is something of a novice when it comes to the business end of things. Larsen strives to humanize his subject, but there are lots of practical tips here, too: on self-assessment and manuscript preparation, on finding and choosing an agent, on the wider publishing scene and what to look for in terms of contracts, serial rights, etc. Larsen (himself a San Francisco-based agent) offers guidelines, as well, on the author/agent relationship, conceived metaphorically as a marriage. This is a bit fluffy in spots, and readers will certainly need LMP or the new Literary Agents of North America: 1984-85 Marketplace (Author Aid, 1984) to identify specific agents and their interests. Still, what Larsen sets out to do, he does with style. Elise Chase, Forbes Lib., Northampton, Mass.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
