Many people dream of having their own book – but only a few authors win bestsellers and cultural prizes. The Berlin literary agent Karin Graf (72) speaks in the stern podcast “The Boss” about recipes for success, timing and the question: How do I write a novel?
Kick-off to the new book season: Reading is booming in autumn, tomorrow’s bestsellers are discussed at the book fair, and important prizes such as the German Book Prize are awarded. How does this industry actually work, who determines success and failure? And, the most important question for aspiring authors: How do I write a novel?
One person who can provide detailed information on this is Berlin literary agent Karin Graf (72). She looks for publishers for writers, negotiates contracts, and her word carries weight in the industry. When she founded her agency in 1995, she was one of the first on the German-speaking market. Over the decades, she has worked with top-class authors such as Ingo Schulze, Mariana Leky (“What you can see from here”) and Karen Duve. In conversation with the host of the star-Podcasts “The Boss”Simone Menne, has unpacked it: about new trends, free riders and false expectations.
“Some authors come two years too late with their idea”
“Most people think they can write, publishers are inundated with manuscripts”says Karin Graf. Often the dream of publication and literary fame remains unfulfilled, even with good texts: “I say to some authors: That’s a good idea, but unfortunately it should have come a year or two earlier.” As in other industries, there are themes and trends that quickly wear out. Currently (still) in: Romantasy, a genre that combines romance and fantasy. Already out again: novels in which parents with dementia play an important role.
On the other hand: high-flyers and surprise successes. Graf has a nose for talent, she only signs new authors on recommendation, or already established ones. And she is tough but fair: “I am a very, very good reader and I can point out every little flaw in the text.” Her quota of award winners is correspondingly high; no other agency has as many officially awarded authors under contract. She remains discreetly silent about which of them is her personal favorite: “If I mention one name, 250 others are offended.”
The most important tip for newcomers: “Creating networks”
She has advised many people from their beginnings to their highest literary achievements – what is her most important tip for newcomers to an often brutal market? “Create networks, talk to colleagues, participate in junior and scholarship programs.” Graf believes that women are now on par with men in terms of traits: “That wasn’t the case in the first women’s movement. I don’t think Alice Schwarzer’s strength was building networks. Young women today do that much more naturally.”
Digital self-promotion is also playing an increasing role in book sales, especially for entertainment titles: “The young girls read and present their favorite books on TikTok, which is another parallel world.”
As a long-time businesswoman, Karin Graf has remained down-to-earth: “Basically, I am a housewife who asks myself with every book: What does the author need, what is the market value of the manuscript?” She has a reputation as a skilled negotiator. It is no coincidence that her agency team consists almost exclusively of women. Not because women are more sensitive to language, art, or characters: “Women are better at services. You have to have expertise, negotiating skills, and fearlessness. But in the end, the author and his interests are the focus.”
In the star-Podcast “The Boss – Power is Female” Karin Graf talks about her beginnings as an agent, the question of whether you have to be a gambler as an entrepreneur, trends and topics in the literary market – and why a woman who lives so much from and with books has never written one herself.
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Note from the editors: Der stern belongs to RTL Germany.
Source: Stern
