UCLA Extension winter holiday closure: December 21 through January 1. Learn More

Building a Network of Writers, Editors, and Publishers

WRITING X 455.2

Learn how successful literary agents cultivate relationships with aspiring writers, powerful editors, and prestigious publishers.

View Course Options

What you can learn.

Identify the different roles each person plays in the publication of a book
Develop skills in researching editors who would be right for your clients
Build competence in networking, setting boundaries, negotiation, and long-term relationships
Create a representation wish-list that captures your unique passions and interests

About this course:

Creating a book (whether it be a picture book or an epic adult tome) is a highly complex and collaborative process involving many players. A literary agent’s success hinges in part on their ability to build relationships on either side of the publication process. This includes identifying and nurturing writers through the various stages of their careers and understanding what publishers want and need for upcoming projects. This course gives students an understanding of successful techniques, practices, and philosophies for building these networks. Students leave the course with a clear understanding of how all players in the book publishing industry are interdependent and interconnected and what skills an agent must hone in order to maintain the collaborative spirit and, consequently, produce the best literature possible. Required for the Certificate in Literary Representation.