Literary Agent Interview: Sheila Fernley Interview and SPECIAL Agent Critique Giveaway

Today I’m thrilled to have agent Sheila Fernley here. She’s an associate literary agent at Storm Literary Agency. You can find out details about her special agent critique giveaway at the end of her interview. Should the winner be for a picture book, the critique would be for the full manuscript, and should the winner be a MG or YA novel, the critique would be for the first three chapters.

Hi­ Sheila! Thanks so much for joining us.

Sheila: Thank you, Natalie, for inviting me to be interviewed by  Literary Rambles. I’m thrilled to share with your subscribers about Storm Literary Agency and me.

About Sheila:

1. Tell us how you became an agent, how long you’ve been one, and what you’ve been doing as an agent.

As an agented picture book writer and former editor, I learned long ago that writing great stories isn’t easy. Neither is querying and landing the right agent. I’ve always loved helping other writers on their journeys, so just over a year ago I decided to pursue a career as a literary agent. I completed an internship with Belcastro Agency, where I learned so much about what it takes to be a great agent. While seeking my next internship, I was honored to be offered an agent-in-training position with Storm Literary Agency. After extensive training, on March 26, 2024, the Agency officially introduced me as its newest Associate Literary Agent. My inbox opened on April 2nd and within 10 days I received nearly 500 queries. I started reading queries every day, actively building my client list. Right now, my days are spent reading client projects and providing feedback, as well as preparing sub lists, packages, and pitching projects to editors. I feel very fortunate to represent Storm Literary Agency and my very talented clients.

About the Agency:

2. Share a bit about your agency and what it offers to its authors.

Storm Literary Agency represents quality literature from exceptional authors and illustrators. What most people who research our Agency don’t see is the passion and heart of our leadership, agents, and staff. We work tirelessly as a team to champion our clients and their projects, across most genres. Storm is fortunate to have a talented marketing coordinator, editorial assistant, and partnerships in film, television, stage, foreign, translation, and audio rights.

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 authors and author illustrators. The genres that I represent include picture books (fiction, informational fiction, nonfiction biographies, fractured fairy tales, and folktale retelling with a cultural twist), MG (contemporary fiction and fantasy), and YA (also, contemporary fiction and fantasy). Currently, I am seeking mostly picture books and middle grade novels.

4.  Is there anything you would be especially excited to see in the genres you are interested in?

I am not looking for the next version of a classic. I want fresh ideas, with great openings that grab the reader and don’t let go until the end. I love heartfelt stories, humor, and unique or quirky characters. I’m drawn to lyrical writing, but the character and story arc are a must, as are voice and emotional connection.

What She Isn’t Looking For:

5. What types of submissions are you not interested in?

That’s easy. I am not a fan of dark themes, horror, violent content, dragons, science fiction, rhyming picture books, or board books. Otherwise, in the genres that I represent, surprise me!

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?

First, let’s talk about authors that I want to work with. As a Mexican American writer and former special education teacher I like to champion underrepresented voices, but the stories must be stellar. I want to work with authors who study their craft and have a critique group that can help them hone a story before we work to polish the manuscript and send it out on submission.

When I make an offer, it is to work with an author’s body of work and not one book. I must be as passionate about the author’s projects as they are. And I must be just as passionate about working with that person.

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?

Because of my editorial background, those skills stay with me. I know that I can help make a good story great, and a great story even better, so I want to work with authors who are open to feedback. However, I am an agent and not an editorial coach.   

When a client and I decide on a project for submission, I read the manuscript with both my agent and editorial hats. I make suggestions and discuss them with my client. The final decision on changes to the manuscript is made by my client.

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?

Authors who are interested in Storm Literary Agency and me for representation can learn more about my submission guidelines at https://www.stormliteraryagency.com/submission-guidelines. I only accept queries through QueryManager. The link can be found at the end of my submission guidelines. I do not accept submissions via snail mail or email. Following my submission guidelines speaks volumes to me. Sometimes I receive queries where the author fails to upload their manuscript (full manuscript for picture books and the first three chapters for MG and YA). Always check and double check all fields in QueryManager before pressing the submit button.

Query letters are important to me. Although an author doesn’t need to be formal, using a greeting and salutation tells me something about the author’s professionalism. Some queries include neither. Feel free to remind me if we met at a recent event. First, I look for a strong, concise pitch that tells me who, when, what happens, and why in one to two brief sentences. In the marketing paragraph I look for a sentence or two that tells what the story is about and why the audience should connect with the story. I should be able to tell from the pitch and premise if the story idea is fresh, if it will connect with readers, and if it will likely sell in today’s market. In the bio, I look for the person’s current or former profession and writing credentials, writing honors, published work (not a list of memberships and courses). I do like the author to briefly explain why they are the person to tell this story, and it never hurts to add something personal (i.e., family or interests other than writing). A query letter also tells me something about the person’s writing, although I never judge a book by its cover.

