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
