Guide to Literary Agents

"Agent Advice" is a series of quick interviews with literary and script agents who talk with Guide to Literary Agents about their thoughts on writing, publishing, and just about anything else.

This installment features Ellen Pepus, of the Ellen Pepus Literary Agency. She represents a variety of adult fiction and nonfiction.

GLA: How did you become an agent?

EP: My background is in English, writing and law, and I'd always wanted to work in publishing. My introduction to agenting was at The Graybill and English Literary Agency where I was assistant to several agents (including Jeff Kleinman and Elaine English) and sold foreign rights. When that agency disbanded in 2006, I decided to start my own agency, based in Washington DC.

GLA: What's the most recent thing you've sold?

EP: The Belly Dancer, DeAnna Cameron, Berkley 2009. Really fun historical fiction by a first-time novelist.

GLA: You say you're looking for women's fiction that transcends chick lit. Can
you expand on what you mean by this?

EP: I love themes and subjects that appeal to women - books about people, relationships, women's lives. I like the funny, lighthearted aspect of chick lit, but I'm more looking for books with more depth, that are original and unpredictable and take a few risks. I would love to find authors who can break out of the formula and still tell a great story.

GLA: You also look for "animal stories," but this seems like a subject where you may get a lot of bad submissions. True? What mistakes are people making?

EP: It's funny; animal books are sort of perennial sellers, so I thought I'd put it out there as something I was looking for - but I do get a lot of misguided submissions in this area, particularly people's "cute pet" stories. I'd like to see books that include animals as a theme or subject, but not necessarily ones about someone's weird dog or cat. Instead, I'd love to see good narrative nonfiction in the science or nature areas or even a memoir/human interest story with an unusual twist and great writing.

GLA: What are the most common problems you see in a query letter from an unknown author?

EP: The most common problems in query letters - first, mistakes in grammar, spelling, word usage, or sentence structure. Anything like that is going to put me right off. Second, not saying what the book is about right away. I am only able to spend a minute at most reading your query letter - tell me exactly what I should know immediately because I may not read all the way to the end. Third, being boring or unoriginal - writers don't seem to realize how many query letters we read in a day or a week, we've seen everything and are looking, more than anything, for our attention to be caught, to be taken by surprise. Be surprising!

GLA: What are you noticing about how the recession is affecting the publishing
world and authors' abilities to sell work?

EP: It's definitely tightened up quite a bit. I think there will still be sales but maybe fewer for a while, and publishers may be less likely to take a chance on an unknown fiction author unless the work has a very strong commercial hook, or, in nonfiction, if the author has a great platform.

GLA: Will you be at any upcoming writers' conferences where people can meet and pitch you?

EP: Yes, I'll be at the Las Vegas Writers Conference in April and Washington Independent Writers Conference in June. I'll also be taking pitches at the Writer's Digest Books Writers' Conference just before BEA in May in Manhattan.

GLA: When writers pitch you in person, what do they need to do to make their
short amount of time work?

EP: I think pitching is difficult because it's impossible to judge a piece of writing based on a pitch. Having said that, I want to hear about what the book is about, what makes it interesting, why people will want to read it, what one thing will get a publisher excited about seeing it. I also usually like to have a conversation with the writer, to find out their background, why they wrote this particular book, what else they've written, etc.

GLA: Best piece(s) of advice concerning something we haven't discussed?

EP: My best advice to writers is to keep practicing, to take workshops and classes, to really learn your craft. Read a lot. Notice things like story structure, character development, how scenes are put together in the books you love. These things can all be learned. I see way too many people who think they can just bang out an unoriginal, poorly crafted novel and get an agent to take it seriously.
    Writing is a discipline and it requires dedication, talent, craft and - unfortunately - luck, but the luck part has a lot more to do with the first three than people think. And if you don't succeed with your first novel, write another one. Consider that first one practice. Keep going, but don't get bogged down thinking you've written a misunderstood masterpiece if every agent in the world turns you down. Assume there's something in that piece that isn't working and move on ... but keep writing.

