Interview with Agent Natalie Lakosil of Bradford Literary Agency

About Natalie:

Natalie is an agent at Bradford Literary Agency. An honors graduate of the University of San Diego, California, Natalie holds a B.A. in Literature/Writing. Natalie has been an agent since 2009; after nearly four years at the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency and a brief dabble in writing author profiles and book reviews for the San Diego Union Tribune, Natalie joined Bradford Literary Agency in February 2011.

Natalie’s specialties are all ages (PB, chapter book, MG, YA) of children’s literature (fiction and nonfiction), adult cozy mystery/crime, female-driven thrillers, and upmarket women’s/general fiction. She also represents illustrators and select adult nonfiction.

Connect with Natalie: 

Twitter: @Natalie_Lakosil

Blog: https://www.adventuresinagentland.com/

MSWL: http://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/natalie-lakosil/

1) What’s a day in the life of literary agent Natalie Lakosil like?

Oh boy…that really depends! My mornings are typically spent answering emails, which will send me down a variety of different rabbit holes. I may move on to a contract to negotiate, or a project to pitch, take a call or two (or three) with an editor, chase some payments/contracts/submission status, write a pitch (or two or three), start compiling a submission list (or two or three), talk to a client (or two or three), review royalty statements, or prep for an upcoming conference or presentation. Various fires typically pop up during the day that I’ll need to address and advise on. If I have time, I’ll try and do some reading starting at about 3pm before my kids get home at 5, but often that time is spent editing. I try and get to queries on Friday afternoons.

2) What’s something you as an agent face that’s especially difficult or frustrating that writers may not know?

We deal with rejection, and WAITING, too! And we never WANT to say NO; we’re looking to say YES.

3) What do you love most about working within children’s literature? 

First, the people. It’s such a supportive and welcoming community. Second, knowing that the books I’m helping to publish are going to inspire, comfort, support, validate, inform and have as much of an impact on young readers that the books I read growing up did.

4) What three things are at the top of your #MSWL.

Contemporary MG, with or without touches of magic, POC authors/illustrators, nonfiction.

5) What’s something you’re not getting that you’d love to see in your slush pile?

Nonfiction! Both adult and for children. I’m open to seeing just about everything as it’s an area I’m actively building.

6) You’ve said that agents taking on author/illustrators only has been a growing trend, but not one you would take up. But (to be a parrot for hot second), you said you are pickier when it comes to pb text only. I’ve heard a few agents say this. So for you, what exactly are you pickier about when it comes to pb text only? And any tips for querying authors to make sure their ms meets the demands of this extra pickiness?

Authors who focus only on the text element of picture books tend to be quite prolific. Because of this, I need to know that I’m going to love a body of work more so than just one manuscript. So when I consider an author of text only, I want to see what kind of ideas and style that author has that matches up with what I like and feel I can sell. That means, I recommend having at least three manuscripts you feel are submission-ready before starting the query process, if you write text only.

What makes them submission-ready? I have a blog post about the most common reasons I pass on a text: http://adventuresinagentland.blogspot.com/search?q=picture+book

7) What are some recent pb, middle grade, and YA titles that are in the same vein of stories you’d like to be queried with?

My client titles say a lot about my tastes, but non-client titles:

PB:

NECK AND NECK: character-driven, surprising and funny texts that are really fun to read aloud

GO TO SHEEP: clever, fresh takes on classic concepts

THE RABBIT LISTENED: thoughtful, touching books that help inspire kids to make the world a better place, have empathy, and tackle tough emotions

MG:

AMAL UNBOUND: engaging and beautifully written books exploring important social issues, especially featuring characters from marginalized backgrounds

MERCI SUAREZ CHANGES GEARS: classic, coming-of-age middle grade with unforgettable humor, wit and voice from diverse perspectives

SWEEP: delightfully magical, adventurous and charming books

YA:

THE GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE: voice-y, fresh concepts that elevate a title above and beyond the genre, touches of fantasy and magic and intrigue and adventure

THE POET X: fierce books featuring fierce voices that NEED to be heard

8) Are you seeking and/or would you rep chapter books? And if so, what exactly would you hope to see in them?

I wouldn’t say that I’m actively seeking chapter books, but I do represent them. Chapter books can be a challenge, because they need to have enough of a hook to carry a series, a character memorable enough to stand out, and writing that is just-so perfect for the age level. I would love to see more diversity in chapter books.

9) You say you like when a writer leads with a strong hook (after a brief personalization). Do you have any pitches you were especially hooked by that you could share with us?

I would recommend checking out the pitch for two projects I recently signed from DVPit; being able to roll up a concept into one line and sound unique and engaging is a challenge, but these authors did it well:

https://twitter.com/AuthorJ_Elle/status/1052166051968868352

https://twitter.com/nazkutub/status/1052170290787012608

10) When reading an author bio, are there any telltale signs an author is a beginner? For example, I’ve seen some agents suggest authors mention critique group involvement. On the flip side, I’ve heard from others that mentioning critique groups can make an author seem like a noob. What’s your take?

I really don’t hold a bio against or for anyone! Mostly, I’m looking for more information about who you are, perhaps why you’re extra qualified to write the book you submitted, or a blog or social media account.

11) I saw you wrote author profiles once upon a time. And I’m sure you must get a lot of queries. So, do you have any tips for authors regarding their bio and how to make it shine, especially in the query letter?

I mean, I think keeping it short and sweet and to the point works best. Author lives in X with his/her cat/dog/human family, and enjoys many things when not typing away. Insert writing/publishing credits. Read more on his/her website:

12) Do you find that there’s a lack of personality in the query letters you receive? Is personality in queries something you’d like more of? And any tips for bringing personality to a query letter while still keeping the letter professional?

I’m not looking for personality in a query; I’m looking for personality in the pages. I want to be intrigued from a query letter. I want to go oooh, that sounds so cool and fresh!

13) What’s your average response time to a query? To a partial or full?

I respond to all queries within 6 weeks – usually within 4. My reading period is 8-12 weeks on requested material.

14) Aside from a particular manuscript or even the work itself, what qualities in an author might fill you with excitement at the thought of working with them?

I love authors who are positive (they believe in themselves, their writing, and can stick it out for however long this journey is going to take and whatever it throws his/her way), proactive (authors who are actively engaged in the writing community, paying it forward, always looking for new ways to engage), prolific (I want writers in it for a career, who will dive right in to the next project if one doesn’t sell), and write damn good books.

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

Open communication! I’m here for my clients, but I can’t do the best job for them if I don’t know what they want, expect or need. NEVER feel like you’re “bugging” your agent. And above all, there should be trust in the agent’s vision for the client’s career, edits, and ability to do the best job.

16) What’s your communication like with clients?

Well, that builds nicely from the previous question! Communication is a big priority for me. I try and respond to questions and emails within a few hours (most, within minutes), and I always have time to hop on the phone. I like to go by what works best for my clients; some prefer email, some prefer phone. I update weekly when we’re on submission, but always tell my clients they can ask me for updates any time.

17) Seeing as you like to keep authors up-to-date during the submission process, do those updates include letting them know about declines?

It does if they ask to see them! Again, I go by what my client wants; I’ll share as much or as little as they ask.

18) What are some of the [unique] ways in which you champion your authors?

I have an extensive background in licensing and copyright/permission, and regularly consult attorneys when reviewing contracts, so I’m fierce when it comes to protecting rights (and defending my clients). It’s not super unique, but I love to talk about my clients to….just about everyone; I regularly promote client releases, events, and awesome things through social media. I also provide career and marketing guidance (I have a spreadsheet of marketing to-dos from pre-sale to post-sale and beyond exclusive for my clients). I’m also entrepreneurially-minded, so I’m always looking for out-of-the-box ways to grow an author brand or exploit rights. For example, I self-taught myself how to format ebooks and self-publish so I could help clients walk through that process. I worked at a publishing house as well so I know a lot about that side of the fence, when it comes to distribution to editorial to operations, so that helps as well to trouble-shoot and think of solutions if there are issues with a publisher. I’m fairly organized, and I have automated reminders set on when to check in on projects or outstanding questions or contracts or payments and just about everything, really. Oh! I keep gifs on my desktop to send to clients when they are in need of a boost or a celebration.

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

I list my upcoming events on my blog!

WILDCARD QUESTIONS:

If you were a type of food, what type of food would you be?

A carb. Can I just say, a carb? I eat so much of those I’m pretty sure that’s all I’m made of anyway.

If aliens landed in front of you and, in exchange for anything you desire, offered you any position on their planet, what would you want?

Wait, is this saying, I have to give THEM something I desire for a position on their planet? Nope. I’m good.

 

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