How to become A Literary Agent

Literary Agents help authors unleash the power of their words and embark on an incomparable literary odyssey by securing lucrative publishing deals and offering felicitous expertise, guidance, and industry connections.

• Authors Representative
• Book Agent
• Publishing Agent

What do Literary Agents do?

A Literary Agent  would typically need to:

• Work on behalf of and with an author to represent their business interests and sell their written work to different types of publishers
• Read query letters from prospective authors; respond to rejected queries; request sample chapters or whole manuscripts from potential clients
• Evaluate manuscripts to determine whether the authors and their works hold potential for publication and sale; sign approved authors to iron-clad agreements
• Conduct market research to determine how well a book is likely to sell; edit manuscripts or offer creative insights to ascertain they sell well; find appropriate publishers 
• Pitch unpublished work to editors, ensuring they receive manuscripts/books of types of genres in which they have particular interest or expertise
• Help the author put together an attractive pitch package, comprising query letters, book proposals, sample chapters, and marketing plans; attend auctions if multiple publishers are interested in the manuscript
• Interface with publishers on behalf of the author; negotiate the terms of the contract to promote the author’s best interests
• Ascertain proposed advance, royalties, foreign rights sales, film, paperback, and electronic rights, subsidiary rights, including dramatisations or translations, and other copyright-related business decisions favour the author
• Monitor different submission guidelines and formats, which may vary based on whether the submission is commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, or children’s books
• Manage the author’s publication schedules; keep track of the author’s payments as per the terms of the finalised contract; offer encouragement and guidance
• Liaise between authors and their publishers throughout the publication process; offer feedback on draft manuscripts and help to meet deadlines
• Assist authors with book promotion activities; arrange interviews on radios, television, podcasts and in newspapers and magazines; schedule book tours and meet-n-greets
• Advocate on behalf of the author in contractual disputes with publishers; file lawsuits, if required, to protect the author’s rights
• Negotiate contracts with authors on behalf of publishers for the sale of rights to books or other works, if working for a publishing company
• Build and sustain professional relationships with editors and critical decision-makers at publishing houses
• Specialise in particular genres and develop client rosters with connections to specific publishers; provide suitable resources for clients

Established Literary Agents spend the better part of their day in a luxurious office suite on the phone or in meetings. At the same time, novices can expect no more than a cubicle to conduct their business. They may need to travel for meetings with current and potential clients and publishers.

Being responsible for finding new talent, negotiating contracts, and monitoring their clients’ work requires a Literary Agent to work long and irregular hours. Evenings and weekends may be the best options for relationship-building exercises with clients, publishers, and editors.

Research suggests that flexible hours and generous telework policies appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules per the job demands.

Finding a new job may be challenging. Literary Agents can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Self-employment and freelancing are definite options.

Literary Agents are generally employed by:

• Publishing Houses
• Literary Agencies

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Publishers Association (IPA) are crucial for Literary Agents interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. 

Professional associations provide members with continuing education, networking opportunities, and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• An extremely competitive industry made even more precarious by a rising self-publication trend among authors
• Economics of the book industry which demands a high workload to generate a reasonable living wage
• Membership in a reputed organisation with a searchable database and a confirmed code of conduct essential to gain a potential client’s trust
• The exceptionally long time it takes to strike a deal with a publishing house and see the book in the market
• Stress from having to reject an author’s manuscript and dash their hopes of becoming a success
• Disappoint and frustration resulting from being unsuccessful in selling a book to the publishers
• Unreasonable client expectations to not just polish a manuscript, but to make it sales-ready
• Taking care of current clients that leaves no time to attend literary events and search for new clients
• The hours spent in meetings and reading new manuscripts that eat away at one’s personal life

While formal education may help an aspiring Literary Agent realise their dream, relevant work experience can significantly impact their chances of demonstrating a strong work ethic, dedication, and genuine passion for literature to secure a lucrative position in the highly competitive publishing industry.

Internships at literary agencies and publishing houses will allow you to assist agents with manuscript evaluation, researching potential authors, and preparing submission materials, providing hands-on experience and crucial insight into how a literary agency operates.

Students who manage to land internships will benefit from tasks outside the classroom that align with lessons inside it. In addition, one may hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Entry-level roles such as editorial assistant, literary magazine editor, or assistant at an independent or small publishing house allow hopeful Literary Agents to understand the publishing process and the inner working of the industry while interacting with authors, agents, and editors. Journalism is another popular option to gain requisite experience.

Aspirants who find opportunities to work/volunteer in a bookstore or library gain exposure to diverse genres, authors, and readers and develop an understanding of market trends and reader preferences, which would immensely help their future professional avatars.

Consider working as a freelance writer, contributing to literary magazines, or serving as an editor for student publications while pursuing your academic goals to appreciate the writing process better and improve your writing skills. 

