Jennifer Weltz is a literary agent with the prestigious Jean V. Naggar Agency.
Here, she answers a few questions for Editor Unleashed readers about what she’s looking for and she offers advice on breaking into a tough publishing marketplace.
Jennifer will be visiting the Editor Unleashed forum for a live chat tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. EST so be sure to check in tomorrow. She’ll be offering feedback to the first five queries posted (only in genres she represents please!)
1. What kinds of books are you most interested in acquiring right now?
I am looking for very distinctive voices in both narrative nonfiction and fiction. I have a ongoing love of historicals, intricate thrillers and women’s fiction.
2. Any particular trends you’re noticing in what editors seem to be looking for?
They are being squeezed from all directions and so they look for a very original concept that can stand out from the crowd. Many are looking for either books that can win awards or can get media attention or are perfect fits for book groups.
3. What’s your single best piece of advice to writers who are trying to break into mainstream publishing?
Do your homework on agents to submit to, make sure you have polished your manuscript to a shine before submitting, make sure your query gives the story front and center and be patient with us agents.
4. Is it even possible any more to get an editor excited about a “literary” novel? How do you go about achieving that?
Literary is not a word I am in love with. Every agent and editor loves to receive a beautifully written story but the plot and story cannot be ignored. Blending literary with a wonderful story and you will always find an audience.
5. What is one of the projects you’re most excited about right now and why?
Asking me to pick from my kids?! Always challenging.
I am incredibly excited about my upcoming author Wendy Webb’s debut novel The Tale of Halcyon Crane, a contemporary Gothic ghost story that you can’t put down (complete with mischievous triplet specters!) will be coming out next April with a beautiful package from Holt and, CW Gortner’s follow up to his very successful historical The Last Queen. In May Ballantine will be publishing The Confessions of Catherine de Medici. I had no idea there could be so much poison, intrigue and murder in one family! It rivals Henry VIII!
Don’t forget to stop back tomorrow to chat live with Jennifer Weltz.
-Maria Schneider
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