Literary agent, Kate Epstein is so in love with her job. In our interview with her today, she tells us why, and mentions also why non-fiction authors should be marketing their book before their agent sends their manuscript to editors, why she’s seeking young adult fiction now more than ever and why she hates when writers don’t follow directions.
Kate, you seem to really enjoy what you do. What is it still about agenting that keeps you going when the days get tough?
I really, really love what I do. I love sprucing up proposals and editing manuscripts. I love calming authors down and hyping them up. I love pitching book projects and negotiating deals. I love representing authors’ interests and telling them when they’re wrong. (Rarely, of course.) I love giving my advice and helping authors figure out what it is that they want. Most of all I love working with authors. Every relationship is different and interesting and being a source of wisdom and support is a joy to me.
Do you find yourself being extra picky about who you represent given all that’s been happening in the industry lately?
As an independent agent, it’s easy for me to stay fleet-footed and open to change. The economic changes in the industry are certainly not the only reason I decided to request young adult fiction and nonfiction starting in January, but they’re a reason. I’m seeking to be quite cautious and measured in this area; in almost-four months I’ve probably reviewed more than 1,000 submissions and made two offers of representation.
For authors I think my best advice is not to rush to seeking publication. Nonfiction authors generally should do many of the things their marketing plan proposes (and many things it doesn’t) BEFORE seeking publication. Books are not beginnings, though they may be new beginnings; they generally come after your material, point of view, or platform is somehow tested in the marketplace. Fiction authors may have to toil in obscurity a long time, and should really seek publication in short forms as well as long form. Don’t rush; you rarely get a second chance to get this right.
So, how do the new technologies come into play for new authors, Kate?
The biggest change is that they make everyone plan for change. I’m in favor of people having access to books in the format that works best for them. If I commuted I would surely have an electronic reader; at this point the only time I would wish for one is when I go on vacation and fear I may not be packing enough books. My computer screen is just fine for reviewing and editing manuscripts.
I hope that sometime soon practical nonfiction will have more e-enhancements, instructional video and that kind of thing, and that there will be more experimentation as to price, not just price point, but approach—such as paying by the chapter for a serial book or for the parts a reader needs of a practical book.
So, if I’m a writer and I want to grab your attention, what are you looking for right now?
For fiction, paranormal, speculative, post-apocalyptic, and fantasy are certainly hot in the YA area but I get a LOT of that. And glad of it, but really good realism would jump out at me.
For nonfiction, I’m actually working on an update to my website now professing my lust for narrative/investigative/polemical nonfiction. I don’t want to just hear your opinion—I want to see you investigate it and support it.
Would you say email is the best way to reach you or is there a better way?
Email is the best way to approach me. A couple of months ago I started asking for sample material (1-3 pp) pasted into emails for fiction and memoir. I really hate looking at fiction especially without sample material; it’s hard to evaluate that way and I end up saying no to things because people didn’t follow that direction that might, possibly, have had a shot with me.
And finally, what would you say is something few people know about you, Kate?
I love to hike in the woods, but I do not love to camp.