Job Openings

Since I don't live in New York, I can't apply for these positions, but if someone wanted to get a leg up in agenting, here's two spots to start, courtesy of Publishers Marketplace:

At Trident Media, they're in need of a foreign rights assistant. Now, I could swear that they were looking for the same assistant not that long ago. High turnover? Fast burn-out? Or maybe it's the salary, butting up against the cost of living in NYC:

The right candidate must have at least one to two years of book publishing experience, preferably at a literary agency. Strong organization skills and a willingness to put in long hours when necessary are a must. Must be personable, energetic, detail-minded, and extremely well organized with the ability to prioritize.

Other responsibilities include trafficking and processing payments and contracts, corresponding and talking with clients and publishers, answering a heavy volume of daily email, tracking manuscript and book submissions, organizing trips to Frankfurt and London for the Book Fairs, reading manuscripts (must love books!), writing editorial letters, filing, and general administrative duties. Proficiency in Word, Excel a must; knowledge of BAITS software a plus.

And what are they paying? Maybe I expect too much, but $28,000 per year, even with medical and dental coverage, sounds a bit low for that much responsibility. Why, reading the slush alone must be worthy of combat pay.

Nicholas Ellison is on the prowl for a literary agent assistant, but they leave off the salary part. Now, if it was a high-paying job, you'd think they would make the salary a banner headline, but they're keeping mum. Still, one has to start somewhere, and the bottom is usually the jumping off point.

If you take up the position, your duties are:

...author and editor correspondence, manuscript evaluation, preparation of author submissions and general office work. This position involves work in all aspects of publishing, including foreign and film rights. This job is an excellent opportunity for a self-starter who wants to be part of a diverse agency. Strong computer and writing skills essential. Some publishing experience preferred. Must be able to start immediately.

So, there you are, literary agent wanna-be, a couple of jobs available. Shoot them your resume and you're on your way to fame and fortune - and more rejection than a normal soul can handle.