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Blame it on the Muse would like to welcome agent, Kevan Lyon of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Kevan, thanks so much for taking the time out of your insanely busy schedule to join us today. I asked my colleagues in search of the perfect agent what questions they’d like to ask you. Here are the questions I received:
The industry is looking for more of the “same” so a book can be classified, but publishers also want “different.” How far can a writer draw outside of the lines before their book is considered non-commercial?
This is largely going to depend on the genre you are writing in. When it comes to historical romance for example, we are now (finally!) beginning to see growing acceptance and interest in stories that are a bit less traditional (i.e. Regency/set in Britain). So, different can be o.k., but only to a point! In other genres such as paranormal, I think you can definitely push the boundaries quite a bit and as long as you captivate them with plot, voice and character you can go far!
There are so many agents and so few publishing slots to fill. How do you remain as successful as you are in such a competitive market?
That is a tough question, because I believe there is always more to do – more books I need to find perfect homes for! I believe I have been reasonably successful because I LOVE what I do and I work really hard at it. I probably work far too many hours, but I am at a point in my life where I can do it and I never regret the time I do spend with my work.
What is your perception of the market for contemporary and romantic suspense single title?
I think those are both very tough genres at the moment to find homes for – but then there are days where it feels like every genre is tough! I have had several editors tell me they are looking for a “big” contemporary and I have had editors ask about romantic suspense. So, again I think it really gets back to a very unique story and voice – that sets your story apart from all else in the market. If either of these genres is the area an author wants to write in, I always encourage them to stick with it – but know your genre. Read widely in your genre, so that you know how “high the bar is”. Run your story idea by others, make sure it sounds fresh and has a great hook. These types of steps are key in all genres, but particularly crucial if you are stepping into an area that might be seen as a bit tighter at this point.
What specific subgenres are you actively looking for?
I am always looking for strong commercial women’s fiction, historical fiction of all types and young adult. That said, I will never turn away an amazing paranormal!
Do you think the explosion in ebooks will have any effect on the current publishing model? If so, in what way?
That is the “million dollar question” these days! Yes, I do believe it will absolutely have an effect, and it already has. At this point I see the effect as positive. E-books offer writers one more avenue to reach readers. I believe that if your books are widely available in e-book formats your work will be in front of that many more potential readers, and that you will pick up significantly more in incremental sales than you will cannibalize your traditional print sales. I also believe e-books are an excellent way for authors to “build their brand”. By publishing unique works in e-publishing (i.e. novellas, past work, etc), an author will have their name in the market that much more than they would if they only relied on their publisher’s print schedule – which is often tight!
What ingredients persuade you to sign a new client?
I absolutely must fall in love with the story. Then I must believe that I can sell the story, and then of course I want to have a good “connection” with the author –i.e. I get the sense that this is someone I can work with.
How do you feel about submitting a manuscript that has undergone a significant revision since it was shopped by another agent over a year ago?
To be honest this makes it pretty difficult to go back out with the project and I would probably ask to see what they have that is new. Once a project has been thoroughly shopped in the market it is difficult to go back to editors – they generally don’t want to see something again. Now, there is always the chance that some editors have expressed a willingness to look again if there are revisions – which might give the book a slightly better chance. I need to love the story and love the writing, but chances are I will want to see what is new.
How closely do you and your partner, Jill Marsal, work? Do you each specialize in certain genres?
We work very closely together – doing second reads for each other, input on pitch letters and submission lists, brainstorming ideas on a book, etc. There are certain genres that we do cross in, but it seems to work out just fine. There is plenty of work for both of us!
Do you see a trend toward subgenres versus the historical and pararnormal which have been the up-trends for a while.
I don’t see the interest in paranormal fading at all – and historical remains quite strong, but in some houses the lists are fairly tight. I do see across the board interest in strong and compelling women’s commercial fiction (i.e. “book group fiction”).
And one question from your favorite author, Robin Kaye…We’ve all heard nightmare stories about writers stalking agents and editors at conferences or sending in weird submissions, what’s the strangest experience you’ve ever had?
