Eric Smith
What he represents: Literary and commercial fiction, nonfiction, YA, and middle grade.
Who he represents: Mike Chen, James Tate Hill, Rebecca Podos, Melody Schreiber, Robin Stevenson, Alison Stine
ILOVE the question “what are you reading for fun?” from friends and colleagues who know that my entire life is just…well, reading all the time. Whether it’s query letters, manuscripts I’ve requested, or finished books by clients, it can be a lot. So when I’m not reading in those workspaces, here’s what a typical reading week looks like for me.
In any given week, throughout the entirety of last year and this year, I have a romcom someplace within reach. Because in these difficult times we’re in, I need books that feel like hugs, to replace the hugs I’m missing. Make me laugh, sigh, and feel hopeful.
Late at night instead of doom scrolling, few things make me smile more than all those Instagram accounts that have beautifully illustrated charts and graphs and memes that dunk on me for being a Scorpio. Because let me tell you, they nail it almost every single time.
I have a toddler. Every single day I am reading between one and thirty-seven picture books. This is also probably why I’m not getting back to your submission or query as fast as you might like. As with all parents in these challenging times, I’m trying my best. Want some recs? Pick up anything by Jessie Sima, Seth Fishman, Minh Lê, or Olivia Cole. I’ve read their books several dozen times in a row, and I still love them. That’s important.
I took up gardening, because why not? It keeps me safe in my yard and allows me to make a green space for my kiddo. I spend a lot of time reading various articles and Instagram captions on how to not kill all the plants I’ve purchased. What do you mean some don’t need to be watered? Plants need water! No why are you dying I ask for so little—
When it comes to finding authors and discovering new clients outside of the query box, one of the ways I come across writers is through their platforms. Do they write essays or articles or dish valuable advice on social media? I often find myself following the careers of writers as a result of what they’re writing outside of their books.