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.