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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
Evan Marshall is president of The Evan Marshall Agency and Indie Rights Agency. He is an award-winning literary agent specializing in fiction. Evan has held senior editorial positions at Houghton Mifflin, Ariel Books, New American Library, Everest House and Dodd, Mead, where he acquired national and international bestsellers. An expert on fiction writing, he has served as a contest judge for Wattpad and is a NaNoWriMo Mighty Catalyst for Literary Righteousness. He authored the classic writing guide The Marshall Plan¨ for Novel Writing in 1998. It is now available as How To Write A Novel-The Marshall¨ Plan Software, co-created with Martha Jewett. The Marshall Plan¨ takes the frustration out of writing and delivers successful results fast. He is a graduate of Boston College. Evan is the author of ten traditionally published mystery novels in the Hidden Manhattan series and Jane Stuart series, called ÒMiss Marple liteÓ by Kirkus Reviews.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Western Fiction, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult FictionNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction
Biography
Beth Marshea is the owner and Lead Agent at Ladderbird Literary Agency. She has a BA in Literature and a Masters in Business Administration and is always looking for new and exciting ways to bring more diversity into publishing and beyond. Outside of agenting, Beth, teaches writing in her local community with a focus on bringing reluctant writers and readers into the magical world of books. She loves the outdoors and is also a certified lifeguard.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mainstream Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, History, How-To, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Spirituality, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Taylor Martindale Kean is a literary agent with the Full Circle Literary. She is a literary agent with Full Circle Literary, representing primarily middle grade fiction, young adult fiction, and illustrators. She is a graduate of The College of William and Mary, where she studied English and Hispanic Studies.Taylor is looking for young adult fiction and literary middle grade fiction, across all genres. She is interested in finding unique and unforgettable voices in contemporary, fantasy, historical and magical realism novels. She is looking for books that demand to be read. More than anything, Taylor is looking for diverse, character-driven stories that bring their worlds vividly to life, and voices that are honest, original and interesting. Clients include: Emery Lord, Tirzah Price, David Bowles, Sylvie Lacroix, Anoosha Syed, Isabel Strychacz, Gloria Amescua, Federica Fabbian, Olivia Sua and more. When not working, Taylor can be found traveling, cooking, spending time with loved ones, or (surprise!) lost in a good book.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Allegra Martschenko is a literary agent with the Bookends Literary Agency. Allegra is all about magic, all the time. They have an undergraduate architecture degree from Princeton University and started agenting at Ladderbird Literary Agency in 2022 with a focus on science fiction & fantasy novels, but they’re also the editorial coordinator at Princeton University Press, formerly an editor at the University Press of Colorado, cofounder of Paths in Publishing, an artist, and a writer (under a pen name). Between the many hats they wear, they bring a well-rounded perspective to author-agent relationships and work expertly with various parties across the publishing industry.They love cats, gardening, power tools, and books that love you back: sweeping stories, characters with big hearts, and prose that inspires. They focus on elevating marginalized authors and are always on the hunt for gorgeous prose. In the adult, crossover, and young adult spaces, Allegra is open to speculative fiction in the broadest sense, from science fiction and fantasy to the only lightly fantastical.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Helen Masvikeni is an Agent at the Megibow Liteary Agency. HelenÕs unique background brings an interesting and fresh perspective to the publishing world. She has an extensive background in the arts being an internationally-performing musician and photographer as well as having worked in video, theater and film. With a Business and Marketing background, she has worked extensively in the non-profit sector and more recently for the Denver Center for Performing Arts. Originally from Harare, Zimbabwe and now residing in Colorado, Helen is passionate about storytelling and artistic expression. As a literary agent, she is focused on combining her own experience as an artist with the business side of publishing to support authors from creation through publication and beyond.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Memoir, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Rebecca Matte is a literary agent with the Bradford Literary Agency. She joined Bradford Literary Agency as Contract Manager and agency assistant in 2022 before moving on to take on her own clients. Prior to working at Bradford, she worked as assistant to Executive Agent Laura Rennert at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, where she provided editorial and contract support for a wide array of books across genre and age range. Rebecca began her professional life as an IP and contracts lawyer for several prominent law firms in New York City, and now seeks to use those skills to raise up authors and help them succeed. A writer herself, Rebecca plans to be a highly editorial agent who will work with authors to help them bring their vision to reality on the page.In general, Rebecca absolutely loves adult and YA science fiction/fantasy and queer romance. But no matter the settingÑbe it a far off kingdom beset by magic or around the corner in BrooklynÑRebecca seeks out books that feature diverse, complex characters in deeply rooted relationships, platonic and romantic. A well-crafted romance will make her heart sing, while a beautifully detailed friendship will elevate any book to an instant favorite. She also gravitates towards inherently hopeful stories of self-discovery and reinvention at all ages, particularly those that center questions of gender and sexuality. She tries to bring magic to every moment of life, and loves books that do the same.