Dystel, Goderich & Bourret has resigned from the Association of American Literary Agents in protest over the organization’s new Canon of Ethics, the agency announced. The agency takes issue specifically with a clause in the canon that allows agencies to offer paid editorial services to non-clients, and could decide to represent those clients in the future. The cannon states that agents must put in writing that providing those services does not “indicate or imply that the member will represent them as a literary agent.” In DGB’s view, the policy indicates a “conflict of interest.” “Whether or not an agent claims […]
Agency News
Agents Can Offer Non-Editorial Work, Act as Publishers According to New AALA Ethics Rules
The Association of American Literary Agents updated its canon of ethics, clarifying the language and making changes to its policies as some agents offer services outside of traditional editorial work. The canon was last updated in 2022. “Authors and creators are asking more of their literary agents than ever before, and our members should have the flexibility to meet those evolving needs in ways that make sense for their businesses and their clients,” AALA president Regina Brooks said in a release. “The revised Canon gives members the flexibility to respond to an evolving publishing landscape while preserving the trust, transparency, […]
The Tuesday Agency Shutters; Owners Launch Smaller Agency Called Goliath Jones
The Tuesday Agency, an Iowa City-based speakers agency for authors, has closed. President Trinity Ray tells PL that the agency accepted government loans during the pandemic, which helped to keep the business going and to pay staff, but changes to rules around repayment, as well as other financial factors, made it impossible for the company to continue. He says, “We were keeping up until this second Trump administration. Changes to rules around government loan repayments, the decimation of the National Endowment for the Arts and attacks on universities have made it impossible for us to continue on in the same […]
Folio Buys Greenhouse Literary
Folio Literary Management has acquired The Greenhouse Literary Agency from Coolabi Group. Greenhouse staff, full client list, and backlist will move to Folio. Greenhouse director Chelsea Eberly will become vice president and will join with her associate, Huyen Vu. “We’re so excited to welcome Chelsea, Huyen, and Greenhouse’s wonderful community of children’s authors and illustrators to Folio Jr,” Folio partner Emily van Beek said in a release. “Greenhouse has built an extraordinary legacy grounded in care, collaboration, and creative excellence, and we’re honored to carry that work forward while offering even more support and opportunity for these creators as part […]
David Higham Associates Acquires The Bent Agency UK
David Higham Associates has acquired The Bent Agency UK Ltd. Molly Ker Hawn joins DHA as a director. Also moving over are rights manager Emma Lagarde, agent Martha Perotto-Wills, and assistant Aminah Amjad are also joining. Ker Hawn launched the UK arm of the Bent Agency in 2012. Children’s agent and director Caroline Walsh is retiring from DHA after nearly 30 years at the agency, and Isobel Boston has also been appointed children’s book agent. Most recently, she was commissioning editor at Walker Books. She will also take on responsibility for some of David Higham’s children’s literary estates. DHA managing […]
Harding Acquires Curtis Brown From the Knowltons
Longtime children’s book agent Elizabeth Harding has acquired Curtis Brown from Tim Knowlton and Ginger Knowlton. Tim Knowlton will “step away from full-time work… sometime soon” to serve as chairman emeritus “to help with the transition.” Ginger Knowlton will remain with the agency and continue to represent her authors. Tim Knowlton says in the announcement, “When Elizabeth first approached us about taking over the company, I nearly slapped myself in the head. It was a moment of clarity–Elizabeth’s vision and expertise make her the ideal choice, and I know Curtis Brown will thrive with her at the helm.” PL took […]