Join me in welcoming Mandy Hubbard. YA author and agent for D4EO Literary Agency representing authors of young adult and middle grade fiction. http://www.mandyhubbard.com/ 

Leave a comment for Mandy and you will be entered in the give away for Mandy's book, Prada & Prejudice. And as always, you gotta be a follower. That's it, no other requirements. So without further ado, here's Mandy. (^_^)


 Mandy I want to thank you for popping in to visit with us today. 

As a child what was your most favorite book?

Are we talking when I was *really* little? I was obsessed with The Little Critter picture books. Would put an entire stack of 20 or so next to my bed and read them until I made it to the bottom. Then I went to sleep. 

 If someone told you that you could offer one morsel of writing advice to your fellow writers, what would that be?

Give yourself permission to write crap. Crap can be fixed. I think too many people want to write a book but never do, because they delete everything. Just get it written, don’t worry about getting it right. That’s what revisions are for!

 How long did it take you to write, revise, submit, and get published? How many rejections did you get?

The Short Version: Started writing in 2003, my debut novel hit shelves in 2009.

The Longer version: I dabbled for a few years. I started the first draft of Prada & Prejudice in 2006, the year I signed my agent. It took 9 drafts and 26 rejections before we received two offers in 2008. It took another round of revisions, plus line edits, before the book hit shelves in 2009.

Do you write every day?

I do something *publishing related* every day, whether it’s writing, revising, copy edits, reading queries, critiquing, etc. I’m aiming for a two-book-per-year schedule, which means I’m constantly juggling between projects at different stages.

Aside from that, I recently became a literary agent, so I’m constantly on the hunt for new and exciting projects. That means lots and lots of reading.

What’s the most amazing thing you have learned throughout this writing journey you are on?

Honestly, the most amazing thing to me isn’t a trade secret or tip for publication or a skill—it’s just realizing I’ve finally found my passion in life. The publishing industry has become my greatest love (after my family!), and I’m so glad I found it!

You have two books coming out in 2010. Tell us about them.

YOU WISH is my next release for teens—it features a cynical teen who gets everything she’s ever wished for—even that life-size My Little Pony she wanted when she was six, a lifetime supply of gumballs she wished for when she was eight, etc. The wishes MUST STOP before she get the last wish—for Ben Mackenzie to kiss her. Because Ben is her best friend’s boyfriend. 

Mandy, you recently joined D4EO Literary agency.  Which came first? The author or the agent?

 I've been a writer much longer than an agent. But even as a writer, I was fascinated by the business side of things. I think some writers hate the biz side of writing. I love it. I've spent the last several years devouring everything I could find-- publisher's marketplace deal listings, agent blogs, etc. Agenting is a natural fit for me and my interests.

What is the most important thing a writer needs to know about writing a query letter?

 I see a lot of queries where the writer seems to think it's necessary to "explain" their novel-- they list plot points, characters, etc. You do NOT have to give us a full picture of the novel. We just want you to hook us. Intrigue us by focusing in on the most interesting character or aspects of your story.

What is the most important question an unagented writer needs to ask an agent who is interested in their book?

I don't think there is any one question-- but it's important to talk to the agent on the phone and ask LOTS of questions. What are her plans for the book? Does she have ideas for where to send it? Does she want revisions? Who else does she represent? What is her style-- is she the hand-holding type or will she only relay information on a need-to-know basis?

Many websites have whole lists of questions to ask a prospective agent. I think Agentquery or querytracker.net has a good list.

 Chocolate or Peanut butter?  Both! Mixed together! But if I can only have one, I want chocolate. In the form of brownies. MMMM, brownies.

 Thank you so much  for agreeing to be interviewed. I love reading Prada and Prejudice and I look forward to reading Driven and You Wish too. 

 Okay, I will not be answering comments, because I don't want to mess up the numbers for Random.org .  (^_^) Thank you for stopping by.