LITERARY AGENTS: Finding, Pitching, and Working with the Right Representation

Monday, September 23, 2024
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (PST)
Virtual Event via Zoom
Members FREE, Nonmember $20

What Do Literary Agents Want?

In today’s rapidly changing publishing, TV, and film world, navigating what literary agents seek has become more complex than ever. From AI and diversity to branding, self-publishing, and the aftermath of industry strikes, understanding the landscape is crucial for any writer.

Join us for a must-attend panel featuring top literary agents representing talent in publishing and entertainment. They’ll discuss how to find the right agent, what agents seek, and the latest industry trends.

Our confirmed agents include:

  • Hannah Andrade has been an agent and royalty manager at Bradford Literary Agency since 2017. She represents bestselling authors across various genres and focuses on acquiring BIPOC and underrepresented voices. With a particular interest in stories of joy where identity isn’t the central theme, Hannah is excited about historical, mythological, and multicultural narratives, especially those rooted in lesser-known legends. As a Mexican-American, she’s passionate about showcasing stories that reflect her heritage.
  • Lori Galvin represents adult fiction, including domestic suspense and literary mysteries, as well as nonfiction, particularly food writing and cookbooks. Her clients include bestselling authors like Cambria Brockman and Wanda M. Morris, along with James Beard Award-winners Kwame Onwuachi and Irene Li. A24, Netflix, and CBS Studios have optioned several of her clients’ works. Before joining Aevitas, Lori was an executive editor at America’s Test Kitchen and has worked as an editor, restaurant cook, and bed-and-breakfast owner.
  • With a rich career in film and publishing, Ken Sherman brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. As the head of Ken Sherman & Associates, he represents screenwriters, authors, and directors. Ken has a unique perspective, having worked on projects that bridge the entertainment and literary worlds. His expertise includes working with first-time authors and helping them adapt their work for film and television.
  • Robert Walker is a seasoned agent with over twenty years of experience representing writers in traditional publishing and the evolving digital space. He has worked with bestselling authors across multiple genres and is known for his keen eye for up-and-coming talent. Robert also specializes in guiding debut authors through the often daunting world of publishing, helping them build long-lasting careers.
  • Moderator is Telly Davidson

Topics we’ll explore include:

  • What makes an irresistible query letter? Avoid the common pitfalls and learn how to craft a pitch agents can’t resist.
  • Agent-author relationships: What makes this relationship successful, and how often should you expect feedback?
  • After you’ve secured an agent: What’s the next step? How does your manuscript or screenplay get from agent submission to a deal?
  • Agent expectations: Do they edit your manuscript, or is it expected to be perfect before it lands in their inbox?
  • Time limits on selling: How long does your book or screenplay have before an agent starts to lose confidence?
  • Breaking into the industry as a new writer: Tips on how to approach agents if you don’t have major credits, and whether ageism and other biases still play a role.
  • Beyond the manuscript: What else do agents look for? Social media presence, credentials, and other factors that could make or break your pitch.
  • The rise of in-house development: How agencies are packaging projects in-house and what that means for outside queries.

This is your chance to gain insider knowledge from the best in the business, and the panel will include a moderated Q&A session so you can ask your burning questions directly to the agents.

Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity — whether you’re an emerging writer or an established author, the insights from this panel will help you succeed in today’s competitive literary and entertainment landscape.

 

Monday, September 23, 2024
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (PST)
Virtual Event via Zoom
Members FREE, Nonmember $20
Registrations Closed at 5 PM