As the literary world continues to expand with new authors, making it into the market daily seeking the right path to publishing their work, the duty of the literary agent has become more relevant. Becoming a literary agent can be a great way to make a fortune for yourself, especially if you have a passion for literature.
However, it is important to note that while educational qualification may not be a key requirement to become a literary agent, it can have a positive impact on your career later in life.
If you have chosen to become a literary agent, the next question that will come to mind is how to go about it. Like every other task, the duty of the literary agent can be tasking sometimes and requires some research to understand what materials have the right potential and which ones will in the future.
The purpose of this article is to help you understand how to become a literary agent and also shed some light on the things you need to know to succeed as a literary agent.
Who is a Literary Agent, What Does He Do?
First things first, it is important that you understand what it means to be a literary agent and the important work they do.
A literary agent goes through tons of proposals, manuscripts, and query letters to identify potential clients to work with. Depending on the quality of the content, the literary agent can decide to either represent an author or decline the offer. A good understanding of literary demand and marketability of work is essential as a literary agent. It forms the basis for decision-making when deciding whether or not to represent a writer.
They play a vital role between the author and their works. Their job is similar to that of a real estate agent who connects potential buyers to the right properties. However, in the case of a literary agent, he helps writers find the right publishing companies for their work. Besides, they also help editors to scout for the best talents to work with.
If you have ever written a book and tried finding the best deal with a publishing house, you will be conversant with some of the difficulties involved in the process. It is often difficult to find a publishing company that is willing to accept work directly from the author. Instead, they request that the manuscript be handed in by a literary agent.
Of course, we all know that as an established author, it is much easier to find agents for your next work. The case is different for new authors who are still struggling to break into the market. Hence, the job of a literary agent cannot be over-emphasized.
Therefore, if you have become a literary agent, below are the top 6 steps to help you become successful.
Top 5 Things you Must Know to Become A Successful Literary Agent
Becoming a literary agent does not require any form of formal education, certification, or background cross-examination. Anyone can take up a career as a literary agent. However, success in the field requires a lot of hard work, determination, strong negotiation power, and the zeal to succeed.
So, if you are sure you are ready for the task, below are 5 steps that will help you become successful in the job.
#1. Internship Can Be of Great Value
Knowing how to become a literary agent is one step to becoming successful in my career. It requires that you already have some years of publishing experience to lean on. Nonetheless, if otherwise is the case, then you must get some hands-on experience. Like many other professions, an internship is a great way to get on-field experience.
Working as an intern or as an assistant to an already established agent can be a great way to gain a hands-on experience in the field and have a first-hand look at the day-to-day activities of a literary agent. An internship will also expose you to the secrets and workings of the publishing industry.
Way back when they were only a few literary agents available in New York, finding a place for an internship was a herculean task. Today there are a lot of agencies and publishers scattered across the country that you no longer need to travel miles to find one. It is also possible to find virtual publishers today online who are willing to guide you through the process.
#2. Grow Your Network
Just like every other industry, networking is an essential part of becoming successful as an agent. When applied to publishing, it is mostly about “who you know and not what you know”. However, this does not undermine the fact that you need to gain experience before venturing into a new field of endeavor.
Building a quality network takes years of hard work to build and does not happen at the spur. Therefore, it is essential to network in the early years of your career as a literary agent. Your internship is also a great opportunity to connect with some great minds in the industry. Ensure to make your goals clear to all the people you work with. Remember, the job requires boldness and you don’t need to be shy to express yourself and what you represent.
Reach out to publishers and publishing houses, talk to them about your services, and inquire about their openings. While it might not count as an outright success, it is a great avenue to put your name out there in the market. Also, plan to attend a writer’s conference, it is a great meeting point for writers and other key players in the industry. You might make one or two interesting connections attending this kind of event and many more.
#3. Learn and Understand the Process of Publishing
Understanding the publishing process is also a step in understanding how to become a literary agent. Since your key responsibility as a literary agent is to help authors land a publishing deal, it is essential to understand what it takes to publish a book.
It is essential to understand what kinds of books are acceptable by different publishing houses, in this, you know just the right publishing house to send each client. Writers want to be confident and sure that they are the right man for the job. Therefore, it is essential to study the industry in and out for a deeper understanding.
