Book Agent

Company Overview

Independent Writer is an expanding literary initiative devoted to creating original fiction and non-fiction for readers in India and abroad. The focus is on developing compelling manuscripts, nurturing a loyal audience over time, and exploring both conventional and new-age publishing routes. The role is part of a creative, energetic, and entrepreneurial setup where experimentation is encouraged and ideas can be tested quickly. The person hired will contribute to building the author’s portfolio and public presence from the beginning.

Role Overview

As the Book Agent, you will represent the writer’s collection of work and work toward placing manuscripts and book proposals with appropriate publishers and literary channels. This is a full-time, on-site position in the Greater Kolkata Area. The job includes researching publishers, imprints, and platforms, preparing submission materials, sending pitches, and supporting contract discussions within defined guidelines. You will also review manuscripts and proposals, advise on how best to position them in the market, manage submission schedules, and monitor publisher responses. In addition, the role calls for market research, title comparison, audience analysis, relationship-building with publishing contacts, participation in literary events, and assistance with book launch promotion.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess manuscripts and proposals to judge story strength, genre fit, and audience appeal.
• Create and refine query letters, pitch materials, proposals, and synopsis documents.
• Identify suitable publishers, imprints, agencies, and literary platforms for each project.
• Submit materials, track responses, and manage follow-ups in a systematic way.
• Support negotiations and review contract basics under direction and preset terms.
• Study current market trends, comparable books, and reader segments to guide strategy.
• Maintain professional relationships with editors, publishers, and other industry contacts.
• Attend relevant literary gatherings and assist with publicity efforts for book releases.
• Keep accurate records, databases, timelines, and outreach reports.

Candidate Profile

• Ability to evaluate manuscripts, understand narrative structure, and recognize genre expectations.
• Experience preparing proposals, query letters, and strong positioning statements.
• Comfort handling submissions, follow-ups, and basic contract review with care and order.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for persuasive pitching and professional correspondence.
• Good familiarity with the publishing world, including traditional, independent, and digital channels, especially in English-language markets.
• Well-developed research and coordination abilities, including deadline tracking and reporting.
• Ability to give constructive feedback while working respectfully and discreetly in a writer-focused environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Literature, Communications, Publishing, or a similar area, or comparable practical experience.
• Previous exposure to literary agencies, publishing houses, or book marketing is an advantage but not required.
• Must be able to work from the Greater Kolkata Area and occasionally join local meetings, events, and book-related functions.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, on-site role based in the Greater Kolkata Area. The compensation details were not provided. No vacancy count, joining timeline, or application deadline was specified.