Agent Spotlight: Heather Alexander

Nov. 7, 2014


2018 Note: Heather Alexander no longer works as an agent. You can now find her at Heather Alexander Editorial.

Kidlit411 is pleased to feature Heather Alexander, formerly an agent at Pippin Properties, an agency that represents children's writers and illustrators. Welcome, Heather! 


What do you look for when considering a potential client? Does online presence help? Hinder? 

There are a lot of factors to consider, and tremendous writing is only one part (it’s still the biggest part). Someone who is involved in the children’s book community impresses me. 

If someone knows the market (gives me solid comp titles that have come out within the last three years), that’s always a good sign. 

I’m looking for clients who understand this is a job, and are willing to treat it as more than a hobby or a lark. A strong online presence can help me to see these things.

You've recently climbed over the desk from editor to agent. Do you feel that this makes you more of an editorial agent when working with potential clients? 

Yes, absolutely. I’m very hands on in terms of editing. I don’t think that will ever change. However, this doesn’t mean I’m taking on unpolished writers. I’m still looking for the best.

What genres do you currently represent, and do you prefer to see one over another? 

I work on all ages of books for kids, so picture books, middle-grade, and YA. I’m especially looking for some really toothsome YA right now. 

Lately, I’m into contemporary realism, magical realism, and powerful historical fiction, but I like most things if the writing is excellent. I’m not so much into creatures or monsters or paranormal in YA.

What are you looking to acquire now?

I’m looking for 

• quirky, subversive picture books

• literary middle grade, and 

• young adult with rich, well-developed characters who have interesting ideas

Do you have any advice for writers out there trying to get published?

Do the very very best work you can. And then keep working and don’t give up!

Heather Alexander is a former agent with Pippin Properties. Before that, she worked in editorial at Penguin for 6 years. She is looking for books for all ages, picture books through young adult. Funny is a great way to snag her heart, but beautiful writing trumps all. She can be reached at Heather Alexander Editorial.