Elina Harutyunyan (BAEC ’24, MAIRD ’26) reaped so many benefits from her undergraduate studies at the American University of Armenia (AUA) that she decided to also pursue a master’s degree at the University. A first-year student in the Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy (MAIRD) program by night, Harutyunyan works at the First Literary Agency by day, where she has been employed for the last four years. In 2023, she was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of publishing in Armenia with the Sharjah Rights Connection Award. We asked Harutyunyan to share about her experience at AUA, the state of the book publishing industry in Armenia today, and more.
What motivated you to apply for AUA, both for your undergraduate studies and now as a graduate student?
After graduating from school, I spent a long time thinking about where I would pursue higher education, as I was debating between AUA and another university. But after thorough consideration, AUA emerged the clear winner, and now, I am delighted that I made the decision to come here. I was especially interested in the English and Communications program: both the courses and the program structure, as well as the numerous opportunities offered by the University, motivated me to accept AUA’s offer of admission immediately and pursue my bachelor’s degree here. After four years of study and already feeling like part of this big family, I decided to continue my education at AUA and applied for the MAIRD program. I do not regret any of my decisions regarding my choice of university or programs, and I am honored to undertake this long yet rewarding academic journey at AUA.
What is your most noteworthy memory so far from your time at AUA?
It is difficult to single out just one memory from my time at AUA, as each is so meaningful. However, one of my most memorable achievements here was translating a complete book of short stories by Ambrose Bierce from English into Armenian, with the invaluable inspiration, guidance, and support of Dr. Rafik Santrosyan. This translation, which served as my capstone project, is especially dear to me because it will be published next year. I consider it one of the most significant milestones in my academic journey — a major step toward future projects made possible by the foundation and knowledge I gained at AUA.
How was your experience in the Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications (BAEC) program at AUA?
My experience in the English and Communications program is reflected in my achievements in the fields of translation and publishing. The program provides comprehensive knowledge in communication studies, which has been essential to my work as a literary agent. Additionally, it offers the choice between a Public Relations (PR) Track or a Translation Track, as well as a third option: the General Track, which I chose. I wanted my studies to be multifaceted and to explore both PR and translation — a unique opportunity offered by AUA.
One of AUA’s greatest strengths, in my view, is that the BAEC program not only features in-depth courses in English language, literature, and communication studies, but also allows students to choose elective courses to dive into other fields beyond their primary area of expertise. This approach does not limit students, but rather encourages development from multiple perspectives.
Can you please share with us about your job at the First Literary Agency? What attracted you to working there?
I began working with the First Literary Agency while I was still a freshman at AUA. Alongside my studies, I interned at Antares Holding, which eventually led me to a position with the First Literary Agency. During my internship, I was introduced to the role of literary agents, a field I had never before encountered.
In a short time, while acquiring a solid foundation in the unique culture of literary agencies, I started to acquaint myself with works by contemporary Armenian authors and promote them to foreign publishers. I took on the role of a literary agent for contemporary Armenian authors, driven by the goal of selling their translation rights and making Armenian literature accessible worldwide. Having now worked at the First Literary Agency for four years, I am proud to be part of one of the most active organizations in the Armenian publishing field, whose primary goal is to make Armenian literature internationally famous. It is an honor to work at the Agency and to serve as an ambassador of Armenian literature abroad.
What lessons have you learned at AUA that you implement in your work at the First Literary Agency?
AUA has equipped me with numerous skills that have proven invaluable in my role as a literary agent at the First Literary Agency. As one might expect from the BAEC program, developing strong communication skills has proven essential. Skills gained from my courses — such as effective negotiation and persuasion — have been crucial for success as a literary agent, which is fully based on productive communication and negotiations. Other abilities, such as teamwork, time management, and effective writing, have also been practical assets that I have actively applied in my work. My studies at AUA and my job have complemented each other, each enriching the other in valuable ways.
How do you evaluate the current state of the book publishing industry in Armenia, and where do you see it headed in the future?
As someone in the publishing field, I can confidently say that book publishing is flourishing in Armenia, with new projects continually underway. We see that the greatest works of literature, including masterpieces and Nobel Prize-winning books, are actively being translated into Armenian. Publishing houses save no effort in translating foreign literature and making it accessible to Armenian readers. Today, nearly every significant work of high literature is available in Armenian. Additionally, new contemporary Armenian authors are emerging and being published, contributing to a vibrant literary scene. The field is thriving, with significant levels of involvement from both professionals and readers. I am hopeful that this trend will continue and that the field will see further growth with exciting new projects on the horizon.
You won the 2023 Sharjah Rights Connection Award. Can you please tell us more about this award and what this victory means to you?
It was an honor for me to receive the Sharjah Rights Connection Award as part of the Sharjah Publishers Conference, organized annually by the Sharjah Book Authority. To provide some background, this award is designed for literary agents from various countries competing each year.
At only 20 years old, with four years of experience in the publishing field and notable achievements in representing Armenian literature abroad, I believe this is what the committee especially valued. This victory marked my first major success in the publishing world, inspiring and motivating me to pursue my work with renewed dedication. The award opened new doors, created new opportunities, and served as a reminder that our efforts are recognized. It also sparked considerable interest from international publishers in our agency and, importantly, in Armenian literature.
What are your future plans after graduation from the MAIRD program?
Though deeply dedicated to the publishing field, I am also passionate about international relations. I hesitate to make definitive statements about where I see myself after graduation, preferring instead to remain open to the opportunities that may come my way. I hope that with my educational background and work experience, I can contribute meaningfully to Armenia’s representation abroad — not only in literature, but also in diplomacy and international affairs.