Jan 3, 2019
Whether because of NaNoWriMo or New Year’s Resolutions, January is a common time for writers to begin querying. Many are tempted to simply dive in and mass email every agent they can find.
Please allow Natasha Watts to give you a bit of advice: don’t.
Do your research first. Find agents who are open to your book’s genre and age category. Read their websites and manuscript wish lists. Study their submission guidelines. Give your manuscript every chance to shine by querying the right agents, not just the most famous or the easiest to find on Google.
To help you in this quest, Natasha interviewed four literary agents at Colorado Gold back in September.
Hannah Fergesen: After stints as a bookseller, an intern at Soho
Press, a literary assistant, and a freelance editor, Hannah
Fergesen joined KT Literary as an agent in 2016. Hannah is a
proud geek and TV junkie, with an all-consuming love for Doctor
Who, Harry Potter, and anything created by Joss Whedon. With
her background in film and television, she is attracted to stories
with strong visuals and sharp dialogue, whether presented in edgy
speculative or contemporary YA and MG fiction, or dark and
lyrical
speculative adult fiction.
Moe Ferrera: A Pennsylvania native, Moe Ferrera is mum of a
rambunctious corgi who is a master at stealing treats. When
not reading, she is an avid gamer and always awaiting the next
Assassin's Creed or Destiny release. Moe is interested in
books for middle grade, young adult, and adult readers in most
genres--especially science fiction, fantasy, contemporary,
romance,
and light horror. The right contemporary or paranormal romance
(sans-vampires of course) will spark her interest. She is also
interested in select narrative nonfiction titles in the areas of
LGBTQ studies, musical theatre, and classical music.
Patricia Nelson: Patricia Nelson joined Marsal Lyon Literary
Agency in 2014. She represents adult, young adult, and middle grade
fiction, and is actively building her list. On the children’s
side, Patricia is open to a wide range of genres of YA and MG, with
particular interest in contemporary/realistic, magical
realism, mystery, science fiction and fantasy. On the adult
side, she is seeking women’s fiction both upmarket and
commercial, historical fiction set in the 20th century, and
compelling plot-driven literary fiction. She’s also looking
for sexy, smart adult contemporary and historical single title
romance. She is interested in seeing diverse stories and
characters, including LGBTQ, in all genres that
she represents.
Melissa Edwards: After graduating from Washington University in
St. Louis and Vanderbilt Law School, Melissa Edwards began her
career as a litigation attorney before transitioning into
publishing. She is a tireless advocate for her clients and a
constant partner during the publication process and beyond.
Melissa represents authors of children’s fiction, adult commercial
fiction, and select pop-culture nonfiction. She is looking for
warm and timeless
middle grade fiction and accessible young adult fiction. For
adults, she is looking for fast-paced thrillers and smart
women’s fiction.
Intro music by Moby
Outro music by Dan-o-Songs