Samantha Bagood

Samantha Bagood – Editor

Former children's/YA literary agent. Now: freelance editor + publishing consultant. 8+ years of industry experience empowering authors.

Overview

👋 Hello there! I'm Samantha. As a kid, I spent a lot of time reading and creating stories. But my dream since high school was to be a literary agent. Luckily, I spent almost a decade doing just that for some amazing children's and YA authors and artists. In spring 2020, I left agenting because, well, life happened.

In 2021, I came back to work as a book coach and publishing consultant because I love finding incredible stories and helping them be told.

As a former literary agent, I get it — Writing a children's book *that sells* is hard. Getting it published feels even harder.

My goal is to empower you with insider knowledge and constructive feedback so that you can get your book noticed.

KIND WORDS FROM FORMER CLIENTS:

"Samantha is a wonderful person and an amazing professional with great insight into the publishing industry. I was extremely lucky to be one of her clients while she was agenting. Samantha had a vision for my writing career and she patiently helped me navigate through all different stages of realizing that vision.

From building my brand, to critiquing the manuscript, to encouraging me through the submission process, to getting that right deal, to negotiating the contract, to answering my many off-the-wall questions, Samantha was always a phone call away. I wouldn’t have been a published author if it weren’t for Samantha’s guidance, knowledge, and expertise.

Samantha is friendly and thoughtful, prompt in communication and feedback, and brilliant at what she does."
-- Sita Singh, author || Birds of a Feather (March 2021)

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"When she was my agent, Samantha's advice and guidance while crafting my middle grade book series was invaluable. Right away, I knew she understood my project and my creative goals. When she transitioned out of agenting, I was able to attract another agent with her help and — ultimately — a four-book deal with a major publisher. If you need a creative and editorial eye to help turn your manuscript into a winner, you would do well to have Samantha in your corner!"
-- Wes Molebash, author and illustrator || Travis Daventhorpe for the Win! (coming 2023)

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"I was dreading working on a logline and elevator pitch for my TV pilot and nearly threw in the towel when I found Sam. Working with her totally changed my perspective on the whole process. She helped me pull out the most enticing specifics from the story for the juiciest pitch possible. Her notes are crazy specific and actionable. After working with Sam, my pitch materials are clearer and punchier. I'll be remembering her advice and referring to her notes for many more projects to come."
-- Melissa Peng, screenwriter
Services
Fiction
Comics & Graphic Novels Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy New Adult Picture Books Young Adult Fantasy
Non-Fiction
Writing & Publishing
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • B.A. in English
  • B.A. in Creative Writing

Work experience

Self-employed

Feb, 2021 — Present

I offer editorial services, coaching, and consulting services.

Self-employed

Feb, 2017 — Feb, 2020 (about 3 years)

• Solicited, read, and evaluated children's book, young adult, and graphic novel pitches and manuscripts

• Identified and acquired storytelling talent and commercial potential

• Guided authors in the writing and development of their book and in the publishing process

• Timely communication with writers regarding their submissions and contracted book projects

• Wrote, designed, and created pitches and book proposals

• Negotiated contracts, agreements, publishing rights, and subsidiary rights with editors and publishers on behalf of author/artist clients

• Built and maintained relationships with authors, editors, agents, and others in the book publishing industry

• Acted as a liaison between author/artist and acquiring editor and publisher, within the United States and internationally

Adams Literary

Oct, 2012 — Feb, 2017 (over 4 years)

• Read and analyzed clients' manuscripts and proposals - writing editorial feedback for them

• Submission strategy to editors and publishers, including writing pitches and providing market research

• Negotiated contracts, agreements, publishing rights, and subsidiary rights with editors and publishers on behalf of author and book packager clients

• Read and evaluated solicited children's books (picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult) pitches and manuscripts - providing reader reports to senior agents

• Identified literary talent with commercial potential

• Built and maintained relationships with authors, editors, agents, and others in the book publishing industry

• Managed company database of clients, contracts, editors, international and tv/film agents, and U.S. and international publishers

• Designed and created company's Squarespace website and website graphics

• Performed administrative duties and errands, acted as a liaison for technical support, and other miscellaneous duties

Samantha has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Daniel B.

Daniel B.

Nov, 2021

I have learned and am learning so much from Sam! I know so little coming into the writing world, and Sam's coaching, homework, and genuine interest have all been so helpful. Sam encourages me, is clear, and our sessions lead to much improvement. I didn't know what to expect when seeking a mentor, only that I was lost, and now I feel like I am on a path. I have always look forward to writing...
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Britney P.

Britney P.

Sep, 2021

I am extremely happy with Samantha's work. Her tips are invaluable and I am so thrilled with how my query letter has turned out. She really helped me fine tune it and make it the best it can be. I am extremely glad that I went with the zoom option as it really helped to discuss everything in detail, this is what truly made the difference for me. Thank you Samantha!

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