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The Directory of Literary Agents
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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
Caroline Trussell is a literary agent with the Metamorphosis Literary Agency. She has a background in editing, writing, and communications and has worked as an agent assistant, editorial assistant, journalist, and communications consultant. She is passionate about finding writers with unique voices and points of view and is looking for steamy romances, out of this world fantasies, and YA and MG that touch on vital topics that can’t be ignored. She’s also a self-published young adult author, a Columbia Publishing Course graduate, and a mental health advocate.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Chick Lit * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * NoPB * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Biography
Joy Tutela is a literary agent with the David Black Agency. A member of AAR, Joy Tutela has been with the David Black Literary Agency since 1998. Joy represents various genres of books, including projects in the following categories: narrative non-fiction, memoir, history, politics, self-help, investment, business, science, women’s and GLBT issues, parenting, health and fitness, humor, craft, cooking and wine, lifestyle and entertainment, commercial and literary fiction, and middle grade and young adult. She represents the New York Times bestselling Atkins series as well as New York Times bestselling Intellectual Devotional series by David Kidder and Noah Oppenheim. She also represents the New York Times bestsellers Catification and Catify to Satisfy by the host of “My Cat From Hell” Jackson Galaxy and his co-author Kate Benjamin, and Jenny Sanford’s New York Times bestselling memoir Staying True. Other bestselling projects include Steven Puleo’s Dark Tide and Boston Italians, Lisa J. Edwards’ A Dog Named Boo, and Kim Sunée’s Trail of Crumbs, and Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne’s Mason-Dixon Knitting. Joy also works with respected business leaders and organizations including Jim McCann founder and CEO of 1-800-Flowers.com; Danny Seo, eco-lifestyle guru and founder and editor-in-chief of Naturally, Danny Seo; Susan Packard, former COO and co-founder of HGTV; Jonah Sachs, founder and CEO of Free Range Studios; Ashok Bajaj, restaurateur and founder of Knightsbridge Management; Stephen Fraser, founder and CEO of the online fabric store Spoonflower; and The Athena Center for Leadership at Barnard College. Originally from and based in Red Sox Nation, Joy is a graduate of Wellesley College and the Radcliffe Publishing Course. She has been writing instructor at Goucher’s MFA in Creative Nonfiction program. She previously worked for Harvard Business School Press and taught at an elementary school in Italy.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Ethnic Fiction * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Humor Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * NoPB * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Computers * Cooking/Cookbook * Crafts * Ethnic * Film/Entertainment * Fitness * Food/Drinks * Gay/Lesbian * Health/Wellness * History * Humor * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Middle Grade * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Reference * Religion * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Sports * Technology * Travel * Women’s Issues * Young Adult *
335 Adams St. Suite 2707 Brooklyn NY 11201 USA
Biography
Cindy Uh is a literary agent with the Creative Artists Agency. Cindy Uh recently moved to CAA following a four-and-a-half-year stint at Thompson Literary Agency, where she represented a range of nonfiction authors in the categories of memoir, politics, food, business, health and wellness, and lifestyle. She has also consistently been ranked one of the top agents for illustrated/art projects.
Uh’s clients include New York Times best-selling author and illustrator Mari Andrew (Am I There Yet?), as well as former members of the Obama administration, including public policy expert Cecilia Muñoz and Gautam Raghavan, artist Kimothy Joy (That’s What She Said), farmer and activist Brent Preston (The New Farm), self-care storyteller Alexandre Elle, and activist and author behind the “Dear Sisters” letter, Mónica Ramirez. On the fiction side, she represents select children’s books, including authors Bridget Beth Collins (Flora Forager ABC) and Kristin Russell (A Sky For Us Alone).
Uh also previously served as Counsel at Lyons and Salky Law, LLP, where she practiced employment and publishing law. Uh received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Boston College and her Juris Doctor from the University of California, Los Angeles – School of Law.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Fantasy * General Fiction * Historical * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Science Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Lifestyle * Memoir * Narrative * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development *
405 Lexington Avenue 19th Floor New York NY 10174 USA
Biography
Jennifer Unter is a literary agent with and the founder of The Unter Agency, LLC. She has worked in many aspects of the publishing industry from editorial at Henry Holt, to a copyright lawyer at an entertainment firm. In addition to placing projects at domestic and foreign publishers, she also sells to audio, film and television. She is a member of Women’s Media Group.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Horror * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Diet/Nutrition * Environment * Fitness * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Middle Grade * Narrative * Nature * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Pop Culture * Travel * True Adventure * True Crime * Religion * Science * Spirituality * Sports * Young Adult *
141 Parkway Road Suite 10 Bronxville NY 10708 USA
Biography
Amanda Urban is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. Amanda says: “I joined ICM as a literary agent in 1980, serving as Co-Director of the Literary Department in New York for nineteen years, and Managing Director of ICM Books in London for six years. Prior to joining ICM, I was General Manager of New York Magazine and The Village Voice, and Editorial Manager of Esquire Magazine. I represent both fiction and non-fiction titles for many world-renowned authors and prize-winning journalists, ranging from literary novels to memoirs, biographies, and books on current affairs.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Family Saga * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Suspense * Thriller * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Autobiography * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Film/Entertainment * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Journalism * Memoir * Military/War * Money/Finance * Music * Narrative * Politics * Pop Culture * Reference * Science *
65 East 55th Street 14th Floor New York NY 10022 USA
Biography
* Picture Book authors should not submit unless also illustrators. *
Emily van Beek is a literary agent with Folio Literary Management. Emily moved to New York City from Toronto in 1999 armed with dual citizenship, a dream to work in children’s book publishing, and inspiration from my favorite (if clichéd) Zen magnet, “Leap and the net will appear”. Soon after my arrival in the city, I was hired as an editorial assistant at Hyperion Books for Children. During my three-and-a half year tenure at HBFC I became an editor working on projects by celebrated authors and artists, including Julie Andrews Edwards, Rosemary Wells, Susan Jeffers, and L.M. Elliott. In October of 2003, I decided to explore the view from the agent’s side of the desk, where I fell head over heels in love with my role as a literary agent. I spent the next six-and-a-half years as an agent and the rights director at Pippin Properties, Inc. Kathi Appelt’s Newbery Honor-winning THE UNDERNEATH (Atheneum/S&S, 2008), Jandy Nelson’s THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE (Dial, 2010), Jenny Han’s New York Times bestselling SUMMER series, and Erin Bow’s TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award-winning PLAIN KATE (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, 2010) are examples of some of the titles I represented before joining Folio in May of 2010. I hope never to retire.
At Folio Jr., I am honored to represent a distinct selection of both established and debut authors and artists. I am passionate about children’s and young adult books. I am passionate about negotiating the best deal possible. I am passionate about working together with our experienced and esteemed subsidiary rights and contracts teams to squeeze as much juice out of a single property as it will yield. I find it incredibly rewarding to work with new voices (and I’m thrilled to say that I’ve discovered several irresistible projects by debut authors and artists in the submissions pile). I’m also committed to helping established authors and artists continue to grow their careers. I am an “editorial” agent, in that I’ll work through as many drafts over the course of as many years as it takes to polish a manuscript I believe in to a high shine prior to submission. My goal is to build long-term relationships with authors and to help them publish books that will stand the test of time.
I am exclusively interested in acquiring projects for young and teen readers, from picture books by authors and author / artists, to authentic and fresh middle-grade fiction, to lyrical and daring YA. I’m looking for voices that won’t be ignored. I am open to considering all sorts of YA from mysteries to well-written chick lit, coming-of-age, the lyrical, the literary, and the laughable. I am looking for fiction that has an impact—whether it packs a punch or effects change with a more subtle hand, but something that can’t be put down, a manuscript that begs me to turn the page, work that changes me with the reading. I’m really, really looking for something that feels new, that I haven’t read before. I am not the best agent for fangs, claws, and wings. These topics have been very successfully published already. I’m looking for what comes after vampires and werewolves. I would love to be surprised!
I believe it was Ursula Nordstrom who once wrote (of the process of considering a manuscript) something along the lines of: “If you can resist it, do.” A tough love sort of approach to the process, but it’s a litmus test I often use to help me decide if I am the right agent to represent a particular project and to help an author achieve his or her publishing goals. When it comes to picture books I am a big fan of Mo Willems’ work (who better to capture a two-year-old’s temper tantrum?! Thank you Pigeon and Trixie!) I am madly in love with anything and everything “Polly Dunbar” (so much so that I’d submit her grocery list to publishers if I could). I think Jon Muth’s work is extraordinarily beautiful and thought-provoking, Kadir Nelson’s regal and rich, and Komako Sakai’s touching and so child-friendly.
In terms of middle-grade, when I was growing up I couldn’t get enough of Enid Blyton’s mystery series (Famous Five and Secret Seven omnibuses were my favorite Christmas gifts ever!) I’d love to find a contemporary MG mystery series. I’m also a fan of THE PENDERWICKS, WHEN YOU REACH ME, and THE MEANEST DOLL IN THE WORLD (gotta love Brian Selznick’s hilarious treatment of front matter). Classics that will always hold a special place in my heart include CHARLOTTE’S WEB, THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH, and A WRINKLE IN TIME. Young adult favorites include Lucy Christopher’s STOLEN (I can still taste the sand in my teeth and feel the burn of the Australian sun on my skin), Suzanne Collins’ HUNGER GAMES AND CATCHING FIRE, Gabrielle Zevin’s ELSEWHERE, and Shannon Hale’s works.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
630 Ninth Ave. Suite 1101 New York NY 10036 USA
Biography
Jamie Vankirk is a literary agent with and the owner of Rainbow Nerds Literary. She was previously with Liza Dawson Associates. She is looking for young adult novels in the below genres. She is particularly interested in LGBT, POC, and other marginalized groups. Own Voices are encouraged.
Contemporary Fiction—in the vein of Nicola Yoon (The Sun Is Also a Star), Becky Albertalli (Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda), and Kim Zarins (Sometimes We Tell the Truth)
Fantasy—think Audrey Coulthurst (Of Fire and Stars), Kate Elliot (Court of Fives), Erika Johansen (Queen of the Tearling), and Kristin Cashore (Graceling)
Science Fiction—similar to Corinne Duyvis (On the Edge of Gone) and Marissa Meyer (The Lunar Chronicles)
Historical Fiction/Fantasy—particularly written within the Tudor (bonus if centered around Anne Boleyn) or Victorian period
Magical Realism—along the lines of Libba Bray (The Gemma Doyle Trilogy and The Diviners)
Thriller—either with an unreliable narrator or in the vein of Kendare Blake (Anna Dressed in Blood)
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Jersey City NJ USA
Biography
Leslie Varney is a literary agent with Prentis Literary. She says: “It was never my plan to learn to read. In fact, I resisted it with all my five-year-old might, which was fairly significant. My favorite times were when my dad would read to me and I was afraid that when I learned to read myself, those lovely times would end. But my dad’s plan was different and his will was equal to mine. After many knock-down battles, and lots of Dick and Jane, I reluctantly learned.
I grew up during the mid-70’s on my family’s hippie farm, situated in a small middle-class town in the Hudson Valley. This would have made me unique in any case, but the fact that we had no television was downright bizarre. While all my friends were watching re-runs of the “Brady Bunch” (again), I was re-reading “A Wizard of Earthsea” (again). Or “Watership Down,” “A Wrinkle in Time,” “The Crystal Cave,” whatever was around. Luckily for me, there were always books around. And, since my dad’s favorite books tended to the fantasy and science fiction genres, my house was a fantastic playground of interesting ideas and wonderful stories. I was known as the weird kid who always had a book with her. If you couldn’t find me, I was probably hiding in Oz. Instead of doing my boring chores, I was Laura Ingalls Wilder, and her chores were exciting frontier adventures! There were no limits when it came to stories and there was always somewhere wonderful to visit.
I am pleased as punch that now I get to help authors bring new worlds, new ideas, and new magic to the literary world. I will always love the oral story-telling tradition, but my appreciation for the written work knows no bounds and I love being a part of bringing that passion to new readers. It turns out that my dad’s plan was better than mine after all.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Crime/Detective/Police * Ethnic Fiction * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Horror * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Romance * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction * Juvenile *
25322 36th Pl. S. Kent WA 98032 USA
Biography
Beth Vesel is a literary agent with the Beth Vesel Literary Agency. Beth Vesel began her publishing career at the Watkins Loomis Agency in New York in 1985, working under principal agent Gloria Loomis, after which she joined Sanford J. Greenburger Associates as a senior agent for fourteen years. She then founded The Beth Vesel Literary Agency in 2003.
Beth is known for her work with academics, psychiatrists, psychologists and other professionals in helping them transition to authors of landmark books. Her areas of specialty include narrative nonfiction, literary fiction, cultural criticism, psychology, psychiatry, science, health and memoir. Best sellers include Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez, I Don’t Want to Talk About It by Terrence Real, Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck, Inside the Mind of Scott Peterson by Keith Ablow, Against Love by Laura Kipnis, Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline, and NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman.
Beth has a B.A. from UC Berkeley in English and Political Science where she also completed graduate work in comparative literature.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: General Fiction * Literary * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cultural/Social Issues * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Narrative * Psychology * Science *
202 Riverside Drive Suite 9B New York NY 10025 USA
Biography
Joanna Volpe is a literary agent with New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. Joanna represents all brands of fiction (commercial, literary and genre) and has an affinity for stories that feature nuanced characters and complex relationship dynamics. She is currently on the lookout for stories with rich settings, diverse and unique perspectives, and she has a soft spot for speculative and/or fantastical elements. She’s personally not the kind of reader that needs a romance in her novels, though she does appreciate a good one.
On the non-fiction side her tastes are much more specific. In adult non-fiction she tends toward all things geek-related, foodie books, travel books, general pop-culture, pop-science and narrative non-fiction featuring interesting and powerful women. For children’s books she looks for topics that captivate kids: biographies (particularly untold stories), animal-related stories, all sciences, tech, history, etc. Joanna also enjoys morbid, weird or offbeat topics.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Fantasy * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Science Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction * Narrative * Pop Culture * Science * Women’s Issues *
110 West 40th Street Suite 2201 New York NY 10018 USA
Biography
Gordon Warnock is a literary agent with and a founding partner at Fuse Literary (formerly Foreword). He is a founding partner at Fuse Literary representing New York Times bestsellers and debut authors alike. He seeks to amplify historically marginalized voices and grow sustainable, long-term writing careers with an eye on actively creating change in the publishing industry and the culture as a whole. His years of experience as a senior agent, marketing director, editor for independent publishers, publishing consultant, and author coach inform his approach as a comprehensive business partner through the many lives of a book and the many stages of an author’s career. He frequently teaches workshops and gives keynote speeches at conferences and MFA programs in the US and Canada. He is an honors graduate of CSUS with a degree in Creative and Professional Writing.
With a zest for fresh, new voices and a deep love of the classics, Gordon actively seeks out both the timely and the timeless. In that spirit, he establishes involved, long-term working relationships with talented and dedicated authors of many genres. For a better idea of what he represents, he often posts about his clients on Twitter.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Ethnic Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * NoPB * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Biography * Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Ethnic * Food/Drinks * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Humor * Lifestyle * Memoir * Mind/Body/Spirit * Multicultural * Narrative * Photography * Pop Culture * Reference * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Sports *
PO Box 258 La Honda CA 94020 USA
Biography
Mitchell Waters is a literary agent with the Curtis Brown Literary Agency. He represents a wide and diverse array of literary and commercial fiction and nonfiction, including mystery, history, biography and memoir. He is particularly drawn to historical fiction and voice-driven narratives, especially when both dark and humorous. He is also looking for realistic young adult fiction. He served for ten years on the Board of Directors of the Association of Authors’ Representatives and is currently head of the membership committee.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Historical * Humor Fiction * Literary * Mystery * Satire * Thriller * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Humor * Memoir * Narrative *
1501 Broadway Suite 2605 New York NY 10036 USA
Biography
Mackenzie Brady Watson is a literary agent with the Stuart Krichevsky Literary Agency. She’s focusing on narrative non-fiction for all ages and select Young Adult fiction. As a former research scientist, she has a great passion for science books, especially if they are historically driven or revolutionize current theory, as well as sociology, investigative journalism, food writing, memoir, health and wellness, and business books. She particularly appreciates work that sheds light on marginalized experiences and helps contribute to the cultural conversation. On the fiction side, she’s always on the lookout for an original voice and a lot of heart.
Mackenzie began her publishing career as an intern at Fine Print Literary Management and Farrar, Straus & Giroux. She was an agent with Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency and New Leaf Literary & Media before joining SKLA in 2016.
In addition to being an agent, Mackenzie is also the Programming Chair for BinderCon (a professional development conference for women and non-gender conforming writers). She grew up outside of Philadelphia and is a graduate of Penn State University.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Literary * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Biography * Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Food/Drinks * Gay/Lesbian * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Humor * Investigative * Journalism * Juvenile * Memoir * Middle Grade * Money/Finance * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Photography * Pop Culture * Psychology * Science * Sports * Travel * True Adventure * True Crime * Upmarket * Young Adult *
118 East 28th Street Suite 908 New York NY 10016 USA
Biography
Bethany Weaver is a literary agent with Weaver Literary & Management. Prior to establishing WLA, Bethany Weaver began her career as an intern for the phenomenal Creative Media Inc. She has since held internships at Strand Magazine, Touchpoint Press, and Cozy Cat Press before working for Storm Literary Agency as their sole Foreign Rights agent.
Before publishing, she earned her BA in English with a concentration on writing, editing, and media and pursued a career with her local newspaper eventually making the switch to the USA Today where she still resides.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Chick Lit * Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Erotica * Fantasy * Graphic Novel * Horror * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Romance * Suspense * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Gay/Lesbian * Humor * Journalism * Pop Culture * Spirituality * True Crime * Women’s Issues *
USA
Biography
Carlisle Webber is a literary agent with Fuse Literary. She refused to major in English in college because she didn’t think there was anything fun to read on the required lists. No Stephen King? No R.L. Stine? No thanks! After college, she took her love of commercial, YA, and middle grade fiction to the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Sciences, where she earned a Master of Library and Information Sciences. She worked as a public librarian for years before deciding to move to the business side of publishing. She attended the Columbia Publishing Course, interned at Writers House, and worked at the Jane Rotrosen Agency in New York City.
She considers herself to be an editorial agent and holds a Professional Certificate in Editing from University of California, Berkeley. She belongs to the American Copy Editors Society and Bay Area Editors’ Forum. When editing, she aims to make a book the best possible version of itself, shaping it in a way so it can best use its unique voice to appeal to a wide audience. Carlisle is looking for high-concept commercial fiction in middle grade, young adult, and adult. If your book is fresh and exciting, tackles difficult topics, reads like a Shonda Rhimes show, or makes readers stay up late turning pages, she’s the agent for you.
Diverse authors are encouraged to submit their fiction. Within the genres she represents, Carlisle is especially interested in stories by and about people of color; with both visible and invisible disabilities and illnesses; who are economically disadvantaged; who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer; or who are members of religious minorities. Take a look at her manuscript wish list. But if you don’t write exactly what’s on her list, don’t worry! She’s happy to look at any work that falls into the categories she represents.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chick Lit * Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Horror * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Western * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
PO Box 258 La Honda CA 94020 USA
Biography
Jennifer Weis is a literary agent with and the founder of The Weis Agency. She left St. Martin’s Press, where she was Executive Editor for 30 years, to move to the other side of the desk. She joined Ross Yoon four years ago and has recently opened her own agency. Many things have changed for her but one thing has remained constant: her excitement when engaged in the hunt for page-turning fiction of all kinds as well as compelling nonfiction. With bestsellers like B.A. Paris’ BEHIND CLOSED DOORS and the nationally bestselling BABY TEETH during the past few years, as well as critical successes like CLIMATE OF HOPE by Michael Bloomberg and the current STRESSED YEARS OF THEIR LIVES (a Ross Yoon book repped by Gail Ross), Jennifer brings to the table an ability to offer editorial guidance and development as well as an advanced understanding and knowledge of the inner workings of publishing houses and the publishing landscape today.
In her role as agent, the goal is to identify the stars of tomorrow and help to place them at publishers where they can attract attention, shine and grow. She is seeking high-concept, cleverly plotted bookclub fiction — all categories, including psychological and domestic suspense, women’s fiction, and selected young adult, series and stand-alone. A novel has got to have a hook and a consistent voice that brings the reader right in to grab her attention.
In nonfiction, she is looking for new voices and authors preferably with a platform. Areas of specialty include but are not limited to health, psychology, memoir, current events and narrative nonfiction of special interest to women.
Jennifer is the co-chair of Project Lyme, a non-profit based in NYC that focuses on awareness, education and advocacy. She also serves on the Yale Public Health board, and the UJA Executive Committee for Publishing. She is a graduate of Yale College and Yale University (M.A. in English) and lives in NYC, where she is based, with her husband and 4 children.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Fantasy * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Mystery * NoMG * NoPB * Romance * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Business * Current Events/Affairs * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * Lifestyle * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Narrative * Psychology * Science * Women’s Issues *
27 e 28th St New York NY 10016 USA
Biography
Rob Weisbach is a literary agent with Creative Management. Rob attended Phillips Academy Andover and Stanford University, where he studied American literature and poetry. Weisbach began his publishing career as an editorial assistant at Bantam Doubleday Dell in 1989 and was named Senior Editor in 1992. There he published three consecutive #1 New York Times bestsellers: Seinlanguage by Jerry Seinfeld; Couplehood by Paul Reiser; and My Point…And I Do Have One by Ellen DeGeneres. His other titles at BDD included Feeling the Spirit by New York Times photographer Chester Higgins, Jr. and Alice, an urban fairy tale by Whoopi Goldberg.
In 1996 Weisbach was named President and Publisher of Rob Weisbach Books at William Morrow, where he oversaw the editorial, publicity, and sales strategy for a list of highly original fiction and nonfiction. The imprint’s first title, The Tenth Justice, launched the career of lawyer turned novelist Brad Meltzer and became an instant New York Times bestseller, as did Babyhood by Paul Reiser and Book by Whoopi Goldberg. Other bestselling and critically acclaimed writers Weisbach published at the imprint included The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart; literary fiction stars A.M. Homes, Dale Peck, and Amanda Davis; director and screenwriter Ethan Coen; humorist Sandra Bernhard; painter and nature writer James Prosek; and U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky.
Rob Weisbach Books received industry honors for innovation in marketing and jacket and catalogue design. The imprint also became known for reaching the next generation of readers through its Virgin Fiction series for first-time writers and cutting edge visual books including The Pop-Up Book of Phobias; Tim Burton’s cult classic The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy; and the companion to Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Rent. Other imprint titles included The Nazi Officer’s Wife, the Holocaust memoir by Edith Hahn; Openly Bob, the award-winning collection of essays by pioneer gay comedian Bob Smith; and Use Me, the acclaimed literary fiction debut of Vanity Fair contributor Elissa Schappell.
In 2002 Weisbach was named Vice President and Editor-at-Large at Simon & Schuster. There he developed cross-platform projects with other divisions of parent company Viacom and published select fiction and nonfiction titles with the Simon & Schuster adult trade division, among them the New York Times bestsellers The Know-It-All by Esquire contributor A.J. Jacobs; The Funny Thing Is…by Ellen DeGeneres; and Without You by Anthony Rapp.
In 2005 Weisbach was named to the dual role of President and CEO of Miramax Books and President and CEO of The Weinstein Company’s new book division. There he oversaw the publication of the existing Miramax Books list and built a new infrastructure and publishing program for Weinstein Books. Miramax Books titles he published included the New York Times bestsellers The Debutante Divorcee by Plum Sykes and Ptolemy’s Gate by Jonathan Stroud as well as Lighting the Way by Karenna Gore Schiff, My Father’s Secret War by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Lucinda Franks, and SPY: The Funny Years by Graydon Carter, George Kalogerakis, and Kurt Andersen. Weinstein Books titles included the Giller Prize-winning Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures by Dr. Vincent Lam; the New York Times bestseller Quantum Wellness by Kathy Freston; The Gift of Rain, the Man Booker-nominated literary debut by Tan Twan Eng; We Bought a Zoo, a family memoir by Guardian columnist Benjamin Mee, and The Journal of Helene Berr, the recently discovered Holocaust diary published in fifteen countries in fall 2008.
In 2008, Weisbach represented his first project as agent, the literary survival memoir Crazy for the Storm by Norman Ollestad, selling world rights to HarperCollins’s Ecco imprint. Ollestad’s extraordinary book became a New York Times bestseller, has been sold around the world, was chosen by Starbucks as their summer selection and by Amazon as one of the Ten Best Books of 2009, and was optioned by Warner Brothers for film.Over the course of his twenty-year career in entertainment Rob Weisbach has developed and published a diverse list of high-caliber talent including New York Times bestselling authors Jon Stewart, Brad Meltzer, Jerry Seinfeld, Whoopi Goldberg, Ellen DeGeneres, Paul Reiser, A.J. Jacobs, Bob Schieffer, Anthony Rapp, and Kathy Freston; US Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky and Pulitzer Prize-winner Lucinda Franks; literary stars A.M. Homes, Bruce Wagner, and Elissa Schappell; filmmakers Tim Burton and Ethan Coen; rights advocates Karenna Gore Schiff and Evan Wolfson; photographer Chester Higgins, Jr., painter and nature writer James Prosek, and chef Padma Lakshmi.
“My mother and father, a psychologist and an editor, instilled in me the importance of marshalling one’s intellect, compassion, and will to help others achieve their aspirations. For twenty years, my professional life as a publisher has been devoted to promoting my authors’ talents. That hands-on experience, along with relationships I’ve built in national media, film, and television, now will enable me to offer my clients sophisticated, broadly informed representation from the other side of the desk.”
“In these times, more than ever, creative artists will need to become the architects of their own success. Over the years I’ve experienced great satisfaction from helping authors shape their work, focus on what they can do independently to ensure exposure in the marketplace, develop opportunities for themselves beyond the book page, and think beyond the traditional limits of publishing to build an audience in the digital age. Now, I’m looking forward to discovering and developing a new stable of distinctive, dynamic talent and empowering them to marry a rich creative life with good business strategy.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Fantasy * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Science Fiction * Thriller * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Autobiography * Biography * Celebrity * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Film/Entertainment * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Gift/Novelty * Health/Wellness * History * Humor * Memoir * Narrative * Politics * True Adventure * Young Adult *
2029 Century Park East Suite 400 Los Angeles CA 90067 USA
Biography
Alexandra Weiss is a literary agent with the Jennifer Azantian Literary Agency. She joined the world of publishing in 2016, as an associate agent with the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency. In 2021, she joined Azantian Literary Agency where she represents fiction and nonfiction picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, and select adult nonfiction. She holds a BFA in creative writing and publishing from Columbia College Chicago and has written for Bustle and Buzzfeed, among others. She regularly volunteers with literary organizations and has a soft spot for working with young readers. When she isn’t reading or writing, she’s probably baking up a storm or snuggling with her cat.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Graphic Novel * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cultural/Social Issues * Environment * Gay/Lesbian * Gift/Novelty * History * Juvenile * Pop Culture * Narrative * Nature * Science * Technology * Travel * Women’s Issues *
Chicago IL USA
Biography
Tess Weitzner is a literary agent with the Frances Goldin Literary Agency. She joined the Frances Goldin Literary Agency in 2023 after more than three years at Trident Media Group. A graduate of Middlebury College, she previously interned at Macmillan, The New England Review, and O/R Books. She was also a 2019 Bread Loaf student-scholar in fiction, as well as a research assistant for the author and journalist Charles Glass. And, after a long stint coaching and performing with a youth circus, she is drawn to anything that flies high, plays with fire, and embraces difference.
She is primarily looking for literary fiction and narrative nonfiction narrow and deep in scope that might play with unreliable narrators, interrogations of power and violence, reclamations of identity, or dark-as-night humor. Fresh takes on horror, magical realism, camp, and kitsch will always be met with zeal.
In the children’s space, she is looking for contemporary middle grade and YA stories that are fun, engaging, and seemingly “quiet” that crack open larger questions or underrepresented experiences. Some of her favorites include Sandra Cisneros, Louis Sachar, Carl Hiaasen, Katherine Applegate, Kelly Yang, and Jason Reynolds. As part of their brilliant storytelling, they respect young readers and approach tough topics with warmth, humor, and edge. She is not accepting queries in science fiction, fantasy, or picture books at this time.
Her clients include Sara Cody, Berinna Chambers, David Dabel, Christina Frigo, Leora Fridman, Davey Lawson, Kathryn Kramer, and Suchi Rudra.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Graphic Novel * Horror * Humor Fiction * Literary * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * NoPB * Picture Book * Satire * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction * Humor * Juvenile * Middle Grade * Narrative * Young Adult *
214 W. 29th St. Suite 1006 New York NY 10001 USA
Biography
* Picture Book authors should not submit unless also illustrators. *
Samantha Wekstein is a literary agent with the Thompson Literary Agency. She grew up in Westchester, NY. She attended the University of Maryland, College Park and received a B.A. in English. She now lives in NYC with her husband and dog. After internships with Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency and Rowman & Littlefield, she began her career in 2013 at Writers House LLC. She then briefly worked as an assistant at The Agency Group (now UTA) before returning to Writers House for the next 5 years where she began supporting the CEO, and then the Founder, before becoming an agent. For more information on her tastes, please visit: https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/SamanthaWekstein/ Her clients include Lani Forbes, Korrie Leer, and Jessie L. Star, among others.
She’s been lucky to work with a variety of best-selling and award winning authors across all genres. She joined TLA in 2019 where she’s excited to grow her list. In YA, she loves creative and epic fantasies, but she is also drawn to realistic stories with multi-dimensional female characters. She is always interested in elevating diverse voices, particularly through feminist narratives. She is seeking middle grade of all stripes, but especially stories that deal with themes of friendship, adventure, or encountering tragedy for the first time. She is also on the lookout for whimsical, meaningful, and funny picture books. On the adult side she is drawn to commercial voices in Romance, Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction, Sci-Fi and Fantasy.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Chick Lit * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * New Adult * Picture Book * Romance * Science Fiction * Upmarket Fiction * Western * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cultural/Social Issues * Humor * Narrative * Pop Culture * Women’s Issues *
48 Great Jones Street #5F New York NY 10012 USA
Biography
Charlotte Wenger is a literary agent with the Prospect Agency. She says: “Although my parents didn’t intentionally name me after Charlotte A. Cavatica, as a child, I imagined that my white semicircle headboard transformed into a spider’s web at night. From a young age, I was aware of the impact of words and a well-crafted story. Now I’m delighted to work with clients to weave book webs that leave their mark on readers.
I honed my love of stories by getting a BA in English and theatre from Eastern Mennonite University. After graduating, I worked as a project manager and editor for Scribe, a Philadelphia-based publishing services company, for three years. To follow my passion for books and children, I moved to Boston to earn a master’s in Children’s Literature from Simmons College (now University). I interned at Charlesbridge (editorial) and Candlewick (sales), and after grad school, I interned with literary agent Rubin Pfeffer for a year. Prior to joining Prospect Agency, I was an associate editor for just over two years with Page Street Kids, where I acquired and edited more than twenty picture books and grew relationships with authors, illustrators, agents, and other editors.
As an agent, I enjoy the editorial work and the relationship building; so I love attending conferences and leading workshops. I’ve mentored Simmons MFA students and also serve on the national advisory board of the Mazza Museum, the world’s largest collection of original children’s book art, in Findlay, Ohio.
I’m interested in working with authors and illustrators of children’s books—board books through YA, but especially picture books—as well as adult nonfiction, particularly biographies and memoirs.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * General Nonfiction * Juvenile * Memoir * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
551 Valley Road PMB 377 Upper Montclair NJ 07043 USA
Biography
Marcia Wernick is a literary agent with the Wernick & Pratt Agency. After working and traveling around Europe after college, and working in different jobs in New York City, Marcia finally found her calling in children’s publishing. She began working at the Sheldon Fogelman Agency, in subsidiary rights, advancing to director of subsidiary rights. She has attended the Bologna Children’s Book Fair more than a dozen times, enjoying the international camaraderie of the children’s book industry. When she realized that working directly with the authors and illustrators brought her the most joy, she focused on the agenting side of the business. She became a full time agent, bringing in many authors and illustrators to the agency.
Among the clients she brought in, and with whom she continues to work, are Bryan Collier, Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, Kathleen O’Dell, Jackie Urbanovic, Alexandra Boiger, and Mo Willems, who she introduced to the children’s book publishing world. Her clients now range from the well-established to those just beginning their careers. She continues to use her subsidiary rights experience by handling the foreign rights side of Wernick & Pratt Agency and working with film agents on the licensing of motion picture/television rights. She has had great fun licensing merchandising rights such as ring-tones, game apps, plush dolls, pajamas, back packs, toys, and games. She is accepting new clients in all genres for children.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
4455 Douglas Avenue Riverdale NY 10471 USA
Biography
Kimberly Whalen is a literary agent with and the founder of The Whalen Agency. Before founding The Whalen Agency, Kimberly Whalen worked at a major New York City literary agency for 15 years, where she represented dozens of New York Times bestselling clients. Those clients delivered over 40 New York Times bestselling books, multiple #1 New York Times bestsellers, dozens of international bestsellers (including #1 international bestsellers) and netted several eight-figure deals.
Prior to her renowned career as a literary agent, Kimberly Whalen worked as the foreign rights director at St. Martin’s Press. The experience of working at a publishing company as well as her background in selling international rights for over 20 years provides her clients with a truly unique and global expertise that is unparalleled in the industry.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chick Lit * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Fantasy * General Fiction * Literary * Mainstream * Mystery * New Adult * Paranormal * Romance * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Celebrity * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Film/Entertainment * General Nonfiction * Lifestyle * Memoir * Music * Narrative * Pop Culture *
500 Post Road East 2nd Floor, Suite 240 Westport CT 06880 USA
Biography
Michaela Whatnall is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. She joined Dystel, Goderich & Bourret in 2019 as the assistant to Michael Bourret in the West Coast office. After graduating from Emory University with a degree in English and linguistics, Michaela completed the Columbia Publishing Course. Her background in school and library marketing accounts for her strong interest in children’s literature, from picture books up through middle grade and young adult novels and graphic novels. In the adult space, she is particularly interested in character-driven fantasy and science fiction.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Literary * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Romance * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Western * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Animals/Pets * Art * Biography * Cultural/Social Issues * Film/Entertainment * Gay/Lesbian * Gift/Novelty * History * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Multicultural * Narrative * Pop Culture * Sports *
One Union Square West Suite 904 New York NY 10003 USA
Biography
Paige Wheeler is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency, Inc.
As the founder of Creative Media Agency, Inc., Paige Wheeler has artfully merged her creativity and business savvy to create an agency that is dedicated to maximizing author potential. With over twenty years of experience in the publishing industry, Paige is propelled by an entrepreneurial spirit, ignited by the thrill of discovery.
Through all of her professional endeavors, Paige has ventured to support her clients and their unique voices in an unprecedented way. In 2006, Paige also became a founding partner of Folio Literary Management, LLC. Through CMA, she is now able to provide the ability to manage intellectual property rights of authors by selling both domestic and foreign rights, and co-agenting film and audio rights.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Christian Fiction * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Historical * Inspirational Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Business * Christian * Health/Wellness * Humor * Lifestyle * Memoir * Money/Finance * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Pop Culture * Practical * Prescriptive * Reference * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Travel * Women’s Issues *
1745 Broadway 17th Floor New York NY 10019 USA
Biography
D. Ann Williams is a literary agent with the Emerald City Literary Agency. She is a queer Black American writer, writing coach for WNDB Black Creatives Revision Workshop, sensitivity reader, and freelance editor with 10+ years’ experience. She has worked with all big 5 publishers, indie publishers, and self-published authors on a variety of adult and kidlit manuscripts. D. Ann brought her passion for kidlit to Emerald City Literary Agency in 2021 as an intern before being promoted to Associate Agent. She is a member of SCBWI, Sisters in Crime, and Crime Writers of Color. Originally from SoCal, she now lives in Oregon where she spends her days reading, writing, and taking photos.
D. Ann is starting to build her own list, and is open to select submissions in PB, MG, and YA fiction and will represent projects alongside ECLA agents Mandy Hubbard and Linda Epstein. As an Associate Agent, she also works on office management and helps with reading queries sent to ECLA agents.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Biography
Jennifer Williams is a literary agent with the Gold Dust Literary Agency. She says: “I have a decade of diverse experience in publishing and public health. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with an M.A. in History. I also hold dual B.A. in History and Religious Studies. As a trained historian, my favorite places include dusty archives, museums, libraries, and forgotten historic sites. I grew up in a multicultural household, and I enjoy learning about other cultures and traveling. I am disabled and I always have my cane and a book with me. I enjoy being outdoors, writing, and meeting new people.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Fantasy * Historical * Juvenile Fiction * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * NoPB * Paranormal * Science Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
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About Mark Malatesta
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company Literary Agent Undercover and The Bestselling Author. Mark’s authors have gotten six-figure book deals, been on the NYT bestseller list, and published with houses such as Random House, Scholastic, and Thomas Nelson. Click here to learn more about Mark Malatesta and click here for Reviews of Mark Malatesta.
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Author Coaching Testimonials
“Mark, finding you has been both a treat and a treasure—I just signed a contract with my new literary agent!
My career has spanned publishing, TV, and feature film. I’ve served as Creative Dir. for the Magazine Group, TIME Inc.; Dir. of Time World News Service, a Founding Dir. of TIME-Life Films; Exec. Prod. for both the CBS and NBC TV Networks; Prod./Dir.: Movies of the Week: CBS Cinema Center Films and Universal MCA.
In today’s publishing marketplace, agents come and go. They also very often seem to just want an easy pathway to make a buck. Many authors are let go by their agents because their last book didn’t do well enough and the agent doesn’t want to devote the time to help the author. That’s not what you’re about Mark. Even established authors need this type of support in today’s marketplace.”
Author of ten fiction and nonfiction books
* * *
“I’m psyched to have this be official. After getting five different offers for representation from top literary agents, I signed with Stephanie Tade who got me a 6-figure book deal with Penguin!
Getting multiple agents interested in my work was really important to me. I’ve dealt with agents before and gotten screwed on things contractually so I wanted to do it differently this time. I wanted choices.
Having you help me create that, and navigate my options, was really helpful. I heard other authors talk about their great relationships with their agents and it made me want the same thing. Now I have that.”
Author of Woman on Fire
(Penguin Books)
* * *
“After sending out the query Mark revised for me, I had the opportunity to speak with literary agents from top agencies such as Janklow & Nesbit, Trident Media, Anderson Lit, and Folio. I signed with Don Fehr at Trident and, a short time later I had a publishing contract with Berkley Books, which recently published my book in hardcover.
Before that, I sent my query letter out on my own to 30 or 40 agents and got a lot of rejections. I then found Mark online while I was researching agents. I was surprised that he offered so much during his initial consultation—for a very modest amount of money.
I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t worked with Mark. I can’t even imagine that now though, because of the grief and detours I experienced before we worked together. It was a time-consuming pain in the neck. If you want to get the attention of top literary agents and publishers, there is no substitute for working with an insider. You can’t beat experience. And having Mark on your side is incredibly valuable.”
Author of Single Handed
(Berkley Books, a Division of Penguin Random House)
* * *
“AHHH! OMG, it happened! I got three offers of representation for my children’s picture book in the United States, even though I live abroad! When I woke up and found the first offer for representation in my email in box, I wanted to scream. But my family was still asleep so I couldn’t. 🙂
Just 8 minutes after I sent a query letter to one of my favorite agents, she replied and asked to see my manuscript. A short time later we had a lovely conversation. She was interested in representing me and sounded very positive and enthusiastic about my book. Since I also got offers from two other agents, I had to turn two of them down. One of them was upset and it felt like I was breaking her heart, but you just have to do it. I kept reminding myself that this is a good problem to have!”
Author/Illustrator of Lon-Lon’s Big Night
and many other children’s books
* * *
“Mark, after you helped me land a top literary agent, I got publishing offers from THREE well-known publishers: Amacom, Palgrave Macmillan, and McGraw-Hill (they’re publishing my book in hardcover)!
I was at Disneyworld with my family, in the Haunted Mansion, when I got the call. I went outside and listened to the voicemail message from my agent. A huge smile came over my face. It was a fantastic feeling. For a moment I felt like life was perfect and the angels were singing.
You’re filling an important need so I’ll say this to every other author reading this testimonial. Mark showed me that getting a top literary agent is a science. If you’ve written a book, or you’re in the process, you’ve already invested a lot—a lot more than money. Don’t stop yourself from getting out there to fulfill your purpose and dreams. Thank you so, so much, Mark!!!”
Author of Customer Focused Process Innovation (McGraw Hill)
* * *
“I got a book deal! After I started sending out my new query letter I had 6 literary agents request my manuscript in a short amount of time, which is awesome. Then, within 2 weeks of my agent starting to pitch my story to publishers, we had an offer. I signed a book contract yesterday. A little while later my agent told me that a TV co-producer asked for more info about my book.
By the way, the acquiring editor that fell in love with the manuscript jumped in with both feet and we just worked out our timeline for publication. She’s as passionate about getting my book out as I am, and that means everything. She read the manuscript in two days and said she couldn’t put it down. And the book is going to be published as a hardcover!”
Author of A Chick in the Cockpit
(Behler Publications)
* * *
“Thank you Mark! After you helped me get a well-known agent with Hartline Literary Agency (for my previously self-published murder mystery), he got me a deal with an American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) approved publisher. I’m hard-pressed to find anything that I had an expectation for that you didn’t deliver on.
Before I worked with you I sent out queries, but no one ever requested my complete manuscript. Comparing your new version of my query to the one I wrote before, I can see a vast difference.
I’ve been in business for 35 years so I’m not just saying this… what you’re doing is phenomenal. There are other people offering similar services, but the difference is your success. Others might say they do similar things but, if you research them, they don’t have your background or track record.”
Author of The Rector
* * *
“Mark, you’re a miracle worker. Thanks to your help with my book, query letter, and synopsis… I now have a legitimate publisher who described my book as ‘Powerful Magic’ and it’s now available in bookstores and online!
I’m a lifelong academic writer who one day found myself writing inspired short stories that came to me in dreams and I began thinking of them as novels. That’s when I had a momentous conversation, an introductory coaching call with Mark Malatesta, the American creative writing coach, or rather, to be precise, a how-to-sell-yourself-and-your-work adviser. It was the best-spent money of my life apart (possibly) for my wedding ring.”
Author of The Black Inked Pearl
* * *
“Within 4 minutes of sending out my query letter, a top literary called me on the phone (the #1 agent on my wish list). Less than 30 days later I had three major publishers making offers. A few days after that, I signed a deal with Random House. Mark, your query letter did that.
My agent talked about the query letter you helped me create for a long, long time. When he first called me on the phone, he hadn’t seen any of my sample chapters. It was just the query letter that did it. Communicating the right thing is so important. You are a wonderful medium helping authors find their voice and elevate their writing from just a hobby to a real business… a source from which they can both learn and earn.”
Author of Lights Out
(Random House)
* * *
“MARK, MARK, MARK!!!!!!! Holy smokes… I just signed my book deal. First, two well-known literary agents asked to represent me. One of them responded to my query letter in less than 4 minutes!!
Then THREE different publishers wanted my book and started talking about making offers. The publisher I chose is perfect for me because they produce titles for the trade, educational, and scientific markets. And they agreed to publish my book as a hardcover!!!
When I met you, Mark, it was a pivotal time. I was under the belief that I could self-publish my book with a vanity press and then seek a publisher. I didn’t know what a literary agent was, why I needed one, or how to get one. I was wandering in the dark. You guided me in the right direction and gave me a solid plan.”
Author of Intestinal Health
(Rowman & Littlefield)
* * *
“Boom!!! I just signed a contract with Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins for (what I’ve been told by several people) is a very large advance for a first-time author.
Before working with Mark I submitted my book to agents but didn’t get any interest. This time around I got a top NY literary agency (Fine Print Lit). What cloud is higher than 9?
I had several agencies interested before deciding to go with Fine Print. And, to be honest, all of the attention didn’t surprise me. The query letter and proposal that Mark helped me develop were incredible. Agents actually said things to me like: ‘Scott, I read your proposal and I’m just blown away by it!’ Mark is extremely talented at what he does. If you have the opportunity to work with him, take advantage of it.”
Author of The Unbreakable Boy
(Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson)