Spotlight: Agent Q&A

Last month we were fortunate to host a wonderfully informative Zoomie all about indie publishing, featuring two traditionally published veterans, Erin Dionne and Nancy Werlin, who’ve made the leap to self-publishing their own work. Erin and Nancy shared a wealth of information, touching upon everything from interior layouts to cover design, hiring editors and copy editors, and even producing your own audiobooks. For anyone interested in striking out on their own, they offered an invaluable roadmap on where and how to get started.

But what if you are committed to pursuing the dream of being traditionally published? For that, you’ll still need an agent to serve as your guide through the confusing, complicated, and often treacherous publishing landscape.

So, this month, we are delighted to host Jennifer Laughran, Senior Editor at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency and host of the Literaticast podcast, for our very first Agent Q&A. Rather than a formal lecture or workshop, this Zoomie is formatted as a relaxed conversation during which attendees will be able to ask Jennifer all their agent-related questions.

And let’s face it: we all have questions! Even the four of us…

For example, Lesa wants to know what signs of hope are looming on the literary horizon during these challenging publishing times. Jennifer plans to ask Jennifer how she advises clients about switching genres or age categories. Meanwhile, I would love to find out when (and if) the middle grade market is ever going to bounce back, whereas Jo, generous as always, would like to know Jennifer’s favorite question she’s ever been asked, and whether her answer remains the same.

What about you? What would you ask if you had the chance to sit down with an agent? If you’ve ever wondered, here’s your opportunity to find out. Bring all your publishing-related questions. We have a full hour to pick Jennifer’s brain. (Just don’t plan to pitch your own work; Jennifer will be here to talk about the industry and the market, not anyone’s individual book.)

When: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm ET

Where: Online

Cost: $20*

Jennifer Laughran is generously donating the proceeds from this Zoomie to the R(ev)ise and Shine! Residency Scholarship fund!

*For those who can’t attend live, a recording of this session will be made available for 30 days after the event for all ticket holders.

Click the image below to find out more and sign up:

Jennifer Laughran comes from a theatrical background, and began her career in agenting after working as a long-time children’s bookseller and buyer. She joined the Andrea Brown Literary Agency in 2007. Jenn loves quirky, warm illustration, and projects for all ages that have illustrated elements. Always on the lookout for sparkling YA and middle grade fiction with unusual and unforgettable characters and vivid settings, she is drawn to nearly all kinds of books, whether realistic comedies or richly imagined magical adventures. However, the common thread in her favorite stories is an offbeat world-view. Jennifer loves funny books, thrilling books, romantic books, books that make her cry, and all-around un-put-downable books... and her true favorites are all of the above.

She spends most of her free time ... well, reading, what else?

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