Let’s Find an Agent for Your LGBTQ Book
Author: William Johnson
September 30, 2020
LGBTQ Agents Robert Guinsler and Kent D. Wolf Guide You Through the Publishing Process
Please note: Videos of the sessions are now available for purchase. Please email wjohnson@lambdaliterary.org for more information.
A literary agent helps a writer get published and paid for their work. But how do you find a supportive agent who understands what it means to be a LGBTQ author writing LGBTQ books? And once you find the right agent how do you get them to represent your work? And what does an agent do that you can’t do on your own?
Introducing…. Queery: A Workshop on Finding an Agent for Your LGBTQ Book, two interactive sessions, October 27th and 28th, to help writers find an agent and learn how to navigate the publishing process.
The fiction track will include details on what agents look for from writers of fiction (literary fiction, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and young adult literature) seeking representation. The nonfiction track will provide information on what goes into nonfiction (bio, memoir, essay collections, scholarly works) book proposals and query letters.
Workshops will be led by two renowned agents: Kent D. Wolf, agent for bestselling authors Samantha Irby and Carmen Maria Machado, and Robert Guinsler, who represents celebrated writers Raquel Willis and Guy Branum. Along with the group workshops, we are offering a limited number of private, one-on-one sessions. In these one on one meetings, the agents will personally review your query letter or up to twenty pages of a manuscript or proposal and provide forty minutes of individual guidance.
Who Should Attend
The workshops are appropriate for fiction and nonfiction writers interested in being published by both either small presses of Big 5 publishers.
Expected Outcomes
Both workshops will provide guidance on how literary agents work with writers to get published and make a living, and will include:
- An overview of the agent and writer relationship
- A walk through the agenting process.
- Instruction on finding the best agent for you LGBTQ-centered work.
- Directions on writing a dynamic agent query letter.
- Insight on the financial realities of getting paid for the publication for your work.
- One-on-one sessions will include a personal query letter and manuscript (20 pages) review.
Cost
- Group session: $75 to participate in the group workshop (60 seats available for each workshop session).
- Private session (includes entry to group workshop): $250 to participate in both the group workshop and a private workshop one on one session of individual guidance (5 seats available number of seats/first come first serve). One-on-one private sessions will include a personal query letter and manuscript (20 pages) review.
- Scholarships available: We are committed to providing workshop seats for those experiencing financial difficulties. Please contact William Johnson at wjohnson@lambdaliterary.org for scholarship information.
Proceeds from this event will support Lambda Literary in maintaining our website and provide honoraria to authors involved in our programs.
All workshops will be closed captioned.
Register Now
Finding an Agent (Fiction)
featuring Kent D. Wolf
October 27th, 2020 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET
$75 group session / $250 private session
The fiction workshop will include details on what agents look for from writers of fiction (literary fiction, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and young adult literature) seeking representation.
Finding an Agent (Nonfiction)
featuring Robert Guinsler
October 28th, 2020 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET
$75 group session / $250 private session
The nonfiction track will provide information on what goes into nonfiction (bio, memoir, essay collections, and scholarly works) book proposals and query letters.
About the Instructors
Kent D. Wolf (fiction), founding partner and rights director at Neon Literary, has sold bestselling and award-winning books to publishers both large and small. His clients’ titles have been translated into dozens of languages and many are in active TV/film development. He represents literary fiction (story collections and novels) and narrative nonfiction in the areas of immersive journalism, personal essay, pop culture, memoir, “anti-lifestyle,” and anything that aims to dismantle prevailing power structures. His clients include Samantha Irby, Carmen Maria Machado, and Ryan O’Connell.
Robert Guinsler (nonfiction) has been with Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc. since 2000. His general curiosity in all things has allowed him the opportunity to represent a wide variety of prize-winning and New York Times bestselling nonfiction authors and projects. From the geopolitical mosaics of journalists Rania Abouzeid and Andrei Soldatov, to the bestselling memoirs of Guy Branum and legendary gay rights activist Cleve Jones, to the comedic collections of Michelle Buteau and Phoebe Robinson, most every avenue of the nonfiction spectrum can be found on his list. As well, he has been a champion of LGBTQ+ voices his entire career and some of his authors include Hugh Ryan, Raquel Willis, Peter Staley, The Estate of Gilbert Baker, and Evan Fallenberg, among many others. Additionally, he represents the Estate of Anne Sexton.
Questions? Contact us.
For more information contact: wjohnson@lambdaliterary.org
