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The O'Neill

Music Assistants

Waterford, CT · On-site

$750/wk

Score Coordinator, Literary Manager Department: Literary Compensation: $750 stipend, housing, meals Dates: Mid/Late July Music Assistants will provide direct support to the developmental workshop of ...

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How much do literary manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for literary manager in the United States is $61,351.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Literary Manager, you need strong industry knowledge, excellent analytical reading skills, and a background in literature, creative writing, or a related field. Familiarity with manuscript submission platforms, contract negotiation tools, and industry databases is typical, and some positions may require a relevant certification or membership in professional organizations. Outstanding networking abilities, communication, and organizational skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for discovering new talent, guiding writers' careers, and ensuring successful partnerships within the publishing and entertainment industries.

What does a literary manager do?

A literary manager evaluates and selects scripts, manuscripts, or proposals for production or publication, often working with writers, agents, or producers. They coordinate development, provide feedback, and help secure opportunities, typically requiring strong communication and industry knowledge. Their role is common in film, television, and publishing industries.

What is a literary manager?

A literary manager is a professional who represents writers, such as screenwriters, playwrights, and authors, helping them develop their careers and find opportunities in the entertainment industry. Unlike agents, literary managers focus more on guiding and advising clients, assisting with creative development, and helping to shape their projects before they are submitted to studios or publishers. They also help writers build industry connections, negotiate deals, and manage their professional growth. Literary managers often work closely with agents and producers to maximize their clients' chances of success.

How much do literary managers make?

Literary managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization. Many also receive bonuses or commissions based on successful deals or projects, and strong industry connections can influence earning potential.

How does a literary manager typically collaborate with writers and agents during the development process?

A Literary Manager works closely with writers to help shape their projects, offering creative feedback and strategic guidance to refine scripts or manuscripts. They also serve as a key point of communication between writers and agents, ensuring that projects are positioned effectively for submission to studios, publishers, or production companies. This collaboration often involves coordinating meetings, managing deadlines, and advocating for the writer's vision while balancing industry demands. Building strong relationships and maintaining open communication are essential for successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Literary Manager vs Literary Agent?

AspectLiterary ManagerLiterary Agent
CredentialsTypically requires industry experience, strong network, and knowledge of publishingRequires industry experience, licensing knowledge, and often a background in publishing or law
Work EnvironmentWorks within production companies, theaters, or literary departmentsWorks for agencies representing authors and negotiating deals
Employer & Industry UsageUsed mainly in theater, film, and television industriesCommonly used in publishing and literary representation
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles in content development and project managementCompared for roles involving author representation and deal negotiation

While both roles involve working with literary content, a Literary Manager typically focuses on developing and managing literary projects within production companies or theaters. In contrast, a Literary Agent primarily represents authors, negotiating publishing deals and licensing rights. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the literary industry.

More about Literary Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Literary Manager jobs? Cities with the most Literary Manager job openings:
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Literary Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Literary Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% As Needed, 4% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 18% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 14% Physical, and 86% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,351 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Literary Manager/Dramaturg

Lincoln Center Theater

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Overview:

LCT's mission is to bring exceptional theater to life. Building on a legacy of artistic excellence, LCT strives to expand what is possible: to make the magic of theatre more palpable, empowering visionary artists and extending the invitation for the community to join in celebrating the power of live performance. This upcoming season embodies this mission-driven work and is the second under the leadership of Kewsong Lee Artistic DirectorLear deBessonet,Managing DirectorMike Schleifer, Executive ProducerBarlett Sher, Stacey and Eric Mindich ProducerNicole Kastrinos, and LCT3 Artistic Director and ProducerMaria Manuela Goyanes.


Foundedin 1985 by Board Chair Hon. John V. Lindsay, Executive Producer Bernard Gersten and Director Gregory Mosher, and led for 33 years by Andre Bishop,LCT is one of the leading nonprofit theaters in the country, producing an annual season of plays and musicals that have been seen by millions around the globe. It is one of 11 autonomous constituents of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.Each year, the three theaters that make up LCT welcomenearly 400,000audience members to its home on the Lincoln Center campus.
Over the last 40 years, LCT and its outstanding productions have received many of the highest accolades, including 91 Tony Awards, 181 Drama Desk Awards, 84 Outer Critics Circle Awards, 36 Obies, 13 NY Drama Critics Circle Awards, and one Pulitzer Prize, as well as two finalists.

LCT Values:

LCT is dedicated to fostering a theater representative ofall ofthe populations we serve. We are proactively committed to better serve artists, staff, crews, audiences, and broadercommunitiesthrough our organization's values. We welcome applicants who are in alignment with our organization's values of empathy, dignity, and care.

Position Summary:

The Literary Manager/Dramaturg,will work with Lincoln Center Theater'sKewsong LeeArtistic Director,Lear deBessonet, on selecting, developing, and producing new productions each season. In addition, the Literary Manager/Dramaturg will oversee play submissions,solicitscripts, and see work at every level of New York theater and beyond with special attention paid to emerging directors, designers, actors, and writers.

Responsibilities:

  • Oversee new script submissions, read and provide coverage,maintaina log ofsubmittedwork, and meet with playwrights.
  • Solicits, reads, evaluates,reports onand responds to submissions of new work. Helpsmaintaina submission log and shared tracking system, as well as communications with agents and writers
  • Actively engage and refine ongoing long-term artistic vision for Lincoln Center Theater along withthe ArtisticLeadership Team and theProducing Team.
  • Partner in curating new commissions and in developing a plan for fostering relationships with commissioned writers, including arranging workshops.
  • Act as Executive Editor of the on-going publication of LCT's Magazine; LCT Review
  • Reconceive andleadtheannualDirector's Lab
  • Assist the Artistic teamin all productions, in-house readings,workshopsand other relevant events. Duties will include coordinating with multiple LCT departments, scheduling, serving as a liaison between stage management and the LCT staff (when necessary), attending all events, and providing creative input and feedback to the artists
  • Attend performances, readings, workshops, and other events in New York City and beyondin order toidentifyartists and works for consideration.

Position Requirements and Experience:

  • At leastfiveyears of experience with the new play development process, either as an artist,producer, literary manager, or dramaturg.
  • Institutional theater experience is welcomed.
  • Experience with both new play development and reinvestigation of classic texts.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to guide the artistic vision of Lincoln Center Theater.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across all departments, incorporating LCT's values in everyfacetofthe process
  • Broad knowledge of live performance of all mediums and genres, theater history, American playwrights, and the contemporary theater landscape, both in New York City and regionally
  • Abilityto communicate with equal clarity to artists, crew people, administration, and the many other colleagues making work at LCT.


Compensation:

This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position with anannualsalary range of $125,000-$135,000. Lincoln Center Theater provides comprehensive benefitsincluding:Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 403(b) and Employer Match, and Paid Time Off.


Application Instructions:

Please applyhere:https://lct.bamboohr.com/careers/72

Pleasesubmityour resume, cover letter, and writingmaterialsdescribedbelowas part of your application:


Cover Letter
In your cover letter, please share which plays produced by Lincoln Center Theater you have found particularly meaningful and why. We would also appreciate learning about your approach to collaborating with playwrights throughout the development process.

Writing Sample
Please provide a writing sample of approximately one page thatdemonstratesyour ability to write about theater. This may include aplaysynopsis or summary, a programnote, or another sample of theater-related writing.

PlaySelection& Artistic Statement
To help us understand your artistic taste and aesthetic interests, please selectfive playsthat reflect the breadth of your interests and influences. For each play, write a paragraph describing why it is meaningful to you and what specifically resonates with you about the work. Your selections may include recently produced new plays, classics, musicals, or unproduced works.


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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, affectional preference, gender identity or expression, sexual and reproductive health decisions, pregnancy, disability, genetic predisposition, age, military or veteran status, marital or familial status, or any other protected characteristic, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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