Agent Spotlight Series: Ann Leslie Tuttle

Ann: I became an agent after spending 20 years on the editorial side, where I acquired and edited women’s fiction and romance.  I was especially drawn to the agenting side because I love the idea of shaping an author’s career—something I didn’t get to do if an author switched houses--and the ability to work in a variety of genres to represent the projects that really capture my eye.  Some of my current clients are authors I first bought as an editor, and we’ve been working together in both capacities for almost 20 years.

Ann: Originally when I joined the agency, I focused primarily on romance since that was my area of expertise.  My list has now expanded to include Southern Gothics, women’s fiction, Middle Grade and narrative nonfiction.  I’m especially excited to be representing Middle Grade as I have a daughter that age and am seeing how these titles help children develop a love of reading and a better understanding of the world and their emotions.

Ann: If the author decides we will be a good fit based on our conversation, the vision we’ve discussed for the author’s current project, and any discussions with my current clients, the author will sign our agency agreement.  We will then start working together.  Generally, I send the client a very detailed letter outlining suggestions for improving the story, which generally expands on the points we addressed in our initial or follow-up call, and that letter might be followed up by a phone conversation with the author to discuss the points and brainstorm.  Sometimes we will go through several rounds of revisions before we both feel the manuscript truly shines and is ready to send out.   Before going out on submission, I make my authors aware of the editors I think would be a good fit for submission, see if they have any “dream” editors they’d like me to target, and also have the author review the pitch letter and comp titles I’m suggesting to ensure the author is excited and knowledgeable about the process.  And then, hopefully, the magic happens where we find an editor who shares our excitement for the project, and the contract negotiations begin.  During the negotiation, I will work to get my client the best deal I can.

Ann: I spent over 20 years on the editorial side, so I am aware of how publishing houses operate and can share those insights with my clients.  I have strong editorial skills, so that the projects I send out are hopefully in the best shape possible, and I can also help my clients understand the basis for some editorial suggestions when they get bought.  

Ann: If I see potential in a story and author and love their voice, I will work with the author to make the manuscript shine and sell.  The authors who sign with me are open to editorial guidance and committed to making their stories stand out.

Ann: #PitMad and #Pitchfest immediately come to mind.  The WFWA also hosts a virtual pitching event.

Ann: It’s been wonderful to see historical romantic comedies emerge.  This month, I’ve been excited to see A LADY’S FORMULA FOR LOVE by my client, Elizabeth Everett, garner so much attention. 

Ann: Romantic comedies by #Own Voices authors and also writers who represent neuro-diversity.

Ann: Generally, I like to see a synopsis that is 2 to 3 pages and gives me enough sense of the main characters and key plotting details/themes.  I don’t want the synopsis to get too specific with scene-by-scene details, but a well-crafted one can also show the broader themes a story addresses.

Ann: When I was an editor, I don’t think I fully appreciated how much editorial work an agent can put into a book before sending it out on submission.

Ann: Our agency has had a number of Zoom meetings with various imprints and film co-agents throughout the pandemic, which has allowed us to stay informed and connected with the editorial and film community.  It’s not only been a great opportunity to network but also to stay current on trends and shifts at different houses.

Ann: I am always looking for established and debut clients and am committed to establishing a strong relationship of trust and honesty with the authors I represent. Dystel, Goderich & Bourret is a well-established agency that provides a very collegial atmosphere, and we are focused on building our clients’ careers.