How to Become a Literary or Theater Agent
The job of a literary or theater agent is to discover new and emerging talents, place their work in appropriate publishing and production venues and help nurture their careers. Depending on the size and scope of the agency, a literary or theatrical rep also might fill the role of an editor in bringing projects to their brightest level of polish prior to submission. Marketing expertise, excellent communication skills and a college degree in English, journalism, business or theater arts are essentials for success in this competitive field.
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Instructions
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Acquire experience in evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of manuscript submissions. If you live in a major publishing hub, such as New York, London, Chicago, Paris or Boston, apply for internships or entry-level positions with publishers and literary agencies. Offer your critique services to independent, academic and e-book publishing entities, which often outsource review assignments because of the volume of submissions they receive. Volunteer as a judge for writing competitions. Contact community theaters and offer to read and evaluate new scripts.
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Study trade publications targeted at authors seeking literary or theatrical representation. These offer a thorough overview of what agents do and don't do for their clients, and many of them contain interviews with successful agents about how they got started. These insights can serve as "virtual mentors" if you don't know any agents who can tell you what the business is like. Also study titles related to book proposals, query letters, intellectual property laws, contract negotiations and running a business.
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Identify your area of specialization as a literary or theatrical agent. Large agencies have the advantage of covering a broad spectrum of projects, while an independent agent can cover only so much ground and be effective for her clients. Consider what type of material resonates with you. The more familiar you are with what has already been published or produced, the better relationships you can potentially foster with buyers, because they'll see that you're on top of market trends.
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If you want to be an independent agent, draft a business plan that identifies elements such overhead costs, licenses, scope of services and marketing. Whether you're planning to work from home or have a brick-and-mortar office, you must obtain a business license, comply with zoning regulations, register your business name and set up a business bank account. The U.S. Small Business Administration website can walk you through these critical steps as well as provide information on potential funding sources.
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Design the professional image you want to project through your website, business cards and brochures. Your website should identify the services you provide to clients, a bio of your background, contact information and a blog of writing tips on how clients can hone their craft. Be specific regarding the type of material you represent and how much of it you would like to see in an initial contact. As you build your clientele, include testimonials. Get listed in publications such as "Writer's Market" and websites such as WritersNet.
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Introduce yourself to prospective publishers or production companies through a paper letter that includes your business card. Provide a brief questionnaire on what type of material they are currently seeking. Always include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for replies. Advertise your new agency to prospective clients through trade magazines, writer websites and social media.
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Tips & Warnings
When you meet the qualifications, consider applying for membership to the Association of Authors' Representatives. Although membership is not required to open shop as an agent, authors often review the directory listing to assure themselves that their interests will be well represented.
Legitimate agents do not charge for their services. The income they derive comes from the sale of their clients' work, not for charges such as editing, consultation, photocopying, postage and phone calls.
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