Editor / Agent Spotlight

Agent/Author Spotlight: Eric Smith

Philadelphia-based Eric Smith has worked as an author, an anthology editor, and an agent, and as such has a deep love for children’s literature and an impressive range of experience.  His most recent novel, a YA romcom about two teens whose families own rival cheesesteak trucks, With or Without You, was released in 2023. From The Mixed-Up Files of Middle-Grade Authors had the privilege of speaking with Eric about his career, especially his role as an agent for P.S. Literary.

 

Eric Smith, looking dapper in a jean jacket

How did you get into agenting? Was that before or after you established yourself as an author?

It was just a smidge after my author life had kicked off. My first book, The Geek’s Guide to Dating, was published with Quirk at the very end of 2013, and I started agenting with P.S. in 2014. My first YA novel, Inked, came out in 2015. So, I was still a bit of a baby author back then.

I had been working at Quirk Books for about five years when I made the leap. I’d been looking for roles in editorial, actually, when the agenting position caught my eye. I’d been lucky enough to work with some of the team at P.S. Literary on books they’d had at Quirk, by my friend (and agency client) Sam Maggs. I reached out and well, here we are a decade later. I feel very lucky.

What can you tell us about P.S. Literary?

It’s an agency based out of Canada, with a bundle of absolutely wonderful agents.  Everyone’s tastes there are so wildly different, that we end up being an agency which works on a wide array of projects. I’d tell anyone reading who loves kid-lit, to check out the work of my colleagues Maria Vicente and Curtis Russell.

What do you look for in a query or manuscript? What themes and topics really call to you? Are you seeking anything in particular right now?

Oooh that’s a tough one! The unhelpful answer is “a good story!” but really, that’s what it usually comes down to.

The thing about a good query, is that it gives me everything I need to know if it’s something I want to request. The basics are there so I know it’s in good shape (good word count, solid comparative titles, the right genre and category for the description of the story), and then the details of the story ground me in the book.

Like, when you look at the jacket copy of any book on your bookshelf, we get a sense of the characters, stakes, and why they can’t just walk away, right? Give those books a look right now! See? We need to get a sense of that in the pitch too.

Once I’ve got all those bits in a query, and as long as the writing is good (again another unhelpful bit), I’ll request away!

As for what I’m specifically looking for… hm. I really want more horror, high-concept romantic comedies, and accessible genre-blending fiction.

Following up on that, what would you like to see more of in middle grade fiction?

More horror please! And I’d love to see an even bigger resurgence in middle grade sci-fi. It’s been such a thrill watching Scott Reintgen’s The Last Dragon on Mars absolutely everywhere. Kids want their science fiction! Let’s make it happen!

What are some of your favorite middle grade authors and/or books? Those can be classic, recent, ones which influenced you growing up, or ones which stand out in today’s market…

I feel like I’m always chasing the thrill of reading an Alex London novel. His Middle Grades, from Battle Dragons to the Princess Protection Program, are just so spectacularly imaginative, accessible, and inclusive. They are the kind of books I cannot wait to give to my kiddo when he’s old enough to read them.

I feel like Olivia A. Cole reinvents themself with every single Middle Grade they write. Where the Lockwood Grows was a masterpiece and then we get hit with The Empty Place, and both books feel so spectacularly different while still so distinctly Olivia. Their books are a literary miracle.

I’ve also loved Sarvenaz Tash and Misa Sugiura’s ventures into Middle Grade after several astonishing YA novels. Definitely pick up the Momo Arashima series and Tash’s debut in MG, The Queen of Ocean Parkway.

As an agent, you’ve represented non-fiction, adult, young adult, and middle grade fiction. Do you have a particular favorite category? What’s it like covering such a wide spectrum of material?

Oooh that’s like asking me to pick my favorite child!

I think my favorite place to work in is always going to be Young Adult books, just because I also write them, which means I get this extra thrill really digging into projects with my YA clients. I like to think I’m really good at those. I hope my clients agree!

What advice would you give an author seeking representation for the first time?

Take your time, do the research. There are a lot of agents out there, but there’s a good chance after you’ve scoured through and made your lists of the ones who will best represent your work, you might only have a couple dozen that feel right. And it’s better to have a good fit.

