Hi all! In lieu of a regular newsletter today, I want to draw attention to a situation that’s currently unfolding in the trad pub world. New Leaf Literary Agency announced a rebrand/expansion of sorts last week:
And then proceeded to fire at least one agent and let go of a ton of authors…many of whom had been told THAT SAME DAY their projects were ready to go on submission.
From “I’m on submission!” to “I don’t have an agent anymore” in one day? That really breaks my heart.
Many of those authors are talking about this openly on Twitter:
This probably doesn’t need to be said, but when authors go through something like this—getting mistreated by your agency and/or publisher—speaking out can feel VERY risky. Because it is. These authors are going to be seeking representation and publication all over again. Some agents and editors might see their public comments and think they’re…I don’t know, “controversial,” “troublemakers,” “pot-stirrers.”
But others will no doubt appreciate what these authors are doing. And aspiring authors who are querying (or planning to query) will absolutely benefit from the transparency they’re offering about New Leaf.
I was an Egmont author back when the US branch was abruptly closed several years ago. My two-book contract was cancelled. This situation touches a nerve for me. It’s just a terrible way to treat authors.
I would like to make a YouTube video about this, but I don’t want to just rant/speculate. So if you are a current or former New Leaf author, or if you know one, please feel free to reach out - I’d love to interview you. schustermanworkshop@gmail.com
Wow, that's terrible. I'm an aspiring author and this type of nonsense draws me toward wanting to self-publish. I'm not saying that self-publishing is a fairy wonderland with no issues, but at least if I'M doing the firing, you better believe it will be for a good reason (since I'm an honest employer and won't lie to myself)! Of course, I would then do an honest assessment of WHY I got fired, so that when I re-hire myself, I'll be an even better worker! LOL. Sometimes we need to be fired to grow, but NOT because of mis-management and boldfaced lies. Shame on them!!
I can't say my like is a like for the situation; it's more for the heads-up about it. I have heard of New Leaf and looked at some of their lit agents in preparation for querying down the road. Thank you, and I'm sorry something similar happened to you and is happening to those authors too. It's incredibly upsetting. And I wish it was substandard behavior.
First; it’s not a rant if it’s important. This definitely needs to be noticed. Did they say why they were letting agents and authors go? In todays atmosphere of cancel culture, everyone is afraid to speak or act. Independently selling is turning out the most problematic but ultimately the most profitable way to go for artists.
Why is this literary agency dumping its authors?
Wow, that's terrible. I'm an aspiring author and this type of nonsense draws me toward wanting to self-publish. I'm not saying that self-publishing is a fairy wonderland with no issues, but at least if I'M doing the firing, you better believe it will be for a good reason (since I'm an honest employer and won't lie to myself)! Of course, I would then do an honest assessment of WHY I got fired, so that when I re-hire myself, I'll be an even better worker! LOL. Sometimes we need to be fired to grow, but NOT because of mis-management and boldfaced lies. Shame on them!!
I can't say my like is a like for the situation; it's more for the heads-up about it. I have heard of New Leaf and looked at some of their lit agents in preparation for querying down the road. Thank you, and I'm sorry something similar happened to you and is happening to those authors too. It's incredibly upsetting. And I wish it was substandard behavior.
First; it’s not a rant if it’s important. This definitely needs to be noticed. Did they say why they were letting agents and authors go? In todays atmosphere of cancel culture, everyone is afraid to speak or act. Independently selling is turning out the most problematic but ultimately the most profitable way to go for artists.
I don’t have Twitter but checked out the links and wow the supportive comments are so heartwarming. I really needed to see that today.
An update: The Author's Guild has made a statement: https://authorsguild.org/news/ag-statement-on-new-leaf-literary-letting-authors-go-without-warning/