Juneteenth Agent Spotlight: Ramona Pina
Jun 16, 2022

BIO

Ramona Pina is interested in carving a space for underrepresented voices and elevating their ability to be heard. As a former literary fellow, seasoned publishing specialist at an indie press, and new agent at BookEnds Literary, she's interested in stories that carve a space for marginalized perspectives. Right now, she is seeking fiction for young adult and adult/crossover with magical realism/fabulism themes like Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel, The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina by Zoraida Cordova, & The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates. As for the middle grade crowd, lore her into magical universes with lush world-building in the vein of anime Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke. Or, charm her with a Brother's Grimm or Alice in Wonderland/Wizard of Oz retelling.

WHAT’S CHALLENGING ABOUT BEING A BLACK AGENT IN PUBLISHING?

I feel fortunate to say that I haven't faced any challenges of being a black agent in publishing. We all know BIPOC folk haven't historically had a seat at the table but I believe I had the opportunity to become an agent because we are starting to have these conversations and challenge this antiquated mindset.

WHAT’S A COMMON MYTH ABOUT AGENTS?

I don't think it's a myth but I think authors forget agents have the same 24 hours in the day as them. We're not superhuman and although we work more than 8 hours, we do need to take breaks for self-care, spend time with family, vacation, and even read for pleasure. I would say, if you were to get an actual myth, it's that agents are only in it for the money. Most work full time jobs before they can sustain themselves on agenting alone. I've been told that can take up to five years.

PUBLISHING CAN BE A LOT. WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING?

What keeps me going is the reason why I want to help others publish. I truly believe that stories and books are timeless and crucial to how we navigate and view the world. It's nice to read but as an agent I can read through a manuscript every other day and that can be a bit laborious. Knowing why I do it makes every read worth it. And I choose authors based on the positive impact I think we can make together.

WHAT’S AN EXISTING BOOK (CAN BE A CLASSIC) YOU WISH YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO REPRESENT?

I would represent THE MOON PRINCESS by Edith Ogden Harrison, and the Odyssey by Homer.

FUN QUESTION! IT’S LUNCHTIME! WHAT ARE YOU BRINGING TO THE FIRST BLACK PUBLISHING COOKOUT?

Sweet potato pie. Hands down.

WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU?

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