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The Directory of Literary Agents
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Literary Agent Directory
Important: Visit each agent’s website (links in their listings below) to see if they’re open to submissions before querying.
- You are searching within category(ies): Science Fiction *
Biography
Bill Clegg is a literary agent with The Clegg Agency. Bill represents authors such as Mary Jo Bang, Bonnie Jo Campbell, Mark Doty, Rivka Galchen, Daniyal Mueenuddin, Salvatore Scibona, and Rebecca Wolff. But he’s an author, too, having published last year the memoir Portrait of an Addict as Young Man and this April the follow-up Ninety Days: A Memoir of Recovery. Both published by Little, Brown, the memoirs delve into Clegg’s drug addiction and recovery.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Crime/Detective/Police * Fantasy * General Fiction * Historical * Literary * Mystery * Science Fiction * Short Story Collection * Thriller * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Biography * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Humor * Lifestyle * Memoir * Military/War * Narrative * Politics * Science * True Crime *
156 Fifth Avenue Suite 1210 New York NY 10010 USA
Biography
Jonathan Cobb is a literary agent with HG Literary. He began working at HG Literary in the summer of 2016. After graduating from the University of California, San Diego with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, he decided to follow his dream of joining the publishing industry by moving to New York. He gained valuable experience interning at NYU Press and Writers House, while also pursuing a Master’s degree in Publishing: Digital and Print Media at NYU.
Jon reads all genres of fiction but has a particular interest in contemporary middle grade and YA, adult science fiction and fantasy, African-American fiction, literary fiction, and mysteries and thrillers.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Espionage/Military * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Literary * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * NoPB * Science Fiction * Short Story Collection * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
6 West 18th Street #7R New York NY 10011 USA
Biography
Christine Cohen is a literary agent with the Virginia Kidd Agency. She joined the Virginia Kidd Agency in 1998 and had the distinct pleasure of learning the business via taking dictation from her mentor, James Allen, and Virginia Kidd herself. The first professional phone call she handled was from “a lovely gentleman named Harlan Ellison.” She learned the trade handling works by Gene Wolfe, Ursula K. Le Guin, Anne McCaffrey, James Tiptree, Jr. and E.E. “Doc” Smith. These days she gets to work with the likes of Alan Dean Foster, John Varley, Rajnar Vajra, Karen Heuler, and Michael Libling. She enjoys nothing more than working with her authors, foreign/translation rights colleagues, and film contacts. When reading on a snowy day, or on the sunny deck in summertime at Arrowhead in Milford, PA, the agency’s home for the past 56 years, she has to remind herself that she is, indeed, “working.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Fantasy * Horror * Science Fiction *
NONFICTION:
PO Box 278 538 East Hartford Street Milford PA 18337 USA
Biography
Andrea Comparato is a literary agent with and the founder of the Inscriptions Literary Agency. Her favorite books to represent are: picture books, middle grade, graphic novels, craft books, memoirs, and children’s devotionals. She had an idea for a graphic novel-style children’s devotional and would love to see a submission for one!
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Christian Fiction * Fantasy * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Religious * Science Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Christian * Crafts * Juvenile * Middle Grade * Religion *
Biography
Dan Conaway is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. He says: ”
I’m a literary agent at Writers House and represent an extensive list of bestselling and award-winning novelists, crime writers, biographers, memoirists, journalists and historians.
Prior to joining Writers House I worked as Executive Editor at both Putnam and HarperCollins, and as Director of Literary Acquisitions at PolyGram Filmed Entertainment. I started my career as a College Traveler at W.W. Norton. I authored the blog BookAngst 101, a long-retired insider’s account of the publishing industry, writing under the pseudonym Mad Max Perkins.
***
What am I looking for?
I am interested in literature that explores a diversity of voices and experiences, and stories about underrepresented cultures and identities.
For fiction, I would love to see contemporary literary fiction and smart, upmarket horror, thrillers, and suspense. I am looking for a distinctive voice, compelling characters, an interesting setting, and a gripping, propulsive plot.
A couple books that I’ve loved recently: MY SISTER, THE SERIAL KILLER by Oyinkan Braithwaite, FLEISCHMAN IS IN TROUBLE by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, VERY NICE by Marcy Dermanski, MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN by Jonathan Lethem
Next on my reading list: THE WHISPER MAN by Alex North, LOST AND WANTED by Nell Freudenberger
For non-fiction, I would love to see more true crime, popular history, investigative journalism, pop culture, pop psychology, and narrative non-fiction. I am interested in big themes, topical subjects, something that is thought-provoking and conversation starting.
Some non-fiction I’ve loved recently: BENEATH A RUTHLESS SUN by Gilbert King, KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL by Anthony Bourdain
On my reading list: TRICK MIRROR by Jia Tolentino, I’LL BE GONE IN THE DARK by Michelle McNamara, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON by David Grann.
What I’m not looking for: Police procedurals, science-fiction, fantasy, children’s lit or anything in the YA space.
I look forward to seeing your work!”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Ethnic Fiction * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Horror * Literary * Multicultural Fiction * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Ethnic * General Nonfiction * History * Investigative * Journalism * Memoir * Multicultural * Music * Narrative * Politