“Try not to worry about the patterns of an ever-changing market, and focus on the book.“ —Taylor Martindale Kean, Full Circle Literary
Every other year, the Writers’ League of Texas brings notable literary agents and book editors to Austin for its Agents & Editors Conference. As we look ahead to the 31st A&E Conference, taking place June 26–28, 2026, we’re happy to share Q&As with some of our visiting agents and editors here.
An Interview with Taylor Martindale Kean
Taylor Martindale Kean is an agent with Full Circle Literary, actively acquiring young adult fiction, middle grade fiction, and illustration. She is particularly interested in finding unique and unforgettable voices, stories that stay with you, and diverse characters and authors. More than anything, Taylor is looking for character-driven stories that bring the world vividly to life and voices with impact, regardless of genre or category. Her clients include Anoosha Syed, Tirzah Price, David Bowles, and more. www.fullcircleliterary.com
How would you describe your personal approach to working with an author?
Taylor Martindale Kean: With my clients, I’m really looking to foster a partnership. My job as an agent is to be the person in your corner, to help facilitate the business side of your career so you can focus on the creative development. I always work to be transparent, honest, encouraging, and reliable.
What do you look for in a debut author?
TMK: I am looking for authors who want to collaborate! I love being an agent because I get to see so many facets of a book’s creation. I love to help where I can in editorial development before a book sells, then dig in on negotiating the best deal possible for my clients. I really enjoy being a sounding board throughout a book’s development and publication process, so I want to work with authors who want a collaborative partner.
What’s one piece of advice you find yourself giving time and time again?
TMK: Try not to worry about the patterns of an ever-changing market, and focus on the book. If a project needs more time in development before submission, that’s okay, and you should give it whatever time is necessary.
What excites you the most about the publishing industry today?
TMK: What excites me most is what I’ve always loved about publishing – finding new voices and new stories never gets old! I feel so lucky to work with authors and illustrators who are creating incredible books, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead.
Tell us about a recent book/project that you worked on that excited you and you want everyone to know about?
TMK: I just sold a picture book that I’m so incredibly excited about! It hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s a story that really celebrates the intersection of reading, imagination, and falling in love with the real world around you. It’s emotional, whimsical, nostalgic and so very relatable for anyone who loves reading – or who might just be falling in love with books for the first time.
—
Thanks, Taylor!
Click here for more information on the 2026 Agents & Editors Conference, a weekend-long event in Austin, TX (June 26-28) that focuses on the craft of writing, the business of publishing, and building a literary community.
