Literary agents represent authors and help them navigate the publishing world by pitching their manuscripts to publishers, negotiating book deals, and managing contracts. They act as intermediaries between writers and publishing houses, helping to secure the best possible deals for their clients.
Median income:
$84,900 annually or $40.82 per hour.
Lifestyle:
Literary agents often work flexible hours, balancing time between reading manuscripts, meeting with authors, and negotiating with publishers. Many agents are self-employed or work in literary agencies.
Exciting Parts of the Job:
Discovering new talent and helping authors publish their works to the world
Working with creative people with interesting stories
Enjoying the experience of cheering people on toward their goals and being there at the finish line
Challenging Parts of the Job:
Adapting to changes in the publishing industry, including the rise of technology, Amazon, and Kindle.
Managing industry consolidation and the effects of a weak economy
Navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in publishing
Education Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree is typically required and prior experience in publishing is highly valued.
Job Outlook
The future for literary agents is bright, with the occupation expected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than average for all occupations.
This is perfect for you if:
You love books and reading
You can easily handle negotiations
You are supportive and would enjoy helping writers find success in the publishing world
If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Mark Gottlieb to learn more about being a literary agent here!
Day in the Life
Schedule:
Typically works flexible hours, splitting time between reading manuscripts, communicating with authors and editors, and negotiating book deals.
Setting:
Works from home, literary agencies, or in offices. Attends industry events like book fairs, conferences, and meetings with publishers and editors.
Tasks:
Review and evaluate manuscripts, pitch book ideas to publishers, negotiate contracts and deals, offer editorial feedback to authors, and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
Topics:
Manuscript evaluation, publishing contracts, book marketing, author branding, publishing trends, copyright law, negotiation tactics, industry networking, editorial feedback, and royalty structures.
Skills:
Strong negotiation skills, excellent communication, ability to evaluate writing quality, industry knowledge, and time management.
Tools:
Laptop or PC with email management systems, manuscript tracking software, contracts, and publishing databases.
Common Characteristics
Natural Talents (strengths):
A passion for reading, strong intuition for spotting new talent, an ability to build lasting relationships with authors and publishers, patience, persistence, and a talent for advocating on behalf of authors.
Interests:
Enjoys reading, discovering new literary talent, negotiating deals, and staying informed about publishing industry trends.
Personality:
Typically have enterprising, artistic, and social personality types, with a passion for creativity, negotiation, and working closely with writers.
Values:
Creativity, persistence, collaboration, advocating for authors, and helping bring great books to the public.
*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.
How to Become a Literary Agent
Education Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in English, literature, journalism, or communications is often required. Internships or experience in publishing, editing, or book marketing are valuable stepping stones to becoming a literary agent.
Preferred Majors
English
Literature
Journalism
Communications
Creative Writing
Creative Writing
Publishing
Marketing
Business
Specialties and Similar Career Paths
Film/TV Rights Agent
Foreign Rights Agent
Book Editor
Publishing Manager
Literary Scout
Talent Agent
Author’s Publicist
Rights Manager
Book Publicist
Literary Consultant
Advice from Mark
Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:
If you’re serious about going into publishing, having a degree in publishing or the humanities is helpful. Interning at a literary magazine, journal, agency, or publisher, or working in a bookstore, also gives great experience. Columbia University offers a publishing certificate, and they host a job fair where many candidates are hired.
Fastest way to get your foot in the door:
Start as an intern or assistant at a literary agency or publishing house and build relationships with editors and authors.
Recommended resources:
Publishers Weekly – A yearly publication with valuable information on book publishing.
Max Perkins: Editor of Genius by Scott A. Berg – A book about the life of a famous editor who worked with authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Tom Wolfe.
What Mark would tell his younger self if he was just getting started:
“Be more discerning in terms of clients we take on for representation and leave no receipts, those sorts of things, basically.”
Watch the full interview with Mark:
Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 26 June 2024.
