Agents Like Us - Saba Sulaiman

Another Agents Like Us and today it's all about Saba Sulaiman from Talcott Notch Literary Services.

Saba has just reopened to queries and is seeking a whole lotta awesomeness: up-market, literary and commercial fiction, romance, psychological thrillers, memoir, young adult, middle grade, and nonfiction humor. Check out more about her tastes and guidelines here and here, and follow her on Twitter @AgentSaba. Her answers are below in bold.

Saba on Agenting

• When writers query me, I really wish they would do their research and make sure I’m acquiring the kind of book they’ve written.

• My favorite part about being an agent is ... I’m going to cheat and include three: 1) reading critically for a living 2) making my clients’ dreams come true, and 3) having independence and flexibility.

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story are compelling, multidimensional, characters with quirks and vulnerabilities, complex relationships, and gray morality.

• Whenever I make a book deal, I feel happy, relieved, and motivated to make more!

• I really wish I saw more fully-developed non-stereotypical marginalized main characters with agency and personality in the slush. Bonus points if they’re POC.

Saba On Clients

• My ideal client would be honest, kind, and have a great work ethic (because talent is a given, right?).

• What I love most about my current clientele is that they’re all honest, kind, and have a great work ethic (aside from being incredibly talented!).

• What I want most for any client is their happiness and contentment, in whatever forms they may take.

Saba On Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be in academia, harboring not-so-secret hopes of being a professional singer.

• My favorite (non-client) books are most recently (because there are WAY too many otherwise) I loved INSIDE OUT AND BACK AGAIN by Thannha Lai (MG in verse), THE HATING GAME by Sally Thorne (romance), and ALL THE UGLY AND WONDERFUL THINGS by Bryn Greenwood (adult literary).

• Secretly, I'm terrified of my safety and that of other marginalized people.

• My secret boyfriend is ...only one? c’mon — I rotate between Idris Elba, Rahul Khanna, and Fawad Khan. 

• Sometimes, when no one is around, I should probably nap but instead I eat an obscene amount of cake in bed and catch up on Bollywood gossip.

• My favorite drink is a vanilla milkshake.

Want to see more Agent Interviews? Check them all out here.

Agents Like Us - Lauren Spieller

It's been a while since we've had an awesome agent interview on the blog. Today, I'm so happy to have Lauren Spieller with TriadaUS Literary Agency here--and she has some agent secrets to share.

Lauren is seeking Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction, as well as select Adult fiction and non-fiction. Whatever the age category or genre, Lauren is passionate about finding diverse and underrepresented voices.You can learn more about Lauren's tastes and guidelines here and follow her on Twitter @LaurenSpieller. Her answers are below in bold.

Lauren on Agenting

• When writers query me, I really wish they would research me first, and make sure I'm a good fit for their work.

• My favorite part about being an agent is advocating for authors!

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story is a great voice.

• Whenever I make a book deal, I celebrate with cocktails!

• I really wish I saw more diverse Middle Grade in the slush.

Lauren On Clients

• My ideal client would be hard working, well-read, and dedicated to craft.
• What I love most about my current clientele is their passion and work ethic. Oh, and their gorgeous books!
• What I want most for any client is creative fulfillment.

Lauren On Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be a writer. Which I already am! ;)

• My favorite (non-client) book is Dumplin'. For now. Ask me again in ten minutes.

• Secretly, I'm terrified of grammatical errors in a tweet.

• Sometimes, when no one is around, I dance in my living room. Sometimes I do it when people are around, too.

• My favorite drink is Ramos Gin Fizz.

Want to see more Agent Interviews? Check them all out here.

Agents Like Us - Melissa Sarver White

Today's a double agent interview day! Melissa Sarver White from Folio Literary Management stops by to chat agenting secrets, clients, and life with us.

She is looking for YA and MG of all kinds and a wide range of adult Non-Fiction (narrative, memoir, business, health & wellness, cookbooks and food writing). You can learn more about Melissa's tastes and guidelines here and follow her on Twitter @mjsarver. Her answers are below in bold.

Melissa on Agenting

• When writers query me, I really wish they didn’t assume I want to read their work and instead write something dynamic that makes me stop everything and want to dive in. Also, be professional! This is a business – we are not friends. And please follow my submission guidelines and do a bit of research to make sure I represent the genre you are writing.

• My favorite part about being an agent is sharing good news with authors, whether it be an offer for their project, a great review, that they’ve landed on a bestseller list, anything! This business tends to kick people around so I relish the times I can deliver happy news.

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story is unique voice that I haven’t heard before, interesting setting, clever conceit, well-formed relationships, tightly paced story with payoff. I really hate when I get into a story with good writing and characters but feel like it’s not really going anywhere. I’m left with that “so what?” feeling. 

• Whenever I make a book deal, I ... I don’t have a ritual to celebrate each book deal – some are big and some are small. But closing a deal is always very gratifying.

• I really wish I saw more tightly paced stories, high concept YA, literary MG, mysteries in YA and MG in the slush.

Melissa On Clients

• My ideal client would be someone who is always open to revision. That, in my opinion, is the difference between getting a book deal and not. And someone who trusts that I am always looking out for his/her best interest.

• What I love most about my current clientele is I’ve been working with many of my authors for many years and it’s exciting to see them grow and change as writers and expand their audiences with each book. 

• What I want most for any client is well, beyond their book getting the attention it deserves and finding an audience, I want them to be able to build a career as a writer. That won’t mean for most of them to be able to live solely off of their book money; but to be able to write and continue to see their books published and their audience grow over time, that’s the goal.

Melissa On Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be ... if you asked my 25-year-old self, I would probably say journalist! But now I enjoy working with and representing journalists much more than the idea of being one. I’d probably do something like college admissions if I weren’t an agent. 

• My favorite (non-client) book is a recent pick would be SALVAGE THE BONES; so raw and beautiful. It wrecked me in the best of ways and stayed with me long after I finished reading. All time favorites include A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN and THE HANDMAID’S TALE.

• Secretly, I'm terrified of drowning. I can swim and I enjoy water, but the idea of drowning is terrifying.

• My secret boyfriend is a tie between Idris Elba and U2’s The Edge.

• I have a total girlcrush on Ruth Wilson (have you seen The Affair? Love, love it, and her…)

• Sometimes, when no one is around, I do dance routines to music like I would have done when I was younger. They aren’t pretty but I just can’t help myself after 20+ years of dance classes.

• My favorite drink is beer. Usually a Hefeweizen.

Want to see more Agent Interviews? Check them all out here.

Agents Like Us - Heather Flaherty

This week Heather Flaherty from The Bent Agency stops by to chat agenting secrets, clients, and life with us.

She is looking for young adult (contemporary and horror), middle grade (contemporary and historical), adult (thrillers and commercial women's fiction), as well as nonfiction. You can learn more about Heather here, find her submission guidelines there, and follow her on Twitter @HeddaFlaherty. Her answers are below in bold.

Heather on Agenting

• My favorite part about being an agent is ... everything. It’s a fantastic job. You get to bridge both the creative side with the market side of publishing. You get to push out books that should get out there, whether it’s because they are wanted, or teach the right lessons, or offer new perspective, or are just truly gorgeous. And my clients’ amaze me everyday with their work. Helping their words get to readers is beyond exciting.

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story is voice, voice, and more voice. Full, real characters immediately pull me into any story, whether it’s a quiet story or a loud one.

• I really wish I saw more variety, quirkiness, innovation… (I know, so helpful.)  in the slush.

Heather On Clients

• My ideal client would be all of my current clients. Hard-workers who are willing to try, writers I can be VERY honest with, and people who enjoy a chuckle.

• What I love most about my current clientele is all of the above! Though some do more chuckling than others…

• What I want most for any client is the right home for their future as an author.

Heather On Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be a large animal vet. (I know right? Weird.)

• Secretly, I'm terrified of not doing everything I want to do ever.

• I have a total girlcrush on Allie Bosch, Amy Schumer, and Angelina Jolie. 

• Sometimes, when no one is around, I wear extremely ripped jeans. (And not just sometimes. All the time)

• My favorite drink is rye.

Want to see more Agent Interviews? Check them all out here.

Agents Like Us - Caitie Flum

This week Caitie Flum from Liza Dawson Associates Literary Agency stops by to chat agenting secrets, clients, and life with us.

She is looking for commercial and up market fiction, middle grade, young adult, and new adult, as well as nonfiction. You can learn more about Caitie here, find her submission guidelines there, and follow her on Twitter @CaitieF. Her answers are below in bold.

Caitie on Agenting

• When writers query me, I really wish that authors would would follow my guidelines. About a third do not. I also really wish authors would have someone read their query who does not know their book at all. Sometimes it is confusing and the author or their beta reader is too close to it. Make sure it makes sense!

• My favorite part about being an agent is authors! I love authors, that is why I do this. I love working with authors, fighting for authors, and having that partnership. 

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story is a voice I adore. If I don't like the voice enough, I can't be the champion for it.

• Whenever I make a book deal, I make sure the author celebrates and is properly excited. I also have some champagne. 

• I really wish I saw more mysteries in the slush for all age groups. A good mystery is timeless.

Caitie On Clients

• My ideal client would be someone who wants to be a long-term writer, someone who will grow and improve with every book. 

• What I love most about my current clientele is they are enormously talented, incredibly kind, work really hard, and are just the loveliest people ever. 

• What I want most for any client is whatever is best for them, whether that is a print deal, digital, or some combination. I want them to be happy and feel supported and to know that I have their back. I want them to have the career that they want and will do everything in my power to make it happen.

Caitie On Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be working somewhere else in publishing or maybe in a library? I can't imagine doing anything else. 

• My favorite (non-client) book is I just finished ILLUMINAE by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman (had to change the billing since Jay is always second because of the alphabet) and it was AMAZING. Best book I read this year. It could easily move into the running for top 5 oo 10 favorite books of all time.

• Secretly, I'm terrified of I can't do heights when there is a chance of falling. I love tall roller coasters and flying, but I had high seats at a stadium Taylor Swift concert and had to exchange them because I started shaking.

• My secret boyfriend is Chris Hardwick because he is so nerdy and cute. I know that is a really weird answer!

• I have a total girlcrush on Viola Davis. Have you WATCHED How To Get Away With Murder? The woman is brilliant and beautiful.

• Sometimes, when no one is around, I sing along to Hamilton. Sometimes I even rap REALLY badly.

• My favorite drink is Moscato wine. I love all wine, but that is my favorite!

Want to see more Agent Interviews? Check them all out here.

Agents Like Us - Jennifer Unter

After a year hiatus, I'm so excited to bring back my blog series, Agents Like Us! And here to help kick things off is Jennifer Unter from The Unter Agency.

She is looking for fiction and general nonfiction, with a particular interest in memoir, food/cooking, nature/environment, biography, pop culture, travel/adventure, true crime, politics and health/fitness as well as all kid lit (picture books, middle grade, and young adult projects). You can find her submission guidelines here, and follow her on Twitter @JenniferUnter. Her answers are below in bold.

Jennifer on Agenting

• When writers query me, I really wish they would do their homework. I’m not a “Sir”, I don’t do a lot of genre fiction and I’m more inclined to ask for something if I see that they know what I have agented in the past.

• My favorite part about being an agent is the excitement of the day-to-day work. Every day I have something new to do, whether it’s meeting new clients, poring over a contract or talking to the publicity team at a publishing house with an author for their new book. I feel like I get to do many jobs at once!

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story is something that moves me. I love an emotional tale. Anything that makes me cry, if done well, is usually something I’ll take on.

• Whenever I make a book deal, I get very excited for the author. Their work is going to go out into the world, and that’s the reason why I do what I do.

• I really wish I saw more books for the “in between middle grade and YA” in the slush. There aren’t enough of those books being published.

Jennifer On Clients

• My ideal client would be someone with whom I share a sensibility and connection. Also someone who is willing to do the work to get their book to the best possible place before going to a publisher. 

• What I love most about my current clientele is their willingness to get out there and push for their book. Writers have to be their own best publicists and it’s sometimes difficult for them to do, but they all do it.

• What I want most for any client is to feel that their work is being taken seriously and that they have a support system in their publisher and in me.

Jennifer On Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be an environmentalist of some sort or farmer.

• My favorite (non-client) book is anything by Michel Faber.

• Secretly, I'm terrified of being buried alive!

• My secret boyfriend is Mark Wahlberg.

• I have a total girlcrush on Cindy Sherman.

• Sometimes, when no one is around, I do yoga or take a nap.

• My favorite drink is rose.

Want to see more Agent Interviews? Check them all out here.

Agents Like Us - Christa Heschke

I'm posting an agent interview bonus this week! Christa Heschke from McIntosh & Otis is here!

She is looking for picture books, middle grade, and young adult projects. You can read more about her here and here, see her submission guidelines there, and follow her on Twitter @ChristaHeschke. Her answers are below in bold.

Christa on Agenting

• When writers query me, I really wish ...They’d do their research--meaning sending projects that are in genres and age groups I’m looking for. Also, tell me why you’re querying me specifically and know your story’s hook! What do you see it sitting next to on the shelf?

• My favorite part about being an agent is ...Everything! Can I say that? :) I especially love client interaction and editorial work!

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story is ...A compelling voice and a premise I haven’t seen quite done that way before. I love books that take risks, whether it be telling the story from a unique POV, utilizing a unique structure or pushing genre boundaries. I also love a good twist a la We Were Liars or Gone Girl. 

• Whenever I make a book deal, I ...Am super excited to tell the client the good news!

• I really wish I saw more middle grade of all types, especially contemporary, mysteries for YA and MG, lighter, funny YA in the slush. 

Christa On Clients

• My ideal client would be ...Someone who is dedicated to their craft and is willing to work hard. It’s often tough breaking in and getting that first book deal, so one should be willing to revise and take constructive criticism well. It’s hard to be in this industry if you take rejection too personally. Some of the greatest books were rejected dozens of times before being sold. It’s all about finding that right editor who will get your project and be passionate about getting it out to readers. 

• What I love most about my current clientele is ...Their dedication. They are true writers. They are always writing new things and coming up with new ideas. They are also team players---they know we’re a team and support each other!

• What I want most for any client is ...To sell their projects, build them a writing career and help them to become the best writers they can be. I love brainstorming and working on editorial work. There’s almost nothing better than watching a good writer grow and become a great writer!

Christa On Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be ...A marine biologist, dolphin trainer or teacher. 

• My favorite (non-client) book is ...The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson. 

• Secretly, I'm terrified of ...the zombie apocalypse. I have an overactive imagination and probably watch too many horror movies!

• My secret boyfriend is ...Eric Northman from True Blood, Channing Tatum, or Captain Hook from Once Upon Time (TV show). If only….lol.

• I have a total girlcrush on ...Jennifer Lawrence. She is so funny and seems really down to Earth! 

• Sometimes, when no one is around, I ...have spontaneous dance parties or burst into song. 

• My favorite drink is ...Apple cider. I love it all year round!

Want to see more Agent Interviews? Check them all out here.

Agents Like Us - Brent Taylor

Brent Taylor from Triada US Literary Agency is here to share all his agenting secrets and slushpile wishes!

He is looking for all types of middle grade, young adult, new adult, mysteries, and women's fiction. You can read more about him here, see his submission guidelines there, and follow him on Twitter @NaughtyBrent. His answers are below in bold.

Brent on Agenting

• When writers query me, I really wish ... I don’t know where this statement is supposed to jump off to. I’m so grateful to be considered by any writer that wants to share their work. 

• My favorite part about being an agent is ... Seeing a project evolve from initial concept, to first draft, to finished product. It’s exhilarating. 

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story is ... a unique perspective. Narrators and stories that expose me to new worlds and teach me things. I’m always looking to grow, and that’s one of the reasons reading has always been a huge part of my life. 

• Whenever I make a book deal, I ... I haven’t made a book deal quite yet, but I’m working on it! A dance party in my home office is definitely going to happen. 

• I really wish I saw more adult psychological suspense and young adult contemporary in the slush.

Brent On Clients

• My ideal client would be ... a stone cold reviser, passionate and hardworking, and brilliant. 

• What I love most about my current clientele is ... all four qualities listed above.

• What I want most for any client is ... to see their work placed with—and loved by—an audience.

Brent On Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be ... an agent. There has never been a plan B for me, because there’s nothing in the world I’d rather be doing. 

• My favorite (non-client) book is ... I just read HOOK’S REVENGE by Heidi Schulz and think she’s a fantastic new voice in middle grade.

• Secretly, I'm terrified of ... spiders but this isn't very secret.

• My secret boyfriend is ... James Franco.

• I have a total girlcrush on ... James Franco. He writes poetry, for crying out loud.

• Sometimes, when no one is around, I ...dance around my kitchen.

• My favorite drink is ...coffee.

Want to see more Agent Interviews? Check them all out here.

Agents Like Us - Lara Perkins

Lara Perkins from Andrea Brown Literary Agency is here to share all her agenting secrets and slushpile wishes!

She is looking for all types of kid lit: picture books, middle grade, and young adult. You can read more about her here, see her submission guidelines there, and see her recent deals here. And you can always follow her on Twitter @Lara_Perkins. Her answers are below in bold. 

Lara on Agenting

• When writers query me, I really wish ... I hope they've taken a look at my interests and tastes, which can be found on our agency website (www.andreabrownlit.com)--and in blog interviews like this one. I always feel bad for the author when I receive a query that is clearly not going to be a good fit for me, and the author would have known this with a quick look at my bio on our website. 

• My favorite part about being an agent is ... The moment when fall in love with a new manuscript, when I get that electric charge of "oh, wow, this is cool," and even though it's just me alone at my desk with the pages, I can picture an editor, a bookseller, a reader hopefully seeing what I see and falling in love, too. That charge is addictive. 

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story is ... Relatable, flawed, mistake-prone characters, who are funny, smart, and goodhearted but struggling with complicated situations and emotions. A voice that manages to be both funny and insightful--and even lyrical or poetic. I'm a sucker for romantic tension, especially when it is complicated, dark, and laced with tragedy--think WUTHERING HEIGHTS or REBECCA.
  
  I also love work that strives to engage honestly (raising questions rather than answering them) with the most challenging, uncertain, thorny issues kids are facing, regardless of genre. I love a good mystery when it is solidly grounded in reality with believable, memorable characters. I always get a kick out of unreliable narrators done well, and I love projects of any genre that are page turning but have a literary edge. 

• Whenever I make a book deal, I ... Celebrate by going to my local bookstore and buying a new book. Good karma!

• I really wish I saw more mysteries and thrillers with truly unexpected twists or revelations in the slush. I'm pretty tough to surprise, so when a twist does surprise me and is well set up, it wins me over completely. Projects like this are definitely not a dime a dozen, but I would love to see more work in this vein. I'm greedy, though--I'd love to see more of all the types of work I mentioned above!

Lara On Clients

• My ideal client would be ...Professional, passionate, thoughtful, and dedicated. 

• What I love most about my current clientele is ... I'm lucky to work with authors and illustrators who fit the description above perfectly. As a group, they are talented, hardworking, and always looking for opportunities to grow or challenge themselves. They're pretty darn inspiring, actually. 

• What I want most for any client is ... To be published well, with the right editor match, house support, and a solid plan for reaching and building their readership. Once the title is released, my fingers are crossed for great word-of-mouth to bring as many readers to the book as possible!

Lara On Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be ... An architect. I was working towards my masters in architecture when I took a leave of absence to dip my toe into publishing and academia. I was so happy to have literature play a central role in my life again, so I never went back, but I still enjoy architecture and design as a hobby and, on the agenting side, I love working with author/illustrators. 

• My favorite (non-client) book is ... Currently, Nancy Farmer's HOUSE OF THE SCORPION (though this changes week to week!). I finally read it for the first time recently, then immediately read it again, and then forced my husband to listen to the audiobook with me on a road trip. A great read/listen each time!

• Secretly, I'm terrified of ... Small underground spaces. Spelunking is for crazy people in my opinion, and visiting a former California gold mine as a six year old was my nightmare come true. I lasted five minutes and then fainted, mostly to make sure my parents got the message and never took me anywhere like that again. 

• My secret boyfriend is ... Declan from Emily Martin's THIS SIDE OF INFINITY, forthcoming with Simon Pulse in Spring 2016. I know. I'm the worst. It's a client book AND it hasn't been released yet, but I can't help myself. He's funny, kind, flawed, and always makes my heart skip a beat. 

• I have a total girlcrush on ... Puck Connolly from Maggie Stiefvater's THE SCORPIO RACES. Smart, brave, funny--how could you NOT love her? 

• Sometimes, when no one is around, I ... Read books out loud, dramatically, to myself. My secret dream is to be an audiobook narrator, but I would never inflict my readings on anyone else. My accents are terrible. 

• My favorite drink is ... North Coast Brewing Company's Red Seal Ale. I'm not a big drinker, but I'm first generation Czech on my mom's side, so my family takes our beers and ales very seriously.

Want to see more Agent Interviews? Check them all out here.

Agents Like Us - Susan Hawk

Susan Hawk is here to share all her agenting secrets and slushpile wishes!

She exclusively handles books for children: picture books, chapter books, middle grade and YA, fiction and non-fiction. You can read more about her here, see her submission guidelines there, and see her wishlist here. And you can always follow her on Twitter @SusanHawk. Her answers are below in bold. 

Susan on Agenting

• When writers query me, I really wish … that their own reading in children’s books was more evident. You can really tell when someone has done their homework, and understands the category that they’ve chosen to write in. 

• My favorite part about being an agent is ... calling a client to say that we have an offer is obviously a favorite, but the other day one of my clients got her first piece of kid fan mail. She was so happy, and there’s nothing like knowing that the book, which I love dearly, made an impact on a kid reader.

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story is ... characters that feel real, complicated and compelling; a voice that is the unique expression of this writer; layered story and plot that grab attention; and heart. I want to be moved by your characters and story.

• Whenever I make a book deal, I ... call the author to mutually jump around and cheer! There is a deep satisfaction in matching my client and a book I love with just the right editor and house. After the call, I’ll wear a big happy grin all day.

• I really wish I saw more story ideas and writing that surprise me! in the slush. 

Susan On Clients

• My ideal client would be ... an outstanding writer who appreciates that writing is an art, and publishing a business, and wants to balance both. Someone grateful, willing to work hard to build their career; a good communicator with a wicked sense of humor. 

• What I love most about my current clientele is ... in addition to the above, how much heart they have, how much they love writing, and how widely varied their work is. 

• What I want most for any client is ... for her work to find its readership, and for that readership to grow over time as their books and career do.

Susan On Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be ... a librarian! In fact, I was a librarian previously. Bookseller also comes to mind. Is there such a thing as a professional list maker? Because I’d be very good at that.

• My favorite (non-client) book is ... TO CAPTURE THE CASTLE. Smokes, do I love that book. 

• Secretly, I'm terrified of ... driving across bridges! I didn’t really learn to drive until I was 41 years old and always wonder if it would be different if I’d learned earlier.

• My secret boyfriend is ... Paul Rudd. Oh Paul, you make me laugh, you do! 

• I have a total girlcrush on ... Emma Thompson. Because of all of these moments. 

• Sometimes, when no one is around, I ... sing! I love singing, and pretty much can’t hold back, when someone’s around, not around, anytime. 

• My favorite drink is ... vino verde! Slice a juicy peach to go into that glass of slightly fizzy wine, and sit in the backyard to sip it!

Want to see more Agent Interviews? Check them all out here.

Agents Like Us - Heather Alexander

Heather Alexander recently made the jump from editor at Penguin to agent at Pippin Properties, so of course I rushed to interview her for Agents Like Us! She's sharing all her agenting secrets and slushpile wishes!

She's looking for picture books, middle grade, YA, and graphic novels. Specifically contemporary, funny, historical, gothic style horror, and magical realism, but not high fantasy, medieval, or time travel. She favors literary over commercial.

You can read more about her here and follow her on Twitter @HeatherAlexand. Her answers are below in bold. 

Heather on Agenting

• When writers query me, I really wish it were a homerun every time.

• My favorite part about being an agent is getting to develop new talent and new ideas. Nurturing a grain of an idea into a whole book is very satisfying.

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story is gorgeous writing and characters I wish I knew in real life. And a story that changes the way I think.

• I really wish I saw more truly fresh ideas in the slush.

Heather On Clients

• My ideal client would be someone who loves to brainstorm ideas, and then develop them into something unique and cool. Someone with a million ideas (but who knows how to tell which ones really have legs).

• What I love most about my current clientele is how eager they are to work.

• What I want most for any client is a balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Heather On Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be, well, I’ve been so many things so far, and there are a lot of things I’d like to try, but let’s go with cheese monger. No, textile designer. No, wait, art restorer. Racecar driver? Spy? At least one of those things.

• My favorite (non-client) book is, right now, in this moment, Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour. Ask me again tomorrow.

• Secretly, I'm terrified of contentment, which I equate with stasis.

• My secret boyfriend is Gene Wilder.

• I have a total girlcrush on Tina Fey. Of course.

• Sometimes, when no one is around, I eat chocolate for breakfast.

• My favorite drink is seltzer. I drink it a liter at a time. I’m going to get the bends!

Want to see more Agent Interviews? Check them all out here.

Agents Like Us - Brianne Johnson

Brianne Johnson from Writers House is here today to share all her agenting secrets and slushpile wishes! She's seeking out queries for children’s books, adult fiction and offbeat nonfiction.

Check out her query guidelines here and follow her on Twitter @SecretAgentBri. Her answers are below in bold. 

Brianne on Agenting

• When writers query me, I really wish that they would do some research (mostly, by reading interviews like this! Thanks Valerie :)) and tell me why we’d be a good fit, specifically.
  
  And, this is a bit more unusual, but I’d also love to know what some of the driving themes behind your story are. What made you write this particular story? I want to know!

• My favorite part about being an agent is I really love a collaborative editorial process, and consider myself a very editorial agent. One of my favorite moments in the job is getting back a draft from a client that is much stronger, and knowing in my heart that it’s finally ready to submit!

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story is tremendous heart, and a deep personal stake in the themes addressed—this is really what makes for the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Hard-earned wisdom. Humor. Unexpected twists. Natural dialogue. A unique hook.

• Whenever I make a book deal, I call my author! Making “That Call” is one of my very favorite parts of the job. It’s always exciting, and it feels so satisfying.

• I really wish I saw more historical fiction (MG, YA, or adult) set in unusual times in the slush. I love the Regency and Henry the 8th’s court, but come on—it’s a big wide world out there! I’d also love a historical fantasy or an alternative historical.
  
  I’m also a sucker for gorgeous language, strong settings, and untraditional love stories—Francesca Lia Block’s WEETZIE BAT books are some of my favorite YA books ever. I come across a lot of slush with a strong pitch and great story ideas, but that fall a little flat on the attention paid to the language, and the underlying heart.

Brianne On Clients

• My ideal client would be hardworking, receptive to revision, clearly communicative, brilliant, and prolific!

• What I love most about my current clientele is that they are all of the above :)

• What I want most for any client is for us to succeed together—to be able to sell their work strongly, and allow them to comfortably quit their day job and write full time (if that’s what THEY want).

Brianne On Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be running/working in an indie bookstore in a little waterside town, so I could talk to people about books ALL day long and read by the water on my days off :) OR possibly teaching pottery full-time (I teach on the side now, for fun, it’s a nice physical counterbalance to reading and writing all day.)

• My favorite (non-client) book is oh, that’s too hard! I’ll just have to tell you what I’m reading right now (I like to juggle books) 11/22/63 by Stephen King (a fantastic alternative historical novel!) BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA by April Genevieve Tucholke, which is a little Stephen-King-like, actually, really delicious YA horror. I recently finished THE SECRET HISTORY, which frankly blew me away (I liked it more than THE GOLDFINCH! Shhh…) And Noa Wheeler of Holt was horrified to learn that I’d never read Tamora Pierce, so she leant me her copy of ALANNA, which is awesome! Alanna was the original Arya Stark!

• Secretly, I'm terrified of sleep paralysis—when your brain is awake but you can’t wake up your body. It happens to me when I nap every once in a blue moon. Terrifying!

• My secret boyfriend is Ben Franklin is my Boyfriend in History! I find him fascinating.

• I have a total girlcrush on Rihanna, because she does what she wants * snaps fingers *

• Sometimes, when no one is around, I ponder the age-old question of “if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there, does it still make a sound?” #deepthoughts
  
  Actually :) I love to fall into an audio book + quilting wormhole, where I have been known to lose many hours of time.

• My favorite drink is a New Orleans-style Sazerac.

Want to see more Agent Interviews? Check them all out here.

Agents Like Us - Holly McGhee

Agents Like Us asks agents all their deep, dark agenting secrets. This week, Holly McGhee of Pippin Properties, Inc. is here!

Holly continues to look for projects she can't resist, from picture books (not rhyming), middle-grade, and young adult novels (the YA books she in drawn to usually star real people in the real world) to graphic memoir and graphic novels, as well as books about her favorite sport, baseball. On occasion, Pippin also represents adult crossover books. 

You can find query information here, the Pippin Facebook page there, and tweeting under @LoveThePippins. Holly's personal thoughts as writer Hallie Durand, including her NaNoWriMo 2013 pep talk, can be found on her website. She'll be appearing at the Metro New York SCBWI in February and in Seattle in April 2014.

Holly's answers are below in bold. Let us know what makes her like you in the comments!

Holly on Agenting

Photo Credit: Kamille Snell.

• When writers query me, I really wish:
• For exclusive queries, because in those cases, I can take my time and give full consideration to the body of work. Most of my clients have come to me exclusively and that get-to-know-you period of quiet time has been the basis for very productive, happy, and financially rewarding relationships. Don’t. Rush. Ever.
• That the potential writer would send just a short pitch for the book and then a note about why they are especially keen on Pippin, a pitch that shows an understanding of how we are different as an agency. And then let the work speak for itself.
• That there be no mention of what any friends, authors, neighbors, or children think of the work—no field testing in classrooms, please!. (Again, let the work speak for itself—it’s all in the execution.)
• When the writer uses lie lay lain, lay laid laid correctly and “different from” as opposed to “different than” my heart hums a little bit (Granny McGhee was an English teacher).

• My favorite part about being an agent is building big careers for really extraordinary writers and / or artists who are willing to work hard, and who are humble, open, and funny too. (Big wish!) And I love closing a deal and celebrating—I’m very patient, but I’m a closer. I like to place every project I send out. And I’ll go the distance to make that happen.

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story is that my heart be touched by pain, joy, recognition, or humor (or maybe all of these), but most of all I look for an authentic voice, or a sentence or two (or an image) that I can’t get out of my head. I want to feel richer for having read a story.

• Whenever I make a book deal, I am not proud, I am satisfied! I love making deals in creative ways too—I let the plan for the deal unfold as the project unfolds, no formulas.

• I really wish I saw more savvy writers who have done their due diligence on the agency in the slush. If you are asking us to consider you seriously, do your homework first. At Pippin, there is an actual person reading your query deciding whether to ask for more or press delete. Do whatever you can to avoid that trash can icon!!

Holly on Clients

• My ideal client would be extremely talented, extremely hard-working, grateful, and with a big sense of humor and a bigger heart. I’m very interested in writers and artists who want to break boundaries and try new genres. I hate rules of any kind! 

• What I love most about my current clientele is I know who they are and they trust me and understand that I love their work and that I want what’s best for their long-term careers. 

• What I want most for any client is to do the very best work they are capable of at any time in their life, and not to stop working, no matter the circumstance, till they can look in the mirror and know they have given the world their best.

Holly on Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be a full-time writer or a cook (not a baker, a cook). If I had better moves, I’d be a dancer.

• My favorite (non-client) book is I have new favorites all the time, but Brenda Ueland’s If You Want to Write is an amazing tool for writers, and funny too. For other books, I’ll try to plug some quieter titles: Picture Books—Barney Saltzberg’s Good Egg (I have no idea why this book isn’t famous—just a reminder of what a crap shoot this whole game is!), Middle grade: Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur (beautiful beautiful book), Graphic: My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf (makes you think about Dahmer and wish you could have been there in his childhood), Young Adult: / Adult—Wintertown by Stephen Emond (how important it is for human beings to be “seen”), and I’m also going to plug an oldie, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde—I think this book works perfectly for middle school / high school and should be required reading!

• Secretly, I'm terrified of bumblebees and riptides.

• My secret boyfriend is Christopher Guest, because he is brilliant and hilarious and dorky at the same time. 

• I have a total girlcrush on Christina Aguilera cause her voice can do anything.

• Sometimes, when no one is around, I like to iron napkins. It’s so easy to get them perfect and crisp.

• My favorite drink is sauvignon blanc with a splash of crème de cassis.

Don't miss the entire series! 

Read all the agent interviews here. 

Agents Like Us - Lucy Carson

Agents Like Us asks agents all their deep, dark agenting secrets. This week, Lucy Carson from The Friedrich Agency is here!

She’s always on the lookout for YA and MG fiction (though nothing younger), but is also actively build her narrative non-fiction list, as well as upmarket fiction for adults, especially upmarket suspense. You can find her submission guidelines here and tweeting under @LucyACarson.

Lucy's answers are below in bold. Let us know what makes her like you in the comments!

Lucy on Agenting

• When writers query me, I really wish they would dispense with the bestseller promises and movie speculation and just focus on the book itself and why a READER would connect to it, what makes it fresh and special. It's always tempting to oversell (with words like "guarantee") when pitching, but these are empty (and silly) promises which detract from the purity of a good pitch.

• My favorite part about being an agent is calling an author to announce that a publisher has made an offer. There's nothing like the unadulterated joy that broadcasts back to me on the phone line-- never going to spoil that by writing an email! I'd like to think we're both excited when we decide to work together in an official capacity, but the moment when an offer arrives is the moment when the author's life is forever changed. 

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story is being surprised. Whether it's a plot twist, or a narrator that I trust who is later revealed to be unreliable, or simply the kind of profound character development that takes an unexpected turn-- I want to be changed in some way by the literature that I read. Learning counts, but surprise is the ultimate delight.

• Whenever I make a book deal, I savor the sound of the happy author's voice. Hug my colleagues, especially my Mom. And finish the day with a glorious fried chicken dinner (but I do mix it up for restaurant choice).

• I really wish I saw more non-fiction in the slush. A lot of agents approach journalists with non-fiction book ideas and grow the project from scratch. I'm not good at that, but I know a strong idea when I see one, and I work extensively with the writer to make it an airtight submission every time. I wish there were more non-fiction writers who submitted proposals without waiting for an agent to find them and convince them to write it. I'm of the opinion that the best projects start with the writer's desire to tell a story, rather than the writer feeling obliged to follow an agent's request.

Lucy on Clients

• My ideal client would be someone who takes the writing profession as seriously as he or she expects me to take my profession. I'm not interested in one-shot deals, my entire agenting style is designed to build a career for a writer long-term. Since this goal directs my strategy, it wouldn't make sense to build one-book authors into my personal list. The value of commitment, the degree of loyalty, the respect for one's time-- these are all elements we should mutual agree upon.

• What I love most about my current clientele is that though they are a diverse and varied group of writers, they are each and every one of them determined to succeed, ready to learn, and above all invested in building careers that last.

• What I want most for any client is the best possible treatment from their publisher. Once the book is out in the world, it's up to readers and reviewers and word of mouth to generate an audience for it. But before that happens, we CAN work together to put everything possible in place for a strong entry into this market. Anyone who thinks the work of an agent ends at the publishing contract is either talking to some unfortunate writer friends OR badly misinformed. I would say that the most important moments in a book's life are the 4 months prior to its publication-- what I want for every client is that during those 4 months, no possible stones are left unturned, and every effort is made from every angle to give their book its best chance.

Lucy on Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be a high-school guidance counselor. Some of the skills are pretty similar! And one of the things I love about agenting is that no two days are the same, it's full of surprises and challenges and it requires both deep sympathy and bold decisions that can have long-term effects. 

• My favorite (non-client) book is NIGHT FILM by Marisha Pessl, at least for this year. I love suspense novels that are in their own league, free from convention and filled with complexity and nuance. I waited, along with other Pessl fans, a long time for this novel and it was well worth it!

• Secretly, I'm terrified of bone-cracking noises. I read a lot of genre fiction and have an over-active imagination, so when someone cracks their knuckles near me, it sends grotesque shivers down my spine.

• My favorite drink is Bulleit bourbon and ginger beer, on ice with two limes.

Don't miss the entire series! 

Read all the agent interviews here. 

Next week: Holly McGhee from Pippin Properties, Inc.

Agents Like Us - Natalie Lakosil

Agents Like Us asks agents all their deep, dark agenting secrets. This week, Natalie Lakosil of Bradford Literary Agency is here!

She's actively looking for children’s literature (from picture book through teen and New Adult), romance (contemporary and historical), cozy mystery/crime, upmarket women’s/general fiction and select children’s nonfiction. You can find her blogging here, query information there, and tweeting under @Natalie_Lakosil.

Natalie's answers are below in bold. Let us know what makes her like you in the comments!

Natalie on Agenting

• When writers query me, I really wish they'd open with a strong hook. This doesn't mean a question (please, no) and yes, I do want to read if we have a connection first (conference, met me, referral) but with the pitch - keep it simple and hook me in!

• My favorite part about being an agent is loving what I do. From book deals to negotiation to reading to editing to even the challenging moments...I love my job and you can't ask for more than that.

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story is excitement. I don't care what it is really, but if it gets me so excited I want to skip the polish (I won't, don't worry) and send it out asap just to babble on about how much I love it and then awkwardly gush about it to my husband and at a dinner party (apparently chapter books aren't great dinner conversation with non-writers and agents...who knew)...that's what I want to represent.

• Whenever I make a book deal, I tell the author. Tell my boss. Tell my husband. Tell my cats. Jump up and down. And then think about how I'm going to make it even BETTER. ;) It's as exciting for me as authors...every time! 

• I really wish I saw more adult romance or upmarket fiction in the slush. Everyone sends that to Laura Bradford and I want it too!

Natalie on Clients

• My ideal client would be a prolific bestseller who never becomes entitled or "above" others and trusts, appreciates, and has a fabulous relationship with her editor, publisher, and agent.

• What I love most about my current clientele is the diversity and talent. I adore all of my clients and love their spirit and passion.

• What I want most for any client is to be published well. That doesn't have to mean the biggest advance, or a big 5 publisher, or incredible marketing support; it can (and hopefully does) mean those things, but primarily, it means a steady, solid career with growth and good sales with a house (or houses) that treats both the books and the author well (for editing, marketing, contracts, option works - all of it), direction, and diversity of subsidiary markets and/or genre of books that also has all of the above.

Natalie on Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be a software engineer. Or a psychologist. I'm fascinated by code and like to think I'm a good listener with emotional intelligence. 

• My favorite (non-client) book is not possible to pin down.

• Secretly, I'm terrified of the dark. And monster hands grabbing me from under the bed. It can totally happen yo.

• My secret boyfriend is David Tennant.

• I have a total girlcrush on Natalie Portman. Except in THOR. Because I couldn't stop staring/drooling at Chris Hemsworth.

• Sometimes, when no one is around, I nap. Read a published book. Watch cat videos. GLORIOUS. 

• My favorite drink is also impossible to pin down. But I'll say a dirty martini as that's my bar go-to.

Don't miss the entire series! 

Read all the agent interviews here. 

Next week: Lucy Carson of The Friedrich Agency.

Agents Like Us - Andrea Somberg

Agents Like Us asks agents all their deep, dark agenting secrets. This week, Andrea Somberg of the Harvey Klinger, Inc. is here!

She's actively looking for literary, commercial, women's fiction, romance, thrillers, mystery, paranormal, fantasy, science fiction, historical, young adult, middle grade, and nonfiction. You can find her website here, query information there, and tweeting under @AndreaSomberg.

Andrea's answers are below in bold. Let us know what makes her like you in the comments!

Andrea on Agenting

• When writers query me, I really wish to fall absolutely in love with the project. 

• My favorite part about being an agent is finding a manuscript that I can't put down - and that I can't wait for the rest of the world to read. 

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story is whether the voice and the characters resonate with me. 

• Whenever I make a book deal, I call the author and we rejoice. 

• I really wish I saw more historical mysteries in the slush.

Andrea on Clients

• My ideal client would be someone who is passionate and excited about their work but also recognizes that this is a business.

• What I love most about my current clientele is how awesome they are. Literally, every one of them is awesome.

• What I want most for any client is to find success and happiness in their publishing career.

Andrea on Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be a ….. I'm not sure. Maybe a nurse? But I probably couldn't hack it. 

• My favorite (non-client) book is parenting books of all types. I find them oddly relaxing. 

• Secretly, I'm terrified of bees. I found out a year ago that I'm allergic.

• My secret boyfriend is …… I honestly don't have one. Is that weird? 

• I have a total girlcrush on all of my awesome girl friends. 

• Sometimes, when no one is around, I talk out loud to myself.

• My favorite drink is a triple (beer).

Don't miss the entire series! 

Read all the agent interviews here. 

Next week: Natalie Lakosil from Bradford Literary Agency.

Agents Like Us - Hannah Bowman

Agents Like Us asks agents all their deep, dark agenting secrets. This week, Hannah Bowman of the Liza Dawson Associates Literary Agency is here!

She's actively looking for commercial fiction, especially science fiction and fantasy, young adult fiction, women's fiction, cozy mysteries, and romance. You can find her agent profile here, her Tumblr there, and tweeting under @HannahNPBowman.

Hannah's answers are below in bold. Let us know what makes her like you in the comments!

Hannah on Agenting

• When writers query me, I really wish they would answer in their query: what is the thing about your book that you think is the coolest? I want to know why you loved this book enough to write it.

• My favorite part about being an agent is signing new clients! I love discovering incredibly talented writers.

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story is an eye-catching premise, great writing that grabs me and immerses me in the story, an unusual voice, and a plot that keeps getting better as it goes on.

• Whenever I make a book deal, I, well, first of all, I never celebrate until the deal is settled! Getting an offer means it's time for me to focus on getting the author the best possible deal. But once the deal is finalized, I always buy a bottle of champagne to celebrate. 

• I really wish I saw more adult historical fantasy, excellent adult science fiction, and YA high fantasy in the slush.

Hannah on Clients

• My ideal client would be a brilliantly talented writer who is also open to always learning more and revising to make their projects better.

• What I love most about my current clientele is that every single one of them writes so well that I rush to open any new material they send me, because I can't wait to see what new awesomeness they've given me to read.

• What I want most for any client is a long career writing books they love and finding the right audience for those books.

Hannah on Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be in grad school. I was sure I was going to be a professor of something, but circumstances transpired otherwise.

• My favorite (non-client) book is The Lord of the Rings (it's the classic choice). But I'm also incredibly fond of anything by Katherine Kurtz or Lois McMaster Bujold, and Robert Heinlein's THE MOON IS A HARSH MISTRESS.

• Secretly, I'm terrified of snakes. This is not really a secret.

• My secret boyfriend is Chris Hemsworth. Especially as Thor -- it's the hair and the beard.

• I have a total girlcrush on Katy Perry. I have never met a song of hers I didn't like.

• Sometimes, when no one is around, I read fancy recipes I will never actually get around to making. I do this especially when I'm hungry and my dinner plans are boring.

• My favorite drink is an Irish whiskey called Writers' Tears. This is the truth; it's exceptionally good whiskey.

Agents Like Us - Roseanne Wells

Agents Like Us asks agents all their deep, dark agenting secrets. This week, Roseanne Wells of the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency is here!

She's actively looking for young adult, middle grade, sci-fi, fantasy, and detective novels. You can find her submission guidelines here, and tweeting under @RivetingRosie.

Roseanne's answers are below in bold. Let us know what makes her like you in the comments!

Roseanne on Agenting

• When writers query me, I really wish they were finished with their work. I have a lot of writers who think they are done, and then write me two weeks later with another query or revision. Revise all you want, let it rest, and when you are really ready, trust yourself. Be brave, and don't touch it while it's out on submission.

• My favorite part about being an agent is the clients and the work and the people and the books and the yeses and the contracts and my agency ... wait, you said one fave? 

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story is a character who does something. It seems simple, but I want to connect to someone's story, to find a kindred spirit and follow them on their journey.

• Whenever I make a book deal, I have to remember to breathe! And then there's a happy dance. And then a happy phone call. And more happy dancing. 

• I really wish I saw more unique contemporary like ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS or beautiful and heartbreaking fantasy like GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS and Francesca Lia Block or kickass ladies like Tamora Pierce's Alanna in the slush.

Roseanne on Clients

• My ideal client would be a writing cyborg who wrote all day and night. Kidding! I look for clients who are willing to roll up their sleeves and work as a partnership. I also look for clients that have done their research, that want to be part of the reading community and reach out to their fans, that are serious about their writing but can also have fun and laugh at themselves. And who like cat videos.

• What I love most about my current clientele is they are passionate about their work, wickedly talented, and nice people. What more could I ask for?

• What I want most for any client is to be successful as they define it for themselves.

Roseanne on Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be an editor, or a dancer, or a Shakespeare scholar, or a book reviewer. But I'm sticking with agent; it's my favorite.

• My favorite (non-client) book is really hard to choose. You ask hard questions! One of the most reliably comforting books is a collection of Hafiz poetry, interpreted by Daniel Ladinsky. It's a wonderful way to reflect on the day or the week, to gain perspective, to remember it's only life, no big deal! It's a favorite among many.

• Secretly, I'm terrified of mice, though it's not a secret. 

• My secret boyfriend is Hugh Jackman. Thoughtful, intelligent, kind hearted. Oh, and is ridiculously hot. Also, Feminist Ryan Gosling. Shhh, don't tell Jackman. 

• I have a total girlcrush on Ellen Degeneres. She. Is. Awesome. Also Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen, who is my modern cooking muse.

• Sometimes, when no one is around, I cook or bake. I like to have lots of space, so I try to save my more elaborate projects when I know I no one will be home.

• My favorite drink is bourbon neat, or Hendrick's and tonic.

Agents Like Us - Shannon Hassan

Agents Like Us asks agents all their deep, dark agenting secrets. This week, Shannon Hassan of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency is here!

She's actively looking for literary and commercial fiction, young adult, and middle grade. You can find her submission guidelines here, her PM page there, and tweeting under @ShannonHassan.

Shannon's answers are below in bold. Let us know what makes her like you in the comments!

Shannon on Agenting

• When writers query me, I really wish to fall in love with the concept.

• My favorite part about being an agent is everything! I like contributing to the creative process as much as negotiating the deal.

• Rules and trends aside, what I really look for in a story is memorable characters, a great story, writing from the heart instead of writing to fit a trend.

• Whenever I make a book deal, I run down to my husband’s office and shout words like “advance” and “pre-empt” and “imprint” as he stares at me (he’s not in publishing).

• I’d like to find a literary/commercial crossover novel that would make Amy Einhorn swoon in the slush.

Shannon on Clients

• My ideal client would be an exceptional writer, committed, willing to take criticism, a pleasure to work with.

• What I love most about my current clientele is their incredible talent and enthusiasm.

• What I want most for any client is happiness and success, in their own eyes.

Shannon on Life

• If I weren't an agent, I'd probably be sad! I have done other things before becoming an agent (attorney, editor) and this is really what I love to do.

• My favorite (non-client) book is impossible to pick a “favorite” as I am such an eclectic reader! A recent book that I enjoyed for its original voice was Swamplandia! And I recently read Harry Potter with my twins, what a joy to revisit that series.

• Secretly, I'm terrified of confined spaces. I love the wide openness of the West.

• My secret boyfriend is Ryan Gosling.

• I have a total girlcrush on Jennifer Lawrence.

• Sometimes, when I have time alone, I like to do yoga, hike or bike.

• My favorite drink is margarita on the rocks.