Abstract:

Literary agents play a very important role in western publishing industry. An overview of the development of the literary agency shows that the mode of literary agency has experienced three phrases.From a middleman to a guard of the author’s interests, then to the designer of the author’s career. Looking back on the history of literary agency of the western world may throw some light on the industry of literary agency in our country.

Key words: Literary agent, 　Middleman, 　Guard of the author&rsquo, s interests, 　The author&rsquo, s career designer