Michelle Hauck's Blog, page 83
January 27, 2015
Getting the Submission Call with Margaret Fortune
This story makes my nerves tingle! It's just super exciting. I'm so happy for Margaret! She more than deserves this. Margaret Fortune is also a member of the AQC Speculative Fiction group. I suspect it is her home away from home too. When I'm having trouble with a query letter, Margaret is the woman to see! She has super, genius writing powers!
I signed with my agent, Lindsay Ribar of Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, in September 2013, and in October we went on submission with my YA sci-fi novel Nova.
Now from the get-go, we decided to try and sell it as a series. While I’d originally intended Novato be a standalone, when I’d finally finished, the ending clearly begged a sequel. So I’d brainstormed on it back while querying and ended up with an arc for a five-book series. My agent was very enthusiastic when I told her about the series and asked me to write up a couple pages explaining how the series would work, and giving a short 4-5 line blurb for each book. I also provided a longer synopsis for the second book. So armed with Nova, the synopsis for book two, and the series summary, we went on submission.
Well, I bore up well for the first few months, but by 2014 I was starting to get antsy. So I was excited when we finally had some real interest at the end of February. Unfortunately, while the editor loved it, the acquisitions team ended up shooting it down as they felt it skewed too far to the “hard” end of the sci-fi spectrum. Even though the book was YA sci-fi, my agent decided to try targeting some Adult SF imprints that had an interest in crossovers. She continued submitting, but as the months passed, I started to think Nova might not sell. So I worked on edits for my WIP and started planning the next. Then at the end of June, I woke to find an email from my agent with the subject line “A small nibble on NOVA.”
In it, Lindsay told me she had gotten an email from Betsy Wollheim at DAW Books with only one line, saying the book was terrific. She said she’d be touching base with Betsy sometime that week, but not to get too hopeful yet, as Betsy hadn’t mentioned making an offer. Also, she reminded me, DAW publishes mostly on the adult side, so it would be an interesting home for the book.
I was more nervous than excited at that point. I figured I was in for another long, drawn-out period of waiting: My agent would touch base with the editor later in the week, then eventually she’d set up a call for me with the editor so we could see if we were on the same page regarding revisions, and assuming the call went well, it would then go to acquisitions. A month later, I would know my fate. I figured it would be exactly like my previous experience with an editor back in February. So when I got a call a couple hours later, I didn’t answer it.
I had the day off, so I was hanging out at home by myself when the phone rang. Now, I’m a bit old school and like to use my answering machine to screen callers, so I usually wait for someone to leave a message before answering. In fact, I didn’t even bother to get up, assuming it was just a telemarketer or some other undesirable, which is who it would usually be at that time of day. So I was only half-listening to the voice on the machine when suddenly the words “…your agent at Sanford J. Greenburger” penetrated my brain.
“Oh my God, that’s my agency!”
Realizing it was my agent, I almost killed myself jumping up from the couch and running for the phone. I managed to grab it before my agent hung up, and that’s when I found out—Betsy Wollheim at DAW had made a preempt offer for Nova. And not only that, but she was ready to buy the entire series along with it. That’s Nova plus four more books I hadn’t even written yet!
I was absolutely floored. I had gone from nothing to a five-book deal in less than a day. I could not believe it. Somewhere in my euphoria-induced haze, it suddenly occurred to me to wonder if some big, bad acquisitions team could come in and overrule this editor and rain on my parade. So I asked my agent, and she said—
“Um, this is Betsy Wollheim, the president of DAW. So, no—no one can overrule her.”
Still, when the deal hit publisher’s marketplace a few days later, I printed out the announcement and carried it around in my purse for an embarrassingly long time, just to reassure myself it wasn’t a dream. I remember a friend of mine suggested framing it. And my response was, “Well, that would make it a little awkward to carry around in my purse all the time, now wouldn’t it?”
All told, it was a long nine months on submission, but the outcome was worth the wait. Now all I have to do is write four more books!
***
Bio: Margaret Fortune began writing in first grade, when her short story “The Numbers’ Birthday Party” made a huge splash at her elementary school. A year later, her family moved to Wisconsin, where they owned and operated an independent bookstore for over a decade.
She has a BA in psychology from the University of Minnesota - Morris, and has worked in a variety of jobs including payroll, customer service, and one very memorable summer at an amusement park. Her first book, Nova, is forthcoming from DAW Books in June 2015.
Add Nova to your Goodreads lists.
Website|Twitter
I signed with my agent, Lindsay Ribar of Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, in September 2013, and in October we went on submission with my YA sci-fi novel Nova.
Now from the get-go, we decided to try and sell it as a series. While I’d originally intended Novato be a standalone, when I’d finally finished, the ending clearly begged a sequel. So I’d brainstormed on it back while querying and ended up with an arc for a five-book series. My agent was very enthusiastic when I told her about the series and asked me to write up a couple pages explaining how the series would work, and giving a short 4-5 line blurb for each book. I also provided a longer synopsis for the second book. So armed with Nova, the synopsis for book two, and the series summary, we went on submission.
Well, I bore up well for the first few months, but by 2014 I was starting to get antsy. So I was excited when we finally had some real interest at the end of February. Unfortunately, while the editor loved it, the acquisitions team ended up shooting it down as they felt it skewed too far to the “hard” end of the sci-fi spectrum. Even though the book was YA sci-fi, my agent decided to try targeting some Adult SF imprints that had an interest in crossovers. She continued submitting, but as the months passed, I started to think Nova might not sell. So I worked on edits for my WIP and started planning the next. Then at the end of June, I woke to find an email from my agent with the subject line “A small nibble on NOVA.”
In it, Lindsay told me she had gotten an email from Betsy Wollheim at DAW Books with only one line, saying the book was terrific. She said she’d be touching base with Betsy sometime that week, but not to get too hopeful yet, as Betsy hadn’t mentioned making an offer. Also, she reminded me, DAW publishes mostly on the adult side, so it would be an interesting home for the book.
I was more nervous than excited at that point. I figured I was in for another long, drawn-out period of waiting: My agent would touch base with the editor later in the week, then eventually she’d set up a call for me with the editor so we could see if we were on the same page regarding revisions, and assuming the call went well, it would then go to acquisitions. A month later, I would know my fate. I figured it would be exactly like my previous experience with an editor back in February. So when I got a call a couple hours later, I didn’t answer it.
I had the day off, so I was hanging out at home by myself when the phone rang. Now, I’m a bit old school and like to use my answering machine to screen callers, so I usually wait for someone to leave a message before answering. In fact, I didn’t even bother to get up, assuming it was just a telemarketer or some other undesirable, which is who it would usually be at that time of day. So I was only half-listening to the voice on the machine when suddenly the words “…your agent at Sanford J. Greenburger” penetrated my brain.
