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How is the role of literary agents changing in the age of self-publishing?

Pennie Van

Well, I can tell you that the role of literary agents is definitely evolving. With the rise of self-publishing, more and more authors are finding success on their own without the need for traditional publishing houses. In fact, according to a survey conducted by Bowker, the number of self-published books in the United States alone grew by 40% between 2017 and 2018, totaling over 1.6 million titles published. This means that authors have more options to bring their work to the masses without needing the backing of a big publishing company.

So, where do literary agents fit in to all of this? While some may argue that agents are becoming less relevant in the age of self-publishing, I believe that they still play a crucial role. Yes, authors can self-publish on their own, but the process can be overwhelming and confusing. A literary agent can act as a guide and help authors navigate the often-complicated world of publishing. They can provide advice on which editors to work with, help with book covers and marketing, and even negotiate better revenue-share deals for authors.

Plus, self-publishing doesn't necessarily mean that authors are completely on their own. There are many hybrid publishing options available, where authors can pay for services such as editing, cover design, and distribution, while still retaining creative control and most of the royalties. Literary agents can play a key role in helping authors find reputable and cost-effective hybrid publishers.

At the end of the day, the role of literary agents is definitely changing, but I don't think they will become obsolete any time soon. As the publishing industry continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see agents adapt and take on new responsibilities to better serve their clients in a rapidly changing landscape.