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 Update on 2/22/2026: Bibi is 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 !
Update on 2/22/2026:
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.
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.
Last Updated: 2/22/2026
Agent Contacted for Review? Yes
Last Reviewed By Agent? 6/12/2017
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.
