Internet, meet our newest agent:
We are straight-up giddy, I’m not going to lie. We’ve known Michelle for a while, and she has proven herself as a brilliant mind in publishing, a keen editor, and just a fantastic person overall. The two of us sat down over coffee and the interwebs to chat about her big move:
How does it feel to be here?
It feels great! I’ve been watching from the Twitter sidelines and I’m excited to join the team–I think it’s going to be a blast.
It is. We love our work. So, you’ve been an editor at St. Martin’s for 8 years. What made you want to become an agent?
I love working with authors, but wanted to “join the dark side” and do a little matchmaking to help them find just the right publisher and editor, wherever that may be. I look forward to broadening my reach beyond the walls of the Flatiron–as much as I loved those walls.
Tell us about some of the books you’ve edited.
I’ve edited actress Melissa Joan Hart’s memoir MELISSA EXPLAINS IT ALL, which took us from her first commercial casting call at age 4 through her 3 hit TV series, and all the boys, parties, and behind the scenes gossip any fan could want. There was Jeremy Shere’s RENEWABLE, a well-researched and engaging look at alternative energies, kind of a Thomas Friedman meets Michael Pollan feel, that got a starred review from Publishers Weekly. And IMAGINE LIFE WITH A WELL-BEHAVED DOG, a fantastic positive reinforcement dog training guide had the most enthusiastic, motivated author who really knew her stuff.
Are there any particular genres or stories you’ll be especially looking for?
I’m really passionate about mysteries and thrillers, especially amateur sleuth and police procedurals, so will be looking hard for some great crime fiction. I love a strong female protagonist in all fiction, and am hoping to find some great character-driven stories, whether book-club reads, crime fiction, or women’s commercial fiction. I have a particular love for stories in Russia–think MADONNAS OF LENINGRAD, RUSSIAN WINTER, not spy thrillers. I also love books set in Ireland, India, or Boston.
What was your favorite book of this year?
It’s hard to pick just one! I loved MASTERING THE ART OF SOVIET COOKING, an entertaining memoir with food as a unifying element, and THE GOLDFINCH, for the mystery, the emotion, and the great characters–the sketchy Russian sidekick, Boris, was my favorite.
True story. Loved Anya’s book. How do you see the role of the agent changing?
I think agents need to be willing to adapt with changing technology and publishing vehicles, but to continue to advocate for their clients and help them develop a career.
You’re at the right agency. Where do you see publishing going in general?
I don’t see physical books going away any time soon–readers love them too much–but eBooks are growing and growing. Bookstores close, but others keep fighting the good fight, and adjusting their inventories and what they offer to consumers.
How about you? Which formats do you prefer?
I love hardcovers and trade paperbacks, but sometimes read eBooks on my tablet.
Do you have any guilty pleasure reads?
I do love a great style book, like a Clinton Kelly or Nina Garcia. And sometimes a juicy celeb memoir just can’t be beat–but you better give me sex, drugs, weight loss/gain, and tons of photos.
And finally, what is your favorite kind of cookie? (This is important here.)
Peanut butter, with those little fork marks!
Excellent. Thanks, Michelle! We’re thrilled to have you aboard. Folks, follow our newest best friend on Twitter: @Michrichter1.
