Never let it be said that we don’t work hard for you. We get up early (relatively speaking), scan dozens of news items (give or take), and seek out the best information we can (time permitting; otherwise, we just punt). And we pay attention to what you want. Mostly.
Since Amy Moore-Benson started her own literary agency, our readers have been seeking more information than our single paragraph announcement could provide. Knowing you wouldn’t be satisfied with that, we sought out Benson to learn more about her agency. She’ll probably think twice before announcing a major sale in Publisher’s Lunch again.
About AMB Literary Management:
The Facts
Agency Name: AMB Literary Management
Acquiring Agent(s): Amy Moore-Benson
Mailing Address: 104 Fulton Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1X8
Website: none at this time
Email: [email protected]
How to Query: One-page query letter detailing the book and the author’s background. If emailing the query, please no attachments. Also please let me know if it’s a multiple submission.
What We’re Looking For: Fiction – literary fiction, women’s fiction, suspense/thrillers; Non-Fiction – narrative non-fiction and women’s issues.
What We’re Not Looking For: poetry, screenplays
About The Agency
Background: Formed in May 2004 by a former executive editor from a mainstream fiction publisher.
Major Clients/Recent Sales: thriller writer Alex Kava (recent sale to MIRA Books)
Contract: written contract, standard terms
What made you decide to leave your editorial position and start your own
agency?
I worked as an editor for over 12 years – I loved every minute of it but wanted to put my editorial, business and negotiating skills to use in a new way.
What is your approach to working with clients? Prospective clients?
Strong focus on editorial development before a project goes out to a publisher and strong focus on a strategy for a client’s career.
Every editor says they’re looking for a well-written, original story. What does that really mean?
Simply put, it means a story that makes you want to keep reading, one that feels like you haven’t read it before!
If you could give one piece of advice to prospective clients, what would it be?
Be patient and realistic with your expectations. And then you just might be pleasantly surprised.
4 responses so far ↓
Lorra // Aug 18, 2004 at 6:48 am
Soooo –
Does “Strong focus on editorial development” mean: within the guidlines of AAR or something that should cause one’s “P & E-honed” antennae to go twitch?
booksquare // Aug 18, 2004 at 9:44 am
I would absolutely say within AAR guidelines. As Benson is a former editor, I would imagine she’d work closely with her authors to ensure the best product is presented to editors. I’ve found that there are two types of agents: hands-on and hands-off — I get the distinct impression she’s one of the former, and that’s a plus in my mind.
Kim // Mar 12, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Having met Amy and knowing her background, I can say from an author’s point of view that she would be a dream agent if what you’re looking for is integrity, knowledge and passion for the written word. Her background with MIRA should speak for itself. I write with the goal that one day Amy Moore Benson will be my agent.
Kathleen Auth // Apr 6, 2013 at 5:09 pm
I love what you said about Ms. Benson. I’m going to query her and hope for the best.
Kathleen