SCBWI Exclusive with... Linda Camacho
Linda Camacho is a senior literary agent at Gallt & Zacker Literary, where she has the pleasure of representing an incredible roster of writers and illustrators. Over her nearly two decades in publishing, she's held various positions at Simon & Schuster, Writers House, and Penguin Random House. Linda received her MFA in writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and has a short story published in the YA anthology Every Body Shines by Cassandra Newbould. She adores stories that make her feel in a big way, whether it's elation, grief, fear, and everything in between. These days she's seeking MG, YA, and adult fiction (particularly romance/women's fiction, and literary horror) across all genres; she's also seeking select picture book and graphic novel writer-illustrators.
For more specifics on the kinds of stories Linda enjoys, be sure to check out out https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/linda-camacho/
What was your Path to becoming an agent?
My path was kind of backwards. I graduated from Cornell twenty years ago and was lucky to land my first job at Penguin pretty quickly. I worked in reprints and, after a year, left with the intention of applying for law school, as it seemed like the pragmatic thing to do. I took the LSATs and got my letters of recommendation, but I couldn’t bring myself to actually apply in the end. I was missing publishing, so I figured it would be a snap to get back into publishing (spoiler alert: It was so difficult!)
I had to do several unpaid internships to get back in. I wanted to get into an editorial role, but I wound up doing everything from foreign rights to production to editorial to marketing at Dorchester Publishing, Simon and Schuster, Random House, and Writers House. Eventually, Random House took pity on me and hired me on full-time in their children's marketing department. I worked there for several years and while I was there, I got my MFA in children's writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, all the while realizing that I was better suited to working outside of a corporate environment. I did a ton of informational interviews with agents, who were kind enough to pass on their wisdom, until I was finally able to make the move to agenting in 2015.
What elements does a manuscript need to have for you to consider representing an author?
Ideally, a manuscript would have the typical elements that agents tend to look for--a unique protagonist, a juicy plot, brilliant writing at the line level—along with that magical something that excites me. I can't quite put my finger on what that is, so I go with my gut. The writing has to sing to me in an indefinable way that makes me want to take it on even if it might be a harder sell in terms of the market.
How do you work with your clients?
My clients and I collaborate very closely. I'm very editorial and beyond that, we discuss future projects and career direction and muddle through the publishing trenches together. We weather the storms and celebrate the victories, and I strive to ensure that my clients feel comfortable enough with me to voice their opinions and ask the hard questions about the industry. I always give my clients realistic insights into the wild west of the business answers even as I encourage them to aim high.
What's on your manuscript wish list?
I honestly don't know! I want to be surprised with something fresh, so I don't know until I see it. I suppose I could use some more humorous middle grade these days, perhaps along the lines of something dark and witty even. As for YA, something really hooky, though that's not saying much (sorry!). Maybe something dark and chilling? Or something fantastical and cozy? A sweeping love story perhaps? Or maybe a revenge-filled tale.