Literary Agent job description

Job brief

We are seeking a literary agent to ensure potential authors can have their works realized. The ideal literary agent will constantly be in search of talented writers, guiding them through the process of publishing from start to finish, and negotiate book deals on behalf of authors.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain relationships with editors, authors, publishers, and illustrators.
• Sort through inquiry letters to determine literary talent.
• Read authors' manuscripts to identify whether they possess potential and meet market demands or trends.
• Request sample sections or complete manuscripts from potential authors.
• Work with authors to provide feedback for necessary changes to their manuscripts and ensure that their manuscripts are ready to be delivered to publishers.
• Respond to rejected inquiries with form letters to the rejected authors.
• Pitching authors’ manuscripts to appropriate publishing houses.
• Offer authors support, guidance, and encouragement.
• Negotiate favorable publishing deals on behalf of authors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s in English or literature is a plus
• x+ years experience in a position successfully finding and guiding writers through the process of having their work published
• Proven results in having authors’ work published
• A decent understanding of the publishing industry
• Literate of Microsoft Office
• Good interpersonal, negotiation and networking capabilities
• Excellent writing, editing, and reading skills
• Persuasive and detail-oriented personality