Upcoming Agent Spotlight Interviews & Guest Posts

  • Stuti Telidevara Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 3/20/2024
  • Agent Rachel Orr and Author Cathy Carr Guest Post and Lost Kites and Other Treasures Giveaway on 3/25/2024
  • Paula Weiman Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 4/8/2024
  • Hillary Fazzari Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 4/22/2024
  • Miriam Cortinovis Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 5/6/2024
  • Jenniea Carter Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 5/8/2024
  • Caroline Trussell Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 5/20/2024
  • Jenna Satterthwaite Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 6/10/2024
  • Bethany Weaver Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 6/24/2024

Agent Spotlight & Agent Spotlight Updates

  • Agent Spotlights & Interviews have been updated through the letter "H" as of 5/11/2023 and many have been reviewed by the agents. Look for more information as I find the time to update more agent spotlights.

AGENT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW WITH BIBI LEWIS and QUERY CRITIQUE GIVEAWAY

Today I’m thrilled to have agent Bibi Lewis here. She is an associate literary agent at The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency.

FYI, I’m taking over the agent spotlights from Casey. I will be providing all the same information we’ve shared in the past in an interview format. In addition, one lucky person will win a query critique from the agent being interviewed.

Status: Open to submissions.

Hi­ Bibi! Thanks so much for joining us.

About Bibi:

1. Tell us how you became an agent, how long you’ve been one, and what you’ve been doing as an agent.

I’ve been at the Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency for three years. I wear a lot of hats here, managing foreign, audio and performance rights as well as acquiring projects and authors. 

About the Agency:

2. Share a bit about your agency and what it offers to its authors.

We are a dedicated full-service agency that represents many best-sellers and has a strong record of subsidiary sales. We represent all kinds of fiction and non-fiction, including SFF, Romance, Mysteries/Thrillers, Memoir and Children’s. We are a small, committed team who aim to work with authors throughout their careers. And most of all, we love the business and have a lot of enthusiasm to share!

What She’s Looking For:

3. What age groups do you represent—picture books, MG, and/or YA? What genres do you represent and what are you looking for in submissions for these genres?

I represent projects from picture books all the way up to YA (and adult!). I read all genres and look for books that have a strong voice and characters that leap off the page.

4.  Is there anything you would be especially excited to seeing in the genres you are interested in?

I have a particular love for mysteries and puzzles, anything that readers can solve along with the protagonist. I am always interested in seeing books from diverse perspectives (authors and characters, especially if it is #ownvoices).  I would also love to see more non-fiction picture books!

What She Isn’t Looking For:

5. What types of submissions are you not interested in?

I am probably not the best person to submit SF, but our agency has two phenomenal agents who specialize in that!

Agent Philosophy:

6. What is your philosophy as an agent both in terms of the authors you want to work with and the books you want to represent?

I want to work with authors who love reading and books, who have stories to share and the talent and drive to put those books out into the world. I love stories that tackle contemporary issues as well as books that have fresh take’s on more classic themes.

Editorial Agent:

7. Are you an editorial agent? If so, what is your process like when you’re working with your authors before submitting to editors?

I am definitely an editorial agent. The process changes based on the particular author and how they prefer to get feedback. Usually it is a round of “big picture” edits, followed by more specific scene to scene notes. I will never send out a project until both the author and I think is absolutely ready.  

Query Methods and Submission Guidelines: (Always verify before submitting)

8. How should authors query you and what do you want to see with the query letter?

Our guidelines can be found on our agency’s website. To query me, use the agent email account and address your query to me. Query letters should be short and sweet, giving me your pitch, a bit about yourself and why you are seeking representation.

It is always helpful to see where your book would fit on shelves by telling some comp titles, but keep in mind that these should be true comparisons to your work. Don’t comp it to ultra-bestsellers just because they sold a lot of books! It is also a great way to show that you are clued into the current books being published in your genre.

9.  Do you have any specific dislikes in query letters or the first pages submitted to you?

I am definitely not a fan of queries that make it very clear they haven’t done their research. For one, you should definitely get the agents name right! Also, if you state “as it says on your website” make sure it *actually* says that. Other than that, just put out your best work. The query is all about introducing that particular project, so make sure the project shines.

Response Time:

10. What’s your response time to queries and requests for more pages of a manuscript?

Our typical response time is between two to 6 weeks. After that, no response should be taken as a pass from us.

Self-Published and Small Press Authors:

11.  Are you open to representing authors who have self-published or been published by smaller presses? What advice do you have for them if they want to try to find an agent to represent them?

Yes I am definitely open to authors who have been self-published or published before. My biggest suggestion for these authors would be to query with a completely new project. Definitely list your credentials, but you should focus on what is new and why you think an agent would be best for this project and for you going forwards.

