Lit Match

"You can't really pick what you're going to represent or what you're going to pitch based on  what people are excited about today. You need to be thinking about what's going to be happening three years from now or four years from now.”  – Emmy Nordstrom Higdon, Westwood Creative Artists 

Abigail K. Perry sits down with Emmy Nordstrom Higdon to discuss their career shift from a bookseller to a literary agent—and why both taught them how to predict the market. They also share their love for books by underrepresented authors in traditional publishing, especially identity-driven stories in upmarket and literary fiction and nonfiction across all ages.   

Emmy loves weird, bizarre books and wants more of those in their inbox. Emmy talks about FOLD and why the focus of this festival is literary diversity, and how they try to lift up books that are unrightly marginalized by barriers in traditional publishing. 

Emmy also shares the two main questions they ask authors that they are interested in representing, and what they consider when they put a book out on submission.  

About Emmy: 

Emmy holds a PhD in justice-oriented social work with a focus on critical animal studies from McMaster University, with additional peer-reviewed publications in public health and psychology. They even studied professional circus arts in a former life, but fell in love with the publishing industry while working as an indie bookseller at Another Story. 

Emmy brings a deep appreciation and unique perspective to their work as an agent. They are a member of the planning team for FOLD, the Festival of Literary Diversity. Emmy is a queer, trans, non-binary colonizer originally from (Newfoundland), and lives with their partner, a Deaf Dalmatian, and two formerly feral Maine coon cats. 

Emmy primarily represents authors of upmarket fiction and narrative nonfiction, across age ranges. They specialize in identity-driven stories based on lived experience, particularly from LGBTQ2S+ and disabled or chronically ill authors.

They prioritize queries from trans and/or non-binary, Black and/or BIPOC, and/or disabled authors. Their clients can be found on social media as the #SpineSquad.

Emmy’s MSWL:

Fiction: Children's, Commercial, Crime, Family Saga, General, Graphic Novel, Horror, LGBTQ, Literary, Middle Grade, Mystery, Picture Books, Romance, Thriller, Women’s Fiction, Young Adul

Non-Fiction: Journalism, LGBTQ, Psychology, Science, True Crime (currently only accepting non-fiction queries from authors traditionally under-represented in publishing)

Favorite sub-genres: Diversity, Feminism, Gothic Horror, Narrative Nonfiction, Psychological Thrillers, Social Issues 

Find us: 

Twitter: @abigailkperry @emmy_of_spines

Instagram: @abigailkperry 

Website: www.abigailkperry.com  | https://wcaltd.com/emmy-nordstrom-higdon/ 

Read the books discussed in this episode:

BUNNY

SATELLITE LOVE

GINGERBREAD

ON THE COME UP

"I think it's really just  grounding your reader in the story, making sure that they are right up front aware of who this character is or what they  want and what their goal is, you want to make sure you're grounded in the character and even a little bit of the world, too, so you know where your character is coming from, and then obviously use that to make a reader laugh or cry or pull at their heartstrings.” – Tara Gilbert, Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency 

Abigail K. Perry sits down with Tara Gilbert to discuss the difference between Middle Grade and Young Adult novels and graphic novels, her love for character-driven stories with character arcs that touch a reader’s emotions, her MSWL, and other invaluable publishing and writing insights.     

Tara also gives an inside scoop about the types of sub-genres she enjoys reading, examples from some of her favorite books and authors (which would be great comps for her!), and her special interest in books about groups of people. 

About Tara:

Tara joined The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency as an Associate Literary Agent in 2020. She has been a part of the publishing industry since 2017, previously working as an Associate Agent at Corvisiero Literary Agency and as an intern with Entangled Publishing. Tara spent over a decade learning the art of negotiation as a staffing professional in the aerospace industry before finding her passion as a literary agent. When Tara isn't reading manuscripts and working with her clients, she is usually caught wandering around Portland with her partner or loving on her fur-babies.

Tara’s MSWL:

​Middle-Grade (ages 9-13)

Young Adult (ages 14-19)

Adult Fiction

 Artists/Illustrators

 Non-Fiction

 Find us: 

Twitter: @abigailkperry @Literary_Tara

Instagram: @abigailkperry @literary.tara

Website: www.abigailkperry.com  | www.taragilbert.com  

Books discussed in the episode:

THE RAVEN’S CYCLE

SIX OF CROWS

THE SECRET OF THE RAVENS

SUMMER SONS

THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA

UNDER THE WHISPERING DOOR

V. E. SCHWAB BOOKS

TRULY DEVIOUS

"Stories are what get us through, stories are how humans have encouraged one another to survive the dark times and given pointers about how to survive the dark times.” – Paula Munier, Talcott Notch Literary 

Abigail K. Perry sits down with Paula Munier to discuss her manuscript wishlist and valuable publishing insights, some including: what’s selling in the 2022 market, why there’s no such thing as an original story (and how to make your story unique), how to identify and capitalize on the selling points of a story, how to pitch a book, the kind of stories all people want, and the best thing you can do to make your story better—and sell it. 

About Paula:

Paula Munier is a senior literary agent and the USA TODAY bestselling author of the Mercy Carr mysteries. 

A Borrowing of Bones, the first in the series, was nominated for the Mary Higgins Clark Award and named the Dogwise Book of the Year. Blind Search was inspired by the real-life rescue of a little boy with autism who got lost in the woods. The Hiding Place debuted in March, 2021.

Her latest Mercy Carr mystery, The Wedding Plot, releases July 19, 2022 through Minotaur Books.

Paula credits the hero dogs of Mission K9 Rescue, her own rescue dogs, and a deep love of New England as her series’ major influences.

Paula has also written three popular books on writing: Plot Perfect, The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings, and Writing with Quiet Hands, as well as Fixing Freddie and Happier Every Day. 

She lives in New England with her family and Bear the Newfoundland-retriever rescue, Bliss the Great Pyrenees-Australian cattle dog rescue, pandemic puppy Blondie, a Malinois rescue (much like Elvis in her books), and Ursula The Cat, a rescue torbie tabby who does not think much of the dogs.

Paula’s MSWL:

Paula is closed to Unsolicited queries.

Find us: 

Twitter: @abigailkperry @PaulaSMunier

Instagram: @abigailkperry @paulasmunier

Website: www.abigailkperry.com  | https://paulamunier.com 

Read the books discussed in this episode:

THE MERCY CARR SERIES

GONE GIRL

EAT, PRAY, LOVE

ALICE HOFFMAN

Abigail K. Perry takes an in-depth look at READ UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND by Farah Jasmine Griffin. 

In this special BONUS episode, Abigail uses the five commandments to analyze the structure in the first scene, and seven key questions every reader can use to determine if the first chapter will hook its readers.  

READ UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND is a great example of how to start a memoir that blends  other elements of nonfiction books like history and art. 

The goal of these bonus episodes is to provide writers with tools and examples to help them craft the best first chapters for their book before querying a literary agent. 

THE CHANDLER LEGACIES FIRST CHAPTER ANALYSIS (DOWNLOAD COMING SOON!):

The Five Commandments: Scene Structure 

7 Key First Chapter Questions (Beyond Structure): *taken from THE WRITER'S GUIDE TO BEGINNINGS by Paula Munier*

About Jasmine Griffin Jr.:

Farah Jasmine Griffin is the William B. Ransford Professor of English and Comparative Literature and African American Studies at Columbia University, where she also served as the inaugural Chair of the African American and African Diaspora Studies. Professor Griffin received her B.A. in History & Literature from Harvard and her Ph.D. in American Studies from Yale. She is the author or editor of eight books including Who Set You Flowin?: The African American Migration Narrative (Oxford, 1995), If You Can’t Be Free, Be a Mystery: In Search of Billie Holiday (Free Press, 2001), and Harlem Nocturne: Women Artists and Progressive Politics During World War II (Basic Books, 2013).

THE CHANDLER LEGACIES Blurb:

Farah Jasmine Griffin has taken to her heart the phrase "read until you understand," a line her father, who died when she was nine, wrote in a note to her. She has made it central to this book about love of the majestic power of words and love of the magnificence of Black life.

Griffin has spent years rooted in the culture of Black genius and the legacy of books that her father left her. A beloved professor, she has devoted herself to passing these works and their wisdom on to generations of students.

Here, she shares a lifetime of discoveries: the ideas that inspired the stunning oratory of Frederick Douglass and Malcolm X, the soulful music of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, the daring literature of Phillis Wheatley and Toni Morrison, the inventive artistry of Romare Bearden, and many more. Exploring these works through such themes as justice, rage, self-determination, beauty, joy, and mercy allows her to move from her aunt’s love of yellow roses to Gil Scott-Heron’s "Winter in America."

Griffin entwines memoir, history, and art while she keeps her finger on the pulse of the present, asking us to grapple with the continuing struggle for Black freedom and the ongoing project that is American democracy. She challenges us to reckon with our commitment to all the nation’s inhabitants and our responsibilities to all humanity.

Find us on our socials: 

Twitter: @abigailkperry | @FJasmineG

Instagram: @abigailkperry | @farahjgriffinbooks

Website: www.abigailkperry.com | www.farahjasminegriffin.com   

Read the books discussed in this episode:

READ UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND

THE WRITER’S GUIDE TO BEGINNINGS

"If you don't know how to write characters that  have problems and issues and you're actually not writing any human that's realistic, cause we're all at fault at some point, and you should always take that into consideration.” – Katie Shea Boutillier, Donald Maass Literary Agency 

Abigail K. Perry sits down with Katie Shea Boutillier to discuss her manuscript wishlist and other publishing insights, like: the importance of audio rights and how, as Rights Director, she sells them for clients, when a book works better as YA or Adult, why Katie loves imperfect characters and big hooks (with examples), and how an author can define and develop their voice.    

Katie especially loves coming-of-age fiction and contemporary realistic for adults and young adults. She shares several examples of books that model her tastes, all of which are linked below.

About Katie:

Katie Shea Boutillier has been a literary agent at the Donald Maass Literary Agency since 2011. In addition to advocating for her clients, she is the agency’s Rights Director handling translation, audio and selected film/TV rights. 

Katie has a soft spot for coming-of-age fiction. She loves books that present big hooks, imperfect characters, and strong voices. Katie is committed to help achieve her clients’ long-term career goals. She lives in the Jersey suburbs with her family. 

Katie was closed to queries from July 2021 to March 28, 2022—and she is now OPEN to queries! If you queried Katie during that time frame, it was deleted. Please make sure to re-query her!

Katie’s MSWL:

Special Interest In:

Find us on/at: 

Twitter: @abigailkperry @AgentShea

Instagram: @abigailkperry @ksboutillier

Website: www.abigailkperry.com  | http://maassagency.com/katie-shea/

Read the books discussed in this episode:

RED, WHITE, AND ROYAL BLUE

ROOM

BEST DAY EVER 

I DON’T FORGIVE YOU

THE ROUGHEST DRAFT 

WE ARE THE ANTS

HORROR HOTEL 

HOWL

ALL THE DIRTY SECRETS 

MONARCH RISING 

THE SECRETS OF CEDAR FARMS

"Every time you pick up a good book, you enter someone else's mind, you see the world through their lens. And that's deeply exciting for me. I also think it allows for empathy, and empathy and kindness are the core components of a successful civilization.” – Tanya McKinnon, McKinnon Literary Agency 

Abigail K. Perry sits down with Tanya McKinnon to discuss her career and expertise with serious nonfiction, literary fiction, children’s books, and graphic novels. They discuss how books work as vehicles to understanding human motivation, and why they encourage us to become empathetic. 

Tanya also shares why she pushes her clients with a rigorous in-house editorial process before going to market. She talks about how she fights for her clients, why serious nonfiction isn’t as different from fiction as some people think, and what literary fiction allows readers to do in comparison to plot-driven fiction.  

Tanya is looking for books that push her beyond the boundaries of where she currently is. She has a special interest in multicultural and African-American work, and work about the American experience. She believes that women of all races are central to these stories.   

About Tanya:

Tanya McKinnon is the principal literary agent and founder of McKinnon Literary Agency. Since establishing the agency in 2014, she has seen the publication of numerous New York Times bestsellers as well as numerous award winners and commercial successes.

Tanya has worked various roles in publishing, including time as an editor, which deepened her love of accessible idea-driven nonfiction with the power to transform culture. Tanya’s various sides of the industry have led her to view the agent-author relationship holistically, and she works closely with clients as an editorial agent. 

Tanya has an MA in cultural anthropology and teaches a course on writing for children in the Publishing Certificate Program at City College. 

Tanya’s MSWL:

Special Interests:

Find us: 

Twitter: @abigailkperry @TanyaMcKinnon1

Instagram: @abigailkperry @tanyamckinnon

Website: www.abigailkperry.com  | www.mckinnonliterary.com

Read the books discussed in this episode:

THE SHOCK DOCTRINE 

DAD BAKES

THE ME I CHOOSE TO BE

READ UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND

“I'm rooting for Beth, as she prepares to submit her essay for consideration...There's this sense of, I may be insecure, but at the same time reminding yourself that you have value and you have worth…and can stand up for yourself.” – Abigail K. Perry on the first chapter in THE CHANDLER LEGACIES by Abdi Nazemian

Abigail K. Perry takes an in-depth look at THE CHANDLER LEGACIES by Abdi Nazemian, a YA book and author represented by literary agent John Cusick. 

In this special BONUS episode, Abigail uses the five commandments to analyze the structure in the first scene, and seven key questions every reader can use to determine if the first chapter will hook its readers.  

THE CHANDLER LEGACIES is a great example of how to start a YA fiction book, and why YA fiction is about more than the life of a teenager (even though it’s about this, too!). 

The goal of these bonus episodes is to provide writers with tools and examples to help them craft the best first chapters for their book before querying a literary agent. 

THE CHANDLER LEGACIES FIRST CHAPTER ANALYSIS (DOWNLOAD COMING SOON!)

About Abdi Nazemian:

Abdi’s first novel, THE WALK-IN CLOSET, was awarded Best Debut at the Lambda Literary Awards. He has written three young adult novels, all published by Balzer + Bray / HarperCollins: THE AUTHENTICS (2017), LIKE A LOVE STORY (2019), and THE CHANDLER LEGACIES (2022). LIKE A LOVE STORY won a Stonewall Honor and was chosen by Time Magazine as one of the 100 best young adult books of all time. Learn more about Abdi here.  

THE CHANDLER LEGACIES Blurb:

Beth Kramer is a “townie” who returns to her sophomore year after having endured a year of tension with her roommate, Sarah.

But Sarah Brunson knows there’s more to that story.

Amanda Priya “Spence” Spencer is the privileged daughter of NYC elites, who is reeling from the realization that her family name shielded her from the same fate as Sarah.

Ramin Golafshar arrives at Chandler as a transfer student to escape the dangers of being gay in Iran, only to suffer brutal hazing under the guise of tradition in the boys’ dorms.

And Freddy Bello is the senior who’s no longer sure of his future but knows he has to stand up to his friends after what happened to Ramin.

At Chandler, the elite boarding school, these five teens are brought together in the Circle, a coveted writing group where life-changing friendships are born—and secrets are revealed. Their professor tells them to write their truths. But is the truth enough to change the long-standing culture of abuse at Chandler? And can their friendship survive the fallout?

Find us on our socials: 

Twitter: @abigailkperry | @Abdaddy

Instagram: @abigailkperry | @abdaddy

Website: www.abigailkperry.com | www.abdinazemian.com 

Read the books discussed in this episode:

THE CHANDLER LEGACIES

Represented by John Cusick 

THE WRITER’S GUIDE TO BEGINNINGS

“Without any kind of moralizing or didacticism, I think that what kidlit provides is a space for young people to grow their own sense of themselves and their role in their community and their role in the world.” – John Cusick, Folio Literary Management

Abigail K. Perry sits down with John Cusick to discuss his love for kidlit. John shares how he got into agenting and why his role differs from an editor’s role. He also discusses what makes a manuscript stand out at the query and commercial level, and uses examples to model what the typical author-agent relationship looks like as they bring a book together. 

John specializes in books for young readers, and reveals the expectations and restrictions of these books—and why they are more than “a book about a teenager.” John brings a special level of passion, mentorship, and sophistication to the agenting role, and encourages writers to view writing as a blend of passion and business. 

John wants to see authors push boundaries and make readers feel something, and believes kidlit gives young readers a space to grow and can make big impacts on lives. 

About John:

John Cusick is the Senior Vice President and a literary agent at Folio Literary Management. He represents a diverse list of award winners and New York Times bestsellers, and his focus is middle grade and young adult novels, as well as genre fiction (sci-fi, fantasy, thriller, horror) in the YA-adult crossover space.

John graduated Wesleyan University in 2007 with a double major in English and Russian Literature. After working as a freelance writer, bookseller, dog walker, cashier, and radio host, he became a literary agent’s assistant and quickly began building his own list. Around the same time John also became an author. His published books include the young adult novels, Girl Parts and Cherry Money Baby, and his middle-grade novel, Dimension Why.

John brings both a creative and commercial sensibility to his agenting style. He is an editorial agent who works closely with his clients, whether it’s developing a debut project or helping a seasoned author take that next step. John's goal is to match writers with their dream editor, secure the best deals possible, facilitate the exploitation of dramatic (film and TV) rights in his clients’ work, and grow authors’ readership over long careers.

John is passionate about helping clients achieve their full potential, and is looking for dedicated, original, fervent, and visionary creators with unique voices that push boundaries.

John’s MSWL:

GENRES

 DRAWN TO

Find us on our socials: 

Twitter: @abigailkperry @@johnmcusick

Instagram: @abigailkperry @johnmcusick

Website: www.abigailkperry.com  | https://www.foliolit.com/agent/john-cusick 

Read the books discussed in this episode:

DUMPLIN’

ASH PRINCESS

GORGEOUS GRUESOME FACES

GIRL PARTS

CHERRY MONEY BABY

DIMENSION WHY 

“Regardless of what POV you choose, a strong voice is necessary for great books, and it’s not uncommon for an agent or editor to pass on a story that lacks a defining voice, or embrace one that is exceptional. ” – Abigail K. Perry on the first chapter in TAKE IT BACK by Kia Abdullah 

Abigail K. Perry takes an in-depth look at TAKE IT BACK by Kia Abdullah, a book and author represented by literary agent Jessica Faust. 

Next to a query letter, the most important pages a writer needs to master in order to hook a literary agent are their first pages and first chapter. These set the expectations for the book and the quality of the writing and storytelling.

Kia Abdullah is a wildly talented writer and storyteller, which Abigail attests through her analysis of the first pages and chapter of TAKE IT BACK. (Spoiler alert: the whole book is suspenseful and great!) 

In this special BONUS episode, Abigail uses a scene analysis template and seven key first chapter questions every reader can use to determine the quality of a first chapter. She uses TAKE IT BACK as an example, and plans to provide this analysis in a download SOON. 

The goal of these bonus episodes is to provide writers with tools and examples to help them better the first chapters of their books before querying a literary agent. 

TAKE IT BACK FIRST CHAPTER ANALYSIS (DOWNLOAD COMING SOON!):

About Kia Abdullah:

Kia Abdullah is an author and travel writer from London. Her novels include Take It Back, a Guardian and Telegraph thriller of the year, Truth Be Told, which was shortlisted for a Diverse Book Award, and Next of Kin, Times Book of the Month Sep 2021.

Kia has written for The New York Times, The Guardian, The Financial Times, The Times, The Telegraph and the BBC, and has received a JB Priestley Award for Writers of Promise (Royal Literary Fund, 2020). She is also the founder of Asian Booklist, a nonprofit that advocates for diversity in publishing.

Take It Back Blurb:

The victim: A sixteen-year-old girl with facial deformities who accuses four boys of something unthinkable.

The defendants: Four handsome teenage boys from hard-working immigrant families, all with corroborating stories.

Whose side will you take?

Former barrister Zara Kaleel, one of London’s brightest young legal minds, takes up Jodie Wolfe’s case; she believes her, even if those closest to Jodie do not. Together they enter the most explosive criminal trial of the year in which ugly divisions within British society are exposed. As everything around Zara begins to unravel, she grows even more determined to get justice for Jodie. But at what cost?

Find us on our socials: 

Twitter: @abigailkperry | @KiaAbdullah

Instagram: @abigailkperry | @KiaAbdullah

Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.kiaabdullah.com 

Read the books discussed in this episode:

TAKE IT BACK (Represented by Jessica Faust)
THE WRITER’S GUIDE TO BEGINNINGS 

Other Resources:

Scenes vs. Chapters Article by Savannah Gilbo

Fiction Writing Made Easy with Savannah Gilbo

“Authors who are marginalized are writing to a marginalized audience. And I think it's time that they be given the voice to write to all audiences. I'm really making it a mission to do that.” – Jessica Faust, Principal Literary Agent and Founder of BookEnds Literary 

Abigail K. Perry sits down with Jessica Faust to talk about her mission to bring more marginalized voices into publishing. She also shares her goals as a leader, including how she mentors the team at BookEnds so that they can continue to make real change in publishing. 

Jessica’s MSWL leans heavily towards Upmarket and Women’s Fiction these days, although she has a variety of genres she’s interested in (see below). On the craft of writing, Jessica discusses why every book needs a plot twist—but not in the way every writer thinks. 

Additionally, Jessica emphasizes how the author-agent relationship is a business partnership, and that communication is key to a long-lasting career. She sheds light on what success means to different authors, how she helps her clients and agents define and gain their definition of success, and why some of her proudest moments in agenting aren’t bestsellers, but authors she’s helped build a sustainable career in writing.   

About Jessica:

As owner and President at BookEnds, Jessica Faust is honored to spend every day with some of the most talented authors and agents in the business. From BookEnds’ inception in 1999, Jessica has always believed that her number one job is to be an author advocate. As BookEnds has grown, she now adds agent advocate to that responsibility.

In addition to constantly growing BookEnds in new and innovative directions, Jessica represents many bestselling and award-winning authors. Her focus is on bringing more underrepresented and marginalized voices into publishing and her areas of expertise include mystery, suspense, upmarket, literary, and women's fiction. In nonfiction, she’s seeking books and authors who will make her a better person and a better leader. 

Jessica began her career as an acquisitions editor at Berkley Publishing, Macmillan, and Wiley. In addition to nearly 15 years of blogging, Jessica has a regular role on the BookEnds YouTube channel, has taught at New York University's Continuing Education Program, written a publishing column, and has been honored by a number of different publishing organizations. Jessica hosts workshops and speaking engagements throughout the world and is a member of AALA.

Jessica’s MSWL:

Fiction: Historical, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Women’s Fiction, Young Adult

Favorite sub-genres: Business, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary YA, Cozy Mystery, Domestic Suspense, Magical Realism, Psychological Thrillers, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Upmarket Women's Fiction, historical mystery, historical romance

Find us on our socials: 

Twitter: @abigailkperry @BookEndsJessica

Instagram: @abigailkperry @jfaust_bookends 

YouTube: BookEnds Literary

Website: www.abigailkperry.com | bookendsliterary.com/myauthors/jessica-faust/ 

Read the books discussed in this episode:

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER

MIDNIGHT AT THE BLACKBIRD CAFE

THIN ICE

LEAVING TIME

TAKE IT BACK 

FIREFLY LANE

THE PUSH 

PROFESSIONAL TROUBLEMAKER