ELAINE KOSTER, who resigned as publisher of Dutton and New American Library last December is opening a literary agency under her own name.

“Having made countless deals from the other side of the table, I’ve always enjoyed the process and have developed something of a reputation as the person who can always get the best deal,” Koster said. “Being aware of the what really goes on behind the scenes at a publishing house, I can push all the right buttons to help insure success for every project I represent.”

Koster joined NAL in 1972 as v-p and editor-in-chief, and during her time there saw it expand by adding Plume and Meridian trade paperbacks to the original Signet and Mentor imprints; eventually she acquired Dutton for hardcovers, within the Penguin framework. She has worked with a large number of noted authors, including Dorothy Allison, Russel Baker, Lawrence Block, Robin Cook, E.L. Doctorow, Ken Follett, Erica Jong, Jonathar Kellerman, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Terry McMilIan, Mario Puzo, Peter Straub and Barbara Vine.

The Elaine Koster Literary Agency, LLC, is located at 55 Central Park West, Suite 6, New York, N.Y. 10023; (212) 362-9488, fax (212) 712-0164.