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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: F
Biography
Samantha Fabien is a literary agent with Root Literary. She says: ÒI live for the rollercoaster of emotions that characters and stories can take me on. Whether IÕm swooning or gasping, I want to feel strongly enough about a project that I desperately need to share it with the world.Ó
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Lifestyle, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Sorche Fairbank
Fairbank Literary RepresentationAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online Form or Postal MailBiography
Sorche Fairbank is a literary agent with Fairbank Literary Representation. Since establishing Fairbank Literary Representation in 2002, Sorche has had the pleasure of working with a dynamic and varied list, representing best-selling authors, Edgar recipients, award-winning journalists, and many first-time authors. Her tastes in novels tend toward literary fiction, international voices, women’s voices, edgier work, wry voices, and sometimes darker topics. On the nonfiction side, she is all about narrative. She has a strong interest in books that tackle current events and societal issues with a narrative treatment: women’s issues; class and race issues; plus the occasional memoir. She is also looking for quality lifestyle books (food, wine, and home design), humor, and pop culture. To date, she has signed on six terrific clients through Grub Street, the latest for whom she struck a deal worth over a million dollars for book and film. Subjects and genres not of interest include: sci-fi and fantasy, paranormal, children’s and YA, self-help, romance, sports fiction, and generally anything that opens with a dream scene and/or exhaustive descriptions of weather. Notable authors and books represented by Fairbank Literary include: O. Henry Prize winner Charlotte Forbes; Pulitzer nominee and LA Times Cairo Bureau Chief Jeffrey Fleishman; Matthew Frederick and his best-selling 101 Things I Learned series; Travis Bradford, president of the Prometheus Institute for Sustainable Development and author of Solar Revolution; Ethan Gilsdorf (Fantasty Freaks and Gaming Geeks); Darci Klein (To Full Term, A Mother’s Triumph Over Miscarriage); Jonathan McCullough (A Tale Of Two Subs: An Untold Story Of World War II, Two Sister Ships, And Extraordinary Heroism); the estate of Robin Moore (The French Connection, The Green Berets, etc.); Xaviera Hollander (The Happy Hooker); syndicated cartoonist Man Martin; Edgar-winning mystery writer Rex Burns; Terry Border and his Bent Objects; and the fabulous Miroslav Penkov (East of the West).
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Architecture, Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book
Biography
Cheyenne Faircloth is a literary agent with Handspun Literary. She joined Handspun Literary Agency as an agency assistant in 2021, after graduating with a B.F.A. in Creative Writing, and a certification in Publishing from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Before Handspun, Cheyenne interned as an editorial assistant at Howland Literary, and was a member of the editorial and acquisition teams at Lookout Books, an independent publisher that is home to National Book Award Finalist Edith Pearlman. Cheyenne also independently managed a book blog where she collaborated with both major and indie publishers to promote upcoming titles and participated in various promotional activities centered around supporting debut authors. Cheyenne is most interested in manuscripts from underrepresented communities, i.e. queer, BIPOC, AAPI, neurodivergent, and disabled voices. Her interests include YA, Southern Gothic, folkloric elements, gothic romances, fantasy stories with political elements and well-grounded world building, non-western mythology, sports romances in conversation with institutional issues/sexism/gender, and creatures from myth told through a queer allegorical lens. She is not currently accepting middle grade, picture books, or nonfiction.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Sports Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Noelle Falcis Math is a literary agent at the Transatlantic Agency. She has garnered a breadth of experience as a writer and editor before transitioning into agenting. She holds a BA and MFA in English and Creative Writing, and has received fellowships or residencies from VONA (Voices of Our Nations), Tinhouse, The Seventh Wave, and Lemontree House. At VONA, she realized the lack of knowledge accessible to marginalized writers, which fueled her interest in publishing. In 2021, she completed the Los Angeles Review of BooksÕ Publishing Workshop and Transatlantic AgencyÕs BIPOC mentorship program. In 2022, Noelle began assisting Amanda Orozco and Chelene Knight, and became the Marketing Assistant for the Transatlantic Agency. In 2023, Noelle transitioned into an Associate Literary Agent where she is now building her list.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Environment, Health Wellness, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Reference
Biography
