Agent Interview: Charlie Serabian Go to the listing List all agent interviews Edit answers (agent only) Describe what you're looking for in 25 characters or less.Good prose and plotting.Charlie Serabian, Literary Agent at Martin-Newens Literary Management on 22 April 2025Who are your favorite authors?- Michael A. Stackpole- Haruki Murakami- George R.R. Martin- Stephen King- Charles Soule- Patricia A. McKillipCharlie Serabian, Literary Agent at Martin-Newens Literary Management on 22 April 2025What sets you apart from other agents who look at the same type of material?- We have incredibly deep roots in the translation space, and regularly work with 35-40 co-agencies and publishers in foreign countries.- Global Lion has been producing books for five decades; we are long-lasting and will continue to remain so.Charlie Serabian, Literary Agent at Martin-Newens Literary Management on 22 April 2025What is the best advice you can give someone who is considering submitting work to you?- Ensure that all guidelines for querying us are followed. - Your query letter must be tight, concise, and attractive.- Your work is professional and tidy. - The manuscript or proposal strikes a balance between artistic merit and marketability. - Your command of prose moves the story and characters.Charlie Serabian, Literary Agent at Martin-Newens Literary Management on 22 April 2025Describe the ideal query letter.- No more than 3 paragraphs.- Uses at least one modern comp, and explains why specifically said comps are appropriate.- Includes a very brief About the Author paragraph at the end.- Follows all instructions on our website.Charlie Serabian, Literary Agent at Martin-Newens Literary Management on 22 April 2025Describe the ideal manuscript.I love hearing from voices that are typically unheard, and will always be open to commercial fiction and non-fiction, self-help, business, technology, fantasy, science fiction, intriguing studies of interesting subjects, art, and “making of” books on the film and television industry. Having represented Sir Ken Robinson for many years, we are also deeply vested in the subject of education.I have a special place in my heart for sci-fi and fantasy with a strong sense of style, prose, and voice. I also would enjoy representing YA horror or adult horror books, or adult mystery. I am open to romantasy, but it’s not my bread and butter, so to speak.At the end of the day I want my curiosity sated and feel that I was thoroughly engaged.Charlie Serabian, Literary Agent at Martin-Newens Literary Management on 22 April 2025What do submitters most often get wrong about your submissions process?Simply put, not following the stated rules and guidelines.Charlie Serabian, Literary Agent at Martin-Newens Literary Management on 22 April 2025How much do you want to know about the person submitting to you?A brief About the Author paragraph is welcomed at the end of your query letter.Charlie Serabian, Literary Agent at Martin-Newens Literary Management on 22 April 2025How much of a manuscript do you read before making the decision to reject it?We request the first 20 pages. If I request more, I will read to page 50 and reassess.Charlie Serabian, Literary Agent at Martin-Newens Literary Management on 22 April 2025Once you decide to represent someone's work, what is the process?Before the final decision is made, I have at least one virtual meeting with the client. From there, if we move ahead, I put together a brief author agreement, and we discuss any questions the author may have about it. Once the agreement is signed, I'll go over manuscript/proposal edits and then proceed to build a submission list.Charlie Serabian, Literary Agent at Martin-Newens Literary Management on 22 April 2025 Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only