Receiving the Robin Seaman Award marked a pivotal point in my career, opening doors to the UCLA Literary Representation Certificate program and providing a unique opportunity to expand my skills and network.
My time completing the UCLA courses has been a journey of connection and growth. I have especially enjoyed engaging with fellow professionals in the agenting field. I am finishing two courses: Marketing and PR for Writers and Agents and Developmental Editing. I am excited that the Marketing and PR course has equipped me to help authors who do not have the skills or resources to build a platform before they reach the publishing house so that they can secure the best deal possible for their book and spread their message to the widest possible audience.
Working as the Associate Agent at Idea Architects has allowed me to align my career with a mission close to my heart - creating a "wiser, healthier, more just world." I've had the privilege of collaborating with visionary authors including Indigenous Chef Nephi Craig, attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons, civil rights leader Reverend Ben McBride, and MacArthur award-winning lawyer James Bell. A project that I particularly enjoyed working on was Will Power’s Nana’s New Soul Food, the first children's book showcasing BIPOC characters and plant-based eating.
As I continue to build my portfolio, my focus remains on bolstering underrepresented voices. I will continue to question the impact and reach of each book. What traditions does it honor? Whose perspectives does it amplify? How will it change our understanding of the world?
Such questions are vital in my mission to bring forth stories that contribute to a richer, more diverse cultural conversation.
The Robin Seaman Award has been more than just an accolade; it has been a catalyst for personal and professional transformation. As a young queer individual navigating the complexities of the publishing industry, I've faced challenges like imposter syndrome. The recognition, coupled with the sense of community and the accreditation from UCLA, has significantly bolstered my confidence and sense of belonging in this field.
Engaging with other Robin Seaman Award recipients has been a joy and a privilege. Their diverse perspectives on inclusivity in publishing have provided invaluable insights, contributing to a richer understanding of our collective mission. These interactions have reinforced the importance of initiatives like the Robin Seaman Award in nurturing talent and fostering diversity in the literary world.
As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons learned, and the connections made, committed to being a force for change and empowerment in the literary landscape.
For those in the industry or aspiring to join, I cannot recommend applying for the Robin Seaman Award enough. It's not just an award; it's an opportunity to grow, learn, and be part of a community that's reshaping the publishing world. The Robin Seaman Award has not just recognized my efforts but has propelled me forward, allowing me to champion the stories and voices that can truly make a difference in our world. I hope to honor Robin Seaman’s memory in continuing this work–one book, one author, one story at a time.
About the Author:
Mirabella Roberts, or Bella for short, is currently the Assistant Literary Agent at Idea Architects. Committed to bolstering underrepresented voices in literature, Bella has spent the past six years supporting authors in their explorations of mental health, immigration and displacement, and queerness. As the founder of the non-profit Art to Reduce Mental Health Stigma, Bella has hosted over 50 storytelling events and supported over 100 authors, artists, and community activists in sharing stories that destigmatize mental health. Prior to joining the Idea Architects team, Bella worked to bring immigrant authors' stories to the U.S. as the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Artistic Freedom Initiative (AFI).
Bella is a competing member of the 2023 Berkeley Slam Poetry team. Bella holds a B.A. in Literary Arts and Public Policy from Brown University.