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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
Jen Nadol is a literary agent with The Unter Agency. She has worked in publishing for fifteen years, first as a Young Adult author with novels published by Bloomsbury USA and Simon and Schuster. She joined The Unter Agency in 2018 and represents adult, YA and middle-grade fiction as well as narrative non-fiction and memoir. She does not represent picture books, novellas or high fantasy. Jen is originally from Reading, PA, graduated from American University with a BA in literature and has lived in Washington D.C., Boston, NYC, and now, an old farmhouse north of the city with her three sons. She is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA) and the Westside Agents Group (WAG).
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Environment, Fitness, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Lizz Nagle is a literary agent with Victress Literary. She used to read books while walking to school as a kid and got lost in stories at the Allentown Public Library. She then stayed local, graduating from Cedar Crest College in May of 2009 where she studied English with a creative writing concentration and picked up another Communication major along the way. After graduating college, mothering, office managing for a Chiropractor, substitute teaching for the Allentown School District, working construction for a little while, and writing for fun herself, Lizz began her agenting career in 2019 at Victress Literary under the mentorship of Victress founder, Shannon Orso. She immediately began seeking out layered, character-driven stories with social relevancy that challenge stereotypes, soften hearts, and spread hope with a message of resilience. With a client list including but not limited to Young Adult, WomenÕs Fiction, Horror, and Fantasy titles, Lizz thrives in a creative atmosphere working on a wide variety of books that mashup genres and are propelled by characters. As an agent she values communication, community and collaboration. When not reading, writing, painting, practicing guitar, traveling, or at a concert, she might be found on a hiking trail or with her menagerie of kids and rescue animals.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Fitness, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Spirituality, Sports, Travel, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Maria Napolitano is a literary agent with KT Literary. She began her career in publishing as a book scout, where she fell in love with the process of matchmaking books with just the right editors and publishers around the world. She went on to work in subrights and as an agent, and joined kt literary as foreign rights manager and agent in 2024. In foreign rights, Maria’s focus is bringing authors to international readerships and building multi-faceted careers across global markets. As an agent, Maria represents a broad range of fiction, from commercial rom-coms to radical speculative fiction, subversive thrillers, and upmarket book club fiction. She is drawn to character-driven stories, unusual perspectives, genre-bending works, and supremely pitchable high concepts. Maria is a native New Yorker and Cornell graduate who currently lives in Astoria, Queens with a sourdough starter named Ryeley.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, Environment, Fitness, Health Wellness, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Science, Technology, Upmarket Nonfiction, Women’s Issues
Biography
Kristin Nelson is a literary agent with and the founder of the Nelson Literary Agency (2002). She says: ÒMy goal as an agent is simple: I want every client of mine to make a living solely from writing and 90% of my authors do without help from any other source of income. I established Nelson Literary Agency, LLC, in 2002 and over the last decade+ of my career, IÕve represented over forty New York Times bestselling titles and many USA Today bestsellers. Although IÕm a very nice Midwesterner, IÕve heard through the grapevine that editors call me Òa hard-working bulldog agent that will fight for you.Ó What a compliment! When not busy selling books, IÕm quite sporty. I enjoy tennis, pickle ball, and golf. I also love playing Bridge (where surprisingly IÕm not the youngest person in the club). On weekends my husband Brian and I can be found hiking in the Mountains.