paper cuts literary agency

• Submissions

SUBMISSIONS

Thank you for considering Paper Literary for your submission. We are actively seeking new writers – we represent writers from around the world.

Our submission guidelines:

Click here for Catherine, Katie & Jenny’s individual profiles and what they are looking for.

We accept all submissions by email. We ask for a query letter, synopsis and the first 10,000 words to [email protected] .

• Your first and last name
• Title of your manuscript
• Name of agent you are querying
• Include your cover letter in the body of the email.
• Attach a one page synopsis and the first three chapters (approx 10,000 words) of the manuscript. Please attach as Word documents.
• For fiction, please only submit when you have a complete manuscript.

When you submit, you will receive an automated response. Please consider this email as receipt of your work. We read every submission that we receive, and we consider each submission carefully.

We will be in touch as soon as possible if we’d like to read more of your work. As much as we would like to, due to the number of submissions we receive, we are not able to personally respond to every submission.

We encourage you to submit to multiple agencies, and we do not expect to have exclusivity. If you receive a full manuscript request or offer of representation, please do email a follow-up with “Full MS request” or “Offer of Representation” in the subject line.

If you haven’t heard from us within two months, it means that we didn’t feel that we were the right champion for your work.

Please remember that this is a subjective business, and behind nearly every author/book is a story of persistence.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to read your work.

Please note: We do not represent picture books, middle grade fiction or screenplays/dramatic works.

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

 For all the help you need with your novel, no matter what stage you're at.

Browse the forum below & start posting questions, tips, and anything else that you'd like to share with the community.

Submissions Call: The Staróg Prize

• 25 April 2023

Competition deadline: 16th July 2023

The Staróg Prize will award an international publishing contract with Walker Books, representation with PaperCuts and coverage in the Sunday Independent to a new, outstanding voice in children’s fiction. Two runners-up will also receive a one-year mentorship from Gráinne Clear, Senior Commissioning Editor at Walker Books, and Polly Nolan, founder and MD of PaperCuts Literary Consultancy Ltd, to further develop their work.

Walker Books, PaperCuts Literary Consultancy Ltd and the Sunday Independent have teamed up to create a brand-new writing prize, exclusively open to writers of Irish nationality and those resident in the island of Ireland.The award will be open to submissions from 1 st May 2023 via the form at www.starogprize., and will close on Sunday 16 th July 2023. The longlist, shortlist and winner will be announced in October 2023.

The Staróg Prize – its name translating to “yarn” or “story” – is the only writing prize in Ireland solely for Irish writers of children’s fiction that offers a publishing deal and representation by an agent. Walker Books, PaperCuts and the Sunday Independent are excited to support and raise up new voices seeking an international home for their Irish story.

What are the criteria for the prize?

• An unpublished, completed work of fiction (25,000 – 70,000 words) in English aimed at readers between 7 and 13 years of age.
• A one-page synopsis and a brief cover letter.

Who is eligible?

• Writers over the age of 18 with Irish nationality and/or resident on the island of Ireland.
• Unpublished writers who are not represented by an agent.
• Self-published authors, as long as the work they enter for the competition hasn’t been published anywhere previously, including online.
• Published authors of non-fiction and/or poetry or fiction for adults.

Who are the judges?

• Denise Johnstone-Burt, Publishing Director at Walker Books
• Gráinne Clear, Senior Commissioning Editor at Walker Books
• Polly Nolan, founder and MD of PaperCuts Literary Consultancy Ltd
• Madeleine Keane, literary editor at the Sunday Independent

Who are we?

Walker Books has been creating books with Irish writers and illustrators for decades – from Eoin Colfer to Sam McBratney, Chris Haughton to Caroline O’Donoghue – as well as publishing many award-winning authors and illustrators from all over the world, including literary franchises Anthony Horowitz, Angie Thomas, Cassandra Clare, Lucy Cousins, Anthony Browne, Patrick Ness, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, and Where’s Wally? by Martin Handford. Walker Books is part of the vibrant international Walker Books Group that includes Walker Books Australia; Candlewick Press in America and its new division, Walker Books US; and Walker Productions.

PaperCuts Literary Consultancy Ltd was founded by Polly Nolan in 2020 when she relocated from the UK to her home city, Galway. Polly has worked in children’s publishing in the UK for over twenty years, first on the publishing side and now as an agent. Her experience of editing, and of managing authors’ careers, is vast. Her return to Galway is motivated, in part, by her desire to help more Irish children’s authors find readers across the globe.

Sunday Independent is Ireland’s most widely read newspaper, and is recognized for its high-quality journalism, integrity of reporting and support of the arts – including the Irish literary community. Its dedicated review space for books for adults and its roundups of great children’s books makes it a go-to for readers who want to be informed and up to date. Its literary editor, Madeleine Keane, is a prominent journalist, reviewer and writer within the Irish book world and a board member of Children’s Books Ireland.

Polly Nolan, Founder and MD of PaperCuts Literary Consultancy Ltd said:

“Irish people are amongst the very best storytellers in the world but getting work published can feel like trying to leap across a void blindfolded – intimidating, scary and, in the eyes of some onlookers, foolish. It’s my sincerest hope that this prize helps writers across the land make that leap with ease so that they see their work go from notebook, laptop, copybook or pile of dog-eared paper to published novel, available in all good bookshops. I want to find great, hidden Irish writers and help them to bring their work to children around the world.”

Gráinne Clear, Senior Commissioning Editor at Walker Books , said:

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Staróg Prize, which will open the doors of Walker Books to new and un-agented writers across the island of Ireland for the first time. Some of the most remarkable voices in children’s fiction come from Ireland, many of whom we have the privilege of publishing here at Walker, and this prize is a special chance to find exciting new talent – and bring their story to children all over the world. I cannot wait to start reading.”

“I am very honoured to be part of this exciting prize. I’ve always been passionate about the vital role reading plays in the lives of our younger generation and greatly look forward to discovering vibrant new voices in children’s fiction.”

See here for further information.

About the author

Subscribe to our newsletter, get all of the latest from writing.ie delivered directly to your inbox., featured books, your complete online writing magazine., guest blogs, courses & events.

Book Cents is a full-service literary agency. It is our goal not only to assist our clients in selling their creative work(s), but to assist them with growing their writing careers. We are looking for writers with fresh and creative voices who are not afraid to write what they love.

We represent numerous NY Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Amazon, national and international best selling authors.

Member of: AAR - Association of Author's Representatives

We are OPEN to submissions through our website. Please see the submission page on our website to see an up to date list of what we are specifically looking for.

MOST RECENT RIGHTS SALES

FOREIGN - Italy NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Shannon McKenna's BEHIND CLOSED DOORS and STANDING IN THE SHADOWS, books 1-2 in The McCloud & Friends series to Mondadori (Italy), by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Marsha Canham's ACROSS THE MOONLIT SEA, THE IRON ROSE, THE FOLLOWING SEA, and THE FAR HORIZON, books 1-4 in The Pirate Wolves series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

AUDIO National bestselling author, Kari Lee Harmon's DARK SEAS, FROZEN WATERS, and DANGEROUS THAW, books 1-3 in the Cold Water Creek series, to Recorded Books Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO USA Today bestselling author Heather McCollum's THE HIGHLANDER & THE QUEEN'S SACRIFICE, THE HIGHLANDER & THE LADY OF MISRULE, and THE HIGHLANDER & THE COUNTERFEIT QUEEN, books 1-3 in The Queen's Highlander series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO Maggie Shayne's THE LITTLEST COWBOY, THE BADDEST VIRGIN IN TEXAS, and BADLANDS BAD BOY, books 1-3 in The Texas Brand series, to Recorded Books, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

AUDIO Jillian Eaton's THE DUCHESS TAKES A LOVER; THE LADY COURTS A MARQUESS, and THE COUNTESS KISSES A ROGUE, books 1-3 in the Ladies of Seduction series, to Recorded Books, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO Margaux Thorne's KNIGHT OF THE JADED HEART, KNIGHT OF THE WICKED HEART, KNIGHT OF THE BLEEDING HEART, and KNIGHT OF THE BROKEN HEART, books 1-4 in the Eglinton Knight series, to Podium Audio, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO USA Today bestselling author Cynthia St. Aubin's LOVE SUCKS, LOVE LIES, and LOVE BINDS, books 2-4 in the Tails from the Alpha Art Gallery series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO J.R. Salisbury's SEDUCTION OF A DUKE, book 3 in the Love & Devotion series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

AUDIO Laura Landon's A LOVE FOR ALL TIME, LOVE THAT KNOWS NO BOUNDS, and A LOVE THAT'S WORTH THE RISK, books 1-3 in the Men of Valor series, to Recorded Books, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO Carla Simpson's A DEADLY AFFAIR, DEADLY SECRETS, A DEADLY GAME, A DEADLY ILLUSION, DEADLY VOWS, and DEADLY OBSESSION, books 1-6 in the Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe Murder Mystery series, to Podium Audio, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

FOREIGN - Slovenia USA Today bestselling author Kerrigan Byrne's SEDUCING A STRANGER, book 1 in the Goode Girls series, to Ucila, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Sherri Cobb South's FAIREST OF THE FAYRE, ALL'S FAYRE IN LOVE & WAR, and THE FAINT OF HEART & THE FAYRE LADY, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO USA Today bestselling author Gayle Callen's THE DARING GIRLS OF GUERNSEY: A NOVEL OF WWII, to Recorded Books, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

FOREIGN - Japan NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Shannon McKenna's HAVOC, book 5 in the Hellbound Brotherhood series, to Futami Shobo (Japan), by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO USA Today bestselling author Naima Simone's TAINTED LOVE, book 3 in the Love On The Radio series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

AUDIO Amazon bestseller Coreene Callahan's FURY OF AGGRESSION and FURY OF FRUSTRATION, books 8 and 9 in the Dragonfury series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Paula Quinn's ECHOES IN ROSES, ECHOES OF ABANDON, and THE WARRIOR'S ECHO, books 1-3 in the Echoes in Time series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO USA Today bestselling author Maggi Anderson's NEVER DOUBT A DUKE, NEVER DANCE WITH A MARQUESS, and NEVER TRUST AN EARL, books 1-3 in The Never series, to Podium Audio, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

FOREIGN - Italy International bestseller, Lisa Marie Rice's MAVERICK, to Mondadori (Italy), by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Czech Republic USA TODAY Bestselling Author & Charter Amazon All-Star, Kathryn LeVeque's THE DARK LORD, book 1 in the Battle Lords of de Velt series, to Alpress (Czech Republic), by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Anabelle Bryant's LOVE ON THE LINE, MAGIC IN HIS KISS, and MIDNIGHT LOVE SONGS, books 1-3 of the Vauxhall Voices series, to Recorded Books, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Marlene Stringer at The Stringer Literary Agency.

AUDIO USA Today bestseller, Emily "EK" Murdock's A GOVERNESS OF GREAT TALENT, A GOVERNESS OF DISCRETION, and A GOVERNESS OF MANY LANGUAGES, books 1-3 of The Governess Bureau series, to Tantor, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO NY Times and USA Today bestseller, Colleen Gleason's HEXES, EXES AND CODEXES and YULES, JEWELS AND TOADSTOOLS, books 4 and 5 in the Three Tomes Bookshop series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

AUDIO Staci Hart's FOR LOVE OR HONEY, ON THE HONEY SIDE, and RUN FOR YOUR HONEY, books 1-3 in the Blum's Bees series, to Podium Audio, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Croatia USA Today and Amazon Top 100 bestselling author, Alexa Aston's DISCOURAGING THE DUKE, book 1 in the Dukes Done Wrong series, to Mozaik (Croatia), by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO USA Today bestselling authors Kerrigan Byrne & Cynthia St. Aubin's NEVERMORE BOOKSTORE, BREWBIES, BIZAAR GIRLS, and STAR CROSSED, books 1-4 in their new Townsend Harbor rom com series, to Tantor, in a four-book deal, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Japan International bestseller, Lisa Marie Rice's MIDNIGHT EMBRACE, book 2 in the Women of Midnight series, to Fusosha (Japan), by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Miriam Minger's MY HIGHLAND CAPTOR, MY HIGHLAND RAIDER, and MY HIGHLAND CHAMPION, books 3-5 in the Warriors of the Highlands series, to Tantor, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Oliver-Heber Books.

AUDIO USA Today bestselling author Amy Jarecki's THE CAPTAIN'S HEIRESS, book 3 in The MacGalloways series, to Tantor, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Oliver-Heber Books.

AUDIO Celeste Barclay's LENA & IVOR, book 5 in the Viking Glory series, to Tantor, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Oliver-Heber Books.

AUDIO Laura Beers's A DANGEROUS LORD and A DANGEROUS SCHEME, books 3 and 4 in the Regency Spies & Secrets series, to Tantor, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Jeff Wheeler's THE WIDOW'S FATE (Book 2 in A Kingfountain Tale series), to Podium Audio, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver-Heber Books.

AUDIO Debut fantasy writer Allison Anderson's The Cartographer's War series, THE SPRING MAIDEN, THE SHADOW LORD, THE UNSEEN KING, and THE UNWANTED QUEEN, to Podium Audio, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver-Heber Books.

AUDIO USA Today, Wall Street Journal & Amazon Publishing bestselling author Tracy Brogan's new series, The Bostwicks of Trillium Bay series (humorous historical romance), THE ART OF THE CHASE, THE MAGIC OF MOONLIGHT, and A DAISY IN THE GARDEN to Podium Audio, by Christine Witthohn @ Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver-Heber Books.

FOREIGN - Japan International bestseller, Lisa Marie Rice's TAKEN, to Fusosha, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Colleen Gleason's TOMES, SCONES AND CRONES; PURSES, CURSES AND HEARSES; and STAKES, CAKES AND MANDRAKES, Books 1-3 in the Three Tomes Bookshop series, to Recorded Books, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Oliver-Heber Books.

AUDIO USA Today bestselling author, Kathryn LeVeque's GUARDIAN OF DARKNESS, THE BLACK STORM, and A COLD WYNTER'S KNIGHT, Books 1-3 in the de Reyne Domination series, to Recorded Books, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Czech Republic USA Today and Amazon Top 100 bestselling author Alexa Aston's DISCOURAGING THE DUKE, to Alpress, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO Joshua Ian's CATERING TO LOVE, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO USA Today bestselling author Alexa Aston's DISRUPTING THE DUKE and DELIGHTING THE DUKE, books 3 and 4 in the Dukes Done Wrong series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO Anna Bradley's NOT JUST ANY EARL and ODD EARL OUT, books 1 & 2 in the Games Earls Play series, to Recorded Books, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

AUDIO Sophie Darling's LADY AMELIA TAKES A LOVER and LORD ARCHER CATCHES A CONTESSA, books 1 & 2 in the Windermeres in Love series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO USA Today bestselling author Naima Simone's DON'T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME, book 2 in the Trapper Keeper Diaries series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

AUDIO Celeste Barclay's FREYA, TYRA & BJORN, and STRIAN, (books 2, 3, 4 in the Viking Glory series), to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

FOREIGN - Japan NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Shannon McKenna's HEEDLESS, book 4 in The Hellbound Brotherhood series, to Futami Shobo (Japan), by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency

ROMANCE USA Today bestselling author Cynthia St. Aubin's UNTITLED BOOKS 1 & 2, to Stacy Boyd at a new, unnamed contemporary romance line at Harlequin, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Tanya Anne Crosby's LORD OF SHADOWS, book 5 in the Daughters of Avalon series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Italy International bestseller Lisa Marie Rice's PROTECTOR, to Mondadori (Italy), by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Amazon Bestseller Coreene Callahan's FURY OF DESTRUCTION, book 7 in the Dragonfury series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Italy NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Shannon McKenna's HAVOC, book 5 in the Hellbound Brotherhood series, to Mondadori, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Jill Barnett's WICKED, book three in the Border Brides series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

