Blue Ridge Literary Agency, LLC

I started Blue Ridge Literary Agency in 1/09 because of my love for helping authors, especially new authors.  One of my goals with my agency is to be more responsive and approachable by authors.  I represent a wide range of fiction and children's fiction. See the list at the right. Previous to this, I was a freelance copy editor.

We live in Lynchburg, VA.  I facilitate a local writers' group and enjoy a close relationship with my family.  I am an avid reader of cozy mysteries for fun and love attending Malice Domestic when I have the chance.

Some people think because I like to read mysteries for fun, that's all I handle. That is incorrect.  I handle most types of fiction and children's fiction. See the list on the right.

Recently, I traveled to New York City to participate in BEA and met many editors.  This was very beneficial.

These are some of the attributes and skills I'm looking for in clients.  Authors need to be computer literate, and it's more than just being able to type.

• Set realistic goals
• Know how to write point of view without head hopping
• Research industry standards
• Be flexible and willing to learn
• Be willing to market your book once a publishing contract is signed

You will be kept informed throughout the whole process.  I see our working together as a partnership to get your manuscript published.  I try to encourage your improvement as a writer throughout the process.   I will get behind you and your manuscript.

• I will listen to you
• You will get monthly status reports once we begin shopping your manuscript
• You will be notified when a publisher asks to read your manuscript
• You will receive the editor's comments when they've read the manuscript
• I will not charge for the extensive editing help I provide.

I recommend you read the genre in which you are writing.  Make sure you read newly-published authors as the industry standards are changing.  It used to be okay to write in omniscient point of view.  It's not accepted as much now. 

• Know what publishers are looking for:  less narration, zippy dialogue, internal dialogue, no head hopping, and a beginning that catches the reader's attention.
• Promote yourself NOW.  Publishers Google you when your manuscript is queried.  They need to see you have a readership/following (platform).
• Be active on Facebook and Twitter, Blog, create a Web site  
• Be active in a writers' group or get a critique partner.  Having cold reader feedback is important.