Literary Agent Interview: Estelle Laure Interview and Query Critique Giveaway

 Today I’m thrilled to have agent Estelle Laure here. She’s an agent at Folio Literary Management.

Hi Estelle! Thanks so much for joining us.

About Estelle:

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

Thank you for having me! I started as an intern at Folio about thirteen years ago and over time my role has changed and changed again, from intern to associate, to Senior Content Development Editor (which entailed preparing manuscripts for submission), and finally I became an agent this last year, joining forces with Emily van Beek. We work in lock step, searching for new voices and seeking to provide exceptional representation to our existing clients. Therefore, if you are represented by me, you are also represented by her as well as the rest of our team at Folio Jr.

About the Agency:

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

Folio Jr., the children’s division of Folio Literary Management, is an established and respected team with a strong support system, a robust foreign, audio, and dramatic rights team, and long-standing relationships within the publishing industry. We are always looking to sharpen our understanding of what editors are hoping for so we can do magical matchmaking for our clients. Publishing is sometimes nearly impossible, and we are experts at strategizing and making the most out of each project, while also providing individually tailored care for all our clients. We aim to do more with less, making sure every single project is exciting and fresh. We strive not only to discover and cultivate the most compelling new voices and the most original and memorable styles of illustration, but also to support our established writers and illustrators as they thrive and develop their careers in the publishing industry.

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 all three, but in terms of new clients, I’m particularly on the hunt for middle grade and YA. The first and most important thing in terms of story is that I’m able to connect with the characters on an emotional level. That, coupled with an undeniable plot, is where the magic lies. Genre is less important. I could say I’m not the best for sci-fi or high fantasy, but that’s not true when it’s stellar. I am honestly open to anything, as long as it is excellent. My caveat is that middle grade is tough tough tough right now, but I believe it’s also full of treasure and hope to contribute to it bouncing back.

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

I’d love to see anything witty but not at the expense of substance. I’d love a middle grade romcom, too. I want voices that reflect the true experience of being young. I’d also love a mystery series, something funny and unexpected…again and always driven by heart and voice. I am a huge fan of high concept, speculative, anything spooky, thrillers, big romance, coming of age, fractured fairy tales, an excellent graphic novel, and voice-driven contemporary YA (a strong frame and/or guiding concept is a must). I always look for a diverse cast with a variety of gender expressions/identities, and anything that throws an unexpected twist my way. I want deeply rendered characters and nothing that feels stock or two dimensional. I’d love to find another Kendare Blake, Jenny Han, Rachael Lippincott, Katherine Rundell…the dream. Overall, I look for a wicked concept, tight execution, and assured writing. If you have all that, please send it my way!

What She Isn’t Looking For:

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

I’m not interested in anything so plot driven that the emotional thread takes a back seat, and no depressive, self-harm, boy saves girl, goofy without cleverness, anything that feels recognizably derivative (unless it’s on purpose), and I’m probably not the best choice for straight-up action.

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?

Because I’m an author as well as an agent, I understand the work that goes into every project. I also understand how much writers have to grapple with and overcome in order to get to a place where they feel ready to approach someone for representation. I not only represent projects, but each individual artist. Once we have made the connection and found that we’re the ideal fit, and once we have done the editorial work, it’s all about creating a gorgeous submission package, thinking of the perfect editorial matches, and then ensuring the very best deal for the client… all thrilling and joyful moments.

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, though it all depends on whether a client has established editorial relationships or not. Supposing they don’t, or that they prefer to work through something before showing it to their editor, the whole team will do as much work for as long as it takes to get any given project into its best possible shape. This usually entails broad notes and line edits as you would expect from an editor.

Our team only goes out with the most polished, compelling stories and it can take some time to get there. When it comes to editorial we are patient, dedicated, and committed.

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?

Please send all queries to elaure@foliolit.com along with the first ten pages of your story.

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

I don’t need a long letter. Concise is best!

Response Time:

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

I will respond within four weeks.

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’m absolutely open. If the story is special, I’m here for it, and most agents I’ve spoken with feel the same.

Clients:

12. Who are some of the authors you represent?

My shared list with Emily van Beek includes Maria Scrivan, S.D. Upchurch, Adam Rosenbaum, Kacy Ritter, Bonnie Pipkin, Jon-Erik Lappano, and more.

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.

N/a

Links and Contact Info:

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

https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/elaure/
elaure@foliolit.com

Additional Advice:

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

My advice is to write like a demon and stay true to the artist creature inside of you so you’re ready when opportunity arises. I think the muse looks well upon on the rigorous dreamers.

Thanks for sharing all your advice, Estelle.

Giveaway Details

Estelle 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 January 25th. 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

Wednesday, January 15th I have an agent spotlight interview with Jon Cobb and a query critique giveaway

Thursday, January 16th I'm participating in the Winter Wishes Giveaway Hop

Monday, January 27th I have an interview with debut author Nicole Hewitt and a giveaway of her MG The Song of Orphan’s Garden

Saturday, February 1st I’m participating in the Heart to Heart Giveaway Hop

Monday, February 3rd I have an interview with Rosanne Parry and a giveaway of her MG A Wolf Called Wander

Wednesday, February 5th I have an interview with Shelly Page and a giveaway of her YA Brewed With Love and my IWSG post

Monday, February 12th I have an interview with Elly Swartz and a giveaway of her MG Same Page

Sunday, February 16th I’m participating in the Wish Big Giveaway Hop

I hope to see you on Wednesday!