Agent

Self-Publishing Leads to Literary Break-Up

Can literary agents survive in an era of self-publishing? A high-profile author-agent break-up is a cautionary tale.

A few weeks ago, thriller writer Barry Eisler parted ways with agent Dan Conaway, who had represented him since the summer of 2007.

Part of the reason: Mr. Eisler just didn't need him.

The author had recently rejected a $500,000, two-book deal from a leading publisher in favor of self-publishing "The Detachment," a thriller featuring his character John Rain, a Japanese-American assassin. He plans to publish the title this summer as an e-book and a physical book.

"The thing that has enabled agents to take their 15% cut is brokering the deal and managing the relationship that results from the deal," said Mr. Eisler. "In a self-published world, those things don't apply."

To survive, agents need to morph into business managers who also handle the traditional publishing roles such as copy-editing, proof-reading, and jacket design. "That will be their value proposition," he said.

Mr. Conaway declined to comment, except to confirm that he no longer represents Mr. Eisler.

Mr. Eisler may not have slammed the door shut on traditional publishing, however. "If circumstances change, and I decide I'd be better off in the legacy world again, I could always go back," he said. "If there's anything to go back to."

Jeffrey A. Trachtenberg