The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency is a privately-held New York-based literary agency founded in 1984 that represents 80+ authors across science fiction, fantasy, romance, children's literature, and non-fiction, earning commissions on publishing, audio, translation, and film/TV rights deals.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersNew York, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency does
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency is a privately-held, New York-based full-service literary agency founded in 1984 by Ethan Ellenberg after his employment at Berkley Publishing and Bantam Books. The firm represents 80+ active authors across science fiction, fantasy, romance, romantasy, children's literature, and non-fiction, brokering domestic publishing deals and subsidiary rights (audio, translation, film/TV, print) with major publishers. Notable clients include John Scalzi (Hugo Award winner for Redshirts), Dennis E. Taylor (Bobiverse series, 100,000+ Audible copies), Carissa Broadbent (#1 NYT bestseller, Crowns of Nyaxia), and Candace Fleming (2026 Children's Literature Legacy Award and Margaret A. Edwards Award recipient). The agency also represents rights on behalf of literary estates including the Andre Norton Estate and Bertrice Small Estate.
The agency's service portfolio comprises manuscript submission, contract negotiation, and subsidiary rights management, executed by a six-agent bench: Ethan Ellenberg (President), Ezra Ellenberg, Bibi Lewis, Evan Gregory, Lindsay Watson, and Ashley Leader. In 2016 it launched a vertically integrated subsidiary, Agent Sponsored Publishing (ASP), which publishes select agency titles as ebook, print-on-demand, and limited-edition hardcover, with Ingram serving as its US wholesale distributor. The technology stack is minimal — a website and standard publisher/distributor integrations — with no proprietary platform, AI tooling, or digital product surface. Rights are sold into 20+ international territories (Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Spain, and others) via a network of foreign-rights agents.
The revenue model is commission-based, with the agency earning fees on book sales, audio rights, film/TV options, and translation/subsidiary rights (100+ deals per year and approximately 50 new translation licenses annually). Revenue is not publicly disclosed. Go-to-market is sales-led, combining direct agent-to-publisher pitching, inbound author submissions, industry referrals, and conference attendance (e.g., Frankfurt Book Fair). The firm is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents and holds affiliate/associate memberships in SFWA, SCBWI, RWA, and MWA.
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency
- Legal name
- The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency
- Website
- https://ethanellenberg.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency is a privately-held New York-based literary agency founded in 1984 that represents 80+ authors across science fiction, fantasy, romance, children's literature, and non-fiction, earning commissions on publishing, audio, translation, and film/TV rights deals.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Literary Agency Services
- NAICS
- Book Publishers (513130), Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers (5131)
- SIC
- Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731), Miscellaneous Publishing (2741)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Rights, ISBN & Publishing Administration Services (Identifiers, Metadata, Royalties) (MPAJAJAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Self-Publishing Platforms (KDP-style Marketplaces & Portals) (MPAJAJAA), Author Marketing, PR & Launch Services (Ads, Book Tours, Influencers) (MPAJAJAL)
Keywords
Where The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New York
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Author Representation & Commission: The agency earns commissions on sales of books, audio, movie/TV, and other subsidiary rights on behalf of represented authors. Commission-based revenue from author representation.
- Agent-Sponsored Publishing (ASP): The agency's self-publishing arm publishes ebook, print-on-demand, and limited edition hardcover editions for select authors, earning revenue from direct sales.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels3 records
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency is a full-service literary agency that represents authors across fiction and non-fiction genres, pitching manuscripts to major publishers, negotiating book deals, and managing subsidiary rights including translation, audio, and film/TV. The agency also operates Agent Sponsored Publishing (ASP), a self-publishing arm producing ebook, print-on-demand, and limited edition hardcover editions for select indie authors.
Product overview
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency is a full-service literary agency established in 1984. The agency specializes in representing authors across multiple genres including science fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery, thriller, children's books, and non-fiction. The agency's core services include manuscript submission to publishers, negotiation of publishing contracts, and management of subsidiary rights including translation rights, audio rights, film/television rights, and print rights. The agency also operates a publishing arm called Agent-Supported Publishing (ASP) for certain titles, and handles rights management on behalf of publishers and literary estates. Services are delivered through individual literary agents who manage client relationships and conduct business development activities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Agent Sponsored Publishing (ASP): Self-publishing and ebook distribution arm of the agency for represented authors
Products and services
- Literary Author Representation
- Subsidiary Rights Management
Quantifiable outcome
- Multiple NYT bestsellers across science fiction, fantasy, and romance genres
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, moderate and minor.
- Tor Books (Tom Doherty Associates)coreLong-standing partnership with Tor Books for science fiction and fantasy titles. Multiple deals including John Scalzi's entire Old Man's War series, Carissa Broadbent's Crowns of Nyaxia print edition, and Dennis Taylor's Bobiverse print reissues via Saga Press (an imprint of Simon & Schuster).
- Audible (Amazon)coreMajor audio publishing partner. Dennis Taylor's Bobiverse and other titles are Audible bestsellers. Multiple Audible Original deals including John Scalzi's Dispatcher series and Dennis Taylor's FLYBOT. Audible is the primary audio publishing partner.
- Atria Books / Simon & SchustermajorKey partner for Alison Cochrun's novels including THE CHARM OFFENSIVE, KISS HER ONCE FOR ME, and subsequent titles. Multiple book deals secured.
