Interview with a Literary Agent!
By Lynn McPherson
I’m super excited to announce that I’ve found an agent to represent my work! Carol Woien from Blue Ridge Literary Agency. While I dig into initial edits, I thought it might be fun to find out more about Carol, and her journey to becoming an agent.
What is a literary agent?
A literary agent represents authors to publishers, helps build careers, negotiates contracts, and can also offer creative guidance such as book edits.
How, and why, did you become an agent?
I’m friends on Facebook with agent Dawn Dowdle, owner of the Blue Ridge Literary Agency. In one of her Facebook posts she mentioned that she’d hired an agent. I commented that I’d be interested in becoming an agent, too if she had another opening. She messaged me back, we talked, and here I am!
What are some of the most recent books you’ve read and enjoyed? Any all-time favorites?
So many! I love most all cozy mysteries, especially those by J.C. Eaton, Valerie Burns, and Leslie Budewitz. I’m also a big fan of psychological suspense by Shari Lapena, Ruth Ware, and the writing team of Greet Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. I also confess to loving Danielle Steel. All-time favorite? Daphne by Rebecca Du Maurier is certainly up there.
What do you look for in an author?
Patience, creativity, imagination, good writing skills, and flexibility. Did I mention patience?
Any querying tips?
Queries ideally should hover around 250 words. You need to get to the point quickly with your hook and pitch, and the obstacles your character faces. It’s okay to query several agents at a time, but make sure you personalize each query. Be professional.
What is on your #MSWL?
Cozy mysteries, romance, true crime, and suspense.
Where can we find you?
Carol Woien, Literary Agent
https://www.facebook.com/carolwoien
Carol lives in Indiana with her husband. Under a pseudonym, she is the author of two previously published cozy mysteries. She spends her free time reading, writing, at the beach or a pool, visiting with family, and avoiding math.