“For nonfiction, my dream project is one that has a clear market, is fresh, informative and entertaining, and has an author with a large platform,” she says. “For fiction, my dream project [is one that] makes me miss a meal.”
Find her online at zimmermannliterary.com and projectpublish.com. You can find her on Twitter at @AgentZimmy. Below, discover writing tips, what Helen is currently seeking, tips on pitching, how to query her agency, and more.
- A one-year subscription to the literary agent content on WritersMarket.com.
- The secrets of query-writing success: Learn 5 common mistakes that make an agent stop reading—and how to avoid them.
- “New Agent Spotlights”: Get targeted profiles of literary reps who are actively building their client lists right now.
- Informative articles on writing a synopsis, pitching your work online, utilizing writing peers, and much more.
Seeking
“Wellness/fitness/sports, relationships, popular culture, women’s issues, music, memoir, reading group fiction.”
Writing Tips
“Never forget that publishing is a business: It’s not going to happen overnight, and numbers matter.”
“Content is king. If your material falls apart a few chapters in, agents will notice.”
“For fiction writers, writers’ groups are invaluable.”
“For nonfiction writers, being completely passionate about your subject matter is great; obsessed with your subject matter is even better.”
Pitch Tips
“Make sure your query letter focuses on your strengths. You want to start strong.”
“Do your research.”
“Your biography should pertain [only] to your work.”
HOW TO QUERY:
“Queries are preferred via email. Please no attachments until I express interest. For non-fiction queries, initial contact should just be a pitch letter. For fiction queries, I prefer a summary, your bio, and the first chapter as text in the email (not as an attachment). If I express interest I will need to see a full proposal for non-fiction and the remainder of the manuscript for fiction. I receive many submissions and regretfully can’t reply to each one, so please understand that if you don’t hear from me in two weeks it is most likely because the project isn’t right for my agency.”
Clients
Kent Hartman, author of The Wrecking Crew (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2012)
Jim Afremow, author of The Champions Mind (Rodale Books, 2014)
Susan Richards, author of Chosen by a Horse (Mariner Books, 2007)
Upcoming Conferences
Books Alive!, Washington D.C., April 2017
ASJA Writers Conference, New York City, May 2017
Life in a Nutshell
“Grew up in Westchester County, N.Y.; was a Girl Scout way longer than most; played field hockey in college; am the proud mother of two college students; and when I’m not working I’m almost always in the woods.”
Fun Facts
“I was a volunteer EMT for 10 years, two of them as captain of the rescue squad—totally badass.”
“I love to cook without a recipe.”
“I am painfully neat. I can’t work unless my space is tidy.”
Favorite
Drink: Chardonnay
Blog: yurts.com/blog
Living author: Ian McEwan
Dead author: Anne LaBastille
Poem: “My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends—
It gives a lovely light.” —Edna St. Vincent Millay
Quote: “Solvitur ambulando.” (“It is solved through walking.”)
Place: Adirondack Mountains
Most Proud Of
“Hiking all 46 of the Adirondack High Peaks, making me ADK 46er #8058.”
Why She Does What She Does
“Making writers’ dreams come true is pretty darn fun.”
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