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7 Insider Secrets to Get a Top Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal
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Literary Agent Directory
Important: Visit each agent’s website (links in their listings below) to see if they’re open to submissions before querying.
- You are searching within category(ies): Commercial Fiction
Biography
Richard Abate is a literary agent with 3 Arts Entertainment. Mr. Abate oversaw a number of seven-figure book deals during his brief tenure at Endeavor and built up a staff of several literary agents while cementing his reputation in publishing circles as a brash and sometimes sly businessman. Mr. Abate had indeed been working in the literary department of ICM for a decade when he decided that it was time to run his own shop. Abate’s sterling client list includes such Hollywood figures as James Franco, Tina Fey, Law & Order creator Dick Wolf, Mindy Kaling and Homeland producer Howard Gordon.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Stephanie Abou is a literary agent with Massie & McQuilkin. She hails from France, where she worked for fashion magazines while finishing her degree in comparative literature from the Sorbonne, thinking she would pursue a career in journalism. Upon arriving in NYC in the late 1990’s she landed an internship at Farrar, Straus and Giroux, which convinced her to make a career out of her passion for literature. Starting at The Joy Harris Literary Agency, and most recently at Foundry Literary + Media, she has developed a dual career as a foreign rights director and a domestic agent. Multi-lingual and multi-cultured, she particularly enjoys works that celebrate the resilience of the human spirit while also depicting the experience of “the other.” She specializes in character-driven fiction, memoirs, crime fiction, and narrative nonfiction. She enjoys a close editorial rapport with her authors, and believes that strong writing must be put in the service of great storytelling to birth a successful book.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Lauren Abramo is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. Lauren E. Abramo joined DG&B in 2005 after getting degrees in English at NYU and Irish Studies at NUI Galway. As VP and Subsidiary Rights Director for the agency she sells foreign and audio rights, and she also maintains a very small client list. Her interests include humorous middle grade and contemporary YA on the childrenÕs side, and upmarket commercial fiction and well-paced literary fiction on the adult side. SheÕs also interested in adult narrative nonfiction, especially pop culture, psychology, pop science, reportage, media, and contemporary culture. In nonfiction she has a strong preference for interdisciplinary approaches, and in all categories sheÕs especially interested in underrepresented voices. Born in New York City and raised not far outside it, she now lives in Brooklyn.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Technology, Travel, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Nalini Akolekar is a literary agent with Spencerhill Associates. Nalini Akolekar joined Spencerhill Associates after a lengthy editorial career and several years in advertising sales. Working as an agent has provided the perfect opportunity to combine her editorial instincts with her sales, marketing, and business experience. Nalini loves nothing more than discovering and nurturing talented authors. She likes to build strong, long-term relationships with her clients and keep open lines of communication. Nalini primarily represents commercial fiction. She is always interested in seeing new womenÕs fiction, romance, historical fiction, thrillers and horror. Nalini maintains a diverse client list and loves to find exciting new voices that utilize elements of different genres to tell their story. Nalini has two adult children and lives among a pack of very poorly behaved dogs who love to interrupt her when she is on the phone and a beautiful cat named Jakk who delights in winding them up.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Nonfiction
Biography
Britta Alexander is a literary agent with The Ned Leavitt Agency. She joined the agency in April 2002 after spending five years working at an advertising agency uptown. ÒI enjoyed the creative energy of advertising, but books have always been my true love.Ó As a teenager, these Òtrue lovesÓ included KerouacÕs Dean Moriarty, Henry Miller and Hemingway in all his disguises. At one point her friends forbade her to read any more of Anais NinÕs diaries. Fortunately, while completing an MFA in Writing at Vermont College, she discovered that living people write wonderful books, too. Britta’s primary areas of interest include lifestyle (relationships, parenting & families, health mind & body), arts & entertainment, business & personal finance (especially when geared toward those in their 20’s and 30’s) and fiction that rides the line between literary and commercial.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, Film Entertainment, Health Wellness, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography
Biography
