Literary Agent Jobs Education and Training

Learn about becoming a literary agent through literary agent jobs education and training

By Sherril Steele-Carlin, Freelance Writer
Literary agent jobs are exciting, dynamic, and deal with both new and experienced authors. They negotiate contracts and deals with publishing houses and they ensure publishing houses don't take advantage of the authors they represent. A great agent can help create multi-million dollar deals, and make their author a household name. To begin literary agency careers, find education, work experience, and training online and in publishing houses.

Create your own jobs as a literary agent by learning how to become a literary agent. Look for:

1. Books and manuals on employment for literary agents.

2. Training and informational videos on literary agency careers.

3. Work in the publishing industry to ready you for book agent jobs.

 

Read books and manuals that describe careers as a literary agent

It doesn't take much to set up your own literary agency, just a nose for good writing and some basic contracts and skills. You can read about what you need in training manuals and books that offer advice on becoming a literary agent. You can also find employment for literary agents in other agencies once you gain some experience on your own.
Try: Lulu.com offers a book, the "New Literary Agent's Package" in traditional or downloadable formats that teaches you how to become a literary agent. Houghton Mifflin Company offers a book, "How to Be Your Own Literary Agent: An Insider's Guide to Getting Your Book Published" for authors who also want to act as their own literary agents.

View videos and training courses on your literary agent career

If you want the best jobs, literary agent training is easy to find online. There are several avenues you can follow to learn about becoming a literary agent.
Try: VideoJug offers a series of videos on Life as an Agent, including how to break into the business. Writers College offers an online course on how to become a literary agent.

Learn more about employment for literary agents by working in the publishing industry

Many agents begin their careers in the publishing industry, where they learn how to edit and choose manuscripts, make contacts and learn what makes a good book. Then, they launch their own literary agent careers, complete with a nice literary agent salary. Find a publishing house that offers training or initiation programs to get your feet wet and prepare for a literary agent career.
Try: Random House offers an Associates Program, a year-long program for college graduates who want to learn more about the publishing industry. This could be your first step towards becoming a literary agent. Try working for a smaller publisher, like Abbeville Press, where you can wear more hats and learn more creative ways to become a literary agent.

 

  • Some literary agents look for junior or new agents to help them when they grow too large to serve all their clients. Look for local agencies with a literary agent job opening to get your foot in the door and learn the business. Alternatively, offer to serve as an intern part-time to learn more and gain the experience to become a full-time literary agent.