You have written a manuscript but do not know where to get it published - contact a literary agent and leave your worries behind – he/she will evaluate your manuscript, find a suitable publisher, get it published and promote it as well. Varsha Verma delves into the importance and role of literary agents in the publishing world.
In literal sense, literary agents are the agents who represent writers and their written works to publishers and theatre/film producers and assists in the sale and deal negotiation of the same. They are paid a fixed percentage (ten to twenty percent) of the proceeds of sales they negotiate on behalf of their clients. First-time authors, with no publishing experience, often turn to literary agents to get their works published. Increasingly, even published authors now work with literary agents as they can get guidance in terms of the market, publishing contracts and practices, copyrights, etc.
Though this concept is still in its infancy in India, but is getting its share of recognition. Many literary agents have emerged in the market and are doing a good job of bridging the gap between the authors and publishers.
In literal sense, literary agents are the agents who represent writers and their written works to publishers and theatre/film producers and assists in the sale and deal negotiation of the same. They are paid a fixed percentage (ten to twenty percent) of the proceeds of sales they negotiate on behalf of their clients. First-time authors, with no publishing experience, often turn to literary agents to get their works published. Increasingly, even published authors now work with literary agents as they can get guidance in terms of the market, publishing contracts and practices, copyrights, etc.
Though this concept is still in its infancy in India, but is getting its share of recognition. Many literary agents have emerged in the market and are doing a good job of bridging the gap between the authors and publishers.
Literary agents – the link between writers and publishers…
So what exactly do the literary agents do? “Literary agents are a significant and important link between writers and publishers. For writers, we ascertain that publishers give them the requisite attention and their voices are represented. For the publishers, we do the job of sending in manuscripts which are worth publishing so it does help them in that manner,” says Mita Kapur, CEO, Siyahi – a leading literacy agency in India at Jaipur.
Boon for writers…
First-time authors or even the published ones, sometimes do not know which would be the right publisher for them. Besides, they do not have the time for the same and for them, literary agents ease out the things for them.
“In recent years there have been platforms such as e-books, vanity publishing and self publishing whereby people can get their work published. An agent works with traditional publishers and finds the best fit for their authors work; hence their exposure with publishers and high profile authors has increased. I think as authors become more dependent on their agents, the agent’s prominence has grown,” says Sherna Khambatta of Sherna Khambatta Literary Agency, Mumbai, another actively involved literary agency in India.
“I am actively involved in the entire process with the author from the time the manuscript is written (with constant contact, editorial feedback and support) to the point when the book is available at stores and thereafter its’ regular availability and promotion,” she adds.
Her views were supported by Mita, who adds, “We make it a point to be there for our authors always which is what they want - substantial and worthwhile creative attention.”
“For authors based in India, having an agent locally who understands the market, has contact with publishers and can support them through the writing process - I think gives them the time and space to do what they know best - i.e. writing and leaving on us to take care of the rest,” adds Sherna proudly.
“In recent years there have been platforms such as e-books, vanity publishing and self publishing whereby people can get their work published. An agent works with traditional publishers and finds the best fit for their authors work; hence their exposure with publishers and high profile authors has increased. I think as authors become more dependent on their agents, the agent’s prominence has grown,” says Sherna Khambatta of Sherna Khambatta Literary Agency, Mumbai, another actively involved literary agency in India.
“I am actively involved in the entire process with the author from the time the manuscript is written (with constant contact, editorial feedback and support) to the point when the book is available at stores and thereafter its’ regular availability and promotion,” she adds.
Her views were supported by Mita, who adds, “We make it a point to be there for our authors always which is what they want - substantial and worthwhile creative attention.”
“For authors based in India, having an agent locally who understands the market, has contact with publishers and can support them through the writing process - I think gives them the time and space to do what they know best - i.e. writing and leaving on us to take care of the rest,” adds Sherna proudly.
Boon for publishers…
But, why would a publisher work with a literary agent? Well, every publisher gets a pile of manuscripts everyday – they need to read and choose the right one for them. Working with an agent is easier as the agent knows whether the manuscript would fit in their genre.
As Sherna puts it, “A literary agent brings about more structure into the publishing world and decreases the slush pile for publishers. Rather than going through thousands of unsolicited work, editors can rely on agents to send work that would interest them and is of a specific standard.”
While we tried to contact a few publishers on their say on the role of literary agents in India, we could not get concrete views as the concept is still new in the industry.
As Sherna puts it, “A literary agent brings about more structure into the publishing world and decreases the slush pile for publishers. Rather than going through thousands of unsolicited work, editors can rely on agents to send work that would interest them and is of a specific standard.”
While we tried to contact a few publishers on their say on the role of literary agents in India, we could not get concrete views as the concept is still new in the industry.
Journey of literary agents in India…
Since the concept is still in its nascent stage in India, how has been the journey of the literary agents in India? “The greatest joy is seeing a first time’s author’s elation on seeing their book in print and in stores. Being a part of the process of making someone’s dream come true of being a published author is I believe the greatest success. On the flipside, distribution and the lack of organisation in the sector are ongoing battles that one has to face and deal with,” shares Sherna.
While Mita adds, “It’s a lot of dedicated, passionate, committed hard work and also a lot of fun. It’s been challenging and yet a fulfilling experience for Siyahi. I really don’t know how to measure success neither do I wish to express any discontent - every start up has its fair share of highs and lows and we are no different. For us at Siyahi, we are constantly looking at moving beyond what we have managed to work at and keep every aspect of the agency alive and vibrantly so. We are always looking out for different genres and have extended our scope to include genres which are just not fiction, poetry or non-fiction but also to do with various fields of the arts, business, food, travel, humour – it’s great fun.”
While Mita adds, “It’s a lot of dedicated, passionate, committed hard work and also a lot of fun. It’s been challenging and yet a fulfilling experience for Siyahi. I really don’t know how to measure success neither do I wish to express any discontent - every start up has its fair share of highs and lows and we are no different. For us at Siyahi, we are constantly looking at moving beyond what we have managed to work at and keep every aspect of the agency alive and vibrantly so. We are always looking out for different genres and have extended our scope to include genres which are just not fiction, poetry or non-fiction but also to do with various fields of the arts, business, food, travel, humour – it’s great fun.”
On a concluding note…
As a message to the publishing fraternity, Mita says, “We need to be aware of not accepting mediocrity at any stage.” While Sherna concludes, “As India has a growing middle class with increased literacy, I hope that publishing and reading will be taken to new heights. I do hope that in time to come authors earn more and are given better support, media coverage and exposure.”
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