“Oh my God, that’s my agency!”
Realizing it was my agent, I almost killed myself jumping up from the couch and running for the phone. I managed to grab it before my agent hung up, and that’s when I found out—Betsy Wollheim at DAW had made a preempt offer for Nova. And not only that, but she was ready to buy the entire series along with it. That’s Nova plus four more books I hadn’t even written yet!
I was absolutely floored. I had gone from nothing to a five-book deal in less than a day. I could not believe it. Somewhere in my euphoria-induced haze, it suddenly occurred to me to wonder if some big, bad acquisitions team could come in and overrule this editor and rain on my parade. So I asked my agent, and she said—
“Um, this is Betsy Wollheim, the president of DAW. So, no—no one can overrule her.”
Still, when the deal hit publisher’s marketplace a few days later, I printed out the announcement and carried it around in my purse for an embarrassingly long time, just to reassure myself it wasn’t a dream. I remember a friend of mine suggested framing it. And my response was, “Well, that would make it a little awkward to carry around in my purse all the time, now wouldn’t it?”
All told, it was a long nine months on submission, but the outcome was worth the wait. Now all I have to do is write four more books!
***
Bio: Margaret Fortune began writing in first grade, when her short story “The Numbers’ Birthday Party” made a huge splash at her elementary school. A year later, her family moved to Wisconsin, where they owned and operated an independent bookstore for over a decade.
She has a BA in psychology from the University of Minnesota - Morris, and has worked in a variety of jobs including payroll, customer service, and one very memorable summer at an amusement park. Her first book, Nova, is forthcoming from DAW Books in June 2015.
Add Nova to your Goodreads lists.
Website|Twitter
January 26, 2015
Sun versus Snow Submission Window 2015
CLOSED TO ENTRIES!
Welcome to the party!
Themes for the twitter fest will be at the end of the post. The submission for Sun versus Snow is today, January 26th, at 4 pm Eastern time. Act fast. We will only be taking the first 200 entries. In Nightmare on Query Street, the entry window closed in just a few hours. Please do not enter early or your entry will be deleted. You can resend at the proper time if this happens accidentally.
Confirmation emails will be sent. If you don't receive one, don't resend. We don't want duplicate entries. Please check with us on twitter first to confirm your entry did or did not arrive, then you may resend.
There is only ONE, yes that's right, ONE entry per person allowed. Any attempt to cheat will result in entries being thrown out.
This contest is only for finished and polished stories.
Amy and I have decided not to accept picture books for this contests. Though we love picture books, contests just don't seem to be the best place to get them requests. We do accept all MG, YA, NA and Adult genres, excluding erotica.
To enter you must be followers of our blogs. Click the 'join this site' button on my blog. You can find Amy's blog here.
The Format:
Send submission to Sunversussnow (at) yahoo (dot) com. Only one submission per person is allowed. It doesn't matter if you write under different names or are submitting different manuscripts. You are still one person and get one entry.
Here's how it should be formatted (yes, include the bolded!) Please use Times New Roman (or equivalent), 12 pt font, and put spaces between paragraphs. No indents or tabs are needed. No worries if your gmail doesn't have Times New Roman. No worries if the email messes up your format. Yes, we will still read it! :-)
(Here's a trick to keep your paragraph spacing: copy and paste your entry into your email and then put in the line spaces. They seem to get lost when you copy and paste. It may look right but sending scrambles the spacing.)
Subject Line: SVS: TITLE, Age Category + Genre (example: SVS: PYGMY HAZARDS, MG Fantasy)
In The Email:
Title: MY FANTASTIC BOOK (yes, caps!)Genre: YA dystopian (Age category and genre. YA/MG is not a genre.)Word Count: XX,XXX (round to the nearest thousand)
My Main Character would prefer to live in:
Would your main character prefer to live in heat or cold. And why? Tell us which weather would make your MC the most comfortable or happy.
Example: As a hamster, Tom doesn't dig all this white stuff falling from the sky. It's some kind of freaky trick pulled by the crazy pygmies at the asylum they call school. He only knows it makes him curl up and snooze. Where's the fun in that? (Can be in your MC's POV, but doesn't have to be. 100 words or less.)
Query:
Query goes here! Include greeting and main paragraphs. Please leave out bio, closing, and word count + genre sentence. You may include comps if you'd like. There is no word count limit on the query but please aim for 250 - 300 words.
First 250 words:
Here are the first 250 words of my manuscript, and I will not end in the middle of a sentence. But I will not go over 257 words. Be reasonable and don't make us count. Don't forget to space between paragraphs!
Now for the twitter party!
Today we'd like you to shout out your genre and age category at the hashtag #sunvssnow That should help everyone get an idea of the breakdown. Oh, and tell us when you entered!
Tuesday, January 27 Give us your best editing tip! Share some wisdom!
Wednesday, January 28 Your MC is pushed in the pool or hit with a snowball, what do they do? Do they forgive and forget or fight back?
Thursday, January 29 Your MC is trapped on desert island/snowed in a cabin. What one item do they have to have?
Friday, January 30 Your bad guy/girl is suddenly wearing a pink tutu. What happens next?
Saturday, January 31 A dream is a wish your heart makes. Where is your dream vacation writing spot. Where would you like to sit and pour out words?
Sunday, February 1st It's all about friends. Look for fresh critique partners or give praise to the ones you have! This is your day to send out thank yous and find new readers.
Monday, February 2nd Hold onto your hats. We announce the picks today! Post a twitter picture of you wearing a hat or tell us what sort of hat you'd wear.
Remember it's about making connections and having fun.
Cover Release for NAKED
Nakedby Stacey TrombleyRelease Date: 07/07/15Entangled Teen305 pages
Summary from Goodreads:
The best place to hide is in a lie…
I could never fit in to the life my parents demanded. By the time I was thirteen, it was too much. I ran away to New York City…and found a nightmare that lasted three years. A nightmare that began and ended with a pimp named Luis. Now I am Dirty Anna. Broken, like everything inside me has gone bad.
Except that for the first time, I have a chance to start over. Not just with my parents but at school. Still, the rumors follow me everywhere. Down the hall. In classes. And the only hope I can see is in the wide, brightly lit smile of Jackson, the boy next door. So I lie to him. I lie to protect him from my past. I lie so that I don’t have to be The Girl Who Went Bad.
The only problem is that someone in my school knows about New York.
Someone knows who I really am.
And it’s just a matter of time before the real Anna is exposed…
Pre-Order Links:
Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo Books
About the AuthorStacey Trombley lives in Ohio with her husband and the sweetest Rottweiler you’ll ever meet. She thinks people are fascinating and any chance she has, she’s off doing or learning something new. She went on her first mission trip to Haiti at age twelve and is still dying to go back. Her “places to travel” list is almost as long as her “books to read” list. She wants to bring something new to the world through her writing, but just giving a little piece of herself is more than enough.
Keep a look out for her debut novel NAKED, coming from Entangled Teen in 2015
Author Links:
Cover Reveal Organized by:
January 23, 2015
Snow Free Pass Winner 2015
I thank you for all the shared memories. All the stories of ski lifts, and igloos, and cakes made out of snow. I enjoyed the quiet silence of falling snow and the peace it brought to relatives going through cancer. It's great to read so much reminiscing about family and new-found romance.
These were all great and so very entertaining. It was hard to pick a winner! Many of the stories made me laugh, a few made me sigh. Some brought back my own memories.
Some honorable mentions among all the stand out stories:
Emmy PaxmanKathleenLaura RueckertKara BArbieriChristopher LeeAshley BLeann
And the winner of the snow free pass is:
Mike Hays
Mike, please format your entry as outlined in the contest format post and send during the submission window on Monday, January 26th. But in the subject line include: SNOW FREE PASS.
Thanks to everyone who entered. This was a lot of fun and writers are the best people. I wish I could pick all the entries.
These were all great and so very entertaining. It was hard to pick a winner! Many of the stories made me laugh, a few made me sigh. Some brought back my own memories.
Some honorable mentions among all the stand out stories:
Emmy PaxmanKathleenLaura RueckertKara BArbieriChristopher LeeAshley BLeann
And the winner of the snow free pass is:
Mike Hays
Mike, please format your entry as outlined in the contest format post and send during the submission window on Monday, January 26th. But in the subject line include: SNOW FREE PASS.
Thanks to everyone who entered. This was a lot of fun and writers are the best people. I wish I could pick all the entries.
Snow Mentors 2015
This year Amy and I are picking our own dream team of mentors. And the mentors for Team Snow will frost your windowpanes! These are the most amazing writers from a variety of genres. They're donning their coats, boots and mittens to give the very best advice!
I will read the entries starting January 26th. As soon as I make my final picks, I will send the entries off to Team Snow to get a head start on reading. Each mentor will receive three entries. Once the final picks are announced on my blog (February 2 or possibly sooner), the mentors will skate into action, sending the snow contestants their suggestions! Contestants have until Friday, February 6th at 9 am to work with their mentors.
So here are the frosty mentors you aspire to work with:
Dan Koboldt writes novels in the fantasy & science fiction genres of speculative fiction. My agent and I are currently seeking publication for THE ROGUE RETRIEVAL, an adult science fiction novel about a Vegas stage magician who takes high-tech illusions of magic into a medieval world that has the real thing.
I’m lucky to be a Codexian and a Pitch Wars mentor. I’m also the host of #SFFpit, a twice-yearly Twitter pitching party for authors of sci-fi/fantasy who are seeking representation or publication. Find him on twitter at @DanKoboldt
Sarah Glenn Marsh is a YA and picture book author represented by Christa Heschke of McIntosh & Otis Literary. Her debut historical fantasy, FEAR THE DROWNING DEEP, takes place on the Isle of Man in the early 1900s, and will be published by Sky Pony in the spring of 2016.
An avid fantasy reader from the day her dad handed her a copy of The Hobbit and promised it would change her life, Sarah's been making up words and worlds ever since. She lives, writes, and paints things in Virginia, supported by her husband and four rescued senior greyhounds: Romeo & Juliet, Grimm, and Khaleesi.
Visit Sarah online at Sarah Marsh Writes, and on Twitter @SG_Marsh. Add FEAR THE DROWNING DEEP on Goodreads here.
Laura Heffernan is a California-born women's fiction writer, represented by Jen Karsbaek at Fuse Literary. One Saturday morning when she was four or five, Laura sat down at the family's Commodore 64 and typed out her first short story. She's written both fiction and non-fiction ever since.
In her spare time, Laura likes travel, baking, board games, and new experiences. She lives in the northeast, freezing like the true California girl she is, with her amazing husband and two furry little beasts. Her fuzzy sock collection is becoming impressive.
www.lauraheffernan.com@LH_Writes
Raised in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Vicki L. Weavil turned her early obsession with reading into a career as an author and librarian. She is represented by Jennifer Mishler at Literary Counsel, NYC. Her debut novel, CROWN OF ICE—a dark YA retelling of H. C. Andersen’s “The Snow Queen”—was published by Month9Books in September 2014. Her YA Scifi duology will also be published by Month9Books, with the first book, FACSIMILE, releasing in 2016.
An avid reader who appreciates good writing in all genres, Vicki has been known to read seven books in as many days. When not writing or reading, she likes to spend time watching films, listening to music, gardening, or traveling. Vicki lives in North Carolina with her husband and three very spoiled cats.Social Media Links:Website/blog: http://vickilempweavil.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/VickiLWeavilAmazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Vicki-L.-Weavil/ Author Page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VickiLempWeavil?ref=hlTumblr: http://vickilweavil.tumblr.com/And http://snowqueenthyra.tumblr.com/Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7091425.Vicki_Lemp_Weavil
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/vickilweavil/
Ami Allen-Vath is a YA author living and currently freezing (because winters are cold) in New Jersey. She lives with her husband, two kids, and a chihuahua named Yoda.
Ami loves great and terrible TV, ice cream, books, and vacations. She loathes cilantro, live birds, and when guys do cartoon impressions. Her debut novel, PROM BITCH is forthcoming from Sky Pony Press in November of 2015.
Ami is on the internet: Blog | GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | BookLikes | Website
January 22, 2015
Query Questions with Lane Heymont
Writers have copious amounts of imagination. It's what makes their stories so fantastic. But there's a darker side to so much out of the box thinking. When a writer is in the query trenches, their worries go into overdrive. They start pulling out their hair and imagine every possible disaster.
Here to relieve some of that endless worrying is a new series of posts called Query Questions. I'll ask the questions which prey on every writer's mind, and hopefully take some of the pain out of querying. These are questions that I've seen tossed around on twitter and writing sites like Agent Query Connect. They are the type of questions that you need answers for the real expert--agents!
Today's agent is Lane Heymont from the Seymour Agency. Lane represents the genres near and dear to my heart: fantasy and science fiction!
Is there a better or worse time of year to query?
I hear this question from aspiring authors a lot. Short answer is a “no”. Long answer is a “kind of”. Querying an agent on Christmas — me in particular — doesn’t leave a bad taste in the mouth, but keep in mind you may have to wait a little longer to hear back than if you queried in March. I have family obligations, vacations, and holiday events. So, no there is no “bad” time of the year to query me, but there are down times when you should expect a longer response time.
Does one typo or misplaced comma shoot down the entire query?
Not at all. Everyone makes mistakes. Myself included. You should strive to make your query as perfect and grammatically accurate as possible, but spelling ‘here’ ‘her’ isn’t going to ruin a great query and even better story telling. However, you should at least be able to spell my name correctly — it’s only four letters — and know that I’m a man.
Do you look at sample pages without fail or only if the query is strong?
You could send me the worst query in the multiverse and I’ll still read your sample pages. Why? Because, some people just can’t write queries. In school I was a horrible test taker. I knew the right answers, but I sure couldn’t write them down. If your writing and story telling draws me in and grabs my awe I’m going to request more.
Do you have an assistant or intern go through your queries first or do you check all of them?
I don’t have an assistant as of yet. I will be on the hunt for one soon, but as of now I read all queries. I doubt this will change in the future, and if so, I’ll keep everyone updated.
Do you keep a maybe pile of queries and go back to them for a second look?
Actually, I do. A query is read several times before I make any kind of decision. Each is considered seriously.
If the manuscript has a prologue, do you want it included with the sample pages?
If there is a prologue then YES! Please send it along with the first five pages. I want to see it all.
How important are comp titles? Is it something you want to see in a query?
It’s not the most important thing to put in your query, but it would be incredibly helpful. Comparative titles give me an idea of what I’m reading or should expect in tone or plot.
Some agencies mention querying only one agent at a time and some say query only one agent period. How often do you pass a query along to a fellow agent who might be more interested?
I pass queries along to other agents at The Seymour Agency all the time. If a manuscript isn’t for me and I think someone else might enjoy it I send it right over. I’ve also received a number of queries from agency sibs who pass on a piece, but think I might enjoy it.
Do you prefer a little personalized chit-chat in a query letter, or would you rather hear about the manuscript?
Point blank, I want to hear about the manuscript. If you read an interview with me about what I’m looking for and think you have it, sure, let me know. Otherwise, give me goal, motivation, and conflict!
Most agents have said they don't care whether the word count/genre sentence comes first or last. But is it a red flag if one component is not included?
I don’t care where word count and genre is in your query as long as it is in there somewhere. This should be obvious, but if I don’t know your word count, how can I know if your manuscript is too long or too short to be salable? The same with genre. I need to know what to expect when I’m reading the first few pages of a manuscript. Dragons? Fairies? Aliens?
Writers hear a lot about limiting the number of named characters in a query. Do you feel keeping named characters to a certain number makes for a clearer query?
Actually, yes I do. You might have a few point-of-view characters, but keep your query short and clear. Try to focus on one or two —three is a huge stretch — protagonists. Anymore than that is just too confusing for my little head to handle.
Should writers sweat the title of their book (and character names) or is that something that is often changed by publishers?
Titles and character names can change easily when it comes to publication time. Titles most of all. The idea is to think of a catchy title that expresses both the tone and plot of your story. Using one of the five senses is also a good idea. They tend to create a stronger image in the reader’s mind. Character names don’t bother me so much as long as they make sense for the story itself. Weird spelling is fine … just not the bartender named Chj8-Kilvx.
Many agents say they don't care if writers are active online. Could a twitter account or blog presence by a writer tip the scales in getting a request or offer? And do you require writers you sign to start one?
An online presence is more important for non-fiction authors. They need a platform, and nowadays that’s most often online. For aspiring novelists, the lack of activity on social media won’t tip the scale in any way. It’s good to be online and building a platform/connection with potential readers, but that can always come later. I’m more interested in great stories and writing that haunts my dreams — in a good way!
I don’t require authors to start using social media, but I do stronglysuggest it. Why miss out on such an amazing way to connect with readers? They are the most important part of this industry, literally giving it its breath!
Some writers have asked about including links to their blogs or manuscript-related artwork. I'm sure it's not appropriate to add those links in a query, but are links in an email signature offensive?
To be honest, I don’t find links in signatures offensive. It’s the cheap, spam-y feeling of putting links in queries that leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Of course, I don’t want to see five links all written out in long form. Use hyperlinks, but don’t go nuts with them.
If a writer makes changes to their manuscript due to feedback should they resend the query or only if material was requested?
Only if I requested the material.
What bio should an author with no publishing credits include?
An interesting tidbit about yourself. Your education and work experience should suffice. Maybe where you live. Authors often put their family’s names or their last vacation. That’s nice, but doesn’t tell me anything and is wasted space in what should be a very concise letter.
What does 'just not right mean for me' mean to you?
It just didn’t catch my interest. It could be the best writing ever, but if I don’t fall in love, how can I champion it?
What themes are you sick of seeing?
Cliché dystopians. Science is evil. Religion is blind.
Do you consider yourself a hands-on, editorial type of agent?
Absolutely! I started out as an assistant editing and critiquing client material, and that’s where I excelled. I won’t send out anything I don’t think is ready.
What's the strangest/funniest thing you've seen in a query?
The strangest query wasn’t a query. Basically, a scientologist pamphlet.
What three things are at the top of your submission wish list?
Weird science fiction in the vein of H.P. Lovecraft, Frankenstein, or the X-Files.
Realistic fantasy where real-world problems are front and center. Think Game of Thrones or the Dragonlance Saga.
As a huge science nerd, I’d love to see some scientific non-fiction. Astrobiology, archaeology, any of the –ologies really.
What are some of your favorite movies or books to give us an idea of your tastes?
My favorite book of all time is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. I also read H.P. Lovecraft and Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. Some of my favorite movies include Avatar, Season of the Witch, Event Horizon, Star Wars, and WGN’s new Salem series. For non-fiction, I read a lot of books on physics and other sciences.
----------------------------------------
Serving as a Literary Assistant for the past two years at the Seymour Agency, Lane Heymont has led the marketing efforts for their authors and enjoyed connecting clients with readers. As a lover of literature since childhood, he decided to pursue his passion as a literary agent to bring more well written books to the masses. With a bachelor's degree in Psychology, business and literature, Lane continued his education in Creative Writing and English, attending Harvard. Lane is hungry for well-written science fiction and fantasy novels. Exceptional world building is a must. In the non-fiction, he is looking for the inspiring, intriguing, and mysterious. Lane is a member of HWA, ITW, and AAR. He believes what John Gregory Dunne said: “Writing is manual labor of the mind.”
Here to relieve some of that endless worrying is a new series of posts called Query Questions. I'll ask the questions which prey on every writer's mind, and hopefully take some of the pain out of querying. These are questions that I've seen tossed around on twitter and writing sites like Agent Query Connect. They are the type of questions that you need answers for the real expert--agents!
Today's agent is Lane Heymont from the Seymour Agency. Lane represents the genres near and dear to my heart: fantasy and science fiction!
Is there a better or worse time of year to query?
I hear this question from aspiring authors a lot. Short answer is a “no”. Long answer is a “kind of”. Querying an agent on Christmas — me in particular — doesn’t leave a bad taste in the mouth, but keep in mind you may have to wait a little longer to hear back than if you queried in March. I have family obligations, vacations, and holiday events. So, no there is no “bad” time of the year to query me, but there are down times when you should expect a longer response time.
Does one typo or misplaced comma shoot down the entire query?
Not at all. Everyone makes mistakes. Myself included. You should strive to make your query as perfect and grammatically accurate as possible, but spelling ‘here’ ‘her’ isn’t going to ruin a great query and even better story telling. However, you should at least be able to spell my name correctly — it’s only four letters — and know that I’m a man.
Do you look at sample pages without fail or only if the query is strong?
You could send me the worst query in the multiverse and I’ll still read your sample pages. Why? Because, some people just can’t write queries. In school I was a horrible test taker. I knew the right answers, but I sure couldn’t write them down. If your writing and story telling draws me in and grabs my awe I’m going to request more.
Do you have an assistant or intern go through your queries first or do you check all of them?
I don’t have an assistant as of yet. I will be on the hunt for one soon, but as of now I read all queries. I doubt this will change in the future, and if so, I’ll keep everyone updated.
Do you keep a maybe pile of queries and go back to them for a second look?
Actually, I do. A query is read several times before I make any kind of decision. Each is considered seriously.
If the manuscript has a prologue, do you want it included with the sample pages?
If there is a prologue then YES! Please send it along with the first five pages. I want to see it all.
How important are comp titles? Is it something you want to see in a query?
It’s not the most important thing to put in your query, but it would be incredibly helpful. Comparative titles give me an idea of what I’m reading or should expect in tone or plot.
Some agencies mention querying only one agent at a time and some say query only one agent period. How often do you pass a query along to a fellow agent who might be more interested?
I pass queries along to other agents at The Seymour Agency all the time. If a manuscript isn’t for me and I think someone else might enjoy it I send it right over. I’ve also received a number of queries from agency sibs who pass on a piece, but think I might enjoy it.
Do you prefer a little personalized chit-chat in a query letter, or would you rather hear about the manuscript?
Point blank, I want to hear about the manuscript. If you read an interview with me about what I’m looking for and think you have it, sure, let me know. Otherwise, give me goal, motivation, and conflict!
Most agents have said they don't care whether the word count/genre sentence comes first or last. But is it a red flag if one component is not included?
I don’t care where word count and genre is in your query as long as it is in there somewhere. This should be obvious, but if I don’t know your word count, how can I know if your manuscript is too long or too short to be salable? The same with genre. I need to know what to expect when I’m reading the first few pages of a manuscript. Dragons? Fairies? Aliens?
Writers hear a lot about limiting the number of named characters in a query. Do you feel keeping named characters to a certain number makes for a clearer query?
Actually, yes I do. You might have a few point-of-view characters, but keep your query short and clear. Try to focus on one or two —three is a huge stretch — protagonists. Anymore than that is just too confusing for my little head to handle.
Should writers sweat the title of their book (and character names) or is that something that is often changed by publishers?
Titles and character names can change easily when it comes to publication time. Titles most of all. The idea is to think of a catchy title that expresses both the tone and plot of your story. Using one of the five senses is also a good idea. They tend to create a stronger image in the reader’s mind. Character names don’t bother me so much as long as they make sense for the story itself. Weird spelling is fine … just not the bartender named Chj8-Kilvx.
Many agents say they don't care if writers are active online. Could a twitter account or blog presence by a writer tip the scales in getting a request or offer? And do you require writers you sign to start one?
An online presence is more important for non-fiction authors. They need a platform, and nowadays that’s most often online. For aspiring novelists, the lack of activity on social media won’t tip the scale in any way. It’s good to be online and building a platform/connection with potential readers, but that can always come later. I’m more interested in great stories and writing that haunts my dreams — in a good way!
I don’t require authors to start using social media, but I do stronglysuggest it. Why miss out on such an amazing way to connect with readers? They are the most important part of this industry, literally giving it its breath!
Some writers have asked about including links to their blogs or manuscript-related artwork. I'm sure it's not appropriate to add those links in a query, but are links in an email signature offensive?
To be honest, I don’t find links in signatures offensive. It’s the cheap, spam-y feeling of putting links in queries that leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Of course, I don’t want to see five links all written out in long form. Use hyperlinks, but don’t go nuts with them.
If a writer makes changes to their manuscript due to feedback should they resend the query or only if material was requested?
Only if I requested the material.
What bio should an author with no publishing credits include?
An interesting tidbit about yourself. Your education and work experience should suffice. Maybe where you live. Authors often put their family’s names or their last vacation. That’s nice, but doesn’t tell me anything and is wasted space in what should be a very concise letter.
What does 'just not right mean for me' mean to you?
It just didn’t catch my interest. It could be the best writing ever, but if I don’t fall in love, how can I champion it?
What themes are you sick of seeing?
Cliché dystopians. Science is evil. Religion is blind.
Do you consider yourself a hands-on, editorial type of agent?
Absolutely! I started out as an assistant editing and critiquing client material, and that’s where I excelled. I won’t send out anything I don’t think is ready.
What's the strangest/funniest thing you've seen in a query?
The strangest query wasn’t a query. Basically, a scientologist pamphlet.
What three things are at the top of your submission wish list?
Weird science fiction in the vein of H.P. Lovecraft, Frankenstein, or the X-Files.
Realistic fantasy where real-world problems are front and center. Think Game of Thrones or the Dragonlance Saga.
As a huge science nerd, I’d love to see some scientific non-fiction. Astrobiology, archaeology, any of the –ologies really.
What are some of your favorite movies or books to give us an idea of your tastes?
My favorite book of all time is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. I also read H.P. Lovecraft and Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. Some of my favorite movies include Avatar, Season of the Witch, Event Horizon, Star Wars, and WGN’s new Salem series. For non-fiction, I read a lot of books on physics and other sciences.
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Serving as a Literary Assistant for the past two years at the Seymour Agency, Lane Heymont has led the marketing efforts for their authors and enjoyed connecting clients with readers. As a lover of literature since childhood, he decided to pursue his passion as a literary agent to bring more well written books to the masses. With a bachelor's degree in Psychology, business and literature, Lane continued his education in Creative Writing and English, attending Harvard. Lane is hungry for well-written science fiction and fantasy novels. Exceptional world building is a must. In the non-fiction, he is looking for the inspiring, intriguing, and mysterious. Lane is a member of HWA, ITW, and AAR. He believes what John Gregory Dunne said: “Writing is manual labor of the mind.”
January 21, 2015
Getting the Call with Jeanmarie Anaya
Continuing the month of inspiration is Jeanmarie Anaya with a lovely call story. This will lift your heart on a dreary winter day! And thanks for the plug about contests, Jeanmarie!
I started querying--SLOWLY--in June of 2014. I'm a big believer in the magic of online pitch contests, and hoped to test out my query and short-form pitch before diving headfirst at full speed into cold-querying. Special thanks and a huge shout-out to Michelle and all the experienced writers who host these contests and sacrifice so much of their own time to support other writers who are seeking agents. Whether or not you're selected to move on to the agent round, entering contests is a great learning experience and a way to hone your query and to see what works and what doesn't. And even if you don't feel ready to enter (that's okay, we've all been there!), reading the entries that are selected is helpful too.
I pretty much stopped querying completely in early September when I was selected as an alternate in this season's Pitch Wars hosted by Brenda Drake. I had a few manuscripts "out there" from my first batch of queries and contest requests, but I was too busy plugging away at my WIP to obsess. (That's a total lie, btw. I obsessed frequently and religiously. Ask my CPS.) I participated in September's PitMad pitch party and got a request from an agent I greatly admired, Jessica Sinsheimer of the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency. I was over the moon and sent the full manuscript immediately. Within days, I got an email from one of the very first agents I queried back in June: "I'd love to set up a time to talk." I'd heard that phrase before, and been mortally wounded when the call turned out to be informational and not an offer, so I wasn't inclined to expect too much from the call. But the agent did indeed offer me representation. She was lovely and kind and excited about my story, and I finally had that feeling that all writers crave, "Someone 'gets' my book!"
I sent off nudges (but not before prancing around the house like an idiot for the better part of an hour). Just one day later, I got an email from Jessica Sinsheimer: "I finished IN BETWEEN THEM this morning, and I can't stop thinking about it. If you haven't already made your decision, I would love to speak with you." Oh my goodness, the heart palpitations. SHE COULDN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT. If that wasn't a hint that she'd like to offer, then I don't know what is. Our call was everything I dreamed "The Call" would be. Jessica was so enthusiastic and passionate about my book. And what really got me was how she spoke about my characters--like they were real! They are to me, so it was such a wonderful feeling to find someone who feels about them as intensely as I do. We spoke a lot about things unrelated to writing too, so I felt a connection to her as a person, as well as a professional.
While waiting for responses from the other agents reading the manuscript, I spoke with one of Jessica's clients, a YA and picture book author named Veronica Bartles. Veronica was instrumental in helping me make my decision. She answered every question I had and even entertained the general ones about publishing that had little to do with the world of agents. By the time I was done hammering her with information, I'd scored a new writer friend and had a crystal clear sense that Jessica was the perfect agent for me. I'll always be grateful to Veronica for her guidance.
Finally being able to say, "I accept your offer of representation" to Jessica Sinsheimer was a milestone in my writing career that I dreamed of for many years. For those of you in the query trenches, KEEP GOING! It happens when you least expect it, and when it does, it's pretty rad.
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Jeanmarie Anaya is a YA Contemporary writer represented by Jessica Sinsheimer of the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency. Mother to three little girls, wife to a surfing addict. Beachgoer with sandy feet. Unashamed book lover who will never, ever crease a beautiful page.
blog: http://www.jeanmarieanaya.blogspot.comtwitter: https://twitter.com/janaya75
I started querying--SLOWLY--in June of 2014. I'm a big believer in the magic of online pitch contests, and hoped to test out my query and short-form pitch before diving headfirst at full speed into cold-querying. Special thanks and a huge shout-out to Michelle and all the experienced writers who host these contests and sacrifice so much of their own time to support other writers who are seeking agents. Whether or not you're selected to move on to the agent round, entering contests is a great learning experience and a way to hone your query and to see what works and what doesn't. And even if you don't feel ready to enter (that's okay, we've all been there!), reading the entries that are selected is helpful too.
I pretty much stopped querying completely in early September when I was selected as an alternate in this season's Pitch Wars hosted by Brenda Drake. I had a few manuscripts "out there" from my first batch of queries and contest requests, but I was too busy plugging away at my WIP to obsess. (That's a total lie, btw. I obsessed frequently and religiously. Ask my CPS.) I participated in September's PitMad pitch party and got a request from an agent I greatly admired, Jessica Sinsheimer of the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency. I was over the moon and sent the full manuscript immediately. Within days, I got an email from one of the very first agents I queried back in June: "I'd love to set up a time to talk." I'd heard that phrase before, and been mortally wounded when the call turned out to be informational and not an offer, so I wasn't inclined to expect too much from the call. But the agent did indeed offer me representation. She was lovely and kind and excited about my story, and I finally had that feeling that all writers crave, "Someone 'gets' my book!"
I sent off nudges (but not before prancing around the house like an idiot for the better part of an hour). Just one day later, I got an email from Jessica Sinsheimer: "I finished IN BETWEEN THEM this morning, and I can't stop thinking about it. If you haven't already made your decision, I would love to speak with you." Oh my goodness, the heart palpitations. SHE COULDN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT. If that wasn't a hint that she'd like to offer, then I don't know what is. Our call was everything I dreamed "The Call" would be. Jessica was so enthusiastic and passionate about my book. And what really got me was how she spoke about my characters--like they were real! They are to me, so it was such a wonderful feeling to find someone who feels about them as intensely as I do. We spoke a lot about things unrelated to writing too, so I felt a connection to her as a person, as well as a professional.
While waiting for responses from the other agents reading the manuscript, I spoke with one of Jessica's clients, a YA and picture book author named Veronica Bartles. Veronica was instrumental in helping me make my decision. She answered every question I had and even entertained the general ones about publishing that had little to do with the world of agents. By the time I was done hammering her with information, I'd scored a new writer friend and had a crystal clear sense that Jessica was the perfect agent for me. I'll always be grateful to Veronica for her guidance.
Finally being able to say, "I accept your offer of representation" to Jessica Sinsheimer was a milestone in my writing career that I dreamed of for many years. For those of you in the query trenches, KEEP GOING! It happens when you least expect it, and when it does, it's pretty rad.
-------------------------------------------------------
Jeanmarie Anaya is a YA Contemporary writer represented by Jessica Sinsheimer of the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency. Mother to three little girls, wife to a surfing addict. Beachgoer with sandy feet. Unashamed book lover who will never, ever crease a beautiful page.
blog: http://www.jeanmarieanaya.blogspot.comtwitter: https://twitter.com/janaya75
January 20, 2015
Based on the ...
I'm happy to be part of the Goodreads Making Connections group to bring you information of a great read. A collection of one-act plays based upon Sir Arthur Conon Doyle. Who doesn't love the author of Sherlock Holmes and getting a chance to read something in his style.
Four classic stories told in a unique and exciting way forms the basis of this collection featuring duets and monodramas. Join two women, reunited years after their HS graduation, and examine the changes in their lives for the better and the worst in "The Reunion" based on the classic poem "A Ruined Maid" by Thomas Hardy. Meet Kid Blink, a union leader who led one of the most successful and infamous strikes in history, all at the age of 13, in "Blink" based on the true story of the 1899 Newsboys Strike. Based on "Lot 249" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, "The Mysterious Case of Lot 249" is the story of a detective, on the trail of a mysterious killer, who doggedly interrogates a witness, who knows more then he's telling. Finally, a young teenager tells the story of her unexpected pregnancy in "Miriam and Isa" based on the Biblical story.
Buy Based On The… Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0615952127/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1420931309&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70
The Black Box Theatre Publishing Company: http://blackboxtheatrepublishing.com
Giveaway Link (Prize = 2 signed copies of Based On The…): a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Everett Robert is a Hays, KS resident and Colby, KS native who graduated from Colby High School in 1995 and from Colby Community College in 1999 where he studied Radio and Television Communications in addition to English and Drama. He is currently a student at Fort Hays University. Everett is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America, the Playwright's Center, the Kansas Writer's Association, and the Oklahoma Writer's Federation, Fringe Theater Company of Fort Hays State, and Hays Community Theater.Everett has written and performed in Colby, KS; Hoxie, KS; Hill City, KS; Meade, KS; Cincinnati, OH; Davao City, Philippines and as part of the radio drama series, SHERRI'S PLAYHOUSE heard on the blogtalkradio show CHATTING WITH SHERRI. His works have also been performed by Mind The Gap Theatre in New York City, NY; Stage Left Theatre in Spokane, WA; at the Cambria-Friesland school district in Cambria, WI. BASED ON THE... is his third published play. His previous plays, ALLIE IN WONDERLAND and THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY OF TOM SAWYER AS TOLD BY BECKY THATCHER, were published by Heartland Play Publishers in 2012 and 2013. In addition, Everett was published in April 2013 by High Hill Press in their CACTUS COUNTRY III anthology and has won numerous awards from the Kansas Writers Association (KWA) and the Oklahoma Writer's Federation, Inc (OWFI).
Everett can be found at: http://www.emergencyroomproductions.net and http://www.facebook.com/emergencyroomproductions.
January 19, 2015
Writer Diary Giveaways
I'm a member of the group of writers behind The Writer Diaries blog and wanted everyone to know about some super giveaways going on there.
First off, we are celebrating our two year anniversary. The grand prize for this huge giveaway is a Kindle Fire. There are also smaller prizes in the form of books (Kindar's Cure) and critiques (a query critique from me). Don't miss this opportunity. Go here to enter.
Also on the Writer Diaries, I'm doing my own giveaway. In honor of Martin Luther King day I did a post about tolerance and kindness in the face of online haters. There seems to be a lot of attacking and bashing in the writer community. I'm hoping to prove that kindness rules and most people don't care for this type of behavior. You can win a copy of Stacey Jay's THE PRINCESS OF THORNS.
First off, we are celebrating our two year anniversary. The grand prize for this huge giveaway is a Kindle Fire. There are also smaller prizes in the form of books (Kindar's Cure) and critiques (a query critique from me). Don't miss this opportunity. Go here to enter.
Also on the Writer Diaries, I'm doing my own giveaway. In honor of Martin Luther King day I did a post about tolerance and kindness in the face of online haters. There seems to be a lot of attacking and bashing in the writer community. I'm hoping to prove that kindness rules and most people don't care for this type of behavior. You can win a copy of Stacey Jay's THE PRINCESS OF THORNS.
January 16, 2015
Sun versus Snow Agents 2015
Get ready to choose sides! Will it be sun or snow!
Amy Trueblood and I have a contest to decide the perfect winter weather. You can find the info for submission here!
Currently, we have fifteen agents signed up for the contest. Submission is on January 26 and there will be a post then repeating how to format.
Thanks to all the agents who found the time in their busy schedules to make this contest happen. You are all AWESOME.
Please tweet your thanks to them using the hashtag #sunvssnow.
PS: My Free Pass is available until January 23th. And Amy has started her own Free Pass. There's still time to enter!
Now, for the moment you've all been waiting for...the agent list. Can you figure out which winter weather they will favor?
Dr. Uwe Stender, is a Full Member of the AAR (Association of Authors' Representatives).Our best known clients are actress Melody Thomas Scott, CNN HLN and TruTV's In Session News Anchor Christi Paul, Eric Deggans,former CNN anchor Daryn Kagan, 4 time Grammy Award winning composer Lalo Schifrin ("Mission Impossible"), Elizabeth LaBan, Stacy Tornio, and legendary NBA referee Bob Delaney.Uwe was a guest speaker at several major conferences including the SCWC in San Diego, the Crimebake (Mystery Writers of America New England Chapter), CAPA-U in Hartford, Connecticut, the Writers' League of Texas in Austin, Penn Writers, and he spoke on a panel at the Book Expo America in New York City.We are always open to any strong fiction (our current focus in fiction is YA, middle grade, Women's Fiction, Literary Fiction and Mysteries) and all non-fiction projects. TriadaUS Literary Agency was incorporated in April 2004.
Website|Twitter
CHRISTA HESCHKE graduated from Binghamton University with a major in English and a minor in Anthropology. She started in publishing as an intern at both Writers House and Sterling Lord Literistic, where she fell in love with the agency side of publishing. Christa has been at McIntosh and Otis, Inc. in the Children's Literature Department since 2009 where she is actively looking for picture books, middle grade, and young adult projects. She is a fan of young adult novels with a romantic angle, and strong, quirky protagonists. Within YA, Christa is especially interested in contemporary fiction, horror and thrillers/mysteries. As for middle grade, Christa enjoys contemporary, humor, adventure, mystery and magical realism for boys and girls. For picture books, she’s drawn to cute, funny, character driven stories within fiction and is open to non-fiction with a unique hook.Website|Twitter
A literary agent for close to fifteen years, Andrea Somberg represents a wide range of fiction and nonfiction, including projects for adult, young adult and middle grade audiences. Previously an agent at the Donald Maass Agency and Vigliano Associates, she joined Harvey Klinger Inc. in the spring of 2005. Her client list is quite full, however she is always actively looking to take on new authors who write in the following categories: Fiction; literary, commercial, womens fiction, romance, thrillers, mystery, paranormal, fantasy, science fiction, young adult, new adult, middle grade. Nonfiction: memoir, narrative, popular science, pop-culture, humor, how-to, parenting, self-help, lifestyle, travel, interior design, crafts, cookbooks, business, sports, health & fitness. Andrea has also been a MediaBistro instructor, teaching courses on writing nonfiction and memoir book proposals, and a Writers Digest seminar instructor, teaching courses on mysteries and thrillers and fantasy and science fiction.
Harvey Klinger Inc. began as a one-man, one office literary agency in October, 1977. Over the years, it has grown and expanded, and is widely recognized among the top boutique literary agencies in the publishing industry today. It actively markets film/tv international, and other subsidiary rights, working with a vast network of co-agents in L.A. and around the globe.
Website|Twitter
Before joining the L. Perkins Agency, Rachel Brooks worked as an agent apprentice to mentor Louise Fury. In addition to her industry training, Rachel has a business degree and also graduated summa cum laude with a BA in English from Texas A&M University-CC.
Rachel is actively building her client list.
She is excited about representing young adult fiction, as well as adult romance. In YA, she's looking for authentic voices and memorable characters. In romance, whether contemporary or historical, sweet or spicy, she loves swoon-worthy heroes and determined heroines.
She’s a fan of dual POVs, loves both print and ebooks, and has a soft spot for marketing savvy writers.Website|Twitter
Michelle Richter has a degree in Economics with a minor in Russian from the University of Massachusetts at Boston and left a career in finance and banking for publishing. She joined St. Martin’s Press’ editorial department in 2006 after obtaining a Masters in Publishing from Pace University. While at St. Martin’s, Michelle edited MELISSA EXPLAINS IT ALL by Melissa Joan Hart, among others, and worked on a variety of fiction and nonfiction.Michelle is primarily seeking fiction, specifically book club reads, literary fiction, and well-crafted women’s commercial fiction, thrillers and mysteries (amateur sleuth, police procedurals and smart cozies). Her favorite authors include Laura Lippman, Harlan Coben, Richard Russo, Tom Perrotta, Chelsea Cain, and Gillian Flynn. For nonfiction, she’s interested in fashion, film, television, science, medicine, sociology/social trends, and economics for trade audiences. She has a soft spot for fiction and nonfiction in and about Boston/Massachusetts, Ireland, and Russia.Website|Twitter
Patricia Nelson started at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency as assistant to Kevan Lyon, and became an agent in September 2014. Previously, she interned at The Angela Rinaldi Literary Agency and in the children’s division at Running Press.
Patricia represents adult and young adult fiction, and is actively looking to build her list. On the adult side, she is interested in literary fiction and commercial fiction in the New Adult, women’s fiction, and romance genres. For YA, she is looking for contemporary/realistic fiction as well YA mystery/thriller, horror, magical realism, science fiction and fantasy. She is also interested in finding exciting multicultural and LGBTQ fiction, both YA and adult. In general, Patricia loves stories with complex characters that jump off the page and thoughtfully drawn, believable relationships – along with writing that makes her feel completely pulled into these characters’ lives and worlds.
Patricia received her bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary in 2008, and also holds a master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in Gender Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Before joining the world of publishing, she spent four years as a university-level instructor of literature and writing.
Website|Twitter
Cate Hart is all about guilty pleasures. She loves salted caramel mochas, Justin Timberlake, Fox’s Sleepy Hollow, and Steampunk. As a native Nashvillian, Cate’s biggest guilty pleasure is watching Nashville.
When she’s reading, Cate looks for character-driven stories, a distinguished voice, and intriguing plots.She loves characters that surprise her, like the pirate with a heart of gold, and plots that keep her guessing until the very last page.
When she’s not reading queries, Cate works with clients to build their platform, works on PR projects to help promote clients’ books, and reads manuscripts with an editorial eye.
Website|Twitter
Tamar Rydzinski worked at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates prior to joining the Laura Dail Literary Agency. She graduated from Yeshiva University in 2003 with a major in literature and a minor in business.
Tamar is interested in anything that is well-written and has great characters, including graphic novels. A fantastic query letter is essential – “you need to make me want to read your book, and be excited to read it,” she says, “with those first couple of paragraphs.”
Website|Twitter
Before joining Waxman Leavell in 2014, Kirsten Carleton worked at Sobel Weber Associates. She holds a B.A. in English with a Creative Writing concentration from Amherst College, and a Graduate Certificate in Publishing from the Columbia Publishing Course. Kirsten is currently seeking upmarket young adult, speculative, and literary fiction with strong characters and storytelling. She’s drawn to books that capture her attention early on with a dynamic plot, and innovative storytelling that blends or crosses genres.
Website|Twitter
A graduate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in English with a writing concentration, Melissa Jeglinski began her career as an editor with Harlequin Enterprises. Looking to work with a variety of authors and genres, she joined The Knight Agency in 2008. With over two decades experience in the publishing industry, Melissa has fostered her clients to National prominence including a recent Newbery Honor. She is a member of RWA and AAR. Melissa is currently seeking projects in the following areas: Romance (contemporary, category, historical, inspirational) Young Adult, Middle Grade, Women’s Fiction and Mystery.
Website|Twitter
Peter Knapp joined the Park Literary Group in July 2011 and represents middle grade and young adult fiction. Prior to joining Park Literary, he was the story editor at Floren Shieh Productions, where he consulted on book-to-film adaptations for Los Angeles-based film and TV entities. He graduated from New York University with a B.A. in art history.
Website|Twitter
Jackie Lindert earned her degree in English in her home state of Wisconsin. After college, she trekked to Colorado to attend the Denver Publishing Institute, eventually landing an internship in NYC with New Leaf Literary & Media. Following the internship, she found a job with Penguin Group as a Subsidiary Rights assistant. One year later she finds herself back at New Leaf handling client care, mailings, and best of all, reading manuscripts.
Website|Twitter
Sara Megibow has been with Nelson Literary Agency since early 2006 and open the Megibow Agency in 2014. Her first responsibilities included reading query letters, sample pages, and full manuscripts, and she was promoted to Associate Literary Agent in 2009. From sexy romance to epic fantasy, Sara has loved reading since picking up her first copy of The Hobbit. Sara earned a B.A. in Women’s Studies and a B.A. in American History from Northwestern University. She loves to ski, hike, kayak, and hang out with her beat-boxing husband, adorable son, and fuzzy cat.
Website|Twitter
Amanda Panitch is an associate literary agent at Lippincott Massie McQuilkin. Before joining LMQ in 2012, she interned at Writers House and attended The George Washington University and New York University’s Summer Publishing Institute. A writer herself, her first novel, Damage Done, will be released in July from Random House Books for Young Readers.
Website|Twitter
Roseanne Wellsjoined The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency as an associate agent in 2012. Previously with the Marianne Strong Literary Agency, she has also worked as a proofreader and a special sales and editorial assistant. She graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with degrees in Literature and Dance. An avid reader, Roseanne discovered her passion for book publishing during her internship at W. W. Norton, and she approaches agenting as a writer's advocate, editor, and partner. She is a member of SCBWI and a volunteer for Housing Works Bookstore Cafe in Soho, NYC. You can find her on Twitter @RivetingRosie.
Website|Twitter
