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Reminder: New literary agents (with this spotlight featuring Amanda Leuck of Spencerhill Associates) are golden opportunities for new writers because each one is a literary agent who is likely building his or her client list.

 

 
About Amanda: Amanda Leuck started her career  in various facets of the media, including work on a TV talk show, at a fashion magazine, as a print journalist, and as an on-air traffic reporter. After graduating from New York University, Amanda went on to study literacy and literature at the post-graduate level. It was then that she developed a passion for the publishing industry. Amanda started at Spencerhill Associates as an editorial assistant, and was promoted to agent in August 2014. Her Twitter handle is @MandiLeone.

(Learn why “Keep Moving Forward” may be the best advice for writers everywhere.)

Amanda is seeking: strong, character-driven stories, written with an unforgettable voice. She’s looking for literary and commercial YA, new adult fiction, urban fantasy, and romance in all genres, including edgy romantic suspense, contemporary and paranormal with a fresh twist.

How to submit: Send all submissions to submission [at] spencerhillassociates.com. Send the query letter in the body of the email. Address the query to Amanda. Include the pitch, and information about past publishing credits in the letter. Attach a detailed synopsis, and attach the first three chapter in .doc, rtf or txt format to the email.

(How long should a synopsis be? Is shorter or longer better?)

The biggest literary agent database anywhere
is the Guide to Literary Agents. Pick up the
most recent updated edition online at a discount.

 

Other writing/publishing articles & links for you:

• How I Got My Literary Agent: Kirstin Chen (Fiction).
• Pros and Cons of Getting a Creative Writing MFA.
• Agent Spotlight: Lara Perkins (Andrea Brown Literary Agency) seeks YA, MG and Picture Books.
• Good Stories Have The Same Bone Structure.
• Follow Chuck Sambuchino on Twitter or find him on Facebook. Learn all about his writing guides on how to get published, how to find a literary agent, and writing a query letter.

 

Your new complete and updated instructional guide
to finding an agent is finally here: The 2015 book
GET A LITERARY AGENT shares advice from more
than 110 literary agents who share advice on querying,
craft, the submission process, researching agents, and
much more. Filled with all the advice you’ll ever need to
find an agent, this resource makes a great partner book to
the agent database, Guide to Literary Agents.

Add a Comment

Reminder: New literary agents (with this spotlight featuring Cynthia Kane of Capital Talent Agency) are golden opportunities for new writers because each one is a literary agent who is likely building his or her client list.

 

 

About Cynthia: “I’ve been involved in the publishing industry for more than ten years. I have worked as a Development Editor for different publishing houses and individual authors and have seen more than 100 titles to market. I worked with Michael Gross, New York Times best-selling author, as a researcher on 740 Park: The Story of the World’s Richest Apartment Building and Rogues Gallery: The Secret History of the Moguls and the Money That Made the Metropolitan Museum. I have also written for national and international publications and have served as a writing instructor at the Writopia Lab in Washington, DC, and have run several writing workshops at public libraries in the area and Politics & Prose Bookstore. I received my B.A. in Literature from Bard College and M.F.A. in Creative Nonfiction from Sarah Lawrence College.

(Learn how to start your novel strong.)

“The new literary division of Capital Talent Agency is a wonderful home for authors who are looking for a supportive and hands-on agency. We want nothing more than to see our authors achieve their dreams, and we do everything we can to make that happen.”

She is seeking: young adult, children’s, nonfiction, memoir, commercial fiction (but no science fiction or fantasy).

How to contact: “Submissions should be sent to literary.submissions [at] capitaltalentagency.com. We accept submissions only by e-mail. We do not accept queries via postal mail or fax. For fiction and nonfiction submissions, send a query letter in the body of your e-mail. Attachments will not be opened. Please note that while we consider each query seriously, we are unable to respond to all of them. We endeavor to respond within six weeks to projects that interest us.”

(Are you writing middle grade, edgy paranormal, women’s fiction or sci-fi? Read about agents seeking your query.)

 

The biggest literary agent database anywhere
is the Guide to Literary Agents. Pick up the
most recent updated edition online at a discount.

 

Other writing/publishing articles & links for you:

• Agent Spotlight: Renee Nyen (KT Literary) seeks Young Adult and Middle Grade.
• Successful Queries: Literary Agent Allison Hunter and “A Royal Pain.”
• Writing From Multiple POV’S; Sometimes The Story Demands It.
• Agent Spotlight: Mary Kreinke (Sterling Lord Literistic) seeks YA, Literary Fiction and Nonfiction.
• Follow Chuck Sambuchino on Twitter or find him on Facebook. Learn all about his writing guides on how to get published, how to find a literary agent, and writing a query letter.

 

Your new complete and updated instructional guide
to finding an agent is finally here: The 2015 book
GET A LITERARY AGENT shares advice from more
than 110 literary agents who share advice on querying,
craft, the submission process, researching agents, and
much more. Filled with all the advice you’ll ever need to
find an agent, this resource makes a great partner book to
the agent database, Guide to Literary Agents.

Add a Comment

Reminder: New literary agents (with this spotlight featuring Rebecca Scherer of Jane Rotrosen Agency) are golden opportunities for new writers because each one is a literary agent who is likely building his or her client list.

 

 

About Rebecca: Unable to narrow her focus to just one subject, Rebecca Scherer earned her BA from the Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College in Political Science, English Lit, and German language. After several years at the agency, Rebecca now has daily opportunities to put her wide range of interests to use as she actively builds her client list. Find her on Twitter: @RebeccaLScherer.

She is seeking: women’s fiction, mystery, suspense/thriller, romance, upmarket fiction at the cross between commercial and literary

How to contact: Contact her via e-mail: rscherer [at] janerotrosen.com. Put “Query: [Title]” in the subject line. Send a query letter, brief synopsis (1-2) pages, and the first three chapters. Please paste the letter and synopsis in the body of the email, though the chapters can either be pasted or attached.

The biggest literary agent database anywhere
is the Guide to Literary Agents. Pick up the
most recent updated edition online at a discount.

 

Other writing/publishing articles & links for you:

• Agent Spotlight: Whitley Abell (Inklings Literary Agency) seeks YA, MG and select Upmarket Women’s Fiction.
• The Thrifty Person’s Guide To A Successful Book Launch Party.
• Self-editing Advice: Tackling Character Consistency.
• 11 Steps To Finding The Agent Who’ll Love Your Book.
• Follow Chuck Sambuchino on Twitter or find him on Facebook. Learn all about his writing guides on how to get published, how to find a literary agent, and writing a query letter.

 

Want to build your visibility and sell more books?
Create Your Writer Platform shows you how to
promote yourself and your books through social
media, public speaking, article writing, branding,
and more. Order the book from WD at a discount.

Add a Comment

Reminder: New literary agents (with this spotlight featuring Linda Scalissi of 3 Seas Literary) are golden opportunities for new writers because each one is a literary agent who is likely building his or her client list.

 

About Linda: Linda Scalissi is excited to join 3 Seas Literary as their newest agent. Not only has reading been a lifetime passion, but she has a strong background in professional proofreading, editing and sales. She’s looking forward to receiving submissions and building strong, long-term relationships with her clients. She resides with her husband, two dogs and four rescue goldfish.

(Learn how to start your novel strong.)

She is seeking: Linda is interested in representing authors of women’s fiction, thrillers, young adult, mysteries and romance.

How to submit: E-queries only: queries [at] threeseaslit.com. No attachments; paste everything into the email.  The subject line should begin as follows: “QUERY FOR LINDA: (The title of the manuscript or any short message you would like to relay to us should follow.)” Please email the first chapter and synopsis along with a query letter. Also, be sure to include the genre and the number of words in your manuscript, as well as pertinent writing experience in your query letter.

(Can writers query multiple agents at the same agency?)

 

The biggest literary agent database anywhere
is the Guide to Literary Agents. Pick up the
most recent updated edition online at a discount.

 

Other writing/publishing articles & links for you:

• 7 Ways To Add Sizzle To Your Next Book Event.
• Agent Spotlight: Julie Gwinn (Seymour Agency) seeks YA, Christian Fiction/Nonfiction, and More.
• “No, Thank You” –On Rejection And Writing.
• Tips On World Building For Writers– How To Make Your Imaginary World Real.
• Follow Chuck Sambuchino on Twitter or find him on Facebook. Learn all about his writing guides on how to get published, how to find a literary agent, and writing a query letter.

 

Want to build your visibility and sell more books?
Create Your Writer Platform shows you how to
promote yourself and your books through social
media, public speaking, article writing, branding,
and more. Order the book from WD at a discount.

Add a Comment

“How I Got My Agent” is a recurring feature on the Guide to Literary Agents Blog, with this installment featuring Rebecca Brooks, author of the erotic romance, ABOVE ALL. These columns are great ways for you to learn how to find a literary agent. Some tales are of long roads and many setbacks, while others are of good luck and quick signings. If you have a literary agent and would be interested in writing a short guest column for this GLA blog, e-mail me at [email protected] and we’ll talk specifics.

GIVEAWAY: Rebecca is excited to give away a free copy of her novel to a random commenter. Comment within 2 weeks; winners must live in Canada/US to receive the book by mail. You can win a blog contest even if you’ve won before. (Please note that comments may take a little while to appear; this is normal).

 

Rebecca Brooks has backpacked alone through India and Brazil, traveled by
cargo boat down the Amazon River, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, explored ice caves
in Peru, trekked to the source of the Ganges, and sunbathed in Burma. Her first
novel, ABOVE ALL, (Ellora’s Cave, July 2014) has been called “a beautifully
powerful story,” “SEXellent,” and “a thinking woman’s romance.” Her books
are about independent women who leave their old lives behind to try something
new. Find her on Facebook, Twitter @BeccaBooks, and Goodreads.

 

 

 

The First Query

When I finished my contemporary erotic romance, Above All, I knew I didn’t want to send a million queries only to realize after a million rejections that there was more I could to do my opening pages and pitch. So I did my research and picked 10 agents that I thought were really top notch. When the first agent I contacted wrote back immediately requesting the full, I thought for sure I was on my way.

I decided to also submit the manuscript directly to 3 romance publishers that accept unagented submissions. There are different schools of thought about this. If a publisher rejects the book, an agent can’t pitch it to them later. But I wanted to explore all my options. What did I have to lose?

(How many agents should you contact at one time?)

One agent I especially had my eye on was Andrea Somberg at Harvey Klinger. She has a great track record and works in a variety of genres. Above All is steamy, but it also has a strong story component. As more of a crossover between romance and women’s fiction, it seemed like a great fit for her. I waited anxiously for her response. The first agent had been so enthusiastic. Why wasn’t my inbox filled with requests?

You can guess where this is going. I got form rejections or radio silence from every other agent. The one interested agent passed. Andrea didn’t even want to see the full.

I could have continued to query—10 isn’t a very large sampling—but I decided to put the manuscript aside for a while. I hoped that if I came back to it in a few months, I’d be able to see what was missing. I truly believed in Above All, but I needed some distance before deciding what to do next.

The Book Deal

Five months passed and I was hard at work on my second romance, How to Fall. Out of nowhere one evening I got an email from Ellora’s Cave, one of the publishers I’d submitted to and the last I had to hear from. I admit that I barely bothered to read the email. When I saw “Thank you for your submission,” I thought, Oh well. It was worth a try.

But then the next line said “Congratulations.” I was so confused. It took a few more readings for it to sink in. Ellora’s Cave had accepted my novel. I’d completely skipped the agent stage. I was going to be published.

(See a list of literary agents who seek romance.)

The Second Query

I didn’t need an agent anymore. I had an editor at Ellora’s Cave who was great. I’d also connected with another agent who agreed to negotiate the contract even if she didn’t represent me. But I still wanted an agent. I wanted someone to help me build my career and navigate the publishing world beyond my first novel. So I set out to query again.

What a different experience. Thirty minutes after I pressed send, Andrea requested the full. Three days later, she sent me an email that made me cry. (Admittedly I’d been pretty stressed out, but still. It was a really nice email.) Not only did she love Above All, but she really got what my writing is about. I contacted other agents who had the manuscript to let them know, but after two long phone conversations with Andrea, it was an easy decision.

I’m not saying that if you’re looking for an agent, go snag a book deal first. Nor is the idea to bombard the same agents with repeat queries because surely they’ll like the book if they only sit down and read it. My point is that the process from book to agent to publisher—or from book to publisher to agent—can be roundabout, slow, and full of surprises. I can’t say exactly what led Andrea to decline to read Above All the first time around. But I’m glad I tried her again. I like to think she’s happy that she gave it a second look, too.

GIVEAWAY: Rebecca is excited to give away a free copy of her novel to a random commenter. Comment within 2 weeks; winners must live in Canada/US to receive the book by mail. You can win a blog contest even if you’ve won before. (Please note that comments may take a little while to appear; this is normal).

 

How to Blog a Book by Nina Amir discusses
how to slowly release a novel online to generate
interest in your writing and work.

 

Other writing/publishing articles & links for you:

• New agent Lara Perkins seeks talented writers of children’s books.
• Are you querying right now? See a successful query that WORKED.
• The Pros and Cons of Getting a Creative Writing MFA.
• What to write in the BIO section of your queries.
• Writing literary fiction, upmarket crime fiction, or nonfiction? Try this agent.
• How Writers Can Empower Themselves in 2014.
• Follow Chuck Sambuchino on Twitter or find him on Facebook. Learn all about his writing guides on how to get published, how to find a literary agent, and writing a query letter.

 

Want to build your visibility and sell more books?
Create Your Writer Platform shows you how to
promote yourself and your books through social
media, public speaking, article writing, branding,
and more. Order the book from WD at a discount.

