Literary agent
Help authors get their work published and help publishers find good books.
Also known as: publishing agent
About the job
What it's like
You would connect writers and publishers. You’d help authors get their work published as a book and you’d help companies find good books to publish and sell.
You would read through manuscripts sent to you by authors. You’d select the best pieces of work - the ones that you think could be successful - and take on the author as one of your clients.
Using your knowledge of the publishing industry, you would identify the companies that you think might be interested in the book. You’d represent the author and try to persuade the company to publish it.
It would be important to negotiate with the publishers to try and get the best deal or contract for your client. You would receive a percentage of the sale of the book as your commission.
Each book has lots of different rights to be negotiated and sold, including:
UK publication
Publication in other countries
Producing an e-book version
The option to adapt the book into a TV series or film.
You could represent novelists, poets, screenwriters or non-fiction writers. You’d probably specialise in certain types or genres such as children’s books, crime novels, or history books.
You’d need to be able to make contacts with people in publishing companies and remain on good terms with them even when negotiating hard to get the best deal for your author.You could work for a literary agency or be self-employed.
Hours
You may need to do additional reading outwith office hours and many literary conferences and promotional events are in the evenings and at weekends.
Environment
You would be based in an office, although you may sometimes have to go to meetings and events elsewhere.
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Related industries
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- negotiating
- making decisions
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- verbal communication
- reading
- networking
- cooperating
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
English
Media
Skills for Work: Creative Industries
Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are no set qualifications required to enter this role but most employers will look for qualifications and experience relating to publishing, marketing, English and literature.
Most literary agents have a degree (SCFQ level 9/10) in areas like advertising, media, marketing, English or journalism.
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
A driving licence.
To be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in books and the publishing industry.
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