Welcome message…
7 Insider Secrets to Get a Top Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal
Press the play button below to listen.
Click here to view and/or download a free PDF transcript
of this audio program
* * *
Literary Agent Directory
Important: Visit each agent’s website (links in their listings below) to see if they’re open to submissions before querying.
- You are searching within category(ies): Young Adult Fiction
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.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture CHILDRENÕS 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.”
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS 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.
Notes
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 Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Isabel Kaufman is a literary agent with Fox Literary. She is actively looking to build her list in fantasy & science fiction, adult literary fiction, horror, historical fiction, contemporary commercial fiction, and upper-level young adult literature. She is looking for smart, inventive, ambitious storytelling and welcomes speculative elements across all genres. She is also interested in creative nonfiction and microhistories particularly related to travel, food, and incisive cultural perspectives on luxury and beauty. Her taste is varied, but she is consistently drawn to dynamic, thoughtful prose and vibrant character voice. She is actively seeking work from historically underrepresented and marginalized perspectives. She appreciates fresh takes on familiar archetypes, new perspectives on well-known myths and fairytales, and crossover rehabilitations of “archaic” genres such as noir, gothic, and classical revenge tragedy (she has a master’s in revenge tragedy and is willing to get bloody!). Recent books she has loved include THE GLASS HOTEL, by Emily St. John Mandel; SEVERANCE, by Ling Ma; the LOCKED TOMB trilogy, by Tamsyn Muir; PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE, by Samantha Shannon; THE IDIOT, by Elif Batuman; LUSTER, by Raven Leilani; PLAIN BAD HEROINES, by Emily Danforth; FRESHWATER, by Akwaeke Emezi. Nonfiction favorites include PRIESTDADDY, by Patricia Lockwood; SECONDHAND TIME, by Svetlana Alexievich; BLOOD, BONES, AND BUTTER, by Gabrielle Hamilton; and THE EMPEROR OF SCENT, by Luca Turin. Permanent must-read authors include Helen Oyeyemi and Megan Abbott.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Beauty Fashion Style, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Tamara Kawar is a literary agent with DeFiore and Company. Tamara joined DeFiore and Company in 2022. She started her career with internships at Macmillan and Writers House, then worked at ICM for five years. Tamara represents writer and illustrator clients in both the childrenÕs and adult markets, with a particular focus on talented LGBTQ+ and BIPOC storytellers. She holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature from Princeton University and an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from Columbia University. She also serves on the AALAÕs Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, where she co-directs a mentorship program for early career agents from underrepresented backgrounds. Tamara is actively seeking graphic novels for all ages and across genres; science fiction, fantasy, horror, and historical fiction for middle grade, YA, and adult readers; upmarket and book club fiction, especially genre-bending stories, and those with an international bent; and adult & YA rom-coms and romance featuring LGBTQ+ characters. She also represents select nonfiction for young readers, including illustrated projects. Across all categories, she is passionate about championing marginalized voices and perspectives.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Cultural Social Issues, Illustrated, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Photography, Pop Culture CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kristyn Keene Benton is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. She represents a wide range of writers across many genres, including essay collections, memoirs, sophisticated prescriptive nonfiction, literary and commercial fiction, and the occasional childrenÕs picture book. Her roster includes New York Times bestselling authors and prize winners, such as recipients of the PEN America Award, Southern Book Prize, and National Book AwardÕs Ò5 Under 35,Ó as well as authors whose books have been featured in the Book Clubs of notable clients Jenna Bush Hager and Reese Witherspoon. She began her career at ICM in 2006 and joined CAA in 2022 following the agencyÕs acquisition of ICM. She is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara with degrees in English and Writing as well as the Columbia Publishing Course. After being based in New York City for over a decade, she now lives in Minneapolis with her husband and children. To query Benton, please send a note by email describing yourself and your book.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Lauren Galit is a literary agent with LKG Agency. Lauren Galit, a magazine editor by training, started the LKG agency in 2005 and is best known for representing many of the stars of TLCÕs ÒWhat Not to Wear.Ó She sold Clinton KellyÕs FreakinÕ Fabulous books, Carmindy AcostaÕs 5 Minute Face and Get Positively Beautiful, and Nick ArrojoÕs Great Hair. The LKG Agency has also worked with numerous magazine writers to help them launch their book projects. However, in 2010, after selling associate Caitlen Rubino-BradwayÕs Ordinary Magic to Bloomsbury US, LKG Agency opened its doors to childrenÕs booksÉand the whole world exploded. Descendants of Revolutionary heroes and traitors, a teen struggling with OCD, art that comes alive, a boy who lives every day twice, a girl on a quest for a new bedtime reader, the dogs of Camelot Ð LKG authors have explored these themes and more. LKG focuses mainly on middle grade and young adult, only working on picture book projects with already established LKG authors. As for genre, LKG has a special interest in contemporary and magical realism but is open to fantasy, sci-fi, thriller, and more (but maybe not horror). Regardless of the project, LKG doesnÕt stop with the sale, negotiating each contract to make sure authors get the best deal possible, and continuing to hold their hands through delivery, publication, and publicity. Lauren also works with Sandy Hodgman, of Hodgman Literary, for foreign rights for her projects. Because, after all, writing a book is hard enough. LKG will guide authors through all the rest.
