7 Questions For: Literary Agent Laura Crockett

Literary Agent Assistant Laura Crockett is interested in a variety of YA and adult fiction. In YA, she is interested in contemporary realistic fiction (such as study abroad experiences, strong female friendships, falling in love, anxiety and abuse), high and low fantasy, and gothic horror. In adult fiction, she is interested in WWI and WWII historical fiction, gothic horror, neo-Victorian mystery, contemporary women's fiction, and fantasy. 

Some of Laura's current favorites are: The Night Circus, Outlander, Fangirl, Prisoner of Night and Fog, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Long Lankin, and The Start of Me and You.

And now Laura Crockett faces the 7 Questions:

Question Seven: What are your top three favorite books?

Gahhhh picking three is always so tough! So for right now, I'd say Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier, and One Day by David Nicholls. 

                      

Question Six: What are your top three favorite movies and television shows?

My favorite shows tend to be British period dramas of some kind. Because that list is very long, I'll stick to movies! Right now I'm obsessing over About Time, Age of Adaline, and Belle. I LOVE BELLE. There is so much to talk about in that movie, I don't even know where to begin!  

Question Five: What are the qualities of your ideal client?

Someone who wants to make writing a career and is open to feedback and creative brainstorming. We have to work as a team, and communication is key. 

Question Four: What sort of project(s) would you most like to receive a query for?

I am very picky about fantasy, but am absolutely dying for a rich, unique, gripping fantasy in YA or Adult. I'm looking for the next Marillier, in a way. I would be especially intrigued by fantasies inspired by Scandinavian folklore or non-Western European culture. I'm also seeking a Fiddler on the Roof retelling/expansion/-inspired manuscript. It's so specific, I realize that, but wouldn't it be neat?

I represent a whole spectrum of YA fiction -- everything except sci-fi -- and historical and women's fiction in Adult. The characters pull me into the story, and I'm drawn to polished writing and authentic voices.

Question Three: What is your favorite thing about being an agent? What is your least favorite thing?

I love working with my clients. From the first draft to the editor submission, the journey from the offer to the publication date. The whole process of watching someone's "baby" become a book for the world to read and enjoy is amazing!

Hands down, my least favorite thing is sending and receiving rejections.  

Question Two: What one bit of wisdom would you impart to an aspiring writer? (feel free to include as many other bits of wisdom as you like)

Write the book you want to read, and don't give up. Do not take rejections personally. If anything, they'll bring you closer to the right people who will root for you from beginning to end.

Question One: If you could have lunch with any writer, living or dead, who would it be? Why?

Goodness, I have two! 1) Emery Lord. Her feminism fires me up, and I would love to spend a whole day with her and taking on the world! 2) JK Rowling. Harry Potter shaped my childhood and I still can't go a day without making a Harry Potter reference or remark. This counts as the second one today and it's not eve noon yet ;)

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