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Double Feature! Trick or Treat with Agent Lynnette Novak + Treat Inside!
Hi, all you fall and spooky book lovers—and especially all you querying authors out there! We have a hex-traordinary treat in store for you today. 👻
We’re thrilled to welcome literary agent Lynnette Novak of The Seymour Agency! Lynnette is here to share tons of writing tips, publishing insights, and a peek at a side project she's working on now.
So, without further ado, want to learn more about Lynnette and her work as a literary agent PLUS see what boo-riffic treat she’s brought along with her? Read on… if you dare! 📚✨
Q: Hi, Lynnette! Thanks for joining us. It's abslutely fab-boo-lous for you to Trick-or-Treat with us at #SeasonsOfKidLit!
We’re thrilled to feature you and hear all about your role as an agent, what trends you’re seeing, and what projects you’re working on. First, can you tell us a little about you and your background in publishing and agenting?
A: Hi Heather. Thank you for having me. I started my career as a teacher, then I became a freelance editor for 17 years, and I’ve been a literary agent with The Seymour Agency for the past 9 years.
Q: What trends are you seeing in publishing, specifically in kidlit? And what advice do you have for those who are discouraged by the slowness that many are experiencing?
A: At the moment, editors are asking for humor, especially in picture books. While it’s true the market has been quite slow over the past couple years, I believe it’ll turn around. I don’t know when—I wish I had a crystal ball that could tell me—but people will start buying more books again, especially once the economy improves. A lot of people are struggling, so when it comes to a choice between buying a book or groceries, it’s a no-brainer. I know this sounds discouraging, but the silver lining is that if your book isn’t selling or you’re not able to snag a literary agent, it might not be your writing. It could simply be a numbers game. If you love writing, keep writing.
Thanks so much for sharing this very REAL glimpse at writing and the market with us! You're spot on!
Q: What do you currently represent in both the kidlit and adult realms? And when you’re open for queries, what types of manuscripts do you tend to gravitate toward?
A: I’m currently closed to queries. My authors write board books, picture books, chapter books, middle grade, YA, NA and adult fiction as well as nonfiction. Genres range from kit lit contemporary, mystery (MG), fantasy, adventure, all romance, romantasy, and horror. I tend to gravitate toward voicey fiction with a unique premise, 3-dimentional characters, unforgettable endings, and pacing that keeps me interested.
Q: How many books (if you had to guesstimate!) have you helped sell as an agent?
A: I’ve sold over 125 books (as of right now—more sales to come!)
125?! That is simply amazing. A HUGE congrats to you and your authors!
P.S. Readers, 1) Lynnette represented I. M. Eerie's books, the author who just appeared today and
2) here's a behind-the-scenes glimpse/a REAL part of our interview/convo.
Me to Lynnette:
"P.S. Maybe this count will go up by the time this airs… if that anonymous publisher picks up that anonymous 6-book chapter book series we're shopping, lol!"
And guess what? They DID!... so, Lynnette has now sold over 130 books!!
Q: I love the writing tips you're sharing on your social media platforms (including YouTube, TikTok, and X! They are so helpful and REAL. What inspired you to put out a series of videos for the #AmWriting Community and what do you hope readers take away from it?
A: I started posting writing tips on YouTube because I’ve always loved talking about writing, and I genuinely enjoy helping writers get better at what they do. As a literary agent, I get to meet writers at a really interesting point in their journey. I see the stories they’re passionate about, the potential in them, and sometimes how frustrated they are when they know something isn’t working, but they can’t figure out what it is.
That matters to me because I know how much goes into writing a book. Writers spend months or years on these stories. They put so much of themselves into them. I hate the idea of a good story getting stuck or deleted simply because the writer doesn’t have the tools to diagnose what’s wrong.
So, the channel is really an extension of what I’m already trying to do in my work: help writers understand the craft, make their stories stronger, and feel more confident in the process. If I can help someone get unstuck or see their manuscript in a new way, that’s a win for me.
Writers - seriously make sure to subscribe and check Lynnette out! Her videos are SO helpful - I've already been learning a ton and I know you will too!
YouTube: Lynnette Novak - YouTube
Q: What’s your favorite holiday, and why is it Halloween? LOL!
A: Hahaha. How did you know it’s Halloween? As a kid, I probably loved Halloween most because we’d go trick-or-treating and come home with a pillowcase full of candy. But once I was too old (according to my parents) to go door to door for candy, I realized I had missed something incredible about Halloween: the décor, the costumes, and all the creepy things!!!
Q: BONUS: What’s your favorite Halloween candy and what would you gladly swap it for?
A: Ack! I couldn’t possibly choose a favorite Halloween candy. LOL But… I would swap it for a book any day!
Q: Would you like to leave a Trick or a Treat for our readers?
A: A treat! Two, in fact!
I would love to offer a free query critique to one of your followers. (Note: queries must be sent in within two weeks of the prize being announced).
I’d also like to invite EVERYONE to a YouTube Live event I’m hosting with agent Cathie Hendrick-Armstrong from The Marshall Lyon Agency. Have a burning question about the publishing industry? Check out my post here for more information on how to join and ask! You’ll also hear a ton of writing and revision TRICKS.
WOAH - What SPOOK-Tacular treats! A HUGE thanks for your generous offer and for joining us. It was a real treat getting to know you more!
Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter Lynnette's giveaway, 1) leave a comment below to thank her for stopping by, and 2) share her post on social media. Share a fall-themed GIF, too!
*Special Reminder: Those who like, leave a comment on, and share all posts will be entered into a drawing and be eligible to win:
One (1) of five (5) Rate Your Story Speed Passes, perfect for quick MS feedback, provided by Editor Lynne Marie and Author Heather Macht and/or
Books from Heather's Treat Bag (see below)!
Winners will be drawn and announced on 10/18. Head back to the blog then for the official announcement!
About Lynnette Novak:
Lynnette Novak has been in the publishing industry for over 26 years, first as a freelance editor and then as a literary agent. Her mission is to help writers learn how to diagnose problems (not just symptoms) in their manuscript and gain the confidence to revise independently.
For more, check out Lynnette at the following channels:
YouTube: Lynnette Novak - YouTube
REMINDER: The 2026 SOKL Book Awards Contest is LIVE! For more, visit: 2026 Book Awards | SeasonsOfKidlit
Lynnette, Thank you! I shared on Bluesksy and subscribed to your chaneel after watching the linked videos. This is a treasure trove!
Thank you for insight!!