Mark Falkin is a literary agent with Falkin Literary Agency. Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mark Falkin graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and then the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He has lived in Texas for the last twenty years, where he is a literary agent and recovering music attorney, having represented platinum sellers and Grammy winners alike. His 2006 self-published novel, Days of Grace, was optioned for a film and nominated for a literary award, The Needle Award, at POD-dy Mouth blog, where the reviewer said, ÒThis is literature at its best . . . Falkin could easily be likened to the aforementioned Lethem or to Augusten Burroughs or even J.D. Salinger,Ó and Bookpeople in Austin noted, ÒHereÕs more proof that Austin is home to some of the best new writers around . . . FalkinÕs novel is reminiscent of the writing style found in Lethem, Sedaris, Coupland, and Kerouac, with his sharp wit and journalistic style.Ó Working on his next book, he lives with his wife and family in Austin, where he reads, coaches recreational soccer, tries to find time to paddle Texas waters, and keeps a sharp eye on his young daughters, snatching hugs here and there.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Satire, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Pop Culture, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Travel, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Alison Fargis is a literary agent with Stonesong Literary Agency. She is a partner in Stonesong. With more than 25 years in publishing, Alison has cultivated a wide-ranging list of commercially successful and critically acclaimed writers, from New York Times bestselling cookbook authors to award-winning novelists and childrenÕs authors. She represents literary and commercial fiction, narrative and prescriptive nonfiction, business, pop culture and a handful of middle grade and young adult titles. Prior to joining Stonesong in 1995, she taught English to President V‡clav HavelÕs staff at the Prague Castle and taught high school English in P ’bram, Czech Republic. Alison was the recipient of a Dana Foundation Grant and a Foundation for a Civil Society (Soros Foundation) Fellowship. She graduated Vassar College with a B.A. in Art. Alison is looking for upmarket womenÕs fiction, book club fiction, and middle grade fiction that blurs the line between literary and commercial. Please no romance, high fantasy, true crime, poetry, or childrenÕs picture books.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Sports, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Sam Farkas is a literary agent and foreign rights manager with Jill Grinberg Literary Management. She grew up in South Jersey and attended the College of William & Mary, where she received her B.A. in History and English. Upon graduation, she moved to New York to intern with Maria B. Campbell Associates, where she discovered her love for collaborating with agents and publishers around the world. She worked in the subsidiary rights department at Penguin before she joined the JGLM team in 2018. She handles foreign rights for all JGLM authors. An avid traveler, Sam has been to 14 countries spanning 4 continents, and dreams of visiting them all. She speaks Spanish, and can often be found on language-learning apps. Above all, Sam is drawn to exemplary writing. In Adult, Sam is looking for upmarket fiction of all stripes, but especially historical; fast-paced, high-concept speculative thrillers that make her heart race; lyrical and immersive fantasy; and single-title romance that simmers. Sam is also open to Young Adult and Middle Grade of all genres, but she has a special fondness for thoughtful contemporary, often with a speculative twist; historical with modern sensibilities; fantasy with morally gray protagonists and complicated character dynamics; the very strange, and the very funny. In all categories and genres, she is looking for diverse and underrepresented voices.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Food Drink, Health Wellness, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Travel 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
James Farner is a literary agent with the Jabberwocky Literary Agency. She is an Agency Assistant for JABberwocky Literary Agency, directly assisting COO Brady McReynolds. He was born and raised in the Midwest, received his bachelorÕs degree in English writing and religious studies from the University of Oklahoma (where he interned with award-winning literary magazine World Literature Today), and moved to New York City to attend The New School for Social ResearchÕs Liberal Studies masterÕs program. He started at JABberwocky as an intern in 2019 and became full-time in 2021. James grew up reading epic fantasies and sweeping space operas, but these days the majority of his reading is in the mystery/thriller space. When heÕs not reading, his minimal free time goes to keeping up with the best TV series and listening to podcasts in the tech-adjacent, pop-culture sphere.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
Biography
James Farrell is a literary agent with Curtis Brown Literary Agency. He received a bachelorÕs degree from Colorado College and a masterÕs degree from Bath Spa University. His reading interests include literary and upmarket adult fiction, non-fiction, and, on occasion, science fiction. He is open to submission as an associate agent, especially seeking voices from underrepresented backgrounds.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, History, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Upmarket Nonfiction
Biography
Katherine Fausset is a literary agent with the Curtis Brown Literary Agency. Katherine Fausset has worked in book publishing since 1998, starting at the Watkins/Loomis Agency. She joined Curtis Brown, Ltd. as an agent in 2006. She represents literary and commercial fiction, and select non-fiction, including multiple award-winning and national bestselling authors.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Thriller NONFICTION: Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jessica Faust is a literary agent with the BookEnds Literary Agency. As owner and literary agent at BookEnds, she is honored to spend every day with some of the most talented authors and agents in the business. From BookEndsÕ inception in 1999, Jessica has always believed that her number one job is to be an author advocate. As BookEnds has grown, she now adds agent advocate to that responsibility. In addition to constantly growing BookEnds in new and innovative directions, Jessica represents many bestselling and award-winning authors. Her focus is on bringing more underrepresented and marginalized voices into publishing and her areas of expertise include mystery, suspense, upmarket, literary, and women’s fiction. In nonfiction, sheÕs seeking books and authors who will make her a better person and a better leader. Jessica began her career as an acquisitions editor at Berkley Publishing, Macmillan, and Wiley. In addition to nearly 15 years of blogging, Jessica has a regular role on the BookEnds YouTube channel, has taught at New York University’s Continuing Education Program, written a publishing column, and has been honored by a number of different publishing organizations. Jessica hosts workshops and speaking engagements throughout the world and is a member of AALA. While her heart will always be in Minnesota, Jessica now lives in New Jersey with her family. Outside of BookEnds, JessicaÕs passions include kettlebell lifting, walking Olive, skiing, paddle boarding, cooking, baking, reading other people’s books, and generally laughing with friends and family.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Psychology, Self-Help, Spirituality, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Hillary Fazzari is a literary agent with the Bradford Literary Agency. She joined the Bradford Literary Agency as the agencyÕs assistant in 2022 before moving into agenting in 2023. Prior to that, she served as a long-term reader and editor for another literary agency, interned at Writers House, and worked for Scholastic. She is a highly editorial agent and is looking for high concept, high stakes stories with deep character development and gorgeous, commercial prose. Overall, she acquires primarily Middle Grade and YA, and is open to any genre in those areas, including graphic novels. In New Adult and Adult, she acquires more selectively and is open to: Rom-coms; Romantasy; SFF with strong romantic elements; important female, queer, and/or nonbinary characters; and emotive plotlines; and Very select narrative nonfiction that focuses on history. For more details on what she is looking for in each category, please visit her Manuscript Wishlist Page. Overall, she is eager to see submissions from BIPOC and queer authors, loves magic systems and worldbuilding rooted in non-Western cultures, and appreciates the deep trauma, high emotion, and high stakes of K-dramas, C-dramas, J-dramas, etc., which means that she is eager to see stories in any genre or area she represents that contain similar vibes. One of the best ways to catch HillaryÕs attention is to have your story feature a strong romance and also be fun, highly emotive, deeply staked, and exciting all at the same time! Glitz, political/court intrigue, interesting settings, A-spec characters, Black joy, and diaspora, immigrant, and refugee experiences are all things she is very open to and not just in rom-com or contemporary; she would also love to see more of these elements featured or centered in SFF as well.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, History, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Esther Fedorkevich is the founder of The Fedd Agency. She launched her career in 1997 as a salesperson for a major book publisher. Within six months, Esther sold a million dollars in products. From there she went to work for Dave Ramsey, a New York Times bestselling author and television host with a nationally syndicated radio program. She worked in the publishing department, selling and marketing DaveÕs books and other projects, and fell in love with book publishing. When Esther was pregnant with her first child, her entrepreneurial spirit was charged and decided to venture out on her own, selling books and ideas as a literary agent. Esther founded The Fedd Agency in 2003 and began investing in authors. Her first client came to her for help when William Morris could not secure a book deal, even after pitching it for two years. With her innovative intervention and her acute business sense and selling skills, Esther got the author a three-book deal within two months. Esther continues to hone her innate marketing and sales talents, coupling that with a passion for selling life-changing books. Esther firmly believes she doesnÕt just represent authors, she represents and builds futures. Using her natural entrepreneurial sensibilities, Esther also negotiates deals for film, television, and other derivative products. Additionally, The Fedd Agency offers agency guided publishing and audio book production services. Esther lives in Austin, TX and has and two rockstar kids, Alexi Jane and Paul Gregory. In her spare time, you can find Esther shooting hoops, swinging a golf club or tennis racket, reading, or cooking gourmet meals for her family and friends. Her favorite book is How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Religious Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Business Book, Celebrity, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, Inspirational Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Don Fehr is the Senior Vice President and a literary agent with Trident Media Group. After a twenty-year career in senior-level editorial jobs (Atheneum, Addison-Wesley, Viking Penguin, and Basic Books) and as a publisher (Smithsonian/Harper Collins), Don Fehr joined the Trident literary agency in 2010. His industry reputation is that of an editorÕs editor, intensely loyal, author-centered, and entrepreneurial in the publishing and marketing of his writers. And his experience in working with authors in many genres and subject areas, ranging from bestsellers to award winners, has given him a sense of what works in the marketplace. Don has published over a dozen New York Times bestsellers, and his authors and books have won numerous awards, including The Nobel Prize for Literature, the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the P.E.N. Faulkner Award, the Los Angeles Times Book Award, the Bancroft Prize, among others. Prominent authors he has worked with over the years have included political and legal commentators Jeffrey Toobin and Alan Dershowitz, medical writers, Dr. Sherwin B. Nuland, Dr. Pauline Chen and Dr. Haider Warraich, psychiatrist Peter D. Kramer, historians Niall Ferguson, Charles Maier, Sven Beckert, Jeremy Adelman, Eliga Gould, David Oshinsky, Sunil Amrith, Patricia Limerick, Christopher Andrew, W. Bruce Lincoln, Walter McDougall, Thomas Fleming, Robert Cowley, David Reynolds, Lonnie Bunch, Leslie Harris, Willard Sterne Randall, John Jeffries Martin, Robert Harms, Omer Bartov, Amir Weiner, Tara Zahra, Dagmar Herzog, Edith Sheffer, Jeffrey Veidlinger, James Loeffler, Hasia Diner, Jochen Hellbeck, Nancy Sinkoff, Peter Baldwin, Priya Satia, Jennifer Mittelstadt, Bathsheba Demuth, Nile Green, and Richard Evans, novelists Peter Handke, Charles Johnson, Ishmael Reed, Kathryn Harrison, and Kenneth Bonert, poets Patrick Phillips and Kathleen Spivack, scientists and science writers Carl Zimmer, Franz De Waal, Daniela Schiller, Ian Tattersall, Robert DeSalle, and Melvin Konner, theologians Harvey Cox, Richard John Neuhaus, Mark C. Taylor, Timothy Beal, Thomas Tweed, and Gary Dorrien, actors Simon Callow and Klaus Kinski, pianist Andras Schiff, and other authors including Christopher Hitchens, Paul Berman, Thomas Sowell, Gerald Early, Richard Rhodes, Richard Reeves, Bruce Chatwin, Kevin Philips, John Yoo, Randy Barnett, Fred Waitzkin, Maura Spiegel, Jean Pfaelzer, Tony Platt, Brent Edwards, Ted Genoways, Nathaniel Comfort, and Caroline Fraser. ÒNow I am using my experience and insights as a book agent to help my authors navigate the internal and changing dynamics of the publishing processes to maximize the upside while still protecting their long-term interests,Ó says Don. ÒI roam widely in terms of subject areas and categories that interest me, but what always catches my attention first is the authorÕs voice. Just about everything flows from that. I must be pulled in by the authorÕs voice before I get interested in the story or subject.Ó says Don.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Fitness, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Law Legal, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Leigh Feldman is a literary agent with and the founder of Leigh Feldman Literary. She says: “During her thirty years in the publishing industry, Leigh Feldman has represented authors of literary and commercial adult fiction, young-adult fiction, short stories, middle-grade series, narrative non-fiction, and memoirs. Leigh began her career with Darhansoff & Verrill, where she represented National Book Award winner Cold Mountain and best-selling Memoirs of a Geisha. Leigh’s identification with the teens, in Sarah Dessen’s first novel, That Summer (1996), was the beginning of an Author/Agent relationship spanning 25+ years and 14 best-selling novels. Leigh moved to Writers House in 2011 and subsequently started her eponymous agency; Leigh Feldman Literary. Leigh Feldman LiteraryÕs list of clients has always been extremely selective; allowing the attention and support services they deserve. Though discriminating, the agency is open to considering talented writers who have been honing their craft for years. Whatever the genre, LFL is drawn to books with complex, believable, sympathetic characters, that transport the reader into a world both new and unexpected, and stories that compel readers to put aside all daily cares and turn the page. If your work fits this description (AND, you consider yourself “a writer”–rather than someone who has a “great idea for a book”) — please follow the submission guidelines below. Watch Leigh in conversation with Priyanka Champaneri and Restless Books editor and marketing director, Nathan Rostron, for AuthorÕs Guild.”
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Short Story Collection NONFICTION: Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Jessica Felleman is a literary agent with the Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency. She began her publishing career in Los Angeles after receiving her MFA in writing from CalArts. She relocated to New York in 2015, where she spent five years at Foundry Literary + Media. She represents a range of creators, loves fresh stories about magic, and looks for commercial and literary fiction featuring underserved voices, unforgettable places, and complicated families. Jessica specializes in popular nonfiction and prescriptive titles that offer realistic advice or new perspectives to help readers better understand themselves and the world, including the #1 New York Times Bestseller THE HIDDEN POWER OF F*CKING UP by The Try Guys.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Art, Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Design, Environment, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, Gardening, Gift Novelty, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Christopher Ferebee is a literary agent with and the founder of the Christopher Ferebee Literary Agency. He has served as a literary agent since 1999. For the first 12 years he served at the firm of Yates & Yates in Southern California, working with a talented team representing an incredible array of Christian authors, speakers, and pastors. In late 2011, he left Yates & Yates to pursue additional opportunities both within and outside the Christian publishing market. Today he is focused on representing thought-provoking, life-changing, and uplifting books from a variety of thought-leaders and world-changers. These are projects that seek to challenge the status quo in any number of arenas in our fast-changing world, lift up ideas that deserve your attention, or simply inspire you to be a better version of yourself. As a small agency, he works with a select number of authors and organizations having an outsized impact in their sphere of influence.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Inspirational Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Nonfiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
T.S. Ferguson is a literary agent with the Azantian Literary Agency. Before joining Azantian Literary Agency, T.S. Ferguson worked for 16 years as an editor for some of the top children’s and teen book publishers in the business, including Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Harlequin Teen/Inkyard Press, and JIMMY Patterson Books. He has worked with New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors such as Sherman Alexie, Sara Zarr, Suzanne Selfors, Pseudonymous Bosch, Robin Talley, Hillary Monahan (writing as Eva Darrows), and Adi Alsaid. T.S. is looking for young adult and middle grade fiction across all genres that combines high-concept, hooky stories with writing and voice that feel standout. An addicting, page-turning quality is always a plus! He has a special place in his heart for dark and edgy stories (including but not limited to horror), fairy tales, mythology, action-adventure, LGBTQ stories, graphic novels, and stories by and about under-represented voices. He is not the best fit for sports-centric stories, high sci-fi, or non-fiction.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic Novel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Aurora Fernandez is an associate literary agent with Trident Media Group. She She joined the agency in 2021 as an assistant to Robert Gottlieb. Before joining Trident, Aurora was an intern at Simone Garzella International Book Scouting and attended the Columbia Publishing Course. She earned a B.A. in Anthropology with a concentration in Political Science from Wellesley College and spent a year studying at St. PeterÕs College, Oxford University. Aurora is open to submissions and excited to work with authors. Aurora is looking for romance, womenÕs fiction, thrillers, and upmarket fiction. On the commercial end, she loves books that feature swoon worthy romance, strong friendships, and witty dialogue. Aurora is also interested in thrillers with complicated female relationships, a good twist, and gothic or dark academia elements. For upmarket books, she is especially drawn to books with interesting female dynamics, moral dilemmas with no clearcut answer, unexplored perspectives of historical moments, and, of course, a unique hook backed by great writing. And anything involving mythic retellings or witches will definitely catch her eye! While AuroraÕs interests mainly lie in fiction, she is open to nonfiction submissions. For nonfiction submissions, Aurora is looking for memoirs, narrative nonfictions, forgotten moments in history, and microhistories. Particular topics that interest her are pop culture, modern dating, mental health, womenÕs health, and true crime.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Dating Relationships Sex, Health Wellness, History, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Self-Help, True Crime, Women’s Issues
Biography
Kimberly Fernando is a literary agent with Olswanger Literary LLC. She has been an avid reader since childhood, often hiding books inside school textbooks in class when she couldnÕt put a book down. With a background in technical writing, she began her publishing career as a freelance editor and book coach, and along the way, completing an internship with Triada US Literary Agency before joining Olswanger Literary as an intern and then as a Literary Associate taking on clients of her own. Kimberly is a member of the AALA, and represents clients in the adult fiction and nonfiction spaces. She is passionate about representing all voices and backgrounds and she’s especially interested in elevating underrepresented voices. When not working, Kimberly is hanging out with her family, her sweet (and funny) corgi and dreaming that one day she’ll get her vegetable plants to grow more than two inches tall.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Western Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Environment, Food Drink, Gardening, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, How-To, Medical Medicine, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Science, Technology, True Adventure
Biography
Sheila Fernley is a literary agent with the Storm Literary Agency. She canÕt remember a time when she didnÕt love books. She began her literary career as a young girl, writing and producing neighborhood plays, casting local kids as characters. After graduating with a degree in special education, Sheila taught elementary students with special needs. She went on to become an editor, an education consultant, and a project manager for large urban school districts and state education agencies. As a childrenÕs book writer, Sheila is drawn to helping aspiring kidlit writers. Admiring literary agents she met along her literary journey, Sheila began her career as an agent, interning at Belcastro Literary Agency before joining the Storm Literary Agency family. Sheila looks forward to long partnerships with her clients, working together to build successful literary careers. As a Mexican-American and special education teacher, Sheila is interested is supporting underrepresented voices, but first and foremost she looks for great stories that entertain and inspire children and young adults. Stories that beg to be read over and over. Sheila is primarily interested in picture books (fiction and nonfiction) and MG novels, but she is also open to YA fiction. From heartfelt to humorous, Sheila enjoys stories with strong, believable characters that have a distinct voice and emotional connection. She wants to be drawn into the story from the first line and held captive until the end. Sheila is looking for clients that study their craft and genre(s). Those who and are open to feedback to create the best stories possible. Some of SheilaÕs favorite authors are Matt de la Pe–a, Jon Klassen, Kevin Noble Maillard, Joanna Ho, Beth Ferry, Yuyi Morales, Dan Santat, Jane Yolen, Jilanne Hoffmann, Ali Benjamin, Holly Black, Jaime Berry . . . not to forget authors like Shel Silverstein, Don Freeman, Dr. Seuss, and EB White. Coffee sustains Sheila during the long hours she puts in each day. Saturday mornings she can be found at one of many local coffee shops, sipping a cup of cappuccino with a friend. When she isnÕt helping clients, reading, or writing, Sheila enjoys making most anything crafty, from sewing, to beaded bees, to painted rocks . . . always gifting what she creates.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book
Biography
Rose Ferrao is an associate agent at the P.S. Literary Agency. She began her publishing career in London, working in non-fiction at Bloomsbury and science fiction, fantasy and horror at Orbit Books. She has a BA in English Literature and Film from QueenÕs University and an MA in Publishing from University College London. Rose has a wide range of reading tastes, but she is particularly drawn to compelling, character-driven stories that embrace the weird and wondrous. Outside of work, she spends her time cooking and watching too many movies.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Food Drink, Health Wellness, Lifestyle, Music, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Sports CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Moe Ferrara is a literary agent at the Triada U.S. Literary Agency. Becoming a literary agent was fitting for the girl who, as a small child, begged her dad to buy her a book simply because “it has a hard cover.” Moe Ferrara’s career path zigzagged a bit from a violin performance and music history double major in college to her JD from Pace Law School. Agenting called her name in the spring of 2015 and after spending almost ten years with BookEnds, Moe was thrilled to join Team Triada as a Senior Literary Agent in 2025. A Pennsylvania native, she is the mum of a rambunctious corgi who is a master at stealing treats. When not working, Moe still keeps up with her violin skills and you can often find her in a pit orchestra, playing violin for her favorite musicals. (Careful, don’t ask her to pick her favorite show or you’ll get a 90 minute dissertation on Stephen Sondheim and/or general Broadway trivia.) She speaks fluent sarcasm, song lyrics, and movie quotes Ñ and probably has Ted Lasso playing in the background while she works.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Film Entertainment, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Reference CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jenni Ferrari-Adler is a literary agent with Verve Talent & Literary Agency. She says “I have twenty years of experience in book publishing and have been an agent since 2006. After graduating from Oberlin with a major in creative writing I worked as a bookseller for Housing Works Bookstore and a reader at The Paris Review before taking a job as an assistant to Nat Sobel at Sobel Weber Associates. After four years there I moved to Ann Arbor Michigan to pursue an MFA in Fiction. I spent two years writing millions of pages of a novel that are in the proverbial drawer. I won the Chamberlin Award for Creative Writing. As a direct result of getting obsessed with cooking for only myself I created and edited the anthology ALONE IN THE KITCHEN WITH AN EGGPLANT: Confessions of Cooking for One and Dining Alone which was published by Riverhead. I have published my own short stories and essays in places including Glimmer Train, Bellevue Literary Review, New York Magazine, and Tin House. I taught Fiction at the University of Michigan and at The Gotham WritersÕ Workshop. I worked for many years at Union Literary building the agencyÕs cookbook list from scratch and selling a lot of inventive fabulous fiction including the story ÒCat PersonÓ to the New Yorker. I live in Brooklyn where I volunteer for Casa and enjoy doing many of these things simultaneously: cooking, walking the dog, wrangling the children, reading books, and watching television.”
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Short Story Collection, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Dave Fessenden is a literary agent with WordWise Media Services. He says: “After 30 years of experience in writing and editing, I took the plunge into independent consulting. I have degrees in journalism and theology, served in editorial management positions for Christian book publishers, and was regional editor for the largest Protestant weekly newspaper in the country. I am the author of seven books; IÕve written hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles, and edited numerous books for others. I am a frequent speaker at writersÕ conferences. In 2011 I compiled my experience in publishing to produce Writing the Christian Nonfiction Book: Concept to Contract, published by SonFire Media. My first novel, The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy, came out in 2013 through Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. It reflects my love for history and for the Sherlock Holmes stories of Arthur Conan-Doyle. My wife, Jacque, and I live in south-central Pennsylvania and have two adult sons.”
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Religious Fiction, Science Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Nonfiction, Reference, Religion NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Alexander Field is a literary agent with and the founder of The Bindery. Alex launched The Bindery after 20 years of work in book publishing and journalism as an editor and publisher, including a short stretch at the Los Angeles Times right out of college. Prior to launching The Bindery, he served as vice president and publisher for several imprints of Penguin Random House. As a reader, he falls for books that rarely sit on the same shelf, including anything by Wendell Berry, James Baldwin, or Mary Oliver; the latest novel by N.K. Jemisin, Michael Chabon, Naomi Novik, or Dave Eggers; an obscure title about Radiohead and philosophy, a memoir about a pilgrimage, or the biography of a writer/director, entrepreneur, or bookseller. As a result, he represents authors writing in categories such as, religion & spirituality, memoir & biography, self-help, pop culture, parenting, advice and relationships, and very select fiction projects, including science fiction & fantasy. Field grew up on the beaches of Southern California. Today, he and his family live along the front range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Religious Fiction, Science Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, How-To, Inspirational Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Philosophy, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Melanie Figueroa is a literary agent with Root Literary. She says: “I want to work with the kind of stories that both create and sustain life-long readersÑbooks that make me sigh with contentment, learn something new, or take delight in the unexpected. Those stories stay with you, and they’re a gift I want to help give readers by lifting up the voices of talented and hard-working creatives. I’m actively looking for fiction and narrative nonfiction. I’m especially excited to find high-concept commercial and literary leaning general fiction, young adult novels with a strong voice and propulsive pacing, and heartfelt and humorous middle grade novels across genres. I was born and raised in Southern California in a multi-cultural, blended family, so I have a soft spot for books that shine a spotlight on the nuances of family relationships and identity. In all casesÑno matter what genre youÕre writing inÑI want to read books that are inclusive and that accurately reflect our world. I like characters who arenÕt your typical lead and to be surprised by the unexpected.”
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction