The nuts and bolts of the business of writing are as essential to a writer's success as the writer's work itself. How does a writer get an agent and an attorney? How does the writer's work get sold and how is the writer compensated? What will the agent and the lawyer do for the writer? How are they compensated? How do writers work together? 

This 1/2 day seminar will cover: the principles of copyrights law as the underpinnings of all writing; what agents do and what lawyers do, how their functions sometimes overlap and how they differ; the process of obtaining an agent and a lawyer, when and why an agent is necessary and when and why an agent may not be necessary; how agents and lawyers are compensated by their clients; the content of a typical collaboration agreement and three reasons why they are an absolute necessity; a review of a publishing agreement; the editing process and what happens if the publisher rejects the manuscript, the publisher's ultimate acceptance of the manuscript, actual publication after acceptance, and promotion and publicity.

Bring all your questions concerning the business of being or becoming a successful book author – they will be answered.

The vast majority of Paul S. Levine’s clients come to him as new, previously unpublished, or self-published authors. Levine has a keen understanding of industry strategy and has the editorial contacts required to ensure his success as both a literary agent and entertainment law attorney, and is thus able to offer his clients a comprehensive range of publishing or literary attorney services.

His unique combination of publishing industry savvy and entertainment legal services makes Levine a dynamic choice for both new and published authors alike. Leaning toward socially and politically important literature, he will consider fiction, Nonfiction, children’s, and young adult manuscripts and proposals for Nonfiction books. Highly aware of market trends and editors’ preferences, Levine limits himself to projects which he believes in and feels certain he can sell. As an entertainment lawyer, Levine has written the legal contracts for several books adapted as movies-for-television. With over a quarter of a century of experience in the entertainment and book industries, Levine is one of the few lawyers on the West coast who also understands the world of book publishing; as such, he is able to act as both literary agent and publishing attorney for his clients.

Parking: Free limited parking on surrounding streets.
Transportation: Big Blue Bus #1, Santa Monica Blvd
Accessibility: Please contact us up to 2 days before the event so we may assist you, 310-207-0001.

These workshops are made possible, in part, from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission; The City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs; and the California Community Foundation.  Additional support provided by the California Arts Council.