Literary agent Latoya C. Smith is taking on a new venture. I recently spoke with the newly named co-founder and literary agent at ArtHouse Literary Agency
Tell me about your journey to becoming an agent.
My very first job in publishing was working with New York Times bestselling author Teri Woods. After graduating college in 2005, I worked as an acquisitions editor at Kensington Publishing for a short while, then moved over to Grand Central Publishing for eight years. After that, I was at Samhain Publishing for two years. When Samhain folded in 2017, I started my business, LCS Literary Services where I offered developmental editing and consulting. A friend of mine, Lori Perkins, thought I’d make a great agent and offered me a position with her company, L. Perkins Agency shortly thereafter.
What inspired you to become one?
At first, I said no to becoming an agent. After all, I felt I was a horrible salesperson, but after attending a few conferences and having authors ask me to be their agent, I decided to give it a try. I’ve been doing it ever since.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
My mother worked in daycare, and gave me my first “audiobooks” before I could even read. Back then, you had the physical book to read along with a cassette tape. From there, I became a Scholastic kid, constantly ordering books every time the catalogue came in. And it went on from there.
What’s the best part of being an agent?
Getting to help authors fulfill their dreams of being published by a traditional publisher.
What’s the hardest part of being an agent?
Sometimes, no matter how hard you push a project, it doesn’t sell. The disappointment and having to encourage your author to move on to something else is sometimes difficult and can even result in parting ways.
Are you taking on new clients now? If so, how do people submit to you?
Yes. I recently started a new business venture, ArtHouse Literary Agency, with Felice Laverne. You can learn more about us and submit here: https://arthouselit.com
What are the biggest mistakes authors make when seeking an agent and pursuing a traditional book deal?
Sometimes, they have their heart set on an agent or agency (or even a publisher) and don’t realize that the agent must LOVE their work in order to do the best job for them.
What books have you read lately and loved?
How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House by Cherie Jones. If I can find an author like that, WOW
What book(s) are you most excited to read next?
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
What’s next for you?
Hopefully, bringing on a cache of great authors to sell! Also, ArtHouse Literary is looking to expand our team, so if there are any agents out there looking for a great company to work with, please contact us.