7 Questions For: Literary Agent Lauren Spieller

Assistant Literary Agent Lauren Spieller comes to TriadaUS with a background in literary scouting and editorial consulting. She has a sharp editorial eye, and is passionate about author advocacy. Lauren is seeking Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction, as well as select Adult fiction and non-fiction. Whatever the age category or genre, Lauren is passionate about finding diverse and underrepresented voices.

In MG, she’s drawn to heartfelt contemporaries, contemporary fantasy and magical realism, and exciting adventures. Some of her recent favorites are Rules for Stealing Stars, George, The Thing About Jellyfish, Wonder, Hour of the Bees, and Rooftoppers. In YA, she’d love to find authentic teen voices in any and all genres. She is especially fond of fantasy, magical realism, and space operas; contemporary stories with a hook; and anything with a feminist bent. A few favorites include Dumplin’, Scorpio Races, An Ember in the Ashes, OCD Love Story, Six of Crows, The Raven Boys, and Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda.

In Adult, Lauren is seeking commercial fiction, particularly female-driven psychological thrillers (a la Lauren Beukes and Gillian Flynn), and immersive literary fantasies, such as The Night Circus, The Miniaturist, and A Darker Shade of Magic. She is also interested in female-driven Upmarket General Fiction, especially if it's funny or has a touch of magical realism (note that she is NOT looking for Romance), and unique non-fiction with an existing platform. She's particularly hungry for counter culture books, cocktail books with a twist/theme, or narrative nonfiction with a unique hook (if you’re the next Lindsey West, Roxanne Gay, or Lauren Duca, she wants to hear from you).

And now Lauren Spieller faces the 7 Questions:

Question Seven: What are your top three favorite books?

This question is impossible--does everyone say that?--so I'm going to tell you three of my recent favorites! When Dimple Met Rishi (coming out in May 2017!), Rooftoppers, and Three Dark Crowns. 

Question Six: What are your top three favorite movies and television shows?

Again--so hard! But I'll give it a shot. 

TV: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, BBC's Sherlock, and Parks and Rec.

Movies: Star Wars (the originals, plus The Force Awakens), Ratatouille, and Spirited Away. 

I reserve the right to change my answers in five minutes.

Question Five: What are the qualities of your ideal client?

My ideal client is hard working, compassionate, and has tons of great ideas! I'm in this for the long haul, and I want to work with people who feel the same way.

Question Four: What sort of project(s) would you most like to receive a query for?

I'd love to find a project that stops me in my tracks. Something with a voice and point of view that's absolutely unique to them. The quickest way to my heart is through character. Make me care about them, and I'm along for the ride to the very end. If you have a project like this, please send it!

Question Three: What is your favorite thing about being an agent? What is your least favorite thing?

I love that every day brings new adventures, challenges, and possibilities. A fabulous query, a great client manuscript, an exciting meeting with an editor--every day is different! 

My least favorite part is all the waiting!

Question Two: What one bit of wisdom would you impart to an aspiring writer? (feel free to include as many other bits of wisdom as you like)

-Don't be afraid to take risks, but also don't be afraid to ask for help. 

-Build your writing community, and always make sure you're giving as much as you're getting. This business is tough, but a strong community makes all the difference. 

-Read, read, read, read, read.

-Make sure you're refilling your creative well from time to time. Sometimes that means reading, but sometimes that also means taking a walk, going out with friends, exercising, or watching a movie. Do whatever makes you feel inspired, healthy, and energized. Your greatest tool is your mind. Take care of it.

Question One: If you could have lunch with any writer, living or dead, who would it be? Why?

This will sound pretentious, but probably James Joyce or Virginia Woolf. I studied both extensively in grad school, and I would love to talk to them about finding the universal in the personal in writing. There would definitely be wine involved, too.

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7 Questions For: Literary Agent Laura Crockett

Literary Agent Assistant Laura Crockett is interested in a variety of YA and adult fiction. In YA, she is interested in contemporary realistic fiction (such as study abroad experiences, strong female friendships, falling in love, anxiety and abuse), high and low fantasy, and gothic horror. In adult fiction, she is interested in WWI and WWII historical fiction, gothic horror, neo-Victorian mystery, contemporary women's fiction, and fantasy. 

Some of Laura's current favorites are: The Night Circus, Outlander, Fangirl, Prisoner of Night and Fog, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Long Lankin, and The Start of Me and You.

And now Laura Crockett faces the 7 Questions:

Question Seven: What are your top three favorite books?

Gahhhh picking three is always so tough! So for right now, I'd say Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier, and One Day by David Nicholls. 

                      

Question Six: What are your top three favorite movies and television shows?

My favorite shows tend to be British period dramas of some kind. Because that list is very long, I'll stick to movies! Right now I'm obsessing over About Time, Age of Adaline, and Belle. I LOVE BELLE. There is so much to talk about in that movie, I don't even know where to begin!  

Question Five: What are the qualities of your ideal client?

Someone who wants to make writing a career and is open to feedback and creative brainstorming. We have to work as a team, and communication is key. 

Question Four: What sort of project(s) would you most like to receive a query for?

I am very picky about fantasy, but am absolutely dying for a rich, unique, gripping fantasy in YA or Adult. I'm looking for the next Marillier, in a way. I would be especially intrigued by fantasies inspired by Scandinavian folklore or non-Western European culture. I'm also seeking a Fiddler on the Roof retelling/expansion/-inspired manuscript. It's so specific, I realize that, but wouldn't it be neat?

I represent a whole spectrum of YA fiction -- everything except sci-fi -- and historical and women's fiction in Adult. The characters pull me into the story, and I'm drawn to polished writing and authentic voices.

Question Three: What is your favorite thing about being an agent? What is your least favorite thing?

I love working with my clients. From the first draft to the editor submission, the journey from the offer to the publication date. The whole process of watching someone's "baby" become a book for the world to read and enjoy is amazing!

Hands down, my least favorite thing is sending and receiving rejections.  

Question Two: What one bit of wisdom would you impart to an aspiring writer? (feel free to include as many other bits of wisdom as you like)

Write the book you want to read, and don't give up. Do not take rejections personally. If anything, they'll bring you closer to the right people who will root for you from beginning to end.

Question One: If you could have lunch with any writer, living or dead, who would it be? Why?

Goodness, I have two! 1) Emery Lord. Her feminism fires me up, and I would love to spend a whole day with her and taking on the world! 2) JK Rowling. Harry Potter shaped my childhood and I still can't go a day without making a Harry Potter reference or remark. This counts as the second one today and it's not eve noon yet ;)

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7 Questions For: Literary Agent Mallory Brown

Mallory Brown joined TriadaUs Literary Agency as an intern in 2014 and officially joined the ranks in 2015. She loves to travel and is very keen on sociopathic characters. She's seeking young adult, new adult, women’s fiction, and non-fiction. She is especially drawn to pieces with strong character-driven plots and witty humor. She loves contemporary fiction, low fantasy, and romance. Mallory also appreciates a well-placed comma and hopes you do, too.

Some of her favorites are: A Series of Unfortunate Events,  Outlander, and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. You can follow her on Twitter @MalloryCBrown.

And now Mallory Brown  faces the 7 Questions:

Question Seven: What are your top three favorite books?

Oh, the dreaded question… 

I suppose my favorites (at the moment) would have to be: Jane Austen’s Emma because of the love story, of course, but also because Emma’s quite the character; Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet because of the way the Holmes/Watson friendship is introduced and developed; and Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl because I have never seen a plot twist that incredible and well-done.

                      

Question Six: What are your top three favorite movies and television shows?

My all-time favorite show is BBC’s Sherlock. The plots, characterization, and humor are amazing. I just love it. I also border on obsessive with the Marvel movies. Finally, I’ve recently gotten intoThe Walking Dead. I know, I’m late to the party with that one, but I’m so glad I’ve made it. Again, the relationships between the characters just get me.

Question Five: What are the qualities of your ideal client?

My ideal client is somebody who is all about honest communication and teamwork. I’m not the type to sugar-coat. If something isn’t working, I will tell you and we will work to make the project perfect. I am never mean, but I am honest. I also think it’s important to have a good sense of humor if you’re going to work in the arts, so I really appreciate that.

Question Four: What sort of project(s) would you most like to receive a query for?

I am determined to find a contemporary YA/NA with some witty humor and an interesting romance. I also would kill for stories with strong sibling relationships, female friendships, and perhaps private high school/study abroad settings.

Question Three: What is your favorite thing about being an agent? What is your least favorite thing?

My favorite thing is talking with authors about their projects. Since joining Triada as an intern and now as a lit agent assistant, I’ve been lucky enough to talk to a variety of authors. All of them have this passion that is so inspiring and motivating.

My least favorite thing is rejections. It takes a lot of courage to query agents, to put yourself and your project out there, and I always ache when I have to write a rejection.

Question Two: What one bit of wisdom would you impart to an aspiring writer? (feel free to include as many other bits of wisdom as you like)

Do not be afraid of the rejection that I mentioned above. It’s not personal. Just because one agent doesn’t think your manuscript is for them doesn’t mean the next agent won’t adore it. Don’t give up! The right agent is out there for you!

Question One: If you could have lunch with any writer, living or dead, who would it be? Why?

Oh, no, I cannot choose one! Daniel Handler or J.K. Rowling… Both of their series really shaped my childhood. I think both authors are just brilliant.

I might have gone a tad overboard. I tend to ramble when asked about my favorites/writing haha! Shocker, right? An arts-lover being long-winded ;)

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7 Questions For: Literary Agent Brent Taylor

Prior to joining TriadaUS Literary Agency, Inc. in 2014 as an assistant, Brent Taylor completed numerous internships in publishing, most recently at The Bent Agency. 

He is currently accepting queries for fiction writers of middle grade, young adult, new adult, and select adult fiction (crime and women’s). You can follow him on Twitter @NaughtyBrent.

And now Brent Taylor faces the 7 Questions:

Question Seven: What are your top three favorite books?

The Vast Fields of Ordinary by Nick Burd, The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

If you’ve read at least two of those, then you can tell that I have an affinity for books with southern gothic flair, tragic romance, and bittersweet endings.

                      

Question Six: What are your top three favorite movies and television shows?

I saw the Spike Jonze film Her and it knocked the breath out of me. My favorite show at the moment is Revenge. When it’s in season, I watch The Following obsessively. No one seems to be querying me with an adult crime novel similar to The Following, so I have to settle for watching reruns.

Question Five: What are the qualities of your ideal client?

I like career writers, so my ideal client is someone whose vision for their future novels matches my own. I like writers that are communicative, collaborative, and above all, writers who are risk-takers. I consider myself a big risk-taker, and so I work extremely well with people who aren’t gripped by fear when presented with big decisions.

Question Four: What sort of project(s) would you most like to receive a query for?

I’m determined to find a humorous, intelligent middle grade fantasy. Besides that, I’m accepting queries for a variety of genres in young adult, new adult, and adult fiction.

Also on my checklist is a contemporary YA, an adult crime, and a women’s fiction project.

Question Three: What is your favorite thing about being an agent? What is your least favorite thing?

There are way too many incredible things about this job to just pick one. I’m sure it will change as the years go by, but at the moment it’s watching the evolution of a project I love: from inception, to first draft, to submission-ready novel.

My least favorite thing would have to be the doubt. What if an editor doesn’t love this project as much as I do? What if I can’t get this book up off the ground? But these types of thoughts rack anyone in a creative industry, and I never let them linger in my mind for too long. There’s simply too much work to do.  

Question Two: What one bit of wisdom would you impart to an aspiring writer? (feel free to include as many other bits of wisdom as you like)

One of the big reasons I’ve been rejecting manuscripts lately is pacing. Be sure that every sentence, page, scene, and chapter is moving your story forward—if it doesn’t, scrap it without remorse.

Question One: If you could have lunch with any writer, living or dead, who would it be? Why?

I’m fortunate that I have had lunch with a good deal of writers I admire greatly, but off the top of my head it’s Sylvia Plath. She’s my favorite poet and there’s something about her utterly transcendent verse that makes you feel as if the universe has spilled its guts to her and she’s in on all the secrets. 

www.triadaus.com

Literary Agent Uwe Stender's Never-Ending Thirst for Fantastic YA and MG

THIS WEEK IN NINJA-ING: Tuesday's Book of the Week is The Strange Case of the Origami Yoda, Wednesday we're discussing Chapter 7 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and Thursday author Tom Angleberger will face the 7 Questions. Saturday, as ever, we'll be joined by a surprise literary agent. 

Today, we are incredibly fortunate to have a guest post from one of my very favorite people, my friend and agent, Uwe Stender:


Uwe Stender's Never-Ending Thirst for Fantastic YA and MG

I am honored to guestblog on the esteemed Middle Grade Ninja’s blog.  He just finished the most horrifying, yet funny and at times heartbreaking Zombie novel ever and I am looking to find that courageous editor who will fall in love with this manuscript as much as I have.

Personally, I am looking for submissions in many areas (I have ADHD and crave different stimuli all the time).  Of course, all areas of nonfiction are of interest to me, and in fiction I would love to read a smart mystery or a great historical novel.  But, I am here in the Middle Grade Ninja’s lair, so let me explain what I am mostly looking for these days:  well-written Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction (and nonfiction)!

My interests in those areas are manifold.  I would really love to read a captivating Middle Grade or Young Adult mystery or spy story.  Or a fabulous Middle Grade and Young Adult story with a sports theme as a canvas (maybe running?).  Or a great nonfiction project! 

In my opinion, the greatest difficulty in writing Middle Grade and Young Adult is getting the voice just right.  If you have the right voice and then find the right story, ultimately you will become a published author with a major publisher.

I have been fortunate enough to work with two great authors in particular who have gotten the voice just right.  Elizabeth LaBan created a stunning love story in “The Tragedy Paper”, reflecting teenage insecurities with a subtlety that is just so spot on. 

Kate Hattemer, author of the upcoming “The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy”, wrote the funniest and smart Young Adult novel I have read in years and what totally grabbed my attention is her incredible knack for narrative voice and dialogue.

Of course, I love many authors who I don’t represent.  My three favorite books in Young Adult this past year were “The Statistical Probability of Falling In Love at First Sight” (needless to say I loved the voice), “Code Name Verity” (loved the pacing and the historical recreation) and “Every Day” (loved the concept.)

In  Middle Grade, “Wonder” stood above all for me, and I just read “Timmy Failure” which made me laugh out loud in the most inappropriate circumstances (like in the TSA line).

So, I first fall in love with voice and then I hopefully fall in love with hook, story, plot and characters.  Please send me your novels that will quench my never-ending thirst and appetite for fantastic YA and MG and keep my fast moving attention on your special novel.

Click here to see Uwe Stender face the 7 Questions.

TriadaUS Literary Agency founder, Dr. Uwe Stender, is a Full Member of the AAR (Association of Authors' Representatives).

Our best known clients are actress Melody Thomas Scott, CNN HLN and TruTV's In Session News Anchor Christi Paul, Eric Deggans, former CNN anchor Daryn Kagan, 4 time Grammy Award winning composer Lalo Schifrin ("Mission Impossible"),  Elizabeth LaBan, Stacy Tornio, Dale McGowan, actress Dana Davis, and legendary NBA referee Bob Delaney.

You can follow Uwe on twitter @UweStender. 

In 2013, Uwe will attend (and speak at) several major conferences including DFW Writers Con (@DFWCON) in Dallas, Pennwriters (@Pennwriters) in Pittsburgh, and Thrillerfest in New York City.    

TriadaUS Literary Agency is always open to any strong fiction (our current focus in fiction is YA, middle grade, Women's Fiction, Literary Fiction and Mysteries) and all non-fiction projects. 

www.triadaus.com

7 Questions For: Literary Agent Dr. Uwe Stender

Dr. Uwe Stender represents me, the Middle Grade Ninja, among others:) Here's a guest post he wrote for this very blog.

Here's a two-part post I wrote about my experiences being represented by Dr. Stender.

TriadaUS Literary Agency founder, Dr. Uwe Stender, is a Full Member of the AAR (Association of Authors' Representatives).

Our best known clients are actress Melody Thomas Scott, CNN HLN and TruTV's In Session News Anchor Christi Paul, Eric Deggans, former CNN anchor Daryn Kagan, 4 time Grammy Award winning composer Lalo Schifrin ("Mission Impossible"),  Elizabeth LaBan, Stacy Tornio, Dale McGowan, actress Dana Davis, and legendary NBA referee Bob Delaney.

In 2013, Uwe will attend (and speak at) several major conferences including DFW Writers Con (@DFWCON) in Dallas, Pennwriters (@Pennwriters) in Pittsburgh, and Thrillerfest in New York City.    

TriadaUS Literary Agency is always open to any strong fiction (our current focus in fiction is YA, middle grade, Women's Fiction, Literary Fiction and Mysteries) and all non-fiction projects.


You can follow Uwe on twitter @UweStender. 

If you get a chance to meet Dr. Stender, jump on it. I had the good fortune to bump into Dr. Stender at the Midwest Writer's Workshop. He’s very funny and I learned more about the world of literary agents in a couple hours talk with him than reading a hundred books on the subject. He described the queries he gets and his process for sorting them in as frank a manner as I’ve ever heard. He even showed me the portable device on which he reads them and examples of queries that would or would not interest him. He was real and genuine and if you want to know what happens with your query after you send it, he’s the guy to ask. 

And now Dr. Uwe Stender faces the 7 Questions:

Question Seven: What are your top three favorite books?

I assume you mean of all time and any and all books included...hmmm, I guess in some ways that changes often...right this minute, off the cuff, I'd say...The Little Prince, The Big Sleep, Thirteen Reasons Why

Question Six: What are your top three favorite movies and television shows?

LOL....well, that probably also changes all the time...okay, won't think...just write what comes to mind right now:

Movies: Cinema Paradiso, Pulp Fiction, Goodbye Lenin

TV shows: Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Big Bang Theory

Question Five: What are the qualities of your ideal client?

Creative, smart and low maintenance

Question Four: What sort of project(s) would you most like to receive a query for?

Projects with great hooks and super strong writing in both fiction (especially in YA, middle grade, Women's Fiction, Literary Fiction and Mystery) and nonfiction.

Question Three: What is your favorite thing about being an agent? What is your least favorite thing?

I love discovering a great new project. Least favorite: Rejections, getting them and giving them.

Question Two: What one bit of wisdom would you impart to an aspiring writer? (feel free to include as many other bits of wisdom as you like)

Don't quit. Don't give up, don't ever give up. Work at your craft and don't take rejections personally.

Question One: If you could have lunch with any writer, living or dead, who would it be? Why?

Raymond Chandler so he can explain the plot of The Big Sleep to me.

www.triadaus.com