FOREIGN - Romania USA Today bestselling author of the Victorian Rebels and the Devil You Know series, Kerrigan Byrne's CRYING WOLF, book 5 in the Goode Girls series, to Litera, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO USA Today bestselling author Alexa Aston's DISCOURGING THE DUKE and DEFLECTING THE DUKE, books 1 & 2 in the Dukes Done Wrong series, to Recorded Books, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

ROMANCE USA Today bestseller Cynthia St. Aubin's next two UNTITLED books, to Charles Griemsman at Harlequin Desire, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Kari Lee Townsend writing as Kari Lee Harmon's UNTIL TOMORROW, to Recorded Books, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Japan NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Shannon McKenna's HELLBENT, book three in The Hellbound Brotherhood series, to Futami Shobo, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Russia Kay L. Moody's QUEEN OF THE BITTER THORN, book four in The Fae of Bitter Thorn series, to Eksmo, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO USA Today bestselling author Naima Simone's JESSE'S GIRL, book one in the Trapper Keeper Diaries series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Oliver Heber Books

AUDIO Bianca Blythe's A Lady's Guide to Capturing a Rogue, book one in the Determined Debutantes series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

FORIEGN - Italy International bestseller Lisa Marie Rice's RUNAWAY, to Mondadori (Italy), by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Wall Street Journal & Amazon bestselling author, Charlie N. Holmberg w/a CN Holmberg's TWO DAMAGE MY HEART, book 2 in the Nerds of Happy Valley series, to Recorded Books, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Marlene Stringer at The Stringer Literary Agency.

ROMANCE USA Today bestseller Cynthia St. Aubin's Untitled book in the Texas Cattleman's Club series, where two ranching families band together against a common enemy, to Charles Griemsman at Harlequin Desire, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Jillian Eaton's BEWITCHED BY THE BLUESTOCKING and ENTRANCED BY THE EARL, books 1 and 2 in The Perks of Being An Heiress series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Tanya Anne Crosby's FIRE SONG, book 4 in the Daughters of Avalon series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Alyxandra Harvey's A SECRET PASSION, book 1 in The Cinderella Society series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO Marsha Canham's MIDNIGHT HONOR, book 3 in the Highland Wolf series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

AUDIO Veronica Crowe's THE WRONG PRINCE and THE VISCOUNT'S HEIR, books 1 and 2 in the Heirs of Cornwall series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO Amy Jarecki's A DUKE BY SCOT and HER UNCONVENTIONAL EARL, books 1 & 2 in The MacGalloways series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

AUDIO USA Today bestselling author, Caroline Lee's THE SINCLAIR HOUND and THE MACKENZIE REGENT, books 1 & 2 in the Sinclair Jewels series, to Tantor Media, By Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO NYT & USA Today bestselling author, Jill Barnett's WONDERFUL and WILD, books 1 and 2 in the Border Brides series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

AUDIO Amazon Bestseller Coreene Callahan's FURY OF DENIAL and FURY OF PERSUASION, books 3 & 4 in the Dragonfury Scotland series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO J.R. Salisbury's WISH UPON A DUKE and ONCE UPON A COUNTESS, books 1 & 2 in the Love & Devotion series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

ROMANCE Yahrah St. John's untitled books in the Six Gems series, about a group of women who go on a girls-trip together every year. When someone dear to them passes away and leaves each of them an inheritance with a stipulation, the women must follow their dreams, and in the process find their own happily ever after, in a six book deal, to Charles Griemsman at Harlequin Desire, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Willa Blair's HEART OF STONE and HIGHLAND HEALER, books 1 and 2 in the Highland Talents series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

AUDIO Laura Beers' A DANGROUS PURSUIT and A DANGEROUS GAME, books 1 and 2 in the Regency Spies & Secrets series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO Wall Street Journal and Amazon bestselling author, Charlie N. Holmberg w/a CN Holmberg's YOU'RE MY IT, book 1 in the Nerds of Happy Valley series, where dice meets derby in a new contemporary romance novel, to Recorded Books, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Marlene Stringer at The Stringer Literary Agency.

THRILLER Debut author Arden Harper's THE PRETTY SISTER, a genre-bending mystery/thriller about a woman who was tried for the murder of her brilliant, psychotic sister but only found guilty in the court of public opinion. Now that she's the most hated woman in the world, she must find the real killer before she's the next victim, to Monique Patterson at St. Martin's Press, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Elizabeth Johns' DANGEROUS KNIGHT and LORD OF THE KNIGHT, books 6 and 7 in the Gentlemen of Knights series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO USA Today bestselling author Kimberly Cates' THE RAIDER'S BRIDE and THE RAIDER'S DAUGHTER, books 1 and 2 in the Raiders series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver-Heber Books.

