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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: P
Courtney Paganelli
Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online Form
Biography
Courtney Paganelli is a literary agent with the Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency. She joined the agency in May of 2019 and currently assists Jim Levine, Stephanie Rostan, and Victoria Skurnick. Courtney graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in English Literature. Her time in the Twin Cities was both bone-chilling and rewarding as she launched her publishing career as an intern with Wise Ink Creative Publishing. Upon graduation she returned home to the East Coast and began working on prominent business titles at Pearson. She later joined the managing editorial department at Random House ChildrenÕs books before becoming a part of the team at LGR. Throughout her career, Courtney has been inspired by authors who have taken their personal struggles and turned them into relatable stories. Her favorite novels incite emotion, whether fear, heartbreak, or happiness Ñ a book that makes her feel something is one she will read time and time again. Courtney enjoys diving into contemporary romances, relationship-driven literary fiction, psychological thrillers, and anything so scary that it will make her second guess whether or not she locked her door. In the young adult space, she particularly loves books that donÕt shy away from tough conversations pertaining to mental health, addiction, or abuse. She is looking for adult or young adult novels that will make her laugh, cry, and maybe slightly afraid of the dark. Some (but certainly not all) of her favorite authors include Stephen King, Laurie Halse Anderson, Jennifer Niven, Marisha Pessl, Gillian Flynn, Jessica Knoll, Lisa Lutz, Lisa Gardner, and Kara Thomas.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Economics, Film Entertainment, How-To, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Pop Culture, Self-Help, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Saribel Pages is a literary agent with Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency. Spanish Harlem born and bred, Saribel graduated from Kalamazoo College with a B.S in Anthropology, an embarrassingly long to be read list, and a passion for childrenÕs literature. This passion led her to positions at Penguin Random House and W.W. Norton, where she learned about the different sides of the publishing industry. Now at Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency, she is excited to work with a team so dedicated to uplifting marginalized voices. When not reading, you can find her playing various tabletop roleplaying games or explaining roller derby to her friends.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Zo‘ Pagnamenta is a literary agent with Calligraph. She comes to Calligraph as a Managing Partner from her own agency, which she established in 2008. Prior to that she ran the New York office of Peters, Fraser & Dunlop (PFD) for four years and worked in the US and UK offices of the Wylie Agency. Her interests are wide-ranging; she represents non-fiction: history, narrative journalism, biography, memoir, popular science, Òbig ideaÓ books, smart self-help, spirituality, technology, business, in addition to works of cultural criticism, as well as some literary fiction. Her clients include Libyan novelist Hisham Matar, author of the Pulitzer Prize winning memoir The Return, celebrated ceramicist Edmund de Waal, author of The Hare with Amber Eyes, Adam Nicolson, author of Life Between the Tides, Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering and the NYTimes bestselling writer Tom Vanderbilt, author of Beginners, among many others. In addition to representing US writers, Pagnamenta works closely with several UK agencies and represents a number of writers in North America on their behalf, including the historian Peter Frankopan, the biographer Hermione Lee, the economist Tim Harford and the philosopher and writer Alain de Botton. Zo‘ is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents, and serves as President on the board of The Young Vic in America. She has served as member of the Brooklyn Literary Council, and is a member of the Advisory Committee for the Cundill Prize. She is a Fellow of the New York Institute for the Humanities.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, True Crime, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ayesha Pande is a literary agent with Ayesha Pande Literary. Ayesha founded APL in 2007. Before becoming an agent she held several editorial positions, including most recently as a senior editor at Farrar Straus and Giroux. She is on the board of Art Omi and the AALA (Association of American Literary Agents) where she founded the Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and helped launch the non-profit Literary Agents of Change. Her client roster includes Ibram X. Kendi, Patricia Engel, Danielle Evans, Matthew Salesses and Lisa Ko. While her interests are wide-ranging and eclectic, she works mostly with literary fiction, narrative nonfiction across a broad range of topics including history and cultural commentary, memoir and biography, and the occasional work of young adult fiction. She is drawn to distinctive voices with a compelling point of view and memorable characters. Ayesha’s greatest joy is in finding and launching new literary voices.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Gina Panettieri is a literary agent with and the founder of Talcott Notch Literary Services. She says: “Being an agent is really all I can imagine doing. Books, and the amazing people who write them, have been the focus of my life for more than two decades. I remember packing to move my house and needing a separate small truck just for all the books, and I had given away countless volumes to the libraries for fundraisers already! But so many of them were treasured friends I couldn’t bear to part with, no matter the effort required to maintain the relationship. And this specific role I play, being given the chance to find and nurture new books, to work with some of the most creative and talented writers, scientists and psychologists, cooks and criminologists, experts from every field of study, makes what I do feel so different from work that my inbox feels like Santa’s magical Christmas bag. It’s always full, always overflowing, but brimming with the potential of something spectacular. All I’ve got to do is pull the little ribbon… Perhaps that’s why I have such trouble limiting myself to just a few genres. I find it all fascinating! History, business, self-help, science, gardening, cookbooks, crafts, parenting, memoir, true crime and travel. Teach me something new, something I couldn’t find somewhere else, something based on original research and that’s the hook I’m looking for. With fiction, I love quirky, edgy characters. Send me women’s fiction, paranormal, urban fantasy, horror, science fiction, historical, mystery, thrillers and suspense. Those rare moments I’m not reading or editing or talking about reading or editing or arguing about contracts, sleeping on the train, or tweeting about industry news, I adore classic films and old-time radio shows.”
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Roma Panganiban is a literary agent with the Azantian Literary Agency. She began her publishing career at The Gernert Company before moving to Janklow & Nesbit in 2019, where she began representing literary and upmarket fiction and nonfiction across the adult and childrenÕs markets. She joined the Azantian Literary Agency in 2025 to continue championing fresh, unexpected perspectives, particularly those of writers from underrepresented communities. Her taste leans literary, but she is open to fiction that incorporates genre elements, as well as work that defies categorization altogether. She is interested in narrative nonfiction that reorients our understanding of history, culture, science, society, and ourselves, and creative nonfiction that appeals equally to the heart, mind, and sense of humor. Roma is a member of the American Association of Literary Agents (AALA) and an ambivalent Twitter and Bluesky user (@romapancake). She lives in Brooklyn.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Education, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Jessica Papin is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. Jessica Papin first joined DG&B in 2003, after spending eight years as an editor at Warner Books (now Grand Central). In 2004, she moved to Egypt, where she spent three years working for the American University in Cairo Press. Upon her return to the United States, she rejoined DG&B. With a background on both sides of the desk, she loves working collaboratively with clients to shape and refine their work. Her stay in the Middle East has given her an abiding interest in the history and politics of the region, as well as the broader Islamic world. She is interested in plot-driven literary and smart commercial fiction, and narrative non-fiction across a range of subjects, including history, medicine, science, economics and womenÕs issues. In every case, she looks for passion, erudition, and storytelling skill. A wry sense of humor doesnÕt hurt.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology, Women’s Issues
Biography
Ammi-Joan Paquette is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. She represents a wide range of childrenÕs and young adult authors and illustrators, and a select list of authors writing for adults. Her clientsÕ books include New York Times and USA Today bestsellers, winners and finalists for the National Book Award, the Carnegie medal, the Kirkus Prize, the LA Times Book Award, the Boston GlobeÐHorn Book Award, the Printz Award, the Pura Belpre Award, the Coretta Scott King Award, the Walter Award, IrelandÕs Great Reads Award, and many more. She represented Jeanne RyanÕs NYT bestselling YA novel Nerve, which was made into a major motion picture starring Emma Roberts and Dave Franco; and Michelle RayÕs Falling for Hamlet, which was made into the TV series ÒThe Royals,Ó starring Elizabeth Hurley. As an author herself, Joan has published twenty books for young readers, which have been translated into nine languages and have received numerous accolades, including a nomination for the Massachusetts Book Award and a PEN-New England Discovery Award honor. Her adult short fiction debut, Stories I Told My Dead Lover, was published in 2024. She brings this unique dual perspective on the publishing industry to her agenting career. Joan accepts queries only by referral, or from creators who attend events where she is presenting. She is most excited by strongly voiced, bold stories that take risks and have depth and resonance. Tight pacing and rich, evocative language especially catch her eye. She lives in Brooklyn, NY.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Romance, Science Fiction NONFICTION: Art, How-To, Nonfiction, Photography CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Sandra Pareja is a literary agent with Massie & McQuilkin. Her client list includes bestselling literary writers, as well as winners and finalists for the National Book Award, the International Booker Prize, the Dublin Literary Award, the Scotiabank Giller Prize, the Mario Vargas Llosa Novel Prize, the Alfaguara Novel Prize, the Prix MŽdicis, the Madame Figaro, the Premio Strega, the Premio Campiello Opera Prima, the Premio Biblioteca de Narrativa Colombiana, the Premio Sor Juana, among others. Many of her authors have been translated into more than twenty languages and participate in major festivals all around the world. A 2019 Frankfurt Fellow and a 2022 Zev Birger Editorial Fellow, she was born in Toronto, spending her childhood in Detroit too, and much of her adulthood in Europe. She has degrees in Hispanic Literature from the University of Toronto and the University of Buenos Aires, and a Masters in Comparative Literature and Literary Theory from the University of Barcelona. She started at an indie record label, then as a teacher, translator, an assistant editor at Granta en Espa–ol and Duomo Ediciones, and went on to become head of foreign rights at Casanovas & Lynch Literary Agency for eight years. She ran a Barcelona reading series called Albor, gathering established and emerging writers from different cities and languages. With an eye out for ambitious narrative non-fiction, she specializes in groundbreaking literary fiction from the Spanish, the English, the French and the Italian.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Poetry
Biography
Chris Park is a literary agent with DeFiore and Company. Chris represents books across a broad spectrum of nonfictionÑmemoirs, narrative, prescriptive, Christian, and sportsÑand works with her authors to develop books that are appealing and accessible to a broad audience. She is passionate about stories that must be told: of an achievement-oriented mother who learns the true worth of every life when her daughter is born with Down syndrome, a medical missionary who puts his life on the line treating patients during the Ebola epidemic, a couple who makes the stunning choice to forgive their daughterÕs killer. Chris is drawn in particular to authors whose faith engages the wider world, such as the Cave of Adullam Transformational Training Academy (CATTA) director Jason Wilson, One DayÕs Wages founder Eugene Cho, The Center for Justice + Renewal founder Christena Cleveland, human rights advocate Bob Fu, and the hosts of TruthÕs Table Ekemini Uwan, Michelle Higgins, and Dr. Christina Edmondson. Her bestselling authors in the sports category include sportscaster Ernie Johnson Jr., Big Ten Network lead studio host Dave Revsine, and New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton. Publishing a book by NFL legend Brett Favre fulfilled ChrisÕs wedding vows Ð in which she pledged allegiance to the Green Bay Packers, for better or worse. Prior to becoming an agent, Chris worked as an editor for several New York publishing houses, including Hachette Book Group and Random House, and helped launch an independent publishing company. Chris has a degree in English from Harvard University.
Notes
NONFICTION: Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, General Nonfiction, History, Inspirational Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Reference, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Liz Parker is a literary agent with the Verve Talent & Literary Agency. She runs the publishing team at Verve Talent & Literary, an agency based in New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA. She represents horror, upmarket and literary fiction, select graphic novels and YA, as well as memoir, sociopolitical, narrative and platform-driven nonfiction. Liz began her career in editorial, serving as an editorial assistant at Viking/Penguin, and ultimately as the publishing director at Counterpoint and Soft Skull Press. She was a scout with Maria B. Campbell Associates, and spent three years with InkWell Management before joining Verve Talent & Literary in April 2018.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Literary Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Mel Parker is a literary agent with and the founder of Mel Parker Books, LLC. He says: “After nearly forty years as an editor and publisher, IÕve worked in virtually every area of book publishing, from hardcover and paperback publishing to direct marketing, book clubs, book packaging and literary representation. As a literary agent, I represent nonfiction authors in categories such as narrative nonfiction, memoir/biography, business, health, science, technology, history and politics. I look to represent authors who are thought leaders in business, journalism, government, and academia, and who have a unique and newsworthy book idea. Having also helped launch the careers of many bestselling fiction authors, I represent voice-driven upmarket and commercial fiction, especially literary fiction, psychological suspense, and crime fiction. I take on very few projects, and have a small, select client list. So IÕm able to devote a lot of time and attention to each one of my authors. I think of myself as a fierce advocate for my clients, and believe there are few literary agents who are as personally invested as I am in helping to advance an authorÕs career.”
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Current Events Affairs, Education, General Nonfiction, Government, Health Wellness, History, Inspirational Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Science, Technology, Travel
Biography
Chris Parris-Lamb is a literary agent with the Gernert Company. Chris is a Vice President and literary agent at The Gernert Company, which he joined in 2005. He was born in Alabama and grew up in North Carolina, where he attended UNC-Chapel Hill on a Morehead-Cain Scholarship. His nonfiction tastes encompass a wide variety of genres and subjects, and his fiction tastes incline toward the literary; in both categories heÕs looking for great writing by smart writers, and prefers queries to be accompanied by a sample chapter or two. He sits on the Board of n+1, and lives with his wife and pit bull in Brooklyn.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Technology
Biography
Emma Parry is a literary agent with Janklow & Nesbit Associates. She says: ÒIÕm looking for strong stories and exhilarating ideas – whether in reportage, memoir, narrative non fiction, science, religion, nature writing or fiction. I love writers who extend empathy, resist all manner of tyrannies, and entertain. I want pages which whip by and spark wide conversation. Recent bestsellers include ONE WAY BACK by Christine Blasey Ford, REST IS RESISTANCE by Tricia Hersey, THE IMMORTALITY KEY by Brian Muraresku, LEXINGTON by Kim Wickens and THE GLASS BOX by J M Straczynski. I have helped launch the career of many prize winning and bestselling authors, including Rutger Bregman, Tara Isabella Burton, Bernadine Evaristo, Rebecca Godfrey, Tricia Hersey, Hannah Fry, Claire Keegan, Hari Kunzru, and Andrew Smith. IÕve also represented the work of great established talents including Harlan Ellison, Germaine Greer; Alan Hollinghurst, David Kennedy, Marian Keyes, Paul McCartney, Maggie OÕFarrell, the late VS Naipaul, and Kamila Shamsie. IÕve worked with winners of the Shiva Naipaul Prize for Travel Writing, the National Book Critics Circle, the Man Booker, the Pulitzer and the Nobel. Born in England, I’ve lived in New York half my life. After Cambridge, I joined the graduate program of Ogilvy & Mather before being rescued from advertising by the British literary agent Gillon Aitken. When I was 25, Gillon sent me to New York to oversee the publication of BRIDGET JONESÕS DIARY and Germaine GreerÕs THE WHOLE WOMAN while training at FSG. I fell in love with the city and its publishing scene; met my husband and stayed. In 2003, I co-founded a new agency, Fletcher & Parry. Out of a little Carriage House off Union Square we built a thriving list and business to the point an uncommon opportunity presented itself to sell. After a gardening leave, which I enjoyed with my family in the house we built in the Hudson Valley, I joined Janklow & Nesbit in 2013, where I have been happily representing pioneering thinkers and compelling storytellers since.”
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Economics, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Journalism, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology, Travel, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book
Biography
Sarah Passick is a literary agent and partner with Park, Fine & Brower Literary Management. Executive Director of Commercial Nonfiction Sarah Passick represents authors with important missions that disrupt the way we see the world. Sarah leads the commercial nonfiction team in crafting the agencyÕs editorial, publicity, and marketing strategy across all commercial nonfiction clients. As an extremely hands on partner, Sarah tailors each client experience to their individual needs. She works side by side with each author through the inception of an idea, finding the right publishing partner, negotiating the best deals, and crafting successful promotional campaigns, ensuring that the team is executing at the highest level. Sarah represents media-driven storytellers across genres in narrative nonfiction, memoir, personal development, business, cooking, and select fiction and childrenÕs books. Sarah prides herself on securing major book deals and having a gift for getting to know the unique needs of each individual client and project to create the most successful and rewarding publication possible. Sarah has helped clients get their own television shows, book national media, and make career-changing connections with traditional and nontraditional influencers. Some of her authors include Logic, JoJo Siwa, Dr. William Li, Garcelle Beauvais, Colin OÕBrady, Charles Oakley, Laila Ali, Nico Tortorella, Amber Rae, and more. Sarah graduated Cum Laude from Tulane University and holds a certificate in publishing from New York University. She lives in New York City.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Self-Help CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Kathi Paton is a literary agent with the Kahi Paton Literary Agency. A graduate of Middlebury College, Kathi Paton worked as an editor at Simon & Schuster before opening the agency in 1987.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Computers, Current Events Affairs, Education, Environment, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Investigative, Journalism, Lifestyle, Money Finance, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Technology NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
