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BIO
For Jenissa, her passion for books started in third grade when she read Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Her publishing career started as an intern in 2020 at Writers House and then full time as the Global Licensing and Media Rights Assistant. She transitioned to BookEnds in April 2022, where she is thrilled to begin building a list as an Associate Agent and Subrights Manager.
Born in upstate New York and raised in Georgia, Jenissa is a first-generation Jamaican. She is interested in increasing the BIPOC space in Publishing and is always on the lookout for new underrepresented authors.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN AGENT?
Writing led me into Publishing, but after reading so many of my friends manuscripts, I noticed we needed more people like us to to help bridge the gap in Publishing. I decided to volunteer as tribute. I want to show Publishers and BIPOC authors that writing aren't just dreams and wishes on a vision board; the stories in our head can be brought to real life.
WHAT'S A COMMON MYTH ABOUT AGENTS?
A myth that we don't get the same jitters as authors. That's not true! We're just as nervous on author calls, and we feel the still of rejection as well. Authors choose to go with other Agents, Editors pass on a manuscript we really love. All those feelings we get as well!New Paragraph
WHAT’S THE BEST PART ABOUT AGENTING?
Finding that manuscript in my query box that reminds me why I do what I do.
PUBLISHING CAN BE A LOT. WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING?
1) Seeing the book deals by marginalized authors increase, 2) Logging off of social media when it gets to be too much, and 3) Having that safe space of people I can vent with.
WHAT'S CHALLENGING ABOUT BEING A BLACK AGENT IN PUBLISHING?
Being the only black person in majority of the rooms and meetings. Sometimes it feels that a weight is on my shoulders, as a black employee and as an advocate for authors of color.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR QUERYING WRITERS?
Take time to craft your query. Ask yourself, "what do I want this query to showcase?" Make sure your pages are just as strong. Reflect on the feedback and if necessary, make the revisions necessary. Don't give up!
FUN QUESTION: IT'S LUNCHTIME! WHAT ARE YOU BRINGING TO THE FIRST BLACK PUBLISHING COOKOUT?
Curry shrimp, a side dish, and red solo cups.
WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU?
- TWITTER: https://twitter.com/jenissamichelle
- BOOKENDS LITERARY: https://bookendsliterary.com/