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance, Science FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jennifer Mattson is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Jennifer represents authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators who bring a distinct point of view to their work, and who tell stories with multiple layers. In middle grade and YA both, her heart beats faster for stories that cascade from a mind-expanding premise. She also loves survival stories and losing herself in Dickensian sagas (WOLVES OF WILLOUGHBY CHASE!), and enjoys watching characters puzzle their way through problems. She has a special soft spot for middle grade about resilient kids sorting out the messiness of life.Jennifer has worked previously as an editor at Dutton Children’s Books and as a Books for Youth staff reviewer at Booklist. Two fun facts: she spent a summer giving tours at Emily DickinsonÕs house, and has a coauthor credit in THE OFFICIAL EASY-BAKE OVEN COOKBOOK. Jennifer is based in Chicago, where, when not reading, she spends her free time in dance classes or jogging the lakefront.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Shari Maurer is a literary agent with the Stringer Literary Agency. Shari graduated from Duke University with a degree in English, and later studied Dramatic Writing at NYU. Following a stint at The ChildrenÕs Television Workshop on international productions of Sesame Street, she published both novels and non-fiction, and worked as a writer and editor. Shari has also written Parenting & Lifestyle columns for several websites. A mother of three, she lives in New York with her husband.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Humor Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Satire, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, ScienceCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Juliana McBride is a literary agent with the Rebecca Friedman Literary Agency. She began her career in New York City at Random House in 2000. After a decade working with all the in-house and third-party publishers, she and her husband (and twin daughters) embarked on their second act in California producing and selling wine. She never gave up her penchant for good stories though; enter act three. Juliana loves commercial and literary fiction, young adult novels, and fantasy. I mean, who doesnÕt secretly believe in magic? Like any true bookworm, Juliana is looking for transcendent stories that linger.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Margret McBride is a literary agent with the Margret McBride Literary Agency. She began a career that served her love of books in New York, working at Random House in New York. Her office was next door to the editor of the Doctor Seuss books. As postcards and missives from the author came to the editor, the editor would share them with her. The picture over his desk, the view of La Jolla from Ted GeiselÕs studio was a clue to her future. In 1980, she was living in La Jolla, and opening her literary agency and having fun times with Ted and his wife Audrey. In her ÒNew York YearsÓ in publishing she worked in the marketing departments of Random House and Ballantine Books, and as the Director of Publicity at Warner Books, and Director of Publicity, Promotions and Advertising for Pinnacle Books. Knowing what the media wants and readers love to read set the stage for her immediate success as an agent. In 1981, year later, she sold a small book to William Morrow (Harper Collins) by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson MD, called THE ONE MINUTE MANAGER. Thirty years and millions of copies later, the 30th Anniversary Edition THE NEW ONE MINUTE MANAGER was published. Two other bestselling parables followed years later: Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul and John Christensen (Hachette Books) will next year celebrate their the 20th Anniversary of FISH! A Remarkable Way To Boost Morale and Improve Results. Bob Burg and John Mann have just passed their tenth anniversary with Portfolio, their hugely successful, GO-GIVER A Little Story About A Powerful Business Idea.She is a member of the Association of Authors Representatives (AAR) and the AuthorÕs Guild. She is past-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the board of The La Jolla Playhouse located on the campus of the University of California at San Diego. La Jolla Playhouse is internationally renowned for creating some of the most exciting and adventurous work in American Theater, over 101 world premieres, 52 new works, 37 productions to BroadwayÑamong them JERSEY BOYS, MEMPHIS, THE WHOÕS TOMMY, Billy CrystalÕs 700 SUNDAYS, I AM MY OWN WIFE, and JUNK. Margret previously served on the Library Board of the University of California at San Diego and under her five-year direction, the UCSD Writers Conference attracted a distinguished faculty of publishers, editors and agents, as well as international participants.Margret is interested in a wide range of commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction, historical fiction, medical suspense, legal thrillers, and stories featuring strong female protagonists.Her nonfiction interests include biographies and memoirs, history, psychology, health, self-improvement and business, especially entrepreneurship, management, and finance. She also has had a weakness for perfectly executed, mind-blowing business parables.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Satire, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Animals, Art, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Rachel McCain is a literary agent with the Gold Dust Literary Agency. She says: “I accept nonfiction, adult fiction, YA fiction, and childrenÕs literature (fiction or nonfiction). I do not accept romance, erotica or religious/spiritual.I love nonfiction with a historical element (think Show Me a Hero). I absolutely love nonfiction stories that are unknown and/or overlooked. Dark and gritty stories are especially welcome (think Random Family and Grand Central Winter). In regards to fiction, I would love to find the next Alice Walker or James Baldwin. I would love something set in New York. I also love YA fiction with series potential Ð think Goosebumps, BabysitterÕs Club, The Princess Diaries. I am looking for the next Meg Cabot and R.L. Stine. For childrenÕs literature, I want something with diverse and unique characters. Make sure you hook me into your writing, from beginning to end. I need imagery. Dare to be creative. Also, please edit your writing thoroughly before you submit.”
