If epublishing really takes off then I would think yes. Agents will still be needed for film rights and other ancillary stuff, but I can't see the point if people can publish themselves successfully. I think it was mainly the access they provided that made then useful. I think they'll have to change what they do at the very least.
I don't think agents will become obsolete, but that's primarily because I believe that there wil be room for both self-publishing on ebooks and traditional publishing in the future.
Agents have invaluable expertise in dealing with publishers and any form of contract negotiation. Their role will change, certainly, but the only way I see them becoming obsolete would be with the end of publishing houses as we know them, and I don't see that happening.
The article at http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2011/06/literary-agents-try-new-role-as-self-publishing-consultants167.html provides some interesting food for thought: Some literary agents plan to take on the new role of self-publishing consultants. It could be that this will apply to e-books as well. I would think there will always be a place for excellent agents.
By the way, you have one of the most beautiful blog sites I've visited. I'm a new follower!
As someone who works full-time and is pursuing the writing dream, I hope agents don't go by the wayside. I simply don't have time to deal with all the business elements of the biz, especially since authors must do so much promotion and marketing. Who would ever have time to write?
Yes, I hope agents are still around. And thanks for the award - that was sweet :0)
If epublishing really takes off then I would think yes. Agents will still be needed for film rights and other ancillary stuff, but I can't see the point if people can publish themselves successfully. I think it was mainly the access they provided that made then useful. I think they'll have to change what they do at the very least.
ReplyDeletemood
I don't think agents will become obsolete, but that's primarily because I believe that there wil be room for both self-publishing on ebooks and traditional publishing in the future.
ReplyDeleteAgents have invaluable expertise in dealing with publishers and any form of contract negotiation. Their role will change, certainly, but the only way I see them becoming obsolete would be with the end of publishing houses as we know them, and I don't see that happening.
In short I agree with Paul. There is room for more than one kind of publishing, but I don't think that will make agents obsolete, just rare.
ReplyDeleteI really hope we still have agents, because I don't want to go through the slushpile myself!
ReplyDeleteAnd if there are no qualifying hoops to jump through at all, that is exactly what e-books will become.
I think their roles will change, and there may be fewer in the future. After all, one doesn't need an agent to secure a small or medium sized press.
ReplyDeleteNo. Agents are reinventing themselves and its great.
ReplyDeleteHi, Deirdra,
ReplyDeleteThe article at http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2011/06/literary-agents-try-new-role-as-self-publishing-consultants167.html provides some interesting food for thought: Some literary agents plan to take on the new role of self-publishing consultants. It could be that this will apply to e-books as well. I would think there will always be a place for excellent agents.
By the way, you have one of the most beautiful blog sites I've visited. I'm a new follower!
Michelle
As someone who works full-time and is pursuing the writing dream, I hope agents don't go by the wayside. I simply don't have time to deal with all the business elements of the biz, especially since authors must do so much promotion and marketing. Who would ever have time to write?
ReplyDeleteYes, I hope agents are still around. And thanks for the award - that was sweet :0)