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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
Daniele Hunter is a literary agent with the McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency. She represents serious nonfiction, literary fiction, children’s books, and graphic novels. Since establishing the agency in 2014, we have seen the publication of numerous New York Times bestsellers and winners of the National Book Award, the Pulitzer Prize, the Lambda Literary Award, the L.A. Times Book Prize, the Frederick Douglass Book Prize, and many more.Growing up all overÑAfrica, Europe, the Caribbean, and the USÑI found my home in books where writers confront the chaos of reality and distill it into narratives that leave us wiser and more human for having read them. The books I represent embody this ethos.Because I wanted to help make books happen, I entered publishing right out of college, and while my job titles have changed, I have never left that world. I began as an editor, where I deepened my love of accessible, idea-driven nonfiction with the power to transform culture. Next, I worked as a literary scout, representing foreign publishers and Hollywood producers. For the last eighteen years, I have been a literary agent, helping authors bring their ideas to life and find their audience.The time I have spent on various sides of the industry lets me view the agent-author relationship holistically. I routinely help my clients shape and sharpen their projects through a rigorous in-house editorial process. In the bigger picture, I work to help authors hone a career trajectory for their work. This level of focus requires that I cap the number of new clients I will take on.I am always looking for work that takes me beyond the boundaries of where I currently am. This can be in categories such as history, sociology, psychology, anthropology, medicine, cultural criticism, popular culture, journalism, and sheer whimsy. I look for fiction that is story- and character-driven and engrossing with a strong voice. I have a particular interest in multicultural and African American work. I also have a passion for graphic novels, be they for adults or young readers. In children’s books, I represent the gamut from picture books through chapter books and middle grade readers, to young adult.In addition to agenting, I hold an MA in cultural anthropology, and I teach a course on Writing for Children in the Publishing Certificate Program at City College.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, New Adult FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Kristy Hunter is a literary agent with The Knight Agency. As a graduate of Vanderbilt University and The Columbia Publishing Course, Kristy Hunter began her publishing career in New York CityÑfirst as an editorial intern at Bloomsbury ChildrenÕs Books and then as a book publicist at Grove/Atlantic and Random House ChildrenÕs Books. When she moved to the agenting side of the industry, she was closely mentored by Deidre Knight, president and founder of The Knight Agency, and her first co-agented project sold at auction soon after. As an agent, Kristy enjoys being able to bring a unique perspective to her clients thanks to her diverse publishing background. When sheÕs not curled up with a fantastic book or manuscript, she can be found kickboxing or hiking with her dog and is an active member of SCBWI.
Notes
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, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Alexis Hurley is a literary agent with InkWell Management. Alexis Hurley started her career in 1998 and has been at InkWell since its inception in 2004. Alexis works in the dual capacity of Co-Director of Foreign Rights and agent of domestic works in the areas of literary and commercial fiction, memoir, narrative non-fiction and more. She is a native of the Berkshires and a graduate of Dickinson College where she received her BA in English and Art History and a minor in Italian.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, ThrillerNONFICTION: Art, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Reference, Religion, Self-Help, SpiritualityCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ismita Hussain is a literary agent with Great Dog Literary. She is a Georgia native and graduate of Emory University, where she studied Human Health and Italian. During college, she also worked for various Atlanta area hospitals in departments ranging from neonatal to geriatric care. In her Desi household, she grew up speaking Bangla, Hindi, and Urdu. Ismita is seeking literary fiction, health-related non-fiction, YA, and short story collections. Some of her favorite authors are Flannery OÕConnor, Cormac McCarthy, Oscar Wilde, and Tom Perrotta. Ismita is especially drawn to fiction with a Southern setting, gritty realist writing, and any books that explore health or disability. Ultimately though, sheÕs a sucker for writing with a great sense of humor. Member: AALA.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Short Story Collection, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Animals, Art, Biography, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Sports, TravelCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Steven Hutson is a literary agent with WordWise Media Services. He says, “I was a storyteller almost from birth; poems, articles, business letters, advertising copy, and lame excuses. But like most writers, I kept a day job; in-between gigs I found gainful employment as a clerk typist, vitamin buyer, waiter, forklift operator, lifeguard, bookkeeper, grocery manager, printer’s apprentice, and meat cutter. Oh, and I went to college for a while with a major in business.But the muse didn’t give up on me, and in time I had a couple of books published. One thing led to another; I edited dozens of books for others and managed a writersÕ conference for several years, making many valuable contacts along the way. I’ve mentored hundreds of aspiring authors, I speak often at writers’ events, and I write two blogs. Swimming, gardening, and cooking keep my hands busy in-between. I live in sunny Southern California with my wife Ruth and son Bradley. “
