Starting Tuesday, I will be leaving Lowenstein Associates--and agenting all together--at least for the time being.
It's bittersweet to announce that I will now be heading up marketing for Soho Press' forthcoming Young Adult line of books as well as their Literary Fiction. Bitter, because of course I have a huge heart for agenting and it was hard to part with my wonderful clients. But heavy on the sweet, because Soho is an ideal place for me--they've offered me my dream job.
Soho is an independent publisher of international crime, mystery, and literary fiction. Their Young Adult mystery line (and, Oh My Gosh, I've seen these titles and I cannot WAIT to be working on them) launches in 2013. They combine the best of a small company's ability to adapt and innovate (and, above all, intense dedication to their authors) with a large publisher's resources and industry contacts. They also consider unsolicited work, which of course feels very familiar to me. :)
In short, I'm embarking on what, at first glance, seem like a very different career path. But ultimately I expect things not to change in a few very important ways: authors and their books are still going to be number one priority. I'll still be working to get those authors' work into every hand I can. I'll still be working with people who, I can vouch, feel every bit as strongly about author advocacy as any agent.
In very short, I can't wait.
And what does that mean for you, People of The Blog? Well, not a lot. After all, what else did we talk about here than marketing of various types? If anything, the focus will shift even more to author platform and digital marketing. I'll still be at the Houston Writer's Conference and the Dallas Fort Worth conferences as well.
Any questions?
I'm glad I got to skype with you before you left agenting. Thanks so much for that--it's meant a ton to me.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck, and I'm sure you'll be fantastic.
Well, thank you for looking at my partial and my query letter anyways. I do appreciate that. Best of luck with your new venture. Sounds like you're going to be very happy.
ReplyDeleteGet your dreams.
I do have one question. A few weeks ago, you requested a full manuscript from me, so I was just wondering . . .
ReplyDeleteEven though I selfishly read this with a heavy heart, I'm very excited for you, for anyone who has the opportunity to nab their dream job.
Congratulations and all the luck in the world to you.
And thank you, no matter what, for requesting my full. Just so you know, you were the very first agent I queried. It started my query journey out on high hopes.
Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Meredith! Best of luck in your new position. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and best of luck!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck, and congratulations! I'm really glad you gave us your Ask an Agent Series, and I look forward to your future posts from the other side of the fence. And I'm so happy you've landed your dream job, we should all be so lucky (though I'm certain luck doesn't have as much to do with it as hard work and perseverance, which I'm sure you've shown in spades).
ReplyDeleteWhat a lucky company Soho Press is to have you joining the fold. I wish you amazing success, and I thank you for all you've given us here,and all you've given to your queriers. You are a class act who deserves every one of your dreams.
ReplyDeleteGOOD LUCK!
-Kalinda
Bittersweet for your fans as well. Congratulations and the best of luck to you.
ReplyDeleteI have my dream job and it's what I wish for everyone. Congratulations and all the best to you!
ReplyDeleteIt is a bold move you are making--exciting and exhilarating at once. Best of luck to you, Meredith. I hope it is all you dreamed!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting your dream job, which is probably more secure financially. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteCongrats and best of luck! Change of any kind takes courage. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new position. It sounds like Soho Press will have a fabulous YA line, and I can't wait to see the new offerings. I'll be watching your Twitter feed, anxiously waiting for more details.
ReplyDeleteI seldom gush and complain at the same time, but here goes. I read your blog back to July (beyond #AskAgent #1) in anticipation of submitting my query . I joined your blog because your perspective and advocacy define lots of light. I lost an opportunity, but I got a new prism. You got a new opportunity and, for what it's worth, a new follower.
ReplyDeleteNet gain - right?
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ReplyDeleteThanks for your response to my query in the midst of your own exciting career move. Much success to you and congratulations! This InSeason Mom is ready to learn more about author platform and digital marketing.
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