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New Agent Interview: Sarah Davies of Greenhouse Literary...



"For me," says agency founder Sarah Davies, "the Greenhouse is about everything I've achieved and assimilated over my entire career, how to work with authors, what constitutes a great book, what publishers are looking for..."

Davies started the Greenhouse Literary Agency with 25 years of publishing experience under her belt and a knowledge of both the US and UK children's publishing worlds. Below she talks about her journey to becoming an agent, and what she can do for the authors she represents. See my post below for the full listing for the Greenhouse that will appear in the 2009 CWIM.

You’ve called starting your agency “a truly epic personal and professional adventure.” Why did you decide to steer your career in this direction?

I’d been a corporate publisher for a long time. I still loved working with my authors and helping to grow and manage the business, but I knew the time had come for a change. I was being approached about a number of opportunities, but I was particularly drawn to do something that would use absolutely all my abilities and experience and that would be very entrepreneurial. When Working Partners (a very successful British company with a great track record for creating children’s fiction for international publishers) offered me the chance to set up and run a brand-new literary agency, I knew it was an amazing opportunity – especially as the business would have offices in both the USA and UK. Plus it all tied in with my personal life – I married my American fiance in October 2007, when I first arrived in the States!

Is the Greenhouse unique in that it’s a British and American agency? What can you do for your authors that other agencies cannot?

There are a number of agencies, especially the big ones, that have offices in both countries. Where I think the Greenhouse is unique, is that I am personally representing authors from both countries – and I’m representing them to both territories. American agencies would generally call the US their ‘home’ market and everywhere else ‘overseas sales’ – with different commission. Unusually, Greenhouse takes the same commission for sales to both US and UK and calls both its ‘home’ market. This reflects the international view I have of the industry (the connectedness of the English-language world) and is partly possible because I have homes in both places. Just as importantly, I have close knowledge of both markets – what books are likely to work in each – and I’m very well connected with publishers in both New York and London, which is crucial.

There are a couple of things the Greenhouse can offer that sets us apart from other agencies, in addition to the transatlantic basis of the business.

Firstly, my publishing background is deeply editorial – I have been a fiction editor most of my life and my specialty is in working creatively with authors. I have worked with some very famous writers, but equally I love to be alongside someone just starting out, when they have a talent and commitment that excites me. That’s why I chose the name Greenhouse – it summed up the kind of development I seek for authors I work with: growth as a writer, growth in finding the right publisher; ultimately, we hope, growth in profile and sales.

Secondly, I’ve mentioned my passion for the international side of the business. Most agencies use sub-agents to sell rights around the world. Greenhouse is very fortunate to work with its sister-company Rights People – a trio of rights-selling experts with a great track record in children’s sales. This gives the agency an unusually cohesive presence around the world.

Is there anything in particular that appeals to you in a manuscript (funny, edgy, etc.) or are there certain types of material for young readers that you prefer (adventure, romance, futuristic, etc.)? How would you describe your taste?

I like everything – from the mass market series to the literary novel, from girly fiction to dark thrillers. I just want to see something special in a project – a shining spark of originality, characters that leap off the page, a narrative voice that makes me keep reading. It’s funny, but when I read something out of the ordinary, I feel like the hairs are standing up on the back of my neck. It’s proved to be a very reliable gauge!

How do you prefer to receive submissions (full manuscript, query)? Any tips you could pass on in regards to first contact with you (or any agent)?

Lots of agents want just a query letter. To me, a writer’s voice is one of the most important factors and you can’t always determine that from an outline. So what I want is: a) a short synopsis (no more than 500 words ; b) a short paragraph of bio (giving any relevant information that might make me want to read your work; c) the first three chapters of the text. In terms of first contact, please don’t believe you are an exception to everyone else – it’s annoying to be called up or sent the same material multiple times.

Can you offer some general advice for children’s writers seeking agents?

Really take your writing seriously and do all you can to polish it before you submit it. Read voraciously, join a critique group, go on a writers’ conference and listen to published authors talk about their experience. There are lots of things you can do to learn about the craft of writing before you start looking for an agent. Also, get to know the market, spend time with kids and understand their world as it is today, not as it was when you were a child or teen. In fact, the Greenhouse’s Top Tips for children’s authors are on the website, so click on to www.greenhouseliterary.com and have a read!

Finally, before you submit anything, read your chosen agency’s website carefully – don’t waste your time (and the agent’s) by sending material that isn’t appropriate to that agency. Submit exactly what is requested – and then allow a realistic amount of time for a response.

Anything else you want to tell us?

Some people get fixated on the idea of having an agent in New York. Having been in Virginia (just outside DC) for several months now, I’m delighted to be in this location. Not only are there far fewer agents here, but there are also some really powerful writers’ groups. On the other hand, I’m close enough to NY to make regular trips, whether for the day or longer, which is also crucial in keeping up with publishers. If I were an author seeking an agent, I’d be asking these questions: Is this agent well connected? Do they really know the industry? Do they understand a writer’s craft – and will they be looking to my long-term interests rather than just making a quick deal? These things are far more important than location in an age of broadband and Blackberry. Oh, and they should actually make sure they like their agent because it’s a particularly close relationship. Editors will come and go, but you hope that your agent will remain!

New Agent Info: Greenhouse Literary Agency...

As mentioned in my recent newsletter (click here to sign up) here's information for Sarah Davies' new agency:

THE GREENHOUSE LITERARY AGENCY
11308 Lapham Drive, Oakton VA 22124. E-mail: [email protected]. Web site: www.greenhouseliterary.com. Contact: Sarah Davies. New agency actively seeking clients. Seeking both new and established writers. Estab. 2008. Member of SCBWI. Represents 4 clients. 100% new writers. 100% books for young readers. Staff includes Sarah Davies.

• Sarah Davis has had an editorial and management career in children's publishing spanning 25 years; for 5 years prior to launching the Greenhouse she was Publishing Director of Macmillan Children's Books in London, working with and publishing leading authors from both sided of the Atlantic.

Represents Handles fiction, middle grade, young adult. "Sarah Davies (who is British) represents authors personally to both the USA and UK, and the Greenhouse has offices in both countries. Commission structure reflects this as the agency takes the same commission for both the USA and UK, treating both as the ‘domestic’ market. Foreign rights are sold by Rights People (a separate business but also part of the Greenhouse’s parent company), a dedicated team of rights-selling experts with a fast-growing international track record. This means sub-agents are rarely used, giving the agency an exceptionally cohesive presence around the world and a truly global reach. Davies has a strong editorial background and is able, as necessary, to work creatively with authors in a very hands-on way to help them reach submission point." Actively seeking children's and YA fiction of all kinds, from age 5+ (post picture book) through teen and crossover. Does not seek "nonfiction, poetry or picture books (text or illustration). However, if a client diversified from children's fiction into other areas, then the Greenhouse would continue to represent the author, whatever the age group or genre of work. The agency represents authors, not books."

How to Contact Send a one-paragraph outline and biography, plus 3 sample chapters. Accepts queries by e-mail, mail. "Allow 6 weeks for a response to initial material. Check Web site before submitting." Returns mss with SASE only. Obtains new clients through recommendations from other, queries/solicitations, conference.

Terms Receives 15% commission on sales to both US and UK; 25% on foreign sales. Offers written contract.Sarah Davies attends Bologna Children's Bookfair in Bologna, Italy; SCBWI conferences; BookExpo America; and other conference--see Web site for information.

Tips "It’s very important to me to have a strong, long-term relationship with clients. Having been 25 years in the publishing industry, I know the business from the inside and have excellent contacts in both the US and UK. I work hard to find every client the very best publisher and deal for their writing. My editorial background means I can work creatively with authors where necessary; I aim to submit high-quality manuscripts to publishers while respecting the role of the editor who will have their own publishing vision. Before submitting, prospective authors should look at the Greenhouse’s ‘Top 10 tips for authors of children’s fiction,’ which can be found on our Web site."

I first met Janet Grace Riehl, of Riehl Life, when we both took part in the Lieurance-King Article Challenge in August/September. Janet is an award-winning author, artist, performer, and creativity coach. Her poems, stories, and essays have been widely published in national literary magazines such as “Harvard Review” and the anthologies “Stories to Live By: Wisdom to Help You Make the Most of

I first met Janet Grace Riehl, of Riehl Life, when we both took part in the Lieurance-King Article Challenge in August/September. It turned out Janet, who is American, spent some time in Africa, including Botswana, and has a section on her blog dedicated to Africa. I was honoured when she asked me as a guest blogger. Janet is an award-winning author, artist, performer, and creativity

In the second part of my interview with Ramon Thomas, MD of Netucation, he shares some of the strategies he used to build his platform as an expert on how technology affects relationships and as a speaker.

Just yesterday, Ramon was interviewed on CNBC Africa. He has also been interviewed on 3Talk (South African Broadcasting Corporation prime time talk show), Carte Blanche (MNET prime time show), etv, SAFM, 702, Cape Talk, Business Day, The Mail & Guardian, The Sunday Times, The Sunday Independent, Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health and Style.

Ramon is also a strong advocate for children's safety while online, and has written a Parent's Guide to Mxit (a popular mobile phone platform).

Q and A

What did you do at the beginning of your career to build your profile?

I learned from my mentor, Arthur Goldstuck [MD of World Wide Worx], the following formula:

- Find an area where there is no research.
- Conduct the research through interviews and surveys.
- Produce a written report and send it to the media.

You have to know how to write a press release which summarises your findings and you have to build a media database. I was very fortunate that Arthur shared his media database with me. And I've since expanded it to over 600 producers, radio DJs, editors, publishers and journalists from online, magazines, newspapers to radio and television.

What did you do to get major media outlets to be interested in you and to use you as a source?

My very first project was conducting original research into the local online dating industry. The interviews were pivotal in introducing me to the people running the online dating websites. This allowed me to build relationships with them I would not otherwise be able to do.

The online dating industry is both a controversial and something which people are endlessly curious about. So it was the perfect project to position me as an expert. I am also very fortunate to have an easygoing and relaxed way about me so I was very comfortable in front of the camera.

One other thing which helped me was that I worked with the producers to find guests. So by helping them do what they do best I built very good credibility with them. This is one of the secrets i.e. to have good relationships with the people behind the scenes.

How does your media profile help drive your cause of teaching people about emerging Internet trends?

My media profile has not had a huge impact in positioning me as a trainer and speaker. That is changing now that I have those services available for people.

In the past I only offered consulting services which is often a hard sell. With speaking and training I have something to offer to a wider audience. I have found radio interviews, especially on talk radio like 702, Cape Talk and SAFM, to be the best way to promote events like training or speaking gigs.

You mentioned during our initial email conversation that you were going to Durban to speak at 4 / 5 schools. When did you first start doing school tours?

I started speaking at schools in January 2007. This came about from my Parents Guide to MXit ebook. Again I did the work upfront, my own time and resources. This guide as you know is freely available and I used it to sell myself as a speaker.

I also joined Toastmasters late last year. This has helped accelerate my career as a speaker. I now do about 2-3 in a busy week up from 2-3 per month.

How many schools have you addressed since the beginning of the year?

I've not tracked the actual number but it's about 30-40 schools. These schools have mostly been private schools. My fee is R1000 but I don't think it's the fees that restrict my scope to private schools. It's a lack of awareness from public schools. So this is where you can see the digital divide playing a role to limit people’s access to information.

How do you arrange the school tours? Do you have a sponsor or are the trips paid for the by schools? Who coordinates the tours for you?

As mentioned my fee is R1000 for a 40 minute presentation with 20 minutes of Q&A. When I travel outside of Johannesburg there is a small surcharge to cover my travel, car rental and accommodation. This is done directly with me and I'm now getting to a point where I need a full time Personal Assistant.

There is a need to gain a sponsor who could cover my costs to speak to more public schools especially in townships like Soweto and any other previously disadvantaged areas.

These talks can help raise awareness in all areas because MXit and cellphones are certainly having an impact across racial, cultural and income groups.

I know you’re a very busy man as MD of Netucation. I understand you’re also as director of the Computer Society, studying for your Masters, doing research and planning to update your “Parents Guide to MXit” ebook. How do you structure and manage your day so you can get as much done as possible?

I follow the time management system developed by Dan Sullivan, Founder of The Strategic Coach (www.strategiccoach.com), a lifetime coaching program for entrepreneurs.

One of the core concepts is the difference between the time and effort economy vs the results economy. Entertainers and sports stars are excellent examples of professionals who operate in the results economy.

Basically when you use their time system you split your time in free days, focus days and buffer days.

A free day is a 24-hour period where you do not read any books, magazines related to work have discussion about work or take any work related phone calls.

On focus days you do what is defined your unique ability - for me this has turned out to be public speaking for you it would be your writing.

A buffer day is where you do all the planning and admin required to make things possible. So what you want is to continually increase free days and focus days. The more focus days you have the more your income and the more support systems you can buy which frees more time.


What are the three self-promotion tips you’d like to give authors and small business owners?

1) Find your niche and narrow your focus. When you narrow your focus you operate in a place where you can claim leadership. This positions you as an expert.

2) Share your expertise by contributing to your industry's online communities through LinkedIn, MySpace and other online forums.

3) Find your unique ability.
Take time out to do some personality tests like Meyers-Briggs, which will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses.
Study your personality type.
Focus on improving your strengths and delegating your weaknesses (to people for whom it's a strength).

Anything else you’d like to add about self-promotion?

- Study your role models.
- Try to meet them and ask them questions. At the very least you can email them.
- Never shy away from promoting yourself. You must first believe in the product you are selling, which is YOU.