Reading has always been my addiction so I feel very fortunate that it is my career as well. After a childhood spent devouring books in Denver, Colorado I majored in English at Carleton College where I once electively took and enjoyed a class titled \"Dickens and Scott, the Longer Novels.\" I gave law school a try for a year after graduation but the lure of fiction was just too strong so I moved to New York City, the hub of the publishing industry. This was one of the best decisions in my life. I worked at Writers House literary agency for five years while also writing reviews for Publisher's Weekly as well as my own fiction and poetry. I even met my husband in a poetry class!
In 2005, I was thrilled to take the next step in my career by opening the doors to Prospect Agency. My inspiration in naming the agency came from Brooklyn's beloved Prospect Park. With winding trails, woods and meadows, there is a place for everyone to find a bit of peace in the middle of a crowded city and I strive to provide just such a haven for our clients. I am proud to have built an agency composed of so many talented agents who represent a wide array of authors and illustrators.
Even though a love of reading brought me to agenting, as my career has advanced, I found myself equally drawn to the business aspect of creating books. Publishing is the nexus of art and commerce. How we navigate that intersection is endlessly fascinating and of critical importance to the future of literature. By working and listening closely to both publishers and writers, I always strive to foster dialogue and create innovative opportunities. I understand that we are in a time of great change and that decisions we make now will have a lasting impact on our future. As an agent, I have taken a leadership role in helping to shape the digital landscape. By embracing and understanding technology, we can make sure we stay relevant and fresh for both long time readers and also attract new audiences.
", "interview": { "who": "Jane Austen", "qa": [{ "question": "Would you offer me representation were I alive?", "answer": "Yes! Based on your past six titles, I know several publishers who would love your books and I am excited to start submitting your work. Do you have anything new to share with me? I can also help you sell foreign right and audio rights. I have a feeling your books would make great movies so I will also be actively pursuing film rights for your backlist titles." }, { "question": "I make a habit of hiding my writing notebook as I pen my novels in the drawing room. Where is the most embarrassing place you've ever indulged in your love of books?", "answer": "Jane, we have so much in common! I started my secret reading habit in seventh grade science class and continued all the way through my time at law school. I also read on trains, busses, and riding in the car. Having a career where I get to legitimately indulge in my favorite activity remains a source of amazement to me. After all, I believe it was you who said, \" I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading.\"" }, { "question": "Many important things happen to my characters over a cup of tea in the drawing room. Do you drink tea with your clients?", "answer": "In an age where everyone seems to prefer coffee, tea is the beverage of my heart. I love the taste and I love the ritual. Life can fill up so easily with the small details of everyday life but I believe sitting down with tea offers a chance for reflection. Though my clients live around the country and the world, I always make a point to share a cup of tea together either in person or over the phone and take the time to stay in touch and discuss long term career goals and strategies. I also regularly meet up with publishers and editors for lunch or a cup of tea in Manhattan. It's one of my favorite parts of my job." }, { "question": "Well, tea is all well and good but what is your opinion about balls?", "answer": "I know balls are important to you and as an agent in the romance industry, I think you would approve of our parties. From the Rita Awards ceremony and the Harlequin party at the Romance Writers of America convention to the many other festive gatherings throughout the year, we are sure to have plenty of ball gowns, chocolate fountains, and fancy drinks. True, men might be in short supply at these events but we make up for it with plenty of heroes in the pages of the books." }, { "question": "I believe in happily ever afters for my characters. What drew you to agenting?", "answer": "Being an agent is a happily ever after for me. And the thing I love most about my job is helping each of my authors find their own personal happily ever after as well. I believe so much in all of my clients and admire their creativity, work ethic and strong story telling abilities. It is an honor to listen to their goals and then play a role in helping them achieve their dreams." }] }, "looking_for": [ "Commercial and upmarket women's fiction.", "Self-published authors looking to explore a hybrid career.", "Established and strong debut romance writing mainstream romance.", "Memoir and high interest non-fiction.", "Literary and commercial YA fiction.", "Select middle grade and early reader fiction with strong commercial appeal." ], "not_looking_for": [ "Science fiction and fantasy.", "Prescriptive non-fiction.", "Poetry and screenplays." ] }, { "orden": 2, "image": "rachel-orr-2", "id": "rachel_orr", "social": { }, "name": { "first": "Rachel", "last": "Orr" }, "short_bio": "Prior to joining Prospect Agency in 2007, Rachel worked as an editor at HarperCollins Children's Books, where she had the pleasure of working with such successful novelists as Dan Gutman and Suzanne Williams. Because of her editorial background, Rachel continues to do a lot of hands-on work with her clients before sending their projects out on submission. Rachel loves working with clients who come from diverse backgrounds and have fresh perspectives to offer readers.", "long_bio": "Like most agents, I've always been a reader. When I was a child, reading inside on a beautiful summer day, my parents would tell me to go outside. So I would go outside—and read my book. (Maybe they should have been a little more specific.)
I began my publishing career while I was still a student at Kenyon College, interning for both the Kenyon Review and Highlights for Children magazine. After graduation, I had a short stint as a bookseller in the children's department at Barnes & Noble, and then worked for eight years as an editor at HarperCollins Children's Books. I joined Prospect Agency in 2007, and I continue to edit my clients' work before sending their projects out on submission. My favorite part of my job is the chance to collaborate with such talented authors and illustrators, and to work with them for the duration of their career. I also love working with clients who have more than one idea and are willing to revise.
Since I really value the importance of a personal connection with authors and illustrators, I love meeting potential clients at conferences and through classes. I also really enjoy the opportunity to teach and to share information about the industry. As a result, I love speaking at SCBWI conferences across the country, as well as serving on the faculty of the OCCBWW in Oceanside, Oregon. In addition, I've taught novel-writing classes through both Mediabistro.com and the California State University's Summer Arts program, and I have served as a Mentor Committee Co-Chair for the Rutgers One-on-One Conference for the past seven years.
", "interview": { "who": "Laura Ingalls Wilder", "qa": [{ "question": "I've lived in a number of different places—in the big woods, in a little town, on the prairie, even on the banks of a creek, for goodness sake! Where are some places you have called home?", "answer": "Well, I certainly can't claim to have ever lived on a creek, that's for sure! I was born and bred in Cranberry Township, just north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—and cranberry bogs used to cover the area, though well before my time. I guess you could say that I lived in a small village when I attended Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, and a small town while studying abroad at the University of Exeter in southwest England. After that, I stuck to the big cities: living in London before moving to Hoboken, New Jersey, right across the river from New York City." }, { "question": "Interesting. Well, I've never heard of this "Hoboken" place, but my publisher is in New York City. Harper & Row published my first book, Little House in the Big Woods, in 1932. What does your publishing career look like?", "answer": "I can't claim to have had the publishing success you did, Laura—but I did once write a biography about Abigail Adams. She was a plucky lady; I think you would have really liked her! Coincidently, my book was also published by Harper, in 2009" }, { "question": "Yes, from what I know of Abigail Adams, she was quite a character. Speaking of characters, I like to pepper my novels with many of the interesting people I've met in my life. How do you feel about secondary characters?", "answer": "Oh, I love working with writers who can craft an entire cast of fully fleshed-out characters. In my opinion, any good writer can develop a good protagonist. But it takes a great writer to create great secondary characters—just as you have done." }, { "question": "Why, thank you. And I feel so fortunate that my characters have had the chance to come to life through the illustrations of talented artists such as Helen Sewell and Garth Williams. How do you feel about working with illustrators?", "answer": "I really enjoy working with artists—especially since I can't sketch worth a lick! I'm particularly drawn (pun intended!) to artists who have an interest in writing, and I'm happy to work with them in developing their storytelling. Sometimes I even try to match illustrators with authors whom I represent when sending projects out for submission. In terms of art styles, I like illustrators who are trying something new, yet also have clear influences. In other words, they're doing fresh work, but also have a marketable style." }, { "question": "Lastly, I've been dying to know—can you bake a good hardtack? It's a kind of cracker that we always ate on the prairie, and I can't seem to find any in Trader Joe's.", "answer": "Hmmmm…I have to admit that I never knew exactly what hardtack was, so thanks for clearing that up for me. And, no—I have no idea how to make hardtack, but I can make a killer Chinese stir fry!" }, { "question": "Stir fry? Sounds intriguing. I'll be right over…just as soon as I finish churning this butter!", "answer": "" }] }, "looking_for": [ "Short, punchy picture books (either in prose or rhyme) that are humorous and have a strong marketing hook", "Non-fiction picture books (especially biographies or stories with a historical angle)", "Illustrators for the trade market", "Literary and commercial middle-grade and YA (all time periods and genres)" ], "not_looking_for": [ "Adult books", "Poetry collections (although picture books in rhyme and novels-in-verse are fine)", "YA that is too dark/edgy", "High fantasy (though I do love a good time travel!)", "Illustrators for the educational market" ] }, { "orden": 3, "image": "ann-rose-1", "id": "ann_rose", "social": { }, "name": { "first": "Ann", "last": "Rose" }, "short_bio": "Ann Rose is Prospect Agency's newest agent, but she isn't new to publishing. Over the last few years she has been exploring this field by working and mentoring with literary agents in various capacities. Everything she has experienced from editorial work to the magic of finding the perfect match between author and editor has hardened her resolve to join this wonderful profession. Now she's thrilled to be building her own list and is actively seeking clients ready to grow amazing careers with her. Ann's perfect manuscript is a character driven story that isn't afraid to push boundaries. She loves an unlikeable character — even though she is incredibly likeable herself!", "long_bio": "I'm a California native who now resides in Texas after a stint in Florida. Each place has its pros and cons, but I can say that I left my heart in San Diego and dream of going back one day (although that will probably never happen). My degree is in Communication from San Diego State University, and my resume holds a gamut of jobs from Life Guard to Business Systems Analyst/Portfolio Manager, but books have always been my passion. I'm excited to finally merge my love of literature with my past professional experiences as a literary agent with Prospect. It is my honor to help authors build successful, sustainable careers.
I fell in love with young adult books when my niece asked me to read with her and I remain devoted to YA of all genres. I am looking for characters who aren't afraid to stand up for their convictions and beliefs — whether they fight with their fists or their words. I'm also open to all genres of middle grade, and especially love stories that push the MG boundary by exploring topics that affect middle graders but aren't always broached in stories written for them. In the adult arena, I adore swoony romances, light sci-fi or fantasy, commercial fiction, and heartwarming — or heart wrenching — contemporaries. I'm always looking for unique voices, diverse perspectives, vivid settings, and stories that explore tough topics. Dark and edgy is totally okay too. Above all I'm looking for compelling characters who make me think in new ways, and laugh and cry, hopefully in the same story!
My clients know I'm ready to roll up my sleeves to help create the best books possible, from brainstorming at the idea stage all the way through submissions and beyond. I love attending conferences, and sharing my knowledge of the publishing industry. I am a member of the SCBWI, YARWA and RWA.
", "interview": { "who": "Jace Lightwood-Herondale", "qa": [{ "question": "I like to work out several times a day when I'm not out fitting demons. Is there anything you like to do in your free time?", "answer": "Actually, I was really into CrossFit until it resulted in the need for both shoulder and ankle surgery in the same year. So, basically, I'm looking into starting yoga — I think it might be safer for me! Aside from working out, I (of course) love reading, watching movies, and testing out new recipes." }, { "question": "Throughout the Mortal Instruments series my name seems to change quite a few times. Do you have any nicknames or funny stories about your own name?", "answer": "Well, you would think having a name like Ann Rose, things would be pretty easy. But believe it or not, it seems people still can't get it right. It's always some variation of AnnRose, RoseAnn, or just Rose. Growing up my friends would call me Anna Banana, and truthfully, that might be a simpler choice at this point." }, { "question": "I have runes all over my body, do you have any special body art?", "answer": "I do have one tattoo on my wrist. It's similar in style but not identical to the tattoos of my two best friends from high school. The three of us got them done together, so it's very special to me." }, { "question": "Part of being a Shadowhunter means traveling to places all over the globe. Is there any place you want to visit?", "answer": "It's my dream to go to Europe someday, although I hate riding on planes — portal travel would be far superior. There's so much history and beauty out there and I want to experience as much as I can in person. Oh, and my niece and I have a date in the future to eat pasta in Italy. Yum!" }, { "question": "Now, the most important question of all, what do you think of my six pack?", "answer": "Come on Jace, you don't need me to tell you you're good looking." }] }, "looking_for": [ "YA of all genres", "MG of all genres, especially ones that push the boundaries of middle grade", "Swoony romances", "Light sci-fi or fantasy", "Commercial fiction", "Heartwarming (or heart wrenching) contemporaries", "I'm always looking for unique voices, diverse perspectives, vivid settings, and stories that explore tough topics. Give me your dark and edgy stories with unlikeable characters." ], "not_looking_for": [ "Horror (I don't love all the blood and guts stuff)", "Erotica", "Non-fiction", "Picture Books", "Poetry", "Screenplays", "Stories that start with a character waking up" ] }, { "orden": 4, "image": "tina-shen-1", "id": "tina_shen", "social": { }, "name": { "first": "Tina", "last": "Shen" }, "short_bio": "Tina Shen is proud to represent foreign rights for Prospect Agency. Raised in Shanghai, Tina lived briefly in New Yorker before settling down in New Jersey. Books have always been her best friends. She enjoyed writing and