Welcome message…
7 Insider Secrets to Get a Top Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal
Press the play button below to listen.
Click here to view and/or download a free PDF transcript
of this audio program
* * *
Literary Agent Directory
Important: Visit each agent’s website (links in their listings below) to see if they’re open to submissions before querying.
- You are searching within category(ies): Commercial Fiction
Biography
Hillary Jacobson is a literary agent with CAA/ICM.She is actively building a list consisting of book club, commercial, and literary fiction, young adult fiction and select non-fiction and middle grade. She started her career at ICM in 2015, began representing books in 2016, and was officially promoted to agent in 2017. CAA closed its acquisition of ICM in the summer of 2022.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horror | Humor Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction |
Biography
Amanda Jain is a literary agent with the BookEnds Literary Agency. Amanda came by her love of reading honestly, inheriting it from parents who always had books close to hand. She began her career in publishing at W. W. Norton, where she spent seven years before pursuing a masterÕs degree in history of the decorative arts. She rejoined publishing shortly thereafter at Inklings Literary Agency, and is excited every day to encounter new writers and their stories.
Amanda currently reps adult romance, mystery, womenÕs fiction, and upmarket fiction, with a special emphasis on historical fiction in all genres. She also represents narrative nonfiction, especially projects exploring the literary world, art history, material culture, archaeology, food history, or social history. She loves projects with a strong sense of place and those that create a completely immersive world. She is particularly interested in books that add something important to the conversation, that explore stories we havenÕt yet heard, and that introduce new voices to our reading experience.
Amanda currently lives outside of Washington, DC with her husband and two kids. When sheÕs not reading, she likes to cook, root for the Cubs, and spend as much time outside as she can.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Action Adventure | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | Historical Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Short Story Collection | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |Art | Biography | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Environment | Film Entertainment | Food Drink | Gardening | Gift Novelty | History | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Multicultural Nonfiction | Narrative Nonfiction | Nature | Politics | Pop Culture | Science | Sports | Technology | Travel | True Adventure | True Crime | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Weronika E. Janczuk is a literary agent with the Janczuk Literary Agency. She is the founder of the Janczuk Literary Agency. She began her work in trade book publishing in 2009, during a high school work-study that placed her in an internship with a small imprint in Minnesota. She then worked with the industryÕs best agents, including Lynn C. Franklin (1946-2021), Kathleen Anderson, Jenny Bent, and Mary Kole (formerly of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency), agenting from 2010-2012, while an undergrad at NYUÕs Gallatin School of Individualized Study. She built a list that included the first four books of Campbell Award-winning and two-time Hugo Award-nominee novelist Max GladstoneÕs Craft Sequence.
At NYU, she studied creative writing under the direction of Dr. June Foley, wrote and served as editor for her undergraduate literary and literacy journals, and aided literacy-related projects on NYCÕs Lower East Side. She graduated NYU in December 2013.
After five years working for two international non-profits on education- and health-related programming, Weronika returned to the world of corporate book publishing, opening JLA in the state of New York in the fall of 2021.
Born in Canada to parents who immigrated as political exiles from communist Poland, Weronika moved to the USA in 1998. Fluent in Polish and English, today she is privileged to be a rare tri-citizen: Polish, Canadian, and American. She lives in Brooklyn.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Authors and Illustrators Only |Picture Book | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Paranormal Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Architecture | Art | Biography | Business Book | Computers | Cultural Social Issues | Dating Relationships Sex | Design | Economics | Education | Family | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | Lifestyle | Medical Medicine | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Money Finance | Philosophy | Politics | Pop Culture | Psychology | Science | Technology | Travel |
Biography
Renee Jarvis is a literary agent with Triangle House. Born and raised in New York City, she graduated from Brooklyn College with a BFA in Creative Writing. She previously worked as an assistant and agent at MacKenzie Wolf Literary and spent two years as a writing teacher at the non-profit organization Legal Outreach.
RenŽe is seeking narrative nonfiction, adult speculative, upmarket, and literary fiction, and childrenÕs books. She is looking for works that center POC and LGBTQIA+ voices and is particularly drawn to the work of Black writers across the African diaspora. In nonfiction, she is interested in pop culture analysis, cultural histories, linguistics, food writing, international stories, and explorations of music, fashion, and art. In fiction, she loves robust plots, bold characters with a sense of humor, unique formats, stories that explore friendship and family, and lyrical prose.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Black Literary Agents |Picture Book | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | BIPOC Fiction | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Romance | Satire | Science Fiction | Short Story Collection | Upmarket Fiction |Art | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Design | Environment | Film Entertainment | Food Drink | Gardening | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Memoir | Multicultural Nonfiction | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Nature | Photography | Pop Culture | Psychology | Religion | Science | Spirituality | Technology | Travel |
Biography
Alyssa Jennette is a literary agent with the Stonesong Literary Agency. She joined Stonesong in June 2015 after interning at the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency. She grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art with a BFA in Illustration in 2010. As a result, she has unique insight and expertise when it comes to design-heavy or illustrated works. Alyssa is a very editorial agent; she finds a lot of joy in shaping stories alongside the author and delights in building long-term partnerships. In her spare time, she’s the co-founder of a three-year-old book club called #readmorewomen, and a snuggler of cats.
Alyssa Jennette represents childrenÕs and adult fiction and picture books, graphic novels, and select pop culture nonfiction. She values diversity and inclusion; in fiction she enjoys ensemble casts with distinct voices, stories about poor characters and communities, and formats that are specific to a story and give it its own context. Alyssa is particularly interested in art/art history/art conservation, archaeology, mythology, language/translation, and criminal justice reform. Her client list includes sex educator and GIRL SEX 101 author Allison Moon, Instagram sensation/art restorer Julian Baumgartner, illustrator Jessica Roux, internet storyteller Mollyhall Seeley, middle grade authors Chris Negron and Brandon Hoang, and more.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Picture Book | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Horror | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Art | Beauty Fashion Style | Crafts | Cultural Social Issues | Dating Relationships Sex | History | Humor Nonfiction | Illustrated | Journalism | Law Legal | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Pop Culture | True Crime |
Biography
Bethany Jett is a literary agent with the Hartline Literary Agency. She is a multi-award-winning traditionally-published author, ghostwriter, and marketing strategist who earned top honors in her masterÕs program, where she earned her MFA in Communications focusing on Marketing and PR. She co-owns Serious Writer and loves to help writers reach their audiences. She is also obsessed with planners, “The Office,” and #cleanTok.
Bethany is married to her college sweetheart. They served in youth ministry for several years and now live the military life while raising three sons and two fluffy Pomeranians.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents | Member of the AALA | Christian Nonfiction | Christian Books ONLY |Commercial Fiction | Historical Fiction | Inspirational Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Upmarket Fiction |Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Design | Food Drink | Gift Novelty | Lifestyle | Self-Help |
Biography
Jennifer Joel is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. She is co-head of the literary department of the agency. She says: “When I left my first job as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs to become a literary agent, most of my new colleagues were aghast at what they perceived IÕd given up for the privilege of working in a creative field. More recently, IÕm commended for my wise and prescient career change.
IÕm extremely fortunate to be able to spend my time representing a diverse group of writers of both fiction and nonfiction, whose work has in common two essential elements: theyÕre good stories, well told. My clients include literary and commercial novelists for adults and young readers, historians, biographers, memoirists, journalists, strategists, adventurers, entertainers and other extraordinary individuals with big ideas to share.
IÕm also a member of The Library Council at the New York Public Library and a Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations.”
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | General Fiction | Mystery | Suspense Fiction | Thriller |General Nonfiction | Biography | Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Food Drink | History | Humor Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Memoir | Money Finance | Narrative Nonfiction | Parenting | Politics | Pop Culture | Reference | Religion | Science | Self-Help | Spirituality | Sports | Technology |
Biography
Barbara Jones is a literary agent with the Stuart Krichevsky Literary Agency. She represents authors behind a range of fiction and nonfiction, from highly literary works to much more commercial fare, with an emphasis across all forms on voices from previously underrepresented communities and on durable talents and stories.
Barbara became a literary agent after several decades as an editor, first in magazines (Grand Street, HarperÕs, Vogue, Real Simple) and then in books (as editorial director at Hyperion Books and, most recently as executive editor at Henry Holt). She has also led writing workshops for thirty years, at Yale University, New York University, Queens University of Charlotte, and elsewhere.
She lives in Harlem, New York, with her family.
Barbara became a literary agent after several decades as an editor, first in magazines (Grand Street, HarperÕs, Vogue, Real Simple) and then in books (as editorial director at Hyperion Books and, most recently as executive editor at Henry Holt). She has also led writing workshops for thirty years, at Yale University, New York University, Queens University of Charlotte, and elsewhere.
She lives in Harlem, New York, with her family.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | New Literary Agents |BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | General Fiction | Literary Fiction |General Nonfiction | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction | Upmarket Nonfiction |
Biography
Kima Jones is a literary agent with Triangle House. She is the founder of Jack Jones Literary Arts, a Los Angeles-based book publicity agency for black and brown writers, where, for five years, she worked as lead strategist on all publicity campaigns. In 2017, Kima founded the Jack Jones Literary Arts retreatÑa two-week respite and book incubator for black and brown nonbinary and women writers. The Los Angeles Times called Kima “2018’s literary breakthrough” and “an important new voice on the national stage.” In 2019, Kima founded Culture, TooÑa mentorship conference for black and brown cultural critics. In the spring of 2021, Kima Jones joined Triangle House Literary as an agent where she is interested in representing literary fiction, essay collections, memoir, hybrid texts, commercial fiction, poetry, speculative fiction, science fiction, and horror. She brings more than a decade of marketing and publicity experience into her agenting negotiations.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Black Literary Agents | New Literary Agents |Commercial Fiction | Family Saga | General Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Science Fiction | Short Story Collection |Cookbook Cooking | Fitness | Food Drink | Health Wellness | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Memoir | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Poetry | Pop Culture | True Crime |
Biography
Camille Kantor is a literary agent with Kimberley Cameron & Associates. Camille is a mother, scientist, and devoted New Yorker magazine reader. While completing a masterÕs degree in evolutionary biology, a journey that bridged the birth of her two sons, she became interested in how people communicate about nature and biology. Her pivot into publishing involved attending and graduating the renowned Columbia Publishing Program at Oxford. She now also works as a buyer at her local Indie bookstore: CopperfieldÕs Books. As an agent at Kimberley Cameron & Associates she is excited to work with authors who have a talent to catch a readerÕs attention while describing complex topics and who share in the desire to broaden the general publicÕs understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
Camille is looking for titles, whether fiction or non-fiction, that will inspire the public to engage with nature while imparting fascinating knowledge about our planet and its inhabitants, whether fiction or non-fiction. She is particularly interested in popular science non-fiction work, such as Darkness Manifesto by Johan Eklšf or An Immense World by Ed Yong, where the author has a commanding voice that feels less like lecturing and more like storytelling.
CamilleÕs fiction tastes include books that immerse the reader in descriptive but clear imagery and that have themes of nature-human interactions. She especially loves interesting, well-developed characters and high concept literary fiction that approaches philosophical topics about our relationship with our planet, think Overstory by Richard Powers or Dinosaurs by Lydia Millet.
She is not currently looking for young adult literature or picture books.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | New Literary Agents | Member of the AALA |Action Adventure | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Historical Fiction | Inspirational Fiction | Literary Fiction | Short Story Collection | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Biography | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Environment | History | Journalism | Narrative Nonfiction | Nature | Science | Technology | True Adventure |
Biography
Kelly Karczewski is a literary agent with UTA. She joined UTA in 2023, after almost two years at Fletcher & Company. She is currently building her list in both fiction and nonfiction.
In fiction, Kelly is generally drawn towards sharp, contemporary stories that draw you in with a strong commercial hook, and keep you reading with effortless, surprising writing. SheÕs a bit of an omnivore in terms of genre, but anything that might be a GMA Book Club Pick is usually right up her alley. If thereÕs a lightly speculative element, a bit of well-placed humor, or female characters with bite, count her in.
Novels she loved: Sorrow & Bliss by Meg Mason; The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer; anything written by Rebecca Makkai; Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore; Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley; Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld; Trust by Hernan Diaz; Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead; Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong; The Husbands by Holly Gramazio.
For nonfiction, she reads solely to learn something new–and while there is little she isnÕt curious about, sheÕs most interested in exploring topics with bite, especially those that speak to a larger moment in our culture. SheÕs always eager to read more about sexuality, conspiracy theories, cults, modern takes on dating & relationships, and feminist history.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Family Saga | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Art | Beauty Fashion Style | Cultural Social Issues | Dating Relationships Sex | Family | History | Humor Nonfiction | Investigative | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction | Parenting | Pop Culture | Psychology | Self-Help | Spirituality | Sports | True Crime | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Barney Karpfinger is a literary agent with and the founder of the Karpfinger Agency. Barney Karpfinger studied English at Columbia University while supporting himself by working as a paralegal. Before establishing the agency in 1985, he ran the contracts department of a major New York publishing company.
