Ms. Barnard spent many years working as an editor for multiple print and online publications. She established this agency with the intention of participating in the literary world at a more fundamental level, as well as hopefully influencing the evolution of that industry with her own perspective.
During her literary career, Ms. Barnard has worked with unique and creative individuals with fresh opinions and outlooks. At times, however, she has also been affronted by the amount of work she has been asked to edit, and essentially make readable, that she personally felt was not worthy of publication. Eventually it became clear that the quality of work was not only overlooked, but often cast aside. After experiencing this repeatedly she decided to pursue her own agency where she could work with, and represent, the wealth of talent that she knew was out there, lurking somewhere within the shadows.
REPRESENTATION
There are any number of recommendations as to how to become successful at writing and no shortage of people working towards that aim. For all the advice available the matter simply is that I know what I like and what I do not. However, I became an agent to represent writers and their work, and as such encourage submissions.
I am now closed to open submissions. As of January 4th, 2008, I will only accept submissions from the following genres: horror and fantasy, or anything else dark and disturbing in nature. If you are in question as to whether I would be interested, please query first.
“43% of all readers decide after the first chapter whether they’ll finish a book. 4% make that decision after the first page.†Published in the Toronto Star, Sunday, November 11th, 2007.
I will give equal consideration to each and every submission written in the above specified genres, by which I mean the following:
I will read THE FIRST FIVE PAGES of every submission.
I prefer to represent Canadian writers, but submisisons are open to all.
I do not accept telephone inquiries, or postal mail submissions. All submissions must be sent to [email protected] with the following:
* The first three chapters, or 50 pages, as an attachment.
* The attachment must be in .rtf format with the filename as firstname lastname - title. This makes it easier for entry into my tracking database.
* The manuscript must be double-spaced.
* The manuscript must have the title, author’s last name and page number in the upper right corner of every page.
* In the body of the email please include your first and last name, email address that you check the most, and a phone number where I can reach you if needed.
* A short synopsis of what the whole novel will include if I was to read it from cover to cover.
* The genre you perceive your manuscript to fall under. This is very important!
All submissions outside of my genre requirements MUST query first. I don’t require resumes, previous publication credits, writing awards, education, etc. All I require is a short synopsis of what you are looking to publish. It does not matter to me what you have, or have not done in the past. All that truly matters is what you wish to submit to me now. If I do wish to see more at a later date, I will ask you for it.
Query guidelines are as follows:
* Word Count: 150-250 words.
* Subject Line: QUERY: TITLE OF YOUR BOOK
* Agent Info: List the agent’s contact information (name, agency, etc.) at the top of your email query. Even though this is email, treat it as professional as you would a snail mailed letter.
* Spacing: Put a space between each short paragraph. Don’t indent paragraphs.
* HTML: Avoid HTML settings like bold or italics or underline. Also avoid images.
* Closing: Be sure to use a general closing like “Sincerely,†or “Regards,†and then list your full name—first and last.
* Your Info: Please put your full contact information under your name.
* URL: List a website address or blog address if you have one.
Thank you for your interest in The Barnard Literary Agency.
