What Is the Difference Between Literary Agents & Literary Managers?

Literary managers and agents work to further the careers of their clients by selling their work and negotiating deals. While they both have similar jobs, they have different regulations and mindsets.

Regulation

Literary agents work under the labor laws of the state in which they do business. These laws permit agents to garner employment for their clients at a fee. On the other hand, literary managers are not permitted to secure employment, as they do not fall under the labor code. However, they are permitted to sell screenplays, submit materials to potential buyers and produce films.

Scope of Work

Agents and managers have very similar scopes of work. They sell their clients to employers, markets and other agents. The major difference is that agents can secure their clients employment for a fee.

Mindset

Another big difference is in the way agents and managers handle their clients' careers. Agents are more likely to deal with material that is already developed and work deal-to-deal. Conversely, managers spend more time developing their clients' material and planning out their careers long-term.

References

• Literary Manager or Agent: Which is Right for Me?