That said, try not to be nervous? Or intimidated? While there’s an adage floating around about how agents are always looking for a reason to say no, I’d argue that we are always looking for a reason to say YES. We’re people who love books and the folks who write them, and we don’t have a job without creatives.

So yes, take your time. Do the homework. But then take a deep breath. You’re preparing to engage with a bunch of wild fans.

I also keep a bundle of query resources on my website, so if you’re looking to read some sample query letters, give it a look! It’s all free.

What are some of the reasons why you might pass on a query or manuscript? What pitfalls should authors try and avoid?

I mean, it’s never something nefarious. It’s usually a sign that the book just isn’t ready, or they haven’t had anyone else look at it. A word count that is far too low or way too high, a voice that doesn’t fit the category or genre, a fundamentally wrong narrative decision for the project, things like that.

You avoid those pitfalls by being familiar with the space you’re looking to be in. Reading books in the genre or category. I can usually tell right away if a writer isn’t versed in what they’re writing. So do that work.

After all, if you want to write MG novels, you should be a fan of them, right?

How do you balance your author and agent workloads?

Hah! I wish I had some secret hack answer here, but the reality is, I do it the way anyone who has a day job does it. I squeeze in a little time here and there. I wake up early before my kid goes to school, and I write at 6AM until he comes into my office demanding juice. If I’ve had a day that isn’t too exhausting, sometimes I’ll write at night. And I have long standing writing dates with friends that I set up.

It means my books sometimes take a while, and it means sometimes I won’t touch a draft for weeks. But family and work always comes first.

What are you working on now? What projects, both yours and your clients, would you like to hype?

Oh you! My first Middle Grade novel comes out in 2026 with Crown and is called The Adoptee’s Guide to Surviving Seventh Grade. It’s co-written with Jazz Taylor and K.A. Reynolds, and is about a club of adoptees who do not want to talk about their feelings… until they have to, of course.

And there may be another MG announcement on the horizon for me.

As for my clients, there’s a really beautiful MG non-fiction book coming out next year with Bloomsbury by Margeaux Weston called Everything But Typical that I’m very proud of, all about neurodiverse people who have made history, and the latest in Robin Stevenson’s MG non-fiction Kid Legends series, Kid Olympians: Winter, is set to publish with Quirk.

Finally, because I know you’re a proud Philadelphian: Wit’ or witout?  Whiz or American?  And what’s your favorite cheesesteak place?

Hahah, I am a provolone boy, and when it’s available, Cooper Sharp, the best of cheeses. My favorite cheesesteak places are perhaps a bit controversial, as I love the oxtail cheesesteak (you heard me) at Revolution House in Old City, and the curry chicken cheesesteak at Cedar Point in Fishtown. Though most of my Philadelphia friends will tell you, the best cheesesteak is wherever you can get one.

Meet Literary Agent Lori Steel

Lori Steel headshot

It’s been a big year for Lori Steel. As an established literary agent with a track record of solid experience and successful clients, she decided to open her own agency, SteelWorks Literary. We’re grateful that Lori found the time to be a part of our agent spotlight, and we know you’ll enjoy learning more about her.

Lori Steel headshot

 

Hi Lori! I think it would be great to start our conversation by learning a little about your path to becoming an agent.

My path to agenting started working with books first as an educator and school librarian, where I had the privilege of matching young readers to books. I am also a writer, and my experience as an MFA student at Vermont College’s Writing for Children and Young Adults program was transformative. Shortly after graduating in 2012, I was given the unexpected opportunity to be an assistant at Greenhouse Literary, which was then housed near DC. Later, I interned at other agencies, before joining Jacqui Lipton and team at Raven Quill Literary. When RQLA merged with Tobias Literary, I joined the wonderful team at Red Fox Literary before founding my own agency, SteelWorks Literary. 

SteelWorks Literary Agency logo

 

Starting your own agency is a big deal! Can you walk us through the experience?

It’s been an exciting and busy launch, with an incredibly warm reception (and support!) from editors, fellow agents, and other industry colleagues. It’s gratifying to see SWL client projects already thriving, with plenty of new deals, books releasing to strong reviews, and recent Society of Illustrator recognitions for two SteelWorks titles.

 

How would you describe the mission and vision of SteelWorks Literary?

I’ve always had a vision for creating an agency home focused on craft and career development, and a sense of community. A place where deals are made, of course, but also relationships are forged, alongside a professional development mindset. SteelWorks Literary is a space where creatives are supported and encouraged to explore, stretch, and grow beyond expectations and conventions. 

 

It sounds like you’ve created a great environment. I’m sure a lot of authors are watching for your submissions window to open. What are some things you’d like to see in their queries?

A strong pitch that showcases the narrative voice and plot effectively, compelling pacing, fully realized setting, and a professionally crafted query letter will get the best attention.

 

Which genres/themes/subjects are you drawn to/not drawn to?

I’m drawn to middle grade stories that reflect a deep understanding of their audience and trust readers to create inferential leaps where warranted. I’m particularly drawn to setting-rich environments – even in contemporary novels – where the author’s sense of place feels authentic and realized.

Didactic narratives that place message above story-telling, space-bound sci-fi, and overly heavy informational text aren’t strong fits for my list.

 

What advice do you have for authors who would like to send you a query?

Give yourself time and space to ensure your project is ready for submission. A few weeks or months later is not going to impact interest, but quality of story will! And when it’s ready to share, keep an eye open on SteelWorks Literary’s social media pages and the agency’s website for open windows. I also open for special events such as conferences and workshops. 

 

Here at the Mixed-Up Files, we are all about middle grade, and I understand you also have a great fondness for this wonderful category of literature. What do you love most about middle-grade novels?

Middle Grade is that special audience of independent readers, who are still open to trying all varieties of formats. With the age range of 8-12 (generally), this audience tends to have wide appetites. They’ll read an entire mystery series, before diving into a WW2 historical novel, or a humorous contemporary, illustrated novel. They crave connection and insights into the world, as they seek to find their place within it. What I love most is that this audience is still open to read-alouds – and a strong MG novel will always have this quality! Hook a reader at this age, and you have a reader for life.

 

What are some of your favorite current middle-grade novels?

Right now I’m reading Katherine Rundell’s Impossible Creatures and am swept away by the rich language and worldbuilding, dynamic pacing, and a sincere trust she shows her readers. Her books never disappoint and I have a deep appreciation for the depth of scholarly work she puts into each of her books. 

 

We’ve all heard the distressing news about the “middle grade slump” and some downward trends in this market. Where do you think the middle grade market is headed?

This is a tricky question as it’s impossible to know how the market will respond to readers’ fluctuating needs, interests, and other outside forces. Currently, we’re seeing strong interest in graphic and illustrated novels, and a return to the shorter, more accessible middle grade novel format. While more robust page counts have been challenging to sell this past couple of years, the pendulum will swing back again. It always does! Readers need books, and new stories, with as much page count, genre, and format varieties as their intended audiences.

 

It seems like you’ve been very busy at SteelWorks Literary. Tell us about some current SWL projects that you’re excited about.

I’m excited about all SWL forthcoming projects! But since we’re talking middle grade, I’ll share Tate Godwin’s debut graphic novel series – starting with Operation: Cover Up! – which releases January 2025 from Andrews McMeel. Operation: Cover Up! introduces three unlikely friends as they navigate the complicated and comical terrain of fifth grade, learn how to be good friends, and remain true to themselves. 

Book cover for Operation Cover Up

 

I’m also excited about Jilanne Hoffmann’s HeartLand debut middle grade novel. It’s a coming-of-age story told in parallel timelines and alternating POVs – in both prose and verse – about a girl on a sixth-generation Iowa farm, the legacy of the 1980s farm crisis, and a rooted-in-reality environmental cover-up that threatens the groundwater of the entire state (Little Brown Young Readers, fall 2025).

 

We’ve learned a lot about your work. I’m sure everyone would like to know more about you. What are some of your favorite things that have nothing to do with being an agent?

Time with family and friends. Being outside – whether that’s walking the dog, working in the garden, being near the water, or going for a hike…and baking for after-walk treats.

 

Where can authors learn more about you? 

You can find out more about SteelWorks Literary on Instagram and Facebook @Steelworksliterary, and on Bluesky @steelworksliterary.bsky.social. Of course, you can also check out my MSWL

 

Thanks so much for joining us, Lori! It’s been great learning about you and SteelWorks Literary, and we wish you all the best!

NEW AGENT: Meet East/West Literary Agent Jim Averbeck

We are thrilled to welcome Jim Averbeck to the Agent Spotlight on The Mixed-up Files of Middle Grade Authors today. Jim Averbeck is NEW to agenting as of his September announcement, but definitely not to #kidlit. He is looking to represent picture book author/illustrators as well as middle grade and YA authors. The first client to join him was the NYT #1 bestselling, critically acclaimed author Ellen Hopkins. We are excited to hear all about his new venture with East/West Literary Agency. 

 

Welcome Jim. Are you ready for some questions?

ED: Your #kidlit resume includes so many “chapters” –from award-winning author/illustrator/ middle grade author, SCBWI RA, to mentor and conference critiques and editorial feedback. How might these experiences influence your approach to agenting?

Jim Averbeck: Thank you for featuring me today. As a middle grade author, myself, I have always appreciated this blog.

ED Fun fact: Jim’s mg A HITCH AT THE FAIRMONT (Atheneum) is mentioned in a MUF post: https://fromthemixedupfiles.com/cope/

Jim Averbeck: As for your first question, I think the biggest influence on my agenting style will be the mentoring/editorial work I’ve done (and still do) with authors who want to make their manuscript the very best it can be.

I’ve had more than a dozen people thank me on social media for helping them polish their manuscript in a way that resulted in them selling their first book.  They, and many others, have said they are grateful that I was able to see into the emotional heart of their stories and was able to identify the way to bring it to its best. So I hope to bring that ability to my clients.

ED: How important is the query letter? 

 Jim Averbeck: It’s an opportunity to give some insight into what is unique about your story and why you are uniquely suited to write it. But ultimately the work has to shine on its own.

ED: In addition to repping picture book author/illustrators, your E/W Literary announcement states: In middle grade, YA, and graphic novels, Averbeck is interested in science fiction, low or historical fantasy, and literary fiction with memorable, quirky protagonists and steadfast supporting characters who break stereotypes and tropes. Are there published examples that come to mind, or books that you wish you had agented?

Jim Averbeck: Great question! Here ’s a list of published books I like:

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

The City We Became by NK Jemisin

The Parable of the Sower by Octavia E Butler

A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck

Those books by Laini Taylor about the fierce little fairies (I was super-bummed they didn’t catch on so the series could continue) …

Anything by Neil Gaiman

Anything by Steve Sheinkin

Anything…you know what? How about I just take pictures of my bookcases. Most of what is on them survived the “cull” when I moved 3 years ago, so I probably like the books shown.

Click the photos for an Inside Look at what’s on Jim Averbeck’s shelves!

 

 

Jim Averbeck: As for my TBR pile, I just received a copy of Ellen Hopkins’ latest, SYNC, and can’t wait to dig in.

ED: Claudia, one of the main characters in E.L Konigsburg’s book Mixed Up Files… for which our group is named, is a stickler for grammar. Would you stop reading a submission if it has a few typos, grammatical errors, or misspelled words?

Jim Averbeck: Typos and misspelled words tell me the author is careless so maybe I’d stop if the work wasn’t immediately brilliant. Grammar could have been tossed in service to character or author voice so that probably wouldn’t stop me.  That said, I really hate it when people can’t get lie vs lay straight!  So much so that whenever anyone says “I’m going to lay down” I mentally add “my troubles” to stop from squirming uncomfortably.

ED: Do you plan to notify all who submit to you—both the yays and the nays?

Jim Averbeck: That’s the plan. It would be somewhat rude to leave people hanging. That said, my current system still has a few kinks so it might take a while before it is all running smoothly.

ED: What was your favorite book as a child? What’s on your TBR pile right now? (Besides manuscripts.)

Jim Averbeck: My favorite book as a child was Kathryn Jackson’s and Richard Scarry’s “365 Stories: One for Each Day of the Year”  It’s had a number of titles over the years. I still have the same copy I had as a child – a very worn, very torn copy.

ED: Are you interested in being invited to writer’s conferences?

Jim Averbeck Yes.

ED: And now for the question all our readers have been waiting for: How should authors submit to you? Is there a link?

Jim Averbeck: Folks should go to jimaverbeck.com/agenting. There is a button there for submitting a query, as well as information on what to submit.

Endless Thanks to Jim Averbeck for letting us celebrate his new AGENT hat today.

Wishing you great success, Jim.

Let the querying begin!