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, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Jennie Kendrick is a literary agent with Red Fox Literary. She represents YA, MG and select picture books with Red Fox Literary. A former criminal defense attorney and history major, she has worked in the publishing industry since 2013, including reviewing for publications such as Kirkus, and part-time bookselling at a local independent bookstore. JennieÕs passions include history (especially medieval European history), the criminal justice system, art, tarot, rock music, and cooking. She loves well-researched character-driven fiction, narrative non-fiction, and is particularly looking for Own Voices works and books from marginalized creators. Jennie is always looking for a phenomenal ghost or vampire story, regardless of childrenÕs age group.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Fiona Kenshole is a literary agent with the Transatlantic Agency. She came to agenting after nearly a decade as VP at Laika Studios, creating a development slate of new projects for the Academy Award winning animation studio including the Oscar-nominated THE BOXTROLLS and CORALINE. Previously she was a senior publisher in the UK where she published authors including Michael Bond (Paddington Bear), P.L Travers (Mary Poppins) and the Laureate Michael Morpurgo (War Horse) and was UK editor for Beverley Cleary, Lois Lowry, Bruce Coville, Gary Paulsen and Cynthia Voigt. She was nominated for ÒEditor of the YearÓ at the British Book Awards. Fiona enjoys being on faculty as a conference guest speaker throughout the US and in Europe. She has taught publishing at Oxford Brookes University and Portland State, organized events for the Oxford Literary Festival and is herself a published author. A British citizen, Fiona now lives in Portland, Oregon. She joined Transatlantic in 2013. Her clientsÕ recent successes include Rosanne ParryÕs MG A WOLF CALLED WANDER (Andersen Press/Greenwillow) which has spent 37 weeks in the NYT bestseller list and sold in 11 languages, and Vicki GrantÕs YA romcom, 36 QUESTIONS THAT CHANGED MY MIND ABOUT YOU (Running Press), which sold in 22 languages and is optioned for TV.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Rachel Kent is a literary agent with Books & Such Literary Agency. Rachel Kent has been an agent with Books & Such since 2007. Rachel started at Books & Such as a summer intern while she was attending U.C. Davis and then, after graduating, worked part-time at the agency as an assistant. Her favorite part of the job was reading a manuscript and providing an author with feedback to help him or her to improve the project. She graduated from Davis in three years with a bachelorÕs degree in English and minors in both religious studies and psychology. Rachel has more than eight years of experience and training working closely with Janet Kobobel Grant and Wendy Lawton, as well as part-time with author Robin Jones Gunn in creating marketing materials and promotional ideas to keep Robin connected with her readers. Through RachelÕs work at the agency and with authors, she has gained an understanding of the publishing process, contract negotiation, and what it takes to successfully write and market a book. RachelÕs goal is to develop strong relationships with her authors and to help them to develop lasting relationships with their editors and publishers. Good relationships have always been important to her. She likes to stick by people. She believes that as long as two people are dedicated toward working together, the relationship can work, and they can accomplish the task at hand. Rachel acquires fiction and nonfiction projects with a special interest in YA, 20-something and 30-something projects. She lives with her husband and family in Northern California.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Molly Ker Hawn is a literary agent with The Bent Agency. She says: “I joined the Bent Agency in 2012 and lead our London office, where I work with authors from all over the world, selling directly to publishers in the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. IÕve bounced back and forth from America to England since I was a teenager: I grew up in Northern California, lived for a year in the West Country, read English at Cambridge University, and spent many years in New York City. I represent authors whose books have been New York Times, Sunday Times and international bestsellers and that have won and been shortlisted for the William C. Morris YA Debut Award, the Michael L. Printz Award, the Barnes & Noble ChildrenÕs Book Award, the Costa Book Award, the Waterstones ChildrenÕs Book Prize, the Carnegie Medal, the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis, and more. IÕm honored to have served for three years on the governing committee of the Association of AuthorsÕ Agents and to have been named one of the BooksellerÕs most influential people in the UK publishing industry. I have a thriving list, but from time to time, I do have room for an irresistible new project when I feel I can place it successfully with a publisher and bring real value to the authorÕs career. Specifically, IÕm looking for exceptional middle-grade and young adult fiction with global commercial appeal, as well as graphic novels for children and young adults with illustrations in place and fantasy, science fiction and speculative fiction for adults. For childrenÕs and YA, IÕm open to any genre and almost any topic. Contemporary, historical, fantasy, science fiction, romance, horrorÉIÕve loved and sold books that fit all those descriptions. For adult fantasy, science fiction and speculative fiction, IÕm looking for fast-paced stories that would appeal to a broad audience, set either in new worlds or one that could be our own, with vividly drawn characters. No matter the genre or age category, the writing needs to be polished and assured; the story needs to be captivating. I like to be astonished! IÕm especially drawn to stories with a strong sense of place, told by authors who fundamentally understand the world theyÕre writing about, whether itÕs real or imaginary. Some specific likes and dislikes: I like wit, not snark. I like books that play with form and narrative. Nothing hooks me like writing that shows a real mastery of language. I love love. Romantic love, family love, the love of friendship Ñ authentic-feeling bonds between characters can carry me through almost any story. I like books that make me feel changed by the end of them, like my world is bigger, and I understand it a little better. IÕm not interested in Ômisery lit.Õ I donÕt like to finish a book feeling hopeless about the characters. Fantasy was my first love: Ruth Chew, Lloyd Alexander, Susan Cooper, Anne McCaffrey, and Sylvia Engdahl made me the reader I am today. But those influences mean my standards are high Ñ I need solid worldbuilding, intelligent dialogue and real emotion in fantasy. My taste in fantasy doesnÕt run to angels/demons, vampires/werewolves, or similar ÔparanormalÕ tropes. I canÕt get enough of books that tell a great story and invite me to get to know a culture IÕm unfamiliar withÑand IÕd like the author to be an authentic representative of that culture. IÕm not a dog person. Animal protagonists in general donÕt interest me, except maybe cats. IÕm interested in reading about life in religious communities. IÕm interested in books that deal with theatre and performance. I think the publishing industry underestimates young readersÕ love of weirdness. IÕm particularly interested in hearing from writers from historically excluded communities. Please do not send me picture books. I only represent picture books for my established clients. Please do not send me illustration samples. I donÕt represent illustrators who donÕt write their own texts.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Natasha Kern is a literary agent with the Natasha Kern Literary Agency. She has personally sold over 1,200 books, has worked as an agent more than 20 years and has a strong commitment to discovering new talent as well as developing the careers of her clients. Natasha has sold to all major publishers in both ABA and CBA. Her list includes: mainstream women’s fiction and inspirational fiction; romantic suspense, mysteries and thrillers; contemporary and historical novels, romantic comedy, Amish fiction, and issue-oriented fiction; young adult, multicultural fiction and other subgenres. Her clients include several New York Times best-selling authors, USA Today Best Sellers, and RITA, CAROL and EDGAR winners. She represents Christy winners and finalists as well as other popular CBA authors and ECPA bestsellers. Natasha was named Agent of the Year at the 2013 ACFW Conference. Natasha says: ÒWhen I left New York, I knew that I wanted to stay in publishing. However, editorial work was not sufficiently satisfying by itself. I knew I could acquire and develop salable properties and that my background gave me expertise in sales and running a company. I wanted to work with people long term and not just on a single project or phase of one. Plus, I had an entrepreneurial temperament and experience negotiating big money deals from raising venture capital for high tech firms. When I developed literary projects for other agents that did not sell, I knew I could sell them myself, so I did. I’ve never regretted that decision. Agenting combined my love of books, my affinity for deal-making and my preference for trusting my own intuition. I sold 28 books the first year the agency was in business. ÒI did everything else I ever wanted to do before becoming an agent. Agenting is truly a calling for me and I would not be as happy doing anything else. It is a case of do what you love (and are good at) and the money follows. I also have a deep commitment to bringing new knowledge, new ideas and new writing into the world. I believe storytelling is powerful and a great book truly can change the world.Ó
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction
Biography
Kat Kerr is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. She graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelors in English in 2009. Kat feels strongly about supporting programs like We Need Diverse Books and is passionate about creating space in this industry for those from historically marginalized communities.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Food Drink, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Emily S. Keyes is a literary agent with and the founder of Keyes Agency. She has represented many award-winning titles mainly (but not exclusively) in the realm of childrenÕs literature. She loves finding and nurturing new talent, as well as reading and representing projects that will get readers excited to go to the bookstore. Emily is actively searching for all kinds of childrenÕs literature, as well as select adult projects in genre fictionÑso long as itÕs not ÒseriousÓ literature. She is searching for authors and illustrators who will be her coworker for a long career. Previously she worked at the L. Perkins Agency as a contracts manager and associate agent. Before that, she was a Contracts Administrator at Simon & Schuster for five years. In 2008, she graduated from New York UniversityÕs Center for Publishing. Emily lives in Brooklyn but she can usually be found spending too much time on the internet. For a better idea of who she is and what she represents, follow her on Twitter and Tumblr.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Lauren Khan is an Associate Agent at FinePrint Literary Management. She joined FinePrint Literary in 2025 as an Associate Agent following an internship at Triada US Literary Agency. She first entered the publishing world as an author. Prior to transitioning to agenting, she worked for over seven years as a corporate lawyer in New York City. Lauren brings both editorial and transactional expertise to her clients. Lauren lives with her family in her small beach hometown in Florida. She wrote her first novel while pregnant with her son and began agenting while pregnant with her daughter. A graduate of Duke University and Fordham University School of Law, she loves podcasts, long walks with her dog, and all things Nora Ephron. As a former theatre kid, Lauren is a lifelong champion of storytelling, subjecting her loved ones to her songs, stories, and plays from the moment she could talk. An avid reader across genres, Lauren is particularly interested in adult and YA commercial fiction, especially womenÕs fiction, romance, mysteries, and thrillers, as well as select non-fiction titles. She is an editorial agent with a strong interest in developing fulfilling and long-lasting careers for her authors.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Lori Kilkelly is a literary agent with the LK Literary Agency. In 2008, after a number of successful years in advertising and sales, Lori aspired to combine her talents in these areas with her personal passion for childrenÕs literature. Ultimately, this led to her decision to pursue a career change, and she attended the post graduate program, ‘The Denver Publishing Institute’ at The University of Denver. Subsequently, she spent nearly a decade at boutique childrenÕs literary agency Rodeen Literary Management, headed by Paul RodeenÑa George Nicholson protŽgŽÑand home to award-winning authors Peter Brown, Victoria Jamieson, Lauren Castillo and Ryan Higgins, among others. During her tenure at RLM, Lori rose through the ranks, eventually representing her own clients, and assembled a list of talented, best-selling, and award-winning authors and illustrators. Having worked independently for much of her career, she also began to lay the foundation to eventually open her own shop. Then, with the full support of Rodeen Literary, she formally announced LK Literary Agency in the fall of 2018 and was joined by all of her clients in the new endeavor. Now, with more than 100 books under contract and titles with every major trade publisher, she is dedicated to continue bringing meaningful, funny, informative, and moving children’s and young adult literature to market, created by an incredibly talented group of authors and illustrators.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Charles Kim is a literary agent with the Serendipity Literary Agency. He focuses on moving forward the principles of diversity and inclusion, authentic representation, equity, and narrative change in publishing. His client list includes many thought leaders and change makers in the Asian American community, influential Gen Z voices in social media and digital communication, clinicians and therapists working to heal BIPOC and intergenerational traumas, activists bringing about change in cannabis and drug law reform, contemporary art curators and critics, writers of adult fiction and YA/childrenÕs literature, and collectives of Black and Brown creators and speakers. Previously, Charles served as Associate Publisher at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, where he oversaw the publication of forty titles per year and sat on institution-wide committees including the Editorial Board, Revenue Committee, Digital Strategy Committee, Online Courses Steering Committee, and Budget Working Group. He established a highly successful line of limited editions on artists such as Yoko Ono and Robert Rauschenberg, and a best-selling line of childrenÕs books on iconic artists, such as Henri Matisse, Edgar Degas, and RenŽ Magritte, but also women artists and artists of color, such as Yayoi Kusama, Sonia Delaunay, Shahzia Sikander, and Jacob Lawrence. Before MoMA, he served as Editor in Chief and Director of Publications at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, where he launched the MuseumÕs first publishing imprint. He also served as Senior Agent at the French PublishersÕ Agency, an office of FranceÕs Ministry of Culture representing twenty-five leading French publishers. He earned a BA in French and Asian Studies at Vassar College and an MA in French Literature at New York University and was a Fulbright Scholar in Lyon, France. Charles was born in Seoul, Korea and immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of seven. Charles is a Gemini and also an identical twin, so please ask him about his four distinct personalities. In addition, heÕs an avid runner, house and techno enthusiast, and K-drama binger.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Multicultural Fiction NONFICTION: Art, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Law Legal, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Psychology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kirby Kim is a literary agent with Janklow & Nesbit Associates. A native of Los Angeles, California, Kirby attended Harvard-Westlake high school then went to Pomona College where he was a PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) major. He spent the year after graduation teaching English in South Korea and when he returned moved to San Francisco to get his JD at UC Hastings College of the Law. Kirby moved out to New York in the spring of 2004 and got his first job in publishing working for Charlotte Sheedy Literary, at that time an affiliate of Sterling Lord Literistic. He then moved to Vigliano Associates where he gradually started representing his own projects. In 2008, he joined Endeavor which the following year merged with William Morris. He stayed at WME for five years before joining Janklow & Nesbit. Kirby represents both literary and commercial authors. When it comes to literary work, heÕs alternatively drawn to rich, sweeping stories that try to encompass a time or a place or tightly written, narratively innovative stories that bridge genres. His commercial interests include thriller, horror, speculative and science fiction, young adult, and middle grade. He also represents a range of nonfiction working with leaders and journalists in the areas of science, culture and current affairs. HeÕs also known for representing pop culture, in particular music and comedy. Kirby is currently a board member of the Asian American Writers Workshop. He lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife and two kids.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Reference, Science, Self-Help, Sports, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Natalie Kimber is a literary agent with The Rights Factory. She has worked with The Rights Factory since 2014, and is based in the New York area. She previously worked with the Georgetown University Booklab, and Literary and Creative Artists in Washington, DC. She is an associate editor for Monologging.org, organizer of the NYC Writers Circle, and founder of the Weehawken Writers and Artists Studio. She takes pride in guiding authors through the strategy and practical process of publishing, and yet she acknowledges that a wondrous magic is at work when books come into form.
As an aesthete and theologian at heart, she aspires to a Òpost-mystic modernÓ philosophy, which attempts to reintegrate our mystic roots and intuition with contemporary thought. Nat hails from the WestÑspecifically Colorado and New MexicoÑand cherishes art and books that capture that region. She is an avid cook and gardener, and credits her encyclopedic knowledge of food, wine and spirits to 20+ years of work in the restaurant industry. She canÕt live without chiles, cheese, potatoes, and wine. She discovered a love of classic and pre-code cinema when she joined a film club during the early days of the pandemic. She lives with her partner, two snuggly cats, and a rambunctious bunny in Weehawken, NJ.
