Nathan Bransford

Hello, Nathan. First off welcome and thank you for joining me here today. Can you tell us a little about
yourself?

NB - I'm a literary agent with the San Francisco office of Curtis Brown Ltd., an agency that has been
representing authors since 1914. I'm originally from a small farming town in Northern California and I'm a
graduate of Stanford University. I enjoy all types of books and am always on the lookout for originality and
a great plot.

AF - How long have you been agenting?

NB - Four years.

AF - What are your feelings about the children's book market right now?

NB - I think it's an interesting time for children's books in part because publishers are no longer squeamish
about publishing edgy and controversial young adult novels, and thus there are quite a few authors pushing
the envelope and exploring new themes.

AF - Do you feel a children's lit writer absolutely needs an agent (this is kind of a loaded questions isn't it)?
If so, why?

NB - For the most part, yes. Even aside from the fact that most publishers will only accept submissions
from agents, an experienced agent will help guide an author through every aspect, from negotiating the deal
to working out the contract to choosing new book projects. An agent is an author's true advocate, and most
authors find them indispensable.

AF - What kind of questions should a writer ask a prospective agent before they sign with them?

NB - It's important to first research the agent to make sure that they are reputable - if you are ever in
doubt, look at the Association of Author's Representatives Canon of Ethics, and there are some websites
who have a list of disreputable agents. But assuming you only queried real agents, approach it like the
business relationship that it is. Make sure that you click with the agent, that they are excited about your
work, and that you feel comfortable working with them.

AF - Do you ask for edits from a prospective client before you sign them on?

NB - It depends. Sometimes a work is ready to go, other times I may suggest some changes before I offer
representation.

Af - How about after they're signed? Do you offer editorial suggestions before you submit the manuscript to
an editor?

NB - Again it depends on the work. If I think some changes will improve a manuscript's chances I will often
make some editorial suggestions.

AF - What kind of manuscripts would you like to see more of?

NB - Anything original with a great plot.

AF - What kind of manuscripts do you get far too much of?

NB - I get quite a few plotless novels, or plots that are underdeveloped.

AF - What makes a manuscript stand out to you?

NB - Great writing leaps off the page.

AF - Do you accept unsolicited submissions?

NB - Yes - please e-mail a letter describing your project to nb@cbltd.com. No attachments please.

AF - Do you have any advice for writers?

NB - Please check out my blog (http://nathanbransford.blogspot.com), which has advice for aspiring writers
about how to find an agent, how to write a good query letter, and many other topics. I think the most
important thing is to enjoy every step of the process, whether you are able to publish your work or not.
Writing can be very frustrating, there's a lot of rejection at every step, and it's very important to enjoy
yourself along the way.