Kimberly Brower

Kimberly Brower fell in love with reading when she picked up her first Babysitter’s Club book at the age of seven and hasn’t been able to get her nose out of a book since. She holds a BS in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge and

received her JD from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. Although she loves all things romance, she is also searching for books that are different and will surprise her, with empathetic characters and compelling stories. She takes great pride in her client list, from the debut Tauthors to #1 NYT bestsellers, and likes to consider them all her favorite authors. Connect on Twitter: @KimberlyBrower, or on their website: http://browerliterary.com

Interview by BWG member Diane Sismour

Writer’s conferences are a terrific way to meet industry professionals, new friends, and the judge for the 2018 Bethlehem Roundtable Short Story Contest! While attending the Long Island Romance Writer’s Luncheon (A do not miss event!), I met our judge for the paranormal themed contest, Kimberly Brower from Brower Literary & Management, who has a keen eye for a good story. DS

Bethlehem Writers Group: Hi Kimberly. As a contest judge, can you tell us what might catch your eye for a paranormal story for today’s market?

Kimberly Brower: Something different or something that puts a new spin on something that has been done before.

BWG: What inspired you to become an agent?

KB: My background in law coupled with my love of books and working with authors to bring their story to life.

BWG: What defines your literary agency from others in the market?

KB: I can't speak for what other agencies do, but for us, we are small, but we are very dedicated and determined. We give the same amount of time and effort with every author we represent.

BWG: When growing up, who were some of your favorite authors?

KB: Ann M. Martin, R.L. Stine, Francine Pascal, Jane Green, Elizabeth Kostova

BWG: How has your literary agency changed with the publishing industry’s shift to embracing Indie publishing?

KB: I have always been an agent who has worked with indie authors, so there really hasn't been a shift per se. However, the agency has started a new division geared specifically towards indie authors to represent their subrights.

BWG: If you were stranded on a deserted island, which three books would you want with you?

KB: This is the hardest question ever for a literary agent. Harper Lee's TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, JK Rowling's HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS (I'd like the whole series, but I'd pick the last book if I had to only pick one), Liane Moriarty's BIG LITTLE LIES

BWG: Marketing is always a challenge for debut authors. What advice can you offer for getting the word out about their novels?

KB: Social media is a power tool - just keep posting.

BWG: Thank you for joining with us today, Kimberly.

Editor's Note: For a terrific definition of Paranormal, read Diane Sismour's interview with Jonathan Maberry in A Slice of Orange here.