Upcoming Agent Spotlight Interviews & Guest Posts

  • Leslie Zampetti Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 10/7/2024
  • Samantha Wekstein Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 10/16/2024
  • CoCo Freeman Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 11/11/2024
  • Courtney Donovan Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 11/202/2024

Agent Spotlight & Agent Spotlight Updates

  • Agent Spotlights & Interviews have been updated through the letter "K" as of 3/28/2024 and many have been reviewed by the agents. Look for more information as I find the time to update more agent spotlights.

CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK GIVEAWAY HOP




Happy Saturday  Everyone! I’m thrilled to be part of the Children's Book Week Giveaway Hop sponsored by Book Hounds. I’ve always wanted to participate in this one, but it never worked out. I've got lots of newly released YA books that I've read or want to read. There are SO many good ones right now. I'm also adding some middle grade books for my middle grade book lovers. If you’re reading a different book in the series listed or want a different book by one of the authors listed, I’m glad to get you that book instead as long as it doesn't cost more than the book I've chosen.

Don’t see a book you like? You can win a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card instead. I hope you'll all enter to win a book or gift card for yourself or as a gift for someone.

So here are your choices. Click on the title to read a blurb from Goodreads.

Here's the YA ones:

 




 




 




 

A COURT OF MIST AND FURY
FLAMECASTER
GLASS SWORD
SOLDIER
SWORD AND VERSE
THE CROWN'S GAME
THE GLITTERING COURT
THE MIRROR KING
THE RAVEN KING
THE STAR-CROSSED QUEEN
THE WINNER'S KISS

And here are your middle grade choices:

 
 

THE MORRIGAN'S CURSE
THE WOODEN PRINCE
RAYMIE NIGHTINGALE
RISE OF THE WOLF
WING & CLAW
THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN GIRLS

If you haven't found a book you want, you can win a $10 Amazon Gift Card.

To enter, all you need to do is be a follower (just click the follow button if you’re not a follower) and leave a comment through May 8th telling me the book you want to win or if you want to win the Gift Card instead. If your e-mail is not on your Google Profile, you must leave it in the comments.

If you mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry. You must be 13 or older to enter. International entries are welcome as long as  The Book Depository ships to you for free.

Here's what's coming up:

On Monday I have a guest post by debut author Janet Taylor and a giveaway of her YA magical realism WANDERING WILD

Wednesday next week editor L. Diane Wolfe from Lemur Press and Freedom Fox Press will be doing a guest post with a five page critique

The following Monday I have an interview with debut author Roshani Chokshi and a giveaway of her YA multicultural fantasy THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN

Wednesday that week I have an agent spotlight interview and query critique giveaway with Ronnie Ann Herman.

The following Monday follower Jessica Lawson will be back with her agent Tina Wexler with a guest post and query critique giveaway by Tina and a giveaway of WAITING FOR AUGUSTA, Jessica's new MG contemporary.

Hope to see you on Monday!

And here's all the other blogs participating in this Blog Hop:



AGENT JENNIFER UNTER AND AUTHOR TOBIE EASTON GUEST POST & QUERY CRITIQUE & EMERGE GIVEAWAY

Happy Monday Everyone! First I've got news to share. Literary Rambles made Writers' Digest list of 101 Best Websites for Writers again!


I'm honored to be included with so many other fantastic blogs. As I take over the agent spotlights and am realizing the work needed to keep them updated, this award and hearing from you all how much these spotlights help in your agent searches inspire me on. And I'm glad Writers' Digest also recognizes the value of all these debut author interviews and guest posts where valuable advice is shared.

Today I'm excited to share a guest post with agent Jennifer Unter and debut author Tobie Easton to celebrate the release of Tobie's YA contemporary fantasy EMERGE.

Here's a blurb from Goodreads:

Lia Nautilus may be a Mermaid but she’s never lived in the ocean. War has ravaged the seven seas ever since the infamous Little Mermaid unleashed a curse that stripped Mer of their immortality. Lia has grown up in a secret community of land-dwelling Mer hidden among Malibu’s seaside mansions. Her biggest problems are surviving P.E. and keeping her feelings for Clay Ericson in check. Sure, he’s gorgeous in that cocky, leather jacket sort of way and makes her feel like there’s a school of fish swimming in her stomach, but getting involved with a human could put Lia's entire community at risk.

