The Directory of Literary Agents
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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.
Dan Conaway
Biography
Dan Conaway is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. He says: ”
I’m a literary agent at Writers House and represent an extensive list of bestselling and award-winning novelists, crime writers, biographers, memoirists, journalists and historians.
Prior to joining Writers House I worked as Executive Editor at both Putnam and HarperCollins, and as Director of Literary Acquisitions at PolyGram Filmed Entertainment. I started my career as a College Traveler at W.W. Norton. I authored the blog BookAngst 101, a long-retired insider’s account of the publishing industry, writing under the pseudonym Mad Max Perkins.
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What am I looking for?
I am interested in literature that explores a diversity of voices and experiences, and stories about underrepresented cultures and identities.
For fiction, I would love to see contemporary literary fiction and smart, upmarket horror, thrillers, and suspense. I am looking for a distinctive voice, compelling characters, an interesting setting, and a gripping, propulsive plot.
A couple books that I’ve loved recently: MY SISTER, THE SERIAL KILLER by Oyinkan Braithwaite, FLEISCHMAN IS IN TROUBLE by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, VERY NICE by Marcy Dermanski, MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN by Jonathan Lethem
Next on my reading list: THE WHISPER MAN by Alex North, LOST AND WANTED by Nell Freudenberger
For non-fiction, I would love to see more true crime, popular history, investigative journalism, pop culture, pop psychology, and narrative non-fiction. I am interested in big themes, topical subjects, something that is thought-provoking and conversation starting.
Some non-fiction I’ve loved recently: BENEATH A RUTHLESS SUN by Gilbert King, KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL by Anthony Bourdain
On my reading list: TRICK MIRROR by Jia Tolentino, I’LL BE GONE IN THE DARK by Michelle McNamara, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON by David Grann.
What I’m not looking for: Police procedurals, science-fiction, fantasy, children’s lit or anything in the YA space.
I look forward to seeing your work!”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Ethnic Fiction * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Horror * Literary * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Science Fiction * Sports Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Current Events/Affairs * Ethnic * General Nonfiction * History * Investigative * Journalism * Memoir * Multicultural * Music * Narrative * Politics * Pop Culture * Science * Sports * True Crime *
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