How to Work as a Literary Agent

The job of a literary agent is not easy in the changing publishing industry, but for those who want to accept the challenge, it can be a rewarding career.
Working as a literary agent has a new paradigm, which, undoubtedly has resulted from the rise of the Internet. When you compound technology with lower advance fees, digital rights, and fewer book deals, some might not view this as a lucrative career.

In fact, according to an article written by Jane Friedman, "The Future Role of Agents", in September 2009 Writer's Digest, (p. 44) "..some have questioned the future role and necessity of the literary agent."

Well, that's not exactly encouraging for people who want to work as a literary agent.

However, given the fact mainstream publishers still require a writer to have an agent, these are some of the things you should consider if you'd like to work as one: Are you a person who can handle rejection? Do you like to see good books that can transform lives? For the love of good literature, can you stick it out for whatever time it takes to build your client list?

If your answer is "yes" to all of those questions, the following tips can help you.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet access
• Telephone
• Rolodex
• Reading library
• Dictionary

Instructions

Are There Any Special Qualifications for Becoming an Agent?

1. Be a lover of the printed word. Being an avid reader is a prerequisite for a good literary agent.

2. An editing background or previous employment at a publishing company helps, but is not always necessary.

3. Have integrity. Keep your word. The general commission is 10% to 15% per deal, so pay your writers accordingly.

4. Have good interpersonal skills when it comes to making pitches to editors at
   publishing houses, as this is also a relationship-driven business.

5. Be a person who likes cultivating new talent and encouraging writers.

What are Some of the Ways You Will Work Differently as an Agent?

1. As a literary agent in the new millennium, make sure you have an
   Internet presence, be it a website or a Uniform Resource Locator, or URL, on MySpace.

2. Take advantage of social networking. Have a blog. Learn how to tweet on Twitter, have a MySpace and a Facebook presence.

3. Expect the writers you represent to have a platform. (Speaking engagements,
   workshops, radio shows, websites, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, Shelfari,
   newsletters, Gather.com, etc.)

4. E-mail manuscripts to publishers instead of using regular mail.

5. Participate in forums, blogs, and Internet radio shows.

What is a Literary Agent's Typical Workday Like?

1. Accept email, vs. snail mailed queries and manuscripts to your agency, as well as emailing them to publishers.

2. Make phone calls to publishing houses to pitch manuscripts.

3. Read manuscripts, hoping to find the next top-notch author or the next Toni Morrison.

4. Negotiate contracts and read over the fine print with your clients.

5. Advocate for your writers, which includes negotiating advances. This might involve questioning and challenging royalties on statements, too. Return writers' calls or emails in a timely manner.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay abreast of trends in the publishing industry. Read industry newsletters, blogs, magazines, and forums.

• In spite of an uncertain economy and a changing publishing industry, being a literary agent can be a rewarding experience, both emotionally and financially. Today's agents just have to work with different mindsets.

References

• Writers Digest September 2009