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Literary Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Literary Assistant information

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How much do literary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for literary assistant in the United States is $29.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $48.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a literary assistant?

Literary assistants are professionals who provide administrative and organizational support to literary agents, editors, or publishers. Their duties often include reading and evaluating manuscripts, managing correspondence with authors and clients, scheduling meetings, and handling submissions. Literary assistants help ensure smooth operations within a literary agency or publishing house, serving as a key link between authors and industry professionals. This role is often an entry point for those interested in pursuing a career in publishing or literary representation.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a literary assistant in a publishing agency?

A Literary Assistant in a publishing agency typically manages a variety of tasks such as scheduling meetings, tracking manuscript submissions, and preparing query letters. They often act as the first point of contact for authors and editors, handling correspondence and organizing the agent's calendar. Additionally, Literary Assistants may review incoming manuscripts, provide feedback, and maintain records of contracts and royalties. This role requires excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a literary assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Literary Assistant, you need excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and a solid background in English, literature, or publishing. Familiarity with manuscript tracking systems, Microsoft Office, and sometimes editorial software like Adobe InDesign or proofreading tools is typically required. Strong organizational abilities, discretion, and a proactive attitude help you manage multiple projects and build relationships with authors and agents. These skills are crucial for efficiently supporting literary agents or editors, ensuring smooth workflow, and contributing to the success of literary projects.

What is the difference between Literary Assistant vs Editorial Assistant?

AspectLiterary AssistantEditorial Assistant
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, strong writing and communication skillsBachelor's degree, editing and proofreading skills
Work EnvironmentPublishing houses, literary agencies, or literary departmentsPublishing companies, magazines, or publishing departments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in literary and publishing industriesAcross various publishing sectors including books, magazines, and online media
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in literary publishingUnderstanding roles in editing and publishing

Literary Assistants typically focus on supporting literary agents or publishers with manuscript review, research, and administrative tasks, often in literary agencies or publishing houses. Editorial Assistants handle editing, proofreading, and content preparation for publications. While both roles require strong communication skills and a bachelor's degree, Literary Assistants are more involved in manuscript acquisition and agent support, whereas Editorial Assistants focus on content editing and production processes.

How do you become a literary assistant?

To become a literary assistant, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in English, literature, or a related field, along with strong writing, editing, and organizational skills. Experience in publishing, internships, or familiarity with manuscript review processes can also be beneficial. Some roles may require knowledge of industry tools like Microsoft Office or editing software.
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Infographic showing various Literary Assistant job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,851 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

Undergraduate Research Assistantship - Literary Assistant

Manhattan, NY β€’ On-site

Pace University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional SchoolsΒ β€’Β 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Serve as an undergraduate research assistant on the project: Literary Arts Research and Programming Assistant.

The Literary Arts Research and Programming Assistant will research and co-administer, with me, the many arts activities I direct, as the New York City English Director of Creative and Professional Writing. both on campus and as extracurricular activities off campus. Also, a student creative writing project to enhance career development will be included in the Research Assistantship and mentored by me. This project will involve research for writing and research of possible sources for publishing the creative work in electronic or paper formats.

This work will include coordinating field trips to literary and artistic organizations, plays, readings in NYC, and other literary events; arranging on-campus conversations with outside creative and professional writers in English Dept. Literature and Professional and Creative Writing classes; coordinating on-campus readings by professional writers and Pace students; co-directing our annual spring writing awards program and ceremony, with refreshments and $20,000 in student prizes; organizing our collaborative English & Performing Arts annual Spring Writers' Festival with a student reading and the reading of a professional featured writer; conducting fall and spring student creative writing readings in collaboration with Aphros magazine; and throughout the AY26-27 year, researching and writing a creative work.


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About Pace University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pace has always prioritized student success. A century ago, that meant propelling people to new highs in practical business careers. Our educational model is still real-worldβ€”but today Pace offers unbeatable opportunity to ambitious students at every level, in dozens of disciplines, and on three campuses. Ranked in the top 9% of private US colleges that provide the best return on tuition investment, Pace University transforms the lives of its diverse studentsβ€”academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. We are at the forefront of creating opportunity and that mission is expressed in our motto: Opportunitas.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1906

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