Glenys Bean Literary Agency is a small agency with a proven track record. The agency is based in Auckland, New Zealand and was established in 1990 to meet a gap in the local market for author representation.

My authors write everything from bestselling adult and children’s fiction to popular and serious non-fiction. While the New Zealand market is a natural focus, I submit to the most appropriate publisher, whether it’s local or international. 

The benefits of a small agency
Running a small agency for a select group of writers enables me to give my clients time and attention to focus on developing their careers. I follow their books from inception through to the time when the books have sold off the shelves. I look for publishers who will nurture and encourage my authors’ writing skills. I negotiate the best possible contract and ensure your book is published to the highest standard.

Many of my authors are multi-talented, and my representation extends to developing their careers outside the publishing process. I work closely with radio networks, television and film production houses.

I maintain close links with agents, editors and publishers in London’s lively literary scene, travelling there every two years. To ensure I have access to current trends, opinions and rights sales I subscribe to the UK magazine The Bookseller, which supplies daily electronic news updates.

My background
I became a literary agent in the 1980s after a stint as marketing and publicity manager for the local office of Hodder & Stoughton. During that time I accompanied Fay Weldon on a book tour and she encouraged me to consider training as a literary agent. To fulfil my dream I worked in London, with several prestigious agencies – Casarotto & Associates, Sheil Land Agency, and Debbie Owen – then returned home to set up my own agency in 1990. 

Please feel free to read the comments of some of my recently published authors:
Recently Published


Why Have a Literary Agent?
Without representation from a literary agent, authors will struggle to get noticed in publishers’ ‘slush piles’ (unsolicited manuscripts). Publishers are much more likely to read a manuscript submitted by a reputable agent. This is because agents operate as a filter, selecting only the best manuscripts to submit to a publisher.

Agents maintain ongoing relationships with publishing houses, building relationships with editorial departments. They keep track of staff changes and publishing trends to ensure that the manuscript is sent to the most appropriate commissioning editor.

Having an agent allows you to focus on your writing.  Leave the agent to negotiate better terms for you; they know how to pick out the red flags in any contract.

Agents are paid when you are. They take a commission*, but this is often offset because they have earned you more by negotiating a better contract.

*I am a founding member of the New Zealand Association of Literary Agents. We deduct our commission only after we sell your manuscript.