Independent Literary Agent (Contract)

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Role Title: Independent Literary Agent (Contract)

Company: Author.Direct https://author.direct

Compensation: 50% commission per closed deal (typical deal size: $1,000)

Location: Remote

About Author.Direct

Author.Direct helps authors turn their books into dynamic, revenue-generating digital ecosystems. We build high-converting companion pages, connect readers to books and courses, and unlock ongoing monetization through a clean, modern author presence.

Our model is simple: we succeed when authors succeed.

Role Overview

We are looking for a driven, entrepreneurial Independent Literary Agent to identify, connect with, and onboard authors to Author.Direct.

This is not a traditional publishing role. You are not selling manuscripts—you are helping authors unlock more value from books they’ve already written.

You will act as a hybrid of:

  • literary agent
  • business development partner
  • author growth advisor
What You’ll Do
  • Identify and research authors (self-published, hybrid, traditionally published)
  • Conduct outreach via LinkedIn, email, and other channels
  • Start conversations and qualify fit
  • Educate authors on Author.Direct’s services and value proposition
  • Close deals for companion page builds and add-ons
  • Maintain a lightweight pipeline of prospects and active conversations
What You’re Selling

Typical engagements include

  • Companion Pages (core offering)
  • Course integrations
  • Expanded author ecosystems
Average deal size: ~$1,000 Your commission: ~$500 per deal

Compensation

  • 50% commission on all closed deals
  • No cap on earnings
  • Paid per closed and collected deal
This role is best suited for individuals comfortable operating in a performance-based environment with uncapped upside.

Ideal Candidate

You are

  • Highly self-directed and comfortable working independently
  • Strong communicator (written and verbal)
  • Naturally curious about books, authors, and ideas
  • Comfortable with outbound outreach (LinkedIn, email, etc.)
  • Interested in startups, media, or creator ecosystems
Bonus if you have:
  • Experience in publishing, agencies, or creator economy platforms
  • Existing network of authors or creators
  • Sales or business development experience
What Success Looks Like
  • Consistent outreach and pipeline generation
  • 2–5 closed deals per month (baseline target)
  • Clear, confident articulation of Author.Direct’s value
  • Positive author relationships and repeat opportunities
Why This Role Exists Most authors leave significant value on the table after publishing.

You help them change that.

How to Apply

Send a short note including:
  • Why this role interests you
  • Any relevant experience (authors, sales, startups, etc.)
  • Optional: links to your LinkedIn or past work
Note: This is a contractor role. There is no base salary—compensation is entirely commission-based.
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