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7 Insider Secrets to Get a Top Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal
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Literary Agent Directory
Important: Visit each agent’s website (links in their listings below) to see if they’re open to submissions before querying.
- You are searching within category(ies): Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Emma Loy-Santelli is a literary agent with the Serendipity Literary Agency. She was born and raised in upstate New York, where her artistic family encouraged her love of reading and making up stories. She earned a BA in English and Ancient Studies from Mount Holyoke College, and an MA in Children’s Literature and MFA in Creative Writing from the graduate program at Simmons College. She spent a year as an editorial intern at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, which granted her hands-on experience editing everything from picture books up through YA and cemented her passion for publishing. She worked as a freelance editor for the Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency, and has been a bookseller at several independent bookstores, including the Strand in Manhattan.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, New Adult Fiction, Speculative FictionNONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, Illustrated, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Nonfiction, ScienceCHILDRENÕS 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
Sandy Lu is a literary agent with and the founder of the Book Wyrm Literary Agency. She founded Book Wyrm Literary Agency after working as a literary agent for more than a decade at other boutique agencies, including Peter Rubie Literary Agency, Anderson Literary Management, and most notably, the L. Perkins Agency. Born and raised in Taiwan, SandyÕs family moved to New York in her teens, so she understands the struggles of immigrants and those who straddle two cultures all too well. Sandy holds BAs in psychology and sociology from Queens College, with minors in music, business, and Japanese. Prior to becoming an agent, she attended the Ph.D. Program in Social and Personality Psychology at the CUNY Graduate Center and worked as a business/operations manager in the theater industry. SandyÕs areas of study and work experience greatly inform her interest in submissions. She is seeking stories that will draw her in with a unique voice, make her miss her bedtime with a thrilling plot, and characters that will stay with her long after she turns the last page. Bonus points if you can make her laugh out loud or unable to hold back tears in public. Sandy especially loves historical fiction and anything dark, twisted, or with a supernatural bent.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Science, Technology, True Adventure, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Chad Luibl is a literary agent with Janklow & Nesbit Associates. A native of Virginia, Chad received a BA in English at Lynchburg University before moving to Eastern Europe to teach English for several years. While in Krakow, Poland, he got his MA in European Studies at Jagiellonian University, with a focus in Comparative Literature. He went on to get his MFA in Creative Writing at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he was also the coordinator of the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award, an intern in the Literature Department at the National Endowment for the Arts, and an editor at Blackbird and Broad Street literary journals.Chad comes from the workshop model of creative writing and has a hands-on editorial approach to agenting. He is interested in narrative nonfiction with a strong emotional pull from journalists and writers who challenge the status quo. For fiction, he is particularly drawn to novels that are more character or plot-driven, thrillers that are as inventive as they are suspenseful, speculative and historical fiction that offer a nuanced perspective on place, and graphic novels that push the boundaries of the genre.Recent and forthcoming sales include Craig & Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other by Craig Grossi (William & Morrow adult memoir, HarperCollins ChildrenÕs Young ReadersÕ edition); Upgrade Soul by Ezra Claytan Daniels (Lion Forge Comics); BTTM FDRS by Ezra Claytan Daniels and Ben Passmore (Fantagraphics); The Compton Cowboys by Walter Thompson-Hern‡ndez (William Morrow); Push and Pull: A True Story of Football, Murder, and Purpose in an American City by Kent Babb (HarperOne); Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland (Simon & Schuster).
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Western FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Economics, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Sports, Travel, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Sabrina Lundberg is a literary agent with Golden Wheat Literary. She is open to any genre across all age ranges. She loves to learn and grow her perspectives–bonus points if she can laugh while doing it! Sabrina is looking for: Stories that convey subtle wisdoms that teach something or leaves her perspective forever altered Well-rounded characters with moral ambiguity Fantasies that are based on non-Western-European lore Wordless picture booksFor kidlit, Sabrina wants something that can be enjoyed by adults, as well. This could be via a relevant and profound realization, a vital reminder of what is important, something uplifting or inspiring in a realistic way, or simply by being funny! Note: Sabrina is a self-acknowledged science dork. Make sure if you use medical or other science-y elements, you get your facts straight.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Humor Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Nonfiction, ScienceCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult FictionNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction
Biography
Nadia Lynch is a literary agent with Talcott Notch Literary Services. She says: “As a newly appointed Junior Literary Agent, I am thrilled to continue my journey in the world of literature, combining my love for books with a dedication to supporting authors through the publishing process.Since joining Talcott Notch Literary in June of 2021, IÕve served as a steadfast support to our agents, delving into queries, managing royalties and payments, curating social media, conducting research, and tackling daily projects. The opportunity to immerse myself in the world of literature is a dream come trueÑone that stemmed from my lifelong passion for books.Upon earning a bachelorÕs degree in political science from Southern New Hampshire University, I worked as a paralegal in the structured legal realm. Yet, the allure of a career merging structure with the limitless creativity found in literature was irresistible.I am interested in upmarket, literary, historical, young adult, and womenÕs fiction, especially narratives that showcase resilient female protagonists. While these genres anchor my reading repertoire, IÕm invigorated by books that push boundaries and challenge my perspectives.I am only accepting queries at http://QueryManager.com/QueryNadia Please direct your queries there.In non-fiction, I enjoy delving into subjects that expand my understanding. History, philosophy, alternative medicine, and self-improvement books are among my preferred genres, each offering a unique lens to explore and absorb new insights.I firmly believe that the multifaceted dimensions of my backgroundÑfrom my academic journey to my time as a paralegal and experience in the literary agencyÑwill uniquely contribute to my ability to represent effectively and champion authors in their literary endeavors.”
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: History, Medical Medicine, Mind Body Spirit, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Self-HelpCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Jennifer Lyons
Jennifer Lyons Literary AgencyCLOSED to SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Postal MailBiography
Jennifer Lyons is a literary agent with Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency. Jennifer was a senior agent for sixteen years before she decided to open up her own literary agency. She represents numerous award-winning authors. The awards her clients have received include the Nobel Prize, The Pulitzer for both Fiction and Nonfiction, the National Book Award for both Fiction and Nonfiction, PEN Literary Awards, the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, the Coretta Scott King Book Award, the National Jewish Book Award, The Koret Award, The Lambda, and many others. Jennifer has attended the Frankfurt Book Fair sixteen times and has also visited the Jerusalem and London Book Fairs. Jennifer is a contributing editor to the literary journal Fiction and the author of THE BUSINESS OF WRITING (Allworth Press, 2012), and she regularly teaches the business of writing at Sarah Lawrence College.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Computers, Cookbook Cooking, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Reference, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, TravelCHILDRENÕS 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
Jonathan Lyons is a literary agent with the Curtis Brown Literary Agency. Jonathan Lyons represents authors writing in a variety of genres, including history, biographies, science, pop culture, sports, adventure, crime, suspense, science fiction, fantasy, and young adult fiction. He is a licensed publishing attorney, a member of The Authors Guild, and an adjunct professor at New York UniversityÕs Master of Science in Publishing Program, where he teaches a course on contract negotiation. Jonathan received his B.A. in history and political science from Washington University in St. Louis and his J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Sports, True Adventure, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Donald Maass is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. Donald founded the Donald Maass Literary Agency in New York in 1980. His agency sells more than 150 novels every year to major publishers in the U.S. and overseas. He is the author of The Career Novelist (1996), Writing the Breakout Novel (2001), Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook (2004), The Fire in Fiction (2009) and The Breakout Novelist (2011). He is a past president of the Association of Authors’ Representatives, Inc.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Multicultural Nonfiction, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult FictionNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Ashlee MacCallum is an Agent at Howland Literary. She joined Howland Literary after interning at Triada US. She holds a bachelorÕs degree in Human Development and Family Studies and a masterÕs in Education.Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, Ashlee is passionate about championing marginalized creators and uplifting historically underrepresented voices. She gravitates toward high-concept, commercial fiction with bold storytelling, standout pacing, and a distinct voice that grabs you from the first page. A devoted kidlit reader, Ashlee has a soft spot for speculative stories, mysteries, and anything delightfully weird. When she begins building her own list, sheÕll be looking for unforgettable picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult fiction.Ashlee lives in Nevada with her husband and two children. By day, sheÕs a high school English teacher who assigns cool books, reads powerful essays, and makes her students dramatically reenact Macbeth. Outside the classroom, Ashlee writes picture books, chapter books, and middle grade novels. She is represented by Amanda Carbonell at Belcastro Agency.When sheÕs not lost in a book or spinning one of her own, Ashlee is probably mapping out her next Disney adventure, binging a true crime podcast, or humming show tunes in the kitchen. SheÕs fueled by caffeine, charmed by ghost stories, and fluent in banned books.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Speculative FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Gina Maccoby is a literary agent with the Gina Maccoby Literary Agency. Gina Maccoby is a New York literary agent representing authors of literary and upmarket fiction and narrative nonfiction for adults and children, including New York Times bestselling and award-winning titles. First and foremost she is captured by an engaging, compelling voice; across all forms she is looking for strong storytelling and fresh perspectives. Areas of interest in nonfiction include history, biography, current events and popular science. In fiction she is looking for upmarket novels, mysteries and thrillers, middle grade, and young adult.Gina is currently serving her fourth term on the Board of Directors of the AAR and is a member of both the Royalties and Contracts Committees. She also belongs to the SCBWI and is a long-time member of the Authors Guild.Prior to establishing her own agency in 1986, she was a literary agent at Russell & Volkening for six years where she handled her own clients as well as first serial, foreign and movie rights for the agency. Gina grew up mostly in Northern California and graduated with Honors from Harvard College.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, ScienceCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Gillian MacKenzie is a literary agent with and the founder of the Gillian MacKenzie Agency. Gillian MacKenzie has spent her career creatingÑand helping others createÑproducts and books for the marketplace. From 2005 until merging with Wolf Literary Services to form MacKenzie Wolf in 2018, she ran the Gillian MacKenzie Agency, offering management to writers and illustrators of nonfiction, fiction, and children’s books. Before starting her agency in 2005, she was Vice President of Jane Startz Productions, where she spent over eight years scouting, optioning, and developing books into feature films with major studios. She also co-founded the children’s retail store concept Ridemakerz, and served on its Board of Managers. Prior to that, she was a product developer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Gillian began her career at the literary agency Curtis Brown, Ltd. Additionally, she was a five-year term member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Committed to working on books that challenge, enlighten, and entertain, Gillian works with a broad array of experts, journalists, academics, and visionaries on nonfiction of a broad stripe, in the arenas of science, memoir, technology, business, sports, culture, and current affairs, among others. She is particularly drawn to cross-disciplinary explorations, narrative nonfiction, and big-idea books that offer us a new lens onto the world. Also passionate about illustrated books, Gillian represents a select group of award-winning illustrators and designers.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, Education, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, TechnologyCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Joanna Topor MacKenzie is a literary agent with the Nelson Literary Agency. She says: ÒI owe my love of books to the librarian of my childhood bookmobile, who, after I had worked my way through The Baby-Sitters Club and Sweet Valley High, lifted the velvet rope and let me in to the grown-up section, where I discovered V.C. Andrews. And to my father, who gifted me CatÕs Cradle, Wuthering Heights, and One Hundred Years of Solitude for my 15th birthday. A seasoned publishing professional with nearly twenty years on the agenting side, IÕm driven by the stories my authors tell, both with the novels they write and with the careers they build. I represent New York Times bestsellers, Edgar and Anthony Award nominees, and critically acclaimed storytellers writing in all areas of adult and young adult fiction.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Lauren MacLeod is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. She has represented Jodi Meadows the co-author of the New York Times bestselling My Lady Jane series, actress and activist Nicole Maines, Chefs Kenny Gilbert and Rogelio Garcia, Middle East Book Award-winner Aminah Mae Safi, and former Youth Poet Laureate of the Southern United States, Alora Young.MacLeod serves on the Association of American Literary Agents board of directors, where she sits on the copyright and contracts committees and co-chairs the communications committee. Before joining ACM, she was named Vice President of The Strothman Agency. She graduated cum laude from Emerson College, receiving a BFA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing. Based in Nashville, TN, she concentrates on cookbooks, food writing and history, young-adult and middle-grade fiction, memoir, pop culture, true crime, and narrative nonfiction.
Notes
NONFICTION: Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Food Drink, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Roxanne Madar is a literary agent with SBR Media. She studied Hospitality and the classics at university in Hungary before immigrating to the United States in 1996. After her daughter survived the tragedy at Sandy Hook, Roxie threw herself into the perpetual happy endings of the romance world. She was part of the vanguard of indie book bloggers, working with Schmexy Girl to promote authors in what was, at the time, the unconventional social media marketplace. Along with blogging, Roxie has been a professional beta reader for five plus years, and has worked with Candi Kane PR, Wordsmith Publicity and Paige Press.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Dorian Maffei is a literary agent with Kimberley Cameron & Associates. She began at Kimberley Cameron & Associates as an intern in 2013. From a young age, Dorian Maffei knew she wanted to work in the world of books. Her ambitions led her to get a degree in Creative Writing, and she later became a bookseller and a bookstore events coordinator before finding her way to Kimberley Cameron & Associates. Starting as an intern, she realized there was nothing more special than falling in love with a manuscript from a potential debut author. From there, she became KC&AÕs Office Manager and later was given the opportunity to start signing her own clients as a literary agent. In 2021, she became a member of the Association of American Literary Agents.Dorian is actively building her list in a variety of genres in both YA and adult. While she appreciates most fiction that blends genre lines, she is especially interested in speculative fiction, literary science fiction, upmarket book club fiction, thrillers, reimagined fairy tales, magical realism, unique voices, contemporary novels with a dash of mystery, horror and suspense, and innovative storytelling that sometimes veers on the weird. SheÕs a sucker for anything that can be described as both haunting and beautiful, and would love to find something in these genres that has twists and turns, lyrical writing, and keeps her up past her bedtime.She values work that provokes a deep-rooted connection after the last page and explores the peculiar within the mundane. She is always open to submissions with diverse experiences and characters, and welcomes underrepresented and marginalized voices. She hopes to find work that features these experiences as the norm.Dorian does not take unsolicited submissions in nonfiction, picture books, and middle grade at this time, nor does she represent poetry, self-published or previously published books, or screenplays.Check out her Manuscript Wish List to get a better understanding of the types of books she gravitates toward. To view her recent sales, check out her PublisherÕs Marketplace page.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Caitlin Mahony is a literary agent with WME Books. Caitlin has been at WME since 2016. She represents romance, genre, and commercial fiction. CaitlinÕs clients include bestselling romance authors Chloe Walsh and Ivy Fairbanks, fantasy icon SenLinYu, among others. Caitlin is passionate about working with authors who originate from the indie-publishing world and bringing new opportunities their way.As an agent on the international team, Caitlin works with Rebecca Serle, Lisa Kleypas, Adriana Trigiani, and the estate of Isaac Asimov. Caitlin is looking for books that offer a total escape and full immersion, in either this world or an imagined one. She loves a hard-won, epic love story (historical and contemporary), a transporting fantasy or sci-fi novel that helps parse earthly questions, a delightful beach read, or a pulse-pounding thriller; and is always looking to get swept up in something that you canÕt put down.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ricia Mainhardt is a literary agent with the Ricia Mainhardt Agency. Ricia has represented authors from her offices in New York for more than twenty years. In addition to her regular clients, she enthusiastically supports talented, unpublished authors. After a long hiatus recovering from a car accident, Ricia is back, looking for the next publishing star and is excited about her work and her writers. Originally from Wisconsin, Ricia has an undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and a graduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis in auditory electrophysiology. After spending time in her chosen specialty as well as peddling rags as a sales representative for the clothing industry, Ricia discovered a field that synthesized her love for the written word and for people. A student, fan, and friend of greats in the science fiction field such as Robert Heinlein, Ray Bradbury, and Harlan Ellison, she achieved quick success in that publishing field and opened her agency in 1987. Soon afterwards, she branched out into other areas, most notably romance and new age, and has developed numerous writers in other genres. Ricia jointly edited two anthologies, a collection of superhero stories with John Varley and a tribute book to Robert Bloch with Richard Matheson. Her client list has included Ray Garton (Simon and Schuster, among others) in horror, children’s fiction, and novelizations, Michael A. Stackpole (Bantam, HarperCollins) in science fiction and fantasy, Richard Lee Byers (Minstrel [S&S]) in fantasy, Jim Butcher (Roc) in “gumshoe fantasy,” and Janeen O’Kerry (Dorchester) in historical and time-travel romance.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Western Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, New Age, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ted Malawer is a literary agent with Upstart Crow Literary. Ted is a veteran agent who specializes in middle grade and teen fiction. Before working in childrenÕs publishing, Ted studied Comparative Literature at Columbia University and trained as an opera singer at the Juilliard School. TedÕs favorite kind of author is not afraid to get his (or her) hands dirty to make a manuscript the best that it can be. He especially loves stories with artistic themesÑor dachshunds.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Steven Malk is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. Steven is the third generation of his family to be involved in children’s books, as both his mother and grandmother owned children’s bookstores. He opened a West Coast office for Writers House in 1998, and represents a wide range of authors and illustrators, including Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith, Marla Frazee, Kadir Nelson, Sara Pennypacker, Jennifer Donnelly, Brett Helquist, Sonya Sones, Adam Rex, Deborah Wiles, and Cynthia Rylant, among others.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Erin Malone is a literary agent with WME Books. Erin has been a literary agent at WME since 2006. Prior to books she worked in film/TV. She represents fiction as well as narrative (personal and investigative) and platform-driven nonfiction, and occasional lifestyle titlesÑprimarily in the areas of psychology, science, culture, and food. More than any specific genre, sheÕs drawn to good stories and distinct points of view. Among the clients she represents are #1 New York Times bestselling authors, major book club selections, Thurber Prize finalists, Hugo and Edgar Award nominees, Fulbright Scholars, Goodreads Choice Award winners, and combinations thereof. She is looking to work with writers who make us think, as well as those who provide a great escape. She ascribes ardently to Carrie FisherÕs adage that Òif life werenÕt funny it would just be true, and thatÕs unacceptable.Ó Originally from the Midwest, she worked in WMEÕs NYC office before moving to LA, where she lives with her husband, a writer, and their two kids.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Investigative, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Psychology, ScienceCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Alyssa Maltese is a literary agent with Root Literary. She says: ÒGetting to be an early champion for authorsÕ work is a huge privilege, and a responsibility for which I am deeply grateful. IÕm excited to find and uplift books that you canÕt put down, books that surprise you, books that make you think, and, above all else, books that help people.Ó
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Animals, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, ScienceCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Jay Mandel is a literary agent with WME Books. Jay, the worldwide head of WME Books, joined the company in 2001 after beginning his career at the Virginia Barber Literary Agency. He represents a wide range of both fiction and nonfictionÑfrom international literary work to suspense thrillers, investigative journalism, political theory, history, popular science, business, technology writing, memoir and sports.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Investigative, Journalism, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Sports, TechnologyCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Hannah Mann is a literary agent with Writers House. She says: “IÕve been with the agency since 2013 and am a senior agent representing children’s fiction and nonfiction, from young picture books through middle grade and young adult, and all the hybrids in between–including graphic novels. I love flawed characters, mystery, family dynamics, underdogs, regular dogs, and unexpected settings, but voice (that goes for words OR art) is almost everything.”
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Military War Nonfiction, Nonfiction, TravelCHILDRENÕS 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
Jennifer March Soloway is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Jennifer joined the Andrea Brown Literary Agency in 2016, after a career in marketing and public relations. Agenting is her dream job. She loves working with writers and illustrators, and nothing gives her greater joy than to help an author elevate their story. She is most drawn to emotionally compelling voices and fresh perspectives underrepresented in literature.Please send Jennifer:Adult literary thrillers and horror (she is a suspense junkie, who loves to be scared). Throw in dash of (bad) romance, and sheÕs hooked!YA novels in any genre (thrillers, gothic, humor), but especially literary stories about ordinary teens, focused on family, relationships, sexuality, mental illness, or recovery.MG novels full of humor and heart, including adventures, mysteries, spooky-but-not-too-scary ghost stories, contemporary, and grounded fantasy.Stories that blurs the lines between the real and the imagined in any category.Picture books with surprise endings that make her laugh.Eye-catching illustration with a distinct style.ThatÕs her wish list, but you might have something she has never considered before, and it might be absolutely perfect for her. Surprise her!
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kendra Marcus is a literary agent with BookStop Literary Agency. Kendra started BookStop Literary Agency in 1984 and since then the agency has grown to be one of the most well-known and well respected agencies for children’s book writers and illustrators. Kendra gravitates toward texts and illustrations for quirky and funny picture books. She is also interested in stories with Hispanic or Latino characters and unusual nonfiction, and is always thrilled to find unforgettable and vivid voices or stories that will bring her to tears.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic NovelNONFICTION: Biography, Nonfiction, ParentingCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Rick Margolis is the founder and owner of Rising Bear Literary Agency. For nearly 15 years, I worked for School Library Journal, the worldÕs largest reviewer of books for young readers. As SLJ Õs executive editor, I had the pleasure of interviewing many remarkable childrenÕs book creators, including Kate DiCamillo, Mo Willems, Katherine Paterson, Gene Yang, Rita Williams-Garcia, Markus Zusak, Rebecca Stead, and Jon Klassen. One of the best parts of my job was writing a monthly interview column, ÒUnder Cover,Ó which highlighted new and promising authors and illustrators (like John Green, Suzanne Collins, and Stephenie Meyer) who went on to have amazing careers. Along the way, I also met many publishers and childrenÕs book editors. Because IÕve read so much and so widely, I have a strong sense of the stories that appeal to them, and I know the literary market well. And for some reason, almost every year I was able to predict the winner of the Caldecott Medal, which honors the yearÕs best-illustrated book.Although I loved my stint at SLJ, I was ready for a new challenge. But not just any job would do.I wanted to find one that felt like my true callingÑone that I was wild aboutÑand that could contribute something of value to the world. I also wanted to stay connected to kidsÕ booksÑbecause I love them and because I was once a reading specialist (working with students who struggled to read) and I know firsthand what a profound difference the right book can make in a young personÕs life.To make a long story short, after lots of praying and scores of meetings with some very insightful folks (and a fair amount of snacking), I launched Rising Bear Literary Agency, LLC, specializing in what I most love: picture books, early chapter books, and middle-grade fiction and graphic novels with unforgettable characters.
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FICTION: Fiction, New Adult FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Victoria Marini is a literary agent with High Line Literary Collective. She began her career as a literary assistant at Sterling Lord in 2007 and spent the next sixteen years becoming an agent with Gelfman Schneider, ICM Partners, and the Irene Goodman Agency before co-founding High Line in 2023. Originally from rural Pennsylvania, sheÕs been in New York for over two decades, though sheÕs usually found in the same few-block radius. She has represented numerous award winning and bestselling authors across audiences and is interested in a broad range of sub-genres for both Upmarket & Commercial Adult and Young Adult readers. Her list is made up of everything from Literary page-turners to commercial suspense, supernatural horrors, whimsical speculative romantasy, big world fantasies, adventures, romance, edgy sci-fi, grounded magical fabulism, rom-coms, speculative thrillers, etc. What unites her eclectic list is a sense of unforgettable authentic characters, hooky concepts with strong plotting and an emotional core, and unique voices or visions!She is a sucker for quirk, mystery, small town hysteria, atmosphere, secrets, things that go bump in the night, a bit of charm, a twist of magic, or a dash of humor.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction