ArtHouse Literary Agency is seeking a US-based literary agent ready to build their own client list in fiction and nonfiction; to collaborate and communicate with colleagues in admin/editorial virtual meetings; to help mentor associate agents; and to extend the breadth and depth of the ArtHouse list.
Aside from the core responsibilities of a literary agent—scouting for authors, developing book proposals and manuscripts with those authors, nurturing a healthy network of publishers and editors, closing US and UK deals, collaborating with our tv/film and international rights partners—the position includes drafting seasonal rights lists and content for the quarterly newsletter to announce your clients’ projects, as well as the handling of your authors’ royalty statements.
Essential Skills
Ideally, we’re looking for someone with at least one year of fiction and nonfiction experience at publishing houses or literary agencies who already have started building their own contact lists within the industry and have made at least one sale in fiction and nonfiction. Experience aside, we’re looking for someone with concrete ideas about what sorts of books they want to represent and where and how to find authors for these projects.
We particularly value applicants who:
+ are intellectually curious, analytical, creative
+ are highly organized with a keen eye for detail
+ are comfortable researching academic and mainstream sources of information, and speaking with relevant experts as needed
+ have proofreading and copy-editing skills
+ are driven, self-motivated, and can take the initiative and solve problems
+ are happy to work both independently and collaboratively
+ have excellent judgment and excellent written and verbal communication skills
+ enjoy building networks and connecting people from different fields
Also, this is a fully remote position, so we’re looking for someone who doesn’t mind (or actively looks forward to) working without close supervision.
About Our Company
ArtHouse Literary is a full-service boutique agency with a diverse and eclectic client list. We strive endlessly to cultivate flourishing and fruitful relationships with clients and colleagues across the publishing and media industries, and we pride ourselves in offering our clients and partners the opportunity to be at the forefront of a cultural shift: from developing concepts and ideas with our authors to strategizing their long-term career goals; from selling domestic, foreign, film and other subsidiary rights to brainstorming marketing and publicity plans; and, always, advocating for our authors.
Here at ArtHouse, we're dedicated to pushing forward in the industry with diverse voices and perspectives, and we're especially passionate about finding new voices who have a unique story to tell in a way we've never seen it done before. We help build and facilitate the careers of passionate writers who seek to provoke readers and worldviews in new and innovative ways, shifting the way readers see the world, and we work hard to guide our authors through the complex publication process, securing and negotiating contracts on their behalf. We believe a good book is the perfect escape, and insightful edits are the way to get there, so we bring our extensive editorial experience and knowledge to the table for our clients in editing and polishing their work before submitting it to publishers. With a boutique frame of mind and an anti-corporate approach, we provide each of our clients with a personal touch and each of our team members with vigorous training, mentoring and support – and we do this with a radically unique championing of diversity and a tremendous amount of joy.
Why arthouse?
With agents in the United States and Canada, we know what publishers are looking for in a proposal, and we have insider knowledge of the editorial and publishing processes that follow on from a book deal. We take a hands-on editorial role in helping our authors to conceive the right project and craft the strongest possible proposal, and we remain by their side throughout the entire publication process. We love working with authors who want to bring their big ideas and bold voices to a general audience and writers of brilliant prose who shine a light on how the world works.
HOW to apply
To apply, please contact Felice Laverne at felice@arthouselit.com with a CV/résumé and cover letter of no more than 750 words outlining why you are the right candidate for this role and demonstrating a clear understanding of our agency’s values. Tell us your dream Manuscript Wishlist, about the experience you have in agenting, and why agenting is a career you’re passionate about. We look forward to reading your application.
We believe that employing a diverse workforce is an important factor in success and make recruiting decisions based on applicants’ experience and skills. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion, or belief.