Literary Agent Jobs

The tools you need to start a great literary agent career
By Shannon Tani Literary agent jobs are perfect for those who love books and like interacting with people. Literary agents act as the go-between for authors and publishing companies, working on behalf of the authors, but helping publishing companies by weeding through the work that's simply unacceptable.

When it comes to getting good jobs, literary agent and author alike must understand what the publishing companies need. If you really want to succeed in your literary agent career, you'll constantly bring good material to the publishing companies. This will give you a good reputation and more work.

If you are interested in literary agency jobs:

1. Network to meet people in publishing. Those who have careers as a literary agent must know many people in the publishing industry so that they can match up authors with a publisher that would be interested in them.

2. Have your resume written by a professional resume writer. The added professional look could give you what it takes to get many offers for literary agent jobs.

3. Stay current with industry news by reading magazines or jointing professional organizations.

Take an internship to start your literary agent career

If you want to get your career off to a great start, you need experience and there's no better way to get that experience than through an internship. While it may not come with a literary agent salary, the experience you will gain is worth a fortune.
Try:  Search for internships at a website like InternshipPrograms.com. You also may want to contact a literary agency directly to see if they have an internship program. The Charlotte Gusay Literary Agency does.

Search for a book agent job

It's definitely convenient to start your search for a literary agent job online. Most websites allow you to upload your resume so that you can easily send it to potential employers.
Try:  Check out the job boards at The Vault. This site also contains tips for getting jobs in any industry, including the literary world. You can also find positions listed at MySpace Jobs.

Use an executive search firm to find literary agent jobs

There can be a lot of competition for jobs in a literary agency, so it's a good idea to know you have someone working on your side. An executive recruiter will work hard to put you in the company that's right for you.
Try:  Contact PJ Lynch Associates to get started with your job hunt. Semper International is another good choice.

• If you are still in college, check the college career center to see if they have information on book agent jobs. In many cases, they will be able to introduce you with a company that is specifically looking to hire new college graduates for an entry level literary agent job opening.