Introducing… Literary Agent, Jo Schaffer

I’ve been excited for this blog post, because I’ve had a lot of my writing and non-writing friends ask about Jo’s new status as “Literary Agent.” First of all, this is a HUGE deal, and a big credit to Jo’s eye for good writing and ability to connect with people. GH Literary has a catch with this woman. Not only will she rock the boat, she’s going to sell books. Lots of them.

I thought it might be fun to do a little interview with my good friend and fellow “Cubie” to bring light to Jo’s career move and writing future.

So without further adieu… 

Me: What. The. Muffins? You’re an agent/author now? What inspired the metamorphosis from author to agent/author?

Jo: I love writing and I truly like writers. I enjoy the collaborative process between creative people. It really appeals to me to help fellow authors on the frustrating and crazy journey to publication. I have had two major influences in this decision.

Being involved in Teen Author Boot Camp–teaching teens and watching them hone their talent and the craft of writing has really made me realize how much I like to facilitate the growth and success of others. Some of these kids need to be heard!

And the other major influence has been my own agent, Italia Gandolfo. She is my Yoda. She has a heart of gold but Wolverine’s adamantium claws and is fiercely dedicated to her clients and making things happen for them. The woman never sleeps! I admire her strength and loyalty. Working with her just makes so much sense.

Me: What does this mean for your careers as an author? Are things going to be different? Will it be difficult to manage both? Do you feel like you need to put one hat on before the other?

Jo: I intend to keep writing. I have five completed novels, and I have several more in the “idea stage”. I will continue to work with Italia to get my other books published. But I’ll have less time to do my own projects for now. It will be tricky to do both, but I am determined.

Things are already different. I put in long days of reading and research for other writer’s manuscripts. I try to compile helpful, brutally honest notes for my clients so I can help them get the best publishing deal possible. And at GH Literary we don’t just agent books–we manage the careers of our talent. Helping our authors brand themselves, find their niche and promote them and their books.

As far as putting on hats… I really am wearing two. I still use my writer hat on a daily basis–even if not on my own books.But my primary focus at the moment are my clients and getting them ready for submission.

Me: What’s on the horizon for your career as an author? *wiggles  eyebrows* Any news for us?

I co-authored a book, Against Her Will, with Serita Stevens. It’s about teens in a psych ward called Oak Dale in Southern California. The story touches on heavy topics like: mental illness, suicide, drugs, rape, anorexia, bullying and abuse. Compelling, gritty stuff. Serita has been a nurse in a psych ward for teens for many years and has seen it all. That book got picked up by True North Publishing and will release May 2015. =) Also my book Badlands is currently in submissions.

Me: Now for the question everyone is waiting for… What are you looking for in a potential client and how can people submit to you?

As far as genres–I want mostly YA right now. And no high fantasy. If elves or dragons are in your book or a bunch of names nobody can pronounce–it’s probably not for me.

I really look for a fresh, honest voice, highly developed characters who have a good arc where growth is obvious, and tight plots with beautiful,visual writing.I like good supporting characters that entertain me and sustain the story-line and they have to matter to the lead character–for good or bad. It is super important to me that there are universal themes and a purpose to the story.I love a hopeful if not happy ending.

The most important thing to me is that the author is easy to collaborate with and understands how this all works and what my actual role is. Weird or unrealistic expectations, or attitudes make my hard job harder. =) Tons of work goes into helping an author get ready for submission etc. as it is.
They need to do their homework and be open to criticism,have a manuscript that is already 99% ready to go and then be willing to make the necessary changes. Patience and flexibility are appreciated too. =)

They can submit to me through the agency site. Here: Submissions : Gandolfo Helin Literary Management