Pitching An Agent: Talbot Fortune Agency

This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. To order presentation-ready copies for distribution to colleagues, clients or customers, use the Reprints tool at the top of any article or visit: www.mbreprints.com.

'Every day I hope to find great new voices, writing that jumps off the page, and stories that linger'

Background: Together, John Talbot and Gail Fortune have nearly 40 years of experience in the book publishing industry. Talbot worked with such authors as Tom Clancy, W.E.B. Griffin, Tom Perrotta, and Jack Higgins at Pocket Books and Putnam Berkley, while Fortune rose from assistant to executive editor at Putnam Berkley.

This three-person company represents numerous bestselling authors and award-winners, and its agents are not afraid to spend "long hours" doing whatever it takes to keep their clients happy. These "advocates for authors" suggest that there are definite advantages to signing with an agent with a background at a major publishing house. Talbot says, "I think having been on the other side and seen some of the factors that the editors are looking at, can help."

The How to Pitch series is worth its weight in gold. In just the first month I'd already benefited enough to consider the cost of joining well worth it. -- Gaen Murphree

Premium content, including our How to Pitch Guides, an indispensable tool for freelance writers. view sample >
Savings of up to $35 per class on mediabistro.com courses and seminars.
Insurance discounts for freelancers and small businesses, including medical, dental, auto and home.
Lots of other professional discounts, including ZipCar (a $50 value) and your choice of magazine subscriptions (a $10 value).

... and much more! View all benefits or Sign up now!