literature throughout her school years, and eventually got BA in Chinese Literature from Fudan University. Prior to joining Prospect Agency in 2018, she worked as teacher, editor and translator. Tina fully embraces cultural diversity and is excited to help Prospect titles find worldwide readership.", "long_bio": "Born and raised in Shanghai, a damp city of skyscrapers and sycamore trees, I loved reading and writing during my school years. A second hand bookstore beneath an overpass near my home was my secret garden. I majored in Chinese literature at Fudan University where I devoured east Asian novels and poetry from ancient classics to contemporary hits. I also attended an exchange program of cross-culture study at Hong Kong Baptist University where I expanded my literary universe. After graduation, I proudly became a Chinese teacher in a top middle school in Shanghai and started inspiring the younger generation to develop their interests in reading, just like myself. After relocating to the United States with my husband, I worked as an editor and a translator in New York. I joined Prospect Agency in 2018 with the goal of applying my love of books and international perspective to foreign rights. I work with Prospect's domestic agents and overseas publishers to develop a strategic and long-term plan for each author. I oversee the whole process of foreign rights sales from negotiating contracts to monitoring payments and everything in between. I take great pride in every title I sell from bestsellers to debut novels with strong foreign rights potential. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with family, especially reading and "acting out" picture books with my one-year-old girl in her book corner!
", "interview": { "who": "Confucious", "qa": [{ "question": "To expound my beliefs and philosophy, I spent decades touring country after country. What is your most indelible experience while traveling?", "answer": "I absolutely love Hong Kong, especially the Mong Kok neighborhood where narrow streets hide independent "upstairs bookstores" tucked away in residential buildings. When I was an exchange student there, I loved to visit these places where I bought many of the books I still treasure today. On one of my visits to a favorite store, they accidentally gave me a different shopping bag than usual. One side listed the Hong Kong address but the other side had a Canadian address. During a time of political uncertainty in Hong Kong, I guessed the shop owner was part of the wave of people who had decided to relocate to another country. I wondered what it might be like, to uproot oneself and rewrite the future. I kept the bag over the years as I too embarked on the immigrant's journey, having left precious things behind, reaching for a new life." }, { "question": "I travelled to convince the emperors that my principles apply to all kingdoms. As a foreign rights agent, do you think books with different cultural background can fit for all foreign markets?", "answer": "People are always touched by common values and emotions, like love and justice. However, some themes might resonate strongly in both eastern and western cultures while others might not cross cultural boundaries as well. My job as an agent is to study these differences and target the right markets for my authors." }, { "question": "Interesting! Would you recommend I publish my works worldwide?", "answer": "Yes, your wise quotes would be a gift to any reader. Be sure to find a publisher who can offer you a great translator and marketable covers! May I also highly recommend you consider writing novels or an autobiography based on your legendary experiences? Those would be a bit hit all over the world!" }, { "question": "Other than writing, editing and lobbying, I am also a teacher and really have fun with it. What would you do if you were not doing foreign rights?", "answer": "Maybe working as an illustrator? I love drawing for my daughter and I often find myself visualizing scenes from novels as I read." }] }, "looking_for": [ ], "not_looking_for": [ ] } , { "orden": 5, "image": "emma-sector", "id": "emma_sector", "social": { }, "name": { "first": "Emma", "last": "Sector" }, "short_bio": "Emma started her career with Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, where she worked in the marketing department before joining the Aladdin editorial team. After leaving S&S, she continued to do editorial work on a freelance basis and become acquainted, as a publicist, with the bookstore landscape. Having approached publishing from so many different angles, Emma has developed a comprehensive view of the children's literature market, as well as an appreciation of all the hard work it takes to get a book from author to reader. She is looking to create long lasting relationships with authors, working with them to polish their work and find the right editorial match.", "long_bio": "Reading has always been a certain kind of magic for me. As a kid, I was sure I could make things move with my mind like Matilda and I waited patiently for my Hogwarts letter to arrive when I turned eleven. As an adult, I've shifted my magical studies a bit. Now I help these wonderful things we call books come into the world, and it's almost as amazing as moving things with my mind.
I majored in English at the University of Vermont and moved to New York City just a week after I graduated for my first job in publishing, an internship in Hachette's advertising and promotions department. When the summer was over, I knew I had found my people. I worked for Simon & Schuster's Children's Division for the next six years, first in marketing and later in editorial. Then I moved west to California in 2017 where I was a freelance editor while working as a publicist for an independent bookstore.
Now, as a children's book agent with Prospect, I use all my past publishing experiences to help new authors and illustrators develop their work and find their editorial match.
I'm open to middle-grade and YA of all types, but I'm especially drawn to fantasy adventure, magical realism, and historical fiction. I love picture books with big ideas and few words and chapter books with quirky, vibrant characters.
", "interview": { "who": "Louisa May Alcott", "qa": [{ "question": "My most famous work, Little Women, is about the four March sisters, and I was one of four sisters myself. Do you have sisters too?", "answer": "Technically, I only have an older brother. But I do have three best friends that I've known since I was very young and I think of them as my sisters. Like the March women, we're all very different and support each other in different ways, even when we're worlds apart." }, { "question": "Growing up, I was taught by Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. They helped inspire my love of reading and writing. Who inspired your own passion for words?", "answer": "That credit must go to my mother. An avid reader herself, she always encouraged my love of reading. In fact, she gave me a copy of Little Women for my eleventh birthday and it's still one of my favorite books." }, { "question": "Well, thank you! Which character do you most identify with? Are you a writer like Jo? A painter like Amy?", "answer": "When I was younger, I wanted to be just like Jo. I loved her spirit, sense of adventure, and creativity. Now I wish I could represent both Jo and Amy. I think Amy's obsession with noses would make for a really funny picture book and I'd love to see what kind of middle grade adventure Jo could whip up." }, { "question": "I've used a couple of different pen names over my career, including A.M. Barnard and Flora Fairfield. What pen name would you choose?", "answer": "Well, my middle name is George and I always thought it would make a cool first name. So I think I'd use the name E. S. George." }, { "question": "I was the first woman to register to vote in Concord, Massachusetts. Are you registered?", "answer": "Of course, Louisa! Thanks for paving the way!" }] }, "looking_for": [ "Quirky, character driven chapter books", "Literary and commercial middle-grade and YA Novels", "Picture book authors and illustrators", "Middle-grade graphic novels", "Nonfiction middle-grade" ], "not_looking_for": [ "Adult novels", "Poetry collections", "Erotica" ] } , { "orden": 6, "image": "charlotte-wenger", "id": "charlotte_wenger", "social": { }, "name": { "first": "Charlotte", "last": "Wenger" }, "short_bio": "Born and raised in Pennsylvania and Virginia, Charlotte grew up with a bookish, editorial mind but was first drawn to publishing work in college. She then worked for a publishing services company in Philadelphia until shipping up to Boston to earn her MA in Children's Literature from Simmons. After gaining editorial, sales, and agency experience, she became an associate editor for Page Street Kids, where she loved working with debut talent and building relationships with authors and illustrators. She brings the same mindset to agenting, valuing the developmental and relational work that goes into creating successful stories and fostering long-lasting collaborations.", "long_bio": "Although my parents didn't intentionally name me after Charlotte A. Cavatica, as a child, I imagined that my white semicircle headboard transformed into a spider’s web at night. From a young age, I was aware of the impact of words and a well-crafted story. Now I’m delighted to work with clients to weave book webs that leave their mark on readers.
I honed my love of stories by getting a BA in English and theatre from Eastern Mennonite University. After graduating, I worked as a project manager and editor for Scribe, a Philadelphia-based publishing services company, for three years. To follow my passion for books and children, I moved to Boston to earn a master’s in Children’s Literature from Simmons College (now University). I interned at Charlesbridge (editorial) and Candlewick (sales), and after grad school, I interned with literary agent Rubin Pfeffer for a year. Prior to joining Prospect Agency, I was an associate editor for just over two years with Page Street Kids, where I acquired and edited more than twenty picture books and grew relationships with authors, illustrators, agents, and other editors.
As an agent, I enjoy the editorial work and the relationship building; so I love attending conferences and leading workshops. I've mentored Simmons MFA students and also serve on the national advisory board of the Mazza Museum, the world's largest collection of original children's book art, in Findlay, Ohio.
I'm interested in working with authors and illustrators of children's books—board books through YA, but especially picture books—as well as adult nonfiction, particularly biographies and memoirs.
", "interview": { "who": "Margaret Wise Brown", "qa": [{ "question": "I've written more than a hundred books, but one of my best-known stories is about a runaway bunny. Did you ever try to run away from home?", "answer": "I love that book! I wrote a paper about it in college. But I digress… Yes, as a child, I did once "run away" for an afternoon when I was angry with my parents; but I didn't go far. I just hid in the big evergreens that surrounded our yard, and I'm pretty sure my parents knew where I was. I was home by dusk." }, { "question": "I love a good adventure, and the world is so wide! Have you had the pleasure of any particularly memorable travels?", "answer": "I have! The trip that was probably most formative for me was spending a semester in college in South Africa and Lesotho. We stayed with host families, visited schools and museums, and learned about the historical and ongoing impacts of apartheid. It was certainly a life-changing adventure!" }, { "question": "Before I tried my hand at writing, I went to college in Virginia and was a children's book editor in New York City. I understand that we might have some things in common?", "answer": "Yes, I went to college in Virginia less than two hours from where you did! I actually grew up in Virginia; so the Shenandoah Valley holds a special place in my heart. And while I also used to be a children's book editor, I worked in the Boston area, not NYC. I do enjoy going down to New York for visits, though." }, { "question": "I believe that good picture books have melodies behind their stories. How do you feel about music?", "answer": "I absolutely love music, and it's always been a big part of my life. I grew up singing around the house and at family gatherings. I was in choirs from elementary school through college, and I took piano and voice lessons. I've taught myself how to play the mountain dulcimer and ukulele, and in high school and college, I did musical theatre. You can often find me whistling while I work or randomly breaking into song." }, { "question": "Even though I write books for little ones, I don't particularly like children. Do you have an affinity for them?", "answer": "Kids are definitely important to me. I've always naturally connected with them, and I started babysitting when I was 13. I took a developmental psychology class in college and nannied all through grad school. Children are such an influential part of my work. They inspire me to want to be a part of making high-quality books for them. I love reading with kids, seeing the power of a good book and what draws children in and appeals to their curious minds." }] }, "looking_for": [ "Picture books", "Board books", "Adult nonfiction", "Biographies and memoirs" ], "not_looking_for": [ "Adult novels" ] } , { "orden": 7, "image": "mikaila-rushing", "id": "mikaila_rushing", "social": { }, "name": { "first": "Mikaila", "last": "Rushing" }, "short_bio": "Mikaila Rushing is an intern at Prospect Agency. A longtime lover of books and storytelling, Mikaila can often be found lost in rich fantasy worlds full of fun and diverse characters. She holds degrees in Creative Writing and Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and is a member of the Society for Children's Books Writers and Illustrators. She has particular love of children's literature, coffee, and old architecture.", "long_bio": "", "interview": { "who": "", "qa": [] }, "looking_for": [], "not_looking_for": [] } ] }