 

Add a Comment

Reminder: New literary agents (with this spotlight featuring Cassie Hanjian of Waxman Leavell Literary) are golden opportunities for new writers because each one is a literary agent who is likely building his or her client list.

 

 

About Cassie: Prior to joining Waxman Leavell as an acquiring agent this year, Cassie held positions at the Park Literary Group, where she specialized in author support and foreign rights, and at Aram Fox, Inc. as an international literary scout for publishers based outside the United States. She holds a B.A. in English/Creative Writing from the University of South Florida, a Graduate Certificate in Publishing from the University of Denver’s Publishing Institute and an M.S. in Publishing from Pace University. Follow her on Twitter: @Cjhanjian

Cassie is seeking: page-turning New Adult novels, plot-driven commercial and upmarket women’s fiction, historical fiction, psychological suspense, cozy mysteries and contemporary romance. In nonfiction, she’s looking for projects in the categories of parenting, mind/body/spirit, inspirational memoir, narrative nonfiction focusing on food-related topics and a limited number of accessible cookbooks. Cassie does not accept submissions in the following categories: science-fiction, fantasy, paranormal, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Children’s, literary fiction, poetry, and screenplays.

How to submit: Send a query letter only to cassiesubmit [at] waxmanleavell.com. Do not send attachments, though for fiction, you may include five to 10 pages of your manuscript in the body of the email.

The biggest literary agent database anywhere
is the Guide to Literary Agents. Pick up the
most recent updated edition online at a discount.

 

Other writing/publishing articles & links for you:

• How to Make a Book Trailer: 6 Tips.
• 9 Things We Can Learn From Other Writers.
• Sell More Books by Building Your Writer Platform.
• Why Writers Must Train Themselves to Produce on a Deadline.
• Follow Chuck Sambuchino on Twitter or find him on Facebook. Learn all about his writing guides on how to get published, how to find a literary agent, and how to write a query letter.

 

Want to build your visibility and sell more books?
Create Your Writer Platform shows you how to
promote yourself and your books through social
media, public speaking, article writing, branding,
and more. Order the book from WD at a discount.

 

Add a Comment

Reminder: New literary agents (with this spotlight featuring Patricia Nelson of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency) are golden opportunities for new writers because each one is a literary agent who is likely building his or her client list.

 

 

About Patricia: Before becoming an agent at the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, she interned at The Angela Rinaldi Literary Agency and in the children’s division at Running Press. 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. Follow Patricia on Twitter at @patricianels.

(Just starting out as a writer? See a collection of great writing advice for beginners.)

She is seeking: 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.

How to contact: Please send a query letter by email to: Patricia [at] MarsalLyonLiteraryAgency.com and write “QUERY” in the subject line of the email. Please note that the agency now accepts electronic submissions only. In all submissions, please include a contact phone number as well as your email address. “If we are interested in your work, we will call or email you. If not, we will respond via email. Our response time is generally 1-4 weeks for queries and 4-8 weeks for sample pages and manuscripts. We welcome unsolicited materials and look forward to reading your work.”

(When can you refer to yourself as “a writer”? The answer is NOW, and here’s why.)

 

The biggest literary agent database anywhere
is the Guide to Literary Agents. Pick up the
most recent updated edition online at a discount.

 

Other writing/publishing articles & links for you:

• Writing About Grief in Your Story or Novel? Here is Some Writing Advice.
• How Training For a Marathon is Like Writing a Novel.
• Sell More Books by Building Your Writer Platform.
• “The Book Chooses the Writer.”
• Follow Chuck Sambuchino on Twitter or find him on Facebook. Learn all about his writing guides on how to get published, how to find a literary agent, and how to write a query letter.

 

Want to build your visibility and sell more books?
Create Your Writer Platform shows you how to
promote yourself and your books through social
media, public speaking, article writing, branding,
and more. Order the book from WD at a discount.

Add a Comment

This week’s agent spotlight is not a new agent, but rather an established one who has just made an agency move and is actively seeking clients. Get to know Lana Popovic of Chalberg & Sussman (info below) and see if she is a good fit for you work. Good luck!

(What query letter mistakes will sink your submission chances?)

 

About Lana: Lana Popovic holds a B.A. with honors from Yale University, a J.D. from the Boston University School of Law, where she focused on intellectual property, and an M.A. with highest honors from the Emerson College Publishing and Writing program. Prior to joining Chalberg & Sussman, Lana worked at Zachary Shuster Harmsworth, where she built a list of Young Adult and adult literary authors while managing foreign rights for the agency.

With an abiding love for dark, edgy themes and shamelessly nerdy fare—Battlestar Galactica and Joss Whedon are two of her great loves—Lana is looking for a broad spectrum of Young Adult and Middle Grade projects, from contemporary realism to speculative fiction, fantasy, horror, sci-fi, and historical. For the adult market, Lana is interested in literary thrillers, horror, fantasy, sophisticated erotica and romance, and select nonfiction. An avid traveler, she has a particular fondness for stories set in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, although she also loves reading deep and original stories about American subcultures. You can follow her on Twitter at @LanaPopovicLit. She will be a panelist at the Boston Book Festival this year, and also the AWP 2015 conference.

(Writing non-fiction? Hear submission advice from literary agents.)

She is seeking:

1. Young Adult/Middle Grade Fiction: Contemporary/realistic, mysteries, thrillers, fantasy, historical, horror, sci-fi
2. Adult Fiction: Literary thrillers, sci-fi, horror, romance, erotica, women’s literary fiction
3. Adult Nonfiction: Pop culture, blog-to-book, literary memoir

How to contact: To query Lana, please e-mail lana [at] chalbergsussman.com with the first ten pages of the manuscript included in the body of the e-mail. Lana accepts queries by e-mail only.

The biggest literary agent database anywhere
is the Guide to Literary Agents. Pick up the
most recent updated edition online at a discount.

Add a Comment

Reminder: New literary agents (with this spotlight featuring Rachel Brooks of L. Perkins Agency) are golden opportunities for new writers because each one is a literary agent who is likely building his or her client list.

 

 

About Rachel: Before joining the L. Perkins Agency, Rachel worked as an agent apprentice to Louise Fury. In addition to her industry training, Rachel has a business degree and graduated summa cum laude with a BA in English from Texas A&M University-CC. Rachel is actively building her client list. Find her on Twitter: @RachMBrooks.

She is seeking: She is excited about representing all genres of young adult and new adult fiction, as well as adult romance. While she is looking for all sub-genres of romance, she is especially interested in romantic suspense and urban fantasy. She is also on the lookout for fun picture books. She’s a fan of dual POVs, loves both print and ebooks, and has a soft spot for marketing-savvy writers.

How to submit: Send a query letter (with an author bio in it) and the first 5 pages of the manuscript pasted into an email (no attachments) to rachel [at] lperkinsagency.com. Please only query one agent at this agency.

 

The biggest literary agent database anywhere
is the Guide to Literary Agents. Pick up the
most recent updated edition online at a discount.

 

Other writing/publishing articles & links for you:

• It’s Not a Bad Thing to Write Your Ending First
• Romance vs. Women’s Fiction: The Differences.
• Agent Suzie Townsend Is Seeking Adult Fiction Clients.
• Sell More Books by Building Your Writer Platform.
• If You’re a Debut Author, Word Count Matters.
• Follow Chuck Sambuchino on Twitter or find him on Facebook. Learn all about his writing guides on how to get published, how to find a literary agent, and how to write a query letter.

 

Want to build your visibility and sell more books?
Create Your Writer Platform shows you how to
promote yourself and your books through social
media, public speaking, article writing, branding,
and more. Order the book from WD at a discount.

 

Add a Comment

This series is called “Successful Queries” and I’m posting actual query letter examples that succeeded in getting writers signed with agents. In addition to posting these query letter samples, we will also get to hear thoughts from the writer’s literary agent as to why the letter worked.

The 68th installment in this series is with agent Allison Hunter (Inkwell Management) for Megan Mulry’s romance, A ROYAL PAIN (2012, Sourcebooks Landmark, part of the Unruly Royals series), which, in a starred review, Publishers Weekly called “a delightful love story… worth reading again and again.”

 

 

Dear Ms. Witherspoon,

When I learned you represent both Lionel Shriver and Eloisa James, I was overjoyed! I have yet to meet anyone who has actually read both, much less anyone who adores them (as you must; as I do). The book club crowd assumes James is fluff, and the romantics suppose Shriver thorny. If you were in any way responsible for the sale of We Need to Talk About Kevin, I salute you. I have lost friends over that book: married women who were unable to speak honestly about the cruelty, desperation, fear, and power struggles that define contemporary marriage and motherhood. I recently joined RWA and heard Eloisa James speak in Orlando. Citing her eloquence and intellectual vigor has been terrifically effective in my frequent attempts to refute the absurd stereotype that genre fiction is trash. Her books are pure pleasure.

I have just completed my second manuscript and I would be honored if you would consider representing me. A ROYAL PAIN is an 87,000-word contemporary Regency* romance. Bronte Talbott is a confident New York advertising executive who abandons her perfectly good life to be with her boyfriend in Chicago. Once there, she quickly realizes that it is her desire, far more than his interest, that holds the relationship together. After several months of heart-hardening, post-breakup depression, she vows to embrace brutal honesty in all future skirmishes with men. No forays into emotional minefields. No grand gestures. Soon after swearing off messy entanglements, she meets Max Howard, an irresistible British doctoral student with whom she enjoys a fabulous, no-strings-attached, ten-week affair prior to his scheduled return to England. Her efforts at emotional compartmentalization are foiled when Max confesses a much deeper affection: when he asks her to return to the UK with him, she is paralyzed with fear and refuses. Shortly after he departs, she discovers he is, in fact, the 19th Duke of Norfolk.

She makes a feeble attempt to contact him, at first ashamed of herself for not reciprocating his declaration when she had the chance, then angry at his deception. They meet again a year later in New York and London and this time they try to rebuild their relationship with both emotional and intellectual honesty. Against a glamorous, intimate, trans-Atlantic backdrop, they are finally able to overcome the obstacles of familial duty, false starts, and unexpected tragedy. This is a stand-alone novel, but part of a series that will feature other members of the Howard family, both contemporary and historical.

I earned my BA in English Literature from Northwestern University in 1988 and worked at The New Yorker and Boston Magazine before moving to London and switching to a career in corporate finance. Since returning to the US in 2001, I have been a full-time mother. I am a member of RWA and Florida Romance Writers.

Thank you in advance for your kind consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Very sincerely,

Megan Mulry

* I am enamored with Regency literary devices—balls, doyennes, meddling friends, intricate meals, and high fashion—and have tried to weave them seamlessly into a contemporary world. Hence, the genre mash-up.

 

COMMENTARY FROM AGENT ALLISON HUNTER

Background from Allison: Megan originally queried Inkwell Management co-agent Kim Witherspoon. At the time the letter was sent [fall 2010], I was Kim’s assistant. I volunteered to be the first agency read on the manuscript, because once I read the query, I was completely hooked! I read the manuscript and fell in love. I let Kim know I thought we should pursue it as an agency, and she encouraged me to take the lead, given my obvious enthusiasm.

Regarding the query: I read Megan Mulry’s query soon after a break-up. I was deep in self-pity mode when I opened Megan’s email and met her heroine Bronte Talbott, who rebounded from her break-up with a sexy British grad student…who happened to be a royal. I was instantly hooked. I wanted—needed—to learn more about how Bronte found her happy ending.

At the time, I didn’t have a lot of experience with the true “category” romance genre, but I had long been a fan of commercial women’s fiction (what we used to call “chick lit,” until the term became passé). Megan’s novel appealed to me because it reminded me of the women’s fiction I loved, but with a strong, confident heroine and a sexy edge. Plus I couldn’t resist the royal connection—when I read Megan’s query, Prince William and Kate Middleton were newly engaged, and I couldn’t get enough of royal romance. Of course, it didn’t hurt that Megan was clearly a strong writer (and had worked for The New Yorker, catnip for any agent!). I knew I wanted to read more.

 

Do you have an idea for a great novel? Are you at a loss
for where to start? Look no further. You Can Write a
Novel, 2nd Edition, gives you concrete, proven
techniques to get from idea to manuscript to bookstore.

 

Other writing/publishing articles & links for you:

• Agent Anna Olswanger puts out a call for new queries and submissions.
• 5 Easy Steps to Conquer the Heartache of Rejection.
• Why a Writer Can’t Listen to All the Feedback They Receive.
• Writing steampunk? Hear the story of how author Richard Preston got his agent.
• How to Write a Novel in 22 Easy Steps.
• Writing sports nonfiction? Agent Brian Wood specializes in this area.
• Follow Chuck Sambuchino on Twitter or find him on Facebook. Learn all about his writing guides on how to get published, how to find a literary agent, and writing a query letter.

 

Want to build your visibility and sell more books?
Create Your Writer Platform shows you how to
promote yourself and your books through social
media, public speaking, article writing, branding,
and more. Order the book from WD at a discount.

Add a Comment

This alert from established literary agent Andrea Hurst (Andrea Hurts & Associates): “I am reopening my submissions this summer to unsolicited queries from June 1 – September 1, 2014.” This is a great opportunity for writers everywhere who are writing genres & categories that Andrea accepts. She is not always open to submissions, and wanted writers to know. More info below.

(How NOT to start your story. Read advice from agents.)

 

 

She is seeking: “I am looking for upmarket, book club women’s fiction, commercial women’s fiction/romance (contemporary or historical), young adult fiction, and most areas of nonfiction (authors with a substantial platform who have already developed a solid, highly polished proposal – this includes memoirs, health/wellness, business, self-help/personal growth, memoir, cookbooks, pet books, spirituality). As of 2014, we are now accepting middle grade contemporary fiction as well.”

How to submit: Submit by Sept. 1, 2014. No attachments. Absolutely no phone calls or regular mail contact, please. E-query andrea [at] andreahurst.com.

(Do writers need an outside edit before querying agents?)

Learn more about Andrea: http://www.andreahurst.com/literary-management/about/andrea-hurst/

 

The biggest literary agent database anywhere
is the Guide to Literary Agents. Pick up the
most recent updated edition online at a discount.

 

Other writing/publishing articles & links for you:

• Don’t Judge Your Work Until It’s Time to Edit.
• Things to Do AFTER You Get a Literary Agent.
• Sell More Books by Building Your Writer Platform.
• Shortcuts Are Overrated. Why Writers Gain Value With a Long Road.
• Follow Chuck Sambuchino on Twitter or find him on Facebook. Learn all about his writing guides on how to get published, how to find a literary agent, and how to write a query letter.

 

Want to build your visibility and sell more books?
Create Your Writer Platform shows you how to
promote yourself and your books through social
media, public speaking, article writing, branding,
and more. Order the book from WD at a discount.

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Reminder: Agent Spotlights (with this spotlight featuring Allison Hunter of Inkwell Management) are golden opportunities for new writers because each one is a literary agent

who is likely building his or her client list.

 

About Allison:  Allison Hunter, a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, began her publishing career in 2005 working for the Los Angeles-based literary publicity firm, Kim-from-L.A. She joined the InkWell Management

team in New York City in 2010. She has a B.A. in American Studies and Creative Writing from Stanford University and a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School.

(What does it mean when an agent says “This isn’t right for me”?)

She is seeking: She is actively acquiring literary and commercial fiction (including romance), memoir, narrative nonfiction, cultural studies, pop culture and prescriptive titles, including cookbooks. She is always looking for funny female authors, great love stories and family epics, and for nonfiction projects that speak to the current cultural climate.

How to submit: Queries should be e-mailed to: [email protected]. Put “Query for Allison: (Title)” in the subject line. In the body of your email, please include a query letter and a short writing sample (1-2 chapters). Due to the volume of queries we receive, response times may take up to two months. By submitting you are acknowledging these terms

.

(Do you need multiple literary agents if you write different genres?)

 

 

The biggest literary agent database anywhere
is the Guide to Literary Agents. Pick up the
most recent updated edition online at a discount

Other writing/publishing articles & links for you:What does it mean when an agent says “This isn’t right for me”? 

Create a Better Novel: Writing with Emotion to Draw Readers In. 

New literary agent Beth Phelan is looking for clients.

8 Rules For Writing in Bed.

The Writer’s Promise: How to Craft a Book’s Pitch.

Follow Chuck Sambuchino on Twitter

or find him on Facebook. Learn all about his writing guides on how to get published, how to find a literary agent, and writing a query letter.

 

Want to build your visibility and sell more books?
Create Your Writer Platform

Order the book from WD at a discount

.

Add a Comment

Reminder: New literary agents

(with this spotlight featuring Holly Lorincz of MacGregor Literary) are golden opportunities for new writers because each one is a literary agent who is likely building his or her client list.

 

About Holly: Agent Holly Lorincz spent her youth mainlining salmon, venison and books while sitting, shivering, on a dock on the Columbia River. She’s never recovered from her book addiction, moving instead to making and distributing her literary drug of choice. Holly has a degree in Journalism as well as a MAT focused in writing and literature. She was the editor of the literary magazine Perceptions, and then became a high school and college instructor. During that fifteen year run, she was named Teacher of the Year in Oregon, won two national awards from the National Federation of Schools, coached her high school speech team to two State Championships and nine individual Champions, began an editing service, and published various short works.

(How much money can you expect from selling your first book?)

After an extended illness, Holly has redefined herself, now living the dream of every college graduate with an English degree: she’s published a novel, her editing service is thriving, and she is a full time MacGregor Literary

agent. Residing on the Oregon coast with her son, Holly works out of the MacGregor Literary office one block from the Pacific, huddled next to the heater and coffee pot. She is well aware of the shifting role of a literary agent. While seeking traditional publishers for her authors, she also closely works with clients on alternative publishing options, career development, marketing plans, and media training.

She is seeking: “I am currently only accepting general market submissions in these areas: historical romance, literary or classic westerns, political or conspiracy thrillers, women’s fiction, or literary fiction.”

(Hate writing synopses? Here are nuts & bolts pointers for you.)

How to contact: Please note that while MacGregor Literary, as a whole, is closed to submissions (as per their website), Holly confirmed to me personally that she is open to new queries & clients. In order to submit, authors can email queries to holly [at] macgregorliterary.com. Please include the genre in the subject line.

 

The biggest literary agent database anywhere
is the Guide to Literary Agents. Pick up the
most recent updated edition online at a discount

Other writing/publishing articles & links for you:Interview With Agent Laura Dail, Who Reps Fiction and Nonfiction.

5 Tips For Writing a First Draft.

How Debut Author James Markert Found Agent Dan Lazar.

Advice via Author Elisa Lorello. First tip: Ask “What Would Aaron Sorkin Do?” 

Sell More Books by Building Your Writer Platform.

Why You Should Reach Out to Successful Authors For Advice.

Follow Chuck Sambuchino on Twitter

or find him on Facebook. Learn all about his writing guides on how to get published, how to find a literary agent, and how to write a query letter.

 

Want to build your visibility and sell more books?
Create Your Writer Platform

Order the book from WD at a discount

.

Add a Comment

Reminder: New literary agents

(with this spotlight featuring Cate Hart of Corvisiero Literary Agency) are golden opportunities for new writers because each one is a literary agent who is likely building his or her client list.

 

 

About Cate: Cate Hart is a Junior Agent at Corvisiero Literary Agency

, where she started as an intern working closely with Marisa Corvisiero and Saritza Hernandez. A Tennessee native, Cate earned her B.F.A. from the University of Tennessee. Before joining Corvisiero Literary Agency, Cate worked in financial management.

(Query letter pet peeves — Agents Tell All.)

She is seeking: Cate is seeking Young Adult and Middle Grade, New Adult and Adult Romance (specifically Historical Romance), and select erotica and LGBT. She is a fan of quirky, character-driven Young Adult, and snort-out-loud Middle Grade adventure. She loves Historical and Fantasy and would like to find a steampunk that explores new settings and ideas beyond Victorian London. She is also interested in magical realism, high fantasy, mystery, and any combination of the above.

How to submit: Please send a query letter, a 1-2 page synopsis, and the first five pages of your manuscript to query [at] corvisieroagency [dot] com, addressed to Cate with “Query” and your title in the subject line. You can place the text in the body of the e-mail or include as an attachment.

(What to write in the BIO section of your query letter.)

 

The biggest literary agent database anywhere
is the Guide to Literary Agents. Pick up the
most recent updated edition online at a discount

Meet agent Kristina Holmes. She seeks writers of nonfiction & memoir.

10 Reasons Why Picture Books Are Not Just For Kids.

5 Things Writers Need to Do Besides Write. 

It Isn’t a Bad Thing to Inform Readers (a Little) Through Your Fiction.

Why You Should Reach Out to Successful Authors For Advice.

Sell More Books by Building Your Writer Platform.

Follow Chuck Sambuchino on Twitter

or find him on Facebook. Learn all about his writing guides on how to get published, how to find a literary agent, and how to write a query letter.

 

Want to build your visibility and sell more books?
Create Your Writer Platform

Order the book from WD at a discount

.

Add a Comment

How do you hook an agent right away, keep them hooked, and make the most of your new publishing relationship? In this all-new March 2014 Boot Camp, “How to Find and Keep a Literary Agent,”

you’ll learn how to get a literary agent’s attention through a great submission, and also how to navigate the process of working successfully with an agent. After hearing instruction from the agents at Kimberley Cameron Literary Agency, you’ll also work with an agent online to review and refine your all-important query letter and the first five pages of your novel with the agents. This Boot Camp will cover a range of important questions:

• What keeps an agent reading? What makes writing jump off the page?
• What are the most common Chapter 1 mistakes that make them stop reviewing your submission?
• What are the steps you need to give your query and manuscript the best possible shot?
• What are the turn-ons and turn-offs when it comes to queries?
• How do agents make judgment calls?
• And much more. Sign up for the boot camp here

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With real-life examples of queries that do and don’t work, you will learn how you can refine your own query letter and get an agent to request your novel.

The world of literary agencies can be an intimidating place. You’ll be lead through the inner-workings of finding the perfect literary agent, working with an agent and how to get the most out of your relationship. See what a day in the life of an agent looks like, and get tips about how to find your perfect author-agent match that will result in a successful partnership.

The best part is that you’ll be working directly with a knowledgeable and experienced agent, who will provide feedback specific to your work. Sign up for the boot camp here

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Here’s how it works:Recap on Dates:About the Instructors:Sign up for the boot camp here!

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