In fiction she is looking for: literary, commercial, and upmarket womenÕs and LGBTQ+ fiction, romance, comedies, international or transnational stories, action/adventure, animal stories, modern mythology, nostalgic and historical fiction, and short fiction collections with a strong theme. It is most important that authors understand the WHY of their story and methods of storytelling. Novels and fiction need to have a great hook, while also showcasing craft. Within speculative fiction she likes magical realism, occult, and horror, but is not looking for traditional science fiction or fantasy.
She will consider the following YA categories: realistic/contemporary, rebellious teen fiction, boy books, horror, suspense/thriller, and some nonfiction for teens, especially if the book is related to activism, sustainability, empowerment, creative arts or personal growth. She is not looking for YA sci-fi or fantasy.
For nonfiction she is looking for: humor, memoir, biography, lifestyle, art, health, environment/climate, animal/pets, healing, spiritual/occult, history (especially ancient), peace studies, music, food/cooking/cocktails, pop culture, relationship, regional and international studies, writing craft, essay collections and literary criticism. She requests that authors use appropriate content warnings when querying with sensitive material.
Follow Nat on Twitter @Nat_TRF and Instagram @Zsunita.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | New Literary Agents |Juvenile Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Action Adventure | Commercial Fiction | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Animals | Art | Biography | Cookbook Cooking | Dating Relationships Sex | Environment | Food Drink | Gardening | Health Wellness | History | Humor Nonfiction | Memoir | Music | Nature | Pop Culture | Science | Spirituality |
Biography
Kim-Mei Kirtland is a literary agent with the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. She is actively taking on clients who write speculative fiction, literary fiction, and nonfiction. Her primary focus is work for adult and YA audiences, but she is open to select middle grade projects. In fiction, she is particularly interested in hard science fiction, secondary world fantasy, space opera, magical realism, fabulism, and urban fantasy; in nonfiction, she is primarily open to history, biography, popular science, and food and travel writing with a strong voice. Books that have resonated with her recently include the Imperial Radch novels by Ann Leckie, PRIVATE CITIZENS by Tony Tulathimutte, HOW TO BE BOTH by Ali Smith, and THE FOUR THOUSAND, THE EIGHT HUNDRED by Greg Egan. She is not the best audience for work in the thriller or romance genres without speculative elements.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Nonfiction, Science, Travel, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Ian Kleinert is a literary agent with Paradigm Literary and Talent Agency. Kleinert was most recently the CEO and founding partner of Projector Media, which focused on literary management and investor-backed digital platforms for groups like SALT Events, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Propagate Content, and sports legends Joe Namath and Cal Ripken Jr. Kleinert was also the founder of the full service literary management company Objective Entertainment. During his time there, he represented and packaged book and subsidiary deals for writers and artists like Pulitzer Prize winner Quiara Alegr’a Hudes, Wendy Williams, Margaret Hoover, Kanye West and Donda West, Voletta Wallace and The Estate of The Notorious B.I.G., and many more. Over his nearly three decades in entertainment, Kleinert has secured publishing deals for more than 300 books, He began his career in 1994 at Fifi Oscard Agency. He later became a lit agent at William Morris Agency, where he represented novelists including ÒGame Of ThronesÓ co-creator D.B. Weiss.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Sports, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Peter Knapp is a literary agent and partner with Park, Fine & Brower Literary Management. First joining Park Literary in 2011, Peter Knapp represents authors of middle grade and young adult fiction. His clients include New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors, such as Soman Chainani, Lindsay Cummings, Sara Holland, Will Walton, Emily Bain Murphy, and more. Before joining Park Literary (now PFLM), he was at Floren Shieh Productions, a book-scouting agency working with film clients, and he continues to actively look for cinematic manuscripts with great hooks, as well as literary stories with awards-potential. A graduate of New York University, Pete now lives in Brooklyn with his husband.