We are so pleased to have a moment to get some answers from our literary agent Gaby Cabezut, and she's giving away a query critique to one commenter. Details below.
What does being part of AALA mean to you?
It feels as an achievement and a recognition. I was very excited when I got the invite, because I had thought of applying (and I am not sure if you can apply as it is), but it made me feel I’m doing a good job and since I’m always interested in learning more, I jumped at the opportunity to connect with other agents and to learn more.
What should authors know about AALA?
The Association of American Literary Agents is an organization of professionals working at literary agencies. The primary aim is to keep members informed about current developments and to offer resources that support skill development as literary agents. As there is no professional major to become a literary agent, this is an amazing place to network, keep you informed and learn from other’s experiences.
When did you know you wanted to be a literary agent?
When I understood I had a passion to create opportunities and helping others through their stories. I love stories, I think they connect us in unique ways, whether it’s a picture book a middle grade a novel or a cookbook.
How many clients do you currently represent, and how do you balance your attention between debuts and established authors?
I currently represent 25 authors/illustrators in English/Spanish. How do I balance my attention? It’s hard. Lol. Well, I try to set up each person in a different slot in my calendar, so that I can give feedback, send out submissions, etc.
What is your editorial approach, and how much feedback do you typically provide on manuscripts before submission?
I like giving feedback on what I think it’s most commercial or might work better. These are just suggestions for my clients; in case they want another pair of eyes to point something. After many editors' meetings and many passes, I try to be more critical as to what the editors might point out, what they might love, etc.
What are your thoughts on the current market trends, and how do you see the publishing landscape evolving?
I feel that we’re in a time where connection is needed more and more, and I feel that writing and even publishing is a way to communicate, to unify, to protest, in a way. It’s free expression, after all, and we should keep fighting to keep our rights to communicate and express ourselves.
What’s something that surprised you when you first started agenting?
That agents are just like any other person. When I was a writer, and I pitched to agents, I remember seeing them as a unicorn, wondering if they exist. And yes, I’ve learned that we do exist, we make mistakes, we learn, we love, we are very passionate and driven, and that is amazing. I love that we can help make people’s dream become real, which is Seymour’s tagline, and it encompasses what we all do. It’s magical and empowering at the same time.
Do you judge a query on the book’s title?
Not at all. A title can change. I do judge it based on if they followed instructions, if they spelled my name right, but mostly about the pitch or logline, and then how the story starts, how it draws you in.
Coffee or tea? coffee
Morning or night? morning
Rivers or oceans? ocean
White wine or red? Rosé. Lol. I drink either, but mostly red wine.
Champagne or liquor? champagne
Cupcakes or ice cream? Ice cream
Laptop or desktop? desktop
Casual or couture? casual
Ponytail or headband? ponytail
Shower or bath? I don’t have a bath, so bath, because I’d love to have one.
Summer or winter? Fall. Haha. Okay, I also like winter.
Motorcycle or bicycle? Bicycle.
About Gaby
Gaby Cabezut is a bilingual literary agent at The Seymour Agency. She has an extensive background in Digital Publishing and tech and an MBA in Digital Marketing Strategies.
She’s passionate about diversity and uplifting LATINX authors through The Seymour Agency Mexico, where she currently represents authors in LATAM for the Spanish Market. Gaby is CLOSED to submissions at the moment.
Connect with Gaby on Instagram @gabycabezut.
Query Critique Details
Follow Gaby on Instagram and leave a comment here. Not sure what to comment? Ask her a question, let us know one of your fast facts, or share the book you've most recently read. Then, check back here on this post on October 20th, when we will update the post with the winner!
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