Panel
Agents Panel: What Writers Must Know About Finding and Working with Representation

Monday, April 27, 2009

As every savvy writer eventually learns, getting the words down on the page is just half the battle. To get the right exposure and desirable compensation for these efforts, writers need to develop marketing intelligence. It can also help tremendously to work with someone who has been down this road many times before – the literary agent. The April program will present a stellar panel of agents and a literary attorney. Panelists will cover how to select the right agent, how to get their attention, common missteps and the role of an agent in the writer’s life. In addition, learn about new trends, how to protect yourself in the current marketplace, as well as when to work with a literary attorney.

Panelists:

Agent VANESSA LIVINGSTON, of the Rothman Brecher Agency, has represented writers and directors on diverse TV shows. Her agency also represents film writers and is involved in packaging.

Agent BJ ROBBINS, of the BJ Robbins Literary Agency, represents quality fiction and general nonfiction, with a particular interest in memoir, biography, history, pop culture, sports, travel/adventure, medicine, and health.

Agent TIM WAGER, of the Davis Wager Literary Agency, is most interested in literary fiction and general-interest nonfiction.

Agent KELLY D. SONNACK, of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, specializes in all types of children’s literature (picture books, middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels).

Attorney JONATHAN KIRSCH, a publishing and intellectual property attorney, is the author of 12 notable books including Kirsch’s Guide to the Book Contract and Kirsch’s Handbook of Publishing Law.

Moderator:
Robin Quinn — IWOSC member, book editor, writer, and publishing consultant.