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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.
- You are searching within category(ies): Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Pam Gruber is a literary agent with the High Line Literary Collective. She became a literary agent when she realized her favorite part of the publishing business was working closely with authors and artists, helping them to shape not only their stories, but also their careers. She got her start in publishing as an editor, working for over a decade at Hachette Book Group and went on to serve as the Editorial Director at childrenÕs media startup Rebel Girls before shifting gears. As an agent, Pam aims to sign authors, not just individual books, and she believes in collaboration, communication, creativity, and mutual respect. Her clients write in all categories, from childrenÕs and YA, to adult SFF and contemporary rom-com. She looks for work that is gripping from page one, whether thatÕs due to the voice, world building, or premise. She loves messy female protagonists, innovative twists on classic tropes, and getting swept away by fully realized worldsÑbe it the next town over or an imagined land unlike our own. She brings an inscrutable eye for detail to every book she gets her hands on, and her prior experience gives her insight into how editors think, and what theyÕre looking for. In her life outside of books (as if!), Pam is an aspiring art collector, avid window shopper, experimental baker, and Pilates enthusiast slowly fixing up the antique house she lives in with her husband, son, and feline familiars.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Beauty Fashion Style, History, Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Lisa Grubka is a literary agent with United Talent Agency (UTA). She represents a variety of fiction and non-fiction authors. Her writers have won the National Book Award and the PEN American Literary Award, and she has represented dozens of New York Times Best Sellers. Her clientsÕ books have been successfully adapted for television and translated into more than 30 languages. In fiction, Lisa represents literary fiction, along with some upmarket and Young Adult. She is often drawn to ÒcontainedÓ settings (campuses, unique communities, etc), family sagas, and complex relationships of all kinds. She looks for strong writing and voice (especially unique and diverse voices) but also appreciates page-turning momentum. In non-fiction, she represents narrative, science, nature, journalism, conversation-changing perspectives on currents events, food/lifestyle, and is generally interested in non-fiction that will help readers live better, more fulfilling lives. She often enjoys reading about subcultures or deep dives into a topic. Lisa joined UTA in 2023 after beginning her career at FSG, the WIlliam Morris Agency, and Fletcher & Co. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and lives in Brooklyn.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, Environment, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Technology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Laura Gruszka is a literary agent with Writers House. She says: “IÕm looking for authors and illustrators of childrenÕs books for all agesÑpicture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels. IÕm also open to adult graphic novels and adult literary fiction. My priority as a junior agent is uplifting traditionally underrepresented voices and stories in publishing. This applies to every category of books I am looking for. If you are a creator who is part of a marginalized communityÑregardless of whether you are specifically writing about identityÑplease send your work my way! For PBs, I have broad taste in stories, from all laughs to slice-of-life, though I tend to favor stories with an unforgettable main character, a strong voice, and a clear story arc. I love art with a voiceÑart with unmistakable style, energy, and heart. IÕm especially fond of books whose pages invite young readers to discover new details and secrets upon each read (inspired by my own hours poring over Hilary KnightÕs and Richard ScarryÕs art). (And if you happen to be tuned to the same frequency in voice and humor as Adventure Time and Over the Garden Wall…send your work my way.) Some favorites artists and storytellers: Jillian Tamaki, Lian Cho, Corey R. Tabor, Shaun Tan, Jon Klassen, Matthew Forsythe, Jœlia Sardˆ, Julie Benbassat, Lauren Castillo, Christian Robinson. In MG and YA, the first thing I fall for is prose. Whether lyrical and lush or impeccably voicey, IÕm looking for books whose lines are just as carefully crafted as their stories. I love all things magic, folklore, and wildly-imagined in any genreÑparticularly those that bend, defy, or reimagine genre conventions. I am open to submissions in verse, though I prefer verse that takes full stylistic advantage of the form (like LOVE THAT DOG by Sharon Creech). In addition to genre, IÕm equally drawn to quiet, meaningful everyday stories and unflinching looks at the difficulties of being a young person. IÕm looking for that book that makes young readers see their world differentlyÑperhaps more tenderlyÑwhen they put it down. Favorite MG: Anything by Tae Keller, TOO BRIGHT TO SEE by Kyle Lukoff, AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS by B. B. Alston, THE DOLDRUMS series by Nicholas Gannon, BLACK BIRD, BLUE ROAD by Sofia Pasternack, MOLLY MOON by Georgia Byng. Favorite YA: Anything by Deb Caletti, anything by Maggie Stiefvater, anything by Nina LaCour, THE HONEYS by Ryan La Sala, DARIUS THE GREAT IS NOT OKAY by Adib Khorram, MAN MADE MONSTERS by Andrea L. Rogers, SORCERY OF THORNS by Margaret Rogerson. For graphic novels and highly-illustrated MG, YA, and adult, I grew up on a steady diet of manga, which is where my art sensibilities tend to lie. My taste in childrenÕs and adult literary books carry over into my GN taste, and IÕm looking for everything from contemporary to genre to memoir. IÕm not the best fit for art and stories in the superhero comic tradition. Just a few favorites: Kay OÕNeill, Tillie Walden, Mariko Tamaki + Rosemary Valero-O’Connell, Kate Beaton, Josh Trujillo + Cara McGee + Brittany Peer + Gonalo Lopes. Most of all, IÕm eager to work with creators whose books will be life-changing to a young reader, whether itÕs by finally seeing an authentic representation of their own experience, learning about a subject not discussed in their everyday life, or igniting their lifelong love for reading. When it comes to adult literary fiction, IÕm looking for un-put-downable line-level writing and out-of-the-box thinking. In particular, IÕd love to read more brainy, literary horror. I love writing that doesnÕt shy away from the difficult, the unjust, and even the traumatic, as long as there is a kernel of heartÑand hopeÑat their center. And IÕm always game for the weird, the genre-bending, the oft-not-seen. Favorites: MONKEY BEACH by Eden Robinson, anything by Sarah Gailey, CONVENIENCE STORE WOMAN by Sayaka Murata, FEVER DREAM by Samanta Schweblin, CRUDDY by Lynda Barry, IF WE WERE VILLAINS by M. L. Rio, and anything by Brian Evenson.”
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Literary Fiction 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
Wendi Gu is an Agent at HG Literary. Before joining the HG Literary team in 2024, Wendi Gu was a literary agent at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates and Janklow & Nesbit. When she first moved to New York, she didnÕt plan on going into childrenÕs books Ñ she wanted to work with serious adult literary fiction Ñ but thanks to her great mentors and good luck she ended up working with authors and illustrators of books for young people. Today, WendiÕs author and illustrator clients have won the Caldecott Honor, Asian/Pacific American Library Award, the Stonewall Honor, Sydney Taylor Award, Geisel Honor, Governor General Literary Award, and Horn Book Award. They have also been nominated for the NAACP Image Award and made finalists for the Ezra Jack Keats Award. Her clients books have been New York Times, USA Today, and Indie bestsellers. Wendi represents everything in the young reader space, from preschool to young adult, with some select adult fiction and nonfiction. She is looking for picture books that straddle humor and heart, lyrical middle grade, and daring, sharp YA. She loves a visually striking board book, as well as graphic novels that share lesser-known pieces of history and those quieter slices of life. She especially adores stories of all genres if they are from around the world, multigenerational diaspora experiences, and books that teachers, librarians, and parents might find as helpful tools for challenging subjects. Wendi is from Chicago and studied English and Anthropology at Northwestern University. In her free time she plays piano (and still reads serious adult literary fiction Ñ but for fun!). She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and a dog named Beanie Gu.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Nonfiction 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
Robert Guinsler is a literary agent with Sterling Lord Literistic. Robert has been with Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc. since 2000. His general curiosity in all things has allowed him the opportunity to represent a wide variety of prize-winning and New York Times bestselling nonfiction authors and projects. From the geopolitical mosaics of journalists Rania Abouzeid and Mikhail Zygar, to the impassioned memoirs of Alex Marzano-Lesnevich and legendary gay rights activist Cleve Jones, to the comedic collections of Sarah Colonna, Phoebe Robinson and Egypt’s own Bassem Youssef, most every avenue of the nonfiction spectrum can be found on his list. As well, he has been a champion of LGBTQ+ voices his entire career and some of his authors include Hugh Ryan, Guy Branum, Peter Staley, The Estate of Gilbert Baker, and Evan Fallenberg, among many others. Additionally, he represents the Estate of Anne Sexton.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Spirituality CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Masha Gunic is a literary agent with the Jennifer Azantian Literary Agency. She started her career in publishing as an intern at the Azantian Literary Agency and has since held internships at Red Fox Literary and Writers House before working as an Editorial Assistant at Abrams Books on the children’s side for two years. Her love for books across genres, as well as her desire to find and foster great talent, drove her to make the transition from editorial back to the Azantian Literary Agency on the West Coast. Right now, Masha is only looking to acquire middle grade and young adult novels.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Taylor Haggerty is a literary agent with Root Literary. She says: ÒEveryone in this business is in it because they love to read, but agenting gives me a professionally sanctioned opportunity to shout from the rooftops about the books I love. Sharing my authors’ work with editors, and then readers, is a joy, and I’m always looking for the next project to champion.”
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Serene Hakim is a literary agent with Ayesha Pande Literary. Prior to joining Ayesha Pande Literary in 2015, Serene Hakim worked at Laura Gross Literary Agency in Boston. Serene holds an M.A. in French to English translation from NYU and a B.A. in French and WomenÕs Studies from the University of Kansas. Born to Lebanese immigrants in the Midwest, she grew up straddling cultures and languages and still feels like a third culture kid. Serene loves to read a variety of genres but is particularly drawn to fiction with strong female voices, both YA and adult fiction and non-fiction with international themes, and LGBTQ and feminist issues. She is always on the lookout for great YA sci-fi and fantasy, realistic YA, and anything that gives voice to those whose voices are underrepresented and/or marginalized. She is especially interested in stories dealing with the Middle East and the variety of immigrant experiences out there. Specifically, sheÕs looking for writing that explores the different meanings of identity, home, family and parenthood/motherhood. When sheÕs not reading, she can usually be found trying a new recipe while simultaneously balancing a toddler on her hip.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Science Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Family, Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Travel, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jolene Haley is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. She joined the Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2022. She has been in the publishing industry since 2012 on both the publisher and agency sides in editorial, marketing, publicity, contracts, and agent positions. She has worked for literary agencies such as Marsal Lyon Literary Agency and The Bent Agency. Her well-rounded experience and extensive background in PR and marketing provides a unique perspective and a solid foundation to support authors as they build their careers. She graduated with accolades from Cal State Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Composition. She runs a global horror writerÕs resource site The Midnight Society and is a member of ALA, HWA, and SCBWI.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Health Wellness, How-To, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Self-Help, Spirituality, True Adventure, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Kirsten Hall is a literary agent with Catbird Productions. She is the author of 100+ children’s books, has been employed since 2009 as a US-based managing agent at the Bright Agency, which is headquartered in London and specializes in nurturing and developing debut childrenÕs book author/illustrators. HallÕs client list at Bright includes Benji Davis, Elly Mackay, Clive McFarland, and Connah Brecon. Hall previously worked as an editorial assistant at Random House (1996-1997).
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Lucinda Halpern is a literary agent with Lucinda Literary. With over fifteen years of experience in corporate and agency publishing, Lucinda serves both sides of the literary and business worlds. An editorially invested partner with a specialty in book marketing strategy, she has an Òall inÓ dedication and work ethic when it comes to representing authors. Lucinda began her publishing career in the Publicity Division of HarperCollins, where she assisted on the campaigns of Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt (Freakonomics) among other New York Times bestselling authors. She then went on to work in ScholasticÕs Marketing Partnerships Division, where she helped to develop and sell custom publishing programs to a variety of Fortune 500 companies and global nonprofits. She began her literary representation career at Fletcher & Company, where she also acted as a marketing consultant to Gretchen Rubin, among others. Today, she represents authors writing in the categories of business, health, lifestyle, popular science, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and upmarket fiction, including New York Times bestselling author Susan Peirce Thompson (Bright Line Eating), Chris Bailey (The Productivity Project), Cait Flanders (The Year of Less), Paul Jarvis (Company of One), and the new work of New York Times bestselling author of The Nanny Diaries, Nicola Kraus. Lucinda studied at McGill University in Montreal and the Sorbonne in Paris. She is originally from New York City, where her company is based.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Health Wellness, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jordan Hamessley is a literary agent with the Jabberwocky Literary Agency. She joined JABberwocky as an agent in 2023 with over 15 years of publishing experience both as an agent and an editor at Penguin Young Readers (Grosset & Dunlap), Egmont USA, and Adaptive Studios. After graduating from The New School with a BFA in Musical Theater and spending time performing across the country, Jordan made the leap to publishing and loves continuing to help new stories get into the world across various mediums. She represents a list of diverse childrenÕs fiction from picture books through YA and select adult genre and pop culture writers. She also represents a growing list of graphic novelists and illustrators. She is always looking to find stories that bring the queer experience to the childrenÕs space across all age ranges. She currently lives in Southern California where she frequently heads up to Los Angeles for meetings with studios and producers. Living a short drive from Disneyland, she has become a full-fledged ÒDisney AdultÓ who loves to talk about the parks and her favorite rides (Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion). And she occasionally has been known to pick up her tap shoes and perform in a show now and then to keep those musical theater muscles strong.
Notes
NONFICTION: Film Entertainment, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Faith Hamlin is a literary agent with Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. She has enjoyed many years in publishing. She was a book store manager and a sales rep at a number of houses, rising to National Sales Manager at Macmillan before embarking upon her career as an agent. She has built an eclectic list of talented authors and illustrators over the course of a rewarding, decades-spanning career. FaithÕs office is not considering queries, unless they are by direct referral. She encourages prospective clients to consider the other talented agents at Greenburger Associates.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Film Entertainment, Fitness, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Psychology, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Carrie Hannigan is a literary agent with HG Literary. Carrie was lucky enough to find her way to agenting quickly after moving to New York City. (There was a brief stint in the Rolling Stone Art & Photo Department and a similarly brief career at Glenn Horowitz Bookseller, a rare book and archive dealer specializing in 19th and 20th century literature.) After 16 years working at Russell & Volkening with the esteemed Timothy Seldes, she and her colleagues opened HG Literary in 2011 (then called HSG). Carrie specializes in childrenÕs books but also represents a select, limited list of adult books. Some of her childrenÕs book clients include: New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Vashti Harrison (LITTLE LEADERS: BOLD WOMEN IN BLACK HISTORY Ð Little, Brown, 2017; SULWE by Lupita NyongÕo, winner of a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award Ð Simon & Schuster, 2019). Picture book and middle grade author Erica Perl (WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU OJ Ð Knopf Books for Young Readers; ALL THREE STOOGES, a Sidnee Taylor Book Award Honoree and winner of the National Jewish Book Award for Children’s Literature Ð Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2018). Author/illustrator and Theodore Geisel Honor winner Jonathan Fenske (BARNACLE IS BORED Ð Scholastic, 2016; I’M FUN, TOO! the first-ever LEGO¨ picture book Ð Scholastic, 2018). Author/illustrator and Theodore Geisel Honor winner Jennifer Morris (MAY I PLEASE HAVE A COOKIE? Ð Scholastic; FLUBBY IS NOT A GOOD PET Ð Penguin Workshop, 2019). YA fantasy author Laurie Forest (THE BLACK WITCH series Ð Inkyard Press). And author and illustrator Gilbert Ford (THE MARVELOUS THING THAT CAME FROM A SPRING Ð Atheneum; THE MYSTERIOUS MESSENGER Ð Macmillan, 2020). Among CarrieÕs adult clients are: Dr. Alan Stern, Principal Investigator of the New Horizons Mission and twice named to the Time 100 most influential people list (CHASING NEW HORIZONS Ð Picador, 2017); Marilyn Chase, previously a journalist and senior special writer at the Wall Street Journal (EVERYTHING SHE TOUCHED: THE LIFE OF RUTH ASAWA Ð Chronicle, 2020). In the kidlit world, from picture books to MG to YA, Carrie is looking for humorous books with warmth, heart, and a great voice in both contemporary and fantasy. She is also open to illustrators and graphic novels.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Satire NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Environment, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, Gift Novelty, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Pop Culture, Science, Technology, Travel, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Judith Hansen, the founder of the Hansen Literary Agency, is the former deputy publisher of Kitchen Sink Press. An attorney, she had a twenty year career with major trade book publishers including Simon & Schuster, NAL, and the Crown and Doubleday divisions of Random House.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Science Fiction NONFICTION: Architecture, Art, Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Economics, Fitness, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Stephanie Hansen is a literary agent with Metamorphosis Literary Agency. She represents authors with their debut novels and New York Times-bestsellers and has brokered deals with small presses, mid-size publishers, every major publishing house, foreign publishers, audio producers, gaming app companies, reading app companies, and film producers. She holds a masterÕs degree with a Creative Writing Specialization. She represents everything fiction from children’s to adult books. She’s also seeking non-fiction projects with heart. Previously editorial for MindÕs Eye Literary Magazine and consulting with Hollywood book & film agent Michele Wallerstein, she joined Metamorphosis July 2016. Originally looking to help Midwest authors in “flyover states” to garner the attention of major publishing houses, she found camaraderie with multiple agents and editors. Based in the Kansas City metropolitan area, she enjoys coffees and lunches with publishers & major house editors during trips to NYC. Stephanie is unilaterally deaf with 90 dB tinnitus and hearing loss as well as nerve damage on the other side. She’s dedicated to elevating voices that often go unheard.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Celebrity, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Health Wellness, How-To, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Parenting, Self-Help, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jana Hanson is a literary agent with the D4EO Literary Agency. She has been a book geek since the age of 3 when she memorized her favorite ABC book but still made her mother read it every night. She was a freelance editor and worked with several electronic publishers from 2006 until 2018 when she became an intern for Paige Wheeler at Creative Media Agency. Prior to joining D4EO, Jana was an agent with Metamorphosis Literary Agency. She is interested in acquiring romance, young adult, cozy mysteries, and women’s fiction.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Gabrielle Harbowy is a literary agent with the Corvisiero Literary Agency. She has more than 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, from her entry into the field as a pricing analyst at Scholastic, to becoming a full-time editor and part-time writer. A third-generation reader of fantasy and science fiction, a love for the speculative is in her blood. Gabrielle was Managing Editor at Dragon Moon Press for a decade, has worked with award winners and international bestsellers, and is passionate about elevating the authors around her. A three-time published novelist, short story author, and award-nominated anthologist, Gabrielle has spoken, given workshops, and run D&D and Pathfinder games at numerous conventions. She is a member of SFWA, IAMTW, and the LGBTQ+ Editors Association. Gabrielle is seeking science fiction, fantasy, paranormal mysteries, queer romance, and genre-bending speculative fiction. She loves reading diverse books, characters that come alive and immersive worlds, and tropes turned on their heads. She would like to see queerness, neurodiversity, and disability represented and normalized, both in the world and on the page. Her passions include music, travel, tabletop roleplaying games, crocheting and needlepoint, tattoo art, everything Finnish (except lutefisk), outer space, and the Oxford comma.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Elizabeth Harding is a literary agent with the Curtis Brown Literary Agency. Elizabeth Harding represents authors and illustrators of picture books, middle-grade and young adult fiction. She started at the agency almost 20 years ago as an assistant to the legendary Marilyn E. Marlow. ElizabethÕs list includes New York Times bestsellers, Newbery, National Book Award, Printz, and Coretta Scott King honor and award winners. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan (Go Blue!), a devoted and hopeful fan of her hometown Cleveland teams and lives in Manhattan with her husband and four sons.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic Novel 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
Erin Harris is a literary agent with Folio Literary Management. Erin has worked in publishing for over a decade and serves as a Senior Vice President and literary agent at Folio Literary Management, where she focuses on book club and literary fiction, as well as narrative non-fiction. (She also selectively represents Young Adult and poetry projects.) Her clients include New York Times Bestsellers, National Book Award, Pulitzer Prize, and PEN/Faulkner Award finalists; winners of the Lambda Literary Award, Stonewall Book Award, and Pushcart Prize; Indie Next Pick and NYT Editor’s Choice authors; and authors selected for the national book clubs Reese WitherspoonÕs ÒHello Sunshine,Ó Good Morning America, Barnes & Noble, and Target. Her clients have received support from MacDowell, Bread Loaf, Sewanee, Tin House, Yaddo, The Vermont Studio Center, The Rona Jaffe Foundation, and the Elizabeth George Foundation. Erin collaborates with debut and seasoned authors alike and is honored to champion the careers of: Emiko Jean, Allegra Hyde, SJ Sindu, John Manuel Arias, Michelle Min Sterling, Allie Rowbottom, Adam Wilson, Daniel Levine, Erica Ferencik, Tanen Jones, Laura Maylene Walter, Carla Power, Daniel Pe–a, Curtis Chin, Linda Scott, Jen St. Jude, Kit Frick, Marie Marquardt (and Mayra Cuevas by association!), Jasmine Mans, and Melania Luisa Marte, among many others. Erin is passionate about books that interrogate our collective and personal histories with heart and intelligence; characters that make us feel and stories that make us think, even as they keep us feverishly turning pages; and book club and literary fiction that is high concept, whether it be contemporary, historical, or genre-bending (i.e. an accessible, elevated dash of fabulism, sci-fi, horror, suspense, alt. history, etc.) Erin is a member of the AALA (Association of American Literary Agents) and received her MFA in Creative Writing from the New School. She lives in Brooklyn, NY and is a co-curator of the literary event series HIP Lit.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Current Events Affairs, Education, General Nonfiction, History, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Religion, Spirituality, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Cate Hart is a literary agent with Harvey Klinger. Cate joined Harvey Klinger Literary Agency in 2019 after 5 years with a New York agency where she represented Middle Grade to Adult fiction. She specializes in Historical, whether in Young Adult, WomenÕs Fiction and Romance, or narrative nonfiction. She is particularly drawn to oft forgotten stories of the past and underrepresented voices, and especially personal to her is unexplored Southern history and culture. She also loves high-concept fantasy in YA and Adult fiction. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, studying Theatre and History, Cate currently lives in Nashville with her children.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Design, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, Gardening, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Pamela Harty is a literary agent with The Knight Agency. Pamela joined The Knight Agency in the summer of 2000, and has placed hundreds of titles in a broad range of categories, including; health, parenting, southern history, African-American interest, business, motivation, romance, young adult, childrenÕs, middle grade, and Christian living. Recent sales include books to Penguin Putnam, Grand Central, Random House, Simon and Schuster, Harper Collins, Harlequin/Silhouette, Thomas Nelson, Water Brook, McGraw Hill, and Baker/Revell. She brings to the agency a successful sales background combined with a genuine love of books. Says Pamela, ÒAgenting is my dream job. I get to read for a living while working with incredibly talented people in a competitive and challenging industry. ItÕs a great time to be in publishing where there are more opportunities than ever before for writers.” Pamela serves as The Knight AgencyÕs Vice President of Sales, and belongs to the Association of AuthorsÕ Representatives and Romance Writers of America.
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FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Self-Help, Travel, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Syrone Harvey is a literary agent with the Belcastro Agency. She is an impassioned literary professional, a vibrant force of creativity in the world of books. With an eclectic background in publication, editorial services, and project management, Syrone is dedicated to supporting authors at every step of their writing journey. Syrone is on a mission to be the ultimate ÒbookendÓ for authors, providing them with the personalized support they need to shine at every stage of their literary journey. But SyroneÕs love for literature isnÕt just professionalÑitÕs personal. As a published author, she knows the sheer joy of crafting a story that touches the soul. To her, books arenÕt just objects; theyÕre the means to transport readers to new experiences and perspectives. With her sharp editorial eye and a keen sense for market trends, Syrone is the ultimate guide for authors navigating the ever-changing landscape of publishing. Whether itÕs guiding debut novelists or supporting seasoned writers seeking a new direction, she is passionate about building long-lasting relationships with her clients. She takes a patchwork quilt approach with her authorsÑevery story is unique and one-of-a-kind. She will walk the literary journey with enthusiasm, expertise, and a shared commitment to bringing exceptional stories to readers worldwide. She lives in Southern California with her husband, a chatty parrot, and a lively fur baby.
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FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Satire, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Biography, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Family, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Religion, Self-Help, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Carter Hasegawa is a literary agent at Tugeau 2. He has been in the childrenÕs book world for nearly 20 yearsÑas a book seller for various indies across the US, as an editor at Candlewick Press, and now, as a literary agent. Why kidsÕ books? It began in the late-90s with Andrew ClementÕs Frindle, became a solid go-to genre with Jerry SpinelliÕs Maniac Magee, and finally, it became a wished-for career with Markus ZusakÕs The Book Thief. ÒThe thing IÕve always loved about childrenÕs literature,Ó he says, Òis that beyond the sheer range of incredible stories, itÕs always served as a sort of testing ground for me: of new ideas, of new experiences, of new viewpoints, of emotional extremes.Ó Carter is incredibly proud of the work he did while at Candlewick, but heÕs especially looking forward to finding and developing new talent Ð authors, author-illustrators, illustrators Ð and having a hand in crafting some of the best books out there. When asked what heÕs looking for in a book, he compares it to a particular scene from the movie version of The NeverEnding Story: ÒThe main character, Bastian, is so drawn to a book he finds at a used bookstore that he steals away with it and hides out in his schoolÕs attic and begins to read. In that moment, all that matters is the book. To hold it, turn its pages, fall into its story . . . itÕs magic.Ó In addition to the already-mentioned titles, some of his favorite books include Watercress, My Papi Has a Motorcycle, Big, Tar Beach, Wednesday Wars, EnderÕs Game, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Notorious Benedict Arnold, and SO MANY others. Carter is also an active mentor/speaker for SCBWI, The Writing Barn, Inked Voices, and more. Originally from Seattle, he now lives in Boston with his librarian wife and their two young sons.
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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
Shannon Hassan is a literary agent with the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. Shannon Hassan has been an agent at Marsal Lyon for over a decade. She represents upmarket adult fiction, middle grade fiction, and young adult fiction and has New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors on her list. She looks for contemporary and historical stories with a fresh perspective and big hook. She received her JD from Harvard and her BA from George Washington University. She lives in Boulder, Colorado, and served on the board of The Dairy Arts Center. A sample of books Shannon has represented: THE MASK COLLECTORS, a literary thriller by Iowa Short Fiction Award-winner Ruvanee Vilhauer (Little A), INSIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF A CACTUS, an award-winning middle grade series by Dusti Bowling (Sterling), DIE YOUNG WITH ME, an ALA award-winning memoir by Rob Rufus (Simon & Schuster), THE MOON IN THE PALACE, a RITA-award winning historical series by Weina Dai Randel (Sourcebooks), WHOLLY UNRAVELED, a memoir by Keele Burgin (Little A), THE WORLDÕS GREATEST ADVENTURE MACHINE, a middle grade fantasy by Frank L. Cole (Penguin Random House), GIRLS ON THE LINE, a multicultural young adult novel by Jennie Liu (Lerner), THE SILENCE BETWEEN US, a young adult contemporary by Alison Gervais (HarperCollins), and FR€ULEIN M., a historical novel by Caroline Woods (Simon & Schuster). Before becoming an agent, she was the Acquisitions Editor at Fulcrum Publishing, and prior to that, a corporate attorney at Arnold & Porter in New York. She received her JD from Harvard and her BA from George Washington University, and she serves on the board of The Dairy Arts Center.
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FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Michelle Hauck is a literary agent with the Storm Literary Agency. She devoured the classics at an early age, falling in love with heroic stories like The Three Musketeers, Ivanhoe, and The Scarlet Pimpernel. It wasnÕt until her teens that she got her hands on The Sword of Shannara and discovered a new heroic level in SFF. Now sheÕd like to advocate for stories that take the reader beyond the traditional heroÕs journey. After graduating with a business degree, with a concentration in finance, Michelle worked as a cost accountant for several years before a short stint as a stay-at-home mom. Then she switched gears for twenty years working in an elementary school, where sheÕs learned a lot about what kids like to read and applied that to her own stories, publishing a historic fantasy series with Harper Voyager. SheÕs been helping writers long before taking the step to become an agent. Her Midwest roots taught her to pay things forward, and along with several co-hosts, she ran an impressive collection of contests for writers, including Query Kombat, Nightmare on Query Street, and Picture Book Party. She also learned much from six years as a successful Pitch Wars mentor in adult SFF. Currently, Michelle is taking submissions for middle grade, young adult, and some limited adult genres. Drawn to all sorts of stories from the heroic to the humorous, she loves big worlds, inventive magic systems, and a rich sense of history. Characters with lots of back-story and villains with shades of gray make her day. SheÕs not the best fit for contemporary with dark themes, but she loves contemporary that can be described as quirky, fun, and light. She wants to look at all things SFF or historical, and wonÕt pass up a cozy mystery, page-turner thriller, or a sweet romance. A dash of politics is a great added ingredient. She is not interested in nonfiction or picture books/chapter books at this time. Some books IÕve read recently and enjoyed are: Where Darkness Blooms, The Space Between Worlds, The Once and Future Witches, Station Eternity, The Swifts, Tilly in Technicolor, Where Darkness Blooms, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, The Space Between Worlds, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, This Time ItÕs Real, Legends and Lattes, The Seventh Bride, There Goes the Neighborhood, The Locked Tomb series, the Murderbot series, The Priory of the Orange Tree, Wings of Ebony, Mexican Gothic, Cemetery Boys, Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, How to Trap a Tiger, New Kid, Project Hail Mary, and The City We Became. Old favorites include The Hunger Games series, The Wheel of Time Series, Anne of Green Gables series, The Legend of Eli Monpress, Ready Player One, and The Questionable Behavior of Dalia Moss.
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FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Susan Hawk is a literary agent with Upstart Crow Literary. She has worked in childrenÕs books for over twenty-five years. Her clients include Rachael Allen, author of multiple YA novels, including A Taxonomy of Love and the forthcoming DC Icons title, Harley Quinn: Reckoning; J.M.M. Nuanez, author of the MG novel Birdie and Me; Paul Acampora, whose newest MG novel is the forthcoming In Honor of Broken Things; Sarah Lariviere, author of the YA novel Time Travel for Love and Profit; graphic novelist Rachel Elliott, author of the forthcoming The Real Riley Mayes; author-illustrator Denis Angelov, illustrator of The Big Scream; and Ruth Spiro, author of the Baby Loves Science board book series and the Made by Maxine series of picture books. Before agenting, Susan worked in the ChildrenÕs Marketing departments of Penguin Books for Young Readers, Henry Holt Books for Young Readers and North-South Books, where she managed campaigns for many books and authors including Eric Carle, Mary E Pearson, Richard Peck and Joan Bauer. SheÕs also been a childrenÕs librarian and bookseller, and spent some time in Dutton Editorial, acquiring select picture book and YA projects for that list.
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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