The Growth of a Literary Agency

  • By: Jessica Faust | Date: Sep 26 2016

When I first started Bookends over 15 years ago I had big dreams. I had visions of an agency that was bustling with agents representing many different types of books. I had dreams of not just mystery, romance and nonfiction (which we were already doing), but also science fiction, fantasy, and children’s books of all types. I have been and always will be a dreamer.

My business partner at the time was the more practical side of our relationship. She was the Yin to my Yang and it worked incredibly well. I’m like the bull who charges in and grabs what she wants and desires. It’s not that my decisions aren’t thought through, it’s that they can sometimes be thought through very quickly. My partner was more cautious. We worked very well together and the success of BookEnds is evidence of that. And then I became the sole owner of BookEnds and realized that it was time to run with those original dreams. Not only did I have the space to do so, but I’d established a business that could support doing so.

You can’t imagine the excitement I feel as I see those deals come through and those clients signing. For years BookEnds has established itself as a leader in romance and mystery with a number of bestselling authors. A few years ago we added YA to that list with, again, a number of bestselling authors. Now we’re also adding science fiction, fantasy, middle grade and, yes, picture books. I get giddy just writing this.

They say a book is an author’s baby. Well BookEnds is my baby. It’s a company I take incredible pride in. Not only is it a job I love coming to every day, but it’s filled with people I want to spend time with, both in and out of the office. Over the next few months you’re going to see some really cool deal announcements and as 2017 approaches don’t be surprised to see even more exciting BookEnds announcements. Because my baby isn’t done growing.

5 responses to “The Growth of a Literary Agency”

  1. Avatar Loryn Stone says:

    I love that your dreams are coming true. And who doesn’t want to see a business succeed! Love the insight on your blog.

  2. Avatar Ana Calin says:

    Very inspiring. I pray that my dreams will come true as well, and will definitely work hard for them. Big hug!

  3. Avatar Kate Douglas says:

    I feel truly privileged to have been around for the past fifteen years to watch BookEnds grow. Congratulations on your success, and on the addition of such fabulous agents. You definitely have a lot of talent, and I’m not merely talking about your authors. Every single one of your agents is fantastic.

    But, the real secret is–how the HELL is it I’m getting older and you haven’t changed a bit? Now there’s a story…

  4. Avatar AJ Blythe says:

    How exciting! Congratulations on seeing your dreams come to fruition, Jessica. And what a rewarding position to be in to know that as you see your dreams come true you are also providing the door for others to reach their dreams.

  5. Avatar RachelErin says:

    So exciting! Now I’ll get to query Bookends!
    Thanks for sharing the journey.