Maria Ribas is a literary agent with the Stonesong Literary Agency. She represents prescriptive and narrative nonfiction in the categories of food and drink, home, lifestyle, creativity, personal development, business, and illustrated gift books. She began her career on the editorial side, first at Atria/Simon & Schuster and Harlequin Nonfiction, then at Adams Media before becoming an agent in 2014. As a former editor, she has a keen sense of what editors are really looking for, and she has a decade of experience building lasting relationships with authors. She prides herself on being very hands-on as an agent and enjoys working closely with authors on their entire career and platform, not just one book. Maria specializes in nonfiction in the areas of food and drink, home, lifestyle, creativity, personal development, business, and illustrated gift books. She enjoys working with writers, photographers, illustrators, bloggers, and influencers with strong platforms who understand how a thoughtfully produced, proudly promoted book can grow their brands and their businesses. Her clients have been winners or finalists for James Beard Foundation Awards and the International Association of Culinary Professionals Awards, as well as Washington Post, PublisherÕs Weekly, and national bestsellers.