Assistant, Books

IMG LIVE; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

WME in London is seeking a highly motivated assistant to join the London Literary department. You will support agents, liaise with authors and publishers, and help manage submissions, diaries, and events for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize.

The role values a deep reading interest, awareness of UK markets, and the ability to grow an online presence through content and social media strategies. Close attention to detail and discretion are essential in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• A passion for reading and global publishing trends.
• Strong understanding of how readers discover books, online and offline.
• Proficient in content creation tools such as Canva and growing online presence.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Great attention to detail and ability to manage high volumes of information.
• Willingness to learn quickly and work in a fast-paced team.
• A reliable team player with initiative and discretion.
• Commitment to excellent client service.

Responsibilities

• Assist with evaluating manuscripts and proposals and produce concise reports.
• Liaise with authors, publishers, and colleagues to maintain relationships.
• Support logistics, event-planning and social media for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize.
• Assist with submissions, track contracts, payments and royalties.
• Monitor trends in UK and international markets and report back.
• Provide proactive diary management, travel arrangements, and phone/e-correspondence support.

Skills

Reading passion

Publishing market knowledge

Reader discovery knowledge

Written and verbal communication

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Team player

Discretion and client service

Tools

Canva

Job description

Job Description The WME Literary Department boasts a roster of bestselling and award-winning authors in all areas of fiction and nonfiction. With offices in London, New York, Nashville and Beverly Hills, WME Literary agents have the full range of expertise, from literary and commercial fiction to serious non fiction, memoir and celebrity titles. WME is a leading entertainment talent agency representing artists and content creators across all media platforms, specifically movies, television, music, theatre, digital and publishing. Headquartered in Beverly Hills, WME also has offices in New York, Nashville, London and Sydney.

The Role:

We are seeking a highly motivated, organised, and enthusiastic assistant to join our London Literary department. The Books team in London is a dynamic and collaborative group of agents and assistants, whose various remits include Primary Agenting and the sale of International Rights. The ideal candidate will be an avid reader who is enthusiastic about books, plugged into the latest market trends and has a keen awareness of the UK publishing market as a whole. A genuine passion for a variety of popular fiction genres and an understanding of online communities is desirable. We particularly encourage applicants who are active on social media and #BookTok and can demonstrate that they understand how to engage with online communities by brainstorming ideas and executing them when tasked with creating meaningful content that pulls in new readers and writers. Working creatively on the Lucy Cavendish Debut Fiction Prize, sponsored by WME, is a large part of the role. Previous experience in a literary agency or publishing house is desirable but not essential.

The candidate will ideally have:

• A passion for reading, with a proven interest in global publishing and entertainment.
• An exceptional understanding of how and where different readers discover books, including traditional channels and online communities.
• A proficiency in using content creation tools such as Canva and an enthusiasm for finding new ways to grow an online presence and reach new readers and writers.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Great attention to detail and the ability to work to a high standard whilst managing a high volume of information.
• A willingness to learn quickly, with a hard-working, extra-mile attitude compatible with a fast-paced environment.
• A genuine team-player who is reliable, can take initiative and solve problems.
• A clear understanding of the importance of excellent client service and absolute discretion.

Responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to:

• Assisting with the evaluation of manuscripts and book proposals for all genres and producing concise reading reports.
• Liaising with authors, publishers, and colleagues; maintaining good relationships and open communication.
• Assisting the team with logistics, event-planning and social media for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize.
• Assisting with the preparation of submissions, tracking contracts, payments and royalties.
• Paying attention to trends in the UK and international markets and reporting back to the team.
• Proactive support to agent including diary management (including London Book Fair scheduling), travel arrangements, answering phones and drafting correspondence.

WME is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.

WME is the world's preeminent talent agency. With over 125 years of experience, WME enables artists, athletes and brands to grow their businesses, leverage the full potential of their intellectual property, and bring projects to life that define the cultural landscape. WME's expertise spans books, comedy, digital media, fashion, film, food, licensing, music, sports, television, theater, and more. Headquartered in Beverly Hills, WME's office locations include Australia, Chicago, China, London, Miami, Nashville, and New York. WME is part of WME Group, a global network of businesses that represent the world’s leading talent, intellectual property and brands. For more information, please visit www.wmeagency.com.