Are you an aspiring writer looking for advice and inspiration? Or maybe you want to learn more about the business of literary publishing? You’re sure to have lots to talk about with literary agent and CEO, Founder & Owner of The Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.
About Elina Ahlbäck: Literary Agent, CEO, Founder & Owner of The Elina Ahlback Literary Agency. Master of Science degree in international economics. She has built an extensive personal network in the international publishing community over the past 40 years. She loves Shakespeare and Jane Austen – and enjoys Agatha Christie.
Elina Ahlbäck established The Elina Ahlback Literary Agency in June 2009. She has enjoyed a successful career in publishing and bookselling since 1982: bookseller, buyer, marketing manager, sales & store manager at Finland’s Academic Bookstore (1982-1993); publisher, editor, senior vice president at Finland’s Werner Söderström (WSOY) Publishing House (1993-2008).
With over 30 years of experience in the publishing industry, the courageous decision to establish the agency in 2009 was made – with its mission to build bridges between authors and publishers worldwide and with its passion to internationalize literature. The story of the Elina Ahlback Literary Agency began in Manhattan, New York, on the Brooklyn Banks, in February 2009. While Elina’s son was skating in this park under the Brooklyn Bridge, the vision and decision to establish the first literary agency in Finland was made. Today, Elina Ahlback Literary Agency’s head office is located in the heart of Helsinki, and we have offices in Los Angeles and New York City.
About the Agency: "Elina Ahlback Literary Agency, founded in 2009, is one of the leading Nordic literary agencies representing bestselling and award-winning Finnish and Nordic authors' book, film & TV rights in international markets. The Agency represents over 100 active writers & illustrators with translations sold into more than 50 languages. Our fastest growing business area is selling stories and media rights to Hollywood and international production companies in film, TV and streaming industries. We highly value the long-term personal contacts created with the world's leading publishers who are great influencers in the publishing community. The Agency represents authors such as New York Times Bestselling Author Max Seeck, with rights sold in 40 countries and Hollywood, Finlandia-winning authors Laura Lindstedt, with rights sold in 18 languages, and Maria Turtschaninoff, with rights sold in 28 languages. Finland's internationally most sold author Salla Simukka, whose Snow White Trilogy has been published in 52 territories and TV show is in development in Hollywood. The founder, owner and CEO of the Agency is Ms. Elina Ahlbäck. Elina Ahlback Literary Agency represents Nordic writers of fiction and non-fiction, for both adult and children’s books as well as illustrators. Our agents work with literary and commercial fiction, thrillers, women’s fiction, science fiction/fantasy, narrative non-fiction, psychology, popular science, parenting, self-help, young adult and children’s fiction, non-fiction and picture books. Elina Ahlback Literary Agency sells book, film and TV rights in fiction, children’s books and non-fiction to publishers and producers all around the world and negotiates the best possible contract, including a marketing plan, for its clients. We are regular participants at the Frankfurt Book Fair, the London Book Fair, the Bologna Children’s Book Fair and Gothenburg Book Fair and we have representation at international film & TV festivals."