October 18, 2018 Interview with Agent, Laurel Symonds of The Bent Agency
About Laurel:
Laurel Symonds recently launched as a literary agent at The Bent Agency after nearly a decade of experience in the publishing industry. She began her career in the editorial department of HarperCollins Children’s Books/Katherine Tegen Books in New York City and has also held positions in the marketing department at a small publishing house, in a library, and as a bookseller at one of the nation’s best independent bookstores. As a literary agent, she is seeking children’s fiction and nonfiction, from picture books to young adult, particularly focusing on voices that have previously been underrepresented and stories that have been overlooked.
Connect with Laurel:
When and how did you join the team at The Bent Agency?
I joined The Bent Agency in September 2018—so very recently! I had long admired The Bent Agency, their agents, and the projects they represent so I’m thrilled to have joined such a passionate and discerning team.
What do you love most about your job?
Being my clients’ cheerleader! I was able to do this in bits and pieces in my previous roles—as an editor, marketing manager, and bookseller—but now it’s my number one priority. Nothing makes me happier than guiding an author through the (sometimes intimidating, sometimes frustrating, often exciting, definitely rewarding) publication process and supporting them each step of the way.
What do you love most about children’s literature?
The real power it has. One book, the right book, can truly change a child’s life. I was a struggling, reluctant reader until my third grade teacher found the right book for me and that has shaped the entire course of my life, personally and professionally.
Some authors are [understandably] hesitant to query newer agents because they may question the agent’s experience, track record, and/or connections. But every agent starts somewhere. Would you tell us a bit more about your background and developmental process as someone newly open to queries?
Absolutely, I get this! I am a big believer in developing agents (and editors) and not just because I am one. Newer agents have the time to spend on projects that might need a bit more time and attention than an established agent has to spend because their days are full with a large client list and other responsibilities. Folks who are newer to this industry are often the most eager, passionate advocates for the books they love.
That being said, although I’m new to agenting I am not new to the publishing industry at all. I’m building on nearly a decade of experience. As an editor, I worked on award-winning titles, indie darlings, and launched the career of a New York Times bestselling author. My experience as an editor means I am a very editorial focused agent who finds joy in the revision process. Having also worked in marketing and as a bookseller means that I am confident I am the right partner to see clients beyond the initial sale and through a robust marketing and sales process.
Plus, The Bent Agency is an incredibly supportive and collaborative group. We are frequently chatting about industry happenings, trends, and issues. I have the whole team behind me as a support and reference. One of the things that most appealed to me when deciding on an agency to join was the strength of Bent’s foreign rights sales, which will strongly benefit my clients as well.
What type of client-list do you hope to put together?
I’m so thrilled to be putting together a diverse client list. I am seeking books for children of all ages, from picture books to young adult novels. In terms of genre, I have the biggest place in my heart for fantasy but I am also seeking contemporary, nonfiction, and those wonderfully unique projects that blur genre lines. Like many of my publishing colleagues, supporting voices that have previously been underrepresented and stories that have been overlooked is very important to me and I hope to reflect that in the authors and illustrators I represent.
How important are comp titles to you? And what type of comps catch your attention?
Comp titles are great! I especially like the ones that are “this meets that” or “the feel of this with the plot of that.” It’s ideal to use recently published books but movies, tv shows, and other mediums can also be used effectively.
How important is mentioning series potential (for pbs and mg) in a query letter? Is it a turnoff to mention a book may be a standalone with series potential? Or is it something of value the author should definitely mention?
I actually prefer for the discussion of series potential to happen later and for it to truly be a discussion between client and agent and then, later, with the editor. It doesn’t have to be mentioned in the query letter.
Does a manuscript have to be ready for submission or will you take on an author knowing their story needs work?
A manuscript should be thoroughly revised (with the help of critic partners, beta readers, writers groups, etc.) before being queried. It should be as strong as it possibly can be without having a publishing professional as a partner to get it the last bit of the way. I never expect manuscripts to be ready for submission, but an author should be confident in their manuscript as it is and ready to dive into more work. As an editorial agent, I want to do that work with a client!
In your opinion, what makes for a successful author-agent relationship?
Trust and openness. Agents work for their clients so there needs to be open communication regarding expectations. This is one of the reasons I believe in getting to know my clients as people, in addition to authors or illustrators. It’s much easier to have a difficult conversation about something happening in the publication process when you already have a strong relationship.
If you could have any career (outside of publishing), what would it be and why?
I love to bake, so my dream not-publishing career would be to own a little café. It would probably be attached to a bookstore, because I can’t not be surrounded by books! Being in the kitchen is a great stress reliever for me because I can get my hands dirty and, in just a few hours time, I have a finished product to share. It also allows for reflection on how the process went (Are those cookies slightly over baked? Did the bread not rise enough?) and provides the opportunity to improve each and every time. Someday I will bake the perfect baguette!
Last book you read that blew you away?
I recently reread The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater so that I can (finally!) read the whole series. My goodness, Maggie Stiefvater is a gorgeous writer! Her prose just pulls you in and, on top of that, the book is marvelously plotted. I couldn’t put the book down for the entire second half!
Thanks for your time, Laurel!
Laurel is graciously offering a query critique to one luck winner! Enter the Rafflecopter widget below for a chance to win. You can an earn extra entry for each entry option you complete. Open to international participants. Thank you for this generous giveaway, Laurel!
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