Agent Superstars – agent chasing followers more than the trad published authors they rep isn’t just a problem it’s an epidemic.
The trend of literary agents using their position to grow personal followings and act like influencers is a troubling issue that remains largely unaddressed in the publishing industry. Traditionally, agents are meant to advocate for authors, using their expertise to champion writers’ work. However, as agents pivot to building their own brands and social media clout, a conflict of interest arises. The focus shifts from discovering and nurturing literary talent to cultivating personal influence. This dynamic can leave authors, especially those without established platforms, marginalized and deprioritized. Furthermore, it distorts the agent-author relationship by placing emphasis on the agent’s visibility rather than the work they’re supposed to be representing. In an industry already struggling with gatekeeping and accessibility, the unchecked rise of “agent influencers” risks exacerbating existing inequities and commercializing a space that should be devoted to amplifying talented authors.
Mixed Media Magazine 