Freelance Literary Agent - International Bestseller Negotiation

Who We Are and Why We're Recruiting

Our agency has been championing the international success of its authors for over 25 years. With unique expertise in literary representation, the agency is set to sell a new bestseller in around thirty languages this fall within a predefined timeline, followed by a global launch in early 2025.

Exciting opportunity: We are seeking a freelance literary agent to sell the foreign rights for this highly anticipated new volume in a well-known series, as part of a significant temporary increase in activity. Your international negotiation expertise will be pivotal in this strategic mission. There is potential to continue the collaboration beyond December 2024.

What You'll Be Doing

• Negotiate and draft contracts with the series' historical publishers: under the supervision of the agency's director and according to clearly defined success criteria.
• Propose the new book to international publishers of bestselling authors that you know using your extensive contact network, then ensure contract drafting.
• Successfully present the book to international co-agents and scouts, and oversee their work to maximize sales.
• Meet strict deadlines and achieve the assigned sales targets (both financial and contractual).
• Work closely with the agency's assistant to accomplish certain tasks.
• You will report to the director in real-time (via online tools; we welcome your suggestions on the tools you use).

Who We Are Looking For

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven expertise in negotiating with bestselling authors: you thrive in negotiation and master the dynamics of international publishing markets at a high level. You have strong experience in international intellectual property law and know how to adapt your negotiation strategies. You have excellent contacts within international publishing houses specializing in bestselling authors and Fantasy literature.
• Knowledge of foreign rights contracts: drafting precise contracts in line with negotiated terms and following a template is one of your strengths, and you can do so with little or no supervision.
• Experience in marketing and project management: you are comfortable with tools like Trello to manage projects and have a keen sense of organization to meet strict deadlines. You know how to assess and discuss a marketing plan with publishers.
• You have a meticulous eye for detail and can work collaboratively as part of a team.

IT Tools:

• You are proficient in using the Office suite, Google Drive, Zoom. Knowing the E3 database is a plus.

Languages:

• You are a native English speaker.

Soft Skills:

• Self-motivated and autonomous: you have successfully worked independently for years while staying aligned with team objectives.
• Success-oriented and challenge-driven: you enjoy taking on challenges and are motivated by measurable performance goals.
• Eager to learn and grow together: you are curious, always seeking to learn new tools and skills, and you enjoy sharing them.

The Team

Patricia Pasqualini, director, founded her agency 25 years ago. She tirelessly works on the following question: how to turn a genre literature series from a bestseller into a longseller and eventually into a classic. Chiara Toniolo has been the Rights Executive at the agency for two years and plays a brilliant role in prospecting, negotiating, and drafting simple contracts. She is also responsible for invoicing and payments.

Itis a dynamic and rewarding environment where: You will sell an internationally known and recognized author. You will contribute to the long-term success of their latest book alongside the team. You will earn a commission in addition to a base compensation.

Job Details

• Position Type: Freelance
• Duration: 4 months (September - December 2024)
• Location: Remote
• Compensation: €2400 per month (approximately 15 hours/week) + 2% commission on sales targets achieved (calculated on commissions (on advances) actually received by the agency on this new title). Monthly payment upon invoice presentation.
• Application Process: please send us your CV and a cover letter if your profile truly matches this ad. We are looking for a highly qualified and motivated individual. We appreciate if you refrain from applying if your experience does not align. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to handle a practical case during the second interview.

Please note, we are not currently accepting CVs from recruitment agencies for this role. However, we welcome agencies to express their interest in potential future collaboration. Any CVs sent speculatively at this stage will not be eligible for a fee or lead to a binding agreement.

If you are shortlisted and need any adjustments to help you attend the interview, please let us know.

If this role matches your skills and aspirations, we'd love to hear from you! Write to us today at contact@pasqualini-agency.com and before 6 September 2024.