12. With all the changes in publishing—self-publishing, hybrid authors, more small publishers—do you see the role of agents changing at all? Why?

The role of the agent is constantly evolving as the industry evolves. The main quality that stays the same is that an agent must be aware of the changes in Publishing and be willing and able to help the author maneuver throughout the changing landscape! We are part guide, part editor, part cheerleader, and always a champion for your work.

Links and Contact Info:

13. Please share how writers should contact you to submit a query and your links on the Web.

Writers can follow the guidelines on our website, which is www.ethanellenberg.com !

Additional Advice:

16. Is there any other advice you’d like to share with aspiring authors that we haven’t covered?

This industry is tough and slow, be patient but persistent! If an agent passes on a project but says they would like to see further work, do send them the next project that you have (that is ready, don’t rush and send them something incomplete). Good luck and I hope to see some of your projects in my inbox!

Thanks for sharing all your advice, Bibi.

­Bibi is generously offering a query critique to one lucky winner. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower (just click the follower button if you're not a follower) and leave a comment through June 24th.  If your e-mail is not on your Google Profile, you must leave it in the comments to enter either contest. If you do not want to enter the contest, that's okay. Just let me know 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. This is an international giveaway.

Have any experience with this agent? See something that needs updating? Please leave a comment or e-mail me at natalieiaguirre7@gmail.com

Note: These agent profiles and interviews presently focus on agents who accept children's fiction. Please take the time to verify anything you might use here before querying an agent. The information found here is subject to change.


64 comments:

Greg Pattridge said...

I always enjoy the insights from these agent interviews. Thank you Bibi for your honest answers.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I won't send my science fiction to you.
Getting an agent's name wrong seems so crass.

darlene said...

Enjoyed the Informative interview. Thank you.

Unknown said...

Great interview!

I mentioned the contest on Twitter for the giveaway.

Mail: moniquesanchiz@gmail.com

Thanks! :)

Bish Denham said...

I can't imagine querying an agent and getting his/her name wrong, or mentioning website info that doesn't exist!

I've tweeted about the query giveaway.

Christine Rains said...

Wonderful interview. Publishing is definitely changing, and it's great to hear agents are evolving with it.

Unknown said...

Great interview, I would love a query critique! AudrasPicks@gmail.com

Angie Dickinson said...

I enjoyed the interview and would love a query critique! I also tweeted the interview. Thanks :)
Angiedickinson06@gmail.com

Caroline said...

Great insight and advice. These really are golden opportunities for writers in the trenches. I tweeted about this too. Thanks!

cleemckenzie said...

Tough and slow are indeed the operative words. Good advice. Be patient and be persistent. It takes stamina. Thanks for the great interview.

Raimey Gallant said...

Great interview! I've wondered about that, whether some agents dig more into the editing side than others.

Chrys Fey said...

It's nice to know that agents do accept self-pubbed authors or authors published by small presses.

caroline yu said...

I'd love to be entered in the query critique giveaway and have mentioned this contest on facebook. My email is c.roberts.yu@gmaildotcom. Thanks!

Jill said...

Please enter me in the query critique giveaway. I have a YA manuscript in progress that revolves around the mystery of a missing girl, and I'd love to have Ms. Lewis's guidance with the query letter! I'm tweeting about this post, as well. Thanks!!

Unknown said...

It's great to hear that an agent would be interested in the next project! There are so many comments that make authors wonder if it's just a nicer form rejection. Please enter me in the contest Mail: judyroberts97@yahoo.com

Jarm Del Boccio said...

Thanks so much for sharing your insights, Bibi. . . and for allowing us the opportunity to submit to you!

Karin Larson said...

Thanks so much for the great interview and information. It was encouraging and helpful.

Evelyn said...

I enjoyed reading your responses, Bibi. It's always helpful to know a bit more about an agent's interests/preferences and their thoughts about agenting.

Emma Charlotte said...

Thank you very much for sharing the interview that provides interesting information about the things like agenting. Dissertation writing service

Shelly Steig said...

Love these agent perspectives! Thanks for doing the interviews!

Unknown said...

Would love to win a query critique. I mentioned the contest on Twitter. monicachess26(@)gmail(.)com

Christine said...

I would love to win a critique - christinenancyevans[at}gmail{dot}com.
I have tweeted about the contest (ChristineNEvans)

Anonymous said...

Query critique? Yes, please. lellington@ncrl.org

Cynthia Harmony said...

Query critique please! I shared on twitter as well, thanks! Ctmoguel@gmail.com

Judith L. Roth said...

I like the idea of one of the roles of agent being "guide." Would love a query critique!

Danielle H. said...

Thanks for the interview! I'm working on my first picture book manuscript and would love to win a query critique. Every bit of help from an agent who shares my love of children's books would be amazingly valuable. I shared on tumblr: http://yesreaderwriterpoetmusician.tumblr.com/post/161778089377/agent-spotlight-interview-with-bibi-lewis-and

Unknown said...

I found this interview to be very insightful, thanks! Would love a chance to win a query critique! Email: shaylaemory23@gmail.com

Rebecca E. Bailey said...

I loved how enthusiastic Bibi is, and I'd love to win a query critique! My email address is profrbailey@aol.com. Thanks!

GiffMacShane said...

Thanks for another insightful agent interview. Bibi sounds like a great person to work with!

giffmacshane(at) gmail (dot) com

Sara Dorsch said...

Your interviews are always so helpful.

Ann Griffin said...

Great interview, Bibi. I'll see you at Writers Digest Conf in August, but would love to enter the draw for the query critique. Pls contact me at info@anngriffinwriter.com instead of the email on my profile. Thanks!

Shari Schwarz said...

This is a great interview! I'd love a chance at a query critique also. Thanks for hosting this opportunity! My email is sharischwarz@gmail.com I also tweeted about this contest.

Jamie said...

Great interview! Please enter me in the query critique contest.

Tracey said...

Love the agent spotlight interviews. Thank you, Bibi for sharing your insights and for the query critique contest opportunity. Shared this on twitter

Sue Heavenrich said...

Love these agent spotlights - I always meet someone new. Yes, would love a chance at a query critique.

Karen Lange said...

It's so nice to meet Bibi. Appreciate her advice and insight - such a help to us writers! :)

I'll pass on the giveaway this week. Thanks for being the ever gracious hostess, Natalie!

Stephanie Faris said...

I just recommended your blog to someone who's looking for an agent. Very important service you're providing!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the post which I shared on Twitter. Good luck to those who are subbing manuscripts. Patience and perseverance to all.

Unknown said...

Thank you for the opportunity. I would love to have a professional critique.
Shared

Debra Daugherty said...

Great questions and answers! Querying is tough, so a critique would be most helpful. email: ddaugherty329@gmail.com
Thanks for posting this interview.

whispering words said...

Love these agent interviews - super super insightful! Thanks for sharing dancing_dragon747@hotmail.com

Rosi said...

Thanks so much for this interview. It's full of good tips. And thanks for the chance to win a query critique.

Julie Abe said...

Thank you both for the interview!

Sheena-kay Graham said...

I'd love the chance to win a query and all the advice was great and informative. Thank you.

Meera Sriram said...

Enjoyed the insightful interview, thanks! My email is meeraTsriram@gmail.com

Patchi said...

Another great interview! Thanks, Natalie and Bibi.

Unknown said...

I love the MG mysteries of Blue Balliett myself, so hope you find a new breakout author in that sub-genre.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the interview! angelamariedambrosio@gmail.com
tweeted @meangelad

Unknown said...

Love ~ be patient, but persistent! Great words to live by as a writer.

Also shared on fb.

ELCruz said...

I would love the opportunity for a query critique! Thank you for your time
elcruznovelist@gmail.com
www.erikacruz.net

Mary Holm said...

Thanks, Bibi and Natalie. Awesome interview. I'll definitely be tweeting about it.

Phaea C. said...

Great answers. Thanks Bibi!

Unknown said...

Hi Bibi! I would love a query critique from you! Thank you for taking the time to do this interview!

Cindy C said...

Thanks for a great post Bibi. Have a great summer!
Cindy

darlene said...

Loved the interview - Good information.

Jenn Haskin said...

Great interview! I always feel like we have special insight from your website!

Cipher said...

Great interview as always!

Cherie Reich said...

I enjoyed learning more about Bibi!

matthew said...

Great interview again :) I'd love a query critique. My email is zchingz@hotmail.com.

I mentioned the contest on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/MatthewMartinz/status/875967116486348801

Lauri Fortino said...

Bibi, you seem like a super attentive agent and a kind person. It was nice to "meet" you here on Literary Rambles. I look forward to submitting my work to you.

Tamara Narayan said...

Sounds like an excellent agent--perhaps someone I could submit to in the future.

Dee Knabb said...

It was lovely to meet Bibi on Literary Rambles. Lucky clients!

Michelle Hubbard said...

Thank you for the informative interview! michellehubbard19@gmail.com

Shanah Salter said...

What an great interview, thank you! I have tweeted this and would love to be considered for a query critique :)