Literary Agents’ Association – Book Agents

The Literary Agents’ Association, also known as the AAR or Association of Authors’ Representatives, is unique in that it’s the only professional organization that monitors and governs the business activities of publishing agents. Read this article to see the Canon of Ethics that member agents are required to abide by, and learn how you can find members of the Literary Agents’ Association.

This article is part of my Introductory Guide to the Association of Authors’ Representatives.

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Literary Agents’ Association – What is the Canon of Ethics?

The Literary Agents’ Association doesn’t regulate the commissions, fees, services, or other competitive business practices of its members. However, the Literary Agents’ Association was established to ensure that its members fulfill all obligations they undertake in relation to their clients in a straightforward manner.

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Literary Agents’ Association Pledge:

• Members of the Book Agents’ Association pledge loyal service to their clients’ business and artistic needs, and to allow no conflicts of interest that would interfere with such service.
• Members of the Literary Agents’ Association pledge support to the principles of honorable coexistence, directness, and honesty in their relationships.
• Members of the Book Agents’ Association pledge never to mislead, deceive, dupe, defraud, or victimize their clients.
• Members of the Literary Agents’ Association pledge they will maintain separate bank accounts for money due their clients so that there is no commingling of clients’ and members’ funds.
• Members of the Book Agents’ Association pledge they will deposit funds promptly received on behalf of clientsand make payments no later than ten business days after clearance.
• Members of the Literary Agents’ Association pledge to keep their books of account open to the client at all times with respect to transactions concerning the client.
• Members of the Book Agents’ Association pledge to not represent both buyer and seller in the same transaction.
• Members of the Literary Agents’ Association pledge to not receive a secret profit in connection with any transaction involving a client.
• Members of the Book Agents’ Association pledge to not solicit or accept any payment or other thing of value in connection with their referral of any author to any third party for any purpose.
• Members of the Literary Agents’ Association pledge that they shall treat their clients’ financial affairs as private and confidential.
• Members of the Book Agents’ Association pledge that they will not charge clients or potential clients for reading and evaluating literary works (including outlines, proposals, and partial or complete manuscripts), except at writers’ conferences where this is acceptable.

Now that you’re familiar with the Canon of Ethics of the Literary Agents’ Association…

Click here to Find AAR Members.