Interviewing my Agent- Lynnette Novak
Changing Things Up
I thought it would be great to hear from industry professionals for a peek behind the publishing scenes. I have a series of interviews lined up that I can’t wait to share with my readers.
I’m so happy to welcome my first guest: Lynnette Novak, Literary Agent at The Seymour Agency.
I’ve been lucky to work with Lynnette since September 2020! Here are some of the books Lynnette has sold for me (some of them are already available to buy and others are up for preorders):
Haha! That’s pretty much all my traditionally published books…From board books to chapter books and a MG NIV (the cover of which will be shared very soon!).
How I got my Agent
If you’re interested in learning more, you can read details about my author journey and how I signed with Lynnette here.
Interview Time
My questions are in bold below. Lynnette’s answers are italicized.
Since when have you been in this business/role? Is this what you always wanted to do?
I've been an agent with The Seymour Agency since 2017. Before that, I was a teacher, author, and freelance editor.
What would a typical work day look like for you?
Every day is different, which is one of the things I love about the job. For example: answering emails, negotiating offers, reviewing contracts, editing, sending projects out on submission, editor meetings, agency meetings, conferences, teaching workshops online or in person, offer calls, researching editors, reading queries, reading requested submissions and client manuscripts, and so much more!!!
What's your process for signing on a new client like? Can you share some timelines starting off from the time you receive a query?
This varies. I might like a query but not have time to really dig in, so I'll put it in my maybe folder. Or I might love it and request the full right away. I might read the material within a few weeks of receiving, but most of the time, it takes a couple months or more, unless there's an offer on the table. My clients come first, which means I read requested submissions during my "free time." If I love the manuscript and become obsessed with it, I'll set up a call with the author to see if we might be a good fit. If I believe we are, I'll offer to represent them.
Before making an offer for representation, do you check out the creator on social media? If yes, what factors would make you double think your offer of representation?
Yes. If the person is disrespectful, rude, or posts things that don't sit well with me, I won't set up a call.
What is the most exciting part about your role ?
I GET TO READ FOR A LIVING!!!
In your view, are there any oversaturated topics in the market?
Yes, but that changes all the time, and it's cyclical. Something that might not be hot right now could be hot in a month, and the reverse is also true.
What's the most awkward (if you're okay with sharing) or funny encounter following someone finding out about your role in publishing?
It's tough to explain to someone not in the industry what I do for a living. I often will say I'm like a realtor for authors and then explain it from there.
What story element makes you immediately fall in love with a manuscript?
VOICE all the way!!!
Do pre-orders matter? What are considered good pre-sales?
Yes. It can help the book become a bestseller faster. That varies depending on the topic, age category, and genre.
If a self-published author queries you, do you look at previous sales figures for their published books?
Yes, because publishers will and I need to know what they're going to see.
Do you consider yourself an editorial agent? if yes, what does the editorial process look like once you sign on a new client?
Yes. I was a freelance editor before this, so I can't help myself. That's different for everyone, and every project.
In your view, what characterizes a book as a "success"?
That varies. If the author is happy, I'm happy.
Can you help us authors understand the term "world rights?"
That means the agent or their foreign rights team can sell the foreign rights to foreign publishers. Each deal is different, so this is hard to answer.
How do publishers decide how much of their marketing and publicity resources are allotted to each title?
It's based on how much they think they'll make off the book.
Any resources you would recommend to someone looking to improve their craft?
Conferences, online workshops, and current how-to-write books could help.
What's your favorite 'desk snack'?
Popcorn.
Any words of advice for aspiring, unpublished, un-agented authors and illustrators?
Be patient and learn to have thick skin. Both will help a lot in this industry.
Wow, thank you, Lynnette! That last piece of advice is gold (and something I need to keep working on myself).
Querying Lynnette
You can learn more about Lynnette Novak here. She is currently open to queries for adult horror and adult nonfiction. Good luck!
Coming Up
I have a few editor interviews lined up, so stay tuned!
I hope you enjoyed this issue. Happy reading, writing, and revising!
So cute! Love this!