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Western Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Environment, Family, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, Gardening, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Inspirational Nonfiction, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS 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 NonfictionNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Dara Hyde
Hill Nadell Literary AgencyCLOSED to SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Online Form or Postal MailBiography
Dara Hyde is a literary agent with the Hill Nadell Literary Agency in Los Angeles. She is a senior agent at the Hill Nadell Literary Agency in Los Angeles and represents a wide range of fiction and nonfiction, including literary and genre fiction, graphic novels, narrative non-fiction, memoir, and young adult. Before joining Hill Nadell, Dara spent over a decade as an editor and rights and permissions manager at independent publisher Grove Atlantic in New York.Dara has taught or spoken at a number of writersÕ conferences and events, including Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, 826LA, BinderCon, New Orleans WritersÕ Conference, Pima WritersÕ Workshop, PubWest, Long Beach Comic Expo, IWOSC, Antioch University LA MFA, Chapman University MFA, UC Riverside MFA and UCR Palm Desert MFA, Santa Barbara WritersÕ Conference, Fallbrook WritersÕ Conference, and the Literary Editing and Publishing (LEAP) program at USC.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Satire, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Travel, True Adventure, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Tia Ikemoto is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. Based in the New York office, she represents a diverse range of nonfiction and fiction across the commercial to literary spectrum.She began her career at ICM Partners in 2019 assisting the co-head of the Publishing department and joined CAA in 2022 following the agencyÕs acquisition of ICM. She graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Communication and a minor in Business.She is seeking fiction and nonfiction projects that resonate with a wide audience. She is drawn to compelling and propulsive storytelling, emotionally resonant narratives, and high concept projects with unique hooks or fresh perspectives.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop CultureCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Liv Ivanov is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency, Inc. She has always had a passion for reading wildly immersive, character-driven novels and developed a love for storytelling when her next-door neighbor introduced her to NaNoWriMo back in 2010. After graduating from the University of Missouri and working in operations and video game development for several years, Liv returned to her first love and began volunteering as a reader and fiction editor for literary magazines before starting her internships at Triada US and Creative Media Agency in 2023. Now stepping into her role as an Associate Agent at CMA, Liv is excited to both discover refreshing, compelling, and fantastical stories and champion new creative voices in the industry. In her free time, Liv loves to go hiking in the Rocky Mountains near her home in Colorado Springs, as well as collect books as she slowly works toward making her home office a 1,000-book library.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Nathaniel Jacks is a literary agent with InkWell Management. He joined InkWell Management after graduating from Columbia University with a BA in literature. Among the books he represents are The Birth of Cool by New Yorker contributor Nicola Twilley, The Heavenly Table by Guggenheim Fellow Donald Ray Pollock, American Hookup by sociologist Lisa Wade, Ph.D., The Code of Trust by behavioral expert Robin Dreeke, and Broad Influence by TIME Washington correspondent Jay Newton-Small. He is excited to work with ambitious authors whose books enlighten everyday life, demystify systems, explore the mind, question the status quo, and empower self-improvement. He also oversees contracts at InkWell.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Mystery, Short Story Collection, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology, TravelCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jennifer Jackson is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. Jennifer Jackson is Vice President at the Donald Maass Literary Agency, which she joined in 1993. Once upon a time, she worked as a bookseller for Waldenbooks, and also did a stint at Forbidden Planet, the retail division of LondonÕs Titan Books. She maintains a personal website at http://www.jenniferjackson.org/ and her blog is archived at http://arcaedia.wordpress.com/Growing up reading science fiction and fantasy led naturally to a concentration in that genre, which she continues to champion. She initiated the expansion of the agency into the area of womenÕs fiction, and has also expanded her genre reach into the thriller and suspense categories.Her current roster includes, among others, New York Times best-selling fantasy writer Jim Butcher, Hugo Award winning science fiction author Elizabeth Bear, USA Today best-selling author Anne Bishop, New York Times best-seller Kim Harrison, evil genius Seth Dickinson, Nebula Award winner Martha Wells, Compton Crook Award winner Nicky Drayden, Nebula finalist Saladin Ahmed, New York Times best-selling author Yoon Ha Lee, Icelandic novelist Alexander Dan Vilhj‡lmsson, and Shirley Jackson Award nominee and debut novelist Tamsyn Muir.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Michelle Jackson is a literary agent with LCS Literary Services. She represents books that evoke heartfelt emotions and fervent conversations among readers. Her mission is to mentor and develop authors, particularly those from underrepresented communities, and help them build a brand of quality and authentic reads.Originally from Jamaica, West Indies, Michelle is now a literary agent with LCS Literary. She began her agenting career as an intern and then a Literary Associate with Olswanger Literary. She is also a published author and has earned educational degrees from New York University, SUNY at StonyBrook, Teachers College Columbia University and Argosy University. Michelle looks forward to bringing adult fiction and select young adult and non-fiction works of new authors to the masses, especially BIPOC and underrepresented authors. She is also a content editor and loves developing and working with new authors to help them hone their craft. She is looking for stories with strong character arcs and hooks. Intriguing plot lines that keep her up at night until she gets to the last page. Romances that make her heart swoon, thrillers that keep her guessing and heartwarming, uplifting tales. Stories about sister friends, mother-daughter relationships. Stories with themes of friendship, forgiveness, love and second chances. Michelle has a soft spot for fellow educators who are writers and for stories featuring educators. She is also looking for those who want to write category romancesÐshe also loves Amish romances!
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, Health Wellness, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Self-Help, Spirituality, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Hillary Jacobson is a literary agent with CAA/ICM.She represents a wide array of adult and young adult fiction, as well as select non-fiction.She began her career at ICM in 2015 and joined CAA in 2022 following the agencyÕs acquisition of ICM.A lifelong obsessive reader, she is always on the hunt for writing that provokes a strong emotional reaction, adds an important perspective to the cultural conversation, or challenges the reader’s beliefs.She is particularly drawn to suspense, coming-of-age narratives, sweeping family sagas, moving love stories and rom-coms, as well as speculative fiction.To submit your work, please send your pitch and the first 10 pages of your manuscript in the body of an email. She responds to every query, and her average response time is approximately one month.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Amy Jameson is a literary agent with A+B Works. Amy began her career in publishing working with renowned literary agent Lynn Nesbit. During her seven years at Janklow & Nesbit Associates, Amy had the privilege of working with acclaimed authors such as Michael Crichton, President Jimmy Carter, Tom Wolfe, Gore Vidal, Joan Didion, Jeffrey Eugenides, and many others. She also sold audio and first serial rights for several years at J&N while building her own select client list. In 2004, she left Janklow and partnered with her husband Brandon to form A+B Works. Amy has always had a passion for young adult and middle grade fiction. Some of her favorite authors include Sharon Creech, Jerry Spinelli, Madeleine L’Engle, E.L. Konigsberg, Louisa May Alcott, Susan Juby, Cynthia Rylant, Karen Cushman, Susan Cooper, and, of course, her own clients. Amy enjoys spending time with her children, trying to grow things in her garden, cooking, singing, and reading really great books.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, RomanceCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Joylanda Jamison is an Associate Literary Agent with Embolden Literary. She is a writer and editor living in the Blueridge Mountains of Virginia. Her writings have been published in various faith-based outlets such as Think Christian as well as non-religious publications. Joylanda previously served as a guest poetry editor for Frontier Poetry. She has a passion for amplifying the voices and stories of BIPOC writers and thrives when helping others cultivate their creative voice. Joylanda takes the utmost care in guiding authors along their writing journey and ensures that their story remains an authentic reflection of themselves.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Religious Fiction, RomanceNONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, PoetryCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult FictionNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction
Biography
Sarah Jane Freymann has been a literary agent since the 1970s. She is the founder and president of the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream FictionNONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Journalism, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Travel, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Luke Janklow is a literary agent with Janklow & Nesbit Associates. Luke Janklow represents an eclectic list of authors with multiple talents ranging from imaginative storytelling to broadcasting, cooking, politics and rock-and-roll. There is one governing principle to LukeÕs taste: books that are prime examples of their type. His list features fiction and narrative nonfiction, journalism, idea books, celebrity, sports and cookbooks. In fiction, satire is a particular favorite, as is high concept science fiction, humor, thrillers/spy stories and young adult.Luke is focused on where publishing is going and what it will look like in the near and far future. He is open to exploring new publishing ideas and how authors can maximize and broaden their earning power and cultural impact.Having graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in Cinema Studies and Art History, Luke is engaged by the worlds of film, television and digital. He is also exploring branding, products and other unusual ways for storytellers to expand their reach.As a professional musician who once wrote and made records, LukeÕs experience in the music business provided valuable lessons that he applies to his work with authors. As a songwriter, he experienced how difficult it is to sit alone and create something and then present it to a sometimes indifferent world. Creating an original work takes imagination and guts; artists and authors need strong advocates in their corner. He saw the music business implode in the digital revolution, and sees preventable parallels that publishing can avoid in this transitional time.We are in the storytelling business and there are stories everywhere.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Humor Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Design, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Upmarket NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Renee Jarvis is a literary agent with Triangle House. Born and raised in New York City, she graduated from Brooklyn College with a BFA in Creative Writing. She previously worked as an assistant and agent at MacKenzie Wolf Literary and spent two years as a writing teacher at the non-profit organization Legal Outreach.RenŽe is seeking narrative nonfiction, adult speculative, upmarket, and literary fiction, and childrenÕs books. She is looking for works that center POC and LGBTQIA+ voices and is particularly drawn to the work of Black writers across the African diaspora. In nonfiction, she is interested in pop culture analysis, cultural histories, linguistics, food writing, international stories, and explorations of music, fashion, and art. In fiction, she loves robust plots, bold characters with a sense of humor, unique formats, stories that explore friendship and family, and lyrical prose.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: Art, Beauty Fashion Style, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Environment, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, Gardening, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Photography, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Technology, TravelCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Melissa Jeglinski is a literary agent with The Knight Agency. A graduate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in English with a writing concentration, Melissa began her career as an editor with Harlequin Enterprises. Looking to work with a variety of authors and genres, she joined The Knight Agency in 2008.With over two decades experience in the publishing industry, Melissa has fostered her clients to National prominence including a recent Newbery Honor. She is a member of RWA and AAR.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Carolyn Jenks is a literary agent with the Carolyn Jenks Literary Agency. Her professional career began at age twelve in Chicago as an actress in film, television, radio and theatre. She studied acting with Flovia Drazy of the Moscow Art Theatre and voice with Titto Ruffo from the LaScala Opera in Milan. She earned a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a double major in Comparative Literature and Speech/Theatre.While an unemployed actress in New York City, a chance introduction to publisher Ian Ballantine led to a second career in publishing, with a focus on subsidiary rights, and eventually the combining of her passions for books, theatre, film, and art into the establishment of her literary agency. Her personal journey created the activist within and the tumultuous events of the late sixties and seventies found her participating in civil rights and anti-war activities.As an aftermath of witnessing suffering up close, she returned to school and earned two graduate degrees: one in Theology from Emmanuel College in Boston, and the other in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. She practiced as a licensed therapist with a Diplomate in Clinical Social Work until resurrecting her agency in the 1990s in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where it continues to this day.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Alyssa Jennette is a literary agent with the Stonesong Literary Agency. She joined Stonesong in June 2015 after interning at the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency. She grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art with a BFA in Illustration in 2010. As a result, she has unique insight and expertise when it comes to design-heavy or illustrated works. Alyssa is a very editorial agent; she finds a lot of joy in shaping stories alongside the author and delights in building long-term partnerships. In her spare time, she’s the co-founder of a three-year-old book club called #readmorewomen, and a snuggler of cats. Alyssa Jennette represents childrenÕs and adult fiction and picture books, graphic novels, and select pop culture nonfiction. She values diversity and inclusion; in fiction she enjoys ensemble casts with distinct voices, stories about poor characters and communities, and formats that are specific to a story and give it its own context. Alyssa is particularly interested in art/art history/art conservation, archaeology, mythology, language/translation, and criminal justice reform. Her client list includes sex educator and GIRL SEX 101 author Allison Moon, Instagram sensation/art restorer Julian Baumgartner, illustrator Jessica Roux, internet storyteller Mollyhall Seeley, middle grade authors Chris Negron and Brandon Hoang, and more.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Beauty Fashion Style, BIPOC Nonfiction, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, Law Legal, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Technology, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult FictionNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Jennifer Joel is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. She is co-head of the literary department of the agency. She says: “When I left my first job as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs to become a literary agent, most of my new colleagues were aghast at what they perceived IÕd given up for the privilege of working in a creative field. More recently, IÕm commended for my wise and prescient career change. IÕm extremely fortunate to be able to spend my time representing a diverse group of writers of both fiction and nonfiction, whose work has in common two essential elements: theyÕre good stories, well told. My clients include literary and commercial novelists for adults and young readers, historians, biographers, memoirists, journalists, strategists, adventurers, entertainers and other extraordinary individuals with big ideas to share.IÕm also a member of The Library Council at the New York Public Library and a Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations.”
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, True AdventureCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Brianne Johnson is a literary agent with HG Literary. After working at independent bookstores, a book warehouse, a literary magazine, and in book publishing, Brianne started as a starry-eyed intern at WriterÕs House in 2007. She worked her way up to Senior Agent before moving to HG Literary in 2021.Brianne represents childrenÕs books of all stripes, with a particular focus on character-driven middle grade and young adult fiction. She also selectively represents picture books and adult fiction.Some of her clients include: winner of the Edgar Award and #1 New York Times bestselling author Wesley King, authors of the recent HBO Max film UNPREGNANT Jenni Hendriks and Ted Caplan, Edgar nominated author Greg Howard, award winning playwright and author Kate Scelsa, Joya Goffney, Heather Fawcett, Laura Sibson, Cheryl Klein, Camilla Bruce, and others.Brianne is particularly passionate about social justice stories, amplifying under-represented voices and perspectives, sex positivity, alternative lifestyles, quirky romances, well-researched historical fiction, and witchy/mythy genre benders. She loves pushing the envelope on balancing big, universally important themes with hope and humor in unexpected ways.The one link Brianne has throughout the genres she focuses on is humor and whimsy, particularly in darker settings. She loves stories that can illuminate something about humanity in a fresh and quirky way, AND make her laugh. Life is serious enough. Reading should be a joy.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance, Science Fiction, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS 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
Janine Kamouh is a literary agent with WME Books. Janine has been part of the WME Books Department since 2012, where she was lucky enough to get her start on the amazing international rights team. Her list now focuses in the childrenÕs, illustrated, and graphic novel spaces, where she has the honor and pleasure of representing bestselling and award-winning authors, illustrators, animators, creators, artists, and multi-hyphenates. She is looking for stories that reach readers on both a head and heart level; picture books that can stand the test of being read over and over again; resonant storytelling that opens the door to important conversations with peers/parents; laugh out loud middle grade; bold and visually propulsive graphic novel fiction and non-fiction; sidekicks in the driverÕs seat; timeless adventure; fumbly, funny, butterfly-inducing YA and crossover romance; and fantasy where real people are thrust into magical mayhem. Janine lives in NJ with her husband and their two little bookworms.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic NovelNONFICTION: Illustrated, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Elianna Kan is a literary agent with Regal Hoffmann & Associates. She has been at Regal Hoffmann since 2017. She began her publishing career at Picador and as Senior Editor of The American Reader, where she edited literature in translation. After several years as a Spanish reader for Maria B. Campbell Associates and various US publishers, she decided to immerse herself more fully in the Latin American publishing world by moving to Mexico City where she worked as a consultant for Penguin Random House Mexico’s Foreign Rights Director. She continues splitting her time between New York and Mexico. Elianna is a native of New Hampshire with a BA in Literary Studies and a background in theater from Middlebury College. She has studied Critical Theory at the University of Buenos Aires and is currently pursuing an MA at the Bread Loaf School of English. She is a native Russian speaker and speaks Spanish fluently. She has written about the Latin American publishing market for Publishing Perspectives and has interviewed writers and theater-makers on behalf of The Paris Review, BOMB Magazine, and The Believer. She has a passion for interdisciplinary cultural programming and teaches creative writing and literary translation at Columbia University. Elianna is actively building a list of Spanish-language fiction and non-fiction writers and is interested in literature in translation in general.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, ScienceCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Elizabeth Kaplan is a literary agent with the Elizabeth Kaplan Literary Agency. Elizabeth has represented numerous critically acclaimed and best-selling authors throughout her 20-year career as a literary agent. She is known for the sharp insights and editing skills she brings to the development of successful projects and authors’ careers. She works tirelessly to connect individuals, and to find the right home for each project.After graduating from the University of Michigan, Elizabeth moved to New York City and began her publishing career as the assistant to Jim Silberman, the founder of Summit Books. Elizabeth worked as an editor at Summit for three years before moving on to assist another publishing legend, the literary agent Sterling Lord. Before beginning her own agency in 2002, she worked as an agent at Sterling Lord Literistic, and the Ellen Levine Agency.Elizabeth’s main areas of focus include: literary fiction, young adult fiction, narrative nonfiction (especially issue-based books), history, biography, food writing and cookbooks and memoir.
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FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop CultureCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jan Kardys is a literary agent with Black Hawk Literary Agency. She says: “As the President and Literary Agent at Black Hawk Literary & Portfolio Agency, I help aspiring and established writers achieve their publishing goals. With over 40 years of experience in the book publishing industry, I have worked in executive positions at ten of the major book publishers, including Doubleday, St. Martin’s Press, Scholastic, and Google. I have extensive expertise in editorial, contracts, rights, production, marketing, and consulting.I am also the Chairman and Founder of Unicorn Writers’ Conference, Inc., a unique and innovative event that connects writers with agents, editors, and publishers. The conference features workshops, panels, pitch sessions, manuscript reviews, and networking opportunities. Since 2008, the conference has been featured in Writer’s Digest Magazine and has sold out five years in a row. My mission is to empower and educate writers and to foster a supportive and inclusive community.”
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FICTION: Fiction, General FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kaitlyn Katsoupis is a literary agent with the Belcastro Agency. After receiving a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College, Kaitlyn refused to leave the concept of nightly homework behind. A literary agent for Belcastro Literary Agency, she is also a freelance editor at her own company, K. Johnson Editorial. Kaitlyn started her literary journey as a copyeditor for academic publisher codeMantra, a YA editor for Accent Press, a Conference Assistant for GrubStreet, Boston, a former agent with Corvisiero Literary Agency. She has written various articles for WriterÕs Digest and has had a flash fiction story published in the anthology A Box of Stars Beneath the Bed.Some of KaitlynÕs favorite books: Cornelia Funke (Inkheart series); Michael Buckley (Undertow series); John Green (more Looking for Alaska, less An Abundance of Katherines); Gayle Forman (Just One Year and Just One Day); Lois Lowry (The Giver series); Scott OÕDell (Island of the Blue Dolphins). Her favorite tv shows are Doctor Who, Buffy, Supernatural, Firefly, basically the nerdier the fandom the better.
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FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction

			
			


























