I’m Not a Literary Agent (And Why That’s GREAT for You)

On my website, you’ll see a quote from my client Rae McDaniel that explains exactly what I do.

“She isn’t a literary agent, but will help you write a book proposal and make the introductions that get you an agent and a deal. She took my dream of a book and turned it into a reality.”

You should care about this because you want to become a published author.

Unlike me, reputable literary agents aren't allowed to charge clients directly. 

(Most literary agents get paid through commissions on the book deals and the sale of other rights related to a book that they negotiate on behalf of their author-clients.) 

Because of that, many simply don’t offer the Average Aspiring Author feedback. That’s why, if you have ever reached out to a literary agent, you likely never hear back. 

That’s not because people who work in publishing are evil, and it’s certainly not personal.

Instead, people vastly underestimate how many people want to publish a book. And how often publishing professionals — like myself, and that literary agent you emailed — get asked their opinion. 

I guess it’s probably the same amount my nurse-friend Allie gets asked by family, friends, and strangers to look at weird rashes. (Spoiler alert: a lot.) 

Based on what I have heard from the literary agents I’m friends with and work with on the regular, their inbox tends to be a black hole.

Of current clients’ questions.

Of editors and publishers negotiating deals.

Of bad ideas that will never ever work in a million years.

Of colleagues asking to pick their brain.

And . . of well-intended people like yourself asking the same questions over and over again.

That’s where I come in. It’s my mission to help answer those questions for you, and shed some light on the publishing industry in general. 

I may not be a literary agent. 

I may not work at a publisher (anymore). 
But I can help you understand what it takes to get a book deal.