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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): Commercial Fiction
Biography
Ricia Mainhardt is a literary agent with the Ricia Mainhardt Agency. Ricia has represented authors from her offices in New York for more than twenty years. In addition to her regular clients, she enthusiastically supports talented, unpublished authors. After a long hiatus recovering from a car accident, Ricia is back, looking for the next publishing star and is excited about her work and her writers. Originally from Wisconsin, Ricia has an undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and a graduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis in auditory electrophysiology. After spending time in her chosen specialty as well as peddling rags as a sales representative for the clothing industry, Ricia discovered a field that synthesized her love for the written word and for people. A student, fan, and friend of greats in the science fiction field such as Robert Heinlein, Ray Bradbury, and Harlan Ellison, she achieved quick success in that publishing field and opened her agency in 1987. Soon afterwards, she branched out into other areas, most notably romance and new age, and has developed numerous writers in other genres. Ricia jointly edited two anthologies, a collection of superhero stories with John Varley and a tribute book to Robert Bloch with Richard Matheson. Her client list has included Ray Garton (Simon and Schuster, among others) in horror, children’s fiction, and novelizations, Michael A. Stackpole (Bantam, HarperCollins) in science fiction and fantasy, Richard Lee Byers (Minstrel [S&S]) in fantasy, Jim Butcher (Roc) in “gumshoe fantasy,” and Janeen O’Kerry (Dorchester) in historical and time-travel romance.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Western Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, New Age, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Steven Malk is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. Steven is the third generation of his family to be involved in children’s books, as both his mother and grandmother owned children’s bookstores. He opened a West Coast office for Writers House in 1998, and represents a wide range of authors and illustrators, including Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith, Marla Frazee, Kadir Nelson, Sara Pennypacker, Jennifer Donnelly, Brett Helquist, Sonya Sones, Adam Rex, Deborah Wiles, and Cynthia Rylant, among others.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Erin Malone is a literary agent with WME Books. Erin has been a literary agent at WME since 2006. Prior to books she worked in film/TV. She represents fiction as well as narrative (personal and investigative) and platform-driven nonfiction, and occasional lifestyle titlesÑprimarily in the areas of psychology, science, culture, and food. More than any specific genre, sheÕs drawn to good stories and distinct points of view. Among the clients she represents are #1 New York Times bestselling authors, major book club selections, Thurber Prize finalists, Hugo and Edgar Award nominees, Fulbright Scholars, Goodreads Choice Award winners, and combinations thereof. She is looking to work with writers who make us think, as well as those who provide a great escape. She ascribes ardently to Carrie FisherÕs adage that Òif life werenÕt funny it would just be true, and thatÕs unacceptable.Ó Originally from the Midwest, she worked in WMEÕs NYC office before moving to LA, where she lives with her husband, a writer, and their two kids.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Investigative, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Psychology, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Pamela Malpas is a literary agent with the Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency. Pamela Malpas has spent more than two decades in publishing; before joining the Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency, she was an agent with Harold Ober Associates, and prior to that, with Knox Burger Associates. She has worked with winners of the Stella Prize, and the Morton Dauwen Zabel, PEN/New England, PEN/West, and Ippy awards. Pamela represents work in several categories of fiction and narrative nonfiction. AAR member.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, History, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Politics, Science, True Crime
Biography
Alyssa Maltese is a literary agent with Root Literary. She says: ÒGetting to be an early champion for authorsÕ work is a huge privilege, and a responsibility for which I am deeply grateful. IÕm excited to find and uplift books that you canÕt put down, books that surprise you, books that make you think, and, above all else, books that help people.Ó
