The Shifting Landscape of Literary Agents

The Association of American Literary Agents (AALA) has revised its Canon of Ethics, with changes set to take place September 1, 2026.

Significant Changes to Note

While agents still may not charge a client for editorial work done to prepare a manuscript for submission, other avenues of generating revenue have opened up. As reported by medium.com, agents can now “offer clients paid services, such as marketing, publicity, web design, and, in some circumstances, editorial services, as long as representation is not contingent on purchasing those services.”

A significant change to the Canon, while not encouraging agents to act as publishers, allows agents to enter into publishing agreements with clients if consent is given. As rationale for this change, AALA states the following:

“As self-publishing and hybrid publishing continue to gain popularity and traction, and both indie and mainstream publishers find new ways to collaborate with agents, AALA members are more often being asked to help clients get their work published in non-traditional ways.” 

What do these changes mean for authors?

Industry expert Jane Friedman discusses catalysts for these changes and concerns she has about their implementation in her July 29 post, “Agent Business Models May Be Shifting: What I Fear Will Happen.”  

Friedman acknowledges that the agents are under pressure. The field has exploded in growth, with more people “taking up agenting as a side gig” and many industry professionals taking on agenting roles. As a result, editors are overwhelmed with submissions, and response times are lagging. The shifting landscape has made agenting an often financially unstable endeavor.

However, changes to AALA’s Canon of Ethics raise concerns for Friedman, including referral fees, potential conflicts of interest, subtle pressure tactics, and a “power imbalance in the author-agent relationship.” Her detailed article, linked above, is thorough and offers specific advice to authors before they sign any contracts.

Susan Koehler

Editor / Agent Spotlight

Susan Koehler is a veteran educator, a lifetime literary enthusiast, and the author of several books for kids and teachers. When she’s not writing, Susan enjoys running away to museums every chance she gets. If she’s lucky, someone from her great big family will reluctantly agree to accompany her. Learn more about Susan's books, workshops, and school visits at susankoehlerwrites.com.