Be Your Own Literary Agent: The Ultimate Insider's Guide to Getting Published (Paperback)

by Martin P. Levin (Author) "Although it is regrettable that most agents are not available to the unpublished writer, literally thousands of authors have sold their first book on their..." (more)
Key Phrases: midsized publisher, publishing lawyer, mass market paperback rights, Don Juan, United States, Donna Anna (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
So William Morris won't return your calls? And the folks at Scott Meredith are still charging too much? Then hunker down and grit your teeth: it's time to take matters into your own hands. Renounce the passivity so often associated with the writer's lot and be your own agent. Ex-publishing executive Martin Levin takes you through all the steps in this book of basics, from cover letters to contracts. Note, however, that the info here is geared toward those who want to break into publishing. If scripting is your game, you'll just have to go out and produce your own flick. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist
It is becoming the rule these days that first-time authors have little chance of getting published without assistance from an agent. Overworked editors at understaffed publishing companies look upon agent-sponsored projects as a means to "discovering" desirable product and avoiding the tremendous volume of manuscripts flooding their offices. The literary agent plays a major role in evaluating, developing, and marketing practically all fictional works published today. Levin, after a full publishing career at Grosset & Dunlap and the Times Mirror Company, studied law, passed the bar, and is now a counsel to (what is called in the business) an intellectual property firm, representing authors and negotiating contracts; he believes a first-time author can still independently make it to the editor and get his or her work successfully published. Levin shares some of the tools of his trade here, covering the crucial territory the literary agent negotiates so successfully. Some particularly useful material includes Levin's eight-step program for selling a book, a model book proposal with an excellent example of each of its parts, and a discussion on negotiating a contract with a clearly delivered discussion of the poor, fair, and good deals. Leon Wagner --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press; 3 edition (March 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580083382
• ISBN-13: 978-1580083386
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #544,160 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good guide toward getting your writing in front of an editor, January 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Be Your Own Literary Agent: The Ultimate Insider's Guide to Getting Published (Paperback)

This book is good for what it is. What it isn't, is how to be your own agent. Chapters on contracts and agreements say get a lawyer or agent. Though it does give examples of contract provisions, it leaves the reader thinking that he really does need an agent or attorney. This book isn't about never having an agent, its about getting the offer BEFORE you get an agent. It might even let you negotiate your first book deal if its a simple one.

However, the book IS a good guide on how to get your manuscript to an editor, and get him to read it. With tips not only on what your presentation should look like (query letters, sample chapters, etc.) but also how to find the right editor and make sure he or she reads your manuscript.

The book contains annecdotes from famous authors, sample query letters, cover letters, as well as tips on improving your chances to get plucked from the slush pile. It also does give you familiarity with contract terms and a good idea of what a "standard" offer might be, so that you and your agent will be speaking the same language.

This is a good book for anyone who wants to send their manuscript directly to the editor rather than trying to first find an agent. If you think you'll have more luck this way, this is a good book for you.