So it’s for the best that he’s dating that new girl, right? That is, until Lia finds out she isn't the only one at school keeping a potentially deadly secret. And this new girl? Her eyes are dead set on Clay, who doesn't realize the danger he's in. If Lia hopes to save him, she’ll have to get closer to Clay. Lia’s parents would totally flip if they found out she was falling for a human boy, but the more time she spends with him, the harder it is for her to deny her feelings. After making a horrible mistake, Lia will risk everything to stop Clay from falling in love with the wrong girl.


Now here's Jennifer and Tobie!

Tobie's Questions to Jennifer:

1.         There is a lot of advice online from authors about what to do during THE CALL with an agent, but I’d love to hear about it from an agent’s point of view.  Once you already love the writing, what are you looking for during THE CALL?

-                     I’m not looking for a type of writer, but I am looking for compatibility.  I have a certain way of submitting, as does every agent, and I want to be sure that the author understands it and is on the same page as me.  Some authors have a list of questions for me, some just want to chat about the process, but either way, I would encourage authors to use the phone call as an opportunity to get to know the agent.

2.         So much work goes into the publishing process!  What are some behind the scenes things you do both during submission and after a book has sold that an author might not see or might only hear about much later?

-           During submission, I’m talking up the book with the editors to whom I’m submitting.  After a
book sells, I do a lot of work on domestic and foreign sub-rights.  I meet with audio publishers, film agents, my foreign co-agents and am in constant contact with them both pre and post-pub.  I usually don’t discuss any of that with the author unless and until there is a bite on a subrights sale. 

3.         Once a book sells, so much is in the hands of the publisher.  What are some inventive things you’ve seen authors do for themselves that have helped sales and/or their careers?

-           Some of my authors make great swag for their book and not just bookmarks, but something that is meaningful to the book, like jewelry or a key-chain or the like.  Then they use that swag in a give-away with the book and readers eat it up!  I also find that authors who visit schools and libraries get their books listed on state/school lists which is so helpful, sales-wise.

4.         After so many years of experience, what are some factors you find important for a strong author-agent relationship?

-           I hope for an open dialogue between me and my author.  Authors can get disappointed by many things in the publishing process and I want them to come to me with their problems so that we can discuss them and then go to the publisher together to try to get any issues resolved. 

Jennifer’s Questions to Tobie:

1.        What are you looking to hear when you speak to an agent for the first time?  What attracts a writer to someone who will be their advocate?

I think the first thing writers need on a call with an agent is clarity toward the beginning of the call.  I’ve heard so many stories about writers who thought an agent was calling to offer representation when in fact the agent wanted to discuss a Revise and Resubmit or to offer the writer general advice.  While both of those are still awesome steps, they can be disappointing if a writer thinks she’s about to get an offer of representation.  So it’s great if agents do what you did, which is tell the author right upfront why they’re calling. 

Provided it is an offer of representation, a lot of writers are waiting to hear what the agent thinks of the manuscript and what changes the agent has in mind; this lets writers know if the agent really got the book and connected to it the way we’ve been hoping someone would throughout the whole query process.  It’s also really important for writers to think long term: Is this an agent who is interested in representing future projects  and who can offer career guidance?  Does the agent represent the different genres the writer writes?  Those are important things to consider, as are the agent’s track record, experience, and excitement.  I loved that during our call, when I mentioned I was in my twenties, you said, “So many books ahead!” and you sounded so genuinely excited! It made me realize we were on the same page about wanting to work together on both Emerge and future books!

2.      How do you choose an agent to query?  Is it word-of-mouth, searching the Internet, talking to other writers?

I’m sure for some people, recommendations can come from other writers, but I was very new to publishing, so I did all my research online.  I read every agent interview I could (Literary Rambles was SO helpful, which is why I was excited to do this post!).  I also looked up agents judging writing contests (because I knew they were actively acquiring) and agents who posted on Twitter about what they were seeking.  I found you in an interview you’d done for Writer’s Digest—I’m so glad I read that interview and decided to submit!

3.      Once you have an agent, what are author’s expectations for what the agent will be doing for them?

Writers who have read about the process are expecting to work with an agent on their manuscript, then go on submissions once it’s as polished as possible.  We also know a good agent will stand up for our interests in contract negotiations and explain any publishing legalese we aren’t familiar with.  Other than that general idea, the process is often murky to us (especially since each agent does things a little differently).  That’s why I really appreciated that you explained how many editors we were submitting to at a time, who they were, and approximately how long before you’d check in with them.  It’s also why I still email you questions about film rights, foreign rights, and other specific areas that are somewhat mysterious to debut authors.  Good agents are invaluable because they really see the whole picture and have the experience and the skills to advocate for the author.

Thanks for all the advice, Jennifer and Tobie! You can find Tobie at:
Pre-order/Buy links:
Mysterious Galaxy: www.mystgalaxy.com/book/9781942664918

And you can find Jennifer at:

https://twitter.com/JenniferUnter

Tobie's publisher has generously offered an e-book of EMERGE for a giveaway and Jennifer is offering a  query critique. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower (just click the follow button if you’re not a follower) and leave a comment through May 7th. If you do not want to be included in the query critique giveaway, please let me know in the comments. If your e-mail is not on your Google Profile, you must leave it in the comments to enter either contest.

If you mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry. Both giveaways are international.

Here's what's coming up:

On Saturday I'm participating in the Children's Book Week Giveaway Hop.

Next Monday I have a guest post by debut author Janet Taylor and a giveaway of her YA magical realism WANDERING WILD

Wednesday next week editor L. Diane Wolfe from Lemur Press and Freedom Fox Press will be doing a guest post with a five page critique

The following Monday I have an interview with debut author Roshani Chokshi and a giveaway of her YA multicultural fantasy THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN

Wednesday that week I have an agent spotlight interview and query critique giveaway with Ronnie Ann Herman.

The following Monday follower Jessica Lawson will be back with her agent Tina Wexler with a guest post and query critique giveaway by Tina and a giveaway of WAITING FOR AUGUSTA, Jessica's new MG contemporary.

Hope to see you on Saturday!


LAUREN OLIVER INTERVIEW AND THE SCREAMING STATUE BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY

Happy Wednesday Everyone! Today I’m beyond thrilled to have one of my favorite authors, Lauren Oliver, here to help celebrate the release of THE SCREAMING STATUE, book 2 in her MG The Curiosity House series. And her co-author H.C. Chester is here too! The series sounds fantastic, and I can’t wait to start it.

Here’s a blurb from Goodreads



In this second book in the exceptional Curiosity House series by bestselling author Lauren Oliver and shadowy recluse H. C. Chester, four extraordinary children must avenge their friend’s death, try to save their home, and unravel the secrets of their past . . . before their past unravels them.

Pippa, Sam, Thomas, and Max are happy to be out of harm’s way now that the notorious villain Nicholas Rattigan is halfway across the country in Chicago. But unfortunately their home, Dumfreys’s Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Wonders, is in danger of closing its doors forever.

But their troubles only get worse. The four friends are shocked when their beloved friend, famous sculptor Siegfried Eckleberger, is murdered. As they investigate, they find clues that his death may be tied to the murder of a rich and powerful New York heiress, as well as to their own pasts.



Hi Lauren and Chester! Thanks so much for joining us. And Lauren, I am so excited and honored that you’re on my blog.



These questions are for Lauren:

1. I read how you got the idea for this series and the challenges of contacting H.C. Chester to collaborate with you. Share about this came about. It’s such an interesting story.


A few years ago, I was in Paris  with my dad when we came upon a set of weird antique postcards
being sold at one of the bouquinistes (book stalls) along the Seine. They all purported to show bizarre exhibits that had once belonged to the same museum: Mr. Dumfrey's Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Marvels.  I was immediately enthralled. I tracked down information about the long-shuttered museum and found that many of the original collections had gone into private hands, and that a large concentration of the strange antiques were owned by one H.C. Chester. And the rest, as they say, is history. 


2. You’re an incredibly talented writer who has written MG, YA, and adult stories. Share what you find unique about writing for a MG audience and a few tips for aspiring authors.


Thank you! What I love about writing for middle grade is the immense imaginative freedom it affords you as an author. Kids will follow you anywhere, absolutely anywhere, as long as they can be made to believe. And I love being able to be humorous, which is something I don't always get to do in my teen and adult books.

3. You have three main characters—Philippa, Sam, and Thomas—from THE SHRUNKEN HEAD, the first book in the series, and are introducing us to Max in your new book. Is one of them your favorite and why?
Max actually shows up in the first book too! Truthfully, I love them all for different reasons. One of the reasons I was so excited about this series is because it gave me the opportunity to write a true ensemble. 


4. Marketing can be challenging, especially for middle grade books and if the author is not as well-known as you. What advice do you have for newer authors trying to promote their MG books?


Believe me, it's challenging for me too! I do a ton of school visits. Grassroots, boots-on-the-ground, whatever you want to call it: the key is getting to where the kids are.



This question is for H.C. Chester


1. From reading about you, I know you value your privacy and are fairly reclusive. What was it like working with Lauren on this book and why did you feel it was important to share this story with the world?

To address the initial part of your query first: Ms. Oliver proved so delightful to work with that, were it not for my lifelong and instinctive aversion to interacting with other human beings, I might, in the future, be tempted to enter into a collaboration with another writer, though I very much doubt it. 
As for your second interrogatory: I confess that it was Ms. Oliver who persuaded me that the saga of the four extraordinary child performer's of Dumfrey's Dime Museum deserved to be shared with a wider audience. Had it not been for her highly persuasive powers, I would have reserved the story exclusively for the entertainment of my most treasured and appreciative audience. I refer of course to my faithful companion, Trudy. 

I also get to interview one of the characters in Lauren’s series. My character is Thomas, also known as The Rubber Band Boy.

Hi Thomas! Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for having me.

1. How did you get the name The Rubber Band Boy?

Oh, well, it was Caroline and Quinn--the albino twins--who came up with it, likely because I'm just a little...twistier than other people.


2. Which one of the other kids living with you in the Curiosity House is your best friend and why?



Probably Pippa (but don't tell her I told you). 

3. I’ve read that you love adventure. Share a bit about one of your favorite adventures.

Well, one time one of Mrs. Groenevelt's cats, Barnaby, got stuck in a storm gutter, wedged in one of the smallest pipes. Sam ripped the iron cover right off and I shimmied down and managed to squeeze into the pipe and coax Barnaby out with tuna flakes. That was exciting.

You can find more information about this series at TheCuriosityHouse.com

Yesterday's blog stop was at Kiditerati
Tomorrow's blog stop is MiddleGradeNinja.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday was started by Shannon Messenger. You can find the participating
blogs on her blog.

Lauren Oliver has generously offered a copy of THE SHRUNKEN HEAD, the first book in this series, and a deck of the Curiosity House card deck for a giveaway. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower (just click the follow button if you’re not a follower) and leave a comment through April 30thIf your e-mail is not on your Google Profile, you must leave it in the comments to enter the contest.

If you mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry. This giveaway is for U.S.

Here's what's coming up:

Next Monday I have a guest post with debut author Tobie Easton and her agent Jennifer Unter and a critique giveaway by Jennifer and a giveaway of EMERGE, Tobie's YA contemporary fantasy.

On Saturday next week I'm participating in the Children's Book Week Giveaway Hop.

Monday the next week I have a guest post by debut author Janet Taylor and a giveaway of her YA magical realism WANDERING WILD

Wednesday that week editor L. Diane Wolfe from Lemur Press and Freedom Fox Press will be doing a guest post with a five page critique

The following Monday I have an interview with debut author Roshani Chokshi and a giveaway of her YA multicultural fantasy THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN


Hope to see you on Monday!

DEE ROMITO GUEST POST AND THE BFF BUCKET LIST GIVEAWAY

Happy Monday Everyone! Today I'm excited to have debut author Dee Romito here to share about her contemporary MG THE BFF BUCKET LIST. It sounds like a story many of you will like (me too).

Here's a blurb from Goodreads:

Ella and Skyler have been best friends since kindergarten—so close that people smoosh their names together like they’re the same person: EllaandSkyler. SkylerandElla.

But Ella notices the little ways she and Skyler have been slowly drifting apart. And she’s determined to fix things with a fun project she’s sure will bring them closer together—The BFF Bucket List. Skyler is totally on board.

The girls must complete each task on the list together: things like facing their fears, hosting a fancy dinner party, and the biggest of them all—speaking actual words to their respective crushes before the end of summer. But as new friends, epic opportunities, and super-cute boys enter the picture, the challenges on the list aren’t the only ones they face.

And with each girl hiding a big secret that could threaten their entire friendship, will the list--and their BFF status--go bust?


So here's Dee!
 


MY PLACE ON THE SHELF



Almost five years ago, I met a writer in the slush of an online contest (after politely shouting something to the effect of, “Where is this writer?! I need to read the rest of the story!” on Twitter). I had no idea she would become one of my most trusted critique partners and a close friend. When she got her first book deal the next year, I sent her this picture from the bookstore, with the caption, “This is where your book will be. J

That simple picture represented the realization of her dream.

The topic of book placement came up again recently when I got together with three amazing writer
friends for dinner. This of course turned into getting coffee and a trip to Barnes & Noble because writers need to be around books. We talked about everything from family and kids to writing and publishing. And at some point in the conversation, one of the girls mentioned picturing her book on the shelf and we all jumped right in to say we’d done it too.

I remember so clearly, being a kid who wanted to someday walk into a bookstore and see my name on the cover of a book, with my words and ideas inside. It didn’t drive my career choices—I went to school for Travel and Transportation Management, went back for an Education degree, and then became a teacher—but it was a dream that kept popping into my head until I finally stopped and said, “You know, I’ve always wanted to write a book.”

So the four of us went around the store and took pictures of where our future books would be on the shelves. Two of the girls aren’t at the publishing stage yet, but they will be. Because they’re talented, creative, and determined to reach their goals. Another will have her first book out in a few months. And one particular spot on the shelf will be filled with my debut middle grade novel, THE BFF BUCKET LIST, on May 3. I still cannot believe it.
 

And while it might actually be on the new releases shelf (it’s yet another challenge as an author to make it over to a long-term spot), simply knowing where it goes makes this whole experience pretty incredible. And boy will it be in some pretty good company. (Yup, right next to J.K. Rowling, and that’s Rick Riordan to the left. My book knows how to pick its book friends.)

Those ladies who went on that picture hunt with me, wrote their own posts about what it meant to see their book spot. (Check out http://nicoleatone.com/2016/03/17/my-space-on-the-shelf/, http://www.vanfamilyfour.blogspot.com/2016/03/my-place-on-shelf.html, and http://thedavisgirl.blogspot.com/2016/03/a-is-for-authorstition-thisismybookspot.html to get inspired.)
No matter where you are in your writing—just starting out, on your way to taking the querying leap, waiting it out in submissions, or getting ready for your book release—go take a look at where YOUR place on the shelf will be. And if you’re sneaky enough, snap a photo and share it with #ThisIsMyBookSpot so we can all cheer you on.

Thanks for sharing all your advice, Dee! You can find Dee at:



Marvelous Middle Grade Monday was started by Shannon Messenger. You can find the participating blogs on her blog.

Dee has generously offered an ARC of THE BFF BUCKET LIST for a giveaway. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower (just click the follow button if you’re not a follower) and leave a comment through April 30thIf your e-mail is not on your Google Profile, you must leave it in the comments to enter the contest.


If you mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry. This giveaway is for U.S.

Here's what's coming up:

On Wednesday I'm participating in NY Times bestseller  author Lauren Oliver's blog tour and interviewing her (Pinch me! I'm so excited!) for her new MG THE SCREAMING STATUE with a giveaway of the first book in this series.

Next Monday I have a guest post with debut author Tobie Easton and her agent Jennifer Unter and a critique giveaway by Jennifer and a giveaway of EMERGE, Tobie's YA contemporary fantasy.

On Saturday next week I'm participating in the Children's Book Week Giveaway Hop.

Monday the next week I have a guest post by debut author Janet Taylor and a giveaway of her YA magical realism WANDERING WILD

Wednesday that week editor L. Diane Wolfe from Lemur Press and Freedom Fox Press will be doing a guest post with a five page critique

The following Monday I have an interview with debut author Roshani Chokshi and a giveaway of her YA multicultural fantasy THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN

Hope to see you on Wednesday!