Jessica Alvarez is a literary agent with BookEnds Literary Agency. Jessica joined the agency in April 2011. Jessica began her publishing career in 2001 as an editorial assistant at Harlequin Books. There she had the opportunity to acquire and edit a wide array of women’s fiction, specializing in historical romance, romantic suspense, and inspirational romance. Jessica left Harlequin in 2008 to pursue a freelance editing career, and completed projects for Harlequin, Scholastic Books, Thomas Nelson, and independent writers. She’s actively building her client list and is currently looking for women’s fiction, erotica, single-title and category romance submissions. She uses her editorial background to help writers hone their skills and develop strong, marketable stories. She is a member of AAR. A New Jersey native, Jessica resides in the Garden State with her husband, young son, two energetic dogs, and an indeterminate number of fish.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Travel, True Crime, Women’s Issues NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction
Biography
Betsy Amster is a literary agent with Betsy Amster Literary Enterprises. Before opening the agency, principal Betsy Amster spent ten years as an editor at Pantheon and Vintage and two years as editorial director of the Globe Pequot Press. She has been described in the Los Angeles Times as “a dogged prospector ofÉliterary talent” and celebrated in a profile in the American Society of Journalists and Authors newsletter for her “no-nonsense style and whimsical sense of humor.” She is a frequent guest speaker for PEN USA’s Emerging Voices Program, UCLA Extension’s Writers Program, USC’s Masters in Professional Writing Program, and The Loft and frequently moderates panels at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Diet Nutrition, Gardening, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Journalism, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Science, Self-Help, Technology, Travel, Women’s Issues
Kathleen Anderson
Anderson Literary ManagementAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Postal MailBiography
Kathleen Anderson is a literary agent with Anderson Literary Management. Kathleen Anderson, formerly a partner of Anderson Grinberg Literary Management, Inc., is president of Anderson Literary Management, LLC. She is particularly interested in serious nonfiction and literary journalism (narrative nonfiction, psychology, history, science, anthropology, memoir, cultural studies, biography, and womenÕs studies), as well as literary fiction, general womenÕs fiction, and very well-written commercial fiction (psychological suspense, historical fiction, lady-lit, chick-lit), She also represents many prestigious young adult writers. Her work as an executive editor at W.W. Norton and Simon and Schuster has given her special expertise in developing nonfiction proposals and first fiction.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Journalism, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Psychology, Science, Travel, Upmarket Nonfiction, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Hannah Andrade is a literary agent with Bradford Literary Agency. She started as an agency assistant before moving on to acquire her own clients. SheÕs been with Bradford Literary Agency since 2017 and has had the privilege to work with a number of bestselling authors across a variety of genres. She likes to think of herself as an editorial-focused agent and is particularly eager to acquire BIPOC/underrepresented voices. She is prioritizing stories of joy where identity isnÕt the focus and is especially excited about stories rooted in history, mythology, and legends, particularly those that are lesser-known or underrepresented in traditional publishing. Hannah is very interested in stories that explore the intricacies of multicultural identities. She loves stories of immigration (not relegated to America) and of first/second generation Americans who struggle balancing the values of their country with the culture and heritage of their parents (as in the tv shows Ramy or Gentefied). As a Mexican-American, she would particularly love to see the stories that she grew up with showcased in new and creative ways. Hannah loves strong characters and voice-driven stories that break out of the typical tropes of their genres. SheÕs a huge fan of expansive world building and atmospheric settings, dark and transporting fantasy in YAs, and MGs with macabre elements and dark humor. One of her favorite tropes is the Òfound familyÓÑespecially if the family is found through crime. She has a soft spot for any kind of retelling or spin off of Òclassic litÓ or fairy tales (like Lauren BlackwoodÕs WITHIN THESE WICKED WALLS or Lilliam RiveraÕs NEVER LOOK BACK). SheÕs looking for stories with quirky characters/voices and love ones that feature dysfunctional families (like SAFFYÕS ANGEL by Hilary McKay). If your story involves ghosts, riddles/puzzles, and/or whimsy, Hannah would love to see it! She loves mysteries for readers of all ages, and is particularly looking for an Only Murders in the Building-esque story. In nonfiction, she is looking for something that takes the mystery out of everyday life/occurrences (a l‡ Malcolm Gladwell or Atul Gawande) and investigative journalism-esque stories with a strong narrative hook.