    Ellen Pepus of the Ellen Pepus Literary Agency is based in the DC area. She represents narrative nonfiction, including history, true crime, science, adventure, and memoir, as well as self-help, health and diet, food and cooking, travel, entertainment, popular culture, how-to and humor. She also represents a wide range of fiction, including literary, historical, mystery, women's fiction and romance, erotica, thrillers, fantasy and general commercial fiction. She does not handle science fiction, young adult, children's, short stories, poetry or screenplays.

Agent Advice (Agent Interviews)

1/2/2009 1:48:23 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [1]

Online Workshop: How to Land a Literary Agent
Posted by Chuck

WD already organizes plenty of online writing courses, but this January we are trying something new: an online webinar workshop, and I will be presenting on how to find a literary agent.

How to Land a Literary Agent:

For a new writer, the publishing industry can be a difficult world to break into. While you know it's valuable to have a literary agent, how do you know where to start? That's what this seminar will teach you. It will examine how to identify and thoroughly research the literary agents who are most open to reading and responding to your work as well as how to initiate contact and pitch them in a way that will spur a request for your manuscript.

As an added bonus, find out the key websites and resources that will keep in the know on the latest developments in the literary agent community. Seats for this valuable seminar are limited to 100. The price is $199. Sign up today!

1/2/2009 10:12:47 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [2]

Back in Black: The Start of 2009
Posted by Chuck

Happy New Year! I hope your New Year's Eve was cool and no DUIs were involved.

The door on one year closes, as another opens. All sorts of exciting possibilities await. Nothing is impossible. (Insert your own generic comment here.) Personally, I'm buzzed about the year because I accomplished a few of my 2008 goals just in time for the year to end, so now I have the wind at my back.

I hope you are setting goals, too. I can tell you a few of my resolutions for 2009:

Find an agent to represent my juvenile work. I have an agent right now - Sorche Fairbank - but she handles adult fiction and nonfiction.
Finish at least two more book proposals.
Finish that screenplay I started last year.
Naturally, lose weight.

My rock cover band played
out at a killer show on
New Year's Eve. That's
me in the black shirt
on the right.

1/2/2009 10:04:46 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [3]

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Example of a Mind-Boggling Horrible Query
Posted by Chuck

Guest blogger Ric Klass shows writers just about everything you SHOULDN'T do in a query letter. The hilarious result is below. Enjoy.

Guest blog column
by Ric Klass

December 17, 2008

Ms. Agent
William Morris Agency
1825 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10012

Hi Mr. Agent,

You’ve finally got a good book to represent. MINE. The word is out that you're the best agent in the world. Now’s your chance to prove it. I’m thinking of calling my book Gone With The Wind II. Pretty sweet, huh? I’m using the same characters, Rhett Butler and all that. My understanding is that the publisher will have no problem getting the approval to do that from the family’s state. But here’s the catch ... Tara will be in outer space this time!!!! Whoa! I bet this is the best idea you’ve heard in weeks or maybe ever. A bestseller for sure. By the way, I’m wrote the book on my lunch breaks (more on that later).

I’ve contacted about two hundred other agents and saved the best for last ---- YOU. They’re crazy not to have leaped at this ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY. I warn you, Mr. Agent, you may not get another chance like this one. Even though I read you only represent nonfiction, this is your chance to get into the fiction game where more interesting stories can be told.

I’ve discussed my ideas for the book with several of my friends at CVS where I work and they all LOVE IT! Obviously, dumdum, you will too. Right now I’m just stocking the shelves, but I think the manager might promote me to cash register. After all I worked there for nearly eight years and hardly took any time off except for the time I spend in prison fighting a false arrest for attacking one the agents I contacted who wouldn’t answer even one of my hundreds of phone calls--- the dirty bastard. But I’ll get even with him. I know you're not that kind of guy. From what I’ve read, you're a straight shooter.

