Amy Tipton of Idaho on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Amy Tipton. Check out our conversation below.

Amy, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
People assume I just read all day—like I’m in big cozy chair, feet up, with a blanket & a big cup of coffee… Maybe I wield a red pen. & it must be perpetually raining outside. Like, I live in some weird holiday Hallmark movie. Ha!

Others assume since I work from home, I don’t keep office hours & am free to talk or text or do whatever chores or hangout.

But NEWSFLASH!

Freelance work is still work. I keep a schedule (yes, it’s flexible, but *I* am disciplined) & I do read (it’s just different than reading for pleasure). I have an office—a home office—& I try to make sure I’m in it by 9-10am (which means I am awake by 7-7:30am) until 6-7pm (a lot of times it’s later). & I work on a computer—I don’t use a red pen, sorry to disappoint.

My job differs from just picking up a book in the library or reading a book before bed. I make the books that are in the library or the one you’re reading before bed… You don’t see the mistakes I see (or at least, I hope you don’t). I plug the plot holes, help create characters, brainstorm scenes/situations, come up with twists & turns.

I am busy juggling multiple books, multiple writing ideas, multiple authors. I do Zoom calls, I try (& sometimes fail) to keep up with social media. I am a mentor & I help judge books for awards… It’s a lot.

Ultimately, I work hard so you can sit back & enjoy your reading experience.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I graduated from Naropa University with a B.A. in Writing and Literature & received my MFA from New College of California in Writing. I worked as a literary agent for years before going freelance in 2018. Prior to beginning Feral Girl Books, I was a literary agent at Signature Literary Agency. I have previously worked at JCA Literary Agency, Diana Finch Literary Agency, Gina Maccoby Literary Agency, & Liza Dawson Associates. I was a book scout for Aram Fox, Inc., & as a freelance editor for Lauren Weisberger (author of The Devil Wears Prada). As a literary agent, I represented authors such as Edgar-Award winner Courtney Summers, Stonewall Prize winner Kirstin Cronn-Mills, as well as prolific authors Amy Reed, K. Ancrum, and many others.

In 2018, turning to freelance editing, I was of the mindset that I just didn’t want anyone to feel excluded–hence Feral Girl Books was born. It’s for all women (women-identifying & NB/GNC) writers. I want the publishing industry to rep us, ALL OF US.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I actually don’t think I ever believed anything significantly negative or positive about myself that changed—or something I can think of/remember.

I mean, randomly, from age 3-7, I was firmly of the belief I was going to be an artist (I adored Monet & Cassatt) & I would study in France at the Sorbonne University (I have no idea where I got that or how I even knew about the Sorbonne). When I turned 7, I had decided to become a writer (which I am not, but dreams change/adapt & I work with books, so I didn’t stray far from my 7 year-old self’s career).

In my teens, I did think I would end up in NYC, typing away on a rooftop. That never happened! (Although I did live in NYC & I have been on plenty of rooftops.)

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I actually think I grew up. I had a stroke in NYC on my way to work—it was a whole thing… (If you know New York, you know how crazy it is that an ambulance found me on 6th Avenue in the morning.)

I was barely 30 & since I was young & living in NYC, I went out—A LOT. I was hardly ever home. I won’t say I didn’t take my job seriously (because I did), but after the stroke, I found myself at home more—probably bored, in front of my laptop.

My routine was physical therapy, occupational therapy & speech therapy (all the rehab therapy!) in the morning & light reading in the evening. (Which was a therapy in & of itself. My sight was terrible & I was strengthening it with each page.)

I only had two books under my belt though. I thought my career was over.

But guess what?

None of my clients abandoned me. I even gained more writers. I came back to NYC, switched agencies & sold more books & won awards & optioned books for TV/film & sold foreign rights. I got married. I moved all over. &, even though I may not walk, I can talk—my voice may be awful, but I’m a girl you can’t shut up.

It’s odd to say that I believe my stroke forced me to grow up & I am thankful for that, but here we are. (I’m also thankful it forced me to quit smoking! Ha!)

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
100%. If it isn’t, how sad! HAHAHA (Just look at my posts! I definitely don’t hide from sharing my mess as well as success.)

I value authenticity & I couldn’t be anyone but me.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I always give my best, whether in a crowded room or an empty room. I definitely do not need praise to keep going.

I’m not a mushy gushy person & I work well feeling like the underdog. Like the first season of that TV show, Cruel Summer where Kate’s mom says she needs a bad guy, that’s what motivates her—I’m similar. In fact, I want a tattoo of a chip (a potato chip) on my shoulder. Like the character Emmett (Luke Wilson in Legally Blonde), after being accused of having a chip on his shoulder, Emmett explains to Elle that the need to prove himself is what motivates him—SAMESIES.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Ed Glazar

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