Kathleen Rushall started as an intern at the Sandra Dijkstra Agency, and then spent almost two years at Waterside Productions. Kathleen looks forward to garnering fresh voices, strong narratives, and whimsical tales in all areas of young adult literature including contemporary fiction, suspense, Southern gothic, historical fiction, and science fiction. She is open to all genres of YA, but has a soft spot for thrillers, horror, romance, laugh-out-loud voices, and would love to find a dark mystery. She’s also open to New Adult queries. Kathleen is looking for funny, character-driven, quirky picture books and all genres of big voiced middle grade fiction.
For all manuscripts, character development and voice are essential. Please make sure your work is as polished as possible and has been revised, both for plot and for superficial changes (grammar counts!).
Kathleen also represents select nonfiction and is interested in parenting, cooking, crafts, business, alternative medicine, women’s interest, humor, pop-culture, and some how-to.
A few of Kathleen’s recent and soon to be published books include INSOMNIA by J.R. Johansson (Flux), A RUSTIC CHIC WEDDING: A Collection of DIY Wedding Crafts and Inspirations by Morgann Hill (Running Press), and BACKHOE JOE by Lori Alexander (Harper Collins).
Kathleen graduated from Seattle University with her bachelor’s degree in English and minor in fine arts. She moved back to her hometown of San Diego to earn her master’s degree in English, specializing in children’s literature, from San Diego State University. When she is not at her desk, Kathleen enjoys exploring new restaurants, dreaming of Ireland, and walking her Australian Shepherd, Finn.
1. What is the best part of being a literary agent?
Working with authors. I really enjoy brainstorming with my authors, helping them shape their stories, and, of course, watching their writing careers take off! I love the imagination, camaraderie, and drive of the people in this industry and working together is one of my favorite parts of the job.
2. How would you summarize your personal agenting philosophy? What do you expect from an agent-author relationship?
I expect the same as I give. An ideal author is hardworking, self-motivated, open to constructive criticism and knows that revisions are all part of the process. Open communication on both ends is very important to me. I’m transparent and keep authors in the loop on everything. A sense of humor and an awareness of the industry is always a bonus!
3. What’s something coming out now/soon that you’ve represented and are excited about?
I’m really looking forward to the debut of JR Johansson’s YA thriller, INSOMNIA (Flux) this June. It’s a deliciously creepy story and Jenn is a terrific writer. On the nonfiction side of things, I’m so excited to see the little fairies come to life in Lenka Vodicka and Asia Currie’s FOREST FAIRY CRAFTS (C&T Publishing), which also hits shelves this summer. I can’t wait to see some of my authors’ picture books come out, but those are going to be a little further down the road. Out first is Lori Alexander’s adorable BACKHOE JOE (Harper Children’s), just around the corner in 2014.
4. What are the primary mistakes you see writers make in the query process?
Not doing their homework. Querying before they’re ready. Including irrelevant personal info in the pitch instead of information about the book.
5. With fiction partials, what makes you stop reading and start skimming-or stop reading altogether?
There is a lot that goes into good writing, but the ideal product is uncomplicated. In the first pages I need to have a clear sense of whose story this is (voice) and the what, where, and why.
6. Your agency website says you’re interested in young adult, can you elaborate more on YA subgenres that you might consider?
Everything on the website is still true! I’m open to pretty much all genres of YA. The only genres of YA I am not currently open to are paranormal or dystopian YA. I’m especially looking for contemporary stories, thrillers, horror, and historical YA. Characters and voice are what really grab me, no matter what world/ setting/ time period they may be experiencing.
7. New Adult has been garnering some attention lately and I noticed you said you’re open to those submissions. What types of stories are you looking for (contemporary, fantasy, horror, etc.)?
I think we’re on the brink of seeing New Adult expand beyond contemporary and I’m happy to look at all genres. While I’m definitely looking for contemporary New Adult, I’m also open to futuristic/ speculative, horror, thriller, steampunk, and science fiction New Adult.
8. Will you be at any upcoming writers conferences where people can meet/pitch you?
Yes! I’ll be attending the Pacific Northwest Writers Conference in Seattle this July, the Willamette Writers Conference in August, and the RMFW Colorado Gold Conference in September.
9. Is a writing platform important for unpublished writers? Does it weigh in on your decision to represent? Are you a fan of social media?
For nonfiction authors, platform is very important. For fiction authors, it’s not completely necessary but it does make you appealing. Social media is a great way to be part of the writing community (especially the KidLit community). You’ll be able to keep up on industry news and network with other authors, agents, and editors, all while building a name for yourself.
10. Best piece(s) of advice we haven’t discussed?
Aim for a balance of thinking long-term and in the present. Always keep your future career in mind and take the necessary steps to get you where you want to be in one, two, or five years. Visualize what you want and make a plan to achieve it. Do your research and join writing organizations in your genre (such as SCBWI and RWA). This is where you’ll learn the steps to getting published as well as strengthen your writing (and demonstrate to agents that you are aware of the industry and current market).
The other side of it is to also keep your mind in the present. Don’t get overwhelmed. Write what you love. Readers can tell when you’ve truly enjoyed writing something. Create something meaningful for you, and there’s a good chance it will be for others as well.