Hmmm… tough question. I once had a submission sent in with a doll in the box with the sample pages. It was a bit creepy opening this box and finding a (used) doll staring up at me. Turns out the doll was a tie-in to the plot, but it was really kind of odd.
I have never had a bad experience at a conference. I really don’t mind people catching me. On occasion though I have had people just sit down and join my conversation with a client – that was a bit odd…but, more often than not I find people quite courteous and respectful of my time and attention.
For more information about the Marsal Lyonon Literary Agency, Kevan Lyon, her partner Jill Marsal, or their submission requirements, please visit their website
Hi Kevan,
Thanks so much for coming onto our blog. As an author published with a small press, I’m curious what agents think about authors like me. Does the fact that I have a book out set me apart at all from the unpublished writers who query you? If I mention my publishing history in a query, do you want to know about my sales numbers and reviews, or does none of that matter but my writing?
Just curious. I really do want your honest answer here.
Becky
Hi Rebecca,
Your publishing history is definitely important to include in a query, and will indicate to me that your work has been reviewed by others who believe it is strong enough to publish. But, in the end I have to love it and believe I can sell it to an editor at one of the major publishing houses. By including it you may get an agent to move your query up in the query pile and hopefully try to get to your submission sooner.
thanks for asking!
Kevan
Thanks for having Kevan, Robin. Very informative–and the musers wish you many many continued sales
rr smythe
thanks! Looking forward to reading your submission!
Thanks for stopping by, Kevan. You forgot to mention that your office is in beautiful, sunny, warm, lovely, beachy, southern California, which means I might personally be delivering a submission or two from the northeast long about January or February.
Can I ride shotgun, Grace?
Works for me — I will blend the margaritas…
Kevan~ Thanks again for the fabulous interview! I so appreciate you being here.
Thanks, Robin, for having Kevan on your blog and letting us in on the good news!
Kevan, what if the author sells on a two-paragraph proposal and is no longer writing the novels prior to this? Thanks for giving us this opportunity to ask questions!
Hi Terry,
I am not sure I completely understand your question…If you sell on a 2 paragraph proposal you are incredibly lucky and probably have a strong track record with the publisher….not sure about the rest of the question. I must need more caffeine this morning!
Kevan, I hope to meet you at M&M next month. Thanks so much both of you for doing this interview.
If you have time, I’d like to know if you prefer electronic query or the hard copy with 10 page sample of the manuscript. Would a writer have a better shot at catching your eye if she sent the sample along with the query letter via mail?
Enjoy that beautiful California weather.
I definitely prefer electronic queries and then will ask for an electronic submission of sample pages. Please do introduce yourself at M&M in October!
I can’t wait!
An interesting interview, Robin. I’ll be waiting to hear the answer to some of the questions.
Kevan, I hear you’ve had a cool summer this year. Thank you for the information you have given.
Robin: Thanks for a great interview!
Kevan: Looking forward to meeting you at M & M. Can’t believe that is just around the corner. Do you handle inspirational historical?
Thanks,
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
I am afraid I don’t do much in the historical genre. But I definitely am a big fan of historical fiction of all types!
Kevan
ooops I meant to say I don’t do much in the INSPIRATIONAL GENRE — definitely caffeine deprived!
OK, the doll in the box is genuinely creepy. Please tell me they were going for romantic suspense, and I have to ask . . . did you sign them?
Thanks for taking the time to stop by.
Hi Alix,
Nope, I didn’t sign the author and I don’t think it was suspense either if I remember correctly!
Kevan
Hi Kevan,
Great interview! I have found your comments and your polite, professional approach to your job very helpful with past submissions. I hope to one day write the book you will fall in love with:)
Thanks!
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for stopping by…I hope you have something that I fall for as well!
best,
Kevan
Robin: Thanks for bringing Kevan to the blog site. Very informative.
Kevan: I see so much paranormal in young adult books–I know it is the norm lately. But could a historical, young adult series based on two teenage girls in the old west have any chance in the market (think ‘Spaghetti Westerns with a moral twist using historical characters)? I know, it’s a long shot but I keep seeing such dark topics I wonder what happened to the lighter side of YA reading and wondering if I’m shootin at the moon with such a story.
Thanks for your time.
Hi Loni,
I must admit it does sound like a long shot to me. You might have better luck with the inspirational genre. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news — but others might feel differently.
Kevan
Thanks Robin and Kevan for a great interview. Since the market is tough for contemp and RS right now, I’m experimenting with a paranormal, so I’m pleased to hear that the interent in paranormal isn’t fading yet. I’ve read though that the market is saturated with vamps and weres, so editors are looking for new creatures. Angels and demons seem to be increasing. My story uses spirits (not ghosts). Kevan, have you seen spirits used in any successful paranormals? Do you think spirits qualify as a “creature” for romance paranormals?
Thanks for your insight.
Diane
Hi Diane,
I think spirits can work — I guess it depends on how they are integrated into the plot. Also, I am not sure that werewolves and vampires are done yet…I just had an editor have one of my authors move to werewolves instead of Angels and Demons for her next book! I know it sounds trite, but it really depends on the story and if you can come up with a unique hook. With paranormal I think yu have lots of options to push the limits, the key is to make your world feel believable to the reader. Everyone wants to see strong “world-building” in paranormal stories.
good luck with it!
Interesting anecdote on the angels to weres request. Everything is so subjective. That’s why I ask so many questions. LOL
The hook for my paranormal is a tie-in to the Maya 12/2012 prediction. I don’t mind pushing the limits, but I don’t want to stray into any taboo areas. Does the Maya topic send up any red flags?
Thanks again.
Diane
No major “flags” but I have seen quite a bit of it!
Thanks for having Kevan on the blog. Great questions and very informative answers. This industry is so competitive it’s nice to be able to read helpful insight from someone who knows.
Thanks again,
Maybe I should know this , but what do you mean by “big” contemporary? Is it the same as high concept?
Thanks,
Diane
Great question — “big contemporary” in my view is a story that is a story that is more than just a story of romance — there are other emotional issues driving the plot, i.e. friendship between women friends may play a big role in the story, family issues, etc. It is tough to define, and I am guessing others might define it differently which sure doesn’t make it easy for writers!
Hi Kevan! Great to *see* you here. I’ve had several friends who sold on partials for their first sales. Would you represent an author based on a partial you love, or is it a must that the manuscript be completed first?
More often than not editors want the full novel, particularly for debut authors. There are definitely exceptions to this, i.e. in the mystery genre I have seen authors sell on partial. However, if you have an incredibly unique concept/hook selling on partial can be a possibility.
I’d like to expand on that question, Kevan. If you received a full and liked the hook/story and writer’s voice but thought the story needed work or a different twist would what would you do – refuse it, send it back with some suggestions, or buy it and then make suggestions if you liked it.
Thanks. And I forgot how early you had to get up to be with us today. Thanks again.
Hi Marley,
I would probably send the writer back my thoughts and let them know I would be happy to read the revised. I am always mindful of the fact that other agents may be reading and may see it differently. At that point it is then up to the author if they want to revise or go possibly wait to hear from others who may not see the need for revisions. If I love, love the full and think it needs fairly minor modifications I may offer representation once we had spoken on the phone and we both agreed that the revisions made sense.
Kevan
Thanks Robin for inviting Kevan to our blog.
Kevan, in your interview you said that you had an editor who said she was looking for a “big contemporary.” Any idea what he/she meant by that? And how would that be different from, say, Women’s Fiction? Final question, you say that contemporary romance is a tough sell, is that also true for Women’s Fiction, or what is sometimes called “Romantic Elements?”
Thanks for taking the time to blog with us today.
Hi Hope,
See my note above about “big contemporaries”. It is such a hard thing to define! It can be different than women’s fiction, in that the romance elements are probably a bit more prevalent in the plot in a story defined as contemporary romance. This is definitely an area where the definitions seem to blend together — and then it really is all about the story.
Hi Kevan,
Thanks for being so generous with your time and answering so many questions. Sorry that I have none…you’ve answered them all! I look forward to meeting you at next months M&M conference.
Hi Kevan,
It’s so nice to read your thoughts and I’m captivated by what you said.
I’m really interested in knowing what, for you, is the single biggest component in a women’s fiction novel. Is it the story line or the characters?
I realize that both are essential, but which do you look for first?
Stella MacLean
Hi Stella,
I would have to say the story line is probably most important — generally. But of course, you can’t have one without the other. The reader has to love your characters to want to read on in the story! Easy for me to say…!
Kevan
Hi Kevan. I really enjoyed meeting you at Emerald City and M&M in past years. Congratulations on doing so well with your relatively new agency, and proving that not all successful editors have to be in NYC. I’d like to know your thoughts on the future of erotic romance and on the sexiness level in contemporary romance.
Susan Lyons
Hi Susan!
I am definitely not an expert on erotica, although I certainly am not seeing any decline in interest from editors for novels with a fairly high level of “heat”. They all express interest in acquiring for their lines that have a bit higher level of steaminess. As to the sexiness level in contemporary, I guess that is going to depend on the editor a bit. When they are looking for something that is along the lines of very successful authors such as Susan Wiggs and Susan Mallery, the necessary “heat” in the story is much less than other genres.
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Kevan,
Great post! I will also be at M&M and hope to meet you there.
If I may, I would like to get clarification on one of your answers above. You handle Historical, but added that you don’t handle “much” in the Inspirational genre. Does this mean if you were presented with a compelling Inspirational Historical, you might consider it even though Inspirational is outside the genre you typically handle?
Thanks.
In general inspirational is handled by a completely different group of editors and even publishers than traditional historical romances. With inspirational there is a completely different “heat” level for the romance and there is often a christian tone to the story. I must admit this area is not my area of expertise, but there are several terrific agents that handle this area almost exclusively.
Hi, Kevan,
Thanks for sharing your insights with us. I have a few questions.
- Are we turning the corner yet with the economy’s effect on publishing? Do you see editors buying more or taking on riskier projects?
- Many of the heavily-hyped YAs are dark and edgy. Do you still see interest in sweeter / lighter YAs?
- What is a good day for you?
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth,
Hard to say if we are “turning the corner” with the economy and publishing. One of the major challenges the industry faces is that the two largest book retailers are struggling with a changing business model and it is difficult for publishers to reliably predict their buys on particular books etc. This just injects a degree of uncertainty in the market which can make publishers more cautious.
I hope there is still interest in sweeter, lighter YAs. I think the market needs a mix of types of books out there, to meet the differing tastes of readers. It really, as always is going to depend on the writing and the voice. You still need drama to pull a reader into a story, but if done well, it doesn’t necessarily have to be “dark”.
A good day? A day when I am completely “lost” in a wonderful manuscript, or a day I sell a debut author’s book!
Hi Kevan,
I look forward to meeting you at M&M in October too!
My question for you is, women’s fiction is so broadly defined. What would be your ideal women’s fiction story? Something like Jodi Picoult, who tackles issues? Amy Tan or Mary Wells? Jennifer Weiner? So many agents say “marketable women’s fiction” or “upscale women’s fiction” but the definition of that gets blurred.
Thanks!
Elaine
Can I say I love them all? All of the writers you mention write terrific stories with a great “hook” or plot line that pulls the reader into the story from the very early pages. That is generally what we are looking for. They are all quite different, but all tell wonderful, compelling stories. What makes a book “marketable” is the fact that it can captivate a reader early and hold them to the end.
Hi Kevan,
I’m late on this question – but will try anyway. How often do you sign clients that you have previously rejected?
I sign clients that have been rejected by other agents and by editors in their past. Their next book, the one that I fall in love with, is the one I am focused on. Now, if the manuscript I am reading has been rejected before by editors that presents a more challenging hurdle. Can’t really go back out, as I mentioned in a response above.
It looks like Cheryl helped clarify my response below! Thanks Cheryl. Yes, please do resubmit with new work even if I have seen and rejected previous work!
Hey Nan,
I’m on a digest and didn’t know Kevan was blogging yesterday. So you might not get this. Kevan passed on two of my projects over the course of about a year before signing me. So it does happen!