Interview with Suzie Townsend

Episode 7 of the The LitJoy Podcast with Kelly and Alix podcast, hosted by LitJoy Crate, titled "Interview with Suzie Townsend" was published on December 4, 2023 and runs 60 minutes.

December 4, 2023 ·60m · The LitJoy Podcast with Kelly and Alix

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Summary

In this episode, hosts Alix and Kelly interview prominent literary agent Suzie Townsend. They discuss Suzie's journey in becoming a literary agent—her decision to move across the country and work her way up from intern to agent! They also explore what it's like working in the publishing industry, signing book deals and film deals, and wearing all the hats for their authors and clients. Guest Bio: Prior to joining New Leaf, Suzie graduated film school, earned her Masters of Education, taught high school English, and coached a swim team. In her spare time, she read everything she could, which prompted her move to publishing. She got her start as an intern at FinePrint Literary Management where she was hired as an assistant before making the move to literary agent. She’s been part of the team at New Leaf Literary & Media since its inception in 2012.Suzie represents all brands of children’s and adult fiction. She loves women’s fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, and debut fiction. On the children’s side, she is interested in select YA and MG. In this episode:Suzie's journey in becoming a literary agent [2:40]Finding her people and Vampire Romance shame [7:40]Manuscripts Suzie read as an intern that made it to publication [9:50]The Near Witch by V.E. Schwab [10:50] book audiobook e-readerWhat is "The Slush Pile"? [11:40]The most unique query letter gift box ever! [14:30]Lucky by Alice Sebold [17:00] book e-readerSigning her first author and falling into becoming an agent [23:30]The process of agents pitching books to publishers [28:10]When a book "goes to auction" [33:15]Film rights and selling film rights [38:00]Divergent and the reach of film to the masses [49:00]Divergent by Veronica Roth [50:00] book audiobook e-readerThe many hats that a literary agent must wear [52:00]How many authors Suzie represents and keeping busy with her clients [54:57]Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros [57:10] book audiobook e-readerInk Girls by Marieke Nijkamp [57:40] book e-readerResources mentioned in this episode:For more info on Suzie's clients, recent sales, and forthcoming projects, please go here.For submission information go here.  What's Next?Alice in Wonderland Illustrated Collector's Edition is available now!! https://litjoycrate.com/alice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Description

Guest Bio:

Prior to joining New Leaf, Suzie graduated film school, earned her Masters of Education, taught high school English, and coached a swim team. In her spare time, she read everything she could, which prompted her move to publishing. She got her start as an intern at FinePrint Literary Management where she was hired as an assistant before making the move to literary agent. She’s been part of the team at New Leaf Literary & Media since its inception in 2012.

Suzie represents all brands of children’s and adult fiction. She loves women’s fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, and debut fiction. On the children’s side, she is interested in select YA and MG.

In this episode: