Interview with Jessica Watterson

The sweet and lovely Jessica Watterson from the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency is here today answering questions.

1. What made you want to become an agent?

I honestly wanted to become an agent after I had spent time running an indie review blog and really connecting with the authors I was reviewing books by. I wanted to be someone who could really just help launch a fantastic author’s career, and found that an agent could really be instrumental in helping an author achieve their dreams. Plus it’s always really fun to be able to read someone’s book way before anyone else.

2.  What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I think people are always really surprised to learn how fast I read. I’ve never really timed how many words per minute I can get through, but on average I can finish a three hundred page book in about an hour and a half, and retain everything I’ve read. It sounds unbelievable, but I definitely have witnesses who have seen it happen!

3.  What is your favorite book, movie, television show?

This is a really difficult question. I really love THE BLUE CASTLE by LM Montgomery, not to get to mushy, but I love that it shows that a person is never too old to fall in love, even in the most of unexpected ways. Favorite TV show at the moment is Reign. It’s so historically inaccurate, but amazing none the less. My favorite movie would probably be the old A&E Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth. He is the best Darcy hands down.

4.  What do you enjoy the most/least about being an agent?

I really enjoy getting to know my authors and give input on their manuscripts. I least like giving out rejections. Believe me I definitely feel like I’m crushing dreams every time I send one out, and it is not lost on me.

5.  What’s a typical day like for you?

A typical day for me can start at 4 am and not end until about 10. In that time I am a barista, assistant, and agent. No day is really the same, but I always try to get some reading time in!

6.  What qualities do you look for in a client? In a project?

I really look for something that I can’t get out of my head. If I’ve finished something that is just so moving and engrossing I can’t even start something else, I know I’ve got a winner.

You can find Jessica here and her twitter handle is @jesswatterson. Feel free to chat with her there!