#4. Decide Whether to Work With an Organization or Start a Private Practice
There are very few technical hitches on the journey to becoming a literary agent. So, little or no hurdles are stopping you from running your private firm like other literary agents. Notwithstanding, capital, smart business ideas, and time can be hindrances to starting your private practice. As such, while starting a private firm is an excellent idea, ensure that you have the necessary resources. Smart business requires planning, enough time, and capital to be successful.
However, if you cannot run a private firm, there are numerous opportunities to join other established firms as an agent. Sites like Publishers Market, Bookjob, and Flexjobs are great sites to start from when searching for an agency to kickstart your career.
#5. Be a Great Reader—Read Everything
Understanding what literature material can become a great bestseller takes more than mere instinct. An appetite for literary works is what you need. Even if you are focused on representing only writers of poetry and science fiction, still find the time to read everything. The best literary agents are those that go an extra mile to cultivate a good understanding of fields outside their field. They know about other works selling at the moment as well as the right time to present a particular genre before a publishing house.
Many successful literary agents read all kinds of literary works ranging from short stories, to plays and magazine columns to identify potential works for the season. however, because of the tone of query letters that arrive at the literary agent’s table on a daily, requesting a manuscript from ever,y the new author is not possible. Therefore, staying abreast with the current trends is one way to understand what works are most likely to become a successful venture.
Skills and Qualities That Sets a Succesful Literary Agent Apart from The Rest
Some skills and qualities define a successful literary agent and set him apart from the rest. If you have one of these qualities, you might be successful as a literary agent.
A Passion for Reading and Literature
Killer instincts are great, however, becoming a successful agent takes more than instinct. It requires a genuine passion for reading and literature. You need to be conversant with many genres and not just the specific one of your interest.
Great literary agents that become successful in their careers are those that understand the market structure. They know what is selling at the moment and what will sell in a few months. The ability to predict the market does not come from just instinct alone but from constant reading and keeping abreast with the current happenings.
You may not be a great writer and still succeed as an agent. But you need the eye for great writings (and also bad writings). There is no better way to understand what good writing entails besides reading.
Learn Great Business Skills
What differentiates a successful agent from the rest is his business savviness. Successful agents are those with excellent business skills. They understand the market and know how to land the best deals for their clients.
A successful agent is great with communication and has a strong negotiation power. He has a good understanding of the nitty-gritty of a potential bestseller. Communication is a great part of the job and you need to cultivate a love for communication just as your love for books. Shy people who will readily accept any deal just to avoid long talks usually don’t make the best agents in the field.
To be a successful literary agent means coming out of your comfort zone and putting in the extra work to improve your communication and negotiation power. There are a lot of online resources that can help you understand how best to sell a book as an agent.
Develop a Sincere Care for Writers and Their Works
Since ensuring that writers find the best path for their books is your primary duty, you need to care genuinely for writers and their work. Develop an interest in what will work best for them and assist them through the path to success.
How Much Does a Literary Agent Earn?
It is almost customary for literary agents to charge commissions for their work, which can be as low as 5% and as much as 25%. Therefore, the salary range for agents can greatly vary according to the offer amount for the work.
Schmoop keeps the average salary of a literary agent at $60,000 per annum. The top tier earners take home as much as $100,000 while the low tier earners make as much as $25,000 per annum. Conversely, since earnings are mostly commission-based, a large part of your success as a literary agent depends on how successful your client’s deal closes.
Conclusion
With the right skill set and determination, anybody can become a successful literary agent. One of the greatest joys of becoming a literary agent is to watch your clients succeed. Becoming a literary agent does not require any special certification or education.
However, a degree in business management, the English language, and a mastery of communication and interpersonal relationship can go a long way to help you become successful in your career.
If you are considering taking up a career in a publishing company in the future, becoming a literary agent is a great step in the right direction. Start today by gaining the experience you require through an internship.
References
- TCK Publishing—How to Become a Literary Agent: Six Steps for Success
- Zippa—How to Become a Literary Agent
- The Guardian—How do I Become… A Literary Agent
- Masterclass—How to Become a Literary Agent: 5 Tips for Working as a Literary Agent
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