September 1988 - Anna

A woman who seduces writers

Donatella Barbieri has recently taken over the helm of one of the most important literary agencies in the world, Ali. After spending over twenty years in publishing, the former general manager of Sperling & Kupfer is embarking upon this new professional adventure with renewed enthusiasm. «I am moving over», she says, «from the other side of the desk».

«Please keep my picture small», she asks with a soft shy voice, referring to the photo that she is reluctant to hand over. «When you are starting a job it is a good idea not to make too much noise», she explains. «First of all you need to show that you are up to the task». A glimpse at her CV shows that she is quite clearly «up to the task». Donatella Barbieri, aged «over forty» to borrow her own words, has been in the publishing business for over twenty years. [ ... ] holding a degree in philosophy, she started very soon to flirt with what she defines as her greatest love: books. After starting her career with Fabbri Editori («the Fratelli Fabbri firm») in the 1960s, she moved in the 1970s to Sperling & Kupfer where she remained until two weeks ago, gradually working her way up to become the general manager. Two weeks ago came the big change: after acquiring the majority shareholding in Ali (Agenzia Letteraria Internazionale), Donatella Barbieri now occupies the role that was once held by the legendary Erich Linder. Linder's successor, his son Dennis, has been suffering from serious health problems which have forced him to relinquish his role of majority shareholder and he is therefore stepping down from managing the agency.

In what way is your work changing?

I am moving over from the other side of the desk. From publisher to agent. The agency has writers, publishers and agents as its clients. I represent them both in Italy and abroad. The agency also represents foreign writers, publishers and agents who wish to sell the rights to a book to a publisher.

Has it changed your life?

It is a huge turning point in my life. All my knowledge and experience in the publishing field is being made available to writers, publishers and agents. As for the rest, nothing changes at all here. Ali has been operating for ninety years, it is a century rich with tradition and I would like to keep it that way. I will try, if necessary, to make it more flexible as a service agency. Ali is a giant - it is in fact one of the largest agencies in the world - and remains a point of reference for foreigners in Italy and for Italians abroad.

What is a book?

It is an unrepeatable event. Quite indefinable in its essence. [...] A book is an illusion of eternity: it serves to preserve a human heritage which is left for the future. As such, it is available to anyone who uses it in the future.

Is there a difference between male and female writing?

I don't like making that distinction. There are skilled writers and less skilled writers. They are many different styles but they do not depend on the fact that the person adopting that style is male or female. The reading public is more female than male [...].

When choosing a book, does the commercial aspect prevail over your personal taste?

As an agency, I represent writers, publishers and agents. My personal tastes do not come into it at all. The process is as follows: writers come to me with a book, I look after them and I represent them and their book [...].