Questions to Ask a Prospective Agent's Clients

Literary Agents Jessica and James sat down to discuss not only the importance of speaking with a prospective agent's clients, but also to provide a checklist of topics/questions you should be asking. We hope this is helpful!
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Jessica Faust’s love for books is what first brought her to open BookEnds Literary Agency. It is her desire to be an advocate for all authors that pushed her to create her blog, the BookEnds KZbin channel and to maintain a vibrant presence on Twitter.
Jessica is proud to have grown BookEnds to an agency that represents authors of all genres for children and adults, allowing her to reach more readers and help more authors and illustrators achieve their dreams.
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Since interning at BookEnds as an undergrad in the summer of 2015, James has (basically) never left. He's just continuously level-up-ed inside of BookEnds. Now he is the Literary Assistant and Social Media Manager for the team. He’s been a reader since his mom gave him the first A Series of Unfortunate Events book and ordered the sequels regularly through Scholastic book orders.
James is currently growing his own list and is actively seeking submissions in adult literary and upmarket fiction, mystery, thrillers, and suspense. He is also accepting submissions in all sub-genres of Young Adult fiction, and is actively looking for Picture Books that make him laugh.
Connect with BookEnds!
Twitter: bookendslit
Instagram: bookends_literary
Website: www.bookendsliterary.com
Connect with Jessica: bookendsjessica
Connect with James: jmcgowanbks

[@ncnant]

I’m nowhere near needing this information, but can’t help but watch all your videos 😁

[@serahbrandenn434]

They have tons of helpful information

[@l.kumaran55]

Very concise, and respectful to the writers. Thank you for sharing the perspective of the agents.

[@nancykay4670]

You two are beyond awesome! Thank you!

[@Katlyn_Duncan]

Yes! I love this! I’m bookmarking for after I query. 💜

[@brigittegerlach]

I didn't even know that you can ask a prospective agent for recommendations. The things I don't know about publishing yet are legion...and your videos really help. Thanks ❤️

[@cindywilliamsschrauben2877]

This is great info. "Did you feel heard?" is, to me, #1. Also, even though we KNOW we should talk to current clients, it is sooo hard to do. Hindsight! Thank you

[@andynordvall626]

Great video! I always wondered what to ask beyond "So, is she/he cool or what?"

[@kimberlyclement6870]

Thanks for this helpful video!

[@martiparham8439]

This was very helpful!

[@Reggie2000]

How much reading does a literary agent do? Like hours per week. Books per week. Words per week, as book size can vary. If I was an agent, how much reading per week would I be doing as part of my job. Not that I want the job. Purely curious.