This Business of Publishing [Paperback]

Richard Curtis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1998

Veteran literary agent Richard Curtis takes a critical look at the changing face of publishing and offers a provocative and insightful interpretation of lessons learned from more than 30 years in the business. Curtis examines every aspect of the publishing world, from the big houses to small presses, from today's authors and editors to the techno-agents of the next century.

Editorial Reviews

Review

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 -- Michael Larsen, A.A.R., author of Literary Agents: What They Do, How They Do it, and How to Find and Work with the Right One for You

Richard Curtis leads us through both the history and business of modern publishing with insight and expertise unmatched in the field. Highly recommended for writers who wish to survive to see the twenty-first century -- Greg Bear, award-winning author of Slant, Eon, Blood Music, and other major science fiction

About the Author

Richard Curtis is a successful literary agent and former president of the Association of Author's Representatives. Currently the president of the Richard Curtis Literary Agency in New York, he is the author of How to Be Your Own Literary Agent and Mastering the Business of Writing (Allworth Press), and a frequent writer about publishing whose articles have appeared in Publishers Weekly and other major magazines. He lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press (August 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1880559986
• ISBN-13: 978-1880559987
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,724,778 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential to understanding how the publishing world works!, January 20, 2003

By 

T. L. Cooper "T. L. Cooper, author of All She... (Albany, Oregon, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: This Business of Publishing (Paperback)

Whether you're an author pursuing a deal with a major publisher or trying to decide if self-publishing is for you, This Business of Publishing is essential to understanding how the publishing world works. Curtis examines everything from the method used to sell books to the effects of mergers on editors, writers and agents as well as publishers and bookstores to the effects of technology on all aspects of the industry. This Business of Publishing will aid established authors, aspiring writers, and self-published authors in understanding the business of the book industry therefore helping them plan their career strategy.

2 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written book. Excellent information., February 25, 2000

By 

Eleanor Jacobs "literature and film aficionado" (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: This Business of Publishing (Paperback)

Mr. Curtis has been around the publishing business for many years and his commentary shows it. He provides searingly honest information that illuminates "warts and all." At the same time, his love of the industry comes through. And the last chapter is laugh out loud funny - and very telling.