How to Become Freelance Literary Agent for Reading

As a freelance literary agent, you will have a flexible work schedule.

Getting paid to read all day sounds grant, but becoming a literary agent for reading is difficult work. Because most publishers prefer that you have publishing experience before they give you a job, becoming a freelance literary agent brings you back to the age-old dilemma: you can't get a job until you get experience, and you can't get experience until you get a job. Luckily, as self-publishing and e-publishing permeate the industry, there are more opportunities to do freelance literary agent work.

Instructions

1. Gain experience in the world of literature. Find a job at a local publishing house, or take an unpaid internship. Most agencies hire readers who have worked in in-house publishing, but some take candidates with other literary credentials, such as having worked as a freelance writer or taught English. Obtain as much experience as your lifestyle will permit. If you can take a summer internship, do so. If you have a family or other job you are tied to, try getting some freelance editing or writing work or working as a receptionist in a publishing house on weekends.

2. Write, read and discuss literature often. Join book clubs, writing groups and online literary forums. Practice writing reviews, and post them on your blog, social networks and literary review websites. Make contacts with authors, agents and editors, and collect recommendations from those who like your work. Let your contacts know you are looking for a freelance reading job. The more contacts you make and the more practice you have, the greater your odds of getting a gig doing freelance reading.

3. Call publishing houses and ask whether they are looking for any freelance reading agents. Some houses swamped with work might be willing to take you on with a brief introduction and verification of your credentials. If they are not looking for freelancers, ask whether you can submit a resume or application. Many times, freelance work is last-minute work, and if a publishing house has your information on file, you might be more likely to get a call when a large number of manuscripts are suddenly submitted.

4. Advertise yourself as a private agent or reader. Post ads on writers' forums, and ask your contacts about gigs reading manuscripts for writers rather than publishing houses. Work with writers to read and make suggestions to their texts before they submit. Offer to solicit manuscripts for clients or to help them promote their self-published work.

Tips & Warnings

• If you know a lot about literature in a certain field, you might want to first try your luck with specialty publishers, such as those affiliated with a particular religious group or those that publish only nature books.

References

• Women on Writing; Jennifer Wright; Breaking into Freelance Reading
• Rachel Gardner: How do You Become an Agent or Editor?
• The London Times; Beryl Dixon; How do I Become...A Literary Agent