AUDIO Emily Royal's WHAT THE HART WANTS and QUEEN OF MY HART, books 1 and 2 in the Headstrong Harts series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO Celeste Barclay's HIS BONNIE HIGHLAND TEMPTATION and HIS HIGHLAND PRIZE, books 2 and 3 in the Clan Sinclair series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

FOREIGN - Romania USA Today bestselling author of the Victorian Rebels and the Devil You Know series, Kerrigan Byrne's TEMPTING FATE, book 4 in the Goode Girls series, to Litera, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Maeve Greyson's THE GUARDIAN and THE WARRIOR, books 1 and 2 in the Highland Heroes series, to Tantor Media by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO YA Fantasy author KAY L. MOODY's CROWN OF THE BITTER FAE and QUEEN OF THE BITTER FAE, books 3 and 4 in The Fae of Bitter Thorn series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Kate Archer's THE VISCOUNT'S SINFUL BARGAIN and THE MARQUESS' DARING WAGER, books 1 and 2 in The Duke's Pact series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Dragonblade Publishing.

AUDIO U.S.A. Today bestselling author, Cynthia St. Aubin's LOVE BITES, book 1 from Tails for the Alpha Art Gallery series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Italy NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Shannon McKenna's HEEDLESS, book 4 in the Hellbound Brotherhood series, to Mondadori, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Marsha Canham's THE PRIDE OF LIONS and THE BLOOD OF ROSES, books 1 and 2 in the Highland Wolf series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

FOREIGN - Romania USA Today bestselling author of the Victorian Rebels and the Devil You Know series, Kerrigan Byrne's DANCING WITH DANGER, book 3 in the Goode Girl series, to Litera, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO National bestselling author, Kari Lee Townsend's (w/a Kari Lee Harmon) VALLEY OF SEVRETS to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Russia Indie bestseller Kay L. Moody's CROWN OF BITTER FAE, book 3 in the Fae of Bitter Thorn series, to Eksmo, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Tanya Anne Crosby's A WINTER'S ROSE, book 3 in the Daughters of Avalon series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Holly Newman's THE WAYLAID HEART, book 1 in the Chance Inquiry series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

AUDIO National bestselling author, Kari Lee Townsend's TEMPEST IN THE TEA LEAVES, and CORPSE IN THE CRYSTAL BALL, books 1 and 2 in the Sunny Meadows Mystery series, to Recorded Books, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Miriam Minger's MY HIGHLAND WARRIOR and MY HIGHLAND PROTECTOR, books 1 and 2 in the Warrior's of the Highlands series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn, on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

FOREIGN - Romania USA Today bestselling author of the Victorian Rebels and the Devil You Know series, Kerrigan Byrne's COURTING TROUBLE, book 2 in the Goode Girl series, to Litera, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO NYT & USA Today bestselling author, Jill Barnett's MY SOMETHING WONDERFUL, book 1 in the Sisters of Scotland series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

AUDIO Celeste Barclay's LEIF, book 1 in the Viking Glory series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

AUDIO Marsha Canham's SWEPT AWAY, book 1 in the Rogues & Renegades series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

FOREIGN - Italy NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Shannon McKenna's HELLBENT, book 3 in the Hellbound Brotherhood series, to Mondadori, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Amy Jarecki's RESCUED BY THE CELTIC WARRIOR and DECEIVED BY THE CELTIC SPY, books 1 & 2 in the Celtic Fire series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

AUDIO Amazon Bestseller Coreene Callahan's FURY OF SHADOWS, book 2 in the Dragonfury Scotland series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Italy International bestseller Lisa Marie Rice's MIDNIGHT ANGEL, to Mondadori, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Indie bestseller Kay L. Moody's CASTLE OF BITTER FAE, book 2 in the Fae of Bitter Thorn series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - France USA Today bestselling author of the Victorian Rebels and the Devil You Know series, Kerrigan Byrne's COURTING TROUBLE (Book 2 in the Goode Girls series), to J'ai Lu, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Russia Indie bestseller Kay L. Moody's CASTLE OF BITTER FAE, book 2 in the Fae of Bitter Thorn series, to Eksmo, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Romania USA Today bestselling author of the Victorian Rebels and the Devil You Know series, Kerrigan Byrne's SEDUCING A STRANGER, book 1 in the Goode Girls series, to Litera, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO THE BRIGAND BRIDE, book 1 in the Dangerous Masquerade series, by Miriam Minger, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

AUDIO HIS HIGHLAND LASS, book 1 in the Clan Sinclair series, by Celeste Barclay, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

AUDIO Amazon Bestseller Coreene Callahan's FURY OF A HIGHLAND DRAGON, book 1 in the Dragonfury Scotland series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Japan NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Shannon McKenna's HEADLONG, book 2 in the Hellbound Brotherhood series, to Futami Shobo, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Italy International bestseller Lisa Marie Rice's MIDNIGHT RUN, to Mondadori, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Tanya Anne Crosby's THE HOLLY & THE IVY, book 2 in the Daughters of Avalon series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Indie bestseller Kay L. Moody's COURT OF BITTER FAE, book 1 in the The Fae of Bitter Thorn series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Italy NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Shannon McKenna's HELLION and HEADLONG, books 1 and 2 in the Hellbound Brotherhood series, to Mondadori, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO A SPY AT THE HIGHLAND COURT and A RAKE AT THE HIGHLAND COURT by Celeste Barclay, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency, on behalf of Oliver Heber Books.

