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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
Anne Hawkins is a literary agent with John Hawkins & Associates. Anne has an eclectic list ranging from thrillers to literary fiction to serious non-fiction. She also has particular interests in science, history, public policy, medicine and women`s issues. One of her first sales was the delightful novel EDDIE’S BASTARD by William Kowalski, which has been translated into thirteen languages. The best-selling Reagan: A Life in Letters reflects Anne’s history and policy interests. Her clients include bestselling authors, Tasha Alexander and Taylor Stevens.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Current Events Affairs, Environment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Medical Medicine, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Technology, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Allison Hegan
Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary ManagementCLOSED to SubmissionsQuery Method(s): EmailBiography
Allison Hegan is a literary agent with Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management. She is the founder of Purple Elephant Editing. As a Junior Agent, she will be working closely with CEO Italia Gandolfo on client submissions. Most recently, Allison assembled and edited an anthology, No More Endlings: Saving Species One Story at a Time. She has written several articles including, ÒZoopharmacognosy: how self-healing animals could save humansÓ for a London-based pharmacist that was published on mongabay.com, one of the worldÕs most popular environmental science and conservation news sites. Allison has also been a featured writer for the Wildlife WaystationÕs magazine and has written for the British Herpetological SocietyÕs Herpetological Bulletin. Having been in a writerÕs shoes, she will be able to relate to authors and offer advice during submissions and the editorial process. Originally from Pasadena, California, Allison received her B.A. degree in Geography-Environment and People, and completed both the environmental studies and African studies certificate programs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While studying abroad in Australia, she volunteered with Conservation Volunteers Australia and helped preserve a section of rainforest. Since then, Allison has worked with the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York City, the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy in Virginia, and volunteered as a researcher and consultant for World VisionÕs Natural Environment & Climate Issues department in California. She loves exploring new places and has lived in several cities around the country and abroad. Drawn into novels with emotionally vibrant, compelling, and often flawed characters, Allison believes the best books are those that stay with the reader long after they have been read. Her current interests include young adult fiction, historical fiction, historical romance, mystery, fantasy, suspense, and environmental topics.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction NONFICTION: Environment, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Gary Heidt is a literary agent with Signature Literary Agency. represents authors of nonfiction and fiction. In nonfiction he is interested in history, science, popular culture, narrative nonfiction, psychology, religion, and spirituality. Fiction IÕm looking for now: High-quality literary fiction, science fiction and the occasional thriller. No historical fiction, mysteries, fantasy, cozies or romance. Not that I don’t like them, I just don’t represent them. In non-fiction, IÕd like to find the following: ¥ History and biography. I am looking for authors with credentials as academics, journalists or independent scholars with some publication credits. ¥ Science. I am actively looking for scientists with writing skills who can explain new developments in science to a popular audience, as well as journalists who write about new developments in science and technology. I am also interested in exceptional nonfiction proposals in the following areas: reference, pop culture, memoir, politics, cultural criticism and Fortean/High Strangeness/paranormal, or deep politics.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Education, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Technology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Merrilee Heifetz is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. Merrilee has been at Writers House for over 20 years and was one of the first agents to handle comic books/graphic novels when asked by a very young Neil Gaiman to represent his work with DC Comics (he did promise to write bestselling novels one day and she is very glad she took him at his word.) She is one of the few agents who is well known for representing both adult and children’s books and she finds she has been very successful with authors who don’t fall into categories and who can benefit from overall career management. Her New York Times Bestsellers include Gaiman, Laurell K. Hamilton, Melissa Marr and Beth Revis, whose 2011 debut novel ACROSS THE UNIVERSE she placed in a major deal. Her award winners include three Newbery Medals (Cynthia Voigt, Robin McKinley and Neil Gaiman) a MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient (the late Octavia E Butler) and many best of the year awards such as the Hugo, the Nebula and the World Fantasy Award. For five years she chaired the Contracts Committee for the Association of Authors Representatives (AAR).
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Celebrity, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Reference CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Allison Hellegers is a literary agent with Stimola Literary Studio. As both Foreign Rights Director and Literary Agent, Allison’s tastes lean towards books that have emotional hooks mixed with strong plot, film/TV and/or translation appeal, and take the reader on a journey. Her adult co-agent clients include New York Times bestselling author Lucy Adlington (The Dressmakers of Auschwitz) and Reese Book Club pick Holly Smale (Cassandra in Reverse). SheÕs looking to take on more fiction and non-fiction clients, and is interested in pop culture, music comedy, science, journalism, history, and health/wellness. Her young adult clients include award winning authors Colby Cedar Smith (Call Me Athena) and Rebecca Caprara (Spin) and as well as graphic novel clients Teo Duvall (Brooms) and Mari Costa (Belle of the Ball). In YA, she loves a big hook and bold characters that sweep her off her feet. Middle grade will always be a favorite area, and she enjoys a classic, literary voice with humor and heart, and/or a touch of magical realism. Her middle-grade clients include ALA Notable Elaine Dimopolous (The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow) and beloved Australian author Nova Weetman (It All Begins With Jellybeans), who also has her first adult memoir coming out this year (Love, Death & Other Scenes). She represents a select few picture book clients, including Horn Book award winner Dinah Johnson (H is for Harlem) and Ezra Jack Keats honor winner and beloved Slovenian artist Marta Bartolj (Every Little Kindness). Allison attends the book fairs in Frankfurt and Bologna each year and has been an industry speaker and on staff at numerous conferences and events; this year sheÕs honored to have been chosen to participate in the Creative Australian VIP Publisher Program. Aside from working, sheÕs happiest when hiking with her rescue mutt in Brooklyn, reading alongside her son near a body of water, listening to music on a road trip, or looking at the sky from inside an airplane or train.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Poetry, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Cathy Hemming is a literary agent with Cathy Hemming Literary Agency. She works in conjunction with McCormick & Williams.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Medical Medicine, Money Finance, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Reference, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Bethany Fulk Hendrix is a literary agent with Spencerhill Associates. Bethany joined Spencerhill in 2024 after working at a boutique literary agency for 5 years. Her background includes a BA in English, a specialization in Social Media Marketing, and time as a PR and editorial assistant. Her favorite parts of being an agent are editing and building relationships with her clients. Bethany is seeking middle grade and young adult fiction in all genres, as well as adult fantasy and romance. She is especially interested in diverse fantasy, rom-coms, and historical romance. Bethany is always looking for new voices and diverse perspectives. Bethany lives with her husband, their two cats, Fergus and Obi, and their farm dog, Chuck, where she spends her time reading, writing, and visiting the local coffee shop far too often. She can be found on Twitter, @bethanyfulk.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Magical Realism, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Sports Fiction, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Chelsea Hensley is an agent at Mad Woman Literary Agency representing a varied list of clients writing across ages and genres and a few who are also illustrating. She began her agenting career in 2020 and continues to build a list that reflects her own diverse tastes, from the lushest of fantasies to the tensest thrillers, steamy, hilarious romcoms to smart sci-fi, lyrical picture books to plucky middle grade, and imaginative, innovative horror to intelligent, deeply researched nonfiction. In all areas, Chelsea enjoys bold work from ambitious creators who share her unrelenting drive to succeed in a challenging industry. Chelsea is a Capricorn from St. Louis, where she lives with a pair of very cute, though very chaotic, dogs. She enjoys D&D, Golden Girls, womenÕs soccer, chocolate chip cookies, and Airtable. She is a member of the AALA.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Sports, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Katia Herman is a literary agent with The Herman Agency. She graduated from NYU, where she created her own major in painting and writing. Katia now has 2 sons and 2 stepsons, ages 13, 10, 11 and 4, so she is a very busy woman in a home with 5 males! Middle grade books are not only something she enjoys reading, but a genre she has read to her boys and to which she feels connected to. Katia wrote and illustrated her first “book”, You Get Some Good and You Get Some Bad, when she was eight years old. Throughout high school (Fieldston in NYC) she wrote endless poems and found solace in characters in literature from Anna in Anna Karenina to Holden Caulfield in Catcher in The Rye. As Katia got older, she loved the complex voice of Nabokov and got through her teenage and young adult years with the help of Sharon Olds, Adrienne Rich and T.S. Eliot. These are years she still holds onto, and it is no wonder she finds herself an agent for YA and middle grade books. She loves these genres! Katia also runs her own high-end flower design business and teaches work-out classes. If you are wondering if Katia is related to Ronnie, the answer is yes; she is RonnieÕs much loved younger daughter.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Saritza Hernandez is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Known as the first literary agent to represent marginalized creators in the digital publishing space, Saritza is a self-proclaimed geek with a passion for all things Star Wars, Star Trek, and tabletop gaming. Her love of great storytelling is what has driven her work in the publishing industry for the past 17 years and her passion for amplifying queer and BIPOC voices is what continues to drive her today. An avid romance and science-fiction reader, and strong advocate of the LGBTQ+ community, she enjoys fresh voices in YA and adult genre fiction. She specializes in romance and young adult fiction by and for diverse audiences. She also represents writers and illustrators for middle grade, young adult, and adult (fiction and nonfiction) and is actively building her list in the following categories: Adult fiction – romance, science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Adult narrative nonfiction – cooking books (not cookbooks), parenting, humor. Young adult and middle grade fiction – contemporary/realistic fiction, romance, science fiction, fantasy, mystery and horror. Young adult and middle grade nonfiction – cooking books, humor, queer narratives, queer history. Graphic novels – adult, young adult, middle grade (including nonfiction). Illustrators – middle grade to adult categories Her client titles include: 2018 Lambda Literary Finalist and 2017 NYPL Book of the Year DREADNOUGHT (Diversion Books) by April Daniels; 2019 RITA Winner, THREE-WAY SPLIT (Entangled) by Elia Winters; 2020 YA Debut, SALTY, BITTER, SWEET (Blink/HarperCollins) by CNN Producer Mayra Cuevas; and 2021-2022 YA contemporary fiction titles, TROUBLE GIRLS by Julia Lynn Rubin (Wednesday/Macmillan); and UNEXPECTING by Jen Bailey (Wednesday/Macmillan). Saritza teaches a 10-week course at the UCLA Extension on publishing for the Writing Department, speaks at writer workshops across the country and through her local library system in Orlando, Florida and various “LitLando” writing community groups. She also participates in book events like the upcoming virtual book festival Wordplay, hosted by The Loft.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Food Drink, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Technology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Paloma Hernando is a literary agent with Ayesah Pande Literary. She got her start at Einstein Literary Management in 2020, where she built a list focusing on graphic novels and illustrated books,Êand joined APL in the fall of 2024. Coming from a background of independent comics and the DIY scene, Paloma has always been attracted to well-told stories with a passionate drive behind them. Paloma is also accepting prose works and is seeking any book that tells genre stories in new ways. The only thing she likes more than trope-y fun is the chance to break it down into something new. Paloma also represents illustrators for literary projects and is always on the lookout for strong visual styles. As a daughter of Argentinian immigrants, Paloma views publishing globally and would love to work with any bilingual or international projects. Currently located in Brooklyn, Paloma can usually be found at a drag show or in the karaoke room, and would love to recommend the next movie you should watch.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Technology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Jennifer Herrera is literary agent with the David Black Agency. Jenny joined the David Black Agency in 2015 after working at Fletcher & Company and Europa Editions, where she was an early advocate of Elena Ferrante. She went to college in Ohio, where she studied Philosophy, French, and Russian, and has masterÕs degrees in Philosophy and Social Sciences. Her authors have been awarded the Harriet Tubman Prize, nominated for the J. Anthony Lukas Prize, appeared on NPRÕs Fresh Air, and been New York Times bestsellers. She loves reading nonfiction books about big ideas and is particularly drawn to smart, issue-driven books, especially those from journalists as well as writers with professional expertise, including science, psychology, philosophy, economics, prescriptive, lifestyle, history, and the stories of underrepresented groups. In terms of fiction, she loves character-driven thrillers, upmarket book club fiction, and imaginative fantasy. Books she wishes she would have represented include: Fair Play by Eve Rodsky, Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche, Lab Girl by Hope Jahren, How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis, Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe, The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, The God of the Woods by Liz Moore, and Starling House by Alix E. Harrow.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Computers, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Journalism, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Photography, Politics, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Technology, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ali Herring is a literary agent with Spencerhill Associates. Ali joined Spencerhill in 2017. She represents a broad range of upmarket and commercial fiction, and is proud to represent, among others, Bram Stoker Award winner Lora Senf, bestselling inspirational author Kristin Billerbeck, and finalist for the Philip K. Dick Award for distinguished science fiction and winner of the Pen New England Susan P. Bloom Children’s Book Discovery Award, Kristy Acevedo. A former magazine associate editor, Ali has a diverse background in communications and editorial. She graduated valedictorian of her class at Berry College in 2001, where she obtained her bachelorÕs degree in Journalism. She is seeking middle grade and young adult fiction in all genres, science fiction and fantasy, romance, womenÕs fiction, and inspirational fiction, especially category and single-title romance. She particularly likes high-concept commercial fiction with a literary flair. If you’d like a better idea of her interests, you can find her on Twitter, @HerringAli, where she regularly posts #MSWL’s. Please query her only via the Query Manager link under the submission’s tab.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction
Biography
Christa Heschke is a literary agent with the McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency. Christa graduated from Binghamton University with a major in English and a minor in Anthropology. She started in publishing as an intern at both Writers House and Sterling Lord Literistic, where she fell in love with the agency side of publishing. Christa has been at McIntosh and Otis, Inc. in the Children’s Literature Department since 2009 where she is actively acquiring for all age groups in childrenÕs. Christa is taking on picture books very sparingly and is not taking on rhyming picture books. SheÕs interested in fiction and nonfiction picture books about environmentalism, especially the ocean, as well as diverse cultures and identities. She is more open in middle grade and young adult, prioritizing BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse, and disabled writers. She is interested in contemporaryÐwhether issue-driven or lighter and rom-comÐas well as various genres including horror, fantasy, mystery/thriller, and historical. She is considering adult fantasy very sparingly, and is not open to any other adult work. She is not interested in rhyming picture books or religious texts. She leans toward more literary writing. Some specific topics that interest her in addition to the above are unique, atmospheric settings/world-building and underrepresented cultural influences, offbeat narrative structures, complex romances, stories featuring siblings or friendship dynamics, and stories featuring artists of any kind.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Thriller NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Environment, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Lane Heymont is President and literary agent with The Tobias Literary Agency. Lane HeymontÕs literary agent journey began at the age of eight when his grandfather paid him $5 to read and discuss the classics of literature. He started his publishing career at The Seymour Agency. In 2016, Lane formed The Tobias Literary Agency. With his eclectic taste and particular passion for horror, Lane is the top literary agent in the genre. Some of LaneÕs favorite reads include horror classics such FRANKENSTEIN, OR THE MODERN PROMEHTEUS by Mary Shelley, THE WILLOWS by Algernon Blackwood, and the works of Sheridan Le Fanu, Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Lovecraft (in spite of his being a monster himself), Nathaniel Hawthorne, the BrontŽ sisters, Daphne du Maurier, Ann Radcliffe, and more. Newer horror favorites include THE HUNGER by Alma Katsu, THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS by Stephen Graham Jones, and ALL THE WHITE SPACES by Ally Wilkes. Outside of horror, LaneÕs favorite novels include SKELETONS AT THE FEAST by Chris Bohjalian, KNIGHT OF THE BLACK ROSE by James Lowder, the DRAGONLANCE CHRONICLES by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, IN COLD BLOOD by Truman Capote, I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS by Maya Angelou, and THE DINOSAUR ARTIST by Paige Williams. As a literary agent, Lane represents a broad range of commercial fiction and serious nonfiction. In fiction, he is especially interested in projects broadly defined as horror. This includes select young adult horror. He is always looking for projects by underrepresented voices both in horror, fiction in general, and nonfiction. In nonfiction, Lane focuses on the sciences, cultural studies, history, pop-culture, and celebrity projects.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Environment, General Nonfiction, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Nature, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Technology, Travel, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Jordan Hill
New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc.Accepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Jordan Hill is a literary agent with New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. She is primarily pursuing literary and upmarket fiction for adults. She loves intergenerational stories that grapple with complexities of families and culture through time and anything with an unreliable narrator or a speculative bent. SheÕs also a fan of weird short fiction. In the YA space, sheÕs drawn to contemporary thrillersÐanything with high stakes and a heart. For Middle Grade readers, she looks for adventure or contemporary stories that deal with tough topics for kids. Across the board, she also considers historical fiction or retellings with a fresh approach and compelling perspective. Prior to agenting she worked in the advertising world at a boutique agency, and before that was a bookseller. She hails from Texas and studied English Language & Lit and Spanish at Smith College. In her free time she loves exploring Brooklyn and is always on the search for the best cheeseburger the city has to offer.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Markus Hoffmann joined Regal Literary in 2006 and was made a partner in the agency in 2014, when it became Regal Hoffmann & Associates. He studied English and Russian literature and linguistics in Munich, Moscow, and at Hertford College, Oxford, and started his career in publishing in London in the late 90s before relocating to New York City in 2004. He still betrays his transatlantic allegiance by insisting on the proper pronunciation of the words basil, tomato, and herb (among others). If he ever writes a book, it will be called WHY PUNS MATTER. His main interests as an agent are international and literary fiction, genre-redefining speculative fiction, crime, literary memoir, philosophy, history, music, popular science, and travel literature. He also looks after the agencyÕs foreign rights. He’s obsessed with surfing and capoeira and plays the trumpet in the publishing jazz combo The Editšrial Standards.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Mara Hollander is a literary agent with the Azantian Literary Agency. She started her publishing career at FinePrint Literary Management and joinedÊAzantian Literary Agency in 2025. Prior to working in publishing, Mara earned a bachelor’s degree at Georgetown University and a PhD and Pitt Public Health, and was a professor researching US health care policy. Mara believes stories make us who we are and that everyone deserves a chance to write their own. She is actively seeking to represent authors from communities traditionally underrepresented in publishing, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and disabled and/or chronically ill writers. In her free time, she writes fantasy novels, watches a shocking amount of figure skating, roots for the Washington Nationals and Georgetown Hoyas, and daydreams about petting dogs.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Dating Relationships Sex, Environment, Health Wellness, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Psychology, Reference, Science, Sports, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ameerah Holliday is a literary agent with the Serendipity Literary Agency. She is a dancer and self-proclaimed poetess from San Diego, California. She received her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from San Diego State University. Holliday is a former editorial assistant intern for Poetry International and currently serves as editorial director for the San Diego Poetry Annual and assistant editor for Kids! San Diego Poetry Annual. Ameerah has attended the San Diego Comic-Con every year since 2011, is a published poet, and has a cat named after a villain from The Vampire Diaries.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, Health Wellness, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Pop Culture, Psychology, Self-Help, Spirituality CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Marufa Hoque is a literary agent with and the founder of Cresent Literary. She is the founder of Crescent Literary and a graduate of UCLA Extension’s Literary Representation program. As a former teacher at a Muslim girls’ private school where her students were primarily immigrants or children of immigrants, she is dedicated to uplifting voices in publishing. Marufa has a BA in Geography and a minor in English as books have always been her passion. Her favorite genres are science-fiction and fantasy (if it has a dragon and/or mentions space, she’s all ears!). She currently resides in NYC working on her next novel.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Science Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Elisa Houot is a literary agent with The Seymour Agency. She is the author of five published Young Adult novels. Enthusiastic about discovering new voices, Elisa lives in France with her adorable and barking companion, Muffin. She joined The Seymour Agency after a MA in publishing. Reader, reviewer, book blogger, short story writer, published author, foreign rights agent, literary agent, Elisa has had many roles in the publishing industry. Beyond anything, she thrives on helping authors build their careers.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Thriller NONFICTION: Nonfiction, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Antwan Houser is a literary agent with the Cyle Young Literary Elite. He a dedicated leader who loves working with and impacting the lives of youth and young adults in all facets of life. He is passionate about youth and young adults formerly serving as Youth Pastor at Mount Pisgah MBC and currently serving as the minister over the Young Adult Ministry at Emmanuel MBC in Indianapolis, IN. He is a college graduate whom has achieved five degrees, to include an Associates, two Bachelors and two Masters. Antwan was the 2015 recipient of the MayorÕs Community Service Award for the State of Indiana awarded by Mayor Greg Ballard, he was the recipient of a Letter of Appreciation for his community service and service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day awarded by Congressman AndreÕ Carson. He one whom lives by his life scripture Òto whom much is given, much is required.” Antwan, a Pastor and United States Navy Veteran, member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, member of the Indianapolis Urban League as well as a Member of the Indiana Rotary Club is married with three children.
Notes
NONFICTION: Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Gift Novelty, Inspirational Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Self-Help CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Elise Howard is a literary agent with DeFiore and Company. Prior to joining DeFiore & Company, Elise Howard was the founding publisher of Algonquin Young Readers, an imprint of Workman Publishing, which she led from 2011 to 2022. Elise was previously SVP and associate publisher at HarperCollins Children’s Books, where she oversaw the publication of many award-winning and bestselling books. Some of the authors she has worked with include Masuma Ahuja, Avi, Tracey Baptiste, Kelly Barnhill, Sara Farizan, Neil Gaiman, Kelly Jensen, and Nova Ren Suma. Books she has edited have won the Newbery Medal twice, the Edgar Allen Poe Award for best juvenile novel twice, and many other awards and honors. She began her career as a book packager, conceiving, selling to publishers, and developing juvenile and adult fiction and non-fiction projects. As a literary agent, Elise is looking for new favoritesÑ hers, an editorÕs, and ultimately the readerÕs: fiction and non-fiction to be savored and remembered for its immersive storytelling, rich world-building, and illumination of landscapes known and unknown. Elise is generally not looking for genre fiction, but she may take on a book with a great love story at its heart or one with elements of fantasy. She is looking for a twisty, well-done mystery, especially if it features a great new sleuth with many stories to tell. SheÕs also eager to represent eye-opening narrative non-fiction, particularly stories of the natural world, visible or invisible, including the human mind and body, or of people and events previously unknown or overlooked.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Environment, Gardening, Illustrated, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Macey Howell is a literary agent with WordLink, Incorporated. She is looking for literary fiction, romance, fantasy, psychological suspense and horror, narrative nonfiction, and cross-genre works that encompass any mix of these elements. She especially loves stylistically unconventional writing that uses language in an unexpected way and makes it feel unfamiliar and then familiar again, like moving into a new house and making it your home. In YA and middle grade, she would like to see contemporary and fantasy projects that are imaginative and have coming-of-age themes that speak to a young readerÕs perspective and concerns. She also considers whimsical and charming picture books that have a strong emotional center and deeply understand the specific context of the audience.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Mandy Hubbard is a literary agent with and the founder of the Emerald City Literary Agency. Mandy began her publishing career on the other side of the deskÐas an author. Her debut novel, Prada and Prejudice, was published by PenguinÕs Razorbill books imprint in 2009, and went on to appear in TIME magazine and Entertainment Weekly. She has since written 10 other novels, published by Harlequin, Flux, and Bloomsbury. Her work has been translated into a half dozen languages and optioned for film. Soon, Mandy found that she was just as drawn to the business side of publishing as she was the creative one. She considered a career as a literary agent, and tested the waters by interning for an established New York City agency. The internship confirmed sheÕd found her passion, and soon after she sought out an agency interested in adding a new agent to their roster. Mandy joined D4EO Literary Agency in February of 2010, where she began building her list. A few months later she sold her first book in a 4-way auction. The following year, she brokered her first six figure deal. By the end of 2015 sheÕd sold nearly 70 novels to major publishers, and was ready to launch Emerald City Literary Agency. Mandy still juggles writing with agenting, and wouldnÕt want it any other way.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Morgan Hughes is a literary agent with FinePrint Literary Management. She grew up in the midwest before relocating to Texas as soon as she turned eighteen. There, she attended Texas Tech University and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English literature. Morgan was previously an intern and Agency Assistant at Pippin Properties before joining FinePrint Literary in 2023 as an Associate Agent. She currently lives in Texas with her husband and their dog. Morgan believes that books can change the world and is committed to discovering and uplifting underrepresented voices. She is seeking Middle Grade and YA fantasy / adventure with a particular interest in graphic novels. She is also interested in YA, New Adult, and Adult romance. She loves unique narratives, strong voices, and impressive world-building, but is also drawn to small town vibes and sports settings. She is currently not seeking picture books, science-fiction, thrillers/mysteries, or nonfiction.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Sports Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Michelle Humphrey is a literary agent with the Martha Kaplan Agency. Before returning to the Martha Kaplan Agency where she was an agent 2009-2010, Michelle Humphrey was with International Creative Talent and Sterling Lord Literistic. Prior to these stints, she worked as an assistant for Renee Zuckerbrot Agency then Anderson Literary. She has also worked as an English Teacher, proofreader, and Freelance Book Reviewer. Her reviews have been published in Bitch, Bust, and The Women’s Review of Books.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction NONFICTION: Autobiography, Biography, Current Events Affairs, History, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Reference, Science, Technology, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction