Requirements to Be a Literary Agent

Literary agents are avid readers with savvy business skills.

Almost anyone who has picked up pen and paper has dreamed of writing a novel. For the few that actually complete a novel, a literary agent --- someone who can represent their work to a publisher and negotiate the publishing contract --- is a must. While there are no specific education or licensing requirements to become a literary agent, certain skills and education can help you build a successful career.

Publishing Experience

Many literary agents began their careers by working for a publisher, usually in an editorial position. Working for a publisher provides an inside look at how the editorial process works, as well as the financial and business constraints that the company must work within. Successful literary agents often work with their clients to edit and refine their work before pitching to publishers, so it is important to have experience editing and proofreading before opening an agency. While it's helpful to have a college degree in English, writing or a related discipline, it's not required. Literary agents come from a diverse array of backgrounds, but all have a passion for great books and for working with authors.

Agency Experience

Working in a literary agency to gain experience is also important for anyone who wants to be a literary agent. While most of the largest literary agencies are located in New York, literary agents are all over the country. If you work for an agency outside of New York, be prepared to take several trips to the city each year to meet with editors. If you work in an agency, you can learn the basics of how to pitch, what to look for and how to develop the relationships necessary for a successful career.

Business Skills

Literary agents must have excellent negotiation and persuasion skills, in addition to basic business skills. The primary purpose of a literary agent is to convince publishers to publish their clients' works. Agents must be able to succinctly explain the positive attributes of books and tell editors why they need to publish the works. An agent needs to be persistent, and thick-skinned, since a project the agent is passionate about might be hated by others. A successful agent is also not afraid to negotiate on behalf of a client for higher royalties, a larger print run or a more substantial marketing budget.

Develop Relationships

A successful literary agent is one who understand the publishing industry and its trends and changes. This generally requires staying on top of industry news and networking with other professionals. Publishing deals are often based on relationships, so literary agents need to build working relationships with editors and publishers from a variety of houses. Agents with consistent sales are usually those who have earned the trust of editors by consistently representing quality projects. Staying on top of an editor's interests is a key to a successful agent's career.

References

• ONet Online: Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

Resources

• Association of Author's Representatives