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Literary Agents Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Build and maintain relationships with literary agents to solicit submissions, read and evaluate manuscripts, and meet with prospective authors to discuss editorial and strategic vision * Present ...

Associate Editor

Austin, TX · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Build and maintain relationships with literary agents to solicit submissions, read and evaluate manuscripts, and meet with prospective authors to discuss editorial and strategic vision * Present ...

Associate Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$60K - $65K/yr

Build and maintain relationships with literary agents to solicit submissions, read and evaluate manuscripts, and meet with prospective authors to discuss editorial and strategic vision * Present ...

Associate Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$60K - $65K/yr

Build and maintain relationships with literary agents to solicit submissions, read and evaluate manuscripts, and meet with prospective authors to discuss editorial and strategic vision * Present ...

Working with established historians, emerging scholars, leading public intellectuals, journalists, and literary agents, you will acquire 20-25 books per year and publish ambitious, market-aware books ...

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Literary Agents information

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$11K

$66.9K

$101K

How much do literary agents jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for literary agents in the United States is $66,913.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Literary Agents vs Literary Scouts?

AspectLiterary AgentsLiterary Scouts
CredentialsTypically require industry knowledge, networking skills, and sometimes a background in literature or publishingRequire strong knowledge of market trends, literary works, and industry contacts, often with experience in publishing or editing
Work EnvironmentWork primarily in offices or remotely, representing authors and negotiating dealsWork in publishing houses or as freelancers, scouting for marketable content and trends
Employer & Industry UsageRepresent authors to publishers, mainly in publishing industryAssist publishers and editors by identifying new talent and market opportunities
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in author representation and deal negotiationUnderstanding roles in content sourcing and market analysis

Literary agents focus on representing authors and negotiating publishing deals, while literary scouts specialize in identifying market trends and discovering new content for publishers. Both roles require industry knowledge but serve different functions within the publishing industry.

How do I get a job as a literary agent?

To become a literary agent, you typically need a strong understanding of the publishing industry, excellent communication skills, and a network of contacts. Many agents start with experience in publishing, editing, or writing, and some pursue internships or entry-level roles to gain industry knowledge before applying for agent positions.
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What cities are hiring for Literary Agents jobs?

Cities with the most Literary Agents job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Literary Agents jobs?

The most popular types of Literary Agents jobs are:

What states have the most Literary Agents jobs?

States with the most job openings for Literary Agents jobs include:

Infographic showing various Literary Agents job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,913 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Assistant Editor, Forever, Grand Central Publishing Group

Hachette Book Group

New York, NY

$55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

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Key responsibilities

  • Support senior editorial staff with editorial and administrative tasks related to submissions, manuscripts, authors, and titles.

  • Assist with the editorial development of titles, including manuscript editing, preparation of editorial materials, and tracking publishing schedules.

  • Develop relationships with authors and literary agents and participate in editorial and acquisitions discussions.


Hachette Book Group rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 19 rated publishing


Job description

SUMMARY

The Assistant Editor provides editorial and administrative support to assigned senior editorial staff at Forever while developing increasing responsibility for editorial projects and assigned titles. The Assistant Editor supports titles throughout the publishing process, develops relationships with authors and literary agents, and begins to develop acquisition and editorial skills under the guidance of senior editorial staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide editorial and administrative support to assigned senior editorial staff, including support related to submissions, manuscripts, authors, and titles.
  • Read and evaluate manuscript and proposal submissions and prepare reader reports as needed.
  • Communicate with authors, literary agents, and internal departments regarding schedules, materials, payments, and other title-related matters.
  • Assist with the editorial development of assigned titles, including manuscript editing and preparation for transmittal to Managing Editorial.
  • Take increasing responsibility for assigned titles and projects throughout the publishing process, under the guidance of senior editorial staff.
  • Prepare title fact sheets, key selling points, comparative title information, catalog and jacket/flap copy, and other editorial materials.
  • Enter and maintain accurate title information and metadata in company systems throughout the publishing process.
  • Prepare pre-acquisition materials, including profit-and-loss statements, acquisition materials, deal memos, and contract requests.
  • Coordinate with Managing Editorial, Production, Design, Marketing, Publicity, Sales, Legal, Contracts, and other departments to support titles through publication.
  • Track schedules, deadlines, and deliverables for assigned projects and follow up with internal and external partners as needed.
  • Develop relationships with authors and literary agents and begin identifying potential projects for acquisition.
  • Participate in editorial and acquisitions discussions and begin developing an acquisitions list under the guidance of senior editorial staff.
  • Perform administrative duties associated with supporting assigned editors and the broader needs of the department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

  • Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across departments.
  • Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the publishing categories relevant to the imprint.
  • Ability to exercise developing editorial judgment and take increasing ownership of assigned titles and projects.
  • Ability to develop productive relationships with authors, literary agents, and internal partners.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn and effectively use publishing databases and systems.
  • At least one year of experience in publishing or book-related field

This role is based in ourNew Yorkoffice. Employees are expected to work on-site three days per week in accordance with our hybrid work model. Candidates must be able to reliably commute to the office.

The compensation for this position is $55,500. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and-talk with your recruiter to learn more. There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects.

As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all aspects of our business is fundamental to what we do. Our publishing programs must reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views and ideas that shape our society and publish books for all readers.

Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The following benefits are offered by the company: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, health and dependent care FSA, commuter benefit plan, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, travel assistance, 401(k), discretionary bonus program, PTO (15 vacationdays, 3 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave) and group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

Employment Type: Full-Time

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