Q&A: Meghan Capper, Literary Agent Assistant at Madeleine Milburn

For Work in Publishing Week 2025, we're sharing stories from people who are in the early years of their publishing careers. Here we catch up with Meghan Capper, Literary Agent Assistant at Madeleine Milburn.

What’s the story of how you found your way into publishing?

I found my way into the publishing industry when I was studying my masters in English Literature at Newcastle University. I was starting to think, and slightly panic, about my next steps post-uni and happened to apply for the ‘Faber Publishing Open Day’ with New Writing North (an incredible organisation who support writers and publishing hopefuls based in the north east of England) –this is where I was first introduced to the world of publishing. They took us down to the London offices for the day and we were shown an overview of the whole publication process from manuscript to bookshelf.

Like many hopefuls, I immediately started firing off applications for all kinds of internships, traineeships and entry level roles across different departments, in the hopes that something would stick. After working a (slightly boring but ultimately beneficial) admin job outside of publishing, I eventually landed an internship at Peters Fraser + Dunlop, where I was introduced to the agenting side, an interest and passion I haven’t strayed from since. This led me to my first permanent role as Office Assistant on the front desk at Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency, where I have gone on to assist across three different agents in the Non-Fiction and Fiction departments, leading to my current role as Assistant to Madeleine Milburn, supporting Maddy with her award-winning client list across an array of commercial to upmarket fiction.

So much of publishing is about being able to connect with people and share your passion for a book, whether it’s between agent and author, agent and editor, editor and author and ultimately the end goal, author and reader.

What skill did you find most valuable during your first few months in publishing?

I think the most valuable skill would definitely be to have a proactive approach to work and self-motivation. Being able to show you can go the extra mile where appropriate, I have found, immediately sets you off on a good impression and shows your desire for progression and to take on more responsibility. This could be anything from reading in advance some of your agent’s titles and sharing positive feedback on them, talent-spotting something in the submissions inbox, or simply actioning a task before it’s been asked of you.

It’s of course important to feel confident in the foundational knowledge and day-to-day basics of the role before working more independently, but being able to demonstrate that you’re curious to learn and determined to get involved goes a long way.

On the flip side, don’t be afraid to ask questions! The more questions you ask, the more you will learn and be able to become more proactive in your approach. Having a curious instinct is such an asset.

What’s a part of the publishing process you didn’t even realise existed before you started?

Initially, my understanding of publishing was perhaps a little formulaic in its processes; the agent sells the book, it gets edited, it’s packaged into a campaign, a cover designed, and then it finds its way to readers. But one thing I didn’t realise was how much of this process is driven by building relationships and client care, making it so much more fulfilling than just buying and selling books.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! The more questions you ask, the more you will learn and be able to become more proactive in your approach. Having a curious instinct is such an asset.

So much of publishing is about being able to connect with people and share your passion for a book, whether it’s between agent and author, agent and editor, editor and author and ultimately the end goal, author and reader. Part of what I love about the agenting side is the potential of discovering a book that you love and being able to be its advocate right from the very beginning. So much of an agent’s role involves being able to develop strong working relationships with authors.

What one experience really stands out from your first year in publishing?


I can’t think of one experience that really stands out as the role has been so varied! But I would probably say, any time I’ve been able to support with editing an author’s book and seeing it go on to sell and then published, is always really rewarding. Working with authors on the development of their novel and seeing it take shape is one of my favourite parts of the job.

I was also lucky enough to go to Frankfurt this year, which was so much fun! It was an insightful look into the international market, something I’m less familiar with being on the English language side of the job, and being able to meet and pitch our client’s work in-person to translation publishers was an amazing experience.

Working with authors on the development of their novel and seeing it take shape is one of my favourite parts of the job.

What’s the best piece of unofficial advice you picked up – something no one tells you before you start?

A mundane but practical piece of advice would be to set reminders for everything and write everything down! As an assistant you are constantly chasing or following up on queries to authors, publishers, editors, and pretty much everyone, as well as being pulled in a lot of different directions, so it’s impossible to remember everything. One thing that I’ve found useful is to set calendar reminders to yourself on tasks a week or two weeks ahead to keep in check and this will ensure you stay on top of everything.

If your career in publishing were a book title, what would it be – and why?

This is a tricky question! A book I recently read and loved was Big Swiss by Jen Beagin, and whilst I hope I’m a lot more stable and reliable at work than Greta is in the book, I’d hope to have this on my wishlist as an aspiring agent – bold and witty, a little messy, with a voice that doesn’t take itself too seriously!