Explores the realm of 'The Boss: Power is Female' podcast. - Mastering novel writing: Insights from literary agent Karin Graf
Kickstart to the New Literary Season: Autumn sees a surge in reading, upcoming bestsellers are discussed at book fairs, and prestigious prizes like the German Book Prize are handed out. But how does this sector function, who decides on success and failure? And the all-important question for aspiring writers: How do I pen a novel?
One person who can offer in-depth insights into this subject is literary agent Karin Graf, based in Berlin. She assists authors in finding publishers, negotiates contracts, and her opinions hold significant sway within the industry. Establishing her agency in 1995, she was one of the pioneers on the German-speaking market. Over the years, she has represented prominent clients such as Ingo Schulze, Mariana Leky ("What Can Be Seen from Here"), and Karen Duve. In a discussion on the stern podcast "Die Boss", hosted by Simone Menne, she shared her views on current trends, free-riders, and misconceptions.
"Some authors introduce their ideas two years too late"
"Many people believe they can write, publishers are inundated with manuscripts," remarks Karin Graf. Even good writing frequently goes unpublished and unnoticed: "At times, I inform authors: This is a brilliant concept, but it should have surfaced a year or two ago." Similar to other industries, trends and topics soon lose their allure. The following are currently popular: Romantasy, a genre blending romance and fantasy. No longer 'in': novels featuring dementia-stricken parents as significant characters.
Conversely, there are sudden successes and unexpected hits. Graf has a knack for talent, taking on new writers based on recommendations or their prior achievements. She is demanding yet fair: "I'm an exceptional reader and I highlight every minor flaw in the text." As a result, her agency boasts the highest number of award-winning authors. However, she refrains from identifying her favorite: "Mentioning one would offend 250 others."
The key recommendation for newcomers: "Network and collaborate"
She has guided numerous writers from their debut to literary honors – what is her top tip for new entrants in this competitive market? "Network, engage in conversations with colleagues, participate in talent and scholarship programs." According to Graf, today's women are catching up with men in this aspect: "In the early women's movement, that wasn't the case. Alice Schwarzer's strength wasn't in networking. Modern women excel at it naturally."
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Digital self-promotion is increasingly crucial in book sales, particularly for entertainment titles: "Young women share and discuss their favorite books on TikTok, creating another dimension."
As a seasoned businesswoman, Karin Graf has maintained her practicality: "At heart, I'm a homemaker who questions each book: What does the author need, what is the market value of the manuscript?" Known for her negotiation skills, her agency team almost exclusively consists of women. It's not because women are more sensitive to literature, art, and characters, but rather due to their competence and dedication: "Women are exceptional in service. You require expertise, negotiation skills, and courage. Ultimately, the author's interests remain our top priority."
In the stern podcast "Die Boss – Power is Female", Karin Graf discusses her beginnings as an agent, the relevance of being both powerful and feminine, trends and themes within the literary market – and why, despite her profound love for literature, she has never penned a book herself.
In "The Boss - Power is Female", prominent women engage in insightful discussions: Host and multi-board member Simone Menne (BMW, Deutsche Post DHL, Henkel) convenes with female CEOs from various sectors to share their experiences and perspectives. "The Boss" airs every two weeks on Wednesdays on stern.de and RTL+, as well as on all major podcast platforms.
Editor's Note: Stern is owned by RTL Germany.
The German Book Prize is one of the prestigious prizes handed out during the new literary season, recognizing notable literary works. Karin Graf, a successful literary agent based in Berlin, has represented several authors who have won this prestigious award.
