Klausner, Bertha, 1901-1998.

Bertha Klausner established one of the first American newspaper syndicates in the 1930s. By 1940 she had become an agent for artists and cartoonists. After 1945 she concentrated on representing writers including Upton Sinclair and Robert Payne. The Bertha Klausner Literary Agency had a reputation for integrity and its dedication to new writers.

From the description of Papers, 1897-1995. (University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center). WorldCat record id: 57383194

Bertha Klausner developed one of the first national newspaper syndicates in the early 1930s. The Independent Publishers Syndicate was the model for current features such as Parade and This Week. In 1938 she left her syndicate to become an agent for cartoonists and artists. By 1945 she decided to concentrate on representing writers and founded the Bertha Klausner International Literary Agency, Inc. She developed a wide reputation based upon her creativity, integrity, and dedication to promising writers.

Klausner commuted back and forth from a Hollywood office from the late 1940s until 1960, when she decided to close it to remain exclusively in New York. Her sales were frequently mentioned in the Hollywood Reporter and her clients included Basil Rathbone, Joe E. Brown, Lionel Barrymore, Nils Grandlund, and Theda Bara . Klausner sold radio scripts to celebrities such as Eddie Cantor and Kate Smith, the first CBS game show, and the first NBC full drama.

Famous authors of books or plays included Marcel Marceau, Upton Sinclair, Anthony Burgess, Robert Payne, Emil Langyel, Nikos Kazantazakis, and Leon Jaworski . Plays or films included Zorba the Greek, Yentl, and a musical version of Shop on Main Street.

From the guide to the Bertha Klausner Papers, 1897-1995, (University of Wyoming. American Heritage Center.)