Literary Assistant

This is a Full Time Job

London - New Oxford Street

Job Description

The Role:

We are seeking a highly motivated, organised, and enthusiastic assistant to join our London Literary department. The Books team in London is a dynamic and collaborative group of agents and assistants, whose various remits include Primary Agenting and the sale of International Rights.

The ideal candidate will be an avid reader who is enthusiastic about books, plugged into the latest market trends and has a keen awareness of the UK publishing market as a whole. A genuine passion for a variety of popular fiction genres and an understanding of online communities is desirable. We particularly encourage applicants who are active on social media and #BookTok and can demonstrate that they understand how to engage with online communities by brainstorming ideas and executing them when tasked with creating meaningful content that pulls in new readers and writers. Working creatively on the Lucy Cavendish Debut Fiction Prize, sponsored by WME, is a large part of the role.

Previous experience in a literary agency or publishing house is desirable but not essential.

The candidate will ideally have:
• A passion for reading, with a proven interest in global publishing and entertainment.
• An exceptional understanding of how and where different readers discover books, including traditional channels and online communities.
• A proficiency in using content creation tools such as Canva and an enthusiasm for finding new ways to grow an online presence and reach new readers and writers.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Great attention to detail and the ability to work to a high standard whilst managing a high volume of information.
• A willingness to learn quickly, with a hard-working, extra-mile attitude compatible with a fast-paced environment.
• A genuine team-player who is reliable, can take initiative and solve problems.
• A clear understanding of the importance of excellent client service and absolute discretion.

Responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to:
• Assisting with the evaluation of manuscripts and book proposals for all genres and producing concise reading reports.
• Liaising with authors, publishers, and colleagues; maintaining good relationships and open communication.
• Assisting the team with logistics, event-planning and social media for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize.
• Assisting with the preparation of submissions, tracking contracts, payments and royalties.
• Paying attention to trends in the UK and international markets and reporting back to the team.
• Proactive support to agent including diary management (including London Book Fair scheduling), travel arrangements, answering phones and drafting correspondence.