FOREIGN - France USA Today bestselling author of the Victorian Rebels and the Devil You Know series, Kerrigan Byrne's SEDUCING A STRANGER, book 1 in the Goode Girls series, to J'ai Lu, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Russia Indie bestseller Kay L. Moody's COURT OF BITTER FAE, book 1 in the Fae of Bitter Thorn series, to Eksmo, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Tanya Anne Crosby's THE KING'S FAVORITE, book 1 in the Daughters of Avalon series, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

ROMANCE NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Shannon McKenna's UNTITLED Christmas story, to Charles Griemsman at Harlequin Desire, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Amazon Bestseller Coreene Callahan's FURY OF FATE and FURY OF CONVICTION, books 1 and 2 in the Dragonfury series, to Recorded Books, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Indie Bestseller Staci Hart's FARM GIRL, to Recorded Books, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Italy International bestseller Lisa Marie Rice's MIDNIGHT MAN, to Mondadori, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Indie Bestseller Staci Hart's PRIDE & PAPERCUTS, to Recorded Books Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Tanya Anne Crosby's THE CORNISH PRINCESS, book 1 in the Goldenchild Prophecy series, to Recorded Books Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Japan NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Shannon McKenna's HELLION, book 1 in the Hellbound Brotherhood series, to Futami Shobo, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Indie Bestseller Staci Hart's FOOL ME ONCE, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

ROMANCE NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Shannon McKenna's UNTITLED, in a new Dynasty series called PLAYING WITH MATCHES, to Charles Griemsman at Harlequin Desire, in a four book deal, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Yahrah St. John's GUARDING HIS PRINCESS, to Recorded Books, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Japan International bestseller Lisa Marie Rice's HOT SECRETS, to Fusosha, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary.

FOREIGN - Italy Indie bestseller Staci Hart's LOVE NOTES, to Newton Compton, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary.

AUDIO Yahrah St. John's SEDUCED THE SEAL, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Japan International bestseller Lisa Marie Rice's RECKLESS NIGHT, to Fusosha, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary.

ROMANCE Cynthia St. Aubin's new Sugar Kane Dynasty series that follows the intriguing Kane siblings, each named after detective novels by their bibliophile mother, who find love within their family-owned, billion-dollar confectionary company despite the wishes of their domineering father, to Charles Griemsman & Stacy Boyd at Desire, in a three-book deal, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.  

FOREIGN - Italy Indie bestseller Staci Hart's PRIDE & PAPERCUTS, to Newton Compton, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary.

FOREIGN - Japan International bestseller Lisa Marie Rice's MIDNIGHT KISS, to Fusosha, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary.

AUDIO Yahrah St. John's CLAIMED BY THE HERO, to Tantor Media, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

ROMANCE Yahrah St. John's untitled book in the Texas Cattleman's Club series, where two ranching families band together against a common enemy, to Charles Griemsman at Harlequin Desire, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO Staci Hart's LOVE NOTES, the fourth book in the Austen series, to Recorded Books, at auction, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Indonesia Amazon bestseller Emily Bleeker's WHEN I'M GONE, to Elexmedia Komputindo, for publication in 2021, by The Grayhawk Agency and Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency on behalf of Marlene Stringer at the Stringer Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Japan International bestseller Lisa Marie Rice's FATAL HEAT, to Fusosha, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary and Japan Uni Agency.

FOREIGN - Italy Indie bestseller Staci Hart's LOVE, HANNAH, to Newton Compton, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary.

ROMANCE Yahrah St. John's next Untitled book in the Lockett Family series, to Charles Griemsman at Harlequin by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Italy International bestseller Lisa Marie Rice's MIDNIGHT KISS, to Mondadori, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

ROMANCE A brand new historical romance series from USA Today bestselling author Kerrigan Byrne which brings the elements of popular fairy tales into Victorian England along with the rumors of a cursed dukedom, a contested fortune, and the revelation that love conquers all, to Monique Patterson at St. Martin's Press, in a four book deal, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO USA Today best-selling author Kerrigan Byrne's A DARK AND STORMY KNIGHT, book 7 in the Victorian Rebels series, to Tantor by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO International bestseller Lisa Marie Rice's MIDNIGHT QUEST, MIDNIGHT FEVER, MIDNIGHT RENEGADE, and MIDNIGHT SHADOWS to Recorded Books by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

ROMANCE NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Shannon McKenna's THE REPUTATION GAME, ONE MORE KISS, and FOOL ME TWICE in her new Bachelor series, to Charles Griemsman at Harlequin Desire, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

AUDIO USA Today best-selling author Kerrigan Byrne's THE BUSINESS OF BLOOD and A TREACHEROUS TRADE (books 1 & 2 in the new Business of Blood series) to Recorded Books by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - France International bestseller Lisa Marie Rice's DANGEROUS SECRETS, in the Dangerous series, to J'ai lu, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary.

ROMANCE Yahrah St. John's next four untitled books in the Lockett Family series, to Charles Griemsman at Harlequin by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Japan International bestseller Lisa Marie Rice's MIDNIGHT RENEGADE, in the Men of Midnight series, to Fusosha, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary and Japan Uni Agency.

FOREIGN - Italy International bestseller Lisa Marie Rice's ESCAPADE, book 3 in Her Billionaire series, to Mondadori, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Germany Lisa Marie Rice's MIDNIGHT RUN and MIDNIGHT ANGEL, to Baste Lubbe, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Italy NY Times & U.S.A. Today bestselling author, Shannon McKenna's MY NEXT BREATH, and IN MY SKIN, book 2 and 3 in The Obsidian Files series, to Mondadori by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - France International bestseller Lisa Marie Rice's DANGEROUS LOVER, in the Dangerous series, to J'ai Lu, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary.

FOREIGN - Italy International bestseller Lisa Marie Rice's CHARADE and MASQUERADE, book 1 & 2 in Her Billionaire series, to Mondadori by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Germany Coreene Callahan's FURY OF SHADOWS and FURY OF DENIAL, books 2 and 3 in the DRAGONFURY Scotland series, to Heyne, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Italy NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Shannon McKenna's RIGHT THROUGH ME, book 1 in The Obsidian Files series, to Mondadori, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Germany Lisa Marie Rice's MIDNIGHT MAN, to Baste Lubbe, by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

FOREIGN - Italy International bestseller Lisa Marie Rice's CHRISTMAS ANGEL, to Book Republic (under the Emma Books imprint), by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

ROMANCE Yahrah St. John's untitled book in the new SEVEN SINS continuity series, to Charles Griemsman at Harlequin by Christine Witthohn at Book Cents Literary Agency.

SPECIALIZED TRAINING, WORK EXPERIENCE, HONORS

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Join the streaming natives.

Become part of a roster made up of the best, young and emerging talent in the industry – specializing in the creation of serial content for international audiences.

We actively support our clients in acquiring projects and help them find assignments by strategizing according to their career plans or format preferences.

Legal Advice

We negotiate contracts for our clients, aid them in legal questions about rights, contracts and media law as well as taking care of financial collection and invoicing.

With a network of designers and creative producers, we are able to offer extensive support on our clients’ projects, both visually and in regard to content.

If you have any inquiries or wish to apply for representation, feel free to contact us .

Privacy Overview

Your chance to win an agent and a publishing deal!

Walker Books, PaperCuts Literary Consultancy Ltd and the Sunday Independent have teamed up to create a brand-new writing prize, exclusively open to writers of Irish nationality and those resident in the island of Ireland. The award is now open to submissions via this website, and will close on Sunday 16th July 2023. The longlist, shortlist and winner will be announced in October 2023.

What Are We Looking For?

An unpublished, completed work of fiction (25,000 - 70,000 words) written in English and aimed at readers aged 7 to 13 years of age.

A one-page synopsis of the work, plus a brief covering letter.

What Will You Win?

One winner will receive a publishing deal – including an advance and royalties – with Walker Books, representation by Polly Nolan of PaperCuts Literary Consultancy Ltd and coverage in the Sunday Independent.

Two runners-up will receive a one-year mentorship from Gráinne Clear, Senior Commissioning Editor at Walker Books and Polly Nolan, founder and MD of PaperCuts Literary Consultancy Ltd. The mentorship will help them further develop their work.

Who Is Eligible?

Writers aged 18 or older with Irish nationality and/or resident on the island of Ireland.

Self-published authors, as long as the novel they enter for the competition hasn’t been published anywhere previously, including online.

Published authors of non-fiction, poetry or fiction for adults who do not have an agent.

How Do I Enter?

Using the form below (available from noon on 1 May 2023), please submit the following:

An unpublished, completed work of fiction (25,000 – 70,000 words) in English aimed at readers between 7 and 13 years of age.

A one-page synopsis and a brief covering letter. Please be sure to include your email address.

Closing Date For Entries:

Midnight on Sunday 16 July 2023. Entries received after this will not be considered.

Publishing Perspectives

• Submit Rights Deal

‘Russian Scribes Against the War’: Independent Russian Publishers Protest

In News , Opinion & Commentary by Porter Anderson March 4, 2022

The understandable ‘ban all Russian publishing’ response from some to Putin’s assault on Ukraine overlooks Russia’s independent book sector.

By Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief | @Porter_Anderson

‘The War Must Be Stopped’

“We, Russian book publishers, booksellers, editors, translators, critics, illustrators, designers, typesetters, proofreaders, printers, librarians, book dealers, are protesting against the war.” 'Russian Scribes Against the War

This of course is not the case, although emotions are running understandably high in the extraordinary emergency of the moment.

At a time when the unassailable sanctity of human life is thrown into such stark relief, it’s easy to make blanket statements about what should be done to “all Russian publishers.” Rash comments, however, are not only hurtful but counter-productive. What’s needed in Russia’s independent publishing community is a sense that the international community understands that Putin’s aggression is not theirs.

Some of those who call for a break with “all Russian publishing” simply don’t know that the book business in the Russian Federation is not monolithic. Others know this very well, but still are struggling to reconcile what’s happening. You see this in the comments to Publishing Perspectives this week of Julia Orlova , the CEO of Vivat Publishing in hard-hit Kharkiv.

At one point, Orlova says, “We [Ukrainian publishers] can no longer go to international exhibitions, festivals, fellowships. So we believe that it would be fair to ban the participation of the aggressor country, Russia, and even the participation of individual Russian publishers. It’s unfair that Ukrainian publishers, because of Russian aggression, are now forced to give up their professional activities and defend their homeland with weapons in their hands or to sit in shelters, while Russian publishers will be able to attend exhibitions and international forums, fellowships, and other events.”

Her feelings are understandable, of course, but they don’t reflect the reality that many if not most members of the book business in Russia are, even in a dangerous crackdown on dissent, trying to make their solidarity with Ukraine known.