Volunteer at a literary festival, set up a blog, or enrol in a writing group to get practical feedback on your creative efforts. Attend industry events, book fairs, and writing conferences to build relationships and connections within the industry that can open doors to mentorship and potential job opportunities.

Literary Agents who cultivate a love for reading from a tender age and expose themselves to various authors and genres will have a deep appreciation for diverse writing styles and are better equipped to assess manuscripts.

Even while in high school, you can check with a teacher or counsellor about relevant work-based learning opportunities available in your school or community that can help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join a creative writing or book club to share and discuss your work with like-minded individuals while gaining exposure to the writing community. Participate in writing competitions, submit work to literary magazines, and maintain a personal blog or portfolio to cultivate your writing skills, begin to understand the craft, and learn about the publishing world.

Highschoolers can also seek internship or volunteer opportunities at local bookstores and libraries. They can read about the profession and interview or job shadow experienced Literary Agents to make informed decisions as they progress.

Despite no set entry requirements specified on job advertisements for Literary Agents, employers seek applicants with an apparent interest in literary works and writings and the publishing industry. Courses in business and sales will prove helpful.

A four-year bachelor’s degree in English, creative writing, communication, journalism, literature, publishing, business management, or marketing from an accredited college or university may serve the purpose.

Aspiring Literary Agents may also consider enrolling in publishing courses and certificate programmes from renowned universities to enhance their understanding of editing, marketing and book publishing, gain prized contacts, and increase their marketability. 

High school English, Literature, psychology, and creative writing courses will help develop valuable reading, writing, analytical, and communication skills. Build a solid foundation in language arts. Fluency in a second language can prove handy when pitching your potential client’s work to publishers in other countries.

Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.

Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field.

Certification demonstrates a Literary Agent’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Certification in literary agenting from an objective and reputed organisation can help you further your publishing industry knowledge and stand out in a competitive job market.

Literary Agents may also need to undergo an employment background check including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

More than performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications, note that entrepreneurial skills drive the career progression of successful Literary Agents who can freelance or open their own agency after they earn the confidence of a good number of successful authors along with the respect and trust of publishers. However, it is essential to note that most Literary Agents who open their own business have had to close shop within a year.

The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.

Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and interesting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills along the way.

Persistent and ambitious Literary Agents with considerable business acumen, effective liaison and negotiation skills, the ability to identify high-potential talent, and networking prowess have the best job prospects.

Established Literary Agents spend the better part of their day in a luxurious office suite on the phone or in meetings. At the same time, novices can expect no more than a cubicle to conduct their business. They may need to travel for meetings with current and potential clients and publishers.

Use Every Trick In The Book

Seek new projects through social media platforms, including Twitter, websites like DuoTrope, and by responding to emails and query letters from authors.

Most authors rely on Literary Agents for their legal and book publishing expertise.

Enterprising agents will make the best deal possible with the publishers so that they can receive a handsome commission. 

Most publishing houses also prefer to do business with an agent rather than the author. Their recognition of the publisher’s needs and ability to filter out inadequate manuscripts are the two main reasons Literary Agents can play the role of go-betweens to perfection.

To represent the best interests of their clients, Literary Agents must have effective communication, analytical, problem-solving, organisational, entrepreneurial, negotiation, and networking skills. In addition, they must be detail-oriented, committed, and resilient.

Basic Considerations

Some Literary Agents may represent only fiction or non-fiction writers. In contrast, others may choose potential clients based on their interest in a particular subject, such as food, travel, or science fiction.

Current Scenario

The employment outlook of a specific profession may be impacted by diverse factors, such as the time of year, location, employment turnover, occupational growth, size of the occupation, and industry-specific trends and events that affect overall employment.

Most job openings within the profession result from turnover rather than the creation of new positions, leading to stiff competition among the many contenders for the few posts currently available.

Literary Agents who develop enduring relationships with self-publishing platforms and constantly seek fresh talent can help the growing number of self-publishing authors market their books.

Likewise, agents who can identify gifted writers from diverse backgrounds and connect them with the right publishers to promote their literary prowess can remain relevant in a rapidly expanding publishing landscape.

Furthermore, adequate and timely attention to increasingly prominent author platforms that provide a comprehensive insight into an author’s potential success can help Literary Agents make the right call on which authors to represent in this era of digital books.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Literary Agents have more flexible work schedules and locations. They fully own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, full-time Literary Agents have company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The United States of America is the largest book market in the world, followed by China and Germany.

As a catalyst who can transform a hopeful author’s dreams into sublime reality, a passionate and deeply committed Literary Agent can ensure their client’s books fly off the shelves and bring them financial success.

“Probably because I really love this bookmaking and storytelling world, I'd been thinking for years about the possibility of becoming a literary agent.” 

Rebecca Stead