Insider Tips from Agent & Author Eric Smith: why horror is having a moment, what is selling in YA right now and how to get noticed in a crowded field

Have you been wondering why horror is so popular right now? Do you want to know what is selling in YA and why? How about ways to make your story stand out to acquiring editors in a crowded field? Or maybe you want insight into why an agent passed on your manuscript? 

On episode 38, we get into the details with agent and author Eric Smith and answer these questions.  We also look at what to include in a query letter to get Eric's attentiona nd why you should stop obsessing over including the inciting incident in chapter one. Also....what is on the top of Eric's current wish list!

Don't miss the information packed episode!

Visit Eric's website for query letter examples and non-fiction book proposals.

Pre-order Eric's forthcoming YA novel, With or Without You

About Eric Smith

Eric is a literary agent and Young Adult author from Elizabeth, New Jersey. As an agent with P.S. Literary, he’s worked on New York Times bestselling and award-winning books. His recent novels include the YALSA Best Books for Young Readers selection Don’t Read the Comments (Inkyard Press, 2020), You Can Go Your Own Way (Inkyard Press, 2021), and the anthologies Battle of the Bands (Candlewick, 2021) and First-Year Orientation (Candlewick, 2023), both co-edited with award-winning author Lauren Gibaldi. 

Last year, Abrams published his book Jagged Little Pill: The Novel, which was written in collaboration with Alanis Morissette, Academy award-winner Diablo Cody, and Glen Ballard, and is an adaptation of the Grammy and Tony award winning musical. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife and son, and enjoys video games, pop punk, and crying over every movie.