“The lack of consensus on where the [publishing] industry is heading gives me the impression that there are and will be opportunities for original ideas and voices to break through…” –James Mustelier, The Bent Agency
The 2025 Agents Symposium is a year-long program of monthly events with literary agents – taking writers step by step along the journey to publication. We’re happy to share Q&As with some of our featured agents here. To register for James Mustelier’s presentation on April 26th on “Standing Out in the Agent Search,” click here.
An Interview with James Mustelier
James Mustelier is looking for a range of commercial and literary fiction and non-fiction. Across genres he prizes economical prose, complex characters, steadily building tension, narrative gravity, and the momentary relief of dark humor, even amid dire circumstances. In commercial fiction, he’s looking for compact horror and mysteries with unique hooks and intricate plotting. In sci-fi and fantasy, he’s drawn to stories that are grounded in reality and have high stakes that touch on contemporary issues — much more speculative fiction and alternate histories than space opera or high fantasy. In nonfiction, he’s looking for books that give him a vivid look into subcultures and events he might not otherwise have had the chance to explore. Much of his favorite nonfiction melds a distinct narrative voice with rigorous research.
Scribe: How would you describe your personal approach to working with an author?
James Mustelier: It’s my job to help a writer accomplish their goals through whatever means is most useful for them. So, the first thing is to understand what those goals are, and how I can facilitate them. In many cases that begins with editorial collaboration and becomes more focused on the ins and outs of the publishing industry as we get closer to a submission. Communication is key so that reasonable expectations are set and met throughout the process.
Scribe: What do you look for in a debut author?
JM: Concise prose, memorable characters, visceral honesty & big ideas. I am either looking for something that is bold and unique, or something that knows exactly what it wants to be and does it with style.
Scribe: What’s one piece of advice you find yourself giving to others time and time again?
JM: Don’t be afraid to move quickly toward the most exciting parts of your story. Don’t be afraid to chew up too much plot too quickly, trust yourself to figure what happens after a big moment once you’ve arrived at that point.
Scribe: What excites you the most about the publishing industry today?
JM: The lack of consensus on where the industry is heading gives me the impression that there are and will be opportunities for original ideas and voices to break through and act as proof that publishers should still take chances.
Scribe: Tell us about a recent book/project that you worked on that excited you and you want everyone to know about?
JM: I’m readying a project about a woman who learns that her husband will die within the next year in the manuscript’s first sentence. The premise creates so much propulsion and energy that it gives the author room to explore her characters and examine how they’ve arrived at this place without losing any momentum. I’m always looking for the perfect mix of plot/premise and incisive writing that burrows deep into the story’s characters.
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Thanks, James!
Click here for more information on the 2025 Agents Symposium, an event that focuses on the craft of writing, the business of publishing, and building a literary community.
