Ready for another interview?
Ms. Jordy Albert of the Booker Albert Literary Agency is here to WOW us with some fabuloso questions and answers.
Just so you know, Jordy has been as sweet as an angel to work with during the workshop. I hope you enjoy her conversation below:
1. When did you decide you wanted to be a literary agent? What helped you make that decision?
Probably during grad school. I've always loved to read, but I became interested in finding authors who are just starting out and helping them further their careers, which led me to
exploring agenting.
2. What's your favorite book?
One of my favorites is To Kill A Mockingbird.
Why? It was an important time in United States history, and I really like Scout.
3. Who's your favorite author?
Karen Marie Moning
Again, why? She is AMAZING!!! An amazing author and person.
4. Do you see a common mistake among new authors in their submission package?
A number queries that I've looked at explained why they wrote the book, instead of telling me what the book is about.
5. Do you have a favorite genre?
Romance and YA.
6. How important is it to you for an unpublished author to have an established platform and brand? Is social media a real must for a writer?
It's always helpful, but not imperative. I do think social media is a must because it allows writers to interact with their readers, and it also allows writers to get his/her name out there, thus building an audience.
7. And last, but certainly not least, please let us know what you would love to find during the pitch opportunity.
Romance (contemporary, YA).
Ms. Jordy Albert of the Booker Albert Literary Agency is here to WOW us with some fabuloso questions and answers.
Just so you know, Jordy has been as sweet as an angel to work with during the workshop. I hope you enjoy her conversation below:
1. When did you decide you wanted to be a literary agent? What helped you make that decision?
Probably during grad school. I've always loved to read, but I became interested in finding authors who are just starting out and helping them further their careers, which led me to
exploring agenting.
2. What's your favorite book?
One of my favorites is To Kill A Mockingbird.
Why? It was an important time in United States history, and I really like Scout.
3. Who's your favorite author?
Karen Marie Moning
Again, why? She is AMAZING!!! An amazing author and person.
4. Do you see a common mistake among new authors in their submission package?
A number queries that I've looked at explained why they wrote the book, instead of telling me what the book is about.
5. Do you have a favorite genre?
Romance and YA.
6. How important is it to you for an unpublished author to have an established platform and brand? Is social media a real must for a writer?
It's always helpful, but not imperative. I do think social media is a must because it allows writers to interact with their readers, and it also allows writers to get his/her name out there, thus building an audience.
7. And last, but certainly not least, please let us know what you would love to find during the pitch opportunity.
Romance (contemporary, YA).
What a nice, honest interview! Enjoyed reading it and thanks to both of you :)
ReplyDeleteI agree! Straight and to the point! Thanks for stopping by to read!
DeleteThank you Jordy and Talynn for taking the time for this interview. It's always helpful to glean a few insights from an agent.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie, for stopping by to visit! Are you staying warm? We have snow on the way...Yikes!
DeleteYou didn't ask her which Dr. Who actor is her favorite. As a fellow Dr. Who fan, it is extremely important to make sure we're compatible.
ReplyDelete(Just joking. She doesn't represent my category.)
Hi Lanette. Next time I send out interview questions, I'll be sure and add that question...
Delete*smiles cutely*
Wow, thanks for the interview! It's really interesting to see what agents have to say, and get their advice. :)
ReplyDeleteBest,
Alexandra~
Thanks! I love reading interviews, too, because it's like having a personal chat with them:)
DeleteTo Kill a Mockingbird is a fantastic book. Great to read this interview.
ReplyDeleteI know! My kids had to read this in school. My daughter just read it last year!
DeleteA question I would like to see addressed, because I've had some very conflicting opinions on this and now wonder if I've killed my chance at an agent, is how important readable reader feedback is regarding a platform for unpublished writers. The most compelling reason against trying came last night from a writer who said it's the agent's job to know what will sell, but on Twitter a few weeks ago an agent I follow (I can't remember which) said reviews on places like GoodReads are good because it shows a writer is building a following and bringing an audience. But now it seems that that agent is taking an unusual stance and that the opposite - not trying to build a platform and get reviews, might be better. As someone else said, it's like giving away "first rights."
ReplyDeleteI am still under the impression it all SUBJECTIVE. This being because I have read some awesome books only to find out the author has like 25 followers.
DeleteAnother Moning fan! It's always good to get to know, and see, agents as people. So many forget they are human too! Thanks, Talynn and Jordy :)
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. Aren't interviews fun?
DeleteWhat a great interview. I so enjoy getting to work and reading the daily post. Thanks for taking the time to do it. Have a great weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I hope to start the query process soon and really appreciated the insight.
ReplyDelete