WORK AT OMM

We’re a multifaceted, career-focused literary agency specializing in the discovery, development, and elevation of voices and stories that have been historically hushed. Boasting a dynamic, distinguished client list of authors and illustrators, including numerous New York Times bestsellers and award-winning authors, OMM seeks to affirm and amplify the intersectional experience with intention, integrity and impact. We represent authors and illustrators who share in and embody this vision through their creative work. 

CURRENT OPENINGS:

AGENCY MANAGER // AGENT APPRENTICE

The Job

We are a Black-led women-led literary agency looking for an organized, motivated, and dependable agency manager who aspires to build a career in publishing as a literary agent, and who is seeking mentorship and support on that path. This person will have the opportunity to work directly with founder/literary agent Monica Odom in an agent apprentice role.

Ideal candidate should have a familiarity of the publishing industry, strong written and relational communication skills, be excited to steward many different tasks, and act with integrity, commitment, and passion for their work. They should also be a forward-thinker who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions. 

We’d love to meet someone with an inspiring level of intensity and curiosity towards the work we do.

What You’ll Do

Agency Manager (65% of time spent*)

  • Oversee day-to-day management of database, digital files, contracts, incoming monies, and administrative requests.

  • Serve as communications point person for OMM agents and clients when it comes to agency administrative tasks, questions, and concerns.

  • Monitor open administrative issues, follow up and resolve.

  • Maintain BAITS database, ensuring all client and contract data is input, entries are accurate, and entering new clients and contracts as necessary.

  • Maintain digital files (Dropbox/G Drive/Sheets/Docusign).

  • Track contracts and forms.

  • Track incoming payments and projected payments.

  • Track subrights (film/tv, translation, licensing, etc) inquiries, rights sales, and provide materials to co-agents.

  • Update agency website as needed (adding book covers, clients headshots and bios, etc) via Squarespace.

Agent Apprentice  (35% of time spent*)

  • General email assistance (responding to emails delegated from Monica — gathering info/passing on inquiries, for ex.).

  • Arrange and schedule meetings for Monica (using Calendly and GCal).

  • Manage the flow of queries and manuscripts from prospective clients.

  • Read client projects (a second eye) and prospective client submissions (a first eye!).

  • Contribute in developing client projects into submission-ready proposals and manuscripts.

  • Assist in preparing for submissions (pitch letter, submission list).

  • Track submissions (via Sheets), manage deal memos and related follow-up tasks.

  • Conduct research for projects, potential clients, trends, comp titles, editors, imprints, etc.

  • Coordinate and track large-scale projects (client-related and agency-related projects) with opportunities for deeper involvement and contribution.

  • Assist with client care (micro/macro goal planning, strategy work, problem-solving).

*Note: % of time spent is subject to change once we hit the ground running and see what’s what with our respective working styles!

Who we’re looking for

  • A minimum of 1.5 years of related work experience at a similar client-facing or project-based position that included administrative work (if you think this might be you but unsure, we encourage you to apply!)

  • A familiarity of the publishing industry

  • Strong written and relational communication skills

  • Ability to demonstrate a familiarity with the agency’s list

  • Excellent organizational skills, with attention to accuracy and detail

  • Strong technical skills, including fluency in G Suite and confidence learning new programs

  • Strong interpersonal skills

  • Be able to work efficiently, juggle multiple projects with appropriate prioritization, adhere to established time frames, and adapt to evolving circumstances

  • Be able to anticipate needs/challenges, with the confidence to take initiative and make informed choices proactively

  • Be able to work both freely and in a team environment

  • Be able to contribute thoughtful, strategic, creative, informed and imaginative solutions/ideas

  • Must have full vaccinations and boosters against the COVID-19 virus

Preference For Candidates With

  • Knowledge of BAITS software a plus

  • Knowledge of Quickbooks software a plus

  • Retail and Service Industry experience a plus

  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree a plus but not required

  • Interest in nonfiction, literary fiction, graphic novels and children’s picture books a plus but we are open to hearing from fans/readers of all categories and genres!

What We Offer

  • $18/hour for initial 3-month trial period (see below for more details), then $20/hour

  • 10 PTOs/annually (sick/mental health/vacation) + bonus birthday PTO

  • Weekly paychecks

  • Flexible hours

  • Annual bonus

  • A professional growth stipend of $500/annually

  • Growth potential and a focus on career progression, including scheduled biannual assessments

How to Apply

Applications should be sent digitally to Monica Odom at monica@odommediamgmt.com with the subject line “[last name] Agency Manager Application.” Please include, as a pdf attachment, a full resume as well as a cover letter addressed to Monica Odom. In your cover letter, please share about your experience, how your skills match up to our list, and your personal connection to the work.

The Interview Process

Interviews will occur on a rolling basis throughout August 2022 via video chat.

Candidate will be selected and notified with an anticipated start date of September 2022.

The first three months of employment will be a trial period/orientation. If all parties agree the role is a good fit, we will proceed!

Location

Remote with option for occasional in-person meetings and co-working sessions if candidate is based in the NY/NJ tristate region.

Employment Type

Part-time at 20 hours/week, with room for growth to FT

Independent contractor/1099

OMM office hours are Mon-Thurs: 10am-3pm

Candidate is expected to respond to emails during this window in a timely fashion as well as attend occasional meetings during this window, but otherwise free to create their schedule as they see fit.

Position Reports To

Monica Odom, Founder/Literary Agent