Out of eagerness to see their book sold to a publisher, sometimes writers and illustrators do not think about the fact that their project first needs to be “sold” to an agent. Agents are looking for wonderful stories, but your skill as a writer isn’t all that is on display in your communication with an agent. You will have the best chance of success if you show that you are informed about how what you offer is similar to and different from comparable titles; if you can describe a project briefly and compellingly; if you have a clear sense for the prospective audience; and why you think the particular agent may want to represent you. In reviewing your query, the agent will be looking for clues about your professionalism and commitment. If you don’t present yourself well in your query, no matter how strong your story, you likely won’t receive a favorable response from the agent. Insights into all of these points, as well as “do” and “don’t do” pointers, will be covered in this session, with time also for Q &A.

“The Call” with an Agent 

You wrote a great pitch, sent your strongest work, and you have an agent (or maybe more than one) excited. Congrats! And – um, now what? – you ask … This session is devoted to giving you tips and also confidence about the call that the agent will arrange with you to discuss representation. Each agent works a bit differently, but there are some basics and essentials that should be addressed as you move to this next stage, to work with someone who can guide you and open doors for publication. The session will include a list of questions you’ll want to have prepared before the call, some of which are obvious and others which are to your advantage to ask, but writers often don’t. It will also include info about what the agent will be evaluating and looking for in the conversation – and about what you will want to be attentive to in looking for the right match in this partnership. Time will be reserved for Q & A.