Artists are expected to be entrepreneurs, fundraisers, publicists, legal experts and accountants at the same time. With all of these roles, it is easy to get stuck in endless to-do lists without having a clear sense of what direction their business is heading or which decisions will advance their careers. On top of that, the many requests that an author has to deal with are all presented as wonderful “opportunities”. It is a challenge to distinguish between the actual opportunities and the distractions from what is truly important: time to write and develop artistically.

How I work.

Management can help authors visualise and realise their literary ambitions. In other words: developing a long-term strategy and then representing their interests to the outside world, creating as much time and ‘headspace’ for them to focus on the creative process.

Strategy.

The crucial first step is deciding where to go. What are the long-term ambitions and the tangible goals we want to achieve? My role is that of strategist, sparring partner and initiator.

I am trained as a policy consultant and arts administrator, worked for governments, cultural institutions and launched successful arts initiatives. If there is anything I have learned, it is that ‘thinking ahead’ is key to being ready at all times to respond to both challenges as new opportunities.

Representation.

The next step is getting to where we want to be. I provide full support: taking care of all communications, negotiations, invoicing, planning, publicity, cashflow management, logistics, and the most fun part – accompanying the authors on tours.

I am proactive and cooperative towards other partners (publishers, media, agents, festivals), but always look out for the interests of the author in the long run. The best deal financially is not necessarily the best ‘career’ deal. By engaging in a long-term commitment, I am never tempted to push an author to make a deal only for short term gain

My values.

All artists benefit from direct representation, but no artist is the same. Therefore, every collaboration and arrangement I have with an author differs and will change over the years based on the developments within the practice. However, these three values are consistent in everything that I do.

Personal relationship.

I am a ‘business friend’ to the artists I work with. Because of the intensity of the relationship, our collaboration is rooted in personal trust and understanding. This is why I only work with a selection of authors that I admire.

Long-term vision & commitment.

Whereas the larger and more traditional literary agencies mainly focus on making deals, I do my best to create as much space as the author needs for making work and developing artistically. This goes beyond ‘just’ the book contracts - it demands a holistic approach to business development. A career isn’t built overnight.

Interdisciplinary & International.

I have found that most people in the arts stop thinking at the border of either their country or their discipline. But there is a whole world out there.

Besides literature, I have worked in film, visual arts, heritage, theatre and ArtScience. There is a lot to learn from other disciplines and there are a lot of opportunities in cross-overs. I have managed multiple international projects and will take any opportunity to further broaden my scope across borders.

Michaël Roumen

Biography

Michaël Roumen (1981) studied English Language and Literature at Leiden University, and Arts Administration at New York University. He worked as a consultant and policy advisor, specialising in regional economics and the role of arts & culture in urban societies. Simultaneously, he co-founded the Leiden International Film Festival, of which he became managing director - focussing on broadening the market for their cultural initiative.

From 2013 until 2016, as the director of the Leiden Fund for Arts & Culture, he got to further develop his interest in the intersection between the arts and business. It was during this time that he recognised a fundamental paradox in the cultural sector: how come the artists are the faces of our sector, and their work is the core product, but yet somehow they seem underpaid and are underrepresented at the policy table?

Who actually represents the artists?

After interviewing 100+ artists from all disciplines and taking a summer intensive arts administration at NYU focussing on different forms of representation, he returned to the Netherlands to found a management firm for artists - initially for all disciplines, but later focussed on literature.

For ten years he has steadily developed a diverse roster, representing both international bestselling authors as well as young talent. He dedicates most of his free time to guest lectures at universities, board memberships and giving voluntary advice for authors.

Femke Van de Griendt

Biography

Femke van de Griendt studied Dutch Language and Culture in Leiden, specialising in Modern Dutch Literature. She then went on to complete a Master’s degree in Literary Business in Nijmegen. Her thesis focused on the development of and institutional pathway for contemporary (prose) debut authors.

Since then, she has been working as a freelancer in the literary sector. She regularly takes to the stage to conduct interviews and moderate events, and writes as a cultural journalist. She has experience as a literary producer, programme maker and podcast creator, and has completed various projects for funding bodies, reading promotion organisations and award committees. In these various roles, she has collaborated with countless writers, ranging from new talents to established authors.

She has been working at Roumen Literary Management since early 2024. She is responsible for managing the authors’ diaries, appearances and tour schedules, as well as the day-to-day logistics and administration. Femke handles new enquiries and maintains contact with a wide range of parties.