October 11, 2018 Interview with James McGowan of BookEnds Literary Agency

About James:

Since interning at BookEnds as an undergrad in the summer of 2015, James has (basically) never left. He’s just continuously level-up-ed inside of BookEnds. Now he is the Literary Assistant and Social Media Manager for the team.

James is a Staten Island native, and just recently graduated with his Master’s Degree in English from the College of Staten Island. He’s been a reader since his mom gave him the first A Series of Unfortunate Events book, and ordered the sequels regularly through Scholastic book orders. When he’s not reading/working, James can usually be found watching an unhealthy amount of Friends re-runs.

Connect with James:

QueryManager: http://QueryMe.Online/jmcgowan

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jamerrson & www.twitter.com/bookendslit

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bookends_literary

Website: www.bookendsliterary.com

What is your role at BookEnds Literary Agency? What are your responsibilities? 

I am the Literary Assistant and Social Media Manager at BookEnds, and I just recently started building my list. As assistant I work with all members of the team in author liaison, contract execution, royalties, and everything in between. As Social Media Manager, I run all of our accounts (currently Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and assisting Jessica Faust on the blog) daily.

What do you love most about children’s literature? 

I think their power. The right book can change a child and shape their minds and lives.

What are your short and long-term goals within the publishing industry?

My short term goal, like any agent, is to build a small but strong client list that is both talented and diverse.

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?

Good question! Yes, I definitely understand the hesitance to query newer agents, and I do not blame authors for feeling that way. I will say that I think BookEnds is unique as we are extremely team-driven. We lean on each other for everything from writing our pitches to publishers, to negotiating contracts. I recently offered on a now client who had the same concerns, and this was something I stressed. While I’m working directly with the author, I have decades worth of knowledge at my disposal should I need it.

Also, while I’ve only recently begun acquiring queries this September, I’ve been a member of the BookEnds team—in some capacity—for going on four years now. I’ve worked with the agents and clients in every stage of the publication process, and think I’ve got some of the best mentors in publishing. The decision for me to open to queries was one I believe we all think I was ready for.

What type of client list do you hope to put together? 

I imagine my client list will be all over the place—in a good way! I’m looking for picture books, Young Adult fiction of any sub-genre, and Adult Fiction (Literary, Mystery, Suspense and Thriller at this time). (Side note: I’m not currently looking for Middle Grade fiction or non-fiction).

Within these genres I hope to find clients from all types of diversity writing books that expand reader’s viewpoints. And of course keep you on the edge of your seat flipping pages.

What three things are at the top of your #MSWL?

Three things I’m eagerly looking for right now are:

• A picture book with a clever, witty concept like Jason Carter Eaton’s GREAT, NOW WE’VE GOT BARBARIANS. I love an every day, mundane thing turned on it’s head.
• I’m looking for a dark, twisty YA thriller like ONE OF US IS LYING. That was one of my favorite reads last year and I’d love to find something like it.
• In adult fiction, I’d love to find a super dark small town suspense novel or thriller. Something with the feel of HALLOWEEN with unexpected twists.

How open are you to receiving picture book manuscripts from non-illustrators? 

Absolutely. Send ‘em over.

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 know many agents can be a bit picky about these sort of things, but I’m not. I’d be happy to hear why you think we’re a good fit! As for the query itself, as long as all of the information is in there, I’m not going to be too critical.

Does a manuscript have to be ready for submission or will you take on an author knowing their story needs work?

If I love a book and have a vision for it, I’m going to go for it. I’ve revised or help revise countless books in my time at BookEnds, and I’d certainly be willing to work with a new client on the same thing.

In your opinion, what makes for a successful author-agent relationship?

Communication. I think we need to be transparent with each other and to keep the lines open. I always want to know if something isn’t working for you, and I’d likely tell you if something just isn’t working for me. Also, being understanding of how the other works and reasonable in how we can work together is incredibly important to creating a sustaining working relationship.

Are there any specific marginalized groups you’re especially hoping to be queried by?

No one in specific. I’d be happy to receive queries from any marginalized group. Please keep me in mind!

As the social media manager at BookEnds, are there any social media tips or tricks of the trade you’d like to share with authors? 

Is it tired to say: find your platform, and be consistent? It’s the most fundamental rule to building a following. Make sure you’re interacting, and make sure you’re being a real human. The 80/20 rule is your friend. 80% being a real human, 20% promoting your work.

Are there any upcoming conferences or twitter events you’ll be participating in?

I’ll be participating in #DVPit for both kids and adults this month.

WILDCARD QUESTIONS:

Last book you read that blew you away? 

Oh, man. I just binge-read N.K. Jemisin’s BROKEN EARTH trilogy with a colleague and I’ve still not formed coherent thoughts.

If you could spend a day with any person, living or dead, who would it be?

I recently heard Yuval Noah Harari on a podcast and went out and bought both of his books. He’s brilliant and his theories are fascinating. Bonus: Edgar Allan Poe. Cause he’s Edgar Allan Poe.