David R. Patterson is a literary agent with the Stuart Krichevsky Literary Agency. He represents a wide variety of narrative and idea-driven nonfiction and literary fiction, with an emphasis on journalists, public figures, scholars, and performers. His clients include Pulitzer Prize winners and finalists, winners of the Polk and Livingston Awards, and contributors and writers on the staff of The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Texas Monthly, The Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic, Foreign Policy, Slate, Salon, The Awl, The Morning News, McSweeneyÕs, Oxford American, The Believer, and other fine places. David has been involved in publishing since his graduation from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a degree in English, Highest Honors, in 1996. After completing an internship at Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, David worked for several years at Politics and Prose Bookstore in Washington, DC, and then worked for over a decade as an editor at Public Affairs and then Henry Holt and Company. David serves on the board of the Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference, organized by the journalism program at the University of North Texas, and is an adjunct faculty member at the Goucher College MFA program in creative nonfiction.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Education, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, History, Journalism, Memoir, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Religion, Spirituality, True Crime
Biography
Emma Patterson is a literary agent with Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents. She represents fiction ranging from dark, literary novels to historical and upmarket fiction; narrative non-fiction that includes memoir, investigative journalism, and popular history; and young adult fiction along similar lines. She is drawn to both domestic and far-flung settings (while remaining on Earth) that are original and transporting. She is looking for fresh, lyrical, and voice-driven writing, suspenseful plots, emotional narratives, and unforgettable characters.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, History, Investigative, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Miranda Paul is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. She joined EMLA in 2019, and Aevitas in 2025. Miranda represents a range of projects in fiction and nonfiction, with a heavy focus on writing and illustration for childrens and teens, and gravitates towards books that include science, nature, or global themes. She is actively seeking to represent more adult projects as well as new illustrator clients. In addition to agenting, Miranda is the award-winning author of more than two dozen books for children including One Plastic Bag (illus. Elizabeth Zunon), Speak Up (ill. Ebony Glenn), and Water is Water (illus. Jason Chin). Her client list includes Yangsook Choi, Suma Subramaniam, Chana Stiefel, and more.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Nicole Payne is a literary agent with Copps Literary Services. Many moons ago, a book-loving nerd was given a chance to live out her childhood dream of being a literary agent. Starting from reader to intern, Nicole Payne ultimately became an agent in the summer of 2016. Now she embarks on a new journey, joining Copps Literary Services in 2023.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Health Wellness, Humor Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Nonfiction, Science, Travel, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction
Biography
Clare Pelino is a literary agent with Pro Literary Consultant. She is also the president of the agency.
Notes
NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Diet Nutrition, Food Drink, Nonfiction
Biography
Sharon Pelletier is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. She joined DG&B in 2013 after working for Europa Editions, Vantage Press, and Barnes & Noble. Born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, Sharon moved to New York in 2009 and now can’t imagine ever living anywhere else. In addition to growing her own list, Sharon oversees digital projects and social media for the agency. While her interests are broad, Sharon is especially seeking upmarket fiction, including unexpected suspense fiction; smart, complex womenÕs fiction; and hearty, unforgettable book club fiction. On the nonfiction side Sharon is eager for compelling, fierce narrative nonfiction by journalists and experts, and emerging voices with a growing platform who can speak to pop culture, feminism, sports, social justice, and/or religion.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, History, How-To, Journalism, Law Legal, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Alexandra Penfold is a literary agent with Upstart Crow Literary. She has been working in publishing for over a decade. Formerly an Editor at Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, she specializes in young picture books, middle-grade fiction, and young adult. Prior to becoming an editor, Alexandra was a childrenÕs book publicist. She worked on media campaigns that appeared in USA Today, Newsweek, US News and World Report, and NPRÕs All Things Considered. SheÕs the co-author of New York a la Cart: Recipes and Stories from the Big AppleÕs Best Food Trucks and the author of Eat, Sleep, Poop, illustrated by Jane Massey and We Are Brothers, We Are Friends, illustrated by Eda Kaban as well as three forthcoming picture books, for more on AlexandraÕs books visit her website. Alexandra is looking to take on select lifestyle and cooking projects in addition to childrenÕs books.
Notes
NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Travis Pennington is an associate agent and does marketing for The Knight Agency. After working in the education field for over ten years, Travis turned his attention to writing, completing his first novel and helping others market their books as well. He launched a media business that has assisted both independent and New York Times bestselling authors with branding their work. He provides content and layout support for the agency newsletter, designs both advertorials and book covers, aids in the management of the agencyÕs social media venues, and processes digital titles through the assisted self-publishing program.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Inspirational Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Health Wellness, History, Inspirational Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Travel, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Kim Perel is a literary agent with the High Line Literary Collective. With a dozen years of collective experience as a literary agent, first at Wendy Sherman Associates and later as a Vice President at the Irene Goodman Literary Agency, Kim co-founded High Line Literary Collective and the Paper Over Board division with the goal of fostering an author-centric environment alongside a group of brilliant, diverse professionals with whom she has the utmost respect and adoration. Kim is passionate about discovering unique voices and making authorsÕ dreams come true. She has been privileged to represent award-winning, NYTimes best-selling authors throughout her career. She is particularly excited about leaders and artistÕs whose point-of-view cuts through the noise and connects with readers in a way that translates into a new understanding about an important aspect of life. When she brings in a new client, her favorite part of the job is creating a clear publishing plan in lockstep with the authorÕs current team, big-picture career goals and future aspirations. Close communication and a common vision both creatively and strategically are at the core of all of KimÕs client relationships. In 2012, Kim co-authored the book Wedding Cake for Breakfast: Essays on the First Year of Marriage (Berkley). She holds an MFA degree in Creative Writing from The New School where she studied with world-renowned professional writers in the areas of fiction and nonfiction. She also received her undergraduate bachelorÕs degree in Journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Kim splits her time between Westchester and NYC with her husband and puggle Bella, co-curates the popular H.I.P. Lit reading series, and loves adventures like road-tripping, whitewater rafting, and camping (fine, glamping).
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Psychology, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Travel, True Adventure, Upmarket Nonfiction, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books
Biography
Lara Perkins is an Associate Agent and Digital Manager at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Lara represents NYT bestselling and award-winning authors and illustrators of picture books, middle grade, and YA fiction and nonfiction. She loves digging in editorially with clients, but her favorite part of being an agent is working with each author and illustrator to build a unique, long, and satisfying career. Lara has a BA in English and Fine Arts from Amherst College and an MA in English Literature from Columbia University, where she studied feminist and postcolonial theory. Prior to joining ABLA in 2010, she studied architecture at a graduate level at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) and then began her career in publishing as an assistant at the B.J. Robbins Literary Agency. After many years in New York and the San Francisco Bay area, Lara lives in her hometown of Los Angeles with her family, including her two kids who love picture books almost as much as she does. She drinks far too much coffee.
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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
Martha Perotto-Wills is a literary agent with The Bent Agency. She says: “I assist Molly Ker Hawn in the Bent AgencyÕs London office and am building my own list, representing authors of adult literary fiction and sci-fi/fantasy/horror, as well as select adult non-fiction and middle-grade and young adult fiction. I grew up in Deptford, southeast London. After finishing my BA in History at Cambridge University, I spent a few years as a bookseller and cataloguer in the wild world of second-hand, rare, and antiquarian books. I did my MA in Queer History at Goldsmiths College, where I researched queer-coding in 1920s fashion journalism. I joined the Bent Agency in 2019. I read pretty omnivorously, but across all genres I particularly enjoy: authorial confidence; unexpected, singular narrative voices; good, stylish sentences; humour/wit; knotty interpersonal relationships; and transportive writing that immerses me in a fully-formed world, whether fantastical, geographical, or emotional. A random selection of old and new favourites: Shirley Jackson, Patricia HighsmithÕs Ripley novels, Confessions of the Fox, Diana Souhami, Tamora Pierce, LOTE, The Worst Journey in the World, Tamsyn Muir, Eve Babitz, Dusty Answer, Julia Armfield, Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl, Happy All the Time, Hilary Mantel, Sybille Bedford, His Dark Materials, Less, Michelle Tea’s Black Wave, Dorothy L Sayers, Alexander Chee’s The Queen of the Night, The Secret History, Susanna Clarke, Michelle Paver, Pamela Dean’s Tam Lin, The Once and Future King, etcÉ”
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FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction NONFICTION: Beauty Fashion Style, General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction