Columbia Fiction Foundry Presents: “How Literary Agents Shape American Fiction” on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. ET.
Finding a literary agent is often an immense challenge for writers aspiring to become published authors. We familiarize ourselves with agents and their wish lists. But we know little, if anything, about when the job of literary agent originated, how it gained power, and why it continues to influence the ever-more competitive publishing industry.
In this 90-minute conversation, Laura B. McGrath, author of the groundbreaking book, Middlemen, will trace the role of agents in altering publishing practices, selecting the books people read, and ultimately shaping American fiction. Prominent agents—Danielle Bukowski, Sterling Lord Literistic, and Kate McKean, Howard Morhaim Literary Agency—will discuss the impact of this history on today’s publishing industry and the road to representation. CFF President Ken Schept will moderate. Q&A will follow.
Register here: https://fictionfoundry.alumni.columbia.edu/how_literary_agents_shape_american_fiction