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Dan Mandel is a literary agent with Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. represents both literary and commercial fiction, as well as memoirs and non-fiction about business, art, history, politics, sports, and popular culture. His clients write for The Economist, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, HarperÕs, The New York Times, the Financial Times, and The Wall Street Journal, among others, and the books he has worked on have been New York Times Bestsellers, and short-listed for both the Booker and the FT Business Book of the Year. A graduate of Cornell University, he interned at The New Yorker and attended the Radcliffe Publishing Course.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, General Nonfiction, History, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Sports
Biography
Jay Mandel is a literary agent with WME Books. Jay, the worldwide head of WME Books, joined the company in 2001 after beginning his career at the Virginia Barber Literary Agency. He represents a wide range of both fiction and nonfictionÑfrom international literary work to suspense thrillers, investigative journalism, political theory, history, popular science, business, technology writing, memoir and sports.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Investigative, Journalism, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Sports, Technology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Jennifer March Soloway is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Jennifer joined the Andrea Brown Literary Agency in 2016, after a career in marketing and public relations. Agenting is her dream job. She loves working with writers and illustrators, and nothing gives her greater joy than to help an author elevate their story. She is most drawn to emotionally compelling voices and fresh perspectives underrepresented in literature. Please send Jennifer: Adult literary thrillers and horror (she is a suspense junkie, who loves to be scared). Throw in dash of (bad) romance, and sheÕs hooked! YA novels in any genre (thrillers, gothic, humor), but especially literary stories about ordinary teens, focused on family, relationships, sexuality, mental illness, or recovery. MG novels full of humor and heart, including adventures, mysteries, spooky-but-not-too-scary ghost stories, contemporary, and grounded fantasy. Stories that blurs the lines between the real and the imagined in any category. Picture books with surprise endings that make her laugh. Eye-catching illustration with a distinct style. ThatÕs her wish list, but you might have something she has never considered before, and it might be absolutely perfect for her. Surprise her!
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Victoria Marini is a literary agent with High Line Literary Collective. She began her career as a literary assistant at Sterling Lord in 2007 and spent the next sixteen years becoming an agent with Gelfman Schneider, ICM Partners, and the Irene Goodman Agency before co-founding High Line in 2023. Originally from rural Pennsylvania, sheÕs been in New York for over two decades, though sheÕs usually found in the same few-block radius. She has represented numerous award winning and bestselling authors across audiences and is interested in a broad range of sub-genres for both Upmarket & Commercial Adult and Young Adult readers. Her list is made up of everything from Literary page-turners to commercial suspense, supernatural horrors, whimsical speculative romantasy, big world fantasies, adventures, romance, edgy sci-fi, grounded magical fabulism, rom-coms, speculative thrillers, etc. What unites her eclectic list is a sense of unforgettable authentic characters, hooky concepts with strong plotting and an emotional core, and unique voices or visions! She is a sucker for quirk, mystery, small town hysteria, atmosphere, secrets, things that go bump in the night, a bit of charm, a twist of magic, or a dash of humor.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jill Marr is an agent at the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency. She graduated from SDSU with a BA in English with an emphasis in creative writing and a minor in history. She has a strong Internet and media background and nearly 20 years of publishing experience. She wrote features and ads for Pages, the literary magazine for people who love books, as well as book ads for publishing houses, magazine pieces, and promotional features for television. Jill is looking for fiction and non-fiction by unrepresented voices, BIPOC and Latinx writers, disabled persons, and people identifying as LGBTQ+, among others. She is interested in commercial and upmarket fiction, with an emphasis on mysteries, thrillers, Gothic, horror, romantasy, romance, fantasy, speculative fiction, and historical fiction. She loves food-centric novels, no matter what the genre. She is looking to find more rom coms with a fresh voice, perspective and a strong hook. When it comes to suspense she likes it dark and psychological. Her tastes lean more in the vein of The Silent Patient, The Lost Apothecary, Mexican Gothic and the works of S.A. Cosby than Private Investigator and CIA stories. And she almost never takes on military or Western projects. However she is a sucker for novels with grounded magical realism, and is always looking for a new take on mythology or folklore. She is also looking for non-fiction by authors with a big, timely, smart message. She’d like to see work that does a deep dive into subcultures and social commentary as well as historical projects that look at big picture issues. Jill is looking for non-fiction projects in the areas of current events, true crime, science, history, narrative non-fiction, sports, politics, health & nutrition, pop culture, humor, music, and very select memoir. Some of Jill’s recent and soon-to-be-published non-fiction includes the New York Times best-selling The Menopause Manifesto (Citadel Press) and Blood by Dr. Jennifer Gunter; The Stadium (Basic Books) by Frank Andre Guridy; Becoming Baba (Doubleday) by Aymann Ismail; Big Dirty Money (Viking) by Jennifer Taub; Dateable (Hachette Go) by Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp; Use the Power You Have (The New Press) by Congresswoman, Pramila Jayapal; Freedom to Win (Pegasus) by Ethan Scheiner;The Great Black Hope (Public Affairs) by Louis Moore; Goddess Energy (Tarcher) by Gabriela Herstik, Manifesting Justice by Valena Beety, the Founding Director of the West Virginia Innocence Project; Keep Marching (Hachette) by Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, the co-founder of MomsRising; Ali on Ali (Workman) by the daughter of Muhammad Ali, Hana Ali; Being Heumann (Beacon Press) by late American disability activist Judith Heumann. Some of Jill’s new and upcoming fiction includes The Curse of Penryth Hall (Minotaur) the USA Today bestseller by the winner of the 2022 MWA/Minotaur Books First Crime Novel Competition Jess Armstrong; Come with Me (Thomas & Mercer) by Edgar Award-winning author Erin Flanagan; Do No Harm (Minotaur) by Robert Pobi; Edgar Award-winning A Dreadful Splendor (William Morrow) by B.R. Myers, A Sweet Sting of Salt (Random House) by Rose Sutherland; Hot Summer (Putnam) by Elle Everhart; Love and Other Conspiracies (Berkley) by Mallory Marlowe; The Last Witch in Edinburgh (Kensington) by Marielle Thompson; Kilt Trip (Canary Street Press) by Alex Kiley; The Mystery Writer (Sourcebooks) by Sulari Gentill; Juror #3 (Little, Brown) a thriller written with James Patterson, by Nancy Allen; The Fourth Prophesy (Grand Central) by international best-seller Glenn Cooper; In the Hour of Crows (Mira) by Dana Elmendorf; The Devil and Mrs. Davenport (Lake Union) by Paulette Kennedy. Please note that Jill is specifically not interested in: screenplays, poetry, and novellas Jill is interested in commercial fiction, with an emphasis on mysteries, thrillers, romantic suspense and horror, women’s commercial fiction and historical fiction. She is also looking for non-fiction by authors who are getting their work published regularly and who have a realistic sense of the market and their audience. Jill is looking for non-fiction projects in the areas of history, sports, politics, current events, self-help, cookbooks, health & nutrition, pop culture, humor, music, and very select memoir. Some of Jill’s recent and soon-to-be-published nonfiction includes the Travel Channel’s Nick Groff’s Chasing Spirits (NAL); Maybe We’ll Have You Back (Skyhorse) by actor Fred Stoller; Get Over It (Seal Press) by Christina Pesoli; Doulas A. Wissing’s Funding Our Enemy (Prometheus Books); Why We Love Serial Killers (Skyhorse) by Scott Bonn; America’s Greatest “Failing” School (Nation Books) by journalist Kristina Rizga; Don’t Lick the Minivan (Skyhorse) by Leanne Shirtliffe; William Jones’ More Than the Dream: The Untold Story of the March on Washington (Norton); Rocking the Pink (Seal Press) by singer-songwriter Laura RoppŽ; Stop Reading Baby Books (Skyhorse) by JJ Keith; Drunks: America’s Search for Sobriety by Christopher Finan; and Argyle Armada: Life with America’s Top Pro Cycling Team (VeloPress) by Mark Johnson. Some of Jill’s new and upcoming fiction includes Bloodman and American Woman (Thomas & Mercer) by Robert Pobi; Reckless Disregard (Seven Stories Press) by Robert Rotstein; Three Souls (HarperCollins) by Janie Chang; Madam (Plume) by Cari Lynne and Kellie Martin; The Cordell Logan thriller series (The Permanent Press) by David Freed; Benefit of the Doubt (Tor/Forge) by Neal Griffin; Garbo’s Last Stand (Entranced) by Jon Miller; The Crossroads thriller series (Thomas & Mercer) by Eyre Price; The Dog Year (Berkley) by Ann Garvin; The Change Your Name Store (Sky Pony Press) by Leanne Shirliffe; and the Jaden Terrell series that includes the Shamus Award nominee Racing the Devil and A Cup Full of Midnight (The Permanent Press). Please note that Jill is specifically not interested in: YA, children’s books, sci-fi, romance, screenplays, graphic novels, or anything involving unicorns.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Technology, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book
Biography
Jill Marsal is a literary agent with the Marsal Lyons Literary Agency. Jill is a founding partner of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency and has been in the publishing industry for 20 years. Previously, she worked as a Literary Agent with the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency for eight years and at Dorchester Publications and Tudor Publishing, editing womenÕs fiction and suspense/thrillers. Jill also has a strong legal background and holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School. She practiced as an attorney with Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati for five years. On the fiction front, Jill looks for all types of commercial fiction, womenÕs fiction, stories of family, interesting relationships, Southern fiction, or multi-generations, and romance. She also is looking for mysteries, psychological suspense, cozies, and thrillers that keep the pages turning and have an original hook. She welcomes a dramatic storyline and compelling characters in interesting situations or relationships. If you have a novel that has a highly original concept or voice, Jill would love to see it. On the non-fiction side, JillÕs areas of interest include business, current events, health/wellness, self-help, lifestyle, advice/relationships, psychology, parenting, history, science, and narrative non-fiction. She is particularly drawn to projects which will move readers or leave them thinking, which make provocative arguments or share interesting research, or which offer useful, new advice. Jill enjoys working with both new and experienced writers. A few of JillÕs represented books include WITH LOVE FROM THE INSIDE by Angela Pisel (Putnam), THE CHALLENGER SALE by Wall Street Journal bestselling authors Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson (Portfolio), FIELD GUIDE TO HOMICIDES by NYT bestselling author Lynn Cahoon (Kensington), A TASTE OF SUGAR by NYT bestselling author Marina Adair (Grand Central), CROSS HER HEART by Amazon Charts bestselling author Melinda Leigh (Montlake), LIMITLESS MIND by Stanford Professor Jo Boaler (Harper One), MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTERS by Phyllis Fagell (Da Capo), and FEELING AT HOME: THE BRAIN AND WHERE WE LIVE by John S. Allen (Basic).
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Computers, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s Issues
Biography
Evan Marshall is president of The Evan Marshall Agency and Indie Rights Agency. He is an award-winning literary agent specializing in fiction. Evan has held senior editorial positions at Houghton Mifflin, Ariel Books, New American Library, Everest House and Dodd, Mead, where he acquired national and international bestsellers. An expert on fiction writing, he has served as a contest judge for Wattpad and is a NaNoWriMo Mighty Catalyst for Literary Righteousness. He authored the classic writing guide The Marshall Plan¨ for Novel Writing in 1998. It is now available as How To Write A Novel-The Marshall¨ Plan Software, co-created with Martha Jewett. The Marshall Plan¨ takes the frustration out of writing and delivers successful results fast. He is a graduate of Boston College. Evan is the author of ten traditionally published mystery novels in the Hidden Manhattan series and Jane Stuart series, called ÒMiss Marple liteÓ by Kirkus Reviews.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Western Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction
Biography
Jen Marshall is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. She represents acclaimed and bestselling narrative nonfiction projects such as Marisa MeltzerÕs GLOSSY, a 2023 New York Times bestseller and a New Yorker Best Books of the Year, Joe PompeoÕs BLOOD AND INK, which was named Best True Crime of 2022 by the New York Times, Danielle DreilingerÕs THE SECRET HISTORY OF HOME ECONOMICS, which was the recipient of a Silvers Grant for Work in Progress and longlisted for the Carnegie Medal, and, with colleague Will Lippincott, Paul PringleÕs BAD CITY, a Los Angeles Times bestseller. She also represents select literary and commercial fiction projects, such as Keziah WeirÕs debut THE MYTHMAKERS and Jenny Minton Quigley for the O. Henry Prizes, collected annually as THE BEST SHORT STORIES. JenÕs areas of interest in nonfiction are wide-ranging: investigative journalism, untold histories, fashion and design, social justice, true crime, tech, business, science, cities, and pop culture. In fiction, Jen primarily seeks literary and commercial works for adults. Jen brings to her work as an agent a thorough understanding of