Hi! We are speaking today with Emily Sylvan Kim, agent for Prospect Agency,
Emily, could you tell us about Prospect Agency? How many agents do you have currently?
Prospect Agency currently has 3 agents, all actively acquiring new clients. In addition to myself, we have Becca Stumpf, who started working at Prospect Agency in 2006 and who was promoted to Agent in 2007, and Rachel Orr, who joined the agency in 2007 from HarperCollins. You can check out our individual biographies at our website, www.prospectagency.com.
What sort of submissions are you looking for at the moment, and any of your colleagues as well?
What my colleagues and I look for most is exceptional writing. We have diverse interests, and between the three of us represent many different genres. The best way to see what we’re interested in now is to visit the website, since we keep our biographies updated with what sort of submissions we’re looking for, what we’re reading now, etc.
What have you seen too much of recently?
I can’t speak for my colleagues here, but I know for me I see too much writing that is competent, but not exceptional. For example, I see a lot of Regency romance that is decent, but because it doesn’t offer anything new to the genre, it’s just not sellable. I’m looking for book ideas that breathe new life into a genre, not just repeat what’s already out there.
If you could describe something you are looking in for in "movie terms" (ie jane austen meets an american werewolf in london or whatever lol) what would that be?
I can’t really answer this, because I’m always looking for new things, and I don’t like to be so prescribed in what I’m looking for. In my mind, a good writer doesn’t write with a pitch in mind, but rather with a story in mind.
Do you have any new clients or sales you are jazzed about and would like to share with us?
I’m excited about all my clients! I’m always proud of their creativity and diligence. When agents and clients work together, sales happen!
So often we hear as writers, "Almost!" or "Not quite there". Can you try to describe that certain something that becomes the final tipping point, making you decide to represent an author?
Every agent is different, and what an agent decides to take on is quite subjective. I don’t think I could answer this without a specific example in mind, as I would never want to over- generalize.
What is the easiest way to submit to Prospect Agency?
There’s only one way to submit to Prospect Agency – online through our webpage! It’s really great, because it allows authors to upload their work directly, and gives us an electronic record of submissions. We’ve found this is much more efficient than the paper submission process, where things often get lost and mishandled. Plus, is saves on paper waste, which can be staggering in this business!
Tell us something you love about being an agent...and something you hate!
I love reading new stories, and seeing how an author grows creatively over time. One thing that saddens me is all the misinformation that is out there about agents and agenting. The best way to get to know an agency is by visiting the company website, doing careful research, and really thinking about what agency would be the best fit for your work. Some websites and message boards can be so misleading, and I worry that there are good authors out there getting discouraged by bad information! Words straight from the agent’s mouth – like this interview! - are a great way to get information.
Thanks so much for taking the time and for helping us kick off editors, agents and blogs, OH MY!
Brynn Chapman
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