[A Conversation with Rita Rosenkranz]

This week's Worthy Writer episode features an interview with literary agent, Rita Rosenkranz. The Rita Rosenkranz Literary Agency is a well-established boutique agency representing almost exclusively adult non-fiction titles in a wide-ranging list of categories. Representing both first-time and seasoned authors, Rita looks for projects that present familiar subjects freshly or lesser-known subjects commercially. Rita works with major publishing houses, as well as regional publishers that handle a variety of niche markets. Representative titles include A MIND FOR NUMBERS: How to Excel at Science and Math even if You Flunked Algebra by Barbara Oakley; PAUSE. BREATHE. CHOOSE: Be the CEO of Your Well-Being by Naz Beheshti; HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH ANYONE, ANYWHERE: Your Passport to Connecting Globally by Raul Sanchez and Dan Bullock.Here are some of the topics we discussed on this episode. Be sure to listen in to get all the juicy information that Rita shared. If you have ever considered going traditional, you will want to hear every word.How do first time authors pursue traditional publishing for their adult nonfiction books? Agents troubleshoot each step of the wayAuthors must be a marketerWill agents work with first time authors? YES!Advice on when to consider a traditional dealHow to pitch an agent:* In person pitches vs. query letter* Be succinct, compelling, and clear either way* Include genre, length, how paired for topic (best source on the topic)* Show how it is different and better—tough because there is so much out there* Author is front and center—google yourselfStart with a query. Rita says she will ask to see proposal if she's interested. She is agile and responds quickly. Where are you with other agents and publishers? Has this been seen by others? What are your expectations? Let's manage those. Rita is very transparent with her pitches to publishers. Material needs to be refined before it is pitched.How do traditional authors get paid—the reality.* Advances, royalties, earning out your advance, etc.* When it earns out, that is a success; the audience showed up to support the book* Typical payouts 2xyear (May/June; Oct/Dec)Changes in Publishing Due to the Pandemic:* Supply chain problem with paper supply—could impact whether longer word counts may be negotiated to save paper* eBook spike during Covid—book publishing did well* Audio is an enduring format* TikTok and Instagram leading to book ideas. May change quicklyGood Habits for Authors Going Traditional* Fire in the belly* Respect the team's involvement* Good behavior counts* Be patient, there is often not instant gratification. Gentle inquiries go a long way* Figure out fresh ways to market* Always carry a copy of your book with youReach Out to Rita:* Open door policy. Let them know you heard of her on Write Something Worthy* Welcomes contact from our listeners* Visit www.RitaRosenkranzLiteraryAgency.comIf you’d like to share your thoughts:* Leave a note in the comment section below* Submit questions to [email protected]* Join our Worthy Tribe to have affirmations and episode drops sent to you: https://WriteSomethingWorthy.com/Alerts* Share this show on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or