Author and Agent: Eudora Welty and Diarmuid Russell

by Michael Kreyling

In May 1940, Diarmuid Russell, partner in a newly-launched literary agency, wrote to a relatively unknown Eudora Welty, offering to become her agent. This elegant portrait traces Welty's development as a writer and Russell's encouragement of, and devotion to, her talent. Photographs. "Beyond the portrait of an admirable relationship between author and agent, this work provides insight into the publishing world, the early views and prejudices toward short stories and writers from the South, the obstacles to getting published, and the individual struggles and writing habits of Welty. An enjoyable and enlightening contribution to literary history." - Library Journal

Genres: Nonfiction

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 4, 1991

Reviews

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is "the collection of letters between Eudora Welty and her Agent Diarmuid Russell covering the years 1940 through 1973." Although Eudora Welty was then and continued throughout her life to be known as an outstanding and award winner Author of many published stories, her achievements were not easy to come by nor were they necessarily as profitable as we may have imagined.

Today's writers who seek publication of their works should read this book so as not to be disappointed when they are made aware of the numerous pitfalls they may face that will diminish their dreams of being published and impact their ability to make a decent living as a writer.

The book also provides some insight into the Book Publishing Industry and how it had changed over the years during this period particularly with the introduction of the Paperbacks.

[John Hopkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aspiring writers and any students of modern fiction will find encouragement in the constructive relationship between Eudora Welty and her literary agent.

[TrumanCoyote · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting personally (though repetitious in style)...now all I have to do is read Welty's stories--which I probably won't like.