Introducing Melody Travers, Foreign Rights Manager
In today’s blog post, we have a Q&A to introduce our newest team member, Melody Travers who joined Mushens Entertainment in March 2026 as Foreign Rights Manager.
Originally from France, Melody graduated with an MA in Arts & Art History from Université Paris VIII. After moving to the UK, she started a career in publishing with stints at Amber Books and Watkins Media, where she became Head of Rights.
How did you get into the publishing industry?
After obtaining my MA in Arts & Art History, I wanted to become an illustrator (art and literature being my two greatest interests). I thought work experience at a children’s publishers would provide good insight. I discovered Rights whilst interning and decided it was a career path I wanted to pursue. I landing my first Rights position
with Amber Books in 2012.
What has been your career highlight to date?
I have a few career highlights; joining Mushens Entertainment is certainly one of them. My other highlights
and the things I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built (with publishing contacts and with colleagues), especially in the audio sector. I started selling English language audio rights during my time at Watkins Media (2022-2026), it was learning curve and I secured a large number of lucrative deals and started/built some great relationships with audio partners. I’m also proud to have increased business in the other territories I handling
in all my Rights roles.
What do you like about working at an agency so far?
Having worked for publishers up until now, being at a literary agency is definitely a change in perspective and process. It’s been an exciting challenge so far and I feel closer to the beating heart of the industry, getting to see very first drafts and working closely with authors. Also learning from our experienced agents Juliet, Rachel and Maria is such a privilege.
Do you find agenting life very different to working at a publisher and why?
In principle, selling foreign rights is the same whether you’re with a publisher or an agency; however in practice, the process is a little different.
There are a few more steps involved with documents such as tax forms and contracts. I now represent rights for
the author rather than the publisher so I pass on the buck rather that it stopping with me. I’m liaising with
authors directly a lot more which is exciting.
What do you like to do outside of work for fun?
Outside of work, I spend a lot of time reading; I’ve been an artist in my spare time for years so love paint and draw, although that has taken somewhat since moving homes. I’ve recently become a home owner for the first time and taking great pleasure in arranging and decorating my new flat!