Everyone says that there is never a ‘typical day’ in their job, but this is also true for being a literary agent. Days are varied, which is part of the fun, challenge, and excitement. For those interested I made a list of what I did one day late last week so you can get an idea:
Boot up my computer, download emails, check Twitter and industry blogs.
Respond to emails in order of importance: my clients’ editors, clients with pending projects, and so forth.
Start to edit client’s manuscript, but emails coming in invariably make me put it down and pick it up in the evening when things are quiet.
Pick up a requested manuscript that I began last night, but didn’t finish.
Respond to an email regarding an offer for a client and subsequent negotiations.
Take a quick look at new requested projects coming in. Saw something that immediately made me make notes for a blog post.
Continue reading the requested manuscript that I’d been reading. (Loving it!) Email the author with questions about previous representation, what style of representation they look for in an agent, and their literary career ambitions.
Email clients with manuscripts out with editors to update them on their status.
Create new 2012 submission spreadsheets.
Tweet DM with a client (everyone has their own communication style!).
Read and comment on a press release for a client’s pending acquisition announcement.
Email co-workers about website update, status on upcoming client projects, and client contract negotiation.
Make a ‘to-do’ list for the weekend (read queries, read client non-fiction proposal, edit client projects) and next week (getting two clients ready for submission this month).
Phew. Very busy!
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It is! Reading takes up the weekend, too. But, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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I just sent my query so you have more reading for the weekend :)
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I think you sent it twice! Once on the weekend and once today!
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I’m so glad I recently followed you. This was fun – learning a bit about what an agent DOES on the day-to-day scale.
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It was a very ‘behind the scenes’ look! I hope it answers some questions about what we do and shows how much we do in the evenings and on the weekends. We do it all to discover and represent fantastic writers out there. We’re always looking.
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I like how balanced your day is between working on current projects and finding new talent. Thanks for the sneak peek!
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This is definitely more true for newbie agents. We are in a position to develop a client list and therefore look at more partials and fulls. This wouldn’t be as true for more established agents.
Glad you enjoyed it!
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So sorry Carly, I just checked after I saw your repsonse and somehow my draft got sent to you. If possible, please ignore the first and read the second one. Thank you!
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I admire your enthusiasm! And I follow your entries closely. . .because they are so informative. Thanks.
Harriet Parke
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Thanks for stopping by, Harriet!
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