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mainstream Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Patricia Nelson is a literary agent at Looking Glass Literary & Media. She joined Looking Glass Literary in 2025 after more than ten years as an agent with Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. Her clients include New York Times and USA Today bestsellers, a National Book Award finalist, and winners of ALA Youth Media Awards including multiple Printz Honor and Stonewall Honor recipients. Patricia represents young adult and middle grade fiction in all genres, adult book club/upmarket fiction (including upmarket fiction with speculative and horror elements), and the whole spectrum of commercial womenÕs fiction Ñ everything from lighter beach reads and romcoms to darker stories with a mystery or suspense thread. Across the board, she looks for stories that hook her with a unique plot, fantastic writing, and complex characters that jump off the page. She enjoys working closely with both debut and established authors to build successful long-term careers. Patricia received her bachelorÕs degree from the College of William and Mary, and also holds a masterÕs degree in English Literature from the University of Southern California and a masterÕs degree in Gender Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Before becoming an agent, she spent four years as a university-level instructor of literature and writing.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Lynn Nesbit is the co-founder and a literary agent with Janklow & Nesbit Associates. She grew up in Dundee, Illinois and graduated from Northwestern University with a B.A. in Speech. She attended the Sorbonne and the Radcliffe Publishing Procedures Course. In the fall of 1960, she joined the Sterling Lord Agency, and in 1965 moved to create and run for twenty-three years the literary department for what later became International Creative Management. In January 1989, she formed a partnership with Morton JanklowÑJanklow & Nesbit Associates. Ms. Nesbit has served on the Board of Trustees of Partisan Review, the New York Institute for Humanities and the Literature Council for the National Endowment for the Arts. She is currently on the Board of the National Book Foundation. In 1991, she was a recipient of the Matrix Award, presented by New York Women in Communications, Inc. She received the Alumnae Award of 1994 from the Alumnae Board of Northwestern University. She is a member of the Century Association and the Council on Foreign Relations. Lynn Nesbit represents both fiction and nonfiction writers.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Autobiography, Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Technology
Biography
Esther Newberg is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. Based in the New York office, she represents many of the worldÕs leading authors across publishing, motion pictures, television, music, theater, branded entertainment and digital media, including Caroline Kennedy, Lesley Stahl, Lynn Sherr, Patricia Cornwell, Pete Dexter, Steve Martin, Carl Hiaasen, Thomas L. Friedman, Frank Rich, Maureen Dowd, Michael Beschloss, Ina Garten, Frank Fukuyama, John Sandford, Mike Lupica, Dennis Ross, Michael Beschloss, George Saunders, Michael Sandel,Sally Jenkins, Seymour Hersh, Bob Iger, Henry Winkler, Tom Hanks, John Stamos, Fran Lebowitz, Stephen Hunter, the Jimmy Breslin Estate, the Robert B. Parker Estate, and the Pete Hamill Estate. Newberg was Partner and Co-Head of the Literary department at ICM Partners before joining CAA in 2022 following the agency’s acquisition of ICM. Prior to joining ICM, Newberg was involved in running Senator Edmund S. Muskie’s 1972 presidential campaign in New York and Congressman Morris Udall’s 1976 presidential campaign in New York and Connecticut. She also served as staff director for Congresswoman Bella Abzug and on the staffs of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Abraham Ribicoff. A graduate of Wheaton College, Newberg is a member of the Advisory Council of the American Museum of Natural History, The Council on Foreign Relations, and the board of the Sag Harbor Cinema.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kiana Nguyen is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. Kiana Nguyen joined Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2016, where she assisted several agents, and is now building her own client list. She is seeking YA fiction across genres, particularly those with POC and queer voices. She is also interested in Adult romance and thrillers.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Mariah Nichols is a literary agent with the D4EO Literary Agency. She has a great passion for storytelling and for the publishing industry. With a BS degree in Business she wanted to apply her degree towards the world of books. After interning at Howland Literary her senior year, she soon transitioned to the role as a reader and in-house editor for the D4EO Literary Agency, working with Bob Diforio in all aspects of the business, with the intention of being named a D4EO literary agent. She enjoys working with new authors, offering editorial suggestions and copy editing of their manuscripts, helping to ensure that the work submitted to publishers is the best it can be. She is actively seeking compelling stories and growing her client list. Mariah is interested in adult and young adult fiction with genres including thriller, upmarket, romance/rom-com, horror, family drama, science fiction/paranormal, and womenÕs fiction. She is also wanting to represent nonfiction in categories such as cookbooks, memoirs, self-help, lifestyle, and how-to. Stories that showcase diversity and highlight mental health or special needs is something that she would especially like to see.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Health Wellness, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Self-Help, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Amy Nielson is a literary agent at The Purcell Agency. She spent nearly twenty years sharing her love of books with young readers on the other side of the writing aisle as a youth librarian. Daily immersion in story took root, and she started penning her 2024 YA debut, Worth It, behind her checkout desk. She left the library after her youngest son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and began writing full-time. She also began working with other authors helping them to elevate their craft and go on to pursue publication deals. While she will always enjoy pursuing her own writing goals, helping other authors has become a passion. She is honored to now serve as an associate literary agent at The Purcell Agency. Amy also has a background in television production and creates book trailers for authors to use as a marketing tool. She started Mayflower Media where she works collaboratively with writers to bring the heart of their stories from the page to the screen. In addition to her debut, Amy is the author of It Takes a Village: How to Build A Support System for Your Exceptional Needs Family, the picture book, Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Teaching Television Production, Beyond the Morning Newscast. She is the co-author of the upcoming title Navigating the Wild World of Publishing: A Workbook for Indie and Self-Published Authors and the co-host of the Author(ish) podcast. When not writing or reading she and her family can be found boating in Tampa Bay. You can find Amy at http://www.amynielsenauthor.com.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, Nonfiction, Parenting CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Erin Niumata is a literary agent with Folio Literary Management. Erin Niumata has been in publishing for almost three decades. She started as an editorial assistant at Simon and Schuster in the Touchstone/Fireside division for several years; then moved over to Harper Collins as an editor, and then she went to Avalon Books as the Editorial Director. Erin has edited many authors including Leon Uris, Stuart Woods, Erica Jong, Brenda Maddox, Lawrence Otis Graham, Joan Rivers, and more. She has represented NY Times Bestselling cowboy romance writer Carolyn Brown, pet expert Sandy Robins, Discovery ChannelÕs Fast N Loud, North America and Cash Cab; TLCÕs Ð The Cake Boss, Diesel Brothers, and Extreme Couponing; Animal PlanetÕs Too Cute, Finding Big Foot, River Monsters and Puppy Bowl; NASA’s Above and Beyond, inspirational speaker Josh Shipp, graffiti artist/speed-painter/inspiration speaker Erik Wahl, former gangster turned dog groomer James Guiliani, Skin care expert and co-founder of SoKo Glam Charlotte Cho, Hello Fears internet sensation Michelle Poler, Forever Twenty Something founder Sam Matt, chef/baker Grant Melton, humorist Jen Lancaster, humorist Jennifer Mann, Project Healthy Body founder Jennifer Joffe, Teenage Inspirational speaker Abby Jones, Fitness expert Ellington Darden, and many more. SheÕs worked on multiple NY Times Bestsellers.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Business Book, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Inspirational Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Women’s Issues
Biography
Daniel Niv is a literary agent at Olswanger Literary LLC. She is the co-founder and editor of Spell Jar Press, which publishes print anthologies. Her poetry has appeared in Phantom Kangaroo, Anti-Heroin Chic, Amethyst Review, and elsewhere. She has also spent several years freelancing as a manuscript reader for various leading publishing houses. Daniel majored in Literature and Creative Writing. She tried working in a bookshopÑbut ended up spending her entire salary there on books (sigh). So she worked as a librarian instead (which was *the best*). Following her internship with literary agent Anna Olswanger in 2024, she finally got her dream job and became a Literary Associate at Olswanger Literary.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Magical Realism, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: History, How-To, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Self-Help
Biography
Laura Nolan is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. She represents an eclectic list of New York Times bestselling investigative journalists, thought leaders, doctors, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities who inspire, entertain, educate and are striving to upend the culture. Her clients have won the Pulitzer Prize, a MacArthur ÒgeniusÓ grant, Oscar, Grammy, and Tony awards. They include Neil Patrick Harris, Ben Folds, Rhiannon Giddens, Wendell Pierce, Stephen ÒSteve-OÓ Glover, Allison Moorer, business leader Sabina Nawaz, esteemed doctors and psychologists Dr. Thomas Doherty, and Dr. Elizabeth Poynor, award-winning cultural and investigative journalists Scott Carney, Holly George-Warren, Alan Light and Josiah Hesse, among others. With fellow-senior partner, Jane von Mehren, Nolan represents National Public Radio for all book publishing, working closely with such established shows as NPR Music and Planet Money. Nolan is seeking clients who are asking the ÒbigÓ questions, exploring fascinating sub-cultures, and are paradigm-shifters in their fields, as well as performing artists who are successful in one medium but whose talents and passion translate into narrative. Before joining Aevitas, Nolan was the head of book publishing division for Paradigm Talent Agency. She is based in New York.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Celebrity, Food Drink, Memoir, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Upmarket Nonfiction
Biography
Susan Nystoriak is a literary agent with Golden Wheat Literary. She is fond of charismatic characters, twisty plots, and happy endings.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Humor Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction
Biography
Lee O’Brien is a literary agent with the Looking Glass Literary & Media. They say: “IÕm a junior agent at IGLA. Across all age categories, IÕm looking stories with a distinctive voice, immersive world, and clear stakes, whether those stakes are physical or emotional. I love pacy, stories with a strong commercial hook, as well as quieter character driven stories that can still keep the pages turning. IÕm interested in a range of genres, from fantasy, to horror, to psychological thrillers/domestic suspense, to romance, to contemporary. Here are some specific things that IÕm looking for right now: Fantasy of all kindsÑEpic secondary world fantasy, dark fantasy full of dangerous secrets and strange magic; grounded fantasy with compelling characters and a strong sense of place; nonwestern fantasy and fantasy from underrepresented voices Fun, pacy queer middle grade and YAÑbooks full of wonder and mischief and mystery, about queer&trans kids going on adventures and getting into trouble. Non-binary and trans books, across all genres Books with a strong central mystery, whether itÕs a murder, a long-buried secret, or slowly unspooling intrigue. Books full of twists and turns, that take us in deeper the more that we know. Slow building atmospheric horror, and horror stories with a literary edge. I would also love to see MG horrorÑAtmospheric ghost stories, monster books, and scary stories to read with a flashlight Queer romanceÑfirst crushes, love triangles, friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers, rom-coms, slow burns, and shippable characters with dangerous amounts of chemistry. I would absolutely go to war for a sweepingly epic ace-spec love story of any kind. Aro best friends who would burn cities for each other. Demisexuals who team up to save the world then accidentally fall in love. All of it. Atmospheric middle grade, and MG page turners with a more literary voice. YA thrillers with fast pacing and a compelling voice, that can drive up the stakes and still cut to the heart. Thoughtful retellings that speak back to their source, but can still stand on their own. Retellings of stories that we donÕt often hear, as well as fresh takes on old favorites. Some other things that are pretty evergreen for me are secrets, love triangles, magic, monsters, girls with swords, trans folx with medieval weaponry in general, puzzles, intrigue, heists, disaster queers, and hauntings of all kinds. I am actively seeking underrepresented voices, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA, disability, neurodiversity, and mental illness #OwnVoices, and books where multiple identities intersect. IÕd also love to see more positive fat rep, and books with a diversity of body types.”
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Molly O’Neill is a literary agent with Root Literary. She says: ÒIf I can visualize exactly how to form a web of connections around a book and its creator while IÕm reading an early draft, then itÕs a fantastic signal that I also know how to help that author or artist build their way into a meaningful, and potentially lucrative, career.”
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance NONFICTION: Illustrated, Memoir, Nonfiction, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Caitlin O’Shaughnessy is a literary agent and director of strategy and business development with The Book Group. She joined The Book Group in 2024 in a hybrid role as Literary Agent and Director of Strategy and Business Development. She was previously Vice President and Associate Publisher at Henry Holt & Co., an imprint of Macmillan, where she oversaw the marketing and publicity departments and worked closely with authors on brand strategy, promotion, and platform development. Prior to joining Macmillan in 2019, Caitlin spent over a decade at Penguin Random House. She began her publishing career at Viking, where she spent six years in editorial Ñ acquiring fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and lifestyle books for the Viking, Penguin, and Plume imprints Ñ before transitioning to marketing at Penguin Press. While at PRH, Caitlin completed her MBA at NYU Stern part-time at night with specializations in Strategy & Marketing. Additionally, she has a dual degree in English and French Literature from Wesleyan University. Originally from Chicago, Caitlin now divides her time between New York City and the Hudson Valley. At The Book Group, Caitlin is interested in representing commercial fiction, thrillers, and a wide array of nonfiction, especially narratives told through an economic or business/leadership lens. A few books I loved reading in my free timeÉ The Wedding People, by Alison Espach, Wellness by Nathan Hill, How to Change Your Mind, by Michael Pollan, The Most Fun We Ever Had, by Claire Lombardo, Sociopath: A Memoir, by Patric Gagne, WhatÕs For Dessert, by Claire Saffitz, Fleishman Is in Trouble, by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, The Lords of Strategy: The Secret Intellectual History of the New Corporate World, by Walter Kiechel, Brick by Brick: How LEGO Rewrote the Rules of Innovation and Conquered the Global Toy Industry by David Robertson and Bill Breen.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Business Book, Economics, General Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction
Biography
Monica Odom is an agent with Odom Media Management. She founded her own agency in 2019, after working in publishing for nearly a decade, including roles as agent at Liza Dawson Associates and Bradford Literary Agency. She earned her M.S. in Publishing: Digital & Print Media from New York University, and has a B.A. in English from Montclair State University. She was also schooled in bookselling and event coordinating at her local indie, Watchung Booksellers. Monica is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents where she has served on the Board, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, and as President of the DEI non-profit Literary Agents of Change. She currently teaches a publishing course at her alma mater MSU, in conjunction with the Montclair Literary Festival. She is dedicated to the holistic and intentional expansion of intersectional diversity, equity, inclusivity and justice in the publishing industry and beyond.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Beauty Fashion Style, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Travel, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Katherine Odom-Tomchin is a literary agent and the Director of Audio Rights with Folio Literary Management. She began her publishing career at Heritage Publishing, Inc., which publishes magazines, guides, and directories for health care, seniors, tourists, and attorneys throughout Florida and Southeast Georgia. During her time there, she held various positions in the editorial, graphic design, and information departments. Her many jobs included producing original content for their many publications and assisting in ad placement. At Folio, Kat enjoys working with and being a part of FolioÕs closely-knit team of skilled agents. Kat is FolioÕs Audio Rights Director, and she works hard to strategically place the agencyÕs audio rights with the most effective audio publishers possible. She also acts as a subagent for BenBella, an independent publishing house based in Dallas, TX known for publishing a range of nonfiction titles, and places audio rights for the storied authors of Harold Ober Associates and Emma Sweeney Agency.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Economics, How-To, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Technology, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Colleen Oefelein is a literary agent with MacGregor & Luedeke. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering with a focus in Biotechnology and a Bachelor of Science in German with a minor in International Business, both from Penn State. With over a decade of experience in the publishing industry, Colleen has worked at a couple literary agencies as both an associate agent and PR manager. SheÕs hosted numerous ÒPitch PerfectÓ and ÒRejection CorrectionÓ workshops on Facebook and at conferences nationwide and mentored several authors one-on-one through online pitch contests such as Pitch Wars. Also an author of young adult fantasy and memoir, Colleen has a deep appreciation for bond between an author and their art as well as a keen understanding of the PR world, having been featured in People Magazine, on Inside Edition, Fox NewsÕs Tucker Carlson and on 20/20. Colleen is a disabled veteran living in Alaska with her husband, son, and boerboel. A former 911 call taker and dispatcher for Alaska State Troopers, she has a soft spot for veterans and law enforcement families. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors and teaches creative writing workshops and Irish dance to homeschoolers. As a literary agent, Colleen is looking for romanceÐheart-rending love stories in most sub-genres (no erotica) and romantic suspense, as well as young adult and adult fiction: harsh and sobering contemporary, low fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, unusual re-tellings, suspense and thriller. In nonfiction, sheÕs interested in proposals for high-profile crime memoir, whistleblower memoir and narrative nonfiction on the subjects of science or medicine.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Celebrity, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Science, Sports, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Claire Oleson is a literary agent with Vicky Bijur Literary Agency. She joined the Vicky Bijur Agency in 2023 after working at several literary agencies, including Compass Talent and Union Literary. She is interested in literary fiction with experimental and speculative bends. She is particularly excited by queer voices, Midwestern settings, and unique approaches to the form of the contemporary novel. She is a 2020-2021 Center for Fiction Writing Fellow and a graduate of Kenyon College.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Food Drink, Health Wellness, Illustrated, Journalism, Memoir, Nonfiction, Photography
Biography
Amaryah Orenstein is a literary agent with GO Literary. She has always loved to read and provide (oftentimes unsolicited) editorial advice and, as a literary agent, she is thrilled to help writers bring their ideas to life. She is particularly drawn to narrative non-fiction and memoir but enjoys any book that connects the reader to its characters and evokes thought and feeling. Amaryah began her career at the Laura Gross Literary Agency in 2009 and, prior to that, she worked as an Editorial Assistant at various academic research foundations, including the Tauber Institute, where she edited books for Brandeis University Press/University Press of New England. Originally from Montreal, Canada, Amaryah earned a BA at McGill University before coming to the United States to pursue graduate studies in American History. She completed an MA at Ohio UniversityÕs Contemporary History Institute and a PhD at Brandeis University, and currently serves as Co-President of the Boston chapter of the WomenÕs National Book Association.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Food Drink, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Sports, Travel, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kristin Ostby is a literary agent with the Greenhouse Literary Agency. She represents authors of middle grade and young adult fiction, as well as picture book author/illustrators and select adult fiction. She is primarily seeking tightly written, tightly plotted, fast-paced commercial middle-grade and young adult fictionÑadventure, mystery, and contemporary humorÑas well as young adult romance. As the daughter of a librarian and a businessperson, itÕs really no wonder Kristin wound up in the book biz. Kristin moved from Michigan to New York to begin her life in publishing at Penguin Random House, and after sixteen years as a childrenÕs book editor (and freelance writer on the side), she rose to become a senior editor at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. Kristin has had the joy and pleasure of editing childrenÕs book legend Tomie dePaola; New York Times bestselling authors like Stuart Gibbs (Spy School) and US soccer star Alex Morgan (The Kicks); and award-winning creators including Daniel Miyares (Float), Jessica Lawson (Nooks & Crannies), and Heather Vogel Frederick (The Mother-Daughter Book Club). She also edited the mainstay bestseller I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy and Elizabeth Baddeley. Kristin loves guiding authors and illustrators toward their best work and advocating for them in service of building successful, sustainable artistic careers.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jeff Ourvan is a literary agent with the Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency. Jeff Ourvan, an attorney, published author and writing instructor, is a literary agent with the Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency. His interests are varied: he represents nonfiction works, especially narrative nonfiction, histories, biographies, science, food and sports. He also represents fiction writers, particularly in the young adult, thriller and romance categories. Jeff heads the Agency’s book-to-film efforts, and he is the founder of The WriteWorkshop, an intensive writing workshop for New York-area writers. His most recently authored work is THE STAR-SPANGLED BUDDHIST (Skyhorse).
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Sports, Technology, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Courtney Paganelli
Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Courtney Paganelli is a literary agent with the Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency. She joined the agency in May of 2019 and currently assists Jim Levine, Stephanie Rostan, and Victoria Skurnick. Courtney graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in English Literature. Her time in the Twin Cities was both bone-chilling and rewarding as she launched her publishing career as an intern with Wise Ink Creative Publishing. Upon graduation she returned home to the East Coast and began working on prominent business titles at Pearson. She later joined the managing editorial department at Random House ChildrenÕs books before becoming a part of the team at LGR. Throughout her career, Courtney has been inspired by authors who have taken their personal struggles and turned them into relatable stories. Her favorite novels incite emotion, whether fear, heartbreak, or happiness Ñ a book that makes her feel something is one she will read time and time again. Courtney enjoys diving into contemporary romances, relationship-driven literary fiction, psychological thrillers, and anything so scary that it will make her second guess whether or not she locked her door. In the young adult space, she particularly loves books that donÕt shy away from tough conversations pertaining to mental health, addiction, or abuse. She is looking for adult or young adult novels that will make her laugh, cry, and maybe slightly afraid of the dark. Some (but certainly not all) of her favorite authors include Stephen King, Laurie Halse Anderson, Jennifer Niven, Marisha Pessl, Gillian Flynn, Jessica Knoll, Lisa Lutz, Lisa Gardner, and Kara Thomas.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Economics, Film Entertainment, How-To, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Pop Culture, Self-Help, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Gina Panettieri is a literary agent with and the founder of Talcott Notch Literary Services. She says: “Being an agent is really all I can imagine doing. Books, and the amazing people who write them, have been the focus of my life for more than two decades. I remember packing to move my house and needing a separate small truck just for all the books, and I had given away countless volumes to the libraries for fundraisers already! But so many of them were treasured friends I couldn’t bear to part with, no matter the effort required to maintain the relationship. And this specific role I play, being given the chance to find and nurture new books, to work with some of the most creative and talented writers, scientists and psychologists, cooks and criminologists, experts from every field of study, makes what I do feel so different from work that my inbox feels like Santa’s magical Christmas bag. It’s always full, always overflowing, but brimming with the potential of something spectacular. All I’ve got to do is pull the little ribbon… Perhaps that’s why I have such trouble limiting myself to just a few genres. I find it all fascinating! History, business, self-help, science, gardening, cookbooks, crafts, parenting, memoir, true crime and travel. Teach me something new, something I couldn’t find somewhere else, something based on original research and that’s the hook I’m looking for. With fiction, I love quirky, edgy characters. Send me women’s fiction, paranormal, urban fantasy, horror, science fiction, historical, mystery, thrillers and suspense. Those rare moments I’m not reading or editing or talking about reading or editing or arguing about contracts, sleeping on the train, or tweeting about industry news, I adore classic films and old-time radio shows.”
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jessica Papin is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. Jessica Papin first joined DG&B in 2003, after spending eight years as an editor at Warner Books (now Grand Central). In 2004, she moved to Egypt, where she spent three years working for the American University in Cairo Press. Upon her return to the United States, she rejoined DG&B. With a background on both sides of the desk, she loves working collaboratively with clients to shape and refine their work. Her stay in the Middle East has given her an abiding interest in the history and politics of the region, as well as the broader Islamic world. She is interested in plot-driven literary and smart commercial fiction, and narrative non-fiction across a range of subjects, including history, medicine, science, economics and womenÕs issues. In every case, she looks for passion, erudition, and storytelling skill. A wry sense of humor doesnÕt hurt.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology, Women’s Issues