Meet Naomi Davis
- By: admin | Date: Feb 15 2018
What Excites You About Being an Agent:
There are so many exciting aspects of agenting. For one thing: meeting new authors. I love interacting with authors whether they are my clients or just writers chatting on social media. Conversations with authors are never, ever boring. They are always such unique, creative, driven individuals, and each one likely has something new to teach me.
Another thing that excites me is having a hand in developing a story that will someday captivate so many readers. I love looking for those little areas in which wording could be sharpened just one more notch, or the tension could be amped up, or a character’s traits could be drawn out a little further for the best reading experience.
I also enjoy experiencing the process of publication with someone every step of the way. When I offer representation to an author, it’s because I truly believe in their writing, and I know they are capable of achieving any goal they set out to tackle. Being a part of that journey—from cheering them on when they face frustrations to making sure I add my voice to a celebration of success—is an absolute joy.
What excites you in a query, and what might make you disinterested in a query?
Queries are all about the writing, for me. Voice is critical. When those first paragraphs immerse me immediately into the character and setting, when I can vividly picture everything I read like it’s happening around me, that catches my attention. On the flip side, when a query starts with a character who is bored, or a setting that seems really bland, cliché, or told instead of shown, I struggle to be excited to find out what happens next.
Starbucks Drink of Choice:
I love Starbucks cold teas, but I live in Canada so I will have to give a shout-out to Tim Horton’s here! I take my coffee with cream all day long, and after a long night of singing in choirs, I take a honey lemon tea instead.
eReader or Print book:
Depends on the occasion! I like that I can read an ebook on my phone in a waiting room without juggling an extra item. But I read on the computer so much for work that when I get the chance to kick back with an old favorite, there’s nothing better than a hardcover, a blanket, and my couch.
Morning person or Evening person:
I’m an energetic person in general. I love quiet mornings, and I get to watch the sunrise every morning taking my kids to the bus stop. But weekend evenings, when the kids are in bed, my email is shut down for the night, and my husband passes me an Xbox controller… I really can’t choose between the two.
It’s lovely to meet you, Naomi.
All the reasons you listed for being an agent are the very reasons I want to work with one.
Yes having someone who knows more about the business and legal taking care of things is a huge bonus. But really it’s about the relationship, the trust and the journey together.
I’ve seen it from following the Bookends blog for the last few years.
The website as a whole is my go to place for all non-writing author related information.
So glad to hear it, Hollie! It’s wonderful to meet you as well. 🙂
Wow, you get to watch the sunrise when the kids go to school? Hearing things like that always freaks me out. I couldn’t imagine days that short (at least, I assume it’s because of short days…), especially as I love early sunrises.
I don’t often get chance to see a sunrise, even on the short days of winter, but I do get to see sunset over the fields behind our house all year.
Oh and Naomi, we need to change that controller of yours for a PS4 one 😉
You know, I was a dedicated PS fan until Xbox One. 😉
Hi Naomi, I love your positive tweets and your energy comes through. Congrats on moving to Book Ends. Best of luck!
I have a question. I sent you a query last year and you rejected it. Since then, I have revised it. Just wondering if it would be okay to resubmit to you, or is a rejection final?
Thanks so much!
Hi Charlene!
If it has seen a significant revision I’m happy to take a second look. And thank you!
Hey Naomi!
You sound like such a positive influence in the world! I LOVE your support for the LGBT+ community and your love for fiction! I’m finishing up the first book of a trilogy I’ve started and you are definitely going to be the first person I send it to once I think it is up to par. Thank you for being such an open and positive person. I really feel that I would love to work with you if (once you see my work) the feeling is mutual!
I’m so happy to hear this Kelsey. I’m eager to see your query when it’s ready! 🙂
Thanks, Bob!
Please wait for a response from Beth. Then you are free to query me if you wish. 🙂
Will do and thanks for the quick reply Naomi! ☺
Hello Naomi and a hearty howdy-do to Jessica. (Jessica is the bee’s knees, in my book.)(And no, I won’t seak pardon for such a well-plotted pun!) All of Jessica’s vids leave me chuckling as I fill yet another page in my notebook w/ all of the great info., she freely offers to her adoring fans. Is there brown on my nose? I hope not, I’m being quite sincere. Anyway, Naomi, I just wanted to take this opportunity to announce myself and let you know I will be sending you a query for a Fantasy of 70,000 words. I hope the query sparks an interest for more info. I would love to be associated with Bookends. Also, let Jessica know that I live in the heart of “The Wine Country”, here in Northern California. (Now if that doesn’t get my foot in the door, nothing well.) Thanks for your time and consideration.
I love your energy!