Literary Agent Lee Sobel

Greetings authors seeking a literary agent. You're on a mission that is no easier than finding your soulmate - to find the right agent that fits your needs and career goals as a writer. After you speak to an agent to get to know them (I highly recommend zoom calls - don't work with an agent based on an email) and if you feel good about them, ask to speak to some of their clients. Questions you should ask them about their agent are things like: How attentive is your agent to your writing career and do they really care or is it just a business to them? Does your agent offer suggestions that are helpful to your work? How determined is your agent to get the sale for you (or does the agent give up too easily)? Does your agent pitch to the big publishers as well as the independents (I shoot big but at the end of the day I am about getting books published). How is communication with your agent (is your agent available to you when you need him or her, does your agent get right back to you, etc.). You're going to spend a lot of time talking to your agent so it's good if you like them and vice-versa. That may sound dumb but it's all about chemistry. I love my clients and it's the people (and the books they write) that makes agenting so rewarding.

In addition to agenting books, I am now offering publicity, marketing and promotion support to my clients - yes I work very hard to earn my 15%! I have over 25 years' experience promoting live music events and I have been covered by major publications from The New York Times to Smithsonian Magazine. I was even once interviewed on MTV back in the day. So, yes, I know how to write a strong press release and I love my clients and their books so putting in that extra effort is no sweat!

Increasingly publishers are doing less to assist authors with setting up in-store appearances, doing interviews and making sure all the right publications, blogs and websites are reviewing your book. While I will not charge for the extra time I am putting in for my clients, I do it because for authors to sustain their careers in publishing they have to do everything in their power to make sure their books sell well. Your career as an author is a brand and if you want to receive bigger advances and work with more prestigious publishers, you have to have strong book sales.

Here are some interviews with clients of my agency:
https://www.greasykidstuffmagazine.com/interview-with-author-ali-smith
https://www.greasykidstuffmagazine.com/interview-with-author-samuel
https://www.greasykidstuffmagazine.com/interview-with-author-blush
https://www.greasykidstuffmagazine.com/interview-with-author-davis-chanin
https://www.greasykidstuffmagazine.com/interview-with-author-uzarowski
https://www.greasykidstuffmagazine.com/nat-segaloff-interview
https://www.greasykidstuffmagazine.com/burt-kearns-interview
https://www.greasykidstuffmagazine.com/darren-paltrowitz-interview
https://www.greasykidstuffmagazine.com/interview-with-author-katherine-taylor

Need a literary agent who is fully committed to nurturing your career? Contact Lee Sobel at LeeSobel15@gmail.com and you can check out: https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/LeeSobel

“Lee’s enthusiasm for the work is infectious. I signed with Lee in December 2021, having never written a book before. Within a short matter of months, he got me a deal with Applause Books for my book on the making of High Fidelity. Anyone who knows the industry knows that these things seldom ever come to fruition that fast. Yet that’s what Lee was able to make happen. I look forward to continuing working together in the future.” - Author Andrew Buss

"As an author you want an agent who’s always out there for you, pounding the pavement — be it digitally or literally — on your behalf. An agent who’ll get you the best deal for the best book with the best publisher. Lee’s procured and shepherded me through multiple fine projects, and, every time, the experience and results have been spectacular. The dude simply lives, breathes, and sleeps — when he does sleep — books. He knows what’s good and he knows what works, especially for the authors he represents. A bulldog, with a soft touch when needed — Lee Sobel is your man." - Author Peter Aaron

"Lee Sobel knows what he speaks. Within less than a week of my submitting a proposal, he sold my manuscript about the TV soap opera Ryan's Hope. If you want a literary agent who is a straight-shooter, goes the extra mile for his clients, and knows how to get a deal done, as well as being a nice guy, Lee Sobel is the agent for you." - Author Tom Lisanti

"When I approached Lee to work together, I didn’t know he would be so proactive and full of ideas. From the first interaction, Lee revealed himself to be full of heart, energy, enthusiasm and feedback. Lee always shows me the respect of reminding me that I’m the author and he isn’t trying to take over my writing or change my voice. As a result, his feedback is well appreciated and always seriously considered. Especially since it is, so often, astute and excellent advice." - Author Ali Smith

"I had already sold four books without the help of an agent. While pitching my fifth, I signed on with Lee. He got the attention of some high-profile publishers and within two weeks he put a deal together that I never could have imagined. New to the game? Or been around the block a few times? Either way, Lee will make your professional life better! I don’t know about your social life, but your professional life as a writer will be better." - Author Paul Gambino

"Lee reached out to me on social media and the timing was right, but in all honesty I had a very wait-and-see attitude. I didn’t have to wait long. He got me a book deal for something I wouldn’t even have thought to pitch had he not come into my life. There’s a Yiddish expression, 'beshert,' which translates loosely as, 'meant to be.' That’s what I think about my relationship with Lee." - Author Samuel Garza Bernstein

"Lee Sobel is a thoroughly professional and straightforward agent. He approached me following publication of my first book, Waterloo-Making An Epic, and explained his passion for ‘Making Of’ film books. I had an idea and went away and wrote up a proposal. After suggesting a few sensible enhancements, he diligently set about his job. A week or so later, and after some strong negotiating—he made a deal! Fully recommend!” - Author Simon Lewis

"Man, was I lucky to find Lee Sobel, that rare industry figure who 'gets it,' who understands what’s cool and what fits at the intersection of popular culture and literature. More than a literary agent, he’s a mentor, teacher, editor, coach, and artist. When Lee is enthusiastic about a project, you can be sure he’ll make it happen. I am in his debt." - Author Burt Kearns

"I reached out to Lee based on the recommendation of a publisher I had pitched my book to. Within hours of that we were on the phone. Within hours of that I had a "how to" of what I should do to create a sellable book. About 2 weeks after that I crafted a suitable pitch, and within days of that, Lee had sold my book to a publisher. I thought this process was supposed to be a lot more complicated and dramatic...?" - Author Darren Paltrowitz

"When I signed on with Lee, I'd never written a book proposal before, but he was extremely helpful at every step of the process. From coming up with a viable idea through giving excellent feedback on my drafts, Lee was patient, knowledgeable, and encouraging. Within days of sending out that proposal, he got me a contract for my first book deal. Clearly, he knows what he's doing! I can't thank him enough for believing in my work and getting me such an amazing opportunity." - Author Katherine Yeske Taylor

"Lee Sobel is a literary agent who works minor and major miracles. After my agent Michael Hamilburg passed away I was left in freefall until Lee contacted me. I checked him out and decided to take him up on his offer of representation. In short order we came up with a new book idea, he goaded me into a proposal and the next thing I knew, we got a publisher's offer! Talk about your miracles! I highly endorse Lee as both an agent and a mensch, two things the world is in short supply of having." - Author Dwayne Epstein

"Lee Sobel's outstanding dedication shines through the persistence, support, and generosity of his time that he has offered me as one of his clients. His thorough knowledge of the publishing industry and his invaluable guidance and suggestions have taken my career to a new height." - Author Christopher McKittrick

"Lee Sobel sold my proposal faster than it will take someone to read the book. My accountant and I are equally impressed." - Author Nat Segaloff

"Lee is highly dedicated to his clients and he has enormous energy. He works tirelessly to make his clients and their books successful." - Author Laura Davis-Chanin

"Lee Sobel is an amazingly creative, intelligent and resourceful agent. I've worked with at least four other agents during my eight-book writing career, but Lee tops them all by a long shot." - Author Peter Benjaminson

"Lee Sobel is an outstanding literary agent and shows tremendous respect and support for his clients that is in a class by itself. If you want a literary agent with an unmatched love for what he does -- he is your guy! I have only positive things to say about working with Lee." - Author Herbie J Pilato

"All the deals we’ve done have been refreshingly straightforward and if you get to meet him in person, I guarantee you’ll have a blast. I can’t recommend working with Lee highly enough!" - Book Editor David Barraclough

"Lee is a Renaissance man---truly creative and knowledgeable, great taste, enthusiastic and driven. It's great to work with someone who has his passion." - Book Editor Bernadette Malavarca

“Within three months of opening conversations initiated by agent Lee Sobel, I had a new book deal. The endorsement speaks for itself.” — Author Steven Blush

“If you are looking for an agent who will champion your work and fight for you, Lee is your man! I’ve worked with agents both in the US and UK, and I never encountered one whose passion, energy and savviness came anywhere close to Lee’s. His enthusiasm and belief in my ideas and my ability as a writer gave me a huge boost, and I will be forever grateful to Lee for letting me realize my long-term passion projects.” - Author Anthony Uzarowski

"Lee Sobel is as kind and supportive as he is shrewd. He helps clients shape their book proposals and secures deals with first-rate publishers, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism at all times. He's the best." - Author Stephen B. Armstrong

Paul Gambino, Ali Smith, Tom Lisanti, Burt Kearns, Nat Segaloff, Robert Hofler, Stephen Rebello, Samuel Garza Bernstein, Dwayne Epstein, Robert Hofler, Christopher McKittrick, Bill German, Peter Benjaminson, Steven Blush, Peter Aaron, Dave Thompson, Laura Davis-Chanin, Max Mobley, Joseph Eastburn, Anthony Uzarowksi, Michael Alago, Bill Haley, Jr., Richie Ramone, Sylvain Sylvain, Walter Lure, Steven B. Armstrong, Andrew Buss, Mackenzie Nichols, Darren Paltrowitz, Katherine Yeske Taylor, Simon Lewis

Kiss Them Goodbye by Joseph Eastburn (2016)
There's No Bones in Ice Cream: Sylvain Sylvain's Story of the New York Dolls by Sylvain Sylvain and Dave Thompson
The Girl in the Back: A Female Drummer's Life with Bowie, Blondie, and the '70s Rock Scene by Laura Davis-Chanin (2018)
I Know Better Now: My Life Before, During and After the Ramones by Richie Ramone and Peter Aaron (2018)
The Story of Motown by Peter Benjaminson (2018)
Crazy Man, Crazy: The Bill Haley Story by Bill Haley Jr. and Peter Benjaminson (2019)
Howard & Debbie by Max Mobley (2019)
I Put a Spell on You: The Bizarre Life of Screamin' Jay Hawkins by Stever Bergsman (2019)
Come and Get These Memories: The Story of Holland-Dozier-Holland by Eddie Holland, Brian Holland and Save Thompson (2019)
I Am Michael Alago: Breathing Music. Signing Metallica. Beating Death. by Michael Alago and Laura Davis-Chanin (2020)
To Hell and Back: My Life in Johnny Thunders' Heartbreakers, in the Words of the Last Man Standing by Walter Lure and Dave Thompson (2020)
I Feel Love: Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, and How They Reinvented Music by Dave Thompson (2021)

2022 BOOK SALES BY LEE SOBEL LITERARY AGENCY (SO FAR):
• "From the Moment They Met it Was Murder!" How Double Indemnity Became the Quintessential Film Noir by Alain Silver and James Ursini (Running Press/TCM/Hachette)
• SAY HELLO TO MY LITTLE FRIEND: A 40th Anniversary Celebration of Scarface by Nat Segaloff (Kensington Publishing)
• THE BALLAD OF SPEEDBALL BABY: A True Story About the Only Girl in the Van, on the Stage, at the Police Department by Ali Smith (Blackstone Publishing)
• Cesar Romero: The Joker’s Wild by Samuel Bernstein (University Press of Kentucky)
• Breaking the Code: Otto Preminger versus Hollywood’s Censors by Nat Segaloff  (Applause Theatre & Cinema Books)
• DON’T BLOW YOUR MIND: Garage Rock from the Sonics to the White Stripes and Beyond by Peter Aaron
• RYAN’S HOPE: An Oral History of Daytime’s Groundbreaking Soap by Tom Lisanti (Kensington Publishing)
• The Art of Gothic Living by Paul Gambino (Union Square & Co.)
• Howling to the Moonlight on a Hot Summer Night: The Tale of the Stray Cats by Christopher McKittrick (Backbeat Books)
• WHAT WOULD JOAN CRAWFORD DO? The Films, The Fantasy & The Modern Relevance of a Silver Screen Icon by Samuel Bernstein (Applause Theatre & Cinema Books)
• Moving In Stereo: The Biography of The Cars’ RIC OCASEK by Peter Aaron (Backbeat Books)
• Gimme All Your Lovin’: The Blues, Boogie, and Beard of ZZ Top’s BILLY F. GIBBONS by Christopher McKittrick (Backbeat Books)
• SHEMP! The Biography of The Three Stooges' Shemp Howard, The Face of Film Comedy by Burt Kearns (Applause Theatre & Cinema Books)
• WHEN ROCK MET REGGAE: How the Cultural Crossover of Bob Marley, The Clash, The Specials and More Changed the Face of Rock Music by Steven Blush (Backbeat Books)
• DLR Book: How David Lee Roth Changed The World by Darren Paltrowitz (Backbeat Books)
• Marlon Brando: Hollywood Rebel by Burt Kearns (Applause Theatre & Cinema Books)
• She’s A Badass: Women in Rock Shaping Modern Feminism by Katherine Yeske Taylor (Backbeat Books)
• Radical Dreams: The Life of Alan Vega by Liz Lamere and Laura Davis-Chanin (Backbeat Books)
• Making A Bridge Too Far by Simon Lewis (GoodKnight Books)
• How "High Fidelity" Found Its Rhythm & Became a Movie Classic by Andrew Buss (Applause Theatre & Cinema Books)
• I See Dead People: The Making of "The Sixth Sense" by Mackenzie Nichols (Applause Theatre & Cinema Books)
• Retro Active Television: An In-Depth History of Classic TV's Social Circuitry by Herbie J Pilato (Headline Books)

2021 SALES BY LEE SOBEL LITERARY AGENCY:
• KILLIN’ GENERALS: The Making of The Dirty Dozen, the Most Iconic WWII Movie of All Time by Dwayne Epstein (Kensington Publishing)
• VERA MILES: THE HITCHCOCK BLONDE THAT GOT AWAY: The Biography of the Star of Psycho, The Wrong Man, The Searchers, and More by Christopher McKittrick (University Press of Kentucky)
• SHARI LEWIS AND LAMB CHOP: THE TEAM THAT CHANGED CHILDREN’S TV by Nat Segaloff and Mallory Lewis (University Press of Kentucky)
• THE WAY THEY WERE: The Real Love Story That Inspired a Movie Classic, on Its 50th Anniversary by Robert Hofler (Kensington)
• UNDER THEIR THUMB: How a Nice Boy from Brooklyn Got Mixed Up with the Rolling Stones (and Lived to Tell About It) by Bill German (Backbeat Books)
• THE TOUGH GUY: Lawrence Tierney’s Hollywood Rampage From Dillinger to Tarantino by Burt Kearns (University Press of Kentucky)
• CONNERY, SEAN CONNERY: Before, During and After JAMES BOND by Herbie J Pilato (University Press of Kentucky)
• THE EXORCIST LEGACY: 50 YEARS OF FEAR by Nat Segaloff (Kensington)
• THE LIFE OF BETTY BOOP by Peter Benjaminson (Rowman & Littlefield)
• WHEN ROCK MET DISCO: The Story of How The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, KISS, Queen, Blondie and More Got Their Groove On in the Me Decade by Steven Blush (Rowman & Littlefield)
• ONE TOUGH DAME: The Life and Career of Diana Rigg by Herbie J Pilato (University Press of Mississippi)
• Jessica Lange: An Adventurer's Heart by Anthony Uzarowski (University Press of Kentucky)
• LUCAS/SPIELBERG – THE DIRECTORS’ CUT by Herbie J Pilato (University Press of Kentucky)
• LAUREN BACALL: The Queen of Cool by Anthony Uzarowski (University Press of Mississippi)
• FRIENDS OF DOROTHY: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Icons by Anthony Uzarowski (Imagine Books/Charlesbridge)
• THE RAMONES AND THE MAKING OF ROCK 'N' ROLL HIGH SCHOOL by Stephen B. Armstrong (Backbeat Books) 

Movie rights for Crazy Man Crazy - The Bill Haley Story by Bill Haley, Jr. and Peter Benjaminson - deal represented by Joel Gotler at Intellectual Property Group.

I have had a rich and varied career, including working in the movie and television business for producers, developing scripts and scouting books and screenplays for production; I've written and directed a number of my own movies (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0811763/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1); I've produced thousands of live music events, and published and edited numerous magazines, including the current online pop culture site Greast Kidstuff Magazine (https://www.greasykidstuffmagazine.com).

Query letter by email only which should include a synopsis of book and bio of author.