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, History, Journalism, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, True Adventure, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Amelia Appel is a literary agent with the Triada U.S. Literary Agency. She joined Triada after previously assisting at McIntosh & Otis, Inc., and Writers House. She is actively seeking adult fiction, non-fiction, and YA and is particularly interested in stories by diverse and marginalized voices. Fantastic settings and savvy characters are her favorite things! For adult fiction, she is most interested in the following: Literary fiction (particularly if it has a great voice and explores complex relationships). Mystery (especially proper whodunits; bonus points for fun, close-quarter settings). Thriller (twisty, suspenseful, but no cop protagonists). Upmarket women’s fiction (preferably without a marriage- or children-related focus). Science fiction (no space operas). Fantasy (and magical realism). Horror (the scarier the better). Graphic novels (especially where the form adds further layers to the story). For adult non-fiction, she’s most drawn to projects that relay new information in an engaging way, primarily in the areas of creative non-fiction, humor, sports, how-to, pop culture, and true crime. Lastly, for YA, she’s most looking for a combination of light and dark elements and stories where the protagonist is compelled to change.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, General Nonfiction, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Self-Help, Sports, Travel, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kurestin Armada is a literary agent with Root Literary. She says: ÒI love working with creators to form a roadmap for the rest of their career. Talking to people with projects that are ambitious, strange, personal, and just outrageously fun is the spark that keeps me going. I’m here to be their advocate and make sure they can keep writing for years and years to come.Ó
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Lifestyle, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Faye Atchison is an associate agent with the Margret McBride Literary Agency. Faye handles correspondence between publishers, authors and the agency, and provides liaison, continuity and logistics for Ms. McBride. She handles the flow of manuscripts inside the office and with the publisher. She has a BA in Fine Arts from San Diego State University. If you have a question, from submissions within the office to working with the publisher after the sale, Faye will find your answer. Faye is interested in in both commercial and niche fiction and nonfiction. Fiction interests include YA, speculative fiction, commercial fantasy, womenÕs fiction, historical fiction, sci-fi, paranormal, unconventional westerns, and anything with unique, well-drawn characters and a dark or offbeat sense of humor. Her nonfiction interests include pop-culture, music, history, health, inspirational (but not spiritual), and extremely well-written narrative nonfiction.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Satire, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Art, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Inspirational Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Eve Attermann is a literary agent with WME Books. Eve has worked in WMEÕs Literary Department since 2011, representing a varied list of bestselling and critically-acclaimed thought leaders, journalists, novelists, memoirists, podcasters, creators and culinary experts. Among the clients sheÕs had the honor of representing are Dave Grohl (THE STORYTELLER), Janelle Mon‡e (THE MEMORY LIBRARIAN), Julia Boorstin (WHEN WOMEN LEAD), Tamron Hall (AS THE WICKED WATCH), Chad Sanders (BLACK MAGIC), Deuxmoi (ANON PLS.), Rachel Barenbaum (ATOMIC ANNA), Kyleigh Leddy (THE PERFECT OTHER), Cat Dang (NICE GIRLS), Andrew Rea (BINGING WITH BABISH), Jessica Seinfeld (VEGAN, AT TIMES), Alexis deBoschnek (TO THE LAST BITE), Eden Grinshpan (EATING OUT LOUD), and State Senator Mallory McMorrow, as well as many others. Eve started her career at Little, Brown and Company and is a graduate of Vanderbilt University. She lives in Westchester, NY, with her husband and daughter.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Nonfiction, Science, Sports, Technology, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books
Biography
Lindsay Davis Auld is a literary agent with Writers House. She says: “I started at Writers House in the West Coast office, and have worked with a wide range of New York Times bestsellers, award-winners, and debut authors and illustrators. After studying literature at Bowdoin College, I joined Teach for America before beginning my publishing career at Harcourt ChildrenÕs Books and then Writers House. I’m particularly drawn to fantasy, mysteries, historical fiction, friendship stories, romance, magical realism, adventure, and books with humor–light or dark or both. I would also love to see manuscripts from diverse and underrepresented authors and artists. I’ve always been passionate about books, and, as an agent, I’m eager to help bring fresh voices, characters and stories to readers. If you have a manuscript that you feel would be a good fit for me, please see my submission guidelines below–I’d love to hear from you.”
