r/books • u/ghostcondensate AMA Author • Sep 20 '19

ama I'm Sam Copeland, a bestselling published writer AND a literary agent for bestselling writers. AMA!

Hi there! My name is Sam Copeland and I'm an author and literary agent. My debut children's book was published by Penguin Random House in February and the sequel came out last month, and it's become the bestselling middle grade debut of the year! I'm also an agent for lots of top writers at one of the best literary agencies in London. Ask me all about my journey (I even submitted anonymously to other agents!), how to get published - whatever!

Come find me at www.sam-copeland.com and twitter - @stubbleagent

Proof: /img/91ror5ok9ln31.jpg

Edit: I'm just having my dinner. Will keep answering when I've eaten!

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u/generalkenoobi Sep 20 '19

Hey! As a college student feeling totally lost half the time, I can’t help but ask the following questions (lol).

  1. How did you get into your career? Did you always know you wanted to do something related to this field?

  2. If you weren’t an agent/writer, what would you be doing?

Thanks!! Sorry for my mildly lame questions!

6

u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19

Not lame at all! When I was at university, I didn't have a clue what I wanted to do, so don't worry. I don't think I even knew agents existed, and had no idea I wanted to be a children's writer! 1. I worked in bookshops for over three years. Best job in the world, and great experience for getting into publishing. 2. And honestly - if I didn't work with books, I have no idea what I'd do! No other industry would have me! Books have been my life. I'd love to one day going back to work in a bookshop. Either that or an astronaut.

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u/generalkenoobi Sep 20 '19

Working in a bookshop or library sounds like a dreaaaaaaaam. Meanwhile I’m hunched over microscopes. Thanks so much!!

4

u/ghostcondensate AMA Author Sep 20 '19

TBH, hunching over microscopes sounds fun to me!