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Sheyla Knigge is a literary agent with High Line Literary Collective. After several years spent sleuthing through the submissions in Victoria MariniÕs query inbox, Sheyla Knigge (SHAY-luh KUH-nig-gee) is now actively using the skills she sharpened in that capacity to build her own dynamic bookshelf filled with the talented authors she currently represents. Sheyla is an expert at discovering fresh voices and relentlessly advocating for the successful publication of the stories she loves. Her unwavering enthusiasm for her authors is contagious, and she possesses an unrivaled ability to match authors with ideal homes for their books. Sheyla is an active member of the AALA and a mentee for the Literary Agents of Change 2024-2025 Cohort. She can be found at various writers conferences across the country from the Writers’ League of Texas Conference in Austin to the Atlanta Writers Conference, fulfilling her love of getting to work with authors one-on-one. Sheyla is also known for spotting universal book concepts with robust foreign potential, with major titles earning out their advances from global sales even before their domestic debuts. When sheÕs not working, you can find Sheyla tucked away writing, getting more tattoos, or spending time with her family in the Appalachian Mountains.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Deidre Knight is a literary agent with The Knight Agency. Deidre established The Knight Agency in 1996 after working in film and television. In the years since that time, she has built a dynamic, bestselling client list, placing over a thousand titles in a broad range of categories, including womenÕs fiction, commercial fiction, fantasy, young adult, romance, LGBT, middle grade, memoir and nonfiction narrative, personal finance, business, true crime, sports, popular culture, self-help, religion, health, and parenting. Her recent sales include books placed with Penguin Putnam, Random House, St. MartinÕs, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, HarperCollins, Harlequin, Thomas Nelson, and Avon. DeidreÕs clients have appeared on every major bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, PublisherÕs Weekly, Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times Bestseller Lists. Her authors have won countless awards, including the coveted RITA, the Gold Medallion, the Walden Books Award for Best New Author, and many others. SheÕs also a knitter, an amateur photographer, and an author who loves to spend time with her family.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Design, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Health Wellness, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Technology, Travel, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ginger Knowlton is a literary agent with the Curtis Brown Literary Agency. Ginger Knowlton represents a diverse list of authors and illustrators of picture books, middle-grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction. Her client list includes new and emerging writers as well as Newbery Medalists, Newbery and Printz Honor winners, Edgar and Lambda winners, New York Times bestsellers, and a host of other talented clients. Ginger has served on the Board of Directors of both the Association of AuthorsÕ Representatives in NYC and the Friends of the Library in her hometown in Westchester County.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic Novel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Stacey Kondla is a literary agent with The Rights Factory. She is a life-long bibliophile, StaceyÕs experience includes working as a Field Representative for Scholastic Book Fairs, managing at Chapters/Indigo stores, freelance editing, and serving on the organizing committee of When Words Collide (A Festival for Readers and Writers). She joined The Rights Factory in 2018 and represents fiction and nonfiction authors across age categories and across genres. Stacey is drawn to strong narrative voices, innovative storytelling, feeling all the feels, laughing all the laughs, and also the dark and the weird.
Not looking for:
Erotica, Self-help, Inspirational, Politics, Trauma Memoirs
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | New Literary Agents |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | Historical Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mainstream Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Biography | History | Pop Culture | Science | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Sara Kornienko is a literary agent with the Barbara Bova Literary Agency. She holds a M.A. in English and a B.A. in English with minors in Creative Writing and Journalism from Florida Gulf Coast University. During her MasterÕs program, she was the Co-Editor-in-Chief of Florida Gulf Coast UniversityÕs literary journal, Mangrove Review. Currently, Sara teaches writing courses at her alma mater. As an educator and avid reader, she believes stories have the power to connect us, forge understanding, and foster healing. She is passionate about sharing her love of writing and helping others find their unique voice so they can tell their own stories. In 2023, she joined Barbara Bova Literary Agency, and as a literary agent, she is excited to help authors along their writing journey and champion their amazing books. Sara was born and raised in Kansas City, but after more than 10 years in Southwest Florida, sheÕs officially a FloridianÑpulling her winter clothes out of the closet any time the temperature hits the 60s. When sheÕs not reading, she can be found at a local coffee shop, walking the beach, or playing tennis with her husband.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction