November 28, 2018 Interview and Giveaway with Agent, Alexandra Levick of Writers House
About Alexandra:
Alexandra Levick has worked with a wide range of established New York Times bestsellers, national award winners, and debut clients. After graduating from the University of Rochester with a degree in English focused on Creative Writing, Alexandra attended New York University where she received her Masters of Science in Publishing with a specialization in Content Development. Prior to Writers House, she spent time at Sterling Lord Literistic, in publicity at Bloomsbury, and as a bookseller for Barnes and Noble. Today, she is building a broad list and works on everything from picture books to speculative adult fiction.
Connect with Alexandra:
Twitter: @AllieLevick
Website: alexandralevick.com
1) What are your short and long-term goals within the publishing industry?
In the short term, I’m excited to announce a couple of deals that I’ve closed, I’m looking forward to sending some really exciting projects out on submission, and I’m looking forward to growing my list with incredible new authors and projects.
As for the long term, I’m looking to represent award-winning authors and books, have projects hit and remain on the bestseller lists, and would love to work on some film/tv adaptations—maybe even a franchise.
I’m a big believer in putting your intentions down on paper, so that’s just the tip of the iceberg for me!
2) Do you perceive there to be any advantages to a writer working with a new[er] agent, and if so, what do you believe them to be?
I think there are pros and cons to both sides and those very much depend on who the agent is and where they are working. Newer agents are often quite hungry for new material and have more time and energy to devote to new projects. However, you do want to be sure that person is supported in the proper ways and actually knows what they’re doing—a bad agent can be can be more harmful than no agent for a book.
3) Your pinterest #MSWL is probably one of the most intriguing visual representations of a MSWL I’ve seen to date. I noticed some commonalities among the images you pinned [e.g. from color and mood to subject matter] and would love to know what you consider the three main commonalities amongst the selected photos with what you’re hoping to find in the queried pages you receive?
The Pinterest board (https://www.pinterest.com/allielevick/mswl/) honestly started out as a way for me to keep track of all the images that sparked some kind of internal excitement, some need for a story, and grew from there. I do think there are certain links between all the images I’ve tacked up on the board: all-consuming atmosphere, magic in the mundane, and the finality (or maybe not so much) of death.
4) I see you’re seeking pbs through adult literature. Do chapter books fall into that list?
Of course! There’s a pretty limited market for chapter books, but I’m always happy to take a look at character and voice-driven projects in this category.
5) What type of client-list do you hope to put together?
I am building a client list that reflects the world that we live in today; a list that is full of diverse perspectives that actively pushes back on and subverts what has generally been accepted in literature throughout history.
6) What do you love most about working within children’s literature?
Tackling big, important issues in a way that doesn’t feel preachy and publishing books that give kids hope for a better tomorrow.
7) Do you read sample pages without fail or only if the query is strong?
I actually read the sample pages and then go back to read the query letter if I respond positively to the writing itself.
8) In a query letter, do you have a preference regarding whether the author first dives into the pitch or a short personalization about why they specifically chose to query you?
I don’t really mind either way as long as they get all of the vital information across.
9) What’s your average response time to a query? To a partial or full?
I try my best to respond within a month.
10) In your opinion what makes for a successful author-agent relationship?
Honesty, open communication, and trust.
11) How has earning your Masters of Science in Publishing informed your editorial process?
I don’t know that my master’s degree has changed the way I work editorially, but it has certainly informed the way I look at the business side of publishing.
12) When considering a client, how do you decide whether you’d benefit a potential client by becoming their literary partner? What are you taking into consideration?
I believe it’s important to take into consideration how my view of their work lines up with their view of their own work, particularly in respect to how I envision the editorial process working and what that would entail. I also think it’s important to get a clear view of how they envision their career panning out and what goals they have set for themselves. It’s important for me to take into consideration how I could assist them in achieving those goals and why I would be the best person to do so. For example, if they are interested in writing high-brow, deep-dive histories of the US, I’m probably not the best match to help them achieve what they want out of their career even if I still do appreciate their craft.
More subjectively, I also need to be absolutely, completely passionate about a project and the person behind it to take someone on. I’m exceedingly bad at faking enthusiasm, so it’s very clear to everyone involved if I’m not all in. Often, I find myself saying something along the lines of ‘it would physically hurt my heart not to work on this, I love it so much.’ That’s when I know I need to do everything in my power to work with that creator!
13) What’s your communication like with clients?
My communication style depends deeply on the client and the subject we’re discussing. If it’s something quick and simple, email is usually the way I like to go. If it’s something that needs more nuance, then I may email them with a preface or summary of what I’m thinking and ask to have a conversation via phone to discuss further. I think it’s important, particularly in respect to bigger topics, to be sure that I am not talking at clients, rather we are having two-way conversation. I also think it’s important to have a human connection when we are often talking about such weighty topics.
14) What are some of the ways in which you champion your authors?
I help to hone their craft and match them with partners who will actively and effectively grow their business, whether that is a film agent, an editor, etc. I talk about them and their work in conversation and on social media. I keep my ear to the ground so I know of any opportunities that could help grow their career or presence in the community. And I always try to keep communication open so we can be sure their vision and goals are leading the charge. When you believe in the people you work with and the art that they have created, it becomes very easy to talk to others about how absolutely fantastic your creators are.
15) Are there any upcoming conferences or twitter events you’ll be participating in?
Yes! I’m doing a seminar with Writers & Books in March on how to find a literary agent, and then in June I’ll be participating in The Ladder Literary Conference.
As for Twitter pitch contests, I always drop in on #DVPit. I think Beth Phelan and her team have done absolutely incredible work in creating, maintaining, and growing the contest and community over the last few years. I do think it is important to note that you don’t need to wait for a pitch contest or conference to send your manuscript out (assuming it is ready). I’ve found a number of people through the slush pile; don’t discount cold querying as a viable option to finding an agent.
WILDCARD QUESTIONS:
What are three personality traits you would use to describe yourself?
Passionate, gritty, and empathetic.
If you could have any career (outside of publishing), what would it be and why?
It’s hard to even imagine! I would probably be some kind of entrepreneur, or maybe a physical therapist, or leading a nonprofit. I like charging my own path and I like working in service to others, so I think a combination of those things would leave me fulfilled.
Last book you read that blew you away?
Drawn Together written by Minh Lê and Dan Santat
Thanks for your time, Alexandra!
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