Last month I won a fabulous prize over at Market My Words: a 30 minute conversation with literary agent, Marietta Zacker. Marietta is an agent at Nancy Gallt Literary Agency, and she owns a book store called SOMe Book Nook. I chatted with Marietta on Monday afternoon. I had a long list of questions plus my manuscript ready. Marietta was so friendly, honest, and helpful with my manuscript and incredibly informative about publishing in general. She even said she watched my "Won't You Be My Agent?" singing post, and it made her laugh! Our thirty minutes turned into almost an hour, and I thank her for spending the time to help me with my manuscript. Marietta is not only passionate about books, but about helping writers reach their potential.FIVE QUESTIONS WITH MARIETTA ZACKER
1. What piqued your interest in the last few queries you asked for a full on?
MZ: Originality in both topic and voice. Characters that more accurately resemble the world we live in.
2. What kind of books are getting contracts in the last few months?
MZ: We continue to work hard on behalf of our clients and I think we are still seeing results. Editors are being much more selective though. Looking at the industry holistically, I would rank the types of books editors are acquiring (from most to least): MG, YA, and then PB.
3. How important is web presence of a potential client to you?
MZ: I always encourage clients to have a presence somewhere on the web, but to do what feels right for them. I think it's difficult to do it all well, so if branding yourself on the internet is new to you, I think it's best to take one social networking avenue at a time. I also feel it's important to remember that there are plenty of people who have mastered different aspects of the internet, so you should reach out to those who know more - again, especially when getting started. And although I feel it's extremely important to have a web presence, my decision to represent a client is not based on whether they do or do not have that presence.
4. Do you think magazine submissions/acceptances are important?
MZ: Everyone has different criteria, but I do think that if it is pertinent to your career as a writer or illustrator, then you should briefly list the places where your work has been published. Don't shortchange yourself; your accomplishments are important. Having said that though, at the end of the day, voice and the whole of the manuscript matter most.
5. What is your favorite musician/band?
MZ: I listen to it all. If I had to choose one, I'd choose the Afro-Cuban All Stars. Music that reaches my soul and makes me dance out of my seat is always a good thing!
Of course this music lover had to check out Afro-Cuban All Stars. Here they are. Just try to listen to them and not shake your hips!
