Skip to content

Agent Quote by Glen Duncan

“In a fit of pique, I said to my agent, 'I'm going to write something you can sell.' The idea was to write a straight page-turner, with no literary conceits.” quote by Glen Duncan
Download Open image
“In a fit of pique, I said to my agent, 'I'm going to write something you can sell.' The idea was to write a straight page-turner, with no literary conceits.”

Glen Duncan

About This Quote

The speaker expresses frustration and decides to craft a commercially viable, fast-paced story, abandoning artistic complexity.

In simple terms: Write a marketable, plot-driven work.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize sales over literary flair.

Themes

commercialism creative compromise authorial intent literary vs. popular market pressure

Mood

determined cynical pragmatic

Type

advice confessional industry insight

When to use this quote

  • publisher pitch meeting
  • writing a bestseller
  • author-agent negotiation
  • creative block
  • marketing strategy

Key Concepts

plot-driven narrative selling point literary conceits audience appeal

Practical Applications

  • writing a thriller
  • producing a high-selling novel

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does this say about the balance between art and commerce?
  • How might this decision affect the author's long-term reputation?
2.5 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Glen Duncan

Explore all 259 Glen Duncan quotes

More Agent quotes

Browse all 260 Agent quotes