I only knew Don Congdon by reputation, and that he represented David Sedaris. Oh, Envy! When I read his obituary this morning I was really moved. Apparently, as a young man he came to New York with $8 and started out as a messenger for a literary agency. He would eventually work as an editor and agent before starting his own highly successful company.
It was this quote, by Ray Bradbury, a lifelong client, that really got to me:
“I married Don Congdon the same month I married my wife,” Mr. Bradbury said in a speech to the National Book Foundation in 2000. “So I had 53 years of being spoiled by my wife and by Don Congdon. We’ve never had a fight or an argument during that time because he’s always been out on the road ahead of me clearing away the dragons and the monsters and the fakes.” Mr. Bradbury dedicated his novel “Fahrenheit 451” to Mr. Congdon.
The dragons and the monsters and the fakes. Would that I could keep you safe.
Filed under: Agent |
Betsy Lerner 
“…he was hired by Simon & Schuster as an editor for its Venture Press, recently established to introduce new writers and published writers whose work had been neglected.”
Rescuing the neglected literary talent–who does that anymore?
I am so sad for all his clients. Such a vast space to let someone else try and fill.
Don Congdon was my agent until he retired a few years ago. He was a sweet man and an amazing talent, and I’ll always be grateful to him for taking a chance with me, amid all the literary superstars he represented; he’ll be remembered fondly, and missed. RIP, Don.
Thanks for writing. Betsy
that paragraph was the one that resonated with me as well. I aspire to be that good at this job.
I loved the story of Don Congdon’s career. Do young agents get to be prominent by working themselves up, or by being interns and assistants? How many would you think look at this life well-practiced with admiration and envy? Do they wish to emulate the graceful and productive career or just hit the ground running not understanding the way of great writing? Looking at the authors DC represented and gave a hands-up, this passing is a great loss to other agents and writers alike.