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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
Elana Roth Parker is a literary agent with the Laura Dail Literary Agency. Elana has specialized in children’s publishing from the beginning of her career, from her very first internship at Nickelodeon Magazine followed by 5 years as an editor at Parachute Publishing. She’s been an agent since 2008, joining LDLA in 2016 after running her own agency, Red Tree Literary. Elana is a graduate of Barnard College and the Jewish Theological Seminary, with degrees in English literature and Bible. It all adds up to her loving books that expertly combine the timely and the timeless.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Eliza Rothstein is a literary agent with InkWell Management. A native of St. Louis, Eliza Rothstein began her career in publishing at The Susan Golomb Literary Agency after studying Comparative Literature and Art History at the University of Pennsylvania and attending the Columbia Publishing Course. At InkWell, she represents memoir, literary and commercial fiction, and a wide range of journalists and non-fiction authors who seek to generate deep conversations, inspire social and systemic change, or advance our understanding of our minds and bodies. In addition to finding publishers for their books, she helps writers expand their reach by placing essays and journalism in publications ranging from The New York Times and The Atlantic to National Geographic and Sports Illustrated. She is particularly interested in the intersection of narrative writing with topics of psychology, medicine, science, food, technology, business, humor and pop culture. She is also drawn to literary fiction that explores diverse communities or intergenerational stories, commercial fiction that crosses genre borders, and fiction from Latinx and Spanish-speaking writers.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Technology
Biography
Peter Rubie is a literary agent with FinePrint Literary Management. Peter specializes in a broad range of high-quality fiction and non-fiction. In non-fiction he specializes in narrative non-fiction, popular science, spirituality, history, biography, pop culture, business and technology, parenting, health, self-help, music, and food. He is a “sucker” for outstanding writing. In fiction he represents literate thrillers, crime fiction, science fiction and fantasy, military fiction and literary fiction, middle grade and some boy oriented young adult fiction. Rubie is a former BBC Radio and Fleet Street journalist and for several years was the director of the publishing section of the New York University Summer Publishing Institute. He was a member of the NYU faculty for 10 years, and taught the only university-level course in the country on how to become a literary agent. Prior to becoming an agent he was a publishing house editor for nearly six years, whose authors won prizes and critical acclaim. He has also been the editor-in-chief of a Manhattan local newspaper, and a freelance editor and book doctor for major publishers. He was a regular reviewer for the international trade magazine Publishers Weekly, and is a published author of both fiction and non-fiction. He is a member of AAR, and regularly lectures and writes on publishing and the craft of writing, and was once a professional jazz musician.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Elizabeth Rudnick is a literary agent with Gillian MacKenzie Agency. Elizabeth has been working in the publishing industry for over fifteen years. After attending Middlebury College where she majored in American Civilization, she completed the Columbia Publishing Course and discovered a passion for editing young adult and middle grade fiction. A ten year career at Disney/Hyperion followed, during which she worked with best-selling authors such as Melissa de la Cruz, Lisa Papademetriou, Melissa Kantor, and Kathryn Williams and helped bring box-office hits such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Tron, Enchanted, and Prince of Persia from big screen to the page. As a Senior Editor she worked with Miley Cyrus to develop her New York Times bestselling memoir, Miles to Go, and edited Jennifer Lopez’s original series, Amigas. She was also responsible for developing a line of original fiction based on the worlds of Prince of Persia and Pirates of the Caribbean. Elizabeth also writes her own children’s books, including her original novel, Tweet Heart, as well as bestselling novelizations based on films such as Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Maleficent, Frankenweenie, and Frozen. To keep her finger on the pulse of the middle-grade reader, she has spent three years working as a 6th grade teacher, while continuing her writing and freelance editing. Her interests primarily lie with middle-grade and young adult fiction of all typesÑfrom realistic fiction to fantasy (with a special soft spot for horse- and dragon-related titles). In addition to building her client list, she is focusing on packaging efforts, pairing high-concept ideas and story-lines with strong writers.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Nonfiction, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
John Rudolph is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. John Rudolph joined DG&B in 2010 after twelve years as an acquiring childrenÕs book editor. He began his career at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers as an Editorial Assistant and then moved to the G. P. PutnamÕs Sons imprint of the Penguin Young Readers Group, where he eventually served as Executive Editor on a wide range of young adult, middle-grade, nonfiction, and picture book titles. He graduated from Amherst College with a double major in Classics and Music. While JohnÕs list started out as mostly childrenÕs books, it has evolved to the point where it is now half adult, half childrenÕs authors Ñand heÕs looking to maintain that balance. On the childrenÕs side, John is keenly interested in middle-grade and young adult fiction and would love to find the next great picture book author/illustrator. For adults, he is actively looking for narrative nonfiction, especially in music, sports, history, popular science, Òbig thinkÓ, performing arts, health, business, memoir, military history, and humor. He is also interested in commercial fiction, but is very selective in what he takes on.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Science, Sports, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Robin Rue is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. Robin began her career as an editor at Dell, but has since spent more than 30 years as an agent.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Meg Ruley is a literary agent with the Jane Rotrosen Agency. She joined JRA in 1981. She is a business partner to and advocate for established bestselling authors as well as emerging writers. Her focus is commercial fiction, writers with distinctive voices in suspense, thrillers, mysteries, crime fiction, historical novels and historical suspense, romance, and womenÕs fiction. Meg grew up on Nantucket Island, graduated from Wheaton College, and attended the Denver Publishing Institute.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Diet Nutrition, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Curtis Russell is the founder, president, and principal Agent at P.S. Literary Agency. He began his publishing career as the proprietor of an indie press before co-founding PSLA two decades ago. CurtisÕ reputation for excellence and passion for getting the best for his creators has resulted in a wide-ranging and diverse client list that appeals to his many literary interests. His penchant for discovering creators with standout ideas in a variety of categories has served the agency well. And his ability to spot talent of all stripes has resulted in the creation of a growing and dynamic PSLA team committed to the highest standards of literary representation.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Business Book, Current Events Affairs, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Sports
Biography
Tamar Rydzinski is a literary agent with and the owner/founder of the Context Literary Agency. Tamar has always had a strong love for the written word. Her goal for her authors is to reach their audience wherever they are, and she is proud of helping them stay ahead of the curve. Tamar began her career at Sanford Greenburger Associates. She then joined Laura Dail Literary Agency, where she became vice president and director of subrights.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Psychology, Science, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Lesley Sabga is the Media Rights Manager, Communications Manager, and a literary agent with The Seymour Agency. She has worked as an editorial assistant and freelancer for multiple publishing houses such as Entangled, Jolly Fish Press and Flux Books, as well as Sourcebooks. She’s been working for The Seymour Agency since 2014. Starting out as an eager intern, she worked her way up to being a literary assistant and in the fall of 2017, Lesley became an agent with The Seymour Agency. In 2020, she became the communications manager, handling author relations and agency administration. And in 2022, Lesley enthusiastically accepted the position handling media rights for the agency’s catalog, helping to option and place titles with numerous production companies to date. Lesley loves intricate and vivid world-building and character-driven plots with commercial pacing. She is currently acquiring young adult and adult fiction. She is always down to read a dark and twisty suspense/thriller featuring strong, female protagonists or mysteries where there is a large cast of characters and all the pieces slowly fall into place. She loves big, sweeping love stories that give you all the feels and she’s particularly interested in voice-driven fiction for millennial women that focus on the real-life romantic, humorous, and professional experiences they go through. Always open to diversity, Lesley is actively looking for marginalized authors to bring into the literary world.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Celebrity, Film Entertainment, History, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Self-Help, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jesseca Salky is a literary agent with Salky Literary Management. Jesseca (she/hers) is an agent, founder, and attorney, with almost two decades of experience in the book publishing and adjacent industries. She represents a curated list of distinguished novelists, including Pulitzer Prize-winning and New York Times bestselling novelist Anne Tyler, and works with some of the leading literary agencies and agents in New York as contracts counsel and general business adviser. She has a 360-degree view of the industry as agent and attorney and is on the cutting edge of developments in formats and mediums, often formulating new standards on behalf of writers and agents in the industry. Jesseca keeps a curated client list of authors, thinkers, and industry disruptors. She is selectively looking for contemporary young adult romance (in the vein of Jenny HanÕs The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy), as well as literary fiction submissions that are family stories (she loves a good mother/daughter tale or a story of multiple generations of one family), or have a strong sense of place (where the setting feels like its own character), a magical or mystical element, or a daring or unique voice. She also represents narrative nonfiction in the wellness, social activism and Òliving a purposeful lifeÓ spaces.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Satire, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Technology, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Nour Sallam is an associate agent at the P.S. Literary Agency. She represents adult fiction and non-fiction. She has a BA in English Literature and Political Science from the University of British Columbia and studied publishing at Toronto Metropolitan University. As an Arab woman and immigrant, she especially loves books that amplify joy and connection. Across genres, she is interested in stories that feature complex and nuanced histories, social dynamics, or underrepresented narratives.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, Health Wellness, Lifestyle, Nature, Nonfiction, Pop Culture
Trinica Sampson-Vera
New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc.Accepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Trinica Sampson-Vera is a literary agent with New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. She is passionate about championing diverse voices and particularly loves speculative fiction; adventurous, character-driven stories with largely emotional stakes; stories featuring Caribbean characters/settings; and stories where queer characters find happy endings. Trinica graduated from Antioch College with a degree in Creative Writing and French. After several editorial internships during college, she moved to Austin and found an unexpected home in social services, where she worked for five years as a case manager to those experiencing chronic homelessness. Prior to beginning at New Leaf, she worked as an independent editor with Salt & Sage Books and Writing Diversely.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kaitlyn Sanchez is a literary agent with the Bradford Literary Agency. She joined Bradford Literary in 2022 with two years of agenting experience under her belt. Kaitlyn is the proud co-creator and co-host of the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest and Kidlit Zombie Week as well as creator and co-host of the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy Contest. As a mom, wife, and middle school math teacher, Kaitlyn enjoys playing soccer, binge-watching TV shows, and, of course, reading, especially when sheÕs all cozied up with her husband and daughter reading together. Kaitlyn is an editorial agent and always works with her clients to make sure weÕre putting out their best work. SheÕs highly communicative and invested in every aspect of helping her clients have a strong and happy career. Kaitlyn is looking for childrenÕs books (picture books through YA) in all categories, including graphic novels, nonfiction, and illustration. She is incredibly eclectic in her tastes, with a great affinity for emotional stories as well as funny stories. Kaitlyn is always looking for diversity in all forms, including but not limited to BIPOC, neurodiversity, and LGBTQ+. Kaitlyn loves working with artists, so sheÕs always on the lookout for great illustrators, author-illustrators, and graphic novelists. Note: Kaitlyn generally leans PG and PG-13 for most submissions, though some intensity here and there is fine.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Rayhane Sanders is a literary agent with Massie & McQuilkin. Rayhane was raised in Los Angeles and New York City by Iranian and Greek-Cypriot parents. She began her career at Newsweek Magazine before moving to book publishing. She worked for Dutton, Gotham Books, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt before moving to the agency side, working for WME (William Morris Endeavor) and Wayne KabakÕs WSK Management. She is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents. Her clients have been finalists and winners of numerous grants and prizes, including the National Book CriticsÕ Circle Award, the PEN/Jean Stein Award, the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize, the Story Prize, the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Lambda Literary Award, and the New American Voices Award. Works by several of her clients have graced the cover of The New York Times Book Review, and have appeared on national and international bestseller lists. She is particularly interested in representing a diversity of voices from around the world, and in fresh voices telling stories we havenÕt heard before. She is fond of immigrant tales and stories concerned with race, sexuality, cross-cultural themes, and notions of identity. You can find her WriterÕs Digest profile here.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Short Story Collection, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Victoria Sanders is a literary agent with Victoria Sanders & Associates. She says: “I founded Victoria Sanders & Associates in 1992, following law school graduation, and after working in the legal/contracts department of Simon & Schuster, and at two literary agencies. I represent a multi-cultural roster of internationally bestselling and award-winning authors, I endeavor to seek out and champion new and diverse voices and viewpoints. As a literary agent for these 25 years, I’ve taken great pride in having represented many of my clients for their entire careers. I am honored to work with the extraordinary group of visionary writers and thinkers who grace this agency, the publishing marketplace, and their devoted readers.”
