A Foot In The Door

What better way to get your manuscript under the nose of a literary agent than to get your foot in the door of the agency and work behind the scenes? If you're really determined to get published, you'll take this job:

We are looking for an ambitious agent’s assistant, who would be enthusiastic to work with a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction projects.

The assistant will organize and send submissions to publishers, draft personalized letters, edit client manuscripts, and read and review incoming queries and manuscripts. In addition, the assistant will write plot synopses, critical evaluations, and participate in editorial meetings with agents and authors. We are looking for someone to tackle all of these tasks, while also answering the phone and coordinating meetings and schedules.

Applicants must be articulate, personable, and hold a high level of interest in the publishing field. At least 2 years of relevant experience at a major trade house is ideal. Strong written, verbal, and computer skills are necessary. Advanced familiarity with Microsoft Office and online resources are essential. Applicants should be motivated, highly organized, tech-savvy, and have the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The assistant must be able to work with and without direct supervision.

 It doesn't sound very complicated or difficult. You've finished a manuscript, so you've demonstrated the ability to see things through to the end. As for answering a phone, you do it every day. And who doesn't know Microsoft Office? Especially Word.

Where is this job to be had, you ask?

No less an agency than Inkwell Management.

InkWell is one of the world’s leading literary agencies, proudly representing major literary prize winners as well as many of the world’s bestselling and best-loved authors. We enjoy a considerable international reputation as a significant and innovative player in the industry.
In addition to its full-time agents and their assistants, the InkWell team includes a tireless foreign rights department, a dedicated social media, marketing and publicity expert, and a meticulous contracts manager. We also join forces with leading literary agencies in every foreign market and have agents based in Australia, Boston, and Dallas. We continue to be excited by—and on the lookout for—original ideas, riveting stories and great writing.

Imagine yourself in their New York office, reading queries and casually slipping your own into the pile. Then you'd write up an evaluation that lauds your own work, which is praiseworthy anyway so it's no lie.

With great subtlety you slip that "requested" manuscript onto the desk of Kim Witherspoon or Alexis Hurley and you're on your way to a fat contract with a major publishing house.

Send your resume to the Hiring Manager and get ready to insert your foot firmly in the door. It's the first step on the smoother side of the rocky road to publishing. And don't forget who sent you. If a query shows up from a certain writer who told you about the job in the first place...