The need for literary agents - a vital third party between publishers and writers - has become a hot topic in Chinese publishing since a February announcement by the country's first Nobel laureate in literature.

To concentrate on his writing, Mo Yan, whose real name is Guan Moye, announced in mid-February that his daughter Guan Xiaoxiao has full rights to represent him in copyright talks and any other negotiations on cooperation.

"I recognize any commitments and signing my daughter does," Mo said.