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, General Nonfiction, History, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Katharine Sands is a literary agent with the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency. Katharine has worked with a varied list of authors who publish a diverse array of books. Highlights include Sell Your Story in a Single Sentence: Advice From the Frontlines of Hollywood by Lane Shefter Bishop of Vast Entertainment; Spiritual Pregnancy: Nine Months that Change Your Life Before You Give Birth by Dr. Shawn Tassone and Dr. Kathryn Landherr; Talk to Strangers: How Everyday Random Encounters Can Expand Your Business, Career, Income and Life by David Topus; The New Rules of Attraction: How to Get Him, Keep Him and Make Him Beg for More by Arden Leigh; Stand Up for Yourself: Resolve Workplace Crises Before You Quit, Get Axed or Sue the Bastards by Donna Ballman; Dating the Devil ( by Lia Romeo; XTC: SongStories; Chasing Zebras: THE Unofficial Guide to House, MD by Barbara Barnett of LetÕs Talk TV; CityTripping: a Guide for Foodies, Fashionistas and the Generally Style-Obsessed; Writers on Directors; The Apothecary’s Curse: Girl Walks Out of a Bar; Ford model Helen LeeÕs The Tao of Beauty; Elvis and You: Your Guide to the Pleasures of Being an Elvis Fan; New York: Songs of the City; Taxpertise: Dirty Little Secrets the IRS DoesnÕt Want You to Know; The SAT Word Slam, Divorce After 50; Trust Your Gut; The Little Book of Healthy Beauty: Simple Daily Steps to Get Your Glowing by Dr. Oz guest, Dr. Pina LoGuidice; Make Up, DonÕt Break Up with Oprah guest Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil to name a few. She is the agent provocateur of Making the Perfect Pitch: How to Catch a Literary AgentÕs Eye, a collection of pitching wisdom from leading literary agents. Recently contributed ÒGrey is the New BlackÓ to Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey, a nonfiction look at the cultural phenom of the bestselling novel. Actively building her client list, she likes books that have a clear benefit for readersÕ lives in categories of food, travel, lifestyle, home arts, beauty, wisdom, relationships, parenting, and fresh looks, which might be at issues, life challenges or popular culture. When reading fiction she wants to be compelled and propelled by urgent storytelling, and hooked by characters. For memoir and femoir, she likes to be transported to a world rarely or newly observed.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Beauty Fashion Style, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Science, Travel
Biography
Elisa Saphier is a literary agent with MacGregor & Luedeke. From her first job in a library, to being the editor-in-chief of her high school literary magazine, to working in four bookstores (and owning one), Elisa has always managed to surround herself with books and writers. Elisa long dreamed of opening her own bookstore and in 2012, after her wife decreed that no more bookshelves were allowed in their house, she took the leap. Elisa and her bookstore, Another Read Through, quickly became known as champions of local writers and local small publishers, and as community builders. She works toward equity in publishing and in writersÕ career development with the nonprofit she is co-launching in 2022, Amplify Writers. She believes that books and writers have important things to say, and she wants to help writers get their work out there, and for readers to find them. As a reader and as an agent, she is open to most genres, as long as the novel or memoir is well-written, but she is partial to character-heavy stories that tell her something about herself or the world around her. She is hoping specifically to represent marginalized writers and their stories, doing her small part toward equalizing the publishing playing field. She is almost never interested in religious or experimental writing, but is otherwise open to being won over by just about any piece of excellent writing.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Travel, Upmarket Nonfiction, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jenna Satterthwaite is a literary agent with the Storm Literary Agency. She reached agenting sideways, as many do. She didnÕt know agenting existed until she wrote her first novel back in 2014 and learned she had to do this thing called Òquerying.Ó Fast forward many years during which she wrote many novels and became agented herself, and she had an aha moment. Agenting was the nexus where her two decades of business experience in sales, pitching, project management and contract negotiation met her decade of bookish experience. After completing internships with Liza Dawson Associates and Rees Literary, Jenna joined Storm as an agent in 2024. SheÕs looking to represent authors over the course of their careers who are passionate about their work and willing to arm themselves with the tenacity that it takes to succeed in the world of publishing. She is an editorial agent who wants to help make your manuscript the best and most sellable version of itself, and then pitch the heck out of it to the right editors. Jenna is here to help you navigate this career that can unfold in so many different ways, advocate for you, and seek your best interests. SheÕs not afraid of multi-genre writers, (sheÕs one herself!) and she is ready to try and break your name into as many genres and age groups as you want to write. YOU are your brand! Omnivorous in her taste, Jenna is seeking to represent adult, Young Adult and Middle Grade commercial fiction in most genres, graphic novels from middle grade to young adult, adult non-fiction, and very select picture books. (See submission guidelines for more details.) Jenna is also fully bilingual English/Spanish, so dual language projects are most welcome! Jenna lives in Chicago with her family, and when she’s not agenting, reading or writing, you can find her trying a Milk Street recipe, making music in living rooms with friends, or plotting when she can get sushi next.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Nonfiction, Parenting, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Abby Saul is a literary agent with The Lark Group. With over 15 years of publishing experience, Abby Saul is an editorial expert with a passion for fantastic reads. Abby founded The Lark Group in 2016 after a decade in publishing at John Wiley & Sons, Sourcebooks, and Browne & Miller Literary Associates. She’s worked with and edited bestselling and award-winning authors as well as major brands. At each publishing group she’s been a part of, Abby also has helped to establish ebook standards, led company-wide forums to explore new digital possibilities for books, and created and managed numerous digital initiatives. A zealous reader who loves her iPad and the ebooks on it, she still canÕt resist the lure of a print book. AbbyÕs personal library of beloved titles runs the gamut from literary newbies and classics, to cozy mysteries, to sappy womenÕs fiction, to dark and twisted thrillers. SheÕs looking for great and engrossing adult commercial and literary fiction and is a member of the AALA. A magna cum laude graduate of Wellesley College, Abby spends her weekendsÑwhen sheÕs not readingÑcooking and hiking with her husband and children. Find her @BookySaul on Twitter.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction
Biography
Eva Scalzo is a literary agent with Speilburg Literary Agency. Eva Scalzo was born in New Jersey, but has lived in Houston, Buenos Aires, San Juan, and Boston before settling down outside of Binghamton, New York. She has a B.A. in the Humanities from the University of Puerto Rico and a M.A. in Publishing and Writing from Emerson College. Since graduating, she has spent her career in scholarly publishing, working for Houghton Mifflin, Blackwell Publishing, John Wiley & Sons, and Cornell University in a variety of roles. She has been with Speilburg Literary since 2013, and started accepting clients in 2017. Eva is a member of SCBWI and the AALA. She serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the AALA Newsletter and is a member of the Communications and USBS Committees. In Adult Fiction, Eva represents Romance (all subgenres but inspirational), as well as select Upmarket, Thrillers, and Science Fiction/Fantasy. She also represents all subgenres of Young Adult Fiction and select Middle Grade.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Christopher Schelling is a literary agent with Selectric Artists. Christopher provides a unique level of personal service, strategically managing and nurturing the careers of each client personally, and the editorial process is integral. With over four decades of publishing experience, he has a wide network of deep connections. Prior to opening Selectric Artists in 2011, he spent 13 years at Ralph M. Vicinanza Ltd, an iconic literary agency. Before this, he was an Executive Editor at Dutton and HarperCollins. He also had a clandestine career as a book cover model. Christopher lives with his husband, the author Augusten Burroughs, and their three dogs.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, Illustrated, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Pop Culture CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Rebecca Scherer is a literary agent with the Jane Rotrosen Agency. She began her publishing career at JRA in 2010 while earning a BA in English Literature, Political Science, and German from the Macaulay Honors College at Hunter. Immediately upon graduating, she was offered the unique opportunity to work within each department at the agency to gain a deep understanding of the business before going on to become an agent. She represents commercial fiction across genres, with particular interest in womenÕs fiction, crime/mystery, suspense, book club fiction, and upmarket/literary-leaning fiction. A lifelong New Yorker with a true head for numbers, Rebecca bridges her taste in literature with her business acumen to comprehensively advocate for her authors.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Biography
Deborah Schneider is a literary agent with the Gelfman Schnedier/ICM Literary Agency. Deborah Schneider grew up in Chicago. In 1981, seeking a less corporate environment, Deborah partnered with Jane Gelfman as an agent in the New York office of the venerable British Literary Agency, John Farquharson Ltd. Deborah began building her American client list and in 1992, she and Jane bought the agency and established the Gelfman Schneider Literary Agents Inc. that exists today. Deborah represents a large variety of prominent and bestselling writers, across all categories of literary and commercial fiction and nonfiction. She is a member of the AARÑthe Association of Authors Representatives, served two terms on their Board, and has served on their Royalty Committee for twenty-five years.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Heather Schroder is the founder of Compass Talent. Before founding Compass Talent in 2014, Heather got her start at ICM in foreign rights and worked as an agent for over 25 years . Her clients include authors of literary and commercial fiction; upmarket non-fiction, including memoir, journalism, history, science and cookbooks; and a select list of middle grade and YA. Heather has represented numerous bestsellers, including Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, Billy LynnÕs Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain, Methland by Nick Reding, and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by Bryan Mealer and William Kamkwamba, among others. She is also proud to represent Guggenheim fellows, MacArthur Geniuses, National Book Award winners, and TED Fellows. Heather has spoken at numerous workshops and writersÕ retreats and is currently serving on the board of the Association of Author Representatives (AAR).
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FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance, Thriller NONFICTION: Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Reference, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Susan Schulman is a literary agent with the Susan Schulman Literary Agency. The Susan Schulman Literary Agency specializes in representing motion picture, television and allied rights, foreign rights, live stage including commercial theater, opera and dance adaptations, new media rights including e-book and digital applications, and other subsidiary rights on behalf of North American publishers and literary agents. The agency also represents its own clients domestically and internationally in all markets. The agency has a particular interest in fiction and non-fiction books for, by and about women and women’s issues and interests, as well as all levels of childrenÕs books including picture books, middle-grade and young adult, history, science, pop culture, and memoir. Our primary interest however is in authors and their projects which explore big ideas about the world and being human.
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FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Computers, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Law Legal, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel, Upmarket Nonfiction, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Dani Segelbaum is a literary agent at Arc Literary Management. She has nearly a decade of experience working in the publishing industry. She joined Arc Literary in 2024 after three years at the Carol Mann Agency. She began her publishing career as an editorial assistant at HarperCollins Publishers, focusing primarily on highly designed non-fiction titles. She previously worked as a literary assistant at New Leaf Literary & Media. Dani has worked on bestselling and award-winning books by authors including Justin Timberlake, Iris Apfel, Ann Patchett, and Jacqueline Winspear. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Dani is a graduate of Boston UniversityÕs College of Communication where she studied journalism and political science. In college, she worked as an intern for Marie Claire Magazine and as a writer for Boston Common Magazine and the Milford Daily News. Dani has been a voracious reader for as long as she can remember. She represents a wide range of both fiction and non-fiction in the adult and children’s spaces, working with New York Times bestselling and debut authors, and is passionate about collaborating with authors from diverse backgrounds to tell stories that are meaningful to them. InÊnonfiction, she is particularly drawn to books in the areas ofÊwomenÕs issues, popular culture, illustrated/photography, history, politics, self-help, and current events. She also lovesÊnarrative non-fiction, biography, business, lifestyle, andÊcookbooks. Dani collaborates with a diverse range of authors, includingÊillustrators, photographers, academics, psychologists, andÊjournalists. InÊfiction, Dani seeksÊcontemporary and upmarket adult fiction, historical fiction,Êrom-coms, andÊwomenÕs fiction. She loves compelling narrators and is drawn to writing that is voice-driven, highly transporting, and features unique perspectives and marginalized voices. Outside of her professional life, Dani enjoys spending time with herÊAussiedoodle, trying out new restaurants with her husband, and indulging in her cookbook collection (which has officially reached “too many” status). Her guilty pleasures include reading the newspaper late at night and baking a never-ending array of treats for family and friendsÑmany of which come straight from her extensive collection of cookbooks. Dani is a member of the AALA. For more details about her, listen to DaniÕs interview on This Podcast Needs A Title and Manuscript Wishlist. Follow Dani on Instagram and X.
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FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Self-Help, Sports, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book