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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!


57 comments:

  1. Fresh ideas for picture books and YA is what makes those genres exciting for kids, I think! Sounds like fun areas to represent.

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  2. Great interview! I appreciated the details on query letters and including a marketing paragraph.

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  3. Wonderful interview and advice for aspiring writers. Thank you.

    I'm an author illustrator who is currently revising my MG fantasy about an 11 year old boy, Edmund, who falls through a magic journal into miniature world of bugs on the brink of annihilation ("Insectageddon"). Only Edmund can save the bugs, but first he must challenge his father and outwit his wicked governess. Problem is he's only two inches tall and if he fails, his world will be destroyed as well.

    Called "a classic" by my writer's group, it's a mashup of Alice in Wonderland and The Hatmakers with a current theme of environmental conservation. I'm aiming for 45,000 words with two or three illustrations per chapter.

    I would love some feedback on my opening chapters. Thank you so much for this opportunity.

    Elizabeth Chestney
    elizabethchestney@gmail.com

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  4. Great interview--thank you! I've added Sheila to my query list. (-:
    I would love the special critique! I shared the interiew on X, FB, & LinkedIn.
    Eileen Wilkin
    eileen@wilkinusa.com

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  5. It's so nice to get to know you a little, Sheila. Thank you for sharing your time with us.

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  6. Wow, how generous! Count me in...rfremmer@gmail.com

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  7. Thanks for sharing, very interesting interview! No need to include me in draw but it's a really generous offer by Sheila, so tank you.

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  8. This interview surprised and informed. So happy to hear that Sheila is drawn to lyrical writing with strong characters, voice and story arc and emotional connection. Essential traits that I strive to put on the page. Thanks for your generosity.
    Count me in the mix,
    Jen

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  9. ­Please enter me in Sheila’s giveaway for an agent critique for my completed MG manuscript. 😊
    Thank you, Shana Hollowell

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  10. It's nice to learn more about Sheila! I'd love a critique on my picture book manuscript.

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  11. It's always nice to learn more about the wonderful people working at literary agencies. Nice to meet you, Sheila!

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  12. Great interview! I love this give-away and am grateful for this opportunity! Thank you so much!


    lauriemurph@hotmail.com

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  13. This was a terrific and informative interview Natalie and Sheila--many thanks! I'd greatly appreciate being included in the drawing for a PB manuscript critique. Thanks again!

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  14. Thank you for this wonderful interview and a generous critique opportunity with Shelia Fernley!

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  15. Sheila's ideas were always super helpful during the Children's Book Academy class I attended. Would love a critique! Shuba Mohan, vsubhat@hotmail.com

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  16. This is a fantastic giveaway! Would love Sheila's perspective on my query. I've never heard the advice of having 3 polished projects ready to go if asked for more work.

    I shared this on X as well. Thank you!

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  17. I had not heard the have three polished novels when you are querying advice. Interesting.

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  18. Thank you for this interview. I would like to be included in the critique. mariautumn@hotmail.com

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  19. Thanks for this great interview and for the opportunity to learn about Sheila Fernley and Storm Literary. Sheila's emphasis on stories with heart, humor, voice and emotional connection resonated strongly with me.

    I would love to be included in the contest for a picture book critique.
    Ruth

    rslavin@umich.edu

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  20. Thanks for a great interview! I’d love to be included in the contest critique. I appreciate Sheila’s insight and tips.

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  21. I’d love to be included in the critique contest. Thank you Natalie for the great interview and Sheila for your tips and insight! sarahkrose3@gmail.com

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  22. Great interview! My email address is moynana@verizon.net.

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  23. Thanks for great advice in the interview! Would love to be considered for the giveaway.
    ebrauerrogers@gmail.com

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  24. Thanks for the great interview. I am always happy to learn about new agents who are actively looking for new clients.

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  25. Thanks, Natalie, for this great interview! Sheila sounds like an amazing agent. I'd love the opportunity to have a critique with her. Thanks, Sheila, for this generous offer! lasword (at) rcn (dot) com

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  26. I should have been expecting that 500 queries in 10 days number, but it still astounded me. That's a testament to the love of bringing a good book to the world. Great interview!

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  27. I would welcome a critique, count me in :)

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  28. Thank you for sharing more details about what you are looking for and all the detail about what to put in the query letter. I'm impressed at your response time with all the submissions you get! I would be thrilled to win a critique.

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  29. I am interested in a PB critique. My email is kimberlysolis73 (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks!

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  30. Thank you for the great interview and critique giveaway opportunity! I appreciate Sheila's dedication to make good stories great and champion an author's body of work.

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  31. Thank you for the insightful interview & critique giveaway. I posted about it on X (twitter).

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  32. Great interview! Thanks for sharing and offering this opportunity!

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  33. Very informative interview. Sheila, you are still top of my list for an Agent. Would love to be able to interact with you and have you as my coach during this very exciting time in my life. cheers!

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  34. Thanks for this great interview and the helpful reminders while querying. I would LOVE to win a critique.

    cherylmsimon@gmail.com

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  35. Thank you for making time to share your encouragement and agent philosophy! Mary Beth Rice rmbrice6@gmail.com

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  36. Congratulations in your new role and thanks for sharing about your process along with submission suggestions. A critique would be amazing to win!

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  37. Terrific interview and advice. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Sheila, and congratulations on your new role. Thank you, too, for the kind giveaway offer of a critique.

    I followed your on Twitter/X, Natalie, and have a friend request pending on FB.

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  38. Thank you for introducing us to Sheila, Natalie! I'd love the chance for a critique with her. I'll also share the offer on Twitter now. Thanks!
    mhberg@sbcglobal.net

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  39. I would love to have my chapters critiqued! Please count me in for the giveaway, and thanks so much for this opportunity. kkobylar@gmail.com

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  40. Love to see a published picture book author bringing her craft knowledge to agenting!

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  41. What a nice interview and a lovely offer.

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  42. Best of luck with your agenting career Sheila - always wonderful to read an interview by a new agent who knows the territory and is passionate about representing quality work.

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  43. Lovely interview as always. I'd like to be entered in the special giveaway, please: ALwrite [at] vivaldi.net. Thanks!

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  44. I always appreciate your interviews. They always teach me something. Thanks!

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  45. Congratulations on your book! Following on gadget, goodreads & Twitter/X BonneVivante

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  46. Thanks for the great interview! It's always nice to hear how agents choose to become agents and how they do it. Thanks for the opportunity!

    I tweeted this post, Natalie.

    angelecolline at yahoo dot com

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  47. Congratulations on a fantastic interview. I especially liked the details for writing query letters. I'd love to be entered in the giveaway contest. I also shared this on BlueSky.

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  48. So much wonderful information. Thanks for sharing, Sheila. I follow you both on Twitter and I posted this on Twitter, BlueSky, and Facebook.

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  49. Hi Natalie,
    I'd be grateful to be included in this lottery.
    Best wishes,
    Shanti

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  50. I think it's wild that some people send a query without a greeting!

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  51. Thank you for another helpful interview. The emphasis on workshopping a manuscript in critique groups before submitting is great.

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  52. I enjoyed this agent spotlight. Many thanks for the work you do. I'd love to be entered into the giveaway.
    Cheers
    Stephanie

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  53. Great insight into your passion! It would be fantastic if you could critique my passion that I integrate into my work. Sincerely Gerrie Lewis, author, artist, creator.

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  54. Thank you for this amazing opportunity. I would love a critique.

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  55. Great interview! One of the writers in my critique group is represented by Storm. Please count me in for this opportunity. sherry.a.ellis@gmail.com. Thanks!

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