Book Broker—an interview with Elizabeth Kaplan

Agent: Elizabeth Kaplan

Website: ElizabethKaplanLit.com

Preferred genres: literary fiction, YA fiction, memoir, women’s issues and health, psychology, journalism, adventure narrative

Bio: Elizabeth has represented numerous critically acclaimed and bestselling authors throughout her twenty-year career as a literary agent. She is known for the sharp insights and editing skills she brings to the development of successful projects and authors’ careers.  She works tirelessly to connect individuals and to find the right home for each project.

After graduating from the University of Michigan, Elizabeth moved to New York City and began her publishing career as the assistant to Jim Silberman, the founder of Summit Books. Elizabeth worked as an editor at Summit for three years before moving on to assist another publishing legend, the literary agent Sterling Lord. Before beginning her own agency in 2002, she worked as an agent at Sterling Lord Literistic, and the Ellen Levine Agency.

1) What stands out in a good submission?

Something that grabs your attention and holds it on the first page. Something I haven’t seen before. A demonstration of expertise and ability to reach in audience in the authors’ chosen subject.  

But as always, it’s about the writing. Always.

2)  What's a typical warning sign that a manuscript isn't ready for representation?

An author should always make sure their are no glaring grammatical or spelling errors of course, but one can spot a lack of originality or skill right away. I don’t think I can quantify it, but you can feel it immediately. It is also important to show that you have done your research. For example, I don’t do romance, so if someone sends me one I know they have not put the effort in to even begin the difficult journey to publication.

3)  What's at the top of your manuscript wish list right now?  

A story I have never heard before, written with style, purpose a bit of wit and true emotions.

4) For writers without prior publications, what can they say in their "about me" query paragraph to catch your attention? Does it help to know if the manuscript has gone through workshopping or developmental editing?

Yes, knowing they have put the work in matters a great deal. Commitment matters. But it is also helpful to get a referral if possible.  

5) Some people say that "agents hate prologues." Is that true for you? What is the most common reason that a prologue falls flat?

I don’t hate prologues. I love them. But I don’t like if they don’t serve a purpose to the story to come.

6) If you could change one thing about the publishing industry, what would it be and why?

I wish everything could be read with an open mind. And I wish the author did not have to come with a “platform.” I wish their work could stand on its own.

7) How important is it for an author to have a strong social media presence when querying?

Unfortunately it does help.

8) What red flags in a query letter are enough to cause you to pass on a project without looking at the writer's sample pages? What percentage of submissions would you say die with the query letter?

I am sorry to say that the rate is very high.  It is so important to have something that separates you from the rest.  Prior publications, referrals, or a first paragraph that is unputdownable. 

9) What's the best (non-client) book you've read recently, and how did it hook you?

Northwoods by Daniel Mason and This is Happiness by Nial Williams and There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak.  In each case, it was the first paragraph I needed to know who these people were and what was going to happen them.

10) Can you tell us about an exciting author you're working with at the moment? 

Well, since WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart has been such a smash on Amazon, that is about as exciting as it gets.  She is reaching so many viewers and readers with a stunning story.  It doesn’t get more exciting than making that many readers happy.