My New Agent

Early December I sent out query letters seeking representation for my second book, JOASVSK. This week I received offers from multiple agents, including Lauren MacLeod with the Strothman Agency. Lauren was the first to extend an offer, and even though I had great conversations with the others, and feel that any one of them would do an amazing job championing my book, Lauren stood out for a few reasons. From the initial phone call she made it clear that she loved the story and the characters. That’s critical to a writer--finding an agent that not only sees your book as marketable but who also enjoys it as a reader. I was pleased to hear that Lauren was not just interested in JOASVSK, but in my long-term career goals as well. She wanted to know what other projects were percolating in my mind. I'm excited to eventually introduce Lauren to Lucy Clayfoot, Soulmates, Puddle Jumpers and Whale Fall and hopefully those projects will have their moment in the sun too.
Lauren’s company, the Strothman Agency, represents a select group of authors, including Pulitzer Prize Winners, NY Times best selling writers and a Poet Laureate…basically brainiacs. I suddenly feel like I’m in the movie Gorillas in the Mist, except I’m the gorilla and I’m surrounded by a troop of Dian Fosseys. But hey, maybe I can earn my place by being an exceptional gorilla…the kind that learns sign language, finger paints and befriends orphaned kittens.
Thanks to all of you who continue to believe in me. I feel especially fortunate that I can add Ms. MacLeod to that group. And I’ll go on record to say that I believe in her.