Emmanuel Omodeinde graduated from Kent in 2019 with both an MA and BA in English and American Literature. Since then he has been working in the publishing industry, where he has assisted in negotiating film and TV rights for book adaptations. In the future, he hopes to become a literary agent.
Tell
us about your career path since graduation.
I've
spent the entirety of my career since graduation working in various publishing roles
and across different areas of the business.
I
interned in marketing at HarperCollins, provided editorial assistance on
non-fiction books at Hachette, and then moved to London to assist in
scouting for foreign publishers and production companies.
For
the last two years I've worked in a literary agency, first assisting in
negotiating film/TV rights in book adaptations and recently assisting literary
agents.
What
does a typical work day look like for you?
My
responsibilities vary, from liaising on contracts to writing reports
on manuscripts. I work across my line managers and their clients to provide
assistance on their most pressing demands.
Can
you share a professional highlight from your career so far?
Last
year, I approached an aspiring and highly sought after screenwriter
and facilitated her signing to the agency.
How
did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?
I
think the modules I did at Kent helped solidify my passion for literature and I
had several encouraging and passionate teachers.
I
think Kent still has one of the best arts and humanities faculties in the
country and I hope it continues to grow.
What
advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to
get into the same line of work?
I
think curiosity is a trait to have and maintain if you're considering a
career in publishing specifically and the arts generally.
Early
on be willing to take a role even if it's not a perfect fit, especially if it's
an internship but remain conscious of your boundaries. If you'd like to work in
editorial at a publisher or as a literary agent (or for them) curiosity is
especially key as you'll be required to read work you may not personally
like.
Do
you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?
Not
a specific memory, just time spent with friends or collaborating creatively
with like-minded peers. I had a great time at my undergrad graduation,
especially celebrating my achievement with my peers.
Is
there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?
I
think I would join the university newspaper earlier, spend more time out in
nature and on campus with friends, and read even more.
Are
you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?
I
have a handful of friends I made at Kent whom I'm still very close with to
this day and occasionally speak to a couple of academics.
What
are your future ambitions?
At
the moment, I would love to become a literary agent.
