Meet New Agent, Barbara Scott

Every now and then, I like to look outside myself on this blog and profile someone interesting from the publishing industry. The last time, it was a short visit with author Trish Perry. This time, it seemed like a no-brainer, especially with all the buzz around Barbara Scott becoming a literary agent with WordServe Literary Group in September, that she would be the logical choice this time … especially since I have her here at my house to answer my questions! Captive audience and all that. So please join me in welcoming the lovely and talented Barbara Scott to my blog.

Barbara’s bio: Barbara J. Scott has been a book editor for more than a decade and has more than 30 years of publishing experience, ranging from newspapers and magazines to books. Most recently, Barbara has been credited for kicking off a well-rounded series of quality, highly reviewed novels at Abingdon Press. Her educational background includes a M.A. and a B.A. in English; a Certificate in Film from the Mass Media Institute at Stanford University, and training in screen development with the Robert McKee Story Seminar in Los Angeles.

After retiring from your career as an editor, what made you come back a year later and re-join the publishing world as an agent?
I spent a lot of time in prayer, seeking the Lord about what He would have me do with the rest of my life, and agenting kept whispering in my mind. Even though I pushed it away a few times, it became stronger and stronger until finally I couldn’t ignore it any more. My intention was to open a small boutique agency on my own after the first of the year, but Greg Johnson from WordServe Literary made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.

I’ve known you as a true advocate for writers. That aspect of your personality should go a long way in promoting your work as an agent.
Perhaps because I’ve been a writer, and then an editor, I’ve always loved other writers and have felt a continuing kinship with them. It was a natural fit for me since I’ve always championed the work of writers within my parameters as an editor.

Have you begun accepting queries yet?
Yes, I’ve already begun accepting proposals, and I’ve seen a few that have really excited me.

Specifically, what are you looking for?
I’m actively looking for authors with a Christian world view – not specifically writing Christian material per se, but certainly material that doesn’t contradict Scripture – and who have worked on their craft, have at least one complete manuscript and are now ready for an agent to partner with them to grow a new career or expand an established one.

Adult Fiction:
Full-length fiction, 65,000 to 100,000 words. General market or Christian market (but any General Market material MUST NOT contradict Scripture).
Genres: Women's, Romance, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Historical, Family Saga, Amish, Political Thrillers, Mainstream, Supernatural/Speculative, including End Times.

Short contemporary and historical fiction, 40,000 to 65,000 words. Christian market.
Genres: Romance, Historical, Romantic Suspense. Will accept queries for Barbour, Steeple Hill Love Inspired, Summerside Love Finds You, and Avon Inspire.

Kids:
Middle grade and YA books

Non-Fiction:
Both Christian market and general market projects: Current Affairs, Political, Management, Sales, Money, Home Life, Marriage, Family, Parenting, Health & Diet, How-to, Popular Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Women's Issues, Devotionals. Authors should have established social media, consulting, or speaking platforms.

Christian theology, apologetics, pastoral, spiritual growth:
I will only take on this type of project if the Christian author has well-known credentials and/or a large, established platform.

What are you NOT looking for?
Gift books; Poetry; Short stories; Screenplays; Graphic novels; Children's picture books; Horror.

How would you like authors to query you?
By email query only at Barbara@wordserveliterary.com with their full name and the word QUERY in the subject line. I’d like to see a brief bio and a short synopsis of the project. If I’m interested, I will then ask for a full proposal of a longer synopsis and the first three chapters. Non-fiction proposals will also require a table of contents and project outline as well.

Anything else you would like to say to prospective author clients?
I’m attracted to authors with a real passion for telling a great story, whether that’s through fiction or via an established platform for non-fiction work. Something I don’t think a lot of writers understand is that an agent, or even an editor, will often feel as excited about your work as you do; even more so sometimes. The calling on my heart is to be a foundational part of the team that transmits your voice and what you have to say out to the audience that needs to hear it.