The book is nearly done. I’ve almost finished page 12. Once begun is half done as they say. You should know that I need at least a $100,000 advance. And I need it NOW. You can’t believe how expensive lawyers are. (Don’t worry I won’t sue you, too!) From what I’ve read, you agents usually get 10 or 15 percent off the top. I’m willing to double it if you can send me at least $25,000 NOW. Since my idea is a sure thing, you should have no problem with this deal. You should also know I don’t suffer welchers if you no what I mean. You had better not tell my great idea to some other writer and going around me!!!! By the way, although your Web site said to include a synopsis, I thought I wouldn’t waste my time since you're sure to take on my book anyway. Instead (as I’m sure you noticed) enclosed in this giant box you just opened is a case of my favorite Skippy peanut butter just to let you know I’m no piker (in the case that I find another agent first before we sine on the dotted line, please send me $30 (in cash) to cover my expenses and the postage).

Right now the water drops you see on this page are real tears. I really need and DESERVE to have my book published. I’ve taken the liberty of following you to your home in Rye, NY, so I can deliver the manuscript any time you say directly to your place and hand it to one of your cute kids if you're not there (By the way, your wife is good looking too. NICE GOING! but she should keep the curtains closed - there are so wackos out there, ya know ... never can be too sure). But like I said, I’ll need a few days to finish the book. If for some reason I don’t hear from you in a day or so, you can expect to see me on your doorstep. (I’m sure it would have just slipped your mind. Ha Ha Ha Ha.!!!) Or you can except my offer by mail. I’ve enclosed an envelope for your secretary to address. She can stamp it too. Rich agents like you don’t need me to save them chump change, right? Right.

Affectionately,

Joe Writer

914-555-2054 (My girlfriend's number cause my phone is disconnected due to a bill miscommunication. Don’t even think of fuggin trying to hit on her or else!)

P.S. BTW, if you do hit on her, send money today and I’ll forgot the whole thing (and not tell your wife!).

Ric Klass is the author of Man Overboard: Confessions
of a Novice Math Teacher in the Bronx, a narrative
non-fiction book published late 2006. The New York Times
selected Man Overboard for its “Great Read In The Park”
book fair. The book was chosen for The National Press
Club's 29th Annual Book Fair and Authors' Night.

Queries and Synopses and Proposals

12/17/2008 4:24:04 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [10]

First WD Editors Intensive Conference = Great
Posted by Chuck

For the first time ever this past weekend, we opened the doors here at F+W Media to a large gathering of writers for a small conference on the business and craft of writing. I'm pleased to say the event was a success. I, for one, was wondering how the whole thing would go down - being that such an event was brand new. But everything went smoothly and that was nice.

If you were in attendance at the event, thank you for coming in. I know a lot of people flew in. We had writers from California, Florida, Puerto Rico and Vancouver. Probably a whole lot more places, but we didn't have them list off their hometowns.

I taught two workshops - both about agents. Those went off without a hitch.

A panel of editors answer
questions. From left: Writers
Online Workshops coordinator Joe
Stollenwerk; WD Editorial Director Jane
Friedman; CWIM editor Alice Pope; and myself.

Each attendee got 50 pages of their
work critiqued by an editor.

Writers' Conferences

12/17/2008 3:39:16 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [0]

Monday, December 15, 2008

New Agent at Greenhouse Literary
Posted by Chuck

Greenhouse Literary, a cool newer agency started by Brit Sarah Davies, has recently snagged a new agent: Julia Churchill. Like Sarah, Julia hails from the UK . I'm not sure if Julia will be taking on American authors, but her joining Greenhouse means that Sarah will have more time to devote to American writers, so that's good news for juvenile writers.

As a refresher, Greenhouse specializes in "children’s fiction – from high-concept/character-led series aimed at the 5+ age group through middle grade to young-adult/crossover novels. We are NOT looking for picturebook texts or illustrators, non-fiction, educational or religious/inspirational work, poetry, or writing aimed at adults. If you think your work fulfils these criteria, please send a one-page query email to submissions@greenhouseliterary.com. This should include a short synopsis of your plot, a few lines about yourself and your writing ‘credentials’, as well as the first chapter or first five pages (whichever is the shorter) of your manuscript pasted into the body of the email. Sorry, but we no longer accept e-mail attachments or snail-mail submissions (we try to be as paper free as possible). If we are interested we will reply with directions on what material should be sent next, and in what format."

Children's Writing | Random Updates

12/15/2008 9:46:40 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [0]

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Firebrand Literary's "Query Holiday"
Posted by Chuck

From Dec. 15 through Jan. 15, Firebrand Literary will not be accepting submissions in the normal "Query First" manner. Rather, they will be accepting and reviewing complete first chapters of manuscripts.

This is a big task for those agents and a great opportunity for writers of all kinds. For those of you who have never got a request for a partial (probably because your query was weak), this is your golden chance. Let your writing speak for itself.

There is more to know, so check out the Query Holiday tab on the Firebrand Web site right now!

Hat tip: Soon-to-be-famous
middle grade author
Nancy Parish

Contests

12/10/2008 3:40:40 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [4]

Agent Nathan Bransford's New "First Paragraph" Contest
Posted by Chuck

Literary agent (and super blogger) Nathan Bransford of Curtis Brown in San Francisco is hosting another contest. This one is called "The 2nd Sort-of-Annual Stupendously Ultimate First Paragraph Challenge."

Basically, it's a contest looking for an amazing first chapter of a novel (nonfiction, too?) in progress. The rules. But hurry - the DEADLINE is 7 p.m. EST on Thursday, Dec.11!

Check out his post to see the prizes and the rules and how the whole shebang will work out. This is a cool chance for writers!

Hat tip: Soon-to-be-famous
middle grade author
Nancy Parish

Contests

12/10/2008 2:57:06 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [0]

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Costa Rica Retreat Drawing
Posted by Chuck

Almost seems too cool to be true, but I hope it's not...

Below is a press release about a new contest where the winner gets an awesome writing retreat in Costa Rica. No money for entry is necessary. You just have to have a certain degree in school.

--------------

2009 Contest - Open Nov. 1, 2008 until April 1, 2009

Announcing The First Annual Writers’
Holiday in the Tropics Contest
For Students and Alumni of Graduate Writing Programs

Brought to you by Costa Rica Writers’ Retreats in sponsorship with the Vermont College of the Arts and Orlando Writers’ Workshops.

Enter to win a luxurious one-week writing retreat in Costa Rica.
• No writing samples required
• No purchase required
• Luck-of-the-draw contest
• Open to current graduate creative writing
students and alumni worldwide
•Winner must provide proof of enrollment or graduation
• All entries must be made at www.costaricawriters.com/contest.

All entries must be received by April 1, 2009
and the winner will be announced by April 5, 2009.

Held May 16th – June 13th, 2009, the prizewinner may choose the retreat week. Prize is valued at $4,500, the Writer’s Holiday in the Tropics includes:

• Round-trip Airfare between Miami/Ft Lauderdale, Florida
and San José, Costa Rica,
• Round-trip transportation between Juan
Santamaria airport and the 4-star,
eco-friendly Docelunas Resort in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica
• All meals at Docelunas (alcoholic drinks are not included)
• Single accommodations (private room with a king size bed)
• Fully guided zip-line tour through the
rainforest (or another excursion of your choice)
• Weeklong writing retreat led by Robin Hemley, Xu Xi,
Sue Silverman and Vanessa Blakeslee during the weeks of
May 16th-June 13th—you choose the week
*As a added bonus, the winner will also receive a
one-year subscription to the "Total Funds for Writers" newsletter (www.fundsforwriters.com)

The rules are simple. At the time of your entry to the drawing, you must be a current enrolled graduate student in creative writing at an accredited College or University or a graduate of an accredited University or College graduate creative writing program (MAs, MFAs or PhDs in the U.S. and their equivalent outside of the U.S.). The winner will be required to submit proof of enrollment or graduation upon notification.

Writers' Conferences

12/9/2008 4:15:56 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [2]

Monday, December 08, 2008

Submit a Portion of the Book With a Query?
Posted by Chuck

Q. I just have a brief question. I have read several articles regarding submissions of material to agents and how to write query letters, but none of the articles say if I am to include a small portion of my book or not. Any suggestions?
- Jennifer Killgore

A. There is no set rule, Jennifer, which is why you're not getting the answer you want. Each agent will say whether they want a sample of the book (a chapter, 20 pages, etc.) or not.
Once you research how to write a query, you will need to ID those agents you want to contact. Each agent wil have a different preference on how they want to be contacted, and whether that means sending only a query, sending a query and two chapters, or whatever else. The agents will tell you on their Web site, or you can find such information in agent directories such as the 2009 Guide to Literary Agents.

Queries and Synopses and Proposals

12/8/2008 12:39:54 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [1]

Greystone Literary is Back in Business
Posted by Chuck

I first met literary ageny Michael Mancilla in New York in 2007. He founded a cool, newer agency called Greystone, but the agency closed after a few years. Fortunately, it has recently reopened. Michael specializes in nonfiction and is looking for good writers.

Greystone Literary Agency

437 New York Ave. NW, No. 211, Washington DC 20001. (202)234-2299. E-mail: mike@greystonelit.com. Web site: www.greystonelit.com. Contact: Michael Mancilla. This agency is dedicated to both cultivating the voices and perspectives of the authors it represents and acting as a liaison to the publishing community. Seeking new and established writers. Prior to opening his agency, Mr. Mancilla trained with literary agent Peter Rubie via New York University's publishing program. He is also a nonfiction author who earned a Lambda literary award nomination for his writing. Established: 2003. Represents 15 clients. 25% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently Handles: 100% Nonfiction Books and Scholarly Books.

Nonfiction subjects of interest: Agriculture, Animals, Archaeology, Biography, Parenting, Computers/Electronic. Current Affairs, Education, Ethnic/Cultural Interests, Health, History, Interior design/decorating, Juvenile nonfiction, Language/Literature, Money/Finance, Music/Dance, Nature, Photography, Popular Culture, Psychology, Religious/Inspirational, Science, Self-Help.

How to Contact: Query with SASE. Accepts e-mail queries. No fax queries. Responds in 3 weeks to queries. Responds in 6 weeks to manuscripts. Does not return submissions. Actively seeking: narrative nonfiction by recognized leaders in their field. Also encourage submissions by journalists who want to expand beyond magazine and newspaper writing. Does not want to receive memoirs. Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Binding time: 1-year. Charges for postage and photocopying. Writers' Conferences: BookExpo America; Washington Independent Writers Conference. Tips: "To write is human, to edit is divine. I also want to know why you are the best person to write this book and I encourage authors with good writing skills to consider pairing up with an expert in the field as either a coauthor or to write the foreward."

Agency Profile | Nonfiction

12/8/2008 11:11:16 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [0]

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

You Can Bid On a Critique by an Agent
Posted by Chuck

Jennifer Jackson, a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency in NYC, is offering a critique of up to 50 pages of a manuscript as well as up to 10 pages of a synopsis.

It's all part of a fundraiser event that one of Jennifer's clients is putting on for a great cause. Jennifer's critique is going out to the highest bidder. I haven't checked what the current bid is, but bidding has indeed commenced on E-Bay with the final day being Dec. 8.

Hat tip: Soon-to-be-famous
middle grade author
Nancy Parish

Sold!

12/3/2008 4:16:40 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [0]

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