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop CultureCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Bridget McCarthy is a literary agent with the McCormick Literary. Bridget McCarthy (they/she) is a literary agent and oversees contracts and domestic subrights. They are seeking literary and commercial fiction, young adult fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and cookbooks. They are a graduate of Fordham University.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Literary FictionNONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jim McCarthy is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. Jim interned for Dystel, Goderich & Bourret while studying urban design at New York University. Upon graduating, Jim realized he would much rather continue working with books than make the jump (as he had originally intended) to the field of city planning. Eighteen years later, he remains at DG&B as a VP and agent. As an avid fiction reader, his interests encompass both literary and commercial works in the adult, young adult, and middle grade categories. He is particularly interested in literary fiction, underrepresented voices, fantasy, mysteries, romance, anything unusual or unexpected, and any book that makes him cry or laugh out loud. In addition to fiction he is also interested in narrative nonfiction whether it be memoir, historical, science, pop culture, or just a darn good polemic.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Biography, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Travel, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Sean McCarthy is a literary agent and the owner of the Sean McCarthy Literary Agency. He began his publishing career as an editorial intern at Overlook Press and then moved over to the Sheldon Fogelman Agency. He worked as the submissions coordinator and permissions manager before becoming a full-time literary agent. Sean graduated from Macalester College with a degree in English-Creative Writing, and is grateful that he no longer has to spend his winters in Minnesota.He is drawn to flawed, multifaceted characters with devastatingly concise writing in YA, and boy-friendly mysteries or adventures in MG. In picture books, he looks more for unforgettable characters, off-beat humor, and especially clever endings. He is not currently interested in high fantasy, message-driven stories, or query letters that pose too many questions.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic NovelCHILDRENÕS 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
Shawna McCarthy is a literary agent with The McCarthy Agency.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science FictionNONFICTION: Autobiography, Biography, History, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Science, TechnologyCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Cameron McClure is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. Cameron McClure joined the Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2004. She represents a small and select group of authors and specializes in fiction. She is especially looking for projects that combine genre style plotting with literary quality writing. SheÕs up for anything speculative, and is interested in seeing science-fiction and fantasy, literary fiction, mystery and suspense, and projects with multi-cultural, international, environmental, and GBLT themes. SheÕs also drawn to projects that explore subcultures or topics that havenÕt quite broken into the mainstream. Some of her clients include Robert McCammon, Robert Jackson Bennett, Amy Alkon, Emily Winslow, Brian Francis Slattery, Molly Tanzer, Randy Henderson, Sarah Pemberton Strong, and Steve Bein.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Religious Fiction, Satire, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Taj McCoy is a literary agent at the Laura Dail Literary Agency. She aims to widen the entryway for marginalized authors and to normalize Black joy, fat joy, celebrations of culture, and love without limitations. An author and literary agent, she pulls from her experiences on the author’s side as teachable moments about the ins and outs of navigating the publishing industry for her clients. Taj gravitates toward distinct voices, dynamic settings, and complex characters with intersectional identities that pull at the heartstrings and incite full belly laughs. In nonfiction, she loves to see narratives about lesser-told parts of history and/or culture, of empowerment, with strong takeaways for readers.Before joining LDLA, Taj worked at Rees Literary Agency and assisted at Fuse Literary. She earned her bachelor’s in Business Law from Cal State Northridge and her law degree from Southwestern Law School. Following law school, she worked for 12 years at several law schools, leading admissions and recruitment efforts and career development.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Poetry, Pop Culture, Reference, Self-Help, Sports, TravelCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Caitlin McDonald is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. She joined DMLA in 2015, and was previously at Sterling Lord Literistic. She represents adult and young adult speculative fiction, primarily science-fiction, fantasy, horror, and related subgenres, as well as contemporary fiction about geeky characters. She also handles a small amount of nonfiction in geeky areas, with a focus on feminist theory/womenÕs issues and pop culture. Caitlin grew up overseas and has a BA in Creative Writing from Columbia University.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Western FictionNONFICTION: Animals, Art, Beauty Fashion Style, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Diet Nutrition, Environment, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Technology, Travel, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Holly M. McGhee is a literary agent with Pippin Properties. She still carried MADELINE around in 3rd gradeÑuntil Mrs. Carrier, her school librarian, tricked her into reading longer books by giving her one with her name on it, HOLLY IN THE SNOW. After college, Holly headed straight into the book world of New York City, where she has enjoyed being a secretary, an advertising manager, a sales rep (for one month), and in the six years prior to opening the doors at Pippin, an executive editor at HarperCollins. Now, as the President and Creative Director of Pippin she is dedicated to shepherding books that make a difference into the world. Someone once told her, “If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life,” and that has proven true for her.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic NovelNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Erica McGrath is a literary agent with Writers House. She I am a junior agent actively growing my list of adult and childrenÕs books. IÕve been at Writers House since my intern days back in 2018, since then, IÕve worked closely with the contracts department, and have supported Senior Agents Stephen Barr and Susan Cohen. Under their mentorship, IÕve had the opportunity to work closely with a range of award-winning authors and illustrators including Maggie Thrash, Anna Walker, Mark Leiknes, Jared Dillian, F.C. Yee, Jeanette Winter, Stacy Innerst, and Emily Hughes.Before joining Writers House, I studied Visual Arts and English at SUNY New Paltz and interned at not-for-profit art organizations like The Center for Photography at Woodstock and Musee Magazine. Now, combining my literary and artistic passions with my business sensibilities, IÕm dying to read your work! As a Cancer sun, Virgo rising, and the eldest daughter of four siblings, I come well equipped as an intuitive, organized, and dedicated advocate. I am a passionate collaborator eager to support authors on this emotional journey to create lasting and inspiring projects.IÕm looking to work with authors and illustrators across all age ranges, in genres ranging from picture books to middle grade and YA, to adult literary fiction and nonfiction. My taste is wide ranging.”
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, MysteryNONFICTION: Art, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, Memoir, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop CultureCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Peter McGuigan is a literary agent with and the founder of Ultra Literary. With mega-bestselling clients including Jennette McCurdy and Trevor Noah, Peter McGuigan represents literary stars, both todayÕs and tomorrows. After almost thirty years in the book publishing business, Peter has seen the industry – and the agent’s role in it – evolve.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, ThrillerNONFICTION: Art, Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Science, Technology, True Adventure, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kate McKean is a literary agent with the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. Kate McKean joined HMLA in 2006. She earned her masterÕs degree in fiction writing at the University of Southern Mississippi and began her publishing career at the University Press of Florida. She is proud to work with New York Times bestselling authors in a wide variety of genres including Daniel Mallory OrtbergÕs TEXTS FROM JANE EYRE, Madeleine RouxÕs YA horror series ASYLUM, and Brittany GibbonsÕ memoir FAT GIRL WALKING. In addition to working with clients, she is an adjunct professor at New York University.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, BIPOC Nonfiction, Computers, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Design, Food Drink, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Pop Culture, Sports, TechnologyCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Tanya McKinnon is a literary agent wtih McKinnon Literary. She says: “I represent serious nonfiction, literary fiction, children’s books, and graphic novels. Since establishing the agency five years ago, we have seen the publication of four New York Times bestsellers as well as numerous award winners and commercial successes.Growing up all overÑAfrica, Europe, the Caribbean, and the USÑI found my home in books where writers confront the chaos of reality and distill it into narratives that leave us wiser and more human for having read them. The books I represent embody this ethos.Because I wanted to help make books happen, I entered publishing right out of college, and while my job titles have changed, I have never left that world. I began as an editor, where I deepened my love of accessible, idea-driven nonfiction with the power to transform culture. Next, I worked as a literary scout, representing foreign publishers and Hollywood producers. For the last eighteen years, I have been a literary agent, helping authors bring their ideas to life and find their audience.The time I have spent on various sides of the industry lets me view the agent-author relationship holistically. I routinely help my clients shape and sharpen their projects through a rigorous in-house editorial process. In the bigger picture, I work to help authors hone a career trajectory for their work. This level of focus requires that I cap the number of new clients I will take on.I am always looking for work that takes me beyond the boundaries of where I currently am. This can be in categories such as history, sociology, psychology, anthropology, medicine, cultural criticism, popular culture, journalism, and sheer whimsy. I look for fiction that is story- and character-driven and engrossing with a strong voice. I have a particular interest in multicultural and African American work. I also have a passion for graphic novels, be they for adults or young readers. In children’s books, I represent the gamut from picture books through chapter books and middle grade readers, to young adult.In addition to agenting, I hold an MA in cultural anthropology, and I teach a course on Writing for Children in the Publishing Certificate Program at City College.”
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, Multicultural FictionNONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Journalism, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Upmarket NonfictionCHILDRENÕS 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
Laurie McLean is a literary agent with Fuse Literary. She is a founding partner at Fuse Literary representing New York Times and international bestselling authors, as well as indie published authors who want to also publish traditionally, and debut authors with promise. She spent 20 years as the CEO of a publicity and marketing agency, and 8 years as an agent and senior agent at Larsen Pomada Literary Agents in San Francisco before co-founding Fuse Literary in 2013 with Gordon Warnock.Laurie was well known in the early days of the Apple Macintosh phenomenon as the CEO of the successful Silicon Valley public relations agency bearing her name. After 20 years there, she switched gears to immerse herself in her personal writing. Laurie had been writing professionally since high schoolÐfirst as a journalist, then as a public relations agentÐbut now she could finally spread her wings as a novelist. She penned three manuscripts before deciding that she missed using the shark part of her brain and that the life of a literary agent was her perfect match. Prior to all this, she earned a BachelorÕs Degree in Journalism from the State University of New York and a MasterÕs Degree at Syracuse UniversityÕs prestigious Newhouse School of Journalism.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Western FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Andy McNicol is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. She has represented New York Times best selling books for Sophia Amoruso, Chrissy Teigen, The Lady Gang, Tory Burch, and the #1 New York Times bestselling memoir, Melania and Me. She represents the writer and activist Tommy Dorfman, Jenna Lyons, as well as national bestsellers Alejandra Campoverdi, Tina Wells and Nicole Avante. She works with the lifestyle brands La Double J, Flamingo Estates and The Lakers Organization.Andy has spent her career in publishing, including 20 years with WME, where she was a partner and founding member of the Branded Lifestyle Group. She began her own strategic advisory – AMstudio in 2020, offering a holistic, 360-degree approach to multi hyphenate talent and market activation. Andy and her work have been featured in The New York Times, Variety Magazine, and Adweek. She speaks regularly at industry events, on podcasts, and conferences on how to develop successful books and content platforms. Andy holds a bachelorÕs degree in English and Art History from Yale University. She lives in Manhattan with her son Luke.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General FictionNONFICTION: Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Self-HelpCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Rob McQuilkin is a literary agent with Massie & McQuilkin. A graduate of Phillips Academy and Columbia University, he started out in publishing at Warner Books (now known as Grand Central Publishing), where he acquired the paperback rights to books including Primary Colors, by Anonymous (Joe Klein). He left Warner Books for Anchor Books/Doubleday, where, as Editor, he acquired books by and/or worked closely with writers including Anita Hill (Speaking Truth to Power), Phillip Lopate (Totally, Tenderly, Tragically), and Lois Gould (Mommy Dressing), also acquiring the paperback rights to bestsellers such as Jon KrakauerÕs Into Thin Air. Rob cut his teeth as an agent while working with Ike Williams and Jill Kneerim at The Palmer & Dodge Agency (now known as Kneerim & Williams), before leaving to start his own agency. He specializes in fiction, memoir, history and cultural criticism, and poetry.
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FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary FictionNONFICTION: Art, Biography, Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, PoetryCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Sara Megibow is the President andÊ Senior Literary Agent of Megibow Literary Agency.ÊÊShe has worked in publishing since 2006Êand represents New York Times bestselling authors including ÊRebecca Roanhorse, Margaret Rogerson, Jaleigh Johnson, Roni Loren and Jason M. Hough. SaraÊspecializesÊin launching debut authors and working on long-term careerÊ development and profit strategy with them. She is a graduate of NorthwesternÊ University with degrees in WomenÕs Studies, Gender Studies and AmericanÊHistory. Always LGBTQIA+ Friendly!
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FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Erotic Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction