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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
Jodi Reamer is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. Jodi says: “I’m an agent and an attorney and have been at Writers House for 25 years. I handle both children’s books, from young -adult to picture books, and adult books. My focus is commercial fiction. I would love to represent a legal thriller.”
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, General Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Jessica Regel is a literary agent with and the founder of Helm Literary. She says: “I started Helm Literary with the goal of helping writers take control of their careers. I believe my job as a literary agent is to help writers steer that ship (couldnÕt resist at least one sea-faring pun!) First and foremost, I work to make sure my writers are compensated for their incredible work, but IÕm also their guide to navigating the industry as a whole. No nonsense, no smoke and mirrors. Just the pure magic of publishing books. WhatÕs my story? As a flashlight under the covers, tripping over curbs while read-walking, never leave home without a book, lifetime reader, I thought IÕd found my dream job when I started working at my local library in Iowa. Then one day, I stumbled upon the inciting incident of my professional life: I shelved The WriterÕs DigestÕs Guide to Literary Agents. The summer of 2002, I moved to New York City to intern at the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency. Over the next decade, I worked my way through each department: royalties, contracts, audio, foreign, film, and domestic. I also began taking on my own clients (most of whom I still represent to this day.) In 2013, I moved to Foundry Literary + Media where I continued to grow my list of award winning, bestselling writers. (And truly just wonderful people.) Today, Helm is a full-service literary agency, representing fiction, nonfiction, and childrenÕs book authors. I’ve hired a team of industry veterans to support me in my back office and in my subsidiary rights department, that way I can focus on selling books. Because the truth is, nearly two decades into my career, I still get giddy every time I call an author with an offer from a publisher. Dream job!”
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Self-Help, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Ashley Reisinger
Triada U.S. Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Postal MailBiography
Ashley Reisinger is a literary agent with the Triada U.S. Literary Agency. She is interested in a variety of fiction across adult, young adult, and middle grade. In adult, she is primarily looking for swoony romances, the more chaotic the protagonist, the better (think Boyfriend Material, The Love Hypothesis, You Had Me at Hola, Book Lovers, Weather Girl). In young adult, she is interested in heartfelt, character-driven stories, particularly romcoms (think To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, What I Like About You). She can also be enticed by the odd horror, thriller, or spec fic (think Wilder Girls, Cemetery Boys, The Darkness Outside Us, The Whispering Dark). In middle grade, she is looking for a fun, quirky voice that will make her laugh. Primarily, she’s interested in contemporary (think Front Desk, From the Desk of Zoe Washington), and fantasy/contemporary fantasy (think Amari and the Night Brothers, Ghost Squad).
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Yfat Reiss Gendell is a literary agent with YRG Partners. She is the founder of agency and branding company. She represents world-builders and subject matter authorities across fiction and nonfiction. Her nonfiction projects include narrative nonfiction works of memoir (Sherri ShepherdÕs Permission Slips; international zeitgeist poet Sarah KayÕs forthcoming The View from South Dakota; and Vice Admiral Robert HarwardÕs forthcoming The Gouge), history and science (New York Times bestseller Denise KiernanÕs The Girls of Atomic City and The Last Castle; and Cristin OÕKeefe AptowiczÕs Dr. Mutters Marvels), prescriptive nonfiction in the areas of business (Eve Rodsky and Reese WitherspoonÕs Hello SunshineÕs New York Times bestselling Fair Play; hospitality industry thought-leader Damian Mogavero and Joseph DÕAgneseÕs The Underground Culinary Tour), health and wellness (iconoclast and bestseller Yoni Freedhoff MDÕs The Diet Fix; neuroscientist and TED Talk star Wendy Suzuki, PhDÕs bestselling Happy Brain, Healthy Life; internationally renowned environmental toxin authority Leonardo Trasande, MDÕs Sicker, Fatter, Poorer; internationally lauded neuroscientist Nan Wise, PhDÕs bestselling Why Good Sex Matters; and Pierre Dukan, MDÕs New York Times bestselling The Dukan Diet), parenting (bestselling ÒToddler WhispererÓ Tovah Klein PhDÕs bestselling How ToddlerÕs Thrive; Jo FrostÕs Toddler Rules by TVÕs ÒSupernannyÓ), and humor (the New York Times bestselling Sh*tty Mom franchise of books and merchandise). Yfat routinely helps consumer packaged goods companies and other business leaders bring their brand stories to entertainment (New York Times bestselling Suja Juice Solution; BabyGanics groundbreaking BabySafe in Seven Steps; Vera Bradley founder Barbara Bradley BaekgaardÕs A Colorful Way of Living; Stella & Dot founder Jessica HerrinÕs Find Your Extraordinary; and two forthcoming projects by Swedish environmental change agent Oatly). Yfat understands what her authors and creatives go through, because she is one. As an author she has published eight nonfiction titles with Chronicle Books, Stewart, Tabori & Chang, and Penguin Random House, among others. Prior to becoming an agent, Yfat worked as a lawyer and ran a boutique publishing house. She attended Brandeis University and The UCLA School of Law and spent more than a decade on the board of WIN (formerly Women in Need), one of New YorkÕs largest providers of homeless services for women and children.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Fitness, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Laura Rennert is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Laura Rennert has been with the agency since 1998. She specializes in all categories of children’s books, from picture books to YA. She also represents literary-commercial fiction, thrillers, and psychological suspense/horror on the adult side. Laura gravitates toward books with a masterful voice and an unusual point of view. She’s captivated by conflicted, charismatic characters who invite empathy, whether we like them or not; strong, fresh idiosyncratic voices; and stories that make readers think and feel deeply. She’s category agnostic, but right now she’s particularly seeking middle grade fiction, YA fiction, author-illustrator picture books, and literary-commercial thrillers and psychological suspense/horror in the adult space. She’d especially love to find a diverse, Own Voices fantasy or thriller that draws on an underrepresented history/culture for its mythology or world-building. SheÕs drawn to narrative risk-takers, and would like to find a middle grade, YA, or adult novel, or even unconventional narrative nonfiction, that tells an emotionally compelling story in an unexpected way (like Jay AsherÕs contemporary YA THIRTEEN REASONS WHY, which reads like a mystery). In thrillers and psychological suspense/horror, she gravitates toward unreliable narrators and morally ambiguous characters. She looks for street cred and authenticity (whether of tradecraft, investigative technique, historical/geographical setting, culture, or psychology). SheÕs fascinated with hidden worlds and secret knowledge. Some of the YA books Laura represents include Maggie Stiefvater’s #1 NYT and USA Today bestselling series The Raven Cycle and Printz Honor Finalist THE SCORPIO RACES (both Scholastic); Jay Asher’s #1 NYT and USA Today bestselling THIRTEEN REASONS (Razorbill/PRH) on which the Netflix Thirteen Reasons Why series is based; #1 NYT and USA Today Bestseller Ellen Hopkins’s THE YOU IÕVE NEVER KNOWN (Margaret K. McElderry/S&S); and award-winning author Mitali Perkins’s forthcoming YOU BRING THE DISTANT NEAR (FSG/Macmillan). Middle grade titles include Shannon Messenger’s NYT and USA Today bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series (Aladdin/S&S). Picture books include Lisa MantchevÕs STRICTLY NO ELEPHANTS (Paula Wiseman/S&S), a 2016 NCTE Charlotte Huck Award Honorable Title; Tammi Sauer’s YOUR ALIEN, an NPR Best Book of 2015; and NYT bestselling author Nina Laden’s just released IF I HAD A LITTLE DREAM (Paula Wiseman/S&S) and her Peek-A-Who series (Chronicle). Some adult titles include NYT bestselling and award-winning author Catherine Ryan Hyde’s forthcoming ALLIE AND BEA (Lake Union/Amazon), #1 NYT bestselling author Lauren KateÕs forthcoming DOVE (Putnam/PRH); Wall Street Journal bestselling author Joe HartÕs forthcoming OBSCURA (Thomas & Mercer/Amazon), and NYT bestselling and award-winning thriller writer Barry Eisler’s LIVIA LONE (Thomas & Mercer/Amazon). Laura’s work as an agent is enhanced by her familiarity with what itÕs like on the author’s side of the table. SheÕs married to an author; sheÕs raising a young author; and Laura herself is the author of a picture book, BUYING, TRAINING, AND CARING FOR YOUR DINOSAUR (Knopf/PRH), illustrated by Marc Brown, creator of Arthur; and of an illustrated chapter book, ROYAL PRINCESS ACADEMY: DRAGON DREAMS, illustrated by Melanie Florian (Dial/PRH). Laura has a Ph.D. in English Literature and was a faculty member in the English departments of the University of Virginia, Osaka University of Foreign Studies, and Santa Clara University. You can find the latest about Laura on Facebook.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Alyssa Reuben is a literary agent with WME Books. Alyssa joined WME in 2022 after serving as the head of Paradigm AgencyÕs Book Publishing division, where she worked for nearly 15 years. She represents a wide array of categories: adult, young adult, and middle-grade fiction, as well as platform-driven nonfiction ranging from prescriptive to narrative, illustrated food/lifestyle, humor, and everything in between. She has brokered deals for many bestselling authors including Jessica Knoll, Jessica Goodman, Karin Tanabe, Billie Eilish, Tracee Ellis Ross, the Betches, Mara Wilson, Ali Maffucci, and Katie Sturino. Alyssa is passionate about working with dynamic authors who change the conversation and have propulsive stories that resonate emotionally. She loves fiction with an edge or a great romantic arc and prides herself on unearthing new talent and helping her clients realize their potential. Above all, she is looking for books that really make you want to turn the pages. Originally from Philadelphia, she lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two kids.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Pop Culture, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Chip Rice is a literary agent with WordLink, Incorporated. He worked in education before transitioning to agenting by way of freelance editing and manuscript assessment. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and teen sons. Chip is looking for fiction that delivers exceptional voice with commercial appeal. He values emotional connection, authenticity, a vivid sense of place, humor, well-drawn characters, and a brisk pace. Open to most genres of adult, young adult, and middle grade fiction, as well as platform-driven nonfiction. A ÒheartÓ from Chip on your Twitter / X pitch (any event, at any time) is an invitation to query per agency guidelines, even if he is closed to queries.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Michelle Richter is a literary agent with Fuse Literary. She is a senior agent at Fuse Literary representing leaders in the crime fiction community, award-winners, and debut authors. She joined the agency after eight years in editorial at St. MartinÕs Press, where she worked on fiction and nonfiction with high-profile personalities, New York Times bestsellers, and debuts. She has built her career finding underserved clients with major talent and helping them jump their careers to the next level. She wants to boost underrepresented voices in her favorite genres to break through and create lasting change in both their writing careers and the publishing industry. Her years of experience as an agent, at a Big 5 publisher, and as an educator inform her relationships with her clients and help her guide them through the complex stages of their careers. She is an adjunct lecturer in the MasterÕs in Publishing program at Pace University, of which she is an alumna. She also frequently attends conferences throughout the United States. MichelleÕs clients have won or been shortlisted for such awards as the Edgar, Mary Higgins Clark, Strand Critics, Anthony, Agatha, Lefty, ITW Thriller, Macavity, Barry, Derringer, Silver Falchion, IPPY, and International Book Award. She is a member of Sisters in Crime.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Biography
Rick Richter is a literary agent and partner with Aevitas Creative Management. He represents or (co-represents) numerous recent New York Times bestselling authors in both the adult and childrenÕs markets, including the estate of Albert Einstein for the #1 bestselling series Max Einstein, Rolling Stone journalist Andy Greene for The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s, Sgt. Travis Mills and Marcus Brotherton for Tough as They Come, Marc and Angel Chernoff for Getting Back to Happy, Grace Byers for I Am Enough, and the estate of Muhammad Ali for Becoming Muhammad Ali. Richter spent over a decade on Simon & SchusterÕs Executive Committee as President, ChildrenÕs Book Division and President of Sales and Distribution, and brings a wide range of publishing and media expertise to his role at Aevitas. His areas of interest include self-help, pop culture, memoir, history, thriller, true crime, political and social issues, narrative food writing, and faith. He has deep experience and interest in childrenÕs books, having overseen two of the nationÕs top childrenÕs publishers: Simon & Schuster and Candlewick Press.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Horror, Thriller NONFICTION: Animals, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Rachel Ridout is a literary agent with Harvey Klinger. Rachel is a graduate of New York University where she studied English and Creative Writing. She joined the Harvey Klinger Literary Agency in 2009, after a brief stint in the travel guide industry. Rachel is currently building her own list and is interested in adult, young adult, and middle grade fiction. She is a fan of magical realism, contemporary westerns, science fiction and all stories that quicken the pulse and imagination.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller, Western Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Margaret Riley King is a partner and literary agent with WME Books. Margaret is a partner and literary agent in WMEÕs global book division representing writers in all areas of fiction and nonfiction. She is looking for material that centers around compelling storytelling and emotional connection, drawn especially to anything with courageous characters, complex relationships, or a strong sense of place. She believes that the greatest books not only teach you something about yourself and the world around you, but make you think and feel deeply. She is deeply committed to growing, nurturing, and guiding literary careers long-term. Some of her clients include Glennon Doyle, Sue Monk Kidd, Jeannette Walls, Dani Shapiro, Chloe Benjamin, Austin Channing Brown, Sarah Pekkanen, Greer Hendricks, Jen Hatmaker, Lara Prescott, Ann Leary, Meg Waite Clayton, Laura Lynne Jackson and others. She splits her time between her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, and New York City.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Family, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, Gardening, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Science, Spirituality CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books
Biography
Angela Rinaldi is a literary agent and president of the Angela Rinaldi Literary Agency. She has been a member of the Literature Panel for the California Arts Council, on the board for PEN and is currently on the membership committee for the Association of AuthorÕs Representatives. She established her editorial expertise in New York as Executive Editor at New American Library and Bantam Books, and Senior Editor at Pocket Books (Simon & Schuster) and was Manager of The Los Angeles Times Book Publishing Program for ten years. Her experience as an editor, publishing liaison and industry professional, including the time spent creating books for The Los Angeles Times, developed the strong foundation she built her agency on and has given her the contacts and resources to expertly advise authors about all traditional and state of the art publishing options.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Education, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Journalism, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Travel, Upmarket Nonfiction, Women’s Issues
Biography
BJ Robbins is a literary agent with the BJ Robbins Literary Agency. BJ Robbins opened her Los Angeles-based agency in 1992 after a multifaceted career in book publishing in NY. She started in publicity at Simon & Schuster and was later Marketing Director and then Senior Editor at Harcourt. Her agency represents quality fiction, both literary and commercial, and general nonfiction, with a particular interest in memoir, biography, narrative history, pop culture, sports, travel/adventure, medicine and health. A member of AAR and PEN America, Ms. Robbins has led workshops at UCLA Extension, UC Irvine Extension, the Writer’s Pad, and at the Squaw Valley Community of Writers Fiction Workshop. On behalf of PEN, she has been guest speaker in numerous cities in the West as part of their Writers Toolbox program, including Seattle, Portland, Santa Fe, Dallas, Las Cruces, Flagstaff and Oakland. She was profiled in Writer’s Digest and mediabistro.com.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Sports, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Claire Roberts
Claire Roberts Global Literary Management LLCAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): EmailBiography
Claire Roberts is a literary agent with and the founder of Claire Roberts Global Literary Management LLC. With nearly three decades of experience in publishing, Claire Roberts knows the industry from both the publisher side and the agency side of the business, and has negotiated many major contracts for authors. She has held executive positions at Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and worked most recently at a major literary agency, Trident Media Group. At Trident she was Vice-President and Managing Director of the Foreign Rights department and developed her own client list. Claire Roberts has handled the international literary careers of many authors, including Marilynne Robinson, Esi Edugyan, Justin Cronin, Michael Ondaatje, Marlon James, Elizabeth George, former Google chairman Eric Schmidt, Ayana Mathis, Jon Krakauer, Paul Harding, and W. Bruce Cameron. Claire Roberts graduated magna cum laude from Brown University with a major in Comparative Literature, and she holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). When she’s not reading a manuscript, she enjoys bicycling, cooking and, ever hopeful, growing flowers in her garden.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Science, Upmarket Nonfiction
Biography
Will Roberts is a literary agent with The Gernert Company. Will is the Associate Director of Foreign Rights and a literary agent at The Gernert Company. He joined the team in 2008 after working at Vintage Books, and, before that, at a newspaper in Jackson, WY, covering the courts and police department. He is looking for suspense novels, both literary and commercial, that are original and unpredictable, as well as nonfiction projects focused on current affairs, politics and history. A graduate of Middlebury College, he lives in Brooklyn with his wife and children.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, History, Nonfiction, Politics
Biography
Quressa Robinson is a literay agent with Folio Literary Management. She joined Folio Literary Management in 2022 after working at previous agencies, including the Nelson Literary Agency, and as an editor for five years. She is originally from San Francisco, but has been living in New York City for over a decade. As a New York based agent, she is eager to build her MG, YA, and Adult lists. When not curled on her couch reading, she plays video games, enjoys too much, TVÐ-mostly Sailor Moon and Avatar: The Last Airbender (Fire Nation)–eats delicious things, drinks champagne, hangs out with her very clever partner, and adds another ÒdramaticÓ color to her lipstick collection. Quressa is also a member of the 2017-2019 WNDB Walter Grant Committee and holds an MFA in Creative Writing: Fiction from Columbia University. In 2020, she was named a Publisher’s Weekly Star Watch finalist. In 2021 she was named an influential gatekeeper in Book and Film GlobeÕs inaugural Publishing Power 30 list alongside phenoms like Reece Witherspoon, Celeste Ng, and Lisa Lucas.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Environment, Film Entertainment, History, Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Technology, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Rebecca Rodd
Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Rebecca Rodd is a literary agent with the Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency. She joined the agency in August of 2020 and currently assists Danielle Svetcov, Kerry Sparks, and Sarah Bedingfield, while building her own list. Rebecca received her BachelorÕs degree in English from (the illustrious) Spelman College and holds a MasterÕs degree in Library Science from CUNY Queens College. Before joining the agency, she was a Library Information Supervisor at Brooklyn Public Library, where she specialized in childrenÕs literature and programming. As a reader, RebeccaÕs interests cover a wide range of genres, but most of all, she loves to read adult and YA upmarket commercial fiction that centers people of color, filled with nuance and dimension. Whether sheÕs reading literary fiction, contemporary fiction, something with a speculative bend, or a book club romcom, she loves to get wrapped up in a page-turning story with thoughtful, multi-dimensional characters and strong voices. And while she will always argue that Òthe book was better,Ó she is intrigued by stories she can imagine watching on the big screen, or preferably, on the small screen from the comfort of her couch. In the non-fiction space, Rebecca is interested in millennial experiences and perspectives. SheÕs also interested in pop culture and social commentary, especially from underrepresented voices. Currently, in YA and adult fiction, Rebecca is looking for: anything set on an HBCU campus, a BIPOC Big Bang Theory, a love story with the depth and complexity of Tia WilliamsÕs Seven Days in June, or a devourable romcom that would sit nicely on a shelf with Jasmine Guillory and Helen Hoang. . In childrenÕs, Rebecca would love to find an ensemble cast boasting equal parts brains, snark, and determination a la The Mysterious Benedict Society. Clients include Arushi Avachat, Paige Classey, Pieper James, and Emily Marano. Rebecca is based in Atlanta.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Nonfiction, Pop Culture CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Angeline Rodriguez is a literary agent with WME Books. Angeline joined WME in 2022 after serving as an editor at Penguin Random House and Hachette Book Group, where she worked with a variety of fiction in genre, upmarket commercial, and literary categories, as well as select platform-driven nonfiction. She specializes in speculative fiction and loves high-concept stories that push the boundaries between genres. She is looking to work with writers that have a keen sense of worldbuilding in both real and surreal landscapes and is particularly passionate about highlighting underrepresented voices in new ways. She is first generation Venezuelan American, and now lives in New York.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction
Biography
Monica Rodriguez is a literary agent with the Context Literary Agency. Her solution-driven strategies support our clientsÕ books before and after theyÕve hit the shelves. She loves maximizing the career potential for our authors and brainstorming new ways to discover life-long readers. In addition to her Director of Brand Management role, Monica is also a Junior Agent. She is on a mission to help uplift underrepresented voices in publishing, specifically within the Latinx community.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Sam Roen is a literary agent with The Plains Agency. SamÕs a writer, an agent, and keeps The Plains apprised of whatÕs new and interesting in the world of books and entertainment. HeÕs a smart bugger.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Health Wellness, How-To, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Sports
Biography
Kate Rogers is a literary agent with KO Media Management. She is a University of Washington graduate with a double major in English and Cinema Media Studies. She has worked in customer service at Vroman’s Bookstore in her hometown of Pasadena, California, and as the Assistant Director for Communications and Marketing for Stevens Court Community Council in Seattle. Submissions: Kate loves illustrated stories with graphic elements or multimodal components. All ages (ChildrenÕs, MG, YA, and Adult) welcome, as long as there is a visual component! Genres include humor, horror/thriller (bonus if itÕs entry level for a younger audience!), romance, light sci-fi, light fantasy (not currently open to high-fantasy of any kind), contemporary realistic fiction, and narrative non-fiction. She is interested in diverse, character-driven narratives that subvert familiar tropes or conventions. Bonus points if your story includes non-conventional, interactive formats.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Western Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Illustrated, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Annie Romano is a literary agent with Olswanger Literary LLC. She is a children’s writer of picture books, middle grade novels, and adult fiction. Author of two picture books: BEFORE YOU SLEEP: A BEDTIME BOOK OF GRATITUDE (Page Street Kids, 2018) and NIGHT TRAIN: A JOURNEY FROM DUSK TO DAWN (Page Street Kids, 2019). Part-time Bookseller at An Unlikely Story in Plainville, MA. Previously worked as special education team chairperson and speech language pathologist.
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FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, History, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, True Crime
Biography
Shelly Romero is an Associate Agent with the Azantian Literary Agency. She began her publishing career in 2017 at Scholastic where she rose up the ranks from editorial assistant to associate editor, where she acquired her own titles and assisted on series publishing for The Bad Guys and Goosebumps. She later joined Cake Creative as Lead Editor and she was most recently a freelance editor. She graduated from Stephens College with a bachelorÕs degree in English and attended the 2017 NYU Summer Publishing Institute. Shelly was selected as a 2020 Publishers Weekly Star Watch Honoree and is a member of Latinx in Publishing & People of Color in Publishing. Born and raised in Miami by Honduran parents, she now resides in New York City where she might be found at a movie theatre viewing the latest release from her Letterboxd watchlist.
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FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Holly Root is a literary agent with Root Literary. She says: ÒReading as much as you do in this job, it’s easy to become overly analyticalÑassessing this or that from a market standpoint, considering the buyers and retail outlook before you’ve even fallen into the story. My favorite booksÑand the submissions most likely to catch my interestÑare the ones so assured in their execution that the only input my critical mind can muster is “That was fun. How soon can we tell everyone we know about it?” I’m delighted to be in a position of perpetual discovery. Professionally, I’m proudest of the times my work has enabled my clients to take great leaps, whether creative or professional, to advance their careers. It’s an honor to be inside the process, participating in bringing great reads into the world, and a true joy to enable those books’ creators to build healthy, sustainable careers. IÕm drawn to well-told commercial narratives across multiple categories. IÕm much more likely to keep reading if I know from the perfectly-executed first pages that this is someone whose voice interests me, someone whose story IÕd like to get lost in for the next few hours. I know IÕve found a winner when I catch myself sketching a potential submission list on any available scrap of paper as I read.Ó
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FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Dating Relationships Sex, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ann Rose is a literary agent with The Tobias Literary Agency. She is a California native who left her heart in San Diego, and now resides in Texas after a stint in Florida. Her degree is in Communication from San Diego State University, and her resume runs the gamut from Lifeguard to Business Systems Analyst, but books have always been her passion. Ann is excited to finally merge her love of literature with her past professional experiences as a literary agent with The Tobias Literary Agency after starting her career with Prospect Agency. She looks forward to helping authors build successful, sustainable careers. Ann is looking for characters who arenÕt afraid to stand up for their convictions and beliefs – whether they fight with their fists or their words. SheÕs open to all genres of middle gradeÑand especially love stories that push the MG boundary. By this she means they explore topics that affect middle graders but arenÕt always talked about in MG books; like It Happened on Saturday by Sydney Dunlap. Ann also represents all genres in YA. In the adult arena, she adores swoony romances, light sci-fi or fantasy (emphasis on the light side), commercial fiction, and heartwarming – or heart wrenching – contemporaries. She really enjoys feminist stories that highlight womenÕs experiences in the world. She is a sucker for a strong female friendship narrative because she truly believes that empowered women, empower women! SheÕs always looking for unique voices, diverse perspectives, vivid settings, and stories that explore tough topics. Dark and edgy is totally okay too. She is also up for a good revenge plot. Above all Ann is looking for stories with compelling characters that push boundaries and make her laugh and cry, hopefully in the same story! She is ready to roll up her sleeves and help her authors create the best books possible, from brainstorming at the idea stage all the way through submissions and beyond. Ann loves attending conferences and sharing her knowledge of the publishing industry.
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FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Nonfiction, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Andy Ross is a literary agent with the Andy Ross Literary Agency. Andy has worked in the book business since 1972, all of this working life. He was owner and general manager of Cody’s Books in Berkeley, California from 1977-2006. Cody’s has been recognized as one of America’s great independent bookstores. Andy is past president of the Northern California Booksellers Association, a board member and officer of the American Booksellers Association and a national spokesperson for issues concerning independent businesses. He has had significant profiles in the Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, Publishers’ Weekly and the San Francisco Chronicle. Andy Ross is a member of the Association of Authors Representatives (AAR).
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FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, History, Journalism, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Reference, Religion, Science, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Whitney Ross is a literary agent with the High Line Literary Collective. With over fifteen years of experience in publishing, including almost a decade as an editor at Macmillan, Whitney represents all the genres she loves and reads herselfÐ middle grade, young adult, and adult fiction across all genres, with an emphasis on historical, SF & fantasy, romance, and contemporary fiction. She is also open to non-fiction submissions in the areas of design, cooking, and fashion. Whitney loves to read novels set in unusual time periods and locations, whether that involves a fantastical element or not. She is rarely able to resist the trickster king motif, and has a weakness for read-between-the-lines subtle romances. And she canÕt wait to be surprised by tropes turned upside down, and unusual takes on old favorites. Yet she’s constantly intrigued by books not on her “wish list,” and is always open to stories with compelling characters and emotionally involving plotlines. Whitney loves partnering with authors in every stage, bringing her editorial experience and genre expertise to support her clients and their publishing journey. In her spare time, she enjoys competitive sports such as cooking and shopping, and tasting wines with her winemaker husband.
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FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Beauty Fashion Style, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Design, Food Drink, History, Lifestyle, Nonfiction, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction