Agent

A literary agent, or authors' agent, negotiates between authors and those who produce the authors' work.

These would include book publishers; radio, television and film producers; and theatre managers.

An agent's tasks include: dealing with proposals and reading manuscripts to decide which authors to represent; offering editorial advice to authors; advising authors on career strategy; managing intellectual property rights; negotiating deals with producers on the authors' behalf.

Other duties include: sending out proposals and manuscripts for consideration; building up contacts throughout the industry; and updating producers about authors' work.

Literary agents earn commission, usually 10% to 20% of the authors' earnings.

New entrants are likely to be graduates of any discipline.

Most agents enter with previous experience in publishing, for example as a commissioning editor or a rights manager. The Agents' Association (Great Britain) has a useful website which allows a search of agents across Britain.

You would need general administration skills, and you may find it useful to have qualifications or experience in areas such as word processing, book-keeping, public relations and marketing.

A degree could be an advantage, although not essential. Relevant subjects include arts management, arts administration options in other arts-related degrees and business studies, but relevant experience is more important than having a degree.