I can't seem to find any info on how to become a literary agent. I was wondering if anybody is or knows an agent. If so, how can I become one? What are the job reqirements? Can I do it from my home town or do I need to move to Miami?
"Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try."
"Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try." - Yoda
Well for starters, you'd definitely need to move to LA -- perhaps NY, but LA would be the best starting point.
A college degree (and a lot of tenacity), may get you in the door of one of the agencies. Either as an assistant or office PA -- or even the mailroom.
The competition is fierce. I interviewed at ICM 4 years ago and they were getting 200 resumes a day.
Once you get in, expect long, grueling hours with little pay. Normally 9-7 M-F (if not longer), for maybe $500 a week BEFORE taxes. Some of the really big agencies pay even less.
Do that for at least two years, maybe longer, and one day you may work your way up to agent. Keep in mind, the dropout rate is very high and even those who make it through aren't guaranteed a promotion.
The great thing about being someone's assistant though, is that most of the incoming phone calls are screened through you. Over time, you will get to know hundreds of people. If you choose to go out on your own one day with your own company, you will have one foot in the door through those contacts alone.
What are you afraid of?
www.paranoia-tv.com
Excellent advice from Vertigo!
William Morris has an office in Miami, and there may be some smaller agencies there - you may have to check with writers groups in your area. But agencies are concentrated in NY LA and Chicago.
The very best way to find out how to become an agent is to walk into the office and ask. I know that seems simplistic - and really scary - but the personal touch is a good one. You really aren't going to find much info on the internet or even books, but one visit to an agent - not to apply for a job, but to ask about the job requirements - will answer all you questions in less than half an hour.
=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
Don't literary agents deal with books exclusively? If so I would suggest NY. If not ignore this post.
RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA
RJSchwarz
thanks for the feedback. My goal is to start my own agency.
"Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try."
"Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try." - Yoda