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Jennifer Azantian is a literary agent with the Jennifer Azantian Literary Agency. Jennifer established Azantian Literary in 2014 and focuses primarily on fiction across genres for mg, YA, and adult readers. She represents bestselling and award-winning writers, and is always on the lookout for new talent. Prior to ALA, Jennifer was at the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency followed by a stint with the Paul Levine Literary Agency. Before publishing, she earned her B.S. in clinical and developmental psychology from UCSD where she was an executive editor for the Triton Psychology Report. She brings to her clients a passion for literature born of a writer’s heart, an editorial eye honed from reviewing thousands of projects, and the connections to help bring wonderful books to life.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Satire, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Malaga Baldi is a literary agent with the Malaga Baldi Literary Agency. Malaga has worked as independent literary agent since 1986. The Baldi Agency is an independent and eclectic agency specializing in literary fiction, memoir and cultural history. Her first publishing job was as a cashier at Gotham Book Mart. Baldi also worked in the Ballantine Books Publicity Department, as an associate at Candida Donadio & Associates and the Elaine Markson Agency before going out on her own. Baldi believes the strength of the author’s voice and the heart of the story to be important factors when considering new work. Baldi graduated from Hampshire College and lives in NYC.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Architecture, Art, Biography, Business Book, Computers, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Environment, Food Drink, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Nonfiction, Reference, Science, Technology, Travel
Biography
Anjanette Barr is a literary agent with Dunham Literary. She has been working in various branches of the writing and publishing world for over a decade, and being an agent is the perfect way to synthesize her interests and talents. She spent the pandemic earning a certificate in Literary Representation from UCLA Extension. She also holds a B.A. in Japanese Studies from William Jewell College. Anjanette lives with her family of six in Juneau, Alaska. Member: Association of American Literary Agents Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Alaska Writers Guild Catholic Writers Guild
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, New Adult Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, Family, Fitness, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Poetry, Psychology, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Travel, Upmarket Nonfiction, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Nicola Barr is a literary agent with Rye Literary. She says: ÒI have such admiration and respect for anyone who is driven to write and publish books. ItÕs takes incredible focus, dedication and determination. It has never stopped feeling like a privilege to champion writers and help them get their work out into the world. I spent my formative publishing years as an editorial assistant then editor at Flamingo, the much-missed literary imprint of HarperCollins where, to my ill-concealed disbelief, I worked on books by Naomi Klein, Anna Burns, Fay Weldon, Doris Lessing. IÕve also spent years working as a book reviewer for the Guardian and the Observer. I have over the years represented many bestselling commercial fiction authors, award-winning crime fiction, womenÕs fiction and literary fiction and am still very much on the lookout for well-written fiction in these genres. But, whether you are writing commercial or literary fiction, I am endlessly fascinated by dysfunctional families, oddballs, women struggling and women achieving, outsiders, messiness. Books that have a go at making sense of how difficult relationships, friendships, working life, getting by is. IÕm a committed Londoner, but was born and raised in Northern Ireland, then studied at the University of Glasgow, so please do send me your Irish and Scottish novels, your regional voices, working-class narratives. Publishing is known as an elite industry, but there is a huge appetite for working-class and diverse voices and stories and I want to champion them. I represent some of the UKÕs finest non-fiction writers – Joe Moran, Owen Hatherley, Lynsey Hanley, John Grindrod, Anna Minton, among others, writing on housing, class, feminism, social change, globalisation, sexuality and am always looking for more in these areas. IÕm good at spotting brilliance in a submission and helping a debut author shape what they have to fit the market in a way that stays true to their original vision. ThereÕs this sense in publishing that commercial and familiar is easy and that upmarket, literary, innovative, different, is difficult. I find that dull. I like books that challenge and surprise and am convinced readers do too.”
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, History, Humor Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Pop Culture, Science, Sports, Women’s Issues
Biography
Stephen Barr is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. Writers House has been around for over forty years, and in addition to being an actual house (it’s true! Check our website!), it’s one of the largest literary agencies in the industry, representing fiction and non-fiction of every stripe. He says “I’ve been with Writers House for a little over fifteen years now, and while I’m not an actual house (couldn’t get the permits), I’m a pretty omnivorous agent. At the moment, I’ve got a particular hankering for… - intricate, heart-on-its-sleeve, voice-abundant YA like King Dork or Baby & Solo (bonus points for unrequited love stories!) - audacious, experimental YA mysteries or fantasies that handcuff humor and tragedy to the same radiator - middle grade that takes on heavy themes with a light, optimistic, eccentric touch - sweet and/or silly and/or heartbreaking picture books from adventurous author/illustrators - unexpected memoirs with itchy voices - narrative non-fiction that tackles hard-to-tackle issues, like Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma - and any fiction that rewards the reader line-by-line and gets to know at least one character really, really well (recent favorites include The Night Watchman, The Searcher, The Five Wounds, and I am Homeless if This is Not My Home). I’m also willing to be a sucker for… - detective stories that bend reality - ghost stories that blow reality to hell - Secret Book X (I don’t know what Secret Book X is, but suffice it to say, I’m open to the occasional curveball). I have almost zero emotional baggage, so I’m ready to fall in love (with your book)!
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Sports CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Erica Bauman is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. She represents a wide variety of authors across middle grade, young adult, and commercial adult fiction, including acclaimed YA author Andrew Auseon and Broadway performer Tiffany Haas. Erica is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and has worked in the publishing industry since 2012. Prior to Aevitas, she worked at Spectrum Literary Agency. Based in New York, Erica is most interested in commercial novels that feature an exciting premise and lyrical, atmospheric writing; imaginative, genre-blending tales; speculative worlds filled with haunting, quietly wondrous magic; fresh retellings of mythology, ballet, opera, and classic literature; sharply funny rom-coms; graphic novels for all ages; fearless storytellers that tackle big ideas and contemporary issues; and working with and supporting marginalized authors and stories that represent the wide range of humanity.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Sarah Bedingfield
Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Sarah Bedingfield is a literary agent with Levine Greeberg Rostan. Sarah has been an agent with Levine Greenberg Rostan since 2016, where she represents high-concept, genre-busting literary novels, domestic and psychological suspense, upmarket, big-hearted family epics, historical fiction, and international, diverse voices. Sarah began her publishing career in trade fiction editorial at Crown and Hogarth. There, she worked with a range of bestselling writers, including Man Booker International Prize winner, Han Kang, and New York Times bestsellers Nina George, Herman Koch, Koren Zailckas, Blake Crouch and Andy Weir. Sarah loves most types of literary and upmarket commercial fiction, especially novels that show powerful imagination, compulsive plotting and unique voices. Family dramas, cross-genre narratives with notes of magical realism, darkly Gothic stories that may lead to nightmares and twisty psychological suspense are among her favorite things to read. A southerner at heart, she canÕt help but love books set in the south, but sheÕs a die-hard for any world immersive enough to make her miss her stop on the train, cry in public, or desperately unable to sleep. Hailing from North Carolina, Sarah graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a double major in Psychology and English. She spent her first three years in New York teaching high school English in the Bronx and earning an MS in Education from Hunter College. Her favorite authors include Sarah Waters, Shirley Jackson, Stephen King, Matthew Thomas, Maria Semple, Emily St. John Mandel, Erin Morgenstern, and Victor Hugo.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Biography
Sharon Belcastro is a literary agent with the Belcastro Agency. She was born and raised in Northeastern Ohio. It only took her 37 years to get sick of the snow, cracked fingers and chapped lips before she picked up and moved to the much warmer and sunnier Tampa Bay area. Her love of books goes back to early childhood where some of her fondest memories were spent with Gulliver in Lilliput and Ishmael and his voyage on the Pequod. She has had a book in her hand and her nose in a book ever since. Forced to grow up and face the real world, Sharon earned her Engineering degree from Youngstown State University and her masterÕs in business from Case Western Reserve University. She spent several years in product development, sales and the development and streamlining of key business processes before she returned to her passion for books attended classes in publishing at NYU and applied her experience to the founding of Belcastro Agency.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Health Wellness, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Self-Help, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Justin Bell is a literary agent with the Spectrum Literary Agency. Justin (B.A. from SUNY Purchase) is accepting submissions in science fiction, mysteries, and a select amount of nonfiction.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Nonfiction
Biography
Jenny Bent is a literary agent with the Bent Agency. She says: ÒIn the course of my career, I have represented a great many award-winning and New York Times-bestselling authors, a list which includes Stephanie Garber, Liv Constantine, Gary John Bishop, Lori Nelson Spielman, Goldy Moldavsky, Tiffany D. Jackson, Elise Kova, Yangsze Choo, Dustin Thao, Arvin Ahmadi, Lynsay Sands, JT Geissinger and Samantha Bailey. IÕm currently looking for literary and commercial fiction and young adult fiction as well as select non-fiction in the areas of self-help and lifestyle. My client list is diverse and I welcome submissions from BIPOC authors. In adult fiction, IÕm looking for high concept, upmarket womenÕs fiction; grounded fantasy; speculative fiction and horror (I particularly love a good scary ghost story, along the lines of writing by Simone St. James and Jennifer McMahon); and domestic suspense, but the bar is very high in suspense right now so it has to be an extremely creative concept. I also rep some romance and rom-com, but no other genre fiction: IÕm not a good choice for high fantasy, cozy mystery, or sci-fi. In young adult fiction, IÕm pretty open to genre Ñ I love fantasy, rom-coms, suspense, contemporary, almost anything except for sci-fi. I do notice that my YA taste does tend to skew towards older readers, more in a crossover direction. In general, I tend to prefer plot-driven books to character-driven ones and pacing is very important to me. I also love novels Ñ for adults or young adults Ñ that have an element of magic or fantasy to them or that take me into a world that is new to me, whether real or imaginary. And while I love books to be dark and weird in terms of content, I find that I am more drawn to traditional, rather than experimental, methods of structure and storytelling. Finally, I am not the right fit for books with overtly political or extremely complicated plotlines. In nonfiction, I am looking for authors with a unique approach and a very large existing platform. IÕm not generally the right choice for memoir or narrative non-fiction, but IÕm always open to hearing a pitch just in case. All of the books that I represent speak to the heart in some way: they are linked by genuine emotion, inspiration, and great writing and storytelling. I love books that make me laugh, make me cry, or ideally do both.”
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Inspirational Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Self-Help CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kendall Berdinsky is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. A native Texan, she fell in love with the Junie B. Jones books she discovered in kindergarten and has been an avid reader ever since. She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where she earned her bachelorÕs degree in professional writing with a minor in English literature. During her junior year abroad, she interned in the childrenÕs department at Simon & Schuster UK; after graduation, she served as an editorial assistant at Foundry Literary + Media and attended the Columbia Publishing Course. She is not taking on clients at this time, but in the future, would be interested in seeing upmarket romance, book club fiction, historical fiction, and narrative nonfiction. Overall, she is looking for work from underrepresented communities with new stories to tell.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, Health Wellness, History, Investigative, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jessica Berg is a literary agent, author, and the founder of Rosecliff Literary, where she champions bold, emotionally resonant fiction with unforgettable characters, strong stakes, and a sense of urgency. She is especially drawn to upmarket, historical, and supernatural suspense, with a soft spot for haunting atmosphere, richly layered relationships, and characters who carry deep emotional wounds. Give her a protagonist standing at the edge of reinvention, a world on the brink of change, or a past that refuses to stay buried. She loves stories that explore grief, longing, ambition, and survival and the complicated ways they intersect. If your book feels like it belongs in a candlelit room with a storm raging outside, she wants to see it. A multi-nominated writer with an MFA from Spalding University, Jessica brings a sharp editorial eye and a hands-on, strategic approach to agenting. She is a member of AALA and EFA and provides developmental feedback for WriterÕs Digest. Represented by Amy Collins at Talcott Notch, she splits her time between crafting her own stories and guiding her clients through every stage of their publishing careers. Her mission? To champion distinctive voices, build lasting careers, and bring books into the world that demand to be remembered.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Self-Help, Women’s Issues
Biography
Mel Berger is a literary agent with WME Books. Mel Berger has been with WME since 1972. He represents fiction and non-fiction. For fiction — particular interest in thrillers, womenÕs fiction, and any strong debut novel. For non-fiction, works of politics and policy, military history, narrative, memoirs that open up to big ideas and promise to the reader, science, self-help and diet. (Please no science fiction or fantasy, childrenÕs or screenplays).
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Romance, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Fitness, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports