We read books, right? How do books come to us? Through publishers, isn't it? But, have you ever thought about who acts as a bridge between these publishers and writers? It's the literary agents! Yes. It's because of them that reading is even possible. 

Literary agents represent writers. Imagine a befuddled writer, say a first-time navigating his/her way in the publishing industry without assistance. Ages would pass before they get a call or make inroads into reputable publishing houses. The result- a languishing manuscript that couldn't see the light of day. 

That's where a literary agent steps in. In India, during the 2000s, there were few literary agencies. The publishers, mainly overseas like Penguin, Harper Collins etc would approach agencies for fresh reads. But even then, given the number of literary agencies, reach for many writers was difficult. 

Now, the last decade changed the face of publishing with indie or independent publishers and literary agencies stepping in. There is no similarity between the two. But, they both have something in common- saving a manuscript from the abyss. 

What made me write this blog? The name was Kanishka Gupta from Writers Side. The literary agent is in news for representing the International Booker Prize-winning translator Daisy Rockwell and Sahitya Akademi Award winner Anees Salim. He flaunts a long list of writers who have made a mark in the literary world. He set up his agency in 2008, and provided manuscript assessment services but later on has grown to become the largest agency representing writers in South Asia. 

Some names are as follows:

1)  International Booker Prize-winning translator Daisy Rockwell

2) the South Asia representation rights of the short-story collection

3) The Birth Lottery and Other Surprises (Hachette) 

4) Upcoming novel of this year’s other Booker winner, Sri Lankan writer Shehan Karunatilaka.

5) Avni Doshi, whose debut novel Burnt Sugar (Girl in White Cotton) made it to the 2020 Booker Prize for fiction shortlist

6) Windham–Campbell Prize-winning author Jerry Pinto

7) Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar winner Mihir Vatsa 

8) Rijula Das, winner of the First Book Award at the 2021 Tata Literature Live! and longlisted for the 2021 JCB Prize for her debut book, A Death in Shonagachhi (Picador)

9) Anees Salim's 'Tales From a Vending Machine' 

In the article, these feted names were listed. Now, you can read about them in detail on the internet to enhance your learning. I also researched other literary agencies from THE HIMALAYAN WRITING RETREAT. 'What does a literary agent do?' is also a good read. 

Kanishka Gupta's novel History of Hate was listed in the Man Asian Literary Prize(2007-2012).