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Association of Authors' Representatives

Interested in joining the Association of Authors' Representatives?


Go to the Agent membership application page to download an application form.     Go to the Associate membership sponsorship page for details.     See what information the Board would like to have included in a recommendation for AAR membership.

      A professional association

Full membership in AAR is restricted to agents whose primary professional activity for at least the two years preceding their application has been as an authors' or playwrights' representative. Agents may be approved in one or both branches.

Working agents who have not yet satisfied the requirements for full membership may join AAR as an Associate. You must be sponsored by a Member agent from the agency for whom you work.
  • In the literary branch, an applicant must have been principally responsible for executed agreements concerning the grant of publication, translation or performance rights in ten or more different literary properties during the 18 months preceding the application.
  • In the dramatic branch, an applicant must have been principally responsible for the grant of rights for at least five stage productions before live audiences in First Class, Off Broadway, LORT or New York City major institutional theaters during the two years preceding the application. At least one such grant must have used either the Approved Production Contract of the Dramatists Guild of America or have been for production Off Broadway in New York City. Film or television performance contracts are considered.
Applicants must agree to adhere to the AAR Canon of Ethics. Member agents must have conducted, and must commit to continuing to conduct, their business in compliance with their legal and fiduciary duties to their clients.

Two active AAR member agents must submit supporting recommendations on company letterhead, including specific information.

Full membership costs $150 per calendar year, with a one-time $150 initiation fee. The application process is individual and thorough.
Associates pay $75 per year with no application fee.

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The Association of Authors' Representatives, Inc.
is a not-for-profit organization of qualified literary agents and dramatic representatives of the creators and owners of intellectual property. AAR was formed in 1991 through the merger of the Society of Authors' Representatives, founded 1928, and the Independent Literary Agents Association, founded 1977.

      3 good reasons to join AAR

  1. We keep members informed about conditions, issues and trends in publishing, theater, motion picture and television.

  2. We use persuasion and advocacy to advance the best interests of members and their clients and to encourage cooperation among literary organizations.

  3. We pledge to uphold the highest standards in all business dealings. We affirm the individuality of each of our members and support their freedom to act on their clients' behalf, subject to our Canon of Ethics.

      Membership benefits

  • Include your name and interests where authors and editors can find you, in the list of AAR members.
  • Download print, audio and video files from the AAR online resource library.
  • Read the AAR newsletter, The Pitch.
  • Participate in seminars and other AAR activities.
  • Receive timely AAR committee alerts.
  • Join in the new discussion forums.

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      4 Steps to becoming a member

  1. Determine whether you meet qualifications for full membership or may apply as an Associate.
  2. Carefully read the Canon of Ethics. In order to become an AAR member, you must affirm your commitment to these standards. Agents who violate this Canon may be disciplined.
  3. Choose two AAR member agents to recommend you. Ask each to submit a recommendation on their letterhead to AAR. Remind them of the information the Board requests they include.
  4. Fill out and submit your application and qualification sheets in either  the literary branch or the dramatic branch. If you qualify for both types of membership, submit both forms.
Applications are evaluated by the Membership committee, then sent to the Board of Directors for approval. You may be asked for clarification or additional information in order to properly evaluate your application.

When you are admitted as a member, you will receive a notice to remit your initiation fee plus prorated first year dues.

Questions? Email the Membership chair.