I came in not really knowing what agenting was, and if I would like it, and came out really loving the profession.

Our summer fellowship program thoughtfully matches college students from historically underrepresented groups with a literary agency and Association of American Literary Agents (AALA) member, and LAOC provides a grant directly to the student for their participation. 

During the fellowship, fellows learn about the role of a literary agent in the publishing process — from finding authors to represent, to selling clients’ books to publishers, to negotiating contracts and managing author careers. LAOC provides programming over the course of the summer to further fellows’ access to networking, mentorship, and educational panels that will cover the publishing industry as a whole.

Past fellows have worked on a variety of tasks, including:

• reading manuscripts and writing reader's reports for their host agency.
• evaluating query letters and nonfiction pitches from prospective authors.
• attending regular staff meetings.
• special projects such as creating foreign rights lists, contributing to an agency's social media strategy, or scouting for emerging talent to recommend to agents.  

Fellows should expect a considerable amount of reading and regular deadlines will be assigned by their host agency. 

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025 PROGRAM ARE CLOSED.