Katie Monson loves kids, and she also loves books. For 12 years, Katie was a self-employed childcare provider, watching children in her home and enjoying the privilege of being home to raise her children. But recently, she decided to massively change up her life and find a new path that still allowed her to work from home and be with her kids. That new path led her to SBR Media.
SBR Media is a literary agency for all genres. It was established in April 2016 by Stephanie Phillips. Today, SBR Media has 11 agents representing over 300 clients. As one of those agents, Katie Monson is known to be self-motivated, organized, and ready to represent clients and help lead them to success. We’re grateful she took the time to share a little bit about herself and her work with our MUF readers.
Welcome, Katie! Your path to becoming an agent is fascinating and not all that typical. What led you to the world of books and publishing?
I’ve always had a passion for reading, ever since I was a little girl. Over the years, I developed a strong interest in reading indie romance books, which naturally led to blogging, beta reading, and editing small manuscripts for authors.
It sounds like agenting was a natural fit. Now that you’ve been in this role for a while, what do you find to be the best and worst parts of being an agent?
The best part about being an agent is working with my authors and making their dreams come true!
The worst part is how I cannot possibly take on all the manuscripts that I read. I would love to be able to help everyone but it’s just not possible. Sending the rejection letters and knowing how the author is going to feel is the worst.
Here at MUF, we’re all about middle grade. As an agent who represents this category of work, what do you love most about middle grade novels?
I love middle grade novels because they are multifaceted. They can be for pure entertainment, but while they are being enjoyed, there can also be underlying themes that help kids navigate through life and challenges they may face. Middle grade books can help make kids feel less alone and know that what they are going through is normal!
Which middle-grade book(s) influenced you most as a child?
I loved the Wayside School books! They were so funny to me, and I still remember them to this day. I shared them with my own kids, and they loved them too!
What are some of your favorite current middle grade novels?
I really love any of Raina Telgemeier books! My kids loved them too!
Which genres/themes/subjects are you drawn to/not drawn to?
I am not a big sci-fi and fantasy reader, so I lack the experience needed to represent these. I love themes of being true to yourself, being a great friend/person, subtle lesson-teaching (not being in your face about it). I also love when a novel explains big feelings!
What do you look for in a query, and what types of queries do you hope to find?
A query needs to be brief and engaging. I want to be drawn in so quickly that I can’t wait to get my hands on the manuscript. Don’t give away too much, but don’t be vague either.
I’m on the hunt for another middle grade to add to my list. I’m looking for an engaging plot with a twist no one sees coming. I want to keep the kids reading on their toes (as well as the editor we are pitching to).
What are the top reasons you pass on a submission?
There are many reasons why but the top ones I would pass on are:
- Word count is not where it needs to be
- Not an exciting query that makes me NEED to read more
- I couldn’t connect with the writing/story/characters
Do you ever participate in pitch parties, and if so, what do you love about them?
I participate in events when I find the time! LOL! I love to see how authors are able to explain their entire manuscript in such a short amount of words. I love these events so much that I have even set up a pop-up event of my own!
That sounds interesting! Can you tell us a little more about this pop-up event?
YES! I will randomly set up my own personal pop-up pitch event. I ask for a brief description of their manuscript (I usually have these open to all authors) and a mood board if they have one. From there, if I like their post then I have them contact me for more information on how to submit to me.
We know you’re closed to submissions right now, but can you give us an idea of when you’ll reopen?
The plan is this spring for a week. This is a really busy season for me, so I am unsure of the exact time, but it will most likely be sometime in May. My best advice is to watch my socials!
You can check out my Manuscript Wish List here: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/katie-monson/
My Instagram handle is https://www.instagram.com/litagentkatiem/ and you can follow me on X at https://twitter.com/.
Before you go, we’d love to learn about your life outside of work. What are your favorite things to do that have nothing to do with being an agent?
I love to get lost in a good book. What agent wouldn’t love reading for pleasure? (Although, it’s harder to come by these days!) I also love traveling! Seeing the mountains in Tennessee and the beaches in Florida are two of my most favorite things. And I love spending time with my family.
So, when I’m not reading, sitting by the pool, or complaining about the cold Rochester winters, you can probably find me traveling to the beaches of Florida, the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, and spending time with my husband and four children in Rochester, New York.