In our coverage of the call from the Lithuanian Culture Institute for the three major trade shows to state their positions—Frankfurter Buchmesse, Bologna Children’s Book Fair, and London Book Fair—you could see the shows’ organizers working to respond carefully, speaking of not cooperating with Russian state-operated elements , not with independent parts of the publishing community.

Frankfurt’s administration has responded to questions by clarifying for news outlets that its suspension of cooperation with the Russian state’s institutions in charge of organizing the Russian collective stand is “not directed against Russian authors and the accessibility of their publications.”

Frankfurter Buchmesse, “will continue to admit individual stands by Russian publishers,” the follow-up clarification from Frankfurt reads, although their participation in the near term is likely to be hobbled if not impossible because of sanctions being imposed by the international community including restricted payment transactions, restrictions on air travel, and so on.

‘War Is a Crime’

In a recent open letter from the general director of Russia’s largest publishing house, Eksmo , Evgeny Kapyev makes the point that “War and its victims are unjustifiable, and further escalation can cause irreversible consequences.”

He goes so far as to say that publishers bear some responsibility in the ignorance and xenophobia that can plague a population, writing, “We are [among] those responsible for the development of humanity’s ideas and mutual understanding.

“The fact that for many people still using weapons to settle an argument, rather than words, is our dramatic deficiency.”

And another open letter, Russian Scribes Against the War , has been gathering signatures for days at the simple, unadorned site of the Alliance of Independent Publishers and Book Distributors, reporting that as of today (March 4), more than 1,600 workers in the Russian book business had signed it.

The Alliance’s background content refers to “about 100 independent Russian publishing houses putting at the forefront not so much profit-making as educational, social-niche, humanitarian activities.”

The letter was created on Sunday (February 27), three days after Putin opened his assault on Ukraine.

The statement that publishing players in Russia are signing reads:

“We, Russian book publishers, booksellers, editors, translators, critics, illustrators, designers, typesetters, proofreaders, printers, librarians, book dealers, are protesting against the war unleashed by the authorities of the Russian Federation in Ukraine. “The war must be immediately stopped, and the initiators and participants in military aggression must be stripped of their ranks and ranks and brought to justice. “The book is one of the main forms of preservation and transmission of human experience. And all this experience accumulated over the centuries teaches us: War is a crime, and the value of human life is unconditional. The war must be stopped.”

The alliance’s site is largely a discussion thread. You can read about the topics and concerns they normally address—trends in bookselling, the competition of electronic entertainment media, “expanding the reading space and solving distribution problems,” maintaining the status of books and reading among cultural values amid contemporary challenges, and the importance of independent publishing. These are talking points familiar to publishing people in many parts of the world.

And in signing on to a protest of Putin’s war, Russians may expose themselves to considerable risk. Since Publishing Perspectives began monitoring the “Scribes” list of signatories, that list has disappeared from the site—along with the link formerly there to use in adding a signature. It’s unknown whether this is a deliberate adjustment to the page.

Update: March 4 : As it would turn out, and as Reuters Moscow was reporting , the Russian parliament on March 4 passed ” a law imposing a jail term of up to 15 years for spreading intentionally ‘fake’ news about the military, stepping up the information war over the conflict in Ukraine. … Lawmakers passed amendments to the criminal code making the spread of ‘fake’ information an offence punishable with fines or jail terms. They also imposed fines for public calls for sanctions against Russia.”

Much attention was given to the instance widely reported Thursday (March 3) in which an elderly woman was detained on March 2 by police in riot gear during a street protest in St. Petersburg. CNN has Reuters’ video of that even here .

This, as Reuters London today reports that the imprisoned opposition figure Alexei Navalny has called for protests on Sunday (March 6) in Moscow’s Manezhnaya Square and St. Petersburg’s Gostiny Dior.

Various media reports say the total number of detainees in war protests so far may have reached 8,000 or more in the week since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began.

As Reuters writes it, “All forms of protest in Russia have essentially become illegal since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic for what authorities say are safety reasons. Thousands of people have been detained protesting against the invasion since last week.” Those detained, as reports clarify, can find the repercussions severe, with charges by the state lingering on their records for years and hampering employment and education.

Public protest in Putin’s Russia may be too dangerous for many in publishing to risk. But assuming that all Russian publishers are Putin backers is as blunt and instrument of assumption as an autocrat’s use of military force against hospitals, schools, and public squares.

It’s a time when discernment and care are important, especially in the business of literature–in which words count.

More on Frankfurter Buchmesse is  here . More on London Book Fair is  here . More on Bologna Children’s Book Fair is  here . More on the freedom to publish and the freedom of expression is  here . 

More from us on the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on international book publishing is  here .

About the Author

Porter anderson.

Porter Anderson is a non-resident fellow of Trends Research & Advisory, and he has been named International Trade Press Journalist of the Year in London Book Fair's International Excellence Awards. He is Editor-in-Chief of Publishing Perspectives. He formerly was Associate Editor for The FutureBook at London's The Bookseller. Anderson was for more than a decade a senior producer and anchor with CNN.com, CNN International, and CNN USA. As an arts critic (Fellow, National Critics Institute), he was with The Village Voice, the Dallas Times Herald, and the Tampa Tribune, now the Tampa Bay Times. He co-founded The Hot Sheet, a newsletter for authors, which now is owned and operated by Jane Friedman.