Literary Agent

  • Wave Literary is looking for a US-based Literary Agent to join our dynamic team. 

    We are looking for someone with a special instinct for transformative stories, a keen editorial eye, and a passion for writing and world-changing ideas. The agent will represent their own nonfiction clients, and extend the breadth and depth of the Wave Literary List.

    Wave is a fully distributed team with headquarters in California. This is a remote position with as-needed travel for in-person gatherings on a case-by-case basis.

    • Collaboration: Collaborate with our tv/film, UK, and international rights partners.  

    • Talent Scouting: Identify and cultivate relationships with emerging and established writers who have unique voices and compelling stories to tell.

    • Developing Book Proposals: Assess and build proposals with both strong trade potential and literary merit.

    • Author Representation: Build and manage a list of authors, providing them with guidance and support throughout their careers.

    • Contract Negotiation: Negotiate publishing contracts and terms to secure the best possible deals for your clients.

    • Industry Networking: Establish and maintain strong relationships with editors, publishers, and other key industry professionals.

    • Creative Marketing and Promotion Support: Work closely with authors to develop effective marketing and promotion strategies for their books.

    • Passion for Literature: A deep love for reading and a strong sense of what makes a story stand out in the nonfiction space.

    • Industry Experience: At least one year of experience in the publishing industry is preferred.

    • Excellent Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively pitch authors, develop proposals, and support manuscripts.  

    • Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate favorable terms and contracts for clients.

    • Networking Ability: Proven ability to build and maintain relationships within the publishing industry.

    • Detail-Oriented: Keen attention to detail, especially when reviewing manuscripts and contracts.

    • Self-Motivated: Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

    • Team Player: Willingness to collaborate with colleagues and contribute to a positive team environment.

    • This is a commission-based position, with the commission above industry standard and dependent on experience

    • Opportunities for professional development and industry networking

    • Self-directed remote work with opportunities for collaboration and mentorship

  • To apply, please contact us with a CV/résumé and cover letter of no more than 600 words outlining why you are the right candidate for this role and demonstrating an understanding and alignment with our agency’s work and values. Please include your experience in agenting or publishing and why agenting is a career you’re passionate about, a list of any books you have worked on, and a writing or editing sample of no more than ten pages. We look forward to reading your application.

    Wave Literary is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against actual or perceived race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation and/or other protected categories. We are intentionally creating a work culture and environment that is reflective of our diverse and multifaceted world.

Literary Agent Intern

  • We are seeking an enthusiastic and versatile intern with a love of language to help us change the world, one book at a time.

    Duration: 3 months, 10 hours a week (flexible scheduling)

    Location: Berkeley, California or Remote

    Interns work closely with agents and have the opportunity to learn about all facets of author representation. Our internships are designed for those new to the publishing industry and interested in either the editorial or book-agenting fields.

    This is an unpaid internship that complies with CA State guidelines and prioritizes internship learning and experience.

  • The intern will develop an understanding of publishing through a variety of tasks. These tasks may include managing, evaluating and responding to queries and manuscript submissions, analyzing publishing contracts, proofreading and editing manuscripts, communicating with authors, editors and publicists, and assisting on pitch letters and proposal creation with some of the world’s most interesting cultural, scientific, and political messengers. The position may also involve administrative work, with scope to tailor additional projects towards individual interests. 

  • The ideal candidate will have strong research and writing skills, a keen critical eye, and technical proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. The varied nature of this role will require flexibility and adaptability, as well as a desire to learn and an ability to take on and incorporate feedback. An interest in both the business and editorial side of publishing would be preferred. Attention to detail and a love of books and reading is a must.

    • This is an unpaid internship position that complies with California State guidelines.

    • Regular mentoring and training to gain experience in every aspect of the agenting process.

    • Opportunities for professional development and industry networking

    • Self-directed remote work with mentorship from leading industry professionals 

  • Please email us with a résumé, one-page writing sample of your choice, and ~250-word responses to the following questions:

    1. Why do you want to intern at Wave Literary, and what makes you a good fit for this role?

    2. Tell us about one book you believe the world needs.

    3. What is your interest in a career in publishing?

    4. What gives you the greatest joy in a work environment? 

    We are currently hiring for fall 2026

    Wave Literary is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against actual or perceived race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation and/or other protected categories. We are intentionally creating a work culture and environment that is reflective of our diverse and multifaceted world.