President Frances Goldin fits into the progressive category. In this interview she explains that an inventive query is her favorite kind, and that writers should (usually) not quit their day jobs.
What title do you prefer? And why are you the absolute best agent around?
My title is President, and I not not the best, but in my special category, I am the best. And that category is Progressive, non-acist, sexist, agist book - I am the best.
What's big now that editors really want to see? And what do you wish that you handled more of?
Editors are looking for best sellers - Period. That cuts out 3/4 of what we handle - No romances, horror, violence, supernatural, spy stories, etc.
What is the best kind of query from a writer? And are there some things that you wish writers would stop doing?
Do a skit, a short story, anything wild and wonderful, and I will contact them.
My pet peeve is their telling me they are offering me a best seller. Forget it!
Can you tell us something personal about yourself that not everyone knows?
I am so ready for a revolution - but almost everybody knows that by now. If there weren't such a thing as peanut butter, I would starve to death.
My best advise to would-be authors: Don't quit your day job!