Meet Leah Pierre

When we decided to expand the agency, we didn't just want incredible talent from diverse backgrounds. We wanted agents who represent the full gamut of genres. So, when we found Leah Pierre, we were ecstatic to find out that she acquires Romance and number of other genres that Ladderbird did not previously represent.

Coming to you from the City of Brotherly Love. We are delighted to introduce Leah Pierre.

What made you decide to join the Ladderbird team?

I joined the team because I love that Ladderbird is committed to diversifying the industry by representing marginalized voices and unique work. As a young African American woman who did not see myself in books while growing up, diversity means a lot to me and it is the reason I decided I wanted to go into the publishing industry. I want to be a part of the process that helps get diverse books past the gatekeepers within the industry and into the hands of children and/or adults of color so that they can finally see themselves represented in a positive light.

Tell us a little about your background.

I was born and raised in Houston, Texas! As a bibliophile, I knew that publishing was the industry for me to work in so after high school I moved to the East Coast to pursue my dream. However, I also knew that New York was not for me so I settled in the Philadelphia area for college. I graduated from Rosemont College with my bachelor’s in English and History this past May. In addition to agenting, I am pursuing my M.A. in Publishing from Rosemont.

What makes you excited about taking on a new author? What kind of stories and writers really capture your attention?

I am excited to guide them through this maze of a process and to not only help them achieve their dream but fight for their dreams! I have always found the idea of working closely with authors appealing as I am very interested in the creative process behind writing books. I strongly believe that authors should write the books they’ve always wanted to read and I cannot wait to help them share their book with others.

I love stories that have a meaning behind them and will leave such an impact upon the reader that they are still thinking about the book days after they have finished. Stories that capture my attention are those that that will leave me in tears or blown away, and that have good plot twists and complex character. Writers who capture my attention are the ones with unique and realistic voices such as Ta-Nehisi Coates and those who can build fantasy worlds like Sarah J. Maas.

Talk about your editorial process.
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Editing is my first love! I initially wanted to be an editor in the industry.

I like to do a lot of developmental editing so when I edit, I like to take a deep dive into the plot, the characters, and the setting. I look at big-picture things such as wording, organization, and consistency as well as plot and character development. I use track changes, but I tend to switch to the good ole’ red pen and paper some time. My edits are always suggestions and I do my best to stay true to the tone and voice of the author.

Fun fact: I am currently a part of the Tessera Editorial Mentorship. I am super excited to be a part of this mentorship. 

What’s your top three all-time favorite books? Or what are three books that have moved you?

My top three favorite books of all time? Oh, man, that’s tough. I’m going to have to answer in series which are:

1. Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas
2. Ember in the Ashes Quartet by Sabaa Tahir
3. And I Darken Trilogy by Kiersten White

Although, I am currently reading Red Rising by Pierce Brown, and it is quickly rising to the top of the list.
Three books that moved me are:

1. Sadie by Courtney Summers
2. Maus by Art Spiegelman
3. The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clementine Wamariya

What do you like to do when you’re not agenting, reading and editing?

When I’m not agenting, reading, and editing, I like to keep busy! But when I do get down time, I like to catch up on all the movies and tv shows I’m always behind on. I also enjoy traveling, cooking, trying to exercise, journaling, and spending time with friends and family.

Is there anything else writers should know before they query you?

I think the relationship between an agent and an author is extremely important so know that I will be completely open, honest, and transparent with you. I don’t believe there is such a thing as stupid questions so please don’t hesitate to come to me for anything. Ladderbird seeks to foster long-term relationships with its authors. I am all for that and it is another of the many reasons I wanted to work for the Agency as I am here for the long-haul.

Thanks so much for letting us get to know you! Writers, remember, Leah accepts queries through Query Manager at queryme.online/leahpierre