Agent Interview: Jeff Ourvan

Page-turning narrative

Jennifer Lyons

Shakespeare. Cervantes. Joyce. John Rechy. Mark Kurlansky. Chris Knowlton.

I'm an attorney and a writing instructor. My clients benefit from my strong negotiating skills, as well as my ability to read and offer constructive criticism, when necessary, on every element of their writing. I work collaboratively with my authors and invest time and effort into their future writing careers. As a published author, I'm also sensitive to the emotional aspects of the creative life and the highs and lows of both publication and rejection.

In your query, please get to the point right away about why I'll love your work. Presume that I'm delighted you have kids and a dog -- no need to let me know.

See above.

One that I can't put down, that grabs me by the throat right from the top. Narratively well-structured. Not demanding numerous line edits. Strong and complex characters, whether fiction or nonfiction. One that explores the most profound themes of our human experience -- love, betrayal, power are favorites. One in which the plot drives character development, and the characters influence the plot: this dynamic is critical to the energy of the read. A beautiful storytelling voice.

Nothing that actually bothers me. I'm grateful to receive interesting queries.

I'm interested to learn about an author's platform and writing experience.

I usually decide within the first paragraph of a query, and if it grabs me I will read to the end. If reviewing a manuscript, I find I generally can gauge my interest within the first three chapters (or sooner) but often will read to completion and will always read all the way through (more than once) if I'm loving it.

It unfolds like true love.

It starts with the soft notes of my professional lute player, followed by laps in my perfectly heated pool overlooking the Pacific, the preparation by my personal chef of a low-carb, healthy breakfast, a two-hour weightlifting workout with my trainer, and a bath and massage in my luxury spa. Then I thank my children for cleaning up after themselves and completing all their homework, kiss my darling wife goodbye and take calls from top editors begging to publish my authors' next works.
Then I wake up and start my day in the life of an agent.