Literary agent Renee Fountain
President Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management
Is this a good time to be an agent/editor?
I think it’s a good time. Things have changed a bit but it’s still exciting to potentially find the next NY Times Bestseller.
What sort of project do you wish would arrive in your inbox right now?
A really scary horror or a very funny rom-com.
What’s the last project you worked on that thrilled you?
The last two books I sold, I really enjoyed. One was a science book illustrated with crayons (There Are No Stupid Questions… In Science by Leah Elson) and the other was a travel book aimed at solo female travelers (12 Trips In 12 Months by Jen Ruiz).
How do trends affect what you do?
I don’t really pay attention to trends. I just look for strong stories that keep me reading. With how slowly the wheels of publishing turn, anything happening now probably won’t be happening by the time an agent finds, sells and publishes a book.
What should authors know about you?
That I’m very straightforward and honest. I don’t sugarcoat feedback.
What are you reading now that isn’t an author’s/client’s work and isn’t a submission?
I’m finally getting around to reading A Three Dog Life by Abigail Thomas.
What do you think about paid critiques for authors by agents at writing events.
I think they're valuable. The writer gets immediate, professional feedback from the very people they're trying to reach. Even if the book isn't right for that particular agent, they can absolutely help make it stronger for the ones who are.
I've recently heard it referred to as "shady" and "pay to play" which couldn't be further from the truth. If an agent says, "pay me - and I'll represent you" — that's pay to play.
I'm not sure what's shady about paying for knowledge, expertise, and actionable feedback, which most writers pay for anyway. The writing event allows you to access people you may not be able to otherwise.
Also, while the writer pays to get them, the professionals aren't always paid to do them.
If the agent asks for additional pages, then bonus. If they don't get back to you or end up not representing it, what have you lost? You've already received the help you were seeking-- anything beyond that is just more win.
Just a note - I'll be attending Thrillerfest in June. I'll be taking queries at Queryfest and then pitches at Pitchfest — where I am a volunteer - there is no payment to me.
Visit Renee’s website.
Listen to my talk with Renee on Writers on Writing.