www.davidrslayton.com
@drslayton

AGENT
Lane Heymont

WRITES
YA fantasy

PUBLISHING STATUS
On Submission

BIO
I grew up in Guthrie, Oklahoma, where finding fantasy novels was pretty challenging and finding fantasy novels with diverse characters, especially LGBTQ characters, was downright impossible. Now I live in Denver, Colorado and write the books I always wanted to read.

EXPERIENCE
I mentor in my day job, where I work as a software implementation consultant. I train and work with corporate clients to talk through issues. This spring, I am teaching Agile Project Management for Writers, Successful Online Critique Groups, and Finding Your Inner Extrovert at the Pikes Peak Writers Conference.

OVERVIEW
I think I can help understand the query process and how to put your best foot forward with agents and editors. I can help refine your query letter and pitches. I also am good at helping writers understanding their process and sharing my own.

I write and read fantasy, but also read heavily in YA, sci-fi, and even some romance.

MENTORING STYLE
I like to work one on one via Google Hangouts or Skype. My mentoring style emphasizes coaching and addressing issues where confidence come up. In editing, I try to look toward larger issues rather than copy editing.

IDEAL MENTEE
Be open to critique and also confident enough to believe in your work. Remember that feedback is subjective, but open mindedness is important. I think I’d especially be a good fit for an author getting ready to query or pitch.

FAVES
Some of my recent favorite authors are: Maggie Stiefvater, Cherie Priest, Lyndsay Faye, and Carol Berg. I try to read widely, and feel like authors should stretch across genres. I’m an RPG and Tabletop gamer, think Skyrim, Fallout 4, Mass Effect, and Dungeons and Dragons.