2023 Wrapped - Agent Style

2023 is absolutely going down as one of the best years of my life (so far at least!). So many dreams of mine came true, including becoming an agent.
After a whirlwind of a fall and winter, it was so nice getting together and celebrating the holidays with my first ever clients, pictured above (though we missed you, Ellie!). That time getting to know one another and talking about our publishing dreams was just another moment where I pinched myself. Little ol' me?! Representing these wonderful writers?! I am so, so honored to be doing this. Working with these inspirational people to get their magnificent stories out into the world is something 8-year-old Carey would be awe-struck by. 
In honor of this exciting 2023, I wanted to chat a little bit about my first half year of being an agent. I opened to queries officially on August 14th, though I had been reading submissions for Belcastro a few weeks prior. During that time I...
Received 2019 queries.
Requested 97 fulls.
Offered on 9 manuscripts. 
Signed with 5 clients (though that number might be growing in two weeks).
And, if you're curious, I still have 50 fulls to get through until inbox zero. 
Above all, I've learned a lot this year. What kind of books am I really looking for? What good can I do in the publishing world? What tips and tricks can I apply to my work ethic to boost productivity and respond as quickly as possible to queries without sacrificing reading attention? I've still got a lot to do and learn, but I'm for sure a better agent than I was on August 14th. I'm a big believer that we're always updating and improving as humans, and the same is absolutely true as a literary agent.
But that was 2023. What do I want to do / see for 2024? As a Taurus, I love planning and accomplishing goals. I've been updating my MSWL as I've been working through my inbox in anticipation of opening back up at the end of January / early February. But I have some specific goals in mind too...

• Of course, sell my first book. I fully anticipate doing this for all my clients. These stories, y'all...so DAMN good. They deserve all the deals!
• Sign with a MG horror writer. Please, please, PLEASE! 
• In general, sign more YA, MG, and adult clients. I love PBs, but my list is pretty dang full there now.
• Keep building my list. I am hungry, passionate, and ready to get more stories out there. Let's get it done!
• Go to my first in-person conference (which is already scheduled, YAY! You can learn more on my MSWL page which also has my upcoming conference dates).
• Lead my first conference class (already scheduled too, let's goooo).

It's safe to say 2024 will be an exciting year filled with lots of amazing stories. The amount of talent and wonderful people in my inbox is outstanding. To everyone who queried me in 2023, thank you. From the bottom of my heart. I am so honored you want me to potentially work with you, and I don't take that decision lightly. It's my sincere hope that all of your stories will find their homes and readers, even if it's not with me.
And to my clients, thank YOU for trusting me to be your champion. It has been an absolute delight working with all of you, and I can't wait to see what 2024 brings for us. I am one lucky agent. 
And to those who plan on querying me in 2024. I promise to read your query. I promise to give your story attention and love, just like you've given it for years (probably, unless you're like one of my clients who wrote her book in weeks). And I promise to give you as much feedback as possible, even if it's just a form (check out my form rejection blog for further details). 
Thank you 2023 for everything. Cheers to 2024!