Jody Rein Literary Agent
Name: Jody Rein
Website URL: www.jodyreinbooks.com
Social Media Links: @authorplanet
https://www.facebook.com/JodyReinBooks/
You’ll be speaking at this year’s Nonfiction Writers Conference—May 4-6—can you give us a sneak peek of what you’ll be presenting?
I’m talking about the process of getting traditionally published today—what the industry looks like and how to navigate it. It’s a big, fun topic, and I’m looking forward to sharing as many practical insights as I can fit into our time together.
How did you come to do what you’re doing today? That’s a long story! I started, as most English majors do, by…waiting tables. My first job was in the editorial department of a small traditional press, where I fell in love with the industry. I continued worked as an acquiring editor in corporate publishing in New York, promoted eventually to executive editor, before moving to Denver and starting up my literary agency Jody Rein Books, Inc. Somewhere in there I ghostwrote a book for Viking. I later opened my publishing services/author coaching company, Author Planet, when I got interested in providing additional services like social media, website development and deep editorial work.
What do you most enjoy about what you do? Every nonfiction author I work with brings a world of new experiences and expertise in subjects I often know little about. For a curious person like me, that’s heaven.
Are there any people and/or books that have inspired you along your journey? I’m inspired all the time! I can’t separate out one person or book, but I will say that I find people who are authentically passionate about the work they do, and who are deeply invested in learning more through firsthand research, are the most inspiring.
Can you share something that people may be surprised to learn about you? I’m a huge fan of the Fine Bros YouTube videos. Love all the “React” videos I’ve seen. They make me feel good about the world (and help me understand pop culture I’m really too old to know about. Have you heard of “K pop”?)
What’s next for you? I’m going to be buried in revising How to Write a Book Proposal, Fifth Edition which I’m co-authoring with Mike Larsen for Writer’s Digest Books. The first half is due in July, and I haven’t started yet (don’t tell anyone).