Natalie is actively seeking new clients, and is especially interested in talented, hard-working new authors with a fresh, unique voice and hook. Her specialty is commercial fiction, with an emphasis in children’s literature (from picture book-YA/Teen), romance (contemporary and historical), historical fiction, multi-cultural fiction, paranormal, sci-fi/fantasy in YA or romance only, fairy-tale/legend spin-offs, and “beautiful dark” novels. She will also consider select memoir (has to be really unique) and that amazing project she never even knew she was looking for! She is always drawn to an open and positive attitude in an author, good grammar, and fantastical, engaging and sexy plots.
Natalie is not interested in thrillers, "boy" books, ABC books, bug books, spiritual guides/novels, and books geared toward the Christian market. (BIO and picture courtesy of her agency's website.)
Before I announce the winners, I'd like to post the interview that she was so gracious to do with me, just so we can get a better feeling for this "awesome agent."
JS: How did you become an agent?
NF: By writing and interning. By writing, I learned what the heck an agent was, and by interning at the agency for two years and doing first reads and edits for romance agent Kevan Lyon (now of Marsal Lyon Literary), I learned exactly what an agent does. After starting a position here at the Dijkstra Agency in 2009 and getting the green light in September to start building my own list, I was an agent!
JS: Tell us about a recent project you’ve sold. (You can skip this one if you don’t feel comfortable talking about it.)
NF: Most recent project was a lovely, lovely picture book, called RED IS A CHILI PEPPER (title pending). It’s quite an inspiring story, actually, how this one came about. The manuscript was sent in to the editor last SEPTEMBER, and, only last MARCH did she have time to really read and decide she loved it! It can take quite a while for things to happen in this business (especially in children’s literature), so don’t give up!
JS: Are there any books coming out now that have you excited?
NF: Oy, I just want to catch up with my already-purchased reading before I even think about this question. I have a two-foot pile next to my desk of MUST reads, and a bookshelf of unread books to read…eventually.
JS: What are you looking for right now when tackling the slush pile?
NF: RIGHT NOW at this moment, I’m looking for well-written, steamy romances (I’d love to find a time-travel romance, or a GOOD Regency or Victorian, or something like Jude Deveraux’s TEMPTATION) and REALLY unique fantasy/sci-fi YA. As in, not just a spin off, but in a whole class of its own. Also, well-written, well-plotted historical fiction.
JS: What are you sick of seeing in queries that come across your desk?
NF: Vampire novels, adult chick lit, “this is exclusive” even though we’re a no response if not interested agency, rhetorical questions, typos, a FANTASTIC premise that isn’t well-executed, pictures, abuse memoirs, and really, anything that makes me go “ick.”
JS: Name three things that make you stop reading every time they crop up in a submission.
NF:
1. Word count 100,000 or over
2. Present tense (this is SO hard to do in my opinion)
3. Whiney, bratty, snotty, or rude characters (snarky is ok)
JS: How do you know when you’ve got “the one” sitting in front of you?
NF: If I’ve read it and I want to write back to the author at one o’clock in the morning OMG but have to restrain myself to remain professional.
JS: Will you be at any upcoming writers’ conferences where writers can meet and pitch you?
NF: The next event I have scheduled is a panel at the Ventura Book Festival in July, and after that I’ll be at the Society of Southwestern Authors’ Conference in AZ. Staying pretty local for a while.
JS: Do you have any advice on how writers can maximize their success in this changing industry?
NF: Keep reading. The best way to soak in what you want to write is to read it, see what’s out there and what’s working. Stay tuned to discussions on Twitter, blogs, etc. And keep on persevering.
JS: What is something about you writers would be surprised to hear?
NF: I’m pretty “superstitious,” you might say. Any time I pass a patch of clovers I look for a four-leafed one (my five-leaf clover is taped to my computer). I believe in gut “feelings” and intuition, like to consult the online magic-eight ball on occasion (though, so far, it hasn’t really been all that reliable), and am a through-and-through Cancer. I also keep thinking of these fantastic ideas for novels that I’m never going to write. L
I’d also like to add that I’m pretty approachable. I know most agents and editors scare the bejeebes out of writers, but really, we’re just over-caffeinated book nerds like you. I hate getting calls about submissions, but emailed questions I’m always happy to answer.
And I’m obsessed with SUPERNATURAL. And cats.
JS: Best piece(s) of advice we haven’t talked about yet?
NF: One of my favorite quotes comes from Lady Gaga, speaking to her younger self: “Don’t give up bitch; you’ve got a long way to go.”
JS: How hands-on are you in terms of editing? How much input do you expect to have with your clients’ work?
NF: I’m pretty well known as a hands-on agent. I expect any client I sign to be open to suggestion, and I always discuss this upfront. I don’t expect to re-write a book, and I also expect to have to back off if the writer absolutely feels that what I’m suggesting is not best for their work. I really enjoy a collaborative working relationship.
JS: Best way for writers to submit to you?
NF: Hard copy, unless requested, then by email. Submission guidelines are available at www.dijkstraagency.com
Bonus Question: What is your favorite way to relax on a warm summer’s eve?
NF: Drink wine and play Pictionary with a small group of good friends.
And now the news you've all been patiently waiting for: the winners of my first Secret Agent Contest.
Dear Secret Agent contestants,
Thank you for entering! I had such a hard time judging; there were SO many
close calls on this one. I literally sat on my bed for hours with the
submissions spread before me, biting my nails to get it perfect!
Congratulations to the honorable mentions:
#10 - Perfection - what gave me pause on this was the word count, and that
Ellyssa is perfect.
#9 - The Other Life - This was great; I just wasn't convinced there was much
of a hook past the post-apocalyptic setting
#8 - Everything That Matters - Although I really liked the premise, the
mistakes in the query and sample writing gave me pause. The author doesn't
know if it's romance or women's fic, para two sent one needs a semi-colon,
and an extra "a" in the second para of writing.
#7 - Pretty Girls Make Graves - The author has a great voice, but the query
confused me a bit. Is she literally haunted? Is it a serial-killer mystery
or a paranormal? Both? It's a little short as well.
#6 - Confessions of the World's Oldest Shotgun Bride - This was, again,
great, but it's very short, and relies very heavily on the cougar hook.
#5 - Secrets Revealed - What a wonderful, unique premise. I was incredibly
intrigued -- and at the same time, incredibly confused. It was well-written,
but I just wasn't sure what to make of it!
#4 - Preyers - This was ALMOST in my top 3, but the word count made me know
that it needed cutting without even reading more!
And...drum roll please!
#3 - Lure - winner of a 25 page critique!
#2 - Tempest - winner of a 50 page critique!
#1 - Fated Mishaps - winner of a full ms critique!
Jessica, thank you so much for having me guest judge; congratulations to all
winners!
Sincerely,
Natalie Fischer
Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency
Congratulations to these three winners! Please email me for instructions on how to get your manuscripts to Natalie!
~JA
