Agency CEO and President Joel Gotler tells GalleyCat why ebooks are expanding publishing, what kinds of books editors want to see, and how to avoid overwhelming agents in your queries.
What title do you go by? CEO and President.
And why are you the best agent around?
I’m one of the best, for many reasons.
Before we start, can you tells us a little-known fact about yourself?
I love to play the harmonica.
What kinds of books are editors looking for right now?
Non-fiction is hot, teen books, and a clever thriller.
What about you personally? What would you like to see more of?
I get more than my share and I’m thankful for the abundance.
How should an aspiring writer approach you and your agency?
A responsible letter.
What kinds of things should they avoid? What’s a “pet peeve” from writer’s query letters?
When they say that they have finished ten scripts and two books, and they expect us to read it all. How about one project at a time?!
Do you think that ebooks are bringing positive changes to your industry?[These technologies] have opened up our imaginations and have added other outlets and ways of thinking, in terms of how we sell books, etc.
Publishing is having a downturn right now. What is your agency doing to keep things together?
[We] have kept overhead down.
What should your writers be doing to make ends meet?
Write ransom notes!