Over the years, Barney has represented more fiction than non-fiction. Recently, though, heÕs worked on a bit more non-fictionÑwork as varied as a philosopherÕs take on procrastination, a dance criticÕs look at grace in all of its manifestations and an investigative reporterÕs examination of the big-money business of college football. The writers Barney works with share an ease with language and the ability to tell a compelling story.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Commercial Fiction | General Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery |General Nonfiction | Art | Biography | Business Book | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Investigative | Journalism | Memoir | Money Finance | Narrative Nonfiction | Photography | Politics | Reference | Science | Sports | Technology |
Biography
Kaitlyn Katsoupis is a literary agent with the Belcastro Agency. After receiving a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College, Kaitlyn refused to leave the concept of nightly homework behind. A literary agent for Belcastro Literary Agency, she is also a freelance editor at her own company, K. Johnson Editorial. Kaitlyn started her literary journey as a copyeditor for academic publisher codeMantra, a YA editor for Accent Press, a Conference Assistant for GrubStreet, Boston, a former agent with Corvisiero Literary Agency. She has written various articles for WriterÕs Digest and has had a flash fiction story published in the anthology A Box of Stars Beneath the Bed.
Some of KaitlynÕs favorite books: Cornelia Funke (Inkheart series); Michael Buckley (Undertow series); John Green (more Looking for Alaska, less An Abundance of Katherines); Gayle Forman (Just One Year and Just One Day); Lois Lowry (The Giver series); Scott OÕDell (Island of the Blue Dolphins). Her favorite tv shows are Doctor Who, Buffy, Supernatural, Firefly, basically the nerdier the fandom the better.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Fantasy | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | New Adult Fiction | Paranormal Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |
Biography
Isabel Kaufman is a literary agent with Fox Literary. She is actively looking to build her list in fantasy & science fiction, adult literary fiction, horror, historical fiction, contemporary commercial fiction, and upper-level young adult literature. She is looking for smart, inventive, ambitious storytelling and welcomes speculative elements across all genres. She is also interested in creative nonfiction and microhistories particularly related to travel, food, and incisive cultural perspectives on luxury and beauty.
Her taste is varied, but she is consistently drawn to dynamic, thoughtful prose and vibrant character voice. She is actively seeking work from historically underrepresented and marginalized perspectives. She appreciates fresh takes on familiar archetypes, new perspectives on well-known myths and fairytales, and crossover rehabilitations of “archaic” genres such as noir, gothic, and classical revenge tragedy (she has a master’s in revenge tragedy and is willing to get bloody!).
Recent books she has loved include THE GLASS HOTEL, by Emily St. John Mandel; SEVERANCE, by Ling Ma; the LOCKED TOMB trilogy, by Tamsyn Muir; PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE, by Samantha Shannon; THE IDIOT, by Elif Batuman; LUSTER, by Raven Leilani; PLAIN BAD HEROINES, by Emily Danforth; FRESHWATER, by Akwaeke Emezi. Nonfiction favorites include PRIESTDADDY, by Patricia Lockwood; SECONDHAND TIME, by Svetlana Alexievich; BLOOD, BONES, AND BUTTER, by Gabrielle Hamilton; and THE EMPEROR OF SCENT, by Luca Turin. Permanent must-read authors include Helen Oyeyemi and Megan Abbott.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Gothic Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Speculative Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Beauty Fashion Style | Cultural Social Issues | Food Drink | History | Lifestyle | Travel |
Biography
Tamara Kawar is a literary agent with DeFiore and Company. Tamara joined DeFiore and Company in 2022. She started her career with internships at Macmillan and Writers House, then worked at ICM for five years. Tamara represents writer and illustrator clients in both the childrenÕs and adult markets, with a particular focus on talented LGBTQ+ and BIPOC storytellers. She holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature from Princeton University and an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from Columbia University. She also serves on the AALAÕs Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, where she co-directs a mentorship program for early career agents from underrepresented backgrounds.
Tamara is actively seeking graphic novels for all ages and across genres; science fiction, fantasy, horror, and historical fiction for middle grade, YA, and adult readers; upmarket and book club fiction, especially genre-bending stories, and those with an international bent; and adult & YA rom-coms and romance featuring LGBTQ+ characters. She also represents select nonfiction for young readers, including illustrated projects. Across all categories, she is passionate about championing marginalized voices and perspectives.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents | Member of the AALA |Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Art | Cultural Social Issues | Illustrated | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Memoir | Photography | Pop Culture |
Biography
Kristyn Keene Benton is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. She has been at International Creative Management since 2006, which merged with CAA in 2022, building a list consisting of literary and commercial fiction, including narrative nonfiction, memoir, thrillers, young adult, and pop culture. She is a graduate of the Columbia Publishing Course and holds a degree in English and writing from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | General Fiction | Literary Fiction | Romance | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Health Wellness | Humor Nonfiction | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction | Pop Culture |
Biography
Jennie Kendrick is a literary agent with Red Fox Literary. She represents YA, MG and select picture books with Red Fox Literary. A former criminal defense attorney and history major, she has worked in the publishing industry since 2013, including reviewing for publications such as Kirkus, and part-time bookselling at a local independent bookstore. JennieÕs passions include history (especially medieval European history), the criminal justice system, art, tarot, rock music, and cooking. She loves well-researched character-driven fiction, narrative non-fiction, and is particularly looking for Own Voices works and books from marginalized creators. Jennie is always looking for a phenomenal ghost or vampire story, regardless of childrenÕs age group.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Action Adventure | Commercial Fiction | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Thriller |Biography | History | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Memoir | Pop Culture | Science | Sports |
Biography
Rachel Kent is a literary agent with Books & Such Literary Agency. Rachel Kent has been an agent with Books & Such since 2007. Rachel started at Books & Such as a summer intern while she was attending U.C. Davis and then, after graduating, worked part-time at the agency as an assistant. Her favorite part of the job was reading a manuscript and providing an author with feedback to help him or her to improve the project.
She graduated from Davis in three years with a bachelorÕs degree in English and minors in both religious studies and psychology.
Rachel has more than eight years of experience and training working closely with Janet Kobobel Grant and Wendy Lawton, as well as part-time with author Robin Jones Gunn in creating marketing materials and promotional ideas to keep Robin connected with her readers. Through RachelÕs work at the agency and with authors, she has gained an understanding of the publishing process, contract negotiation, and what it takes to successfully write and market a book.
RachelÕs goal is to develop strong relationships with her authors and to help them to develop lasting relationships with their editors and publishers. Good relationships have always been important to her. She likes to stick by people. She believes that as long as two people are dedicated toward working together, the relationship can work, and they can accomplish the task at hand.
Rachel acquires fiction and nonfiction projects with a special interest in YA, 20-something and 30-something projects.
She lives with her husband and family in Northern California.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction |Christian Fiction | Christian Nonfiction |Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Inspirational Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Religion | Spirituality |
Biography
Kat Kerr is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. She graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelors in English in 2009. Kat feels strongly about supporting programs like We Need Diverse Books and is passionate about creating space in this industry for those from historically marginalized communities.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Young Adult Fiction | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | Historical Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Biography | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Food Drink | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Memoir | Multicultural Nonfiction | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Pop Culture | Psychology | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Molly Ketcheson is a literary agent with Wolfson Literary Agency. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of St Andrews and an MA in Creative Writing and Publishing from City, University of London. Prior to joining WLA in 2024, Molly held prestigious internships at multiple publishing companies, where she gained a keen understanding of the international publishing landscape and a love for joyful and impactful fiction. She is actively building her list in commercial and upmarket fiction, as well as select literary fiction, fantasy, and YA titles. She is particularly drawn to books with a unique premise, lyrical prose, complex women, and stories that are, ultimately, hopeful. Molly is passionate about the power of fiction, and is excited to work with her clients to bring books that matter into the world.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |Young Adult Fiction | BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Paranormal Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |BIPOC Nonfiction | LGBTQ Nonfiction |
Biography
Julia Kim is an assistant agent with The Rights Factory. Julia graduated from Western University with a BA (Hons) and MA in English Literature. Her experience includes working as a freelance editor and an Assistant Editor at Dundurn Press before joining The Rights Factory in 2024.
In fiction, she is looking for literary, upmarket, and commercial. In nonfiction, she is seeking a range of topics including history, politics, current affairs, social justice, womenÕs issues, biography and memoir, food and lifestyle, art and culture, film and TV, and pop culture.
She is keen to support BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and historically underrepresented writers. As a second-generation Korean Canadian living in Toronto, she has a particular interest in diverse stories from diasporic communities.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Graphic Novel | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Upmarket Fiction |General Nonfiction | Art | Biography | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Film Entertainment | Food Drink | History | Lifestyle | Politics | Pop Culture | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Kirby Kim is a literary agent with Janklow & Nesbit Associates. A native of Los Angeles, California, Kirby attended Harvard-Westlake high school then went to Pomona College where he was a PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) major. He spent the year after graduation teaching English in South Korea and when he returned moved to San Francisco to get his JD at UC Hastings College of the Law.
Kirby moved out to New York in the spring of 2004 and got his first job in publishing working for Charlotte Sheedy Literary, at that time an affiliate of Sterling Lord Literistic. He then moved to Vigliano Associates where he gradually started representing his own projects. In 2008, he joined Endeavor which the following year merged with William Morris. He stayed at WME for five years before joining Janklow & Nesbit.
Kirby represents both literary and commercial authors. When it comes to literary work, heÕs alternatively drawn to rich, sweeping stories that try to encompass a time or a place or tightly written, narratively innovative stories that bridge genres. His commercial interests include thriller, horror, speculative and science fiction, young adult, and middle grade.
He also represents a range of nonfiction working with leaders and journalists in the areas of science, culture and current affairs. HeÕs also known for representing pop culture, in particular music and comedy.
Kirby is currently a board member of the Asian American Writers Workshop. He lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife and two kids.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Horror | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |General Nonfiction | Business Book | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Economics | Food Drink | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | Medical Medicine | Memoir | Money Finance | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Pop Culture | Reference | Science | Self-Help | Sports | True Crime |
Biography
Natalie Kimber is a literary agent with The Rights Factory. She has worked with The Rights Factory since 2014, and is based in the New York area. She previously worked with the Georgetown University Booklab, and Literary and Creative Artists in Washington, DC. She is an associate editor for Monologging.org, organizer of the NYC Writers Circle, and founder of the Weehawken Writers and Artists Studio. She takes pride in guiding authors through the strategy and practical process of publishing, and yet she acknowledges that a wondrous magic is at work when books come into form.
As an aesthete and theologian at heart, she aspires to a Òpost-mystic modernÓ philosophy, which attempts to reintegrate our mystic roots and intuition with contemporary thought. Nat hails from the WestÑspecifically Colorado and New MexicoÑand cherishes art and books that capture that region. She is an avid cook and gardener, and credits her encyclopedic knowledge of food, wine and spirits to 20+ years of work in the restaurant industry. She canÕt live without chiles, cheese, potatoes, and wine. She discovered a love of classic and pre-code cinema when she joined a film club during the early days of the pandemic. She lives with her partner, two snuggly cats, and a rambunctious bunny in Weehawken, NJ.
In fiction she is looking for: literary, commercial, and upmarket womenÕs and LGBTQ+ fiction, romance, comedies, international or transnational stories, action/adventure, animal stories, modern mythology, nostalgic and historical fiction, and short fiction collections with a strong theme. It is most important that authors understand the WHY of their story and methods of storytelling. Novels and fiction need to have a great hook, while also showcasing craft. Within speculative fiction she likes magical realism, occult, and horror, but is not looking for traditional science fiction or fantasy.
She will consider the following YA categories: realistic/contemporary, rebellious teen fiction, boy books, horror, suspense/thriller, and some nonfiction for teens, especially if the book is related to activism, sustainability, empowerment, creative arts or personal growth. She is not looking for YA sci-fi or fantasy.
For nonfiction she is looking for: humor, memoir, biography, lifestyle, art, health, environment/climate, animal/pets, healing, spiritual/occult, history (especially ancient), peace studies, music, food/cooking/cocktails, pop culture, relationship, regional and international studies, writing craft, essay collections and literary criticism. She requests that authors use appropriate content warnings when querying with sensitive material.
Follow Nat on Twitter @Nat_TRF and Instagram @Zsunita.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | New Literary Agents |Juvenile Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Action Adventure | Commercial Fiction | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Animals | Art | Biography | Cookbook Cooking | Dating Relationships Sex | Environment | Food Drink | Gardening | Health Wellness | History | Humor Nonfiction | Memoir | Music | Nature | Pop Culture | Science | Spirituality |
Biography
Harvey Klinger is a literary agent with the Harvey Klinger Literary Agency. Harvey received his M.A. in The Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins University. He began his publishing career at Doubleday where he expected to become the next Max Perkins among editors. Instead, he left and worked for a literary agent for eighteen months and began forming his first client list. A two-year stint followed in association with an independent publicist. Harvey created his own independent operation in October, 1977 and has never looked back. He personally loves great adult commercial and literary fiction; and in non-fiction, books with a strong narrative voice in all disciplines, but written by an author who already has an established professional platform in one’s field of expertise.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | General Fiction | Literary Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Biography | BIPOC Nonfiction | Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Diet Nutrition | Fitness | Food Drink | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Lifestyle | Money Finance | Multicultural Nonfiction | Narrative Nonfiction | Politics | Psychology | Science | Self-Help | True Crime |
Biography
Peter Knapp is a literary agent and partner with Park & Fine Literary and Media. First joining Park Literary in 2011, Peter Knapp represents authors of middle grade and young adult fiction. His clients include New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors, such as Soman Chainani, Lindsay Cummings, Sara Holland, Will Walton, Emily Bain Murphy, and more. Before joining Park Literary (now PFLM), he was at Floren Shieh Productions, a book-scouting agency working with film clients, and he continues to actively look for cinematic manuscripts with great hooks, as well as literary stories with awards-potential. A graduate of New York University, Pete now lives in Brooklyn with his husband.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | Commercial Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Horror | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |
Biography
Deidre Knight is a literary agent with The Knight Agency. Deidre established The Knight Agency in 1996 after working in film and television. In the years since that time, she has built a dynamic, bestselling client list, placing over a thousand titles in a broad range of categories, including womenÕs fiction, commercial fiction, fantasy, young adult, romance, LGBT, middle grade, memoir and nonfiction narrative, personal finance, business, true crime, sports, popular culture, self-help, religion, health, and parenting.
Her recent sales include books placed with Penguin Putnam, Random House, St. MartinÕs, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, HarperCollins, Harlequin, Thomas Nelson, and Avon. DeidreÕs clients have appeared on every major bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, PublisherÕs Weekly, Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times Bestseller Lists. Her authors have won countless awards, including the coveted RITA, the Gold Medallion, the Walden Books Award for Best New Author, and many others. SheÕs also a knitter, an amateur photographer, and an author who loves to spend time with her family.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Middle Grade Fiction | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Fantasy | LGBTQ Fiction | Romance | Sports Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |Animals | Business Book | Celebrity | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Design | Film Entertainment | Fitness | Food Drink | Gardening | Health Wellness | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Memoir | Money Finance | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Parenting | Politics | Pop Culture | Psychology | Religion | Science | Self-Help | Sports | Technology | Travel | True Crime |
Biography
Janet Kobobel Grant is a literary agent with Books & Such Literary Agency. Janet had two goals as a grade-schooler: to read all the books in the library and to write a novel each summer. Her dream was to win the Pulitzer Prize. Well, she never did get all those books read, she seldom completed her summer writing project, and she certainly never won a Pulitzer Prize. But those unusual aspirations were indicative of her love of books.
She personally knows the pressures, uncertainties, and joys of writing because she’s written the following books: But Can She Type? with InterVarsity; Where Is God When I Need Him Most? with NavPress; Growing in Prayer; Experiencing God’s Presence; Every Child Needs a Praying Mom (with Fern Nichols and a Silver Medallion winner); The Breast Cancer Care Book (with Sally M. Knox, M.D. and a Retailers Choice finalist); and collaborated on several Women of Faith books (all with Zondervan).
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Christian Fiction | Christian Nonfiction |Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | General Fiction | Inspirational Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mainstream Fiction | Mystery | Religious Fiction | Romance | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Biography | Cookbook Cooking | Dating Relationships Sex | Family | Fitness | Health Wellness | Humor Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Medical Medicine | Memoir | Parenting | Reference | Religion | Self-Help | Spirituality | True Crime |