Middle Grade Ninja: 7 Questions For: Literary Agent Jordy Albert

Jordy Albert is a Literary Agent and co-founder of The Booker Albert Literary Agency. She holds a B.A. in English from Pennsylvania State University, and a M.A. from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. She has worked with Marisa Corvisiero during her time at the L. Perkins Agency and the Corvisiero Literary Agency. Jordy also works as a freelance editor/PR Director. She enjoys studying languages (French/Japanese), spends time teaching herself how to knit, is a HUGE fan of Doctor Who, and loves dogs.

She is looking for stories that capture her attention and keep her turning the page. She is looking for a strong voice, and stories that have the ability to surprise her. She loves intelligent characters with a great sense of humor. She would love to see fresh, well-developed plots featuring travel, competitions/tournaments, or time travel. Jordy is specifically looking for:

* Middle Grade: contemporary, fantasy, action/adventure, or historical.
* YA: sci-fi, dystopian/post-apocalyptic, contemporary, historical (Though I am open to looking at other sub-genres, I’m looking for YA that has a very strong romantic element). 
* NEW ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE.
* Romance (contemporary and historical).

And now Jordy Albert faces the 7 Questions: 


Question Seven: What are your top three favorite books?

To Kill A Mockingbird, Poison Princess, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (But the entire series, really!). 

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

The Shawshank Redemption
Indiana Jones (All of them!)
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

TV

Doctor Who
Sherlock
Once Upon A Time/The Walking Dead
Question Five: What are the qualities of your ideal client?

I would say a great sense of humor, enthusiasm and patience.
Question Four: What sort of project(s) would you most like to receive a query for?

Romance, especially YA/NA contemporary, historical, paranormal (think Karen Marie Moning and Kresley Cole). Light sci-fi and fantasy. YA stories that involve travel (think 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson). Middle Grade stories that make me laugh and think.


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


I love my job! I am so thankful everyday that I get to do something I love, and work with wonderful, creative people, who love books and stories as much as I do! On the flip side, my least favorite thing would be having to tell a client that we have to move on from a project if we weren’t able to find the book a home. 
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)


I know it’s been said before, but I think it’s really important so I’ll say it again: Never give up! 

Keep writing! Do your research because it gives a sense of authenticity to your writing. Find a critique partner or two, and enter contests and attend conferences when you feel you’re ready. Read a lot. Develop a strong, distinct voice. 

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

J.K. Rowling because it’s J.K. Rowling! I remember loving the first Harry Potter book so much that I slept with my paperback copy under my pillow. 



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