Hi all. Here's another original interview with a newer literary agency.

 

Verna Dreisbach is an award winning published author who has been featured in books, literary journals, magazines, and newspapers.  Currently, she is working on an anthology for Seal Press about women and horses due for publication in spring 2010.   Verna serves on the board of directors for the CSUS Writers Conference in Sacramento, CA. and is the founder and president of Capitol City Young Writers, an educational writing program for young writers in northern CA.  Verna is currently looking for emerging and experienced writers to build her list and has a particular interest in books with a political, economic or social context.  With over 13 years of law enforcement experience, Verna has a genuine interest and expertise in the genres of mystery, thriller and true crime.   Her bachelor’s degree in English, with honors, gives her an edge in the editorial and review process.  She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in English with a focus in creative writing and composition. 

As an agent, what types of stories are you looking for at this time?

I am looking for writing with a distinctive voice, one that is unique to the writer.  Don’t confuse this with an overuse of adjectives or something elaborate, it is merely a certain style, the voice.  I want a story with characters that I either love or hate, but I want to feel the story and the struggle that flows throughout.  I am not all that interested in action or event driven manuscripts without the strong character base. 

My tastes vary and I can be persuaded.  It doesn’t mean I will like everyone’s writing just because I will look at a variety of genres.  I will look at literary, commercial, mystery, thriller, and some YA.  I will sometimes look at romance, fantasy or sci-fi. My persuasion comes from an unbelievable query letter that compels me to request a partial.   I also accept submissions for non-fiction with a strong proposal and platform. 

What have you seen too much of lately, if anything?

I receive a lot of queries from writers who have the next DaVinci Code.  For awhile it was soccer and more soccer.  A soccer mom romance, a soccer mom mystery, YA kids playing soccer, and I really don’t care much for soccer – sorry.    

What is your favorite part of being an agent?

I enjoy helping writers achieve their dream and feeling that I had a part in it somehow.  I like having connections to people all over the world and traveling to conferences.  I am able to work from home and create a schedule around my family, which is the most important part of my life.      

From your previous experience, what do you feel are your unique contributions as an agent?   

I have always been exceptionally strong in heart and morals, even as a young child.  Add 13 yrs of law enforcement to my characteristics and you get a strong and determined woman.  I am not deterred by a challenge; I speak what is on my mind and stand up for what I believe in.  I do have tact and act professionally, 99% of the time at least.  For the most part, I think that writers appreciate the honesty and directness I bring into a relationship. 

What do you read for pleasure? Name three of your all time favorite books or authors.

First, I would like to have more time to read for pleasure.  Between manuscripts and assigned reading in the MA program, I don’t have much time for books of my choice.  Three of the assigned titles I will be reading over the course of the next couple of months are: In A Glass Darkly/Sheridan Le Fanu, The Beetle/Richard Marsh, and The Picture of Dorian Gray/Oscar Wilde.  My absolute favorite book is Candide by Voltaire.  And, to tell the truth, I love to peruse used book stores for those books that are no longer in print.  I feel as if I am discovering a new writer somehow. 

Tell us about a few titles you have coming out you are excited about.

I am excited about Claudine Wolk’s It Gets Easier!..and Other Lies We Tell New Mothers coming out in the Spring by both Amacom and Helion SA Publishing in Poland.  I fell in love with Claudine’s passion and her relentless pursuit in marketing herself and knew there was no stopping her, now or in the future. 

Personally, I am putting together an anthology about women and horses that will be published by Seal Press in spring 2010.  My love of horses along with my love of writing made this a perfect combination.  I am accepting submissions until January 15, 2009.  For more information visit   http://horsesandwomen.blogspot.com. 

How does one submit to you and do you accept equeries?

(provide links)

I prefer to receive e-mail queries at verna@dreisbachliterary.com. 

And our new question section- an absolute take off of inside the actors studio-adapted for books (how's that for a switch)

Tell us your favorite movie:

The kid in me will always favor The 7^th Voyage of Sinbad.  I do love those classic love stories such as Out of Africa, The English Patient and The King and I.  I admit that I am a James Bond fan.  

what is your favorite word or phrase?

“I love you.”  Best when said by my husband and children.

least favorite word or phrase?

“my bad”  Really, is this even necessary?  What ever happened to “I’m sorry”, “please excuse me”, “pardon me.”  Is this a sign that I am getting old? 

If you weren’t an agent, you would be: 

Traveling the world as a doctor working with an organization such as Doctors without Borders.  Second choice would be, again traveling the world, as a photojournalist. 

thanks'

brynn

So the last section was life imitating art, imitating life...I'm lost already.

In case you live on the moon- here is inside the actors studio....(james lipton)

will ferrell AS james lipton.

have a great writing day--no page fright.