This Business of Publishing has been hailed by literary agent Michael Larsen as “must reading for writers, agents and anyone else who cares about the future of publishing. ” It reveals the unique perspective of Richard Curtis, former president of the Association of Authors’ Representatives. He provides the aspiring author with the benefit of over thirty years of lessons learned in the publishing industry, including: the damage caused to the publishing industry by the archaic practice of selling books on consignment; the changing nature of the wholesale business and how it affects authors, editors, and agents; the way that large corporate mergers of publishing companies have brought about the disenfranchisement of authors and editors; and the electronic media revolution and the opportunities it offers, as well as the pitfalls. Curtis talks about the “blockbuster mentality” that currently dominates publisher thinking, leading to increased dependence on a few overpaid authors with big-name market status.

This is an engaging and thoroughly readable guidebook to one of the most rapidly changing industries in America. It is an essential reference work for anyone hoping to understand or function in the publishing world.