9.  Do you have any specific dislikes in query letters or the first pages submitted to you?

I’m not fond of schmoozing. These sentences are best replaced with information about your story or you.

Openings need to grab the reader's attention and compel them to read the story. The first page tells me so much about the story and the author’s writing. It should set the voice of the main character and create a connection with the reader, establish the setting, hooks, and draw the reader into the story. For picture books, the first spread or two should show what the protagonist wants, and the problem that is relatable to young children.

Response Time:

10. What’s your response time to queries and requests for more pages of a manuscript?

I post a 2-3 month response time to queries but try to get back sooner than that, whenever possible. An author who is querying an agent should have at least three polished projects ready to submit if more work is requested. However, I am open to fewer polished projects, along with works in progress, and pitches for future story ideas. It could take a few months to read the additional projects and respond to the author, but I always try to get back as quickly as possible.

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?

I am certainly open to representing any author or author/illustrator seeking traditional publishing or who is published. This includes authors who have self-published books, or who have been published by a small press. However, I don’t represent previously published works. Any unpublished projects or future projects would certainly be considered. Although I want to know if an author has been previously represented, I don’t see this as a negative thing. I recognize that agent/client relationships may end for many different reasons.

Clients:

12. Who are some of the authors you represent?

Erin Cleary

Kimberlee Gard

J.J. Howard

Christina Rogriguez-Unalt

To learn more about my clients, refer to https://www.stormliteraryagency.com/ourauthors.

Interviews and Guest Posts:

13. Please share the links to any interviews, guest posts, and podcasts you think would be helpful to writers interested in querying you.

Manuscript Wish List – https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/sheila-fernley/

Children’s Book Insider: Agent Spotlight Interview (August 2024) – https://cbiclubhouse.com/

Links and Contact Info:

14. Please share how writers should contact you to submit a query and your links on the Web.

Please submit all queries to me through QueryManager. The best and most up-to-date location to learn about my current interests, submission guidelines, and when I am open to submissions, visit https://www.stormliteraryagency.com/aboutus.

X: https://x.com/home/SheilaFernley

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sheila.Fernley.2024

Additional Advice:

15. Is there any other advice you’d like to share with aspiring authors that we haven’t covered?

Although revisions are only finished with an editor determines they are, please avoid querying an agent with a manuscript that is still being reviewed by a critique group or professional critiquer. Make sure the manuscript is polished and you feel strongly that it is ready for submission. Also have at least two to three other projects that are in the same state. Focus on other projects and ideas that you can work on next. Always continue to learn how to improve your writing and read books in the similar genres in which you write. Apply what you learn, be patient, and never give up!

Thanks for sharing all your advice, Sheila.

Special Agent Critique Giveaway Details

­Sheila is very generously offering one lucky winner an agent critique and a one-hour Zoom call to discuss any questions about the project. Should the winner be for a picture book, the critique would be for the full manuscript, and should the winner be a MG or YA novel, the critique would be for the first three chapters. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower (via the follower gadget, email, or bloglovin’ on the right sidebar) and leave a comment through August 10th. If your email is not on your Google Profile, you must leave it in the comments to enter the contest. If you do not want to enter the contest, that’s okay. Just let me know in the comments.

If you follow me on Twitter or mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, mention this in the comments, and I'll give you an extra entry. I hope you will shout out about this contest on your social media sites to spread the word about Sheila’s incredibly generous giveaway contest. This is an international giveaway.

Have any experience with this agent? See something that needs updating? Please leave a comment or email 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.

Upcoming Interviews, Guest Posts, and Blog Hops

Thursday, August 1st I’m participating in the Apple a Day Giveaway Hop

Wednesday, August 7th I have an interview with co-authors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows and a giveaway of their YA My Salty Mary

Monday, August 12th I have an agent spotlight interview with Erica McGrath and a query critique giveaway

Friday, August 16th I’m participating in the Old School Giveaway Hop

Monday, August 19th I have an interview with author Julie Abe and a giveaway of her MG Tessa Miyata Is So Unlucky

 I hope to see you on Thursday!

On Continuing to Write and Publish New Books: Interview with Sally J. Pla and Invisible Isabel Giveaway

Happy Monday Everyone! Today, I’m thrilled to have author Sally J. Pla here to share about her newest MG contemporary, Invisible Isabel. Sally is an award-winning author. Her newest release sounds like a book that many middle graders and some adults (including me) can relate to. I’m really looking forward to reading it.

Here’s a blurb from Goodreads:

In this illustrated middle grade novel by Schneider Award-winning author Sally J. Pla, introverted Isabel Beane learns how she can speak up to help quiet the worries she feels. For fans of Elana K. Arnold and Leslie Connor.

Isabel Beane is a shy girl who lives in a home full of havoc and hubbub and hullabaloo. With five siblings, there is too much too much-ness.

At the same time, there’s a new girl at school who is immediately popular, but she’s also not very nice to one person—Isabel.

Isabel has never felt more invisible. She has so many fears: being abandoned by her old friends at school, having to speak to strangers in public, taking the upcoming Extremely Important standardized test. Her fears feel like worry-moths that flutter in her belly. With every passing day, it seems like they get stronger and stronger. How can Invisible Isabel make people listen?

Hi Sally! Thanks so much for joining us.

1. Tell us about yourself and how you became a writer.

Like Isabel, I didn’t have much success with “talking” as a means of communication, when I was an undiagnosed autistic kid, back in the 1970s. So, writing things down, scripting out conversations in advance, making up stories to either prepare for something or assess how something went wrong  – “writing” was crucial to me for survival. 

As I got older, things got easier. I became a journalist, a business magazine editor, a freelance corporate writer. But I always yearned to write meaningful, artful fiction. Two things finally made it happen. 

(1)  I became a library aide in my neurodivergent sons’ school, and realized there were NO books that respectfully represented their different brain wiring, their lived realities. No respectful disability books at all, really. No true modern representation. I started dreaming about how I might fill that need.

(2)   I got a cancer diagnosis, which made me reevaluate priorities. I decided my life’s legacy was not going to be a pile of downstream marketing reports. I needed to give myself permission to dream bigger. So, I started a fiction-writing career in middle age. 

2. I’m sorry you were diagnosed with cancer, but it’s great how you decided to focus on what’s really important to you. Where did you get the idea for Invisible Isabel and how much did you draw on your own experiences in middle school in creating your story? 

Isabel is very much me. The story idea grew from the notion of butterflies. 

I’d dreaded school as a child. It was a perfectly decent suburban school, with kind teachers. But I was super-sensitive, so school was a cacophony of screeching bells and flickering lights and shouts and noises and startling movements and bewildering expectations. 

On the bus each morning, I’d get anxiety palpitations, as if something was tumbling and fluttering in my chest. I told my grandmother, who tried to dismiss it. She said, “Oh, pshaw, that’s just a regular old case of the butterflies.” 

But it didn’t feel like “butterflies.” Butterflies were delicate and pretty. This felt more like big, scary, heavy, dusty worry-moths flapping around inside me! And that’s what I imagined they were. I scared myself with my own imagination. Isabel does the same. In the book, it’s humorous—but the sensations of fear are real, as anyone with anxiety knows. 

Anxiety is on the rise. Learning to name and tame your anxiety, and to understand your mind-body connection, learning to face fears: these are all parts of Isabel. 

3. I so agree with you that more kids and adults are anxious these days. What made you decide to write this story as a novel in verse and what were some of the challenges you faced in writing it in verse rather than prose? 

I wanted to lift the subject matter with a light touch, with simple, wry, quiet humor. Spare text. I wanted the illustrations to do some of the lifting. (Tania de Regil did the lovely illustrations). Verse forced me to be economical, to keep to the important bits. I loved the discipline of that. 

Your Writing Process and How You Continue to Write and Publish New Books 

4. What is your plotting process like, and how has it changed since you wrote your debut book, The Someday Birds, in 2017?

I haven’t really changed my “technique” (I use that term loosely) since The Someday Birds.

I start plotting by spilling out a rough summary, everything I can think of, start to finish. Then I look to see where it could divide into acts. It always seems to naturally fall into 3 or 4 acts. Then, I more properly think through the scenes needed in each act. I revise and finesse those scenes. And through all this, I know it all might drastically change. 

Then, I call a friend of mine who’s a screenwriter and a whiz with structure. She helps me with my projects and I help her with hers. I highly recommend finding an “idea-sparring partner” friend like this. We laugh, argue, shout, point out problems and pluses, laugh some more. We get really excited! It’s always a super fun conversation and leaves me stimulated and full of ideas and eager to start. 

Finally, I open a nice fresh word doc and start. I spend an inordinate amount of time finessing the first 50 pages until everything feels right—character, voice, setting, pacing, action, inner and outer conflict. Like ‘locking in the coordinates’ of the ‘battleship’ of the book, getting the prose pointed in the right direction. 

Or does that sound too clunky or mechanical? What all this is for, what I want the book to feel like, is organic: a symphony that starts with the hum of a single mysterious note and then grows in waves of interweaving harmonious/dissonant strands. And now maybe that sounds pretentious, haha. I know I may never accomplish this! But it’s what I want... 

5. How awesome that a friend and you help each other out. Since The Someday Birds released, you’ve published three middle grade novels—Stanley Will Probably Be Fine, The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn, and Invisible Isabel—and two picture books—Benji, The Bad Day, and Me, and Ada and Zaz. How long did it take you to write these books, and what is your writing schedule so you continue to produce so many picture books and middle grade novels? 

It takes me the better part of nine months to a year to write a roughly 55,000-word MG novel draft. I have contracts now so I have to be expedient. I usually know well in advance what my next story will be about. 

Honestly, if I am not working in some way on a story, I feel at a loss. My brain loves the structure and focus of a gainful project. I like to stay occupied. I like to have part of my brain always living in a story world. Having a place to dream is what helps me cope with the world-world. 

6. What’s your advice to other writers on how to keep getting published after a debut book and how to write fast enough to keep having books to sell? 

What is your compelling reason? Why do you write? Identify that. What do you care about, what do you want to convey? What are you trying to say? Do you have a platform of some sort? Are you filling a need or a want in some unique or meaningful way, or in a fun entertaining way? What’s the goal? Know this, and writing toward this, helps define you and your readership and your ‘niche.’ 

For me, my mission is to populate children’s literature with as many natural, nuanced, authentic, neurodivergent characters as I can, so that more young readers can see themselves authentically and genuinely reflected in a story. Representation matters. I believe in this passionately. I care deeply about our children with extra challenges. 

There is such a need. Disability representation as a whole, according to the CBCC’s last data, was at about 3 percent of books published. Neurodiversity is even less—maybe somewhere around one percent. I want these children to see themselves in stories. I want to represent the unrepresented. 

Your Journey to Publication 

7. Wow! That’s such great advice. You’re represented by Sara Crowe Literary. How did you get your agent and what was your road to publishing your first book like? 

I adore not only the amazing Sara, but so many of her writer-clients! I love nuanced, sensitive, intelligent stories of contemporary realism, and Sara represents some of the top such writers working today! I came to Sara via Pippin Properties, and before that, Full Circle Literary. I’ve had to change agents in the past because they’ve moved on to different careers, or I’ve moved, or situations just changed. This happens. It’s a tough business, and important to be flexible, as well as philosophical. And to try to be kind, and treat everyone respectfully, and never burn bridges if you can help it. 

My road to publishing my first book (The Someday Birds) was quick and exciting. I was lucky. It sold fast and there were bids. 

8. Has the submission process changed at all over the years for you? If so, how? 

Starting out as a debut, you must cast your submission net very widely. But if you are lucky, after a while, you might find a “home:” a stable editor-author relationship at a publishing house you love. And then the submission process becomes more customized. 

I think I have finally found that with my wonderful editor, Alexandra Cooper. She is the best. I’m so grateful to her and Exec VP Rosemary Brosnan for their warm support at Quill Tree Books (HarperCollins). Quill Tree lifts up underrepresented voices. I love this imprint, and adore its team of brilliant and dedicated people. I hope I can work on many more books with them, even as I acknowledge that publishing is TOUGH, and full of changes no one can predict.  

Promoting Your Book 

9. How are you planning to promote Invisible Isabel? How has your marketing of your books changed since you were a debut author and why did you make those changes? 

As a kid, I quit Girl Scouts because I could not handle selling cookies. Just so you know: I am not a seller! 

So I did not do much marketing for my first two books, beyond throwing a launch party (which was fun!) and doing just a few events and online guest posts. I did work hard to build my connections with educators and booksellers. I think this is very important. Help the teachers find your book, and offer them whatever help you can, if they decide they want to use it in their classroom. I prioritize that. 

This time around, I’ve spent some of my advance to hire local book publicists at Blue Slip Media, and they’ve been lovely to work with. They are putting together a little media kit for Isabel – it will even have a little felt “worry moth” that my artist-friend Emily is making. 

Will this move the needle of sales at all, for Isabel? Probably not. But it’s fun, and it will bring some smiles. 

My publisher submits my books for trade reviews and distributes advanced review copies (sometimes hard copies, sometimes only electronic), and they focus on school and library, which is wonderful. I’m the one who’s responsible for guest posts, social media, school visits, book tours, other appearances, etc. I am doing as much of that as I can. 

I don’t travel much, as I have some physical disabilities, plus it is a sensory burden, and I feel badly about that – that I don’t have the resilience to travel more right now. Connecting with young readers in person is the best part, and sadly, the rarest part of my job right now. But I am always available if an educator wants a virtual classroom visit. 

10. It’s good to know that you can figure out a way that works for you to market your books. What advice do you have for authors, especially those who are starting their author career, about marketing their books? 

The most important thing you can do is to write an absolute stunner of a great book. The best, most perfect book you are capable of. Seriously. 

All the other things, the guest posts, the social media outreach, the bookstore visits, etc etc – these things may not move the needle as much as you first think. I’d say, just relax, and do what you can. Go for it, if that’s your thing – but don’t feel guilty, if it’s not your thing. 

If you can maintain the mindset that this business isn’t really about just selling units, but about making connections and serving young people in some meaningful way, then I suspect you will be happier with your children’s writing career in the long run! Anything else is pure gravy. 

11. What are you working on now? 

A new upper middle grade tentatively titled Rowan and Gemma. Two 9^th graders fall innocently in love in the high school special ed room, unbeknownst to their parents, who are starting a petty political war, splitting the once-harmonious town of Friendship Prairie, and setting neighbor against neighbor. It should be out sometime in 2025! 

Thanks for sharing all your advice, Sally. 

Sally J. Pla is a San Diego-based autistic children's author and advocate whose 2023 novel, The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn, won the  ALA Schneider Award for its literary depiction of disability. Her 2024 novel, Invisible Isabel, pubbed July 9.  Find out more about her at sallyjpla.com. You can find Sally at: 

sallyjpla.com (author website)

Instagram  (@sallyjpla)

anovelmind.com (resource website)

https://linktr.ee/SallyJPla  (media links, more) 

Giveaway Details 

Sally’s publisher is generously offering a hardback of Invisible Isabel for a giveaway. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower of my blog (via the follower gadget, email, or bloglovin’ on the right sidebar) and leave a comment by August 3rd. If your email is not on your Google Profile, you must leave it in the comments to enter the contest. Please be sure I have your email address. 

If you mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog and/or follow me on Twitter or follow Sally on her social media sites, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry for each. You must be 13 years old or older to enter. This book giveaway is U.S. 

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is hosted by Greg Pattridge. You can find the participating blogs on his blog. 

Upcoming Interviews, Guest Posts, and Blog Hops

Monday, July 29th I have an agent spotlight interview with Sheila Fernley and a full picture book or three-chapter MG or YA critique and a one-hour Zoom call giveaway 

Thursday, August 1st I’m participating in the Apple a Day Giveaway Hop 

Wednesday, August 7th I have an interview with co-authors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows and a giveaway of their YA My Salty Mary 

Monday, August 12th I have an agent spotlight interview with Erica McGrath and a query critique giveaway 

Friday, August 16th I’m participating in the Old School Giveaway Hop 

Monday, August 19th I have an interview with author Julie Abe and a giveaway of her MG Tessa Miyata Is So Unlucky 

I hope to see you on Monday!

 

New Agent Spotlight Alert: Isabel Lineberry

Today I have a new agent spotlight a new agent spotlight for Isabel Lineberry. She’s a junior agent at Pérez Literary & Entertainment Ltd.

About Isabel:

Born to two bibliophiles, Isabel could not have grown up to be anything else. She was born and raised in the Southwest United States but always knew she wanted to move to the UK. In high school she set her sights on a job in the publishing industry and hasn’t blinked since.

 

Isabel graduated in 2021 from Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University with dual degrees in English Literature and Business Entrepreneurship. Just a few months later she was in

thesis on Tamora Pierce and is a fan of Ray Bradbury, Octavia Butler and Samantha Shannon.

 

At PLE, Isabel looks after foreign rights and audio rights inquiries, assists the Managing Director and is building a client list of her own focused on YA, New Adult and Romance of all kinds. When not working, Isabel can usually be found reading or wandering a bookstore. Some of her favorite books include The Hunger Games, Pride and Prejudice and The Mysterious Benedict Society.

Isabel’s Wishlist:

I represent YA and New Adult and am particularly interested in Contemporary Romance, Romantasy and Fantasy. I am always attracted to the character and voice first, so give me romantic tension that has me giggling, a villain who is as charming as they are evil or a group of characters who have me watching their conversations as if it’s a tennis match.

 

More specifically, I am looking for:

 

Romance –– For YA, give me updated Meg Cabot or John Green. Those were favorites of mine when I was a teenager but I want new takes––LGBT characters, diverse backgrounds, complex character development and a deepdive into what it means to be a teenager in the current world. Give me relatability that doesn’t sacrifice a character’s unique traits. I’m looking for the middle ground between the manic pixie dream girl and the buttoned-up character who just needs to take off their glasses.

 

In New Adult, I am a big fan of authors like Elle Kennedy, C. W. Farnsworth, Elsie Silver and Morgan Elizabeth. BookTok romances are the perfect escapism for readers of all ages but especially for college students and young professionals like myself. My all-time favorite tropes are Grumpy/Sunshine, Fall First/Fall Harder and all the Spice! I am not a fan of cheating storylines, accidental pregnancy, step-sibling romance or unnecessary miscommunication tropes.

 

Romantasy –– Give me a romance with sufficient fantasy worldbuilding. The romantic plot should be the main event but the worldbuilding needs to be able to stand up to scrutiny. The reader should accept the customs and specifics of your fantasy without too much confusion. Recent titles I’ve loved include Fourth Wing and League of Gentleman Witches.

As for the romance, I love tropes (especially: Enemies to Lovers, Who Hurt You?), morally grey characters and kick-ass heroines. I love training montages and dueling as foreplay. Show me spice during high-pressure situations, quick kisses stolen in battlefields, and fantastic banter. I would also love a return to the paranormal romances that dominated the 2010s. Send me the 2020s twist on Twilight, Beautiful Creatures, Shiver or Vampire Academy. I am most definitely on the hunt for Romantasy and paranormal romance featuring queer and underrepresented voices.

 

Fantasy –– The worldbuilding absolutely must be believable and purposeful. Fantasy should be a mirror held up to the real world, offering a differing perspective that allows us to examine something about ourselves or our lives in a new light. I have a masters degree in Fantasy from the University of Glasgow so I can be a bit of a stickler when it comes to this! The magic/training/military school trope has been nearly exhausted, so be creative with the setting. My favorite fantasy author is Tamora Pierce––I would love a “girl has to pretend to be a boy to get her knighthood” storyline that Pierce couldn’t do in the 80s such as LGBT representation (although Alanna was definitely gender fluid and Kel was 100% ace), a deeper dive into the social and political implications (no white saviorism!) and more spice. Some of my other favorite fantasy novels include Howl’s Moving Castle, Good Omens, Kindred and Golden Compass. I don’t want Tolkien-esque hard worldbuilding with 100k+ quests; instead focus on the pacing and how it can grab the reader. I want a fantasy plot that compels me to keep reading even if it’s past my bedtime! I adore fairytale retellings, dark fantasy, alternate histories and historical fantasy, and the occasional steampunk/dystopia.

 

How to submit

 

PLE only accepts submissions via QueryManager

 

https://querymanager.com/query/IsabelLineberry

Have any experience with this agent? See something that needs updating? Please leave a comment or email 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.

Upcoming Interviews, Guest Posts, and Blog Hops

Monday, July 22nd I have an interview with author Sally Pla and a giveaway of her MG contemporary Invisible Isabel

Monday, July 29th I have an agent spotlight interview with Sheila Fernley and a full picture book or three-chapter MG or YA critique and a one-hour Zoom call giveaway

Thursday, August 1st I’m participating in the Apple a Day Giveaway Hop

Wednesday, August 7th I have an interview with co-authors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows and a giveaway of their YA My Salty Mary

Monday, August 12th I have an agent spotlight interview with Erica McGrath and a query critique giveaway

Friday, August 16th I’m participating in the Old School Giveaway Hop

Monday, August 19th I have an interview with author Julie Abe and a giveaway of her MG Tessa Miyata Is So Unlucky

I hope to see you on Monday!

 

 

Sip Sip Hooray Giveaway Hop

Happy Tuesday Everyone! Today I'm excited to participate in the Sip Sip Hooray Giveaway Hop hosted by MamatheFox. I hope you’re having a good summer. I’m having a good week. Yesterday was my birthday, and I had dinner with my daughter and son-in-law. Later this week, I’m going to the Art Fair with my daughter. It’s an annual tradition. Then I’m going to visit with my aunt and cousins who are traveling in Michigan. So it’s a busy, fun week. I’m grateful. 

Book of Your Choice or Amazon Gift Card 

I am offering a book of your choice that is $20 or less on Amazon or The Book Depository. I’m looking forward to seeing what books everyone is looking forward to reading. If you don’t have a book you want, you can win a $10 Amazon Gift Card. 

Giveaway Details

To enter, all you need to do is be a follower of my blog (via the follower gadget, email, or bloglovin’ on the right sidebar) and leave a comment by July 31st telling me whether you want a book, and if so, which one, or the Amazon gift card and your email address. Be sure to include your email address.

If you mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or other social media sites and/or follow me on Twitter, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry for each. You must be 13 years old or older to enter. The book giveaway is U.S. only and the Amazon gift card giveaway is International.

Upcoming Interviews, Guest Posts, and Blog Hops 

Monday, July 22nd I have an interview with author Sally Pla and a giveaway of her MG contemporary Invisible Isabel 

Monday, July 29th I have an agent spotlight interview with Sheila Fernley and a full picture book or three-chapter MG or YA critique and a one-hour Zoom call giveaway 

Thursday, August 1st I’m participating in the Apple a Day Giveaway Hop 

Wednesday, August 7th I have an interview with co-authors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows and a giveaway of their YA My Salty Mary 

Monday, August 12th I have an agent spotlight interview with Erica McGrath and a query critique giveaway 

Friday, August 16th I’m participating in the Old School Giveaway Hop 

Monday, August 19th I have an interview with author Julie Abe and a giveaway of her MG Tessa Miyata Is So Unlucky

I hope to see you on Monday!

And here’s all the other blogs participating in this blog hop:

MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

Literary Agent Interview: Rebecca Williamson Interview and Query Critique Giveaway

Today I’m thrilled to have agent Rebecca Williamson here. She’s an agent at Sheldon Fogelman Agency.

Guest Post Alert

Before I get to Rebecca’s interview, I want to let you know that I shared a guest post on Anne R. Allen’s blog . . . with Ruth Harris yesterday, Sunday, 7/7/2024 that could help you in your search for an agent. My topic is Tips on Finding the Right Agent and My Secret Way to Discover Agents You Don't Know About. Here’s the link to it. I hope you'll stop by, read my post, and leave a comment.

Hi­ Rebecca! Thanks so much for joining us.

About Rebecca:

1. Tell us how you became an agent, how long you’ve been one, and what you’ve been doing as an agent.

After graduating from the State University of New York at Geneseo, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the virtual Columbia Publishing Course. I completed some amazing internships and other freelance opportunities within publishing houses, literary agencies, and book-to-film scouting firms. Working at a literary agency was the best path for me because I wanted to advocate for an author throughout their entire career while being able to work on both creative and more business-oriented tasks. I started at Sheldon Fogelman Agency as an assistant in June 2023, and I was grateful to be allowed to accept clients when my boss felt like I was ready. Currently, I am an assistant agent. Aside from working with authors, I help monitor the shared submissions inbox and the agency’s foreign rights deals, among other tasks. My boss and the rest of the team are very supportive, and I’m very happy to be at Sheldon Fogelman Agency.

 

About the Agency: 

2. Share a bit about your agency and what it offers to its authors. 

Sheldon Fogelman Agency began in 1975 as the first agency to primarily specialize in children’s books by representing both authors and illustrators. The agency is committed to helping clients throughout their entire careers, not just the books that they create. As our website states, “we firmly believe stories have the ability to change lives and are proud to help our clients publish the kinds of stories that linger long after young readers turn the last page.” 

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 accept manuscripts from picture books through young adult. I am open to all genres, less so horror (it’s sometimes a bit too much for me). Mainly, I’d love to see stories that sucker punch me with emotions, whether it’s laughter, tears, and/or something else. I’m most drawn to complex characters with clear arcs. 

4.  Is there anything you would be especially excited to seeing in the genres you are interested in? 

I’m very open to seeing anything, but some specifics I’d really like to see are YA contemporary romance and/or YA rom-coms (yes, I do think that they are different), YA cozy fantasies, and girls in sports (with a soft spot for dance, gymnastics, and soccer). My MSWL includes more information. I am always seeking submissions by writes from diverse and traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. 

What She Isn’t Looking For: 

5. What types of submissions are you not interested in? 

I’m not the best fit for horror, novels in verse, animals or inanimate objects as protagonists in middle grade or young adult, board books, wordless picture books, or picture books based on early learning concepts. Even though I’m not the best fit for these things, I do think that there can be exceptions. You never know what books you can fall in love with. 

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 chose publishing because it gave me the opportunity to work with creative professionals who value the written word like I do. As cliché as it is, my love for children’s books began when I was a young reader. I’d check out giant stacks of middle grade and young adult books from my library. Despite getting older, I never wanted to stop reading children’s books. There’s always more that I can learn from them, which means that children who are reading these books also gain so much knowledge. As an agent, I want to represent children’s stories that create new ideas, perspectives, and magical experiences for young readers like so many books did for me. 

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 definitely consider myself an editorial agent. I try to be as communicative during the process as possible. I usually provide an edit letter, but I am also always open to a phone call or video chat to discuss things further. Generally, I will go through a couple of rounds of revisions if necessary before I submit to editors, but it depends on the manuscript. I tend to focus more on big picture stuff, like ensuring the worldbuilding makes sense, fixing any unfinished plot threads, or figuring out if the characters have completed some kind of arc. Ultimately, I want an author to see their vision come to life, and I hope that my feedback guides them to it. 

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? 

Sheldon Fogelman Agency has clear submission guidelines on our website (http://www.sheldonfogelmanagency.com/submit.html), but all submissions go to one inbox email: submissions@sheldonfogelmanagency.com. You can choose to address your submission to the agency as a whole or a specific agent you think might be a good fit. We are a collaborative agency and try to discuss as many submissions as possible. 

9.  Do you have any specific dislikes in query letters or the first pages submitted to you? 

I will always read through every submission. However, some things I dislike are when a query and manuscript doesn’t follow our agency guidelines for submissions. I also dislike when manuscripts are only comped to big bestselling series or older books like Percy Jackson, Chronicles of Narnia, Shadow and Bone, etc. I’d love to see more focused and modern comps. 

Response Time: 

10. What’s your response time to queries and requests for more pages of a manuscript? 

As previously mentioned, Sheldon Fogelman Agency has a shared submissions inbox. Per agency guidelines, if an author doesn’t hear a response within approximately six weeks, the author can usually consider it a pass. If we are interested, we will reach out to the author to request more information or materials. 

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? 

Sheldon Fogelman Agency is open to clients who have previously self-published or been published by smaller presses; however, we prefer to see new manuscripts that are unpublished and not part of an already published series. While sales numbers and reviews of previously published books are helpful, the manuscript is what will ultimately sway our decision.

Clients:

12. Who are some of the authors you represent?

Rowan Brown and Jess Creaden

Interviews and Guest Posts:

13. Please share the links to any interviews, guest posts, and podcasts you think would be helpful to writers interested in querying you.

My MSWL Page: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/rebecca-williamson/

Links and Contact Info:

14. Please share how writers should contact you to submit a query and your links on the Web.

Please email all queries to submissions@sheldonfogelmanagency.com once you’ve checked the guidelines on our website: http://www.sheldonfogelmanagency.com/submit.html.

Additional Advice:

15. Is there any other advice you’d like to share with aspiring authors that we haven’t covered?

There are so many pieces of advice that I could give, but I want to tell authors to focus on themselves. I once heard somewhere that “publishing is a marathon, not a sprint,” and I think that’s true. While nos can be discouraging, it’s important to remember publishing is subjective. The right fit for one agent may not be the right fit for someone else, and the same is true after you’ve found an agent and are beginning to submit to editors. In the marathon that is publishing, try to find the people/fellow writers who will support you, and always take the time to practice whatever kind of self-care you prefer when you need it.

Thanks for sharing all your advice, Rebecca.

Giveaway Details

­Rebecca is generously offering a query critique to one lucky winner. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower (via the follower gadget, email, or bloglovin’ on the right sidebar) and leave a comment through July 20th. If your email is not on your Google Profile, you must leave it in the comments to enter the contest. If you do not want to enter the contest, that’s okay. Just let me know in the comments.

If you follow me on Twitter or 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 email 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.

Upcoming Interviews, Guest Posts, and Blog Hops

Tuesday, July 16th I’m participating in the Sip Sip Hooray Giveaway Hop 

Monday, July 22nd I have an interview with author Sally Pla and a giveaway of her MG contemporary Invisible Isabel 

Monday, July 29th I have an agent spotlight interview with Sheila Fernley and a full picture book or three-chapter MG or YA critique and a one-hour Zoom call giveaway 

Thursday, August 1st I’m participating in the Apple a Day Giveaway Hop 

Wednesday, August 7th I have an interview with co-authors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows and a giveaway of their YA My Salty Mary 

Monday, August 12th I have an agent spotlight interview with Erica McGrath and a query critique giveaway 

Friday, August 16th I’m participating in the Old School Giveaway Hop 

Monday, August 19th I have an interview with author Julie Abe and a giveaway of her MG Tessa Miyata Is So Unlucky 

I hope to see you on Tuesday, July 16th!