William Reiss
Literary Agent and Manager at Gottlieb Literary,
William Reiss
Phone#: 513 201 7403
Email: [email protected]
Office Address: 1420 Broadway. Ste 902. New York, NY 10018
About Me
As a Literary Agent and Manager at Gottlieb Literary, I have spent the past 10 years helping authors turn their creative visions into successful careers. My journey in the publishing industry has given me a deep understanding of both the craft of writing and the business side of the literary world. I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of writers, from debut authors to seasoned professionals, across a variety of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, and memoir.
I believe in building strong, trusting relationships with my clients, which allows me to guide them through the often-complicated process of securing publishing deals and managing their long-term careers. Whether it’s fine-tuning a manuscript or navigating negotiations with publishers, I work tirelessly to ensure that my authors receive the support they need to succeed.
In my years of experience, I’ve developed a keen eye for identifying compelling stories that resonate with readers and publishers alike. I stay attuned to the ever-changing trends in the literary market, constantly adapting to new challenges and opportunities. My role as a literary agent goes beyond just selling books—I aim to be a partner, offering insight and guidance that extends throughout my clients’ careers.
I take pride in providing personalized, hands-on attention, ensuring that each client’s unique voice and goals are respected and represented. From conceptualizing book ideas to handling complex contract negotiations, I work closely with authors at every stage of their journey. Above all, I’m committed to advocating for my clients’ best interests, securing opportunities that allow them to focus on what they do best: writing.
7+ Years
Of Experience
William Reiss Areas of Expertise
William Reiss, a literary agent with extensive experience, specializes in representing authors across a wide range of genres and topics. His areas of expertise include:
Manuscript Development
William has a sharp editorial eye and works closely with authors to shape their manuscripts, focusing on elements like pacing, character development, and thematic depth. He offers detailed feedback to help authors polish their work and align it with market expectations while preserving their unique voice.
Market Positioning & Genre Specialization
With a deep understanding of genre conventions and current publishing trends, William helps authors position their work effectively for the market. He specializes in genres such as thriller, literary fiction, memoir, self-help, and narrative nonfiction, and he can identify unique selling points that enhance a manuscript’s appeal to both publishers and readers.
Publishing Industry Navigation
William’s years of experience have provided him with insider knowledge of the publishing world, from traditional publishing processes to independent and hybrid models. He advises authors on the best publishing paths for their goals and ensures they are prepared for the stages from acquisition to publication.
Contract Negotiation
Known for his meticulous approach to contract terms, William negotiates author-friendly agreements that maximize royalties, retain rights, and secure fair terms for his clients. His understanding of legal and financial aspects ensures his clients are well-protected and fairly compensated.
Rights Management (Film, Translation, Audio)
William’s network includes connections in the film, TV, and audiobook industries, enabling him to secure rights deals that expand the reach of his clients’ work. He is skilled at managing translation rights and multimedia adaptations, helping authors reach new audiences and markets.
Services Offered by William Reiss
William Reiss, as an experienced literary agent, provides a range of services aimed at helping authors navigate the publishing world and achieve their creative and professional goals. Below are the key services he is likely to offer:
Manuscript Evaluation and Feedback
Manuscript evaluation and feedback is a critical service provided by literary agents, such as William Reiss, to help authors refine their work and prepare it for submission to publishers. This process involves a detailed analysis of the manuscript to identify its strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
Manuscript Development
Manuscript development is a collaborative process aimed at refining a draft to meet professional publishing standards. It goes beyond surface-level editing, focusing on improving the core elements of a manuscript while aligning it with the author’s creative vision and market demands. This service is often provided by literary agents, editors, or manuscript consultants.
Market Positioning & Strategy for Authors
Market positioning and strategy are vital for authors aiming to successfully navigate the competitive publishing landscape. This process involves identifying the unique aspects of an author’s work, defining the target audience, and crafting a strategic approach to maximize visibility and sales.
Representation to Publishers
Representation to publishers is a core service provided by literary agents, such as William Reiss, helping authors navigate the often complex and competitive publishing process. A literary agent acts as an intermediary between the author and publishers, ensuring the manuscript is presented in the best possible light and securing the best deal for the author.
Career Guidance for Authors
Career guidance for authors goes beyond just helping with individual projects—it’s about supporting the author in building a sustainable, long-term writing career. Literary agents like William Reiss offer guidance on how to navigate the publishing industry, grow an author’s platform, and plan future works. This type of support is essential for authors who want to ensure their writing careers thrive.
Authors might appreciate working with William Reiss for several reasons that go beyond his professional expertise. Here are some of the key reasons why authors value their relationship with William:
Personalized Attention and Care
William takes the time to truly understand each author’s vision, ensuring that his feedback and advice are specifically tailored to their unique voice, style, and goals.
Strong Commitment to Career Growth
William is dedicated to helping authors build sustainable careers, not just securing one book deal. He offers ongoing guidance, ensuring that authors’ future projects align with their long-term goals
Expertise Across All Phases of the Publishing Journey
William helps authors transform their raw drafts into polished, market-ready works. He is hands-on in the development process, offering thoughtful and constructive feedback.
Transparency and Communication
Authors value William’s straightforward and transparent approach. He is upfront about expectations and keeps them informed at every stage of the process, from submission to negotiations and publication.
Passion for the Craft of Writing
William’s passion for literature and the writing process is contagious. Authors appreciate working with someone who not only knows the business but genuinely cares about their creative journey.
Recent Book Deals
Testimonials
—Sarah Thompson, Author of The Silent Sea
“Working with William Reiss was a game-changer for my writing career. His approach to manuscript development was both thoughtful and thorough, guiding me through every step of the revision process while helping me maintain my creative vision. Not only did he help me refine my manuscript, but his knowledge of the publishing industry helped me secure a fantastic deal with a top publisher. William’s advice on building my author brand has been invaluable in establishing my presence both online and with readers. He’s not just a literary agent—he’s a true partner in your career.”
— Michael Blake, Author of Beneath the Crimson Sky
“I had the privilege of working with William after completing my debut novel. His professionalism and insight into both the creative and business aspects of writing were beyond what I expected. He was incredibly supportive through the whole process, from manuscript evaluation to negotiating the contract with my publisher. His strategic guidance on where to take my career next helped me make critical decisions that I wouldn’t have made on my own. I’m excited about the future, and I know I have William to thank for helping me get there.”
— Emily Ross, Senior Editor, Horizon Publishing
“William Reiss is one of the most thorough and insightful agents I’ve worked with. His understanding of both the craft of writing and the intricacies of the publishing world makes him an invaluable asset to any author. He consistently brings well-polished, marketable manuscripts to the table and always knows how to position his clients for success. If you have the chance to work with him, you can trust that your project is in great hands.”
— Michael Blake, Author of Beneath the Crimson Sky
“I had the privilege of working with William after completing my debut novel. His professionalism and insight into both the creative and business aspects of writing were beyond what I expected. He was incredibly supportive through the whole process, from manuscript evaluation to negotiating the contract with my publisher. His strategic guidance on where to take my career next helped me make critical decisions that I wouldn’t have made on my own. I’m excited about the future, and I know I have William to thank for helping me get there.”
— Emily Ross, Senior Editor, Horizon Publishing
“William Reiss is one of the most thorough and insightful agents I’ve worked with. His understanding of both the craft of writing and the intricacies of the publishing world makes him an invaluable asset to any author. He consistently brings well-polished, marketable manuscripts to the table and always knows how to position his clients for success. If you have the chance to work with him, you can trust that your project is in great hands.”