Rob Kirkpatrick: Book Editor to Literary Agent

By Kayla Krasnow, Apollon editor spring 2021

Are you interested in breaking into the world of writing? On March 3, 2021, literary agent Rob Kirkpatrick visited the Fairfield University ENGL 4952 Publishing Practicum class to talk about his experiences in the book publishing realm.

Kirkpatrick was an editor for years before he became an agent.

“I viewed an agent as a gatekeeper,” Kirkpatrick said.

Agents often work on commission and therefore only work with the pieces that they see as promising. If Kirkpatrick received a proposal from an agent who decided it was worth their time to read and send along, he would take the time to look at it.

Kirkpatrick says you always have to keep in mind that “Ultimately it is the author’s book.” Authors, editors and agents may have differences in opinions on how best to edit a manuscript, but the final decision is always up to the author.

When giving feedback to authors, Kirkpatrick said it is important to frame it in a positive way, so they are more receptive and willing to take it into consideration. 

“I am a big thesis guy because I want to know that you have an interesting point,” Kirkpatrick said. 

“It's a long journey” to get a book published from start to finish, according to Kirkpatrick. 

The process starts with an agent working with an author on a proposal. Most nonfiction books are bought on proposal. Then, the acquisitions editor will get the proposal and share it with their editorial staff. If the proposal receives a bid, the author will write a full draft of the book and they will receive line edits back on this draft. After this, the production team takes over so more edits and further levels of proofing can take place. 

“First-time authors are often surprised at how long that process takes,” Kirkpatrick said. It is not uncommon for it to take at least two years from proposal to publishing.