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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.
- The results are being filtered by the character: B
Biography
Jen Babakhan is an Associate Literary Agent with the Books & Such Literary Agency. Jen grew up spending afternoons sitting in the middle of bookstore aisles, thumbing through the adventures of Clifford the Big Red Dog, The Berenstain Bears, or the latest Shel Silverstein book of poetry. The smell of new and old books, and the act of browsing through pages transported her into other worlds from her earliest years.Her love for reading quickly turned into a love for writing. Jen believes that the gift of writing is from God and not to be taken lightly. With that ability comes the chance to bless others with our creative work.Prior to becoming an associate agent in 2024, Jen graduated with a degree in communications and became a marketing specialist for an international nonprofit, where she worked to develop the businessÕs brand and recognition of that brandÑtwo important elements for every author to master as well.She later transitioned into freelance writing and ghostwriting when her two children came along. In these roles Jen wrote for ReaderÕs Digest from 2017 to 2021, and her work has been featured in various national outlets.Jen interned with Books & Such in 2024 after joining the agency as a client in 2018. She thinks of agents as being a sort of Òbook midwifeÓ; helping writers to bring their art into the world and into readersÕ hearts. As an author herself, Jen understands the vulnerability involved in writing, along with the adventure of publishing.She lives in California with her husband, two children, and two incredibly stubborn Shih Tzus.Jen acquires adult nonfiction and fiction.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Nonfiction
Biography
Lauren Bajek is a literary agent with Liza Dawson Associates. She joined Liza Dawson Associates as an assistant in 2021. Previously, she was a bookseller and the science fiction and fantasy buyer for the Elliott Bay Book Company, where she championed books in translation and books by women, queer people, and people of color.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Animals, BIPOC Nonfiction, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, History, How-To, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Science
Biography
Bernadette Baker-Baughman is a literary agent with Victoria Sanders & Associates. She says: “After completing a MasterÕs Degree in Writing at Portland State University, and spending several years in-house (first editorial, then marketing) I began agenting in 2005. I have worked with VSA since 2010. I am drawn to strong storytelling in all genres, though I have a special interest in thrillers, contemporary novels, magical realism, young adult, and books for kids. I am also open to pop-culture, gift books, and memoir. I love smart writing, high concept books, work with great emotional resonance, and humor. I am always looking for authors with a distinctive voice. IÕve represented a number of New York Times bestselling and award winning writers and illustrators, including Leslye Walton, Faith Erin Hicks, Tony Cliff, Maris Wicks, Liv Constantine, and Carson Morton, to name a few.”
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: Art, Biography, Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, History, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Reference, Upmarket NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, 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 FictionNONFICTION: 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
Claudia Ballard is a literary agent with WME Books. Claudia has been a literary agent at WME since 2008. She represents fiction, from established short-story writers to debut novelists and beyond, as well as creative nonfiction and journalism. She is looking to work with writers who surprise readers, who make us laugh, can tap into our deepest emotions, and who can introduce us to new ways of thinking about and seeing our complex world. Among the clients she works with are New York Times bestselling authors, Pulitzer Prize winners and finalists, National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 honorees, Granta Best of Young American Novelists, Cullman and Guggenheim fellows, Whiting Award winners, and recipients of the NYPL Young Lions Awards as well as the Nobel Prize. Originally from California, she now lives in New York City with her family.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Romance, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, SpiritualityCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Noah Ballard is a literary agent with the Verve Talent & Literary Agency. He studied creative writing at the University of NebraskaÐLincoln and began his career in publishing at Emma Sweeney Agency. Noah has appeared at graduate writing programs and writersÕ conferences across the country speaking about query letters, building non-fiction platforms and submission etiquette. A New Jersey native, Noah currently lives in Brooklyn.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Business Book, General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction
Biography
Dan Balow is a literary agent The Steve Laube Agency. Dan started in Christian publishing in 1983 and, over the years, has been involved in the business side of the industry in marketing, sales, foreign and domestic rights management, audiobooks, digital publishing, and acquisitions.A significant amount of his experience was with Tyndale House Publishers from the early 90Õs to the mid-2000Õs. While there, Dan developed a wide-ranging perspective on the industry, taken from involvement with hundreds of authors, thousands of books and a love for the business.He spent five years working with this agency as an agent, leaving temporarily in late 2018 to focus time on a publishing-related venture he owned before returning in early 2021.DanÕs strengths would be his understanding of what it takes to be successful in the publishing environment and how all the elements of publishing work together.Dan served on the board of the Evangelical Christian PublisherÕs Association, the trade association for Christian publishers in the U.S. and was board chairman of the Global Publishers Alliance, a group of U.S.-based publishing executives involved in mentoring Christian publishers in other countries. He was an original member of the advisory board of the Christy Awards (now part of ECPA) and involved in training and mentoring Christian publishers through Media Associates International. (www.littworld.org)Dan is a graduate of Wheaton College (IL) with a degree in Communications and has been married to Carol for 40+ years. They live in Wheaton, Illinois and have four grown children and seven grandchildren.
Notes
NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Shabnam Banerjee-McFarland is a literary agent with Odom Media Management. She is an Associate Agent at Odom Media Management. Throughout her career, she has worked in independent media aimed at providing tools, resources, and frameworks that support movement-building. Embracing the expanse of multimedia across book and digital media, she has worked with award-winning and bestselling authors, scholars, activists, and speakers on topics of decolonization, intersectionality, feminism/s, economic justice and racial capitalism, labor movements, racial and gender justice, identity, and community organizing. She earned her B.A. from University of California, Berkeley and M.A. from the Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race at Columbia University in American Studies focusing her research on representations of women of color in media.Driven by her political commitment to producing media in support of collective liberation, Shabnam is most interested in working on books that are agitating and fearlessly challenging systems of oppression. Shabnam is most moved by writers who show how political theory can come to life, whether through offering pathways to healing, personal and collective, or through modes of resistance guided by history. She enjoys collaborating with authors who are exploring the full meaning of freedom, running the gamut from community-building in the forms of food, libations, and intentional gatherings, to world-building and the artist’s role in making revolution irresistible, to organizing efforts that confront capitalist, patriarchal systems. Right now, she is primarily working on adult non-fiction, but is interested in text and visual representations of what it means to be and get free.
Notes
NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Economics, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Self-Help, Women’s Issues
Biography
Stephen Barbara is a literary agent with InkWell Management. He was born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, and graduated from the University of Chicago with a B.A. in English language and literature, winning awards for writing and student leadership while at the college. He began his publishing career in 2005 as an editorial assistant at HarperCollins, and then worked for three years as the Contracts Director of the Donald Maass Agency. Following six years as a literary agent at Foundry Media, he joined InkWell Management at the start of 2015.Stephen works with writers, storytellers, thinkers, and entertainers of talent and ambition. A sampling of his clients includes New York Times and international bestseller Lauren Oliver, USA Today bestseller and British Fantasy Award winner Paul Tremblay, Newbery Medal winner and New York Times bestseller Laura Amy Schlitz, National Book Award nominee Lisa Graff, Printz Honor awardee Susann Cokal, bestselling fantasy graphic novelist Ethan Aldridge, and childrenÕs author Minh L , whose picture book Drawn Together appeared on more than 20 ÒBest OfÓ Lists at the end of 2018; he also represents nonfiction authors Meghan Cox Gurdon, Eleanor Herman, and Tom Venuto. In his capacity as agent for media and content company Glasstown Entertainment, Stephen has worked with actress Krysten Ritter, activist Dylan Farrow, novelist Alma Katsu, and bestselling fantasy author Sara Holland, among others.Film/TV is a stated area of interest for Stephen. In the spring of 2019, Amazon Studios announced their first-ever YA series, Panic, based on Lauren OliverÕs novel; two other novelsbased on books represented by Stephen have been adapted into films, and many other projects based on books of his are in active development. While selective in taking on new clients, Stephen is always drawn to compelling stories that marry quality writing to bold, imaginative concepts.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Nonfiction, Science, SportsCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Bruce Barbour is a literary agent with Literary Management Group. Bruce is known industry wide as “BRB”, has been active in book publishing for over forty years. He has held executive positions at several publishing houses including Fleming H Revell Company (family owned-business founded in 1870 and sold in 1979), Barbour and Company (co-founded and Exec VP 1983-1986), Thomas Nelson (VP, Publisher, 1986-1993), and Random House (VP, Publisher 1994-1996). In 1997, BRB founded Literary Management Group, LLC, a full service literary agency and publishing consulting firm that has represented best-selling authors and properties including Zig Ziglar and The Beginner’s Bible, consulted with publishing houses including Zondervan, Thomas Nelson, Zondervan, Gospel Light, Hachette and others as well as packaged books for speakers, associations and corporations.
Notes
NONFICTION: Business Book, General Nonfiction, Inspirational Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Religion, Self-Help, SpiritualityNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Laura Bardolph Hubers is a literary agent with BBH Literary. Laura co-founded BBH Literary after serving as director of marketing and publicity at Eerdmans Publishing. She has handled publicity campaigns for a wide range of trade and academic books. She has secured excerpts of books in Christianity Today, the Christian Century, and Sojourners; media coverage of books in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, First Things, America, and Religion News Service; and interviews in Publishers Weekly and on the Everything Happens podcast, among others. She is the editor of Means of Grace: A Year of Weekly Devotions by Fleming Rutledge.
Notes
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Journalism, Nonfiction, ReferenceNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Cecile Barendsma is a literary agent with the Cecile B Literary Agency. She grew up in the Netherlands, studied Linguistics and Literature at the University of Amsterdam, and moved to New York after finishing the Radcliffe Publishing Course. She studied International Relations at the New School, Spanish at El Taller, and took courses at the Art Students League and Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. She speaks Dutch and German, and reads French.With two decades of experience in international publishing, Cecile was most recently Director Foreign Rights at Janklow & Nesbit Associates where she worked, among many others, with Peter Bognani, President Carter, Joan Didion, Tom Harris, Rachel Khong, Rao Pingru, Matthew Sullivan, Gay Talese, Craig Thompson, and Tom Wolfe. Cecile attends the Frankfurt and London Book Fairs, is a Jerusalem Book Fair Fellow, and was a guest speaker at the Abu Dhabi Book Fair, and Penn State writers workshop.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance, Thriller, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction
Biography
Julie Barer is a literary agent and partner with The Book Group. Born and raised in New York City, Julie Barer began her career as a bookseller at Shakespeare & Company, where she discovered the joy of putting books into peopleÕs hands. After fifteen years in the business, Julie co-founded The Book Group with her partners Faye Bender, Brettne Bloom and Elisabeth Weed in 2015. Julie represents a variety of writers across a literary spectrum, with a special emphasis on fiction. JulieÕs clients have been winners of numerous grants and prizes, including the National Book Award, the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book CriticsÕ Circle Award, the PEN/Hemingway Award, the Lambda Literary Award, and many others. Works by several of her clients have graced the cover of The New York Times Book Review, have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, and have been made into feature films and television series. A number of books that Julie represents have been chosen by national book clubs including the Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club, Reese WitherspoonÕs Hello Sunshine Book Club and OprahÕs Book Club. Julie looks for novels that are strongly rooted in story, and is particularly interested in representing a diversity of voices from around the world and from a wide range of backgrounds. Julie feels strongly about bringing under-represented stories to light, and relishes the opportunity to be challenged and educated by fiction, to learn more about herself and the world around her: one of the greatest things literature can offer us. A few books I loved reading in my free time… Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki, The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, The Overstory by Richard Powers, The Roundhouse by Louise Erdrich, and Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, MysteryNONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction
Biography
Denise Barone is a literary agent with the Barone Literary Agency. Denise says: “I opened my literary agency on June 1, 2010. A lawyer licensed to practice in the State of Ohio and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, I am also a published writer. After writing for many years, I have acquired a knowledge of books, book contracts and the publishing world. I have been a member of RWA since 2000.”
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
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 AgentsSociety of Children’s Book Writers and IllustratorsAlaska Writers GuildCatholic 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 FictionNONFICTION: 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 IssuesCHILDRENÕS 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 FictionNONFICTION: 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 FictionNONFICTION: Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, SportsCHILDRENÕS 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
Andrea Barzvi is a literary agent with Empire Literary. After graduating from Colgate University Andrea Barzvi went on to study law at Cardozo Law School where her passion for the entertainment industry began to deepen. When forced with a game-time decision to choose between pursuing a career as a criminal defense attorney or becoming an agent, she smartly chose the latter. Born and raised in New York City, her first job in publishing was as an agent at ICM Partners where she stayed for 14 years before starting her own agency in November 2013, which she aptly named Empire Literary given her strong roots to the city as well as her successful track record of helping her authors build their empires. With over 30 New York Times bestsellers on her list, she continues to secure major deals on behalf of her authors. Some of the projects sheÕs represented are New York Times Bestsellers HeÕs Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo, the This Man trilogy by Jodi Ellen Malpas, Body Reset Diet by Harley Pasternak, Master Your Metabolism by Jillian Michaels, G-Free Diet by Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Fortytude by Sarah Brokaw, The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan, The Hunger Fix by Dr. Pam Peeke, HereÕs The Deal: DonÕt Touch Me by Howie Mandel as well as Ilana Wiles, the creator of the Mommy Shorts blog, Lexi Kornblum of LexiÕs Clean Kitchen and Jen Widerstrom, the co-host of The Biggest Loser among many others.Andrea represents projects that look to make a difference in peopleÕs lives and is always looking for fresh new voices as well established authors.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Pop Culture, Reference, Science, Self-Help, SportsCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ethan Bassoff is a literary agent with WME Books. Ethan joined WME in 2023, bringing with him a client roster featuring New York Times bestselling authors and recipients of the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Whiting Award, PEN/Hemingway Award, the Livingston Award, National Magazine Award, Guggenheim and NEA fellows, and many other honors. He is interested in a wide range of writing, including literary and crime fiction, creative nonfiction, history, current events, cultural criticism, sports, science, technology, and pop culture and entertainment. He is passionate about important, life-changing subjects told through engaging stories, and brings a strong editorial approach to his clientsÕ books.A graduate of Emerson College and a former indie bookstore manager, he lectures regularly about book publishing and writing across the country, and keeps store browsers in mind when pursuing new authors. After over a decade in New York, he now lives in the Boston area with his family.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Short Story CollectionNONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, History, How-To, Investigative, Journalism, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Science, Sports, Technology, True Crime
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 FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jan Baumer is a literary agent with Folio Literary Management. She says: “Enlightenment is what I am searching for and books are the vehicle. Change my perspective, make me see something from your point of view, lead me to challenge my own convictions and beliefs. Enlightenment comes in many forms Ð whether itÕs humor, new ideas on parenting, spirituality, business, diet, health, mindfulness, exercise, or helping others through sharing your own story with powerful prose. I am looking for authors who are measurable experts in their field (i.e., impressively credentialed or come with a built-in following) and are looking to change minds, change the world, and change the way people think, interact, and live day-to-day.I started my publishing career as an editorial assistant at Ellie-Award winning magazine Budget Living and moved on to book publishing as an acquisitions editor at HarperOne, one of the worldÕs leading spirituality, health & lifestyle publishers. There I worked with authors ranging from presidential candidate Marianne Williamson to AmericaÕs Next Top Model judge Kelly Cutrone to Near Death Experience expert Jeffery Long, MD. In January 2019, I joined Folio Literary Management as an agent and love marrying my editorial background with my intuition for commercial viability while helping my authors craft the perfect proposal for the market.My interests as an agent are largely nonfiction, specifically spirituality, religion, self-help, health & wellness, parenting, memoir, and business with a spirituality or self-help angle. I am also open to allegorical fiction, but it must have a literary voice and an author with the writing credentials to pull it off.”
Notes
NONFICTION: Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Diet Nutrition, Fitness, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Inspirational Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, New Age, Nonfiction, Parenting, Psychology, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality
Biography
Gwen Beal is a liteary agent with the United Talent Agency (UTA). She began her career as a floating assistant in WMEÕs mailroom in 2016. She is now an agent in the UTA publishing group with a specialty in childrenÕs literature, and represents a growing list of talent. She has omnivorous tastes and cherishes honest, collaborative working relationships with each of her clients. Gwen is actively signing authors and artists of books for young readers from preschool to young adult with an eye towards unforgettable voice and perspective. Gwen graduated from Trinity College in Hartford and lives in Manhattan.
Notes
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
Maile Beal is a literary agent with Arc Literary Management. She joined Arc Literary Management in 2021 after over 5 years at the Carol Mann Agency. She began her career as an intern before becoming subrights manager and assistant to Myrsini Stephanides and eventually growing her own client list. She is passionate about advocating for writers and artists so that they are empowered to create work that will have a lasting impact – books in which readers will see themselves represented, find tools for social change, learn something new, connect with a different perspective, and deepen their understanding of the world. Originally from Hawaii, MaileÕs first home on the east coast was Philadelphia, where she earned her B.A. in English from Drexel University. She can usually be found caring for her growing collection of indoor plants, attempting overambitious recipes in the kitchen, or starting yet another new crafting hobby. All, of course, with her rescue dog, Rufus, somewhere underfoot. Maile is interested in adult non-fiction as well as childrenÕs, middle grade, and YA fiction and non-fiction. In all categories, she is looking for projects that amplify underrepresented voices and untold stories.In adult nonfiction, Maile is interested in journalistic, investigative deep dives, narrative retellings of untold histories, business and leadership resources centering underestimated identities, lifestyle and cookbooks with a fresh, personal hook, and unexpected humor and gift books. In childrenÕs, Maile is seeking fiction and non-fiction in all age categories. In picture books and MG, she gravitates toward heartfelt, earnest stories that use humor and silliness to connect with readers. In YA, sheÕs drawn to voice driven projects focusing on community and relationships with strong, complex characters that will stick with readers beyond the last page.
Notes
NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, Gift Novelty, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Technology, True Crime, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS 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
Ingred Beck is a literary agent and Managing Director with The Bindery.After earning her bachelorÕs degree in English literature from Kansas State University, Ingrid Beck spent more than 17 years working in book publishing, serving in diverse roles such as acquisitions editor, managing editor, and editorial director. Ingrid joined The Bindery in 2019 as managing director and oversees day-to-day operations, proposal development, client relations, scheduling, and a variety of other special projects. Representing a diverse list of clients in multiple genres, she loves collaborating with authors to help refine their messages to reach their intended audiences. Ingrid is seeking compelling nonfiction proposals in the following categories: practical self-help, mindfulness, mental health and wellbeing, religion and spirituality, social and cultural issues, and lifestyle. A passionate and voracious reader, Ingrid strives to keep up with the latest buzzworthy reads in both fiction and nonfiction. When sheÕs not reading, Ingrid enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with her extended family, especially her sixteen nieces and nephews.
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NONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, Health Wellness, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Nonfiction, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality
Biography
Nell Beck is a Literary Assistant at the David Black Literary Agency. She joined the David Black Agency as an intern in fall of 2024 and started as David BlackÕs assistant in the spring of 2025. She holds a BA in English Literature from Oberlin College and an MA in Art History from The Courtauld Institute of Art.She especially loves narrative nonfiction and contemporary literary fiction, but will happily read anything that has smart sentences and a sense of humor.
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FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Literary FictionNONFICTION: Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction
Biography
Rachel Beck is a literary agent with Liza Dawson Associates. She joined Liza Dawson Associates in 2020 after working at a boutique literary agency for 4 years. She has been in the publishing industry since 2009 and worked at Harlequin editing romance novels for nearly 6 years before transitioning her skills to the agent world in order to be an advocate and champion for authors. She lives in southern California with her husband, young son, and endlessly entertaining cat.
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FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Self-Help, Sports, Technology, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Chad W. Beckerman is a literary agent with The CAT Agency, Inc. He brings over 20 years of illustration and design experience to the Agency. After studying illustration as an undergrad at RISD, Chad went on to be a Designer at Scholastic, a Senior Designer at Greenwillow Books, and then became the Creative Director at ABRAMS Kids and Comic Arts, where he spent 13 years overseeing the design of 250 books a year – from picture books, to novels, to graphic novels, and art and entertainment books. Chad is behind the aesthetic for over forty New York Times bestselling and award-winning books including the blockbuster Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney, the Caldecott honor and Corretta Scott King Award winning Trombone Story, illustrated by Brian Collier, and the Newbery Medal honor books El Deafo, and Heart of the Samurai. He executed the design architecture for countless series including Origami Yoda by Tom Angelberger, The Questioneers (Iggy Peck, Rosie Revere, Ada Twist) by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts, Nathan HaleÕs Hazardous Tales, Frank Einstein by Jon Scieszka and Brian Biggs, The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John, The Sisters Grimm and Jared ChapmanÕs Vegetables in Underwear.ChadÕs greatest joy is working with illustrators, and as an agent he is busy curating and cultivating a unique group of artists who are inspiring and innovating in childrenÕs literature. Chad represents illustrators and author/illustrators from all over the globe, who create artwork for all ages and genres.Chad lives in Brooklyn, NY
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FICTION: FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Picture Book