Job Opportunity: Book Assistant to Rowan Lawton and Philippa Milnes-Smith

Permanent contract, full-time

Hours: Monday-Friday 9.30am-6pm –office based in central London (but currently encompassing some working from home where essential during Covid restrictions)

Salary: £23,000 - £25,000+ per annum, commensurate with experience

Start date: October - TBC

Application deadline:   17th September 2021

Who we are

The Soho Agency is a leading literary, theatrical and talent agency based in Soho, London. We represent clients across a range of areas including internationally best-selling authors and illustrators, leading writers, directors and creatives for theatre, film and TV, award-winning on-screen and digital talent, high-profile speakers, and major brands. We are a boutique agency (currently with 20 employees but expanding) with a rich history and a high-profile client list. 

The role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and pro-active candidate with strong organisational skills to provide full time administrative and creative support to two of our directors and literary agents, Rowan Lawton and Philippa Milnes-Smith. Rowan and Philippa’s clients include Poorna Bell, Lauren Child, Carmel Harrington Lindsey Kelk, Michelle Ogundehin, Tim Peake and Chris Riddell.  Working as part of a small and dedicated team within the agency, this is an ideal job for someone with a keen interest in publishing and the media industry, and a passion for exploring ideas across books, film and TV. A demonstrable interest in commercial fiction is essential; an interest in children’s books, adult memoir and female-skewed non-fiction would be ideal; and an enthusiasm for art and illustration would be welcome. In addition, this role will involve supporting Rowan and Philippa in the management of the agency. Full training will be offered although experience of working in an office environment, particularly within the media industry, is preferred.

Experience & Skills:

·        A demonstrable passion for books and ideas as well as knowledge and enthusiasm for the arts, culture and current trends, current affairs and popular culture

·        Strong literacy and numeracy skills and a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (including Outlook, Word, Excel – inc. spreadsheets & PowerPoint)

·        Confident and clear communication skills

·        An enthusiasm for collaborative work as well as a self-starter who can work independently without direct task supervision

·        An exacting attention to detail, an ability to manage several tasks at once and good problem-solving skills are key, as is the ability to work well under pressure

·        Discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality

·        Proven work ethic

·        Educated to degree level OR relevant commercial and/or industry experience

·        Editorial and proof-reading skills an advantage

Job Specification

·        Liaising with clients and publishers on a daily basis and assisting clients as necessary

·        Creating and updating author information and rights guides; compiling, sending out and tracking pitch materials and submissions

·        Updating agency database Bradbury Phillips (training will be provided, though previous knowledge of BP would be welcome)

·        Generating invoices and chasing payments due

·        Maintaining and updating records on internal databases and systems in relation to rights and finance details

·        Preparation of submission material and working on ideas development for existing and new clients

·        Drafting contracts from deal memos (full training will be given)

·        Managing social media posts from company accounts and supporting client publicity efforts

·        Managing website updates and news stories, handling fan mail

·        Monitoring submissions inbox, reading and reporting on promising approaches

·        Assisting in finding and identifying potential new clients

·        Diary and phone management– scheduling meetings, appointments, reservations, bookings

·        Minute taking

·        Any other day-to-day tasks that may arise from the running of a small, independent and busy agency

The Soho Agency employs people on the basis of their abilities. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries.

Please apply with your CV and a covering letter (which includes your notice period, if relevant). Applications to be marked for the attention of Rowan Lawton at admin@thesohoagency.co.uk by 17th September 2021. Please include Assistant to Directors – Books Department in the subject line.