Meet Foreign Rights Agent Katelin Spector

This season has been one of epic growth for Ladderbird, as we continue to drive our message through all part of the business. By staying true to our vision and focused our goal of changing the world one story at a time, we have attracted some incredible people as both clients and team members. Our new Foreign Rights Agent has worked at both Trident Media and Simon & Schuster. 

Please welcome, Katelin Spector. 


What made you decide to join the Ladderbird team?

It's my professional mission to help get an author's voice heard around the world. It's my personal mission to use literature with Jewish themes to facilitate conversation on current issues between Jews and those who align themselves with Jews in order to create a more inclusive community. In Ladderbird, I saw an opportunity to combine my professional and personal interests while working with a wonderful group of like minded individuals who are equally interested in diversity of all kinds.

Tell us a little about  your background?

I was born in Louisiana and remained there through law school. I have a BA in English and a J.D./D.C.L. from Louisiana State University. By my final year, I knew law wasn't the right fit and looked for something else to pursue. I didn't need to look far. The paperback novels (bodice ripper romances, if you must know) stashed in my bookbag were the answer. I moved to New York the day I graduated and completed a certificate course in publishing at NYU. Since then, I've had a wonderful and fulfilling six-year career in foreign rights working at a literary agency, Big 5 publishing house, and publishing startup. 

What kinds of stories and writers really capture your attention?

I'm still a devoted reader of all things romance. I most enjoy a story that gives the reader time to learn about each character individually before knitting them together as a couple. Characters don't have to be perfect, but each does have to be a complete person--faults and all. Having complementary strengths and weaknesses can be a great foundation for the characters' relationship. 

I can always tell when a writer puts a little grain of themselves or someone close to them in a story. It shows in the attention to detail and wholeness of the characters which is necessary to truly transport the reader to the world the writer has created.


What types of stories do you think do well on the foreign market? 

Stories of love, loss, coming of age, and family are universal. The particulars of each of our stories may be unique to us, but this core group of four life experiences is something that pervades across time, distance, language, and culture. Everyone can relate to these themes.

What do you like to do when your not agenting, reading or doing all things bookish?

I'm an avid hiker. I was lucky enough to find a partner who loves it too, and we travel as often as possible to find the most beautiful vistas. If travel isn't an option, you can find me hiking around Central Park. 

Is there anything else clients and fans of Ladderbird should know about you?
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I'm a tireless advocate for your book. Foreign rights is a long game and takes a lot of persistence (even more than getting the initial deal for English rights, if you can believe it). However, nothing makes me happier than finding that perfect publishing house for your book whether it be in Romania, Mongolia, or other equally awesome countries.