- Kensington PublishingmajorPartner for romance and romantasy titles including G.A. Aiken's Dragon Kin and Scorched Earth series, Kate Robb's novels, and Noelle Ihli's thrillers.
- Bramble (Tor Publishing Group imprint)majorPartnership for romantasy print editions including Carissa Broadbent's Crowns of Nyaxia relaunch and Helen Scheuerer's Legends of thezmarr series.
- Wayward (Transworld/Fairyloot)majorUK partner for romantasy titles. Major double deal for Clare Sager's new duology UPON A BROKEN THRONE and Helen Scheuerer's THE BOOK BINDER'S BARGAIN.
- HarperCollinsmajorPublisher for Ian Douglas's military SF series including Galaxy Raiders and Solar Warden. Also publishes the Star Carrier series.
- Pan Macmillan UKmajorUK publisher for Noelle Ihli's FORGET YOU SAW HER and ASK FOR ANDREA. Multiple UK deals.
- ScholasticmajorPublisher for Candace Fleming's non-fiction and children's titles including IS IT REAL? THE LOCH NESS MONSTER and Codebreakers of Bletchley Park.
- Tantor MediamoderateAudio publishing partner for multiple agency titles including Stefan Mani's Grimsson series and Bertrice Small Estate titles.
- Blackstone PublishingmoderateAudio publisher for Ward Carroll's Punk Trilogy and MaryJanice Davidson's THE RELUCTANT REAPER.
- Baen BooksmoderatePublisher for James Cambias's Billion Worlds series and Catherine Asaro's Major Bjhaan series.
- Aethon BooksmoderatePublisher for Tony Peak's LitRPG trilogies and EDEN DESCENDING series. Also published Tony Peak's RED SHIRT RUNNERS.
- Working Title Television / Marginal MediaWorksminorWorking Title Television (UK) optioned John Scalzi's THE COLLAPSING EMPIRE for TV adaptation. Marginal MediaWorks attached to film adaptation of Alison Cochrun's THE CHARM OFFENSIVE with Nik Dodani starring.
- Universal Pictures (Bobiverse Film Option)minorFilm option renewal with Universal for the Bobiverse series. Represents ongoing Hollywood interest in Dennis Taylor's sci-fi franchise.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Foundry Literary + Media: Independent literary agency with strong film/TV packaging arm and commercial fiction roster. Comparable on combined book-to-screen deal flow, subsidiary rights sales, and full-service author representation.
- Sterling Lord Literistic: Long-established independent literary agency founded in 1952 representing literary and commercial fiction, non-fiction, and memoir. Directly comparable on business model (commission-based representation, subsidiary rights, family-led agency structure) and similar boutique scale.
- Folio Literary Management: Mid-sized New York literary agency representing commercial and literary fiction. Comparable on full-service representation model with active subsidiary rights and film/TV practice, and similar boutique scale.
- Writers House: One of the largest U.S. literary agencies representing bestselling fiction and non-fiction authors. Comparable because it is a full-service agency of similar vintage with strong subsidiary rights sales, audio, and film/TV representation across multiple genres.
- Trident Media Group: Independent literary agency with strong subsidiary rights practice, foreign rights co-agents, and film/TV packaging. Comparable on business model — commission-based author representation with parallel book-to-screen pipeline — and similar full-service positioning.
- The Bent Agency: Independent literary agency with offices in New York and London representing a range of commercial and literary fiction. Comparable on boutique full-service representation and active foreign rights co-agents.
- Howard Morhaim Literary Agency: Independent literary agency representing fiction, non-fiction, and memoir with strong subsidiary rights practice. Comparable on boutique agency model with similar scale and broad genre coverage.
- InkWell Management: Independent literary agency representing literary fiction, non-fiction, and select genre authors. Comparable on boutique commission model, strong subsidiary rights practice, and family/independent ownership structure.
- Park & Fine Literary Media: Independent literary agency formed through merger of Park Literary Group and FinePrint Literary Management. Comparable on full-service representation model with strong fiction and non-fiction roster and subsidiary rights sales.
- New Leaf Literary & Media: Full-service literary agency representing fiction and non-fiction authors with active subsidiary rights practice. Comparable on boutique full-service model, particularly strong in middle-grade, YA, and commercial genre fiction.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency
What does The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency do?
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency is a full-service literary agency that represents authors across fiction and non-fiction genres, pitching manuscripts to major publishers, negotiating book deals, and managing subsidiary rights including translation, audio, and film/TV. The agency also operates Agent Sponsored Publishing (ASP), a self-publishing arm producing ebook, print-on-demand, and limited edition hardcover editions for select indie authors.
Is The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency a public or private company?
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency founded?
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency was founded in 1984. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency based?
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency is headquartered in New York, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Author Representation & Commission is the primary driver. The others are agent-Sponsored Publishing (ASP).
Who are The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Foundry Literary + Media, Sterling Lord Literistic, Folio Literary Management, Writers House, Trident Media Group, The Bent Agency, Howard Morhaim Literary Agency, InkWell Management, Park & Fine Literary Media and New Leaf Literary & Media.
Does The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency.
What industry is The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency in?
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency's product category is Literary Agency Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAJAJAK, Rights, ISBN & Publishing Administration Services (Identifiers, Metadata, Royalties), with a secondary code of MPAJAJAA, Self-Publishing Platforms (KDP-style Marketplaces & Portals). Its NAICS code is 513130 and its SIC code is 2731.