I know, I know it has been forever since I’ve blogged. And so many exciting things have happened over the last few weeks. First, I was offered then accepted representation for PERFECTION.
Um…SQUEE!
Then I got busy going through the whole book… again. LOL! Then a synopsis write and sweat for the sequel, FLAWED (tentative book title). Fell behind on my beta reading for my friends.
Anyway, those are my excuses and I’m sticking to them.
As I said, I accepted representation from the most awesome Lauren Hammond. And here is an example of how hardworking she is. I’ve already received 6 requests from publishing houses. Lauren Rocks!!
So, now….
Interview first!!
A hardy round of applause for Lauren Hammond.
Lauren is a superagent extraordinaire at the wonderful ADA Management. And she is also an author. Best of both words. You can find her on twitter @NovelistLauren Oh and follow her blog Living in Literary La La Land.
Now let’s get to know her.
Tell us a little bit about yourself…
Hi everyone! First of all, thank you so much for having me on the blog today!
A little bit about me hmmmm. Well, I’ve been writing pretty much since I’ve been able to hold a pencil. I’m overly enthusiastic. I always try to be positive, even when I have to be negative if that makes any sense. And I interned with ADA for a year before landing my job as an agent—which I also love!
First thing that pops into your mind time... No cheating.
Favorite dessert?
OHHH tough one! I’m a sucker for ice cream. Any kind will do, but my fav is butter pecan. Yum!
What is the first thing you notice on the opposite sex?
Smile.
Water or wine?
Depends. Water on weekdays. Wine on the weekends. LOL.
Tell us about the most awkward date you ever experienced?
Honestly, I’ve never had an awkward one.. I should probably knock on wood somewhere for that, lol.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla.
If you were alone on a deserted island, what is the one book you would like to be in your limited supplies?
One… Just one? Come on! Can’t I have two?
Alright… Alright… If I had to pick one it would be Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Thanks for sharing!!!!
Now to the agenting questions…
Can you tell us a little bit about ADA Management?
ADA is a newer company, but over the last three years we’ve held our own. We have a talent division, screenwriting division, literary division, even a publicity division.
If you want to know more you can check out our website at the link above.
How did you become an agent?
I interned for ADA for a year before I became an agent. My job was mainly reading through manuscripts..(a slush pile shoveler), and looking for inconsistencies in the manuscripts. After doing that for a year I was offered a position as Executive Literary Manager, which I happily accepted.
I understand that you have recently made your first two sales—how exciting is that? Can you share a little bit about those or still too early?
Make that three J. I can’t say too much because none of them have been announced yet, but be sure to keep an eye out. You’ll see them and read about them very soon.
WOW!! Three!! As I said, Lauren rocks! My fingers are crossed. LOL!!
What is the most thrilling aspect of your job?
Reading. I love..love..love to read. And I get super excited when I fall in love with a project… That makes the phone call I get to give the author that much sweeter.
What would you love to see cross your desk right now?
I’m obsessed with dark and creepy. Any kind of YA or MG horror novel is something I’m dying to read. Anything boundary-pushing too. I’d also really like some swoon-worthy YA romances packed with some tension and angst.
What is your ratio of queries to requests?
Well, I’ve been agenting for nine months and I only represent nine people. So I think that says enough. I’m extremely selective. Like most agents I want that I have to have this feeling. Or I love it so much I can’t stop reading.
Sometimes you don’t get that feeling as often as you’d like it.
When you do request a manuscript, do you usually request fulls or partials? And why?
Depends. I usually request a partial first and I’ll explain why below.
How soon do you expect to be hooked by requested material?
I almost always request a partial first because if I’m not hooked within the first three chapters, it’s a no-go for me. If I’m still intrigued by the end of the first three chaps, I’ll ask for the full and continue reading.
As an agent, do you mind doing edits?
Developmentally, no. If there are areas that need work within the manuscript I don’t mind suggesting things that might help make it stronger.
When you are reading a manuscript that you have an interest in, do you make notes of things that you would like to change or editing remarks?
Yes, actually. If there is an area that’s not working I’m going to let the writer know. Also, if they do make the changes, I’ll give them a chance to re-submit. We all believe in second chances don’t we?
Would you care to share a typical day of what you do when you take your agent hat off?
When I take the agent hat off, I’m either writing or reading. LOL. And when I’m not doing that I’m spending time with my family. We’re a very close bunch and sadly we don’t get to see each other as often as we’d like to.
What is the best information you could pass on to aspiring writers?
Please. Please. Please. Don’t ever listen to anyone when they tell you to give up. I think everyone finds their voice in their own time and that can’t be rushed. I also think if I would have listened to the people who told me to give up at one point I don’t where I’d be. I always like to tell writers to hang in there, be patient, work on your craft. Believe me… Your time will come.
Thank you so much for visiting Lauren. You are absolutely the best!
Thank you sooo much for having me! This was super fun! <3
Lauren will be hosting a contest for me on January 2nd. So stay tuned.
