Sheila Fernley from Storm Literary Agency

By Margaret Lea

Sheila Fernley joined Storm Literary Agency in March 2024 as an Associate Literary Agent, and is an agented picture book author herself, as well as a former editor and special education teacher. If you are reading this before November 2024, and would like to hear her speak, register for our free Zoom meeting. 

Here are her answers to some of querying authors’ most common questions.

• 1) Do you prefer a query salutation to be Dear Ms. Fernley, Dear Sheila Fernley, or Dear Sheila?

I prefer query letter salutations to be personal – Dear Sheila, or even Hi Sheila. 

 

• 2) How far do you read of each genre (PB/MG/YA) before you usually know it’s a pass? Do you represent all three categories? 

    I represent authors who write PB, MG, and YA subgenres, requesting a full manuscript for picture books and the first three chapters of a MG or YA. I also represent author/illustrators. I can usually tell by the end of the first page if the project will be a pass, although I do like to read the entire submission.

 

• 3) What most tells you it’s a pass?

    For me, it is the query letter and the manuscript. I can usually tell from a query letter if the submission is going to be a pass, nevertheless, I read the submitted project. As an agented writer, I know how important it is to learn how to write an effective query letter. If the pitch doesn’t compel me to read the story and the query letter isn’t well written, I am pretty sure that the manuscript will be a pass. 

    As for the manuscript, I always look for a strong opening that makes the reader wonder, draws them into the story, and compels the reader to read on. I also look for other elements, such as title, tone, theme, voice, word choice, and emotional connection. The project must also be fresh, with a unique and universal sensibility. 

 

• 4) What most makes you want to read more work and represent the author?

    There are many reasons that I request more work, but I can’t stress the importance of an opening that compels the reader to read on. Of course, the rest of the story must also deliver. I like to learn something about the author from their query letter, and not just their credentials. But the truth is, even if the author’s projects are consistently stellar, I’m not sure if I will offer representation until I meet with an author. I believe the working relationship between an author and agent is just as important as the author’s body of work.

 

• 5) How many PB manuscripts should an author have ready before querying, and should they mention they have others ready?

A picture book writer should have at least three polished manuscripts before querying an agent. If interested in a query, an agent will usually ask for 3-5 additional projects. Some agents will accept works in progress (which should be identified as WIP) and project ideas. As for MG and YA writers, I suggest having at least one or two other projects before querying. These can be polished or works in progress. An agent will want to know that a writer can consistently create fresh, stellar stories.

 

• 6) For each genre, are there topics which make editors say, “Not another ________  book!”? 

    This differs from editor to editor. Like agents, editors seek different projects and what they seek may change over time. Start by researching the type of books an imprint publishes—genres, titles, and sensibilities. An editor will seek projects that are appropriate for their imprint, but will also have different interests depending on what they are seeking for their list. Even another book about friendships or one with a common main character (i.e., dog, bear), can have a fresh, unique hook or style that will make it stand apart.

   Conversely, are there topics they seem excited to receive more of?

    Although I don’t believe in writing to trends, there are current genres and topics of focus in the market and from editor to editor. In general, for fiction picture books, editors seem to like quirky characters, humor, universal themes, lessons that aren’t didactic, and fresh ideas and/or styles of writing. For MG and YA, fantasy and/or romance are currently of interest to many editors. 

 

• 7) Should the description in the query contain any spoilers? Should the synopsis?

    I don’t want a title or query letter to contain a spoiler. Agents may ask for a synopsis, which is separate from the query letter (especially for novels). A synopsis should be a brief summary of the plot—beginning, middle, and end. The ending should show that it is logical, satisfying, and even surprising.