We are occasionally interviewed about our Literary Agency.  The following "interview" questions also help explain our company and the role of a Literary Agency.

1) What should writers include in their query letter to Literary Agents?

A query letter to a literary agency should tease. It should provide a strong hook, contact information, and as much background as pertinent. Market research is a big help to a literary agent, but almost no one does it. (i.e. sales of comparables, size of market, etc.)

2) What things a writer should avoid in the query letter to a literary agent?

A query letter to literary agents should avoid personal circumstances, avoid the 'i'm dedicated' stuff. It is a business letter to a business professional who is evaluating whether they can make money on the work and the relationship. (You will find that our Literary Agency is very, very, straightforward. We try not to sugarcoat it.)

3) How often do your Literary Agents read a manuscript?

Our Literary Agents read every manuscript. Because it is our business, we can quickly tell the quality of a script or an idea is sellable. That's why you see 'send 3 chapters' out in the world. The industry can see quality (or the lack thereof) very quickly.

4) How much of a script do you usually read before you contact the publisher?

As mentioned, our literary agency reads all the script. We also create custom marketing materials to go along with the manuscript. A buyer wants to know a little bit about the 'entire package'. We like to spell out the keywords, market focus, and include a brief bio on the author. This helps the buyer know they are dealing with professionals.

5) What are some mistakes authors make in their scripts?

In our Literary Agency's opinion, authors either have it or they don't. Everyone improves (and should keep improving). Everyone can benefit from punchier openings.

6) What is the best kind of contract that a new writer can expect from a Literary Agency?

A contract to sell their work for a success fee based commission is the best kind of contract.  WE DO NOT CHARGE READING FEES, AND AUTHORS SHOULD AVOID ANYONE WHO DOES.

7) What is your rate for services as an agent?

As Literary Agents we charge 10% upon successfully selling the work.

8) Does  your Literary Agency have a close relationship with any publishing companies? Which?

Our Literary Agency has too many great relationships to mention here and if we left someone out we might hurt their feelings.

9) Name some of your recent/top clients who were authors.

Paul Anderson, Gary Dover, Michael Sears, Rev. Amy Snow, Michele Campanelli... the list goes on and on.

10) How much time does it take for writers to hear back from you about a book?

We believe our literary agents are different. We try to indicate initial interest within 3 weeks. We only use email and we believe we are faster because we are more technically advanced than other literary agencies.

11) How much time does it take between your Literary Agency taking a writer under your wing and the publisher offering a contract?

From 1 day to 10 years. This is a long term business and relationship.

12) What are some inexpensive ways to market a book?

We don't work in the self-publishing market at all. Search Amazon, they have plenty.

13) Do you have any marketing advice for authors who self-publish or e-publish?

We don't work in the self-publishing market at all. There are numerous marketing ideas on the web.

14) Does your Literary Agency offer additional services and if so what are they?

As Literary Agents, we have one simple mission. We sell our clients' work for as much money as we can get for them. 

15) Is your literary agency a sole proprietor? Corporation? Partnership? What are your industry affiliations?

We are a literary agency corporation. We eschew agency affiliations because although they look pretty, they don't affect our sales ratios at all. We are quite mercenary in our approach. Our buyers don't care a whit about industry affiliations. They want great product from quality authors.

16) Do you use online magazine and book-related sites to find new authors?

Our literary agency uses search engine marketing and print advertising. We have been very successful in recruiting international authors, which we like due to their non-US-centric viewpoints, using print ads in European writing magazines.

17) How do you find new clients?

Our literary agency uses search engine marketing and print advertising. We have been very successful in recruiting international authors, which we like due to their non-US-centric viewpoints, using print ads in England.

18) Do you help authors package deals with the film industry? If so, which companies have you worked with to close these deals?

Our literary agency has assisted with finding financing, recruiting talent... etc.. whatever it takes to put a deal together.

19) Do you prefer to work with out-of-state authors to in-state authors?

Our literary agency will work with authors from anywhere in the world if the quality of the product is there.

Yes! We applaud the commitment and dedication that any writer that has 'finished' a work has had. We know the time it takes. We know the hours and hours it takes. Frankly, we are always in awe of the guts that it takes. That said, authors must enter this business with their 'eyes wide open'. The odds are long. It's like becoming a professional sports player... when you think of all the high school athletes and the small percentage that make the pros, you get an idea of what you are up against. However, when it works, the high is unbelievable!

Cheers, Ciao, and our best regards to any author following their path!