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In Young Adult, I look for manuscripts that are written with an unforgettable voice – this can be deep, dark and gritty or literary, lyrical and emotional. Every sentence should be there for a reason, every word should matter.

The YA sci-fi, thriller and realistic/gothic horror should have a bone-deep sense of danger that haunts me from page 1 and doesn’t let go of me for days.

And I like to cry. Or laugh. I want to feel something unforgettable when I read your pages. I want manuscripts that I can’t stop thinking about.

I believe in the power of marketing and I look for authors who know how to promote themselves. I only work with people that are pleasant online, on the telephone and in person. I want an author who knows that this is a business and is a professional, who understands the value of an agent in all mediums of publishing.

To break it down further:

• Well written, emotional and touching novels for teens.

• Deep, dark contemporary YA–where the smallest of choices have the greatest of consequences.

• Select MIDDLE GRADE fiction with a literary feel– it must be realistic and  thought provoking and the characters must be authentic and original.

• I love romance, especially Regency and Victorian. 

• In nonfiction: humor and pop culture manuscripts.

• NO memoirs!!

Louise also answered some interview questions I had.  Here they are:

1. Your bio states that you specialize in romance, all kids and young adult material and pop culture nonfiction. Could you tell us a little bit about what really grabs your attention in these areas?

Strong characters who take risks, push boundaries and fight for what they believe in, whether it is in a quiet dignified way that sneaks up on the reader or a stronger more obvious build that keeps our hearts pounding. I like to be emotionally shocked. Have a character break my heart and you are half way there.

2. I assume you are also interested in picture books when you say, “all kids.”

Yes. I have sold a picture book to Random House and have not found one to match its success since. But I am always looking.

3. Is there any genre that you are not drawn to, such as: fantasy, paranormal, gothic, horror, suspense, magical realism, and humor.

I am drawn to literary, moving and thought-provoking middle grade and picture book manuscripts, not light or humorous. But I am open to most things – whenever I say that I don’t want a certain genre, I am always shocked when a manuscript changes my mind. I love that!

4. Is there a common mistake that you see in the submitted stories you see?

When I get unsolicited queries, they are often for genres I do not represent. The biggest mistake is not doing enough research.

5. How often do you take on a new client?

There are times when I go for months without signing an author, but since being closed to submissions, I now only find authors through conferences, competitions and referrals. I have been very lucky to meet some amazing authors who are dedicated to honing their craft by attending conferences and learning from other writers and industry professionals.

Since 11/25/12 I have signed seven new/unpublished authors and two published authors.  I am currently talking to three others.

6. Do you work with your clients to improve the story before sending to an editor?

I do a round or two of light edits, but the all these amazing authors on my list have set the bar pretty high, so new manuscripts need to very polished.

7. Are you willing to represent unpublished authors?

Absolutely. I actually seek out not-yet-published authors. I love unique, strong debut manuscripts. There is nothing better than finding that new author with a special manuscript.

8. Do you have any advice for writers who submit to you?

Follow submission guidelines. Be polite and professional at all times.

Louise believes in staying ahead of the pack by embracing change, not just adapting to it and is a huge advocate for exploring secondary rights. She’s sold audio, film and foreign rights for her clients, including a recent deal with the cable channel, STARZ. Louise, a native South African, lives in NYC, but travels to Cape Town every year, where she spends time educating South African writers, meeting with international publishers and distributing books for women and children in need.

Thank you Louise for taking the time to answer my questions and help people get to know you a little better. I am looking forward to meeting you in June.

Louise still has spots left for critiques at the NJSCBWI June Conference. If you would like to jump on this opportunity to get a critique with a highly successful agent (26  deals in the last 12 months) you only have until April 30th to register.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy