As mass-market literature has been consolidated into a small handful of publishing conglomerates, the critical work once done by publicity and editorial departments has been offloaded. In this episode we discuss the rise of literary agents and their function as critics [8:00] and the role of literary awards in canon formation and other processes of homogenization [28:00]. Finally, we ask, can criticism be a countervailing force against conglomeration? [60:00] Cast (in order of appearance): Dan Sinykin, Matt Seybold, Laura McGrath, Sheri-Marie Harrison, Ainehi Edoro, Howard Rambsy Soundtrack: Joe Locke's "Makram" For episode bibliography, please visit MarkTwainStudies.com/conglomerate, or subscribe to our newsletter at TheAmericanVandal.SubStack.com, where you will also receive episode transcripts.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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