/ Imprimatur Index / Sterling Lord Literistic

Sterling Lord Literistic

Literary Agency · Tier 1 · Founded 1952
A-

Excellent (A-) — Imprimatur Grade

Sterling Lord Literistic is the longest-tenured US literary agency. Multi-decade Sterling Lord legacy (founded 1952). Strong on literary fiction + nonfiction. Represented Jack Kerouac, Howard Zinn, others.

87
Composite / 100
/ Subscore Breakdown · 5 Dimensions

Where this grade comes from.

Author Treatment
A
Editorial Quality
A-
Sales / Distribution Reach
B+
Adaptation Track Record
B+
Rights Posture
A-
/ Key Events & Disclosures

Timeline & positioning.

  • Founded 1952 (Sterling Lord)
  • Multi-decade founder continuity
  • Represented Kerouac, Zinn, others
  • Industry-leading literary heritage

/ Best for

Literary fiction + nonfiction authors seeking heritage-tier representation.

/ Watch out for

Verify the institution operational status and your specific agent or editor relationship continuity before signing.