the publishing and bookselling industries, as well as deep expertise in public relations and audience-building for authors. She joined Aevitas after almost twenty years working for the Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group at Penguin Random House in various roles from Director of Publicity for Anchor Books to Publicist at Large for the imprint. Prior to that, she worked as an independent bookseller at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, MA. As a publicist, Jen worked closely with a wide range of award-winning and bestselling authors, including Margaret Atwood, P.D. James, Ayelet Waldman, Dan Brown, Mona Simpson, Chris Bohjalian, E L James, Thomas Cahill, Claire Messud, Erin Morgenstern, Joseph Ellis, and Karen Armstrong. A native of northwest Connecticut, Jen graduated from Bucknell University with honors in English. Jen divides her time between ACMÕs New York office and her home in Western Massachusetts.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Literary Fiction, Romance NONFICTION: Art, Beauty Fashion Style, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Design, Education, Health Wellness, History, Journalism, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Pop Culture, Reference, Science, Technology, True Crime
Biography
Beth Marshea is the owner and Lead Agent at Ladderbird Literary Agency. She has a BA in Literature and a Masters in Business Administration and is always looking for new and exciting ways to bring more diversity into publishing and beyond. Outside of agenting, Beth, teaches writing in her local community with a focus on bringing reluctant writers and readers into the magical world of books. She loves the outdoors and is also a certified lifeguard.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mainstream Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, History, How-To, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Spirituality, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Alice Martell is a literary agent with the Martell Agency. She is also an attorney who practiced law before founding the agency.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, General Nonfiction, History, Investigative, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Self-Help
Biography
Allegra Martschenko is a literary agent with the Bookends Literary Agency. Allegra is all about magic, all the time. They have an undergraduate architecture degree from Princeton University and started agenting at Ladderbird Literary Agency in 2022 with a focus on science fiction & fantasy novels, but they’re also the editorial coordinator at Princeton University Press, formerly an editor at the University Press of Colorado, cofounder of Paths in Publishing, an artist, and a writer (under a pen name). Between the many hats they wear, they bring a well-rounded perspective to author-agent relationships and work expertly with various parties across the publishing industry. They love cats, gardening, power tools, and books that love you back: sweeping stories, characters with big hearts, and prose that inspires. They focus on elevating marginalized authors and are always on the hunt for gorgeous prose. In the adult, crossover, and young adult spaces, Allegra is open to speculative fiction in the broadest sense, from science fiction and fantasy to the only lightly fantastical.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Helen Masvikeni is an Agent at the Megibow Liteary Agency. HelenÕs unique background brings an interesting and fresh perspective to the publishing world. She has an extensive background in the arts being an internationally-performing musician and photographer as well as having worked in video, theater and film. With a Business and Marketing background, she has worked extensively in the non-profit sector and more recently for the Denver Center for Performing Arts. Originally from Harare, Zimbabwe and now residing in Colorado, Helen is passionate about storytelling and artistic expression. As a literary agent, she is focused on combining her own experience as an artist with the business side of publishing to support authors from creation through publication and beyond.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Danielle Matta is a literary agent with the Robin Straus Agency. She is a Junior Agent at the Robin Straus Agency. She graduated from NYU with a BA in English, specializing in Creative Writing and Post-Colonial Literature, and joined RSA in May of 2020 after her internships at McIntosh & Otis and Writers House. She gravitates towards inclusive fiction and non-fiction with distinct, lyrical storytelling andÑbeing first-generation herselfÑunderrepresented voices of diasporic and immigrant communities. She also loves an unorthodox ghost story or psychological thriller. Although Danielle has lived in NYC since 2015, she grew up in Virginia, and therefore has a life-long love for farmers markets, cornbread, and green spaces.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science
Biography
Shari Maurer is a literary agent with the Stringer Literary Agency. Shari graduated from Duke University with a degree in English, and later studied Dramatic Writing at NYU. Following a stint at The ChildrenÕs Television Workshop on international productions of Sesame Street, she published both novels and non-fiction, and worked as a writer and editor. Shari has also written Parenting & Lifestyle columns for several websites. A mother of three, she lives in New York with her husband.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Humor Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Satire, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Laura Mazer is a literary agent with Wendy Sherman Associates. She specializes in adult nonfiction with a focus on womenÕs issues, intelligent pop culture, counterintuitive self-help, packaged gift or ÒconceptÓ books, and books that take us on geeky deep dives into fascinating facets of everyday life. She adores history, biography, and celebrations of literary legacies, especially when they offer fresh stories about women. She also represents select upmarket fiction. Before joining Wendy Sherman Associates, Laura was executive editor of Seal Press, an imprint of the Hachette Book Group, where she edited bold voices in adult nonfiction. Her New York Times bestselling books include So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo and From Cradle to Stage: Stories from the Mothers Who Rocked and Raised Rock Stars by Virginia Grohl. Previously, Laura was the managing editor of Counterpoint and executive editor of its imprint Soft Skull Press, where she acquired literary and upmarket fiction and narrative nonfiction. Before joining the book publishing industry, Laura was managing editor of the global news agency representing some of the most influential opinion writers and editorial cartoonists of the day, including Hillary Clinton, Arianna Huffington, Molly Ivins, Ann Landers, and Mike Luckovich. A longtime advocate for underrepresented voices, Laura sits on the board of The OpEd Project and teaches publishing workshops for Bold Voice Collaborative.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, Fitness, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, True Crime, Women’s Issues
Biography
Juliana McBride is a literary agent with the Rebecca Friedman Literary Agency. She began her career in New York City at Random House in 2000. After a decade working with all the in-house and third-party publishers, she and her husband (and twin daughters) embarked on their second act in California producing and selling wine. She never gave up her penchant for good stories though; enter act three. Juliana loves commercial and literary fiction, young adult novels, and fantasy. I mean, who doesnÕt secretly believe in magic? Like any true bookworm, Juliana is looking for transcendent stories that linger.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Margret McBride is a literary agent with the Margret McBride Literary Agency. She began a career that served her love of books in New York, working at Random House in New York. Her office was next door to the editor of the Doctor Seuss books. As postcards and missives from the author came to the editor, the editor would share them with her. The picture over his desk, the view of La Jolla from Ted GeiselÕs studio was a clue to her future. In 1980, she was living in La Jolla, and opening her literary agency and having fun times with Ted and his wife Audrey. In her ÒNew York YearsÓ in publishing she worked in the marketing departments of Random House and Ballantine Books, and as the Director of Publicity at Warner Books, and Director of Publicity, Promotions and Advertising for Pinnacle Books. Knowing what the media wants and readers love to read set the stage for her immediate success as an agent. In 1981, year later, she sold a small book to William Morrow (Harper Collins) by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson MD, called THE ONE MINUTE MANAGER. Thirty years and millions of copies later, the 30th Anniversary Edition THE NEW ONE MINUTE MANAGER was published. Two other bestselling parables followed years later: Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul and John Christensen (Hachette Books) will next year celebrate their the 20th Anniversary of FISH! A Remarkable Way To Boost Morale and Improve Results. Bob Burg and John Mann have just passed their tenth anniversary with Portfolio, their hugely successful, GO-GIVER A Little Story About A Powerful Business Idea. She is a member of the Association of Authors Representatives (AAR) and the AuthorÕs Guild. She is past-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the board of The La Jolla Playhouse located on the campus of the University of California at San Diego. La Jolla Playhouse is internationally renowned for creating some of the most exciting and adventurous work in American Theater, over 101 world premieres, 52 new works, 37 productions to BroadwayÑamong them JERSEY BOYS, MEMPHIS, THE WHOÕS TOMMY, Billy CrystalÕs 700 SUNDAYS, I AM MY OWN WIFE, and JUNK. Margret previously served on the Library Board of the University of California at San Diego and under her five-year direction, the UCSD Writers Conference attracted a distinguished faculty of publishers, editors and agents, as well as international participants. Margret is interested in a wide range of commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction, historical fiction, medical suspense, legal thrillers, and stories featuring strong female protagonists. Her nonfiction interests include biographies and memoirs, history, psychology, health, self-improvement and business, especially entrepreneurship, management, and finance. She also has had a weakness for perfectly executed, mind-blowing business parables.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Satire, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Art, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Rachel McCain is a literary agent with the Gold Dust Literary Agency. She says: “I accept nonfiction, adult fiction, YA fiction, and childrenÕs literature (fiction or nonfiction). I do not accept romance, erotica or religious/spiritual. I love nonfiction with a historical element (think Show Me a Hero). I absolutely love nonfiction stories that are unknown and/or overlooked. Dark and gritty stories are especially welcome (think Random Family and Grand Central Winter). In regards to fiction, I would love to find the next Alice Walker or James Baldwin. I would love something set in New York. I also love YA fiction with series potential Ð think Goosebumps, BabysitterÕs Club, The Princess Diaries. I am looking for the next Meg Cabot and R.L. Stine. For childrenÕs literature, I want something with diverse and unique characters. Make sure you hook me into your writing, from beginning to end. I need imagery. Dare to be creative. Also, please edit your writing thoroughly before you submit.”
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Bridget McCarthy is a literary agent with the McCormick Literary. Bridget McCarthy (they/she) is a literary agent and oversees contracts and domestic subrights. They are seeking literary and commercial fiction, young adult fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and cookbooks. They are a graduate of Fordham University.
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FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jim McCarthy is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. Jim interned for Dystel, Goderich & Bourret while studying urban design at New York University. Upon graduating, Jim realized he would much rather continue working with books than make the jump (as he had originally intended) to the field of city planning. Eighteen years later, he remains at DG&B as a VP and agent. As an avid fiction reader, his interests encompass both literary and commercial works in the adult, young adult, and middle grade categories. He is particularly interested in literary fiction, underrepresented voices, fantasy, mysteries, romance, anything unusual or unexpected, and any book that makes him cry or laugh out loud. In addition to fiction he is also interested in narrative nonfiction whether it be memoir, historical, science, pop culture, or just a darn good polemic.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Travel, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Shawna McCarthy is a literary agent with The McCarthy Agency.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction NONFICTION: Autobiography, Biography, History, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Science, Technology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Cameron McClure is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. Cameron McClure joined the Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2004. She represents a small and select group of authors and specializes in fiction. She is especially looking for projects that combine genre style plotting with literary quality writing. SheÕs up for anything speculative, and is interested in seeing science-fiction and fantasy, literary fiction, mystery and suspense, and projects with multi-cultural, international, environmental, and GBLT themes. SheÕs also drawn to projects that explore subcultures or topics that havenÕt quite broken into the mainstream. Some of her clients include Robert McCammon, Robert Jackson Bennett, Amy Alkon, Emily Winslow, Brian Francis Slattery, Molly Tanzer, Randy Henderson, Sarah Pemberton Strong, and Steve Bein.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Religious Fiction, Satire, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction