A graduate of New York’s Cardozo School of Law and a veteran entertainment professional, I have over twenty-five years experience as an attorney, literary agent, talent manager, and professional performer. My unique perspective is valuable to performers, writers, artists, and others. Working in partnership with a diverse clientele, we determine how best to move their careers forward and achieve their personal, professional and artistic goals.
1. What is the best part of being a literary agent?
Being able to help talented people bring their vision to an audience. It’s also nice when I can send them a check for their work.
2. How would you summarize your personal agenting philosophy? What do you expect from an agent-author relationship?
I view myself as a partner in the author’s professional life. I don’t just sell their work. As a creative person myself, I offer artistic suggestions when asked. As an attorney, I look at their career holistically, not just one deal at a time but over a lifetime of creativity.
3. What’s something coming out now/soon that you’ve represented and are excited about?
How can I choose? Jennifer Ryan has The Hunted series, Josh Root has Undead Chaos, Anne Elizabeth has a Navy SEAL series, Samantha Kane has a series with Loveswept, and I recently secured deals for Corrina Lawson and Mary Strand. So I’d say I’m excited about all my clients. Also, I do legal work for some people I don’t represent as an agent, such as Alex Jamieson, the famous health expert you might remember from the film Supersize Me.
4. What are the primary mistakes you see writers make in the query process?
Many writers are more concerned with what’s hot or social media rather than perfecting their craft. Writers need to write first and foremost. And then they need to focus on telling great stories with compelling characters and not try to impress me with style.
5. With fiction partials, what makes you stop reading and start skimming-or stop reading altogether?
Overwriting or reading what seems like yet another version of something that’s been done to death. Or sometimes it’s just not my thing. This is a very subjective business.
6. Your agency website says that you’re interested in young adult, can you elaborate more on YA subgenres that you might consider?
Everything.
7. New Adult seems to be everywhere at the moment. What’s your opinion of this new genre and do you accept NA submissions?
I don’t think it’s really new, it’s just another box or label for marketing purposes. And yes.
8. Will you be at any upcoming writers conferences where people can meet/pitch you?
Yes! September 15, 2013, I’ll be speaking at the New England Chapter of the Romance Writers of America about the Future of Publishing. The event is at 1:00PM at Old Town Hall, 16 South Road, Bedford, MA.
October 18-19, 2013 I’ll be at the New Jersey Romance Writers Put Your Heart in a Book Conference. I’ll be giving a workshop to authors on pitching to agents and editors, as well as taking pitches.
November 8-9, 2013 I’ll be at the Atlanta Writers Conference taking pitches, critiquing queries and participating in panel discussions.
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?
The most important thing is the writing. That being said, I think anyone considering a career as a writer, or any part of showbiz, should have a website, a Facebook page and some presence in social media. I think it’s very important. I myself spend a fair amount of time on Twitter.
10. Best piece(s) of advice we haven’t discussed?
Don’t wait until you’ve achieved a goal to be happy. Be happy writing, researching, doing whatever you’re doing.
