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For this post we interviewed literary agent Ali McDonald. She’s the lead agent specializing in YA (Young Adult) and children’s literature at literary agency The Rights Factory in Toronto.
So You Want to Write?: So first question, why don’t we dive right in? Do you have any tips for choosing the right literary agent?
Ali McDonald: It’s a really difficult process, finding the right literary agent. Because it’s all really about fit, and finding the right agent for you, for your specific work, for what you want for your career.
“It’s very important to come to your agent relationship with that long-term, partner-style relationship in mind.”
SYWW: That’s great advice, thanks. Diving into the next question: What are YA publishers looking for in 2019?
AM: Well it’s funny, we talk about trends in the industry, but realistically we shouldn’t be talking about what YA publishers are looking for in 2019, we should be talking about what YA publishers are looking for in 2021, because that’s the year we’re acquiring books for right now.
“Right now the main thing that’s extremely important is inclusivity”
SYWW: What mistakes do you see YA writers making and how can they fix these?
AM: I think the #1 problematic thing that I see with new YA writers—because I love working with debut writers, they just have such infinite potential—is that there’s a lot of parroting of authors who, or works that have inspired them; similarities between their work and authors that they admire.
“What we’re really looking for are fresh, original, authentic new voices.”
SYWW: I’m sure you see a number of manuscripts and I’m guessing that you see a number of them with things that make you groan – what are those things that you see when you read a manuscript?
AM: Definitely the parroting again. Work that sounds like other work.
For me it’s really about getting away from stereotypes. I don’t mind a love triangle—I love a good trope—but I don’t want my love triangle to be the blond and the brunette and which one am I going to choose?
“For me it’s really about getting away from stereotypes.”
SYWW: What do you love to see in a query letter?
AM: Honestly I just really want to see some personality. I want to get to know you a little bit. And balancing that with also being very professional.
“Keep it professional, but also give me a bit of personality”
SYWW: Well thanks Ali, I think this has been very helpful for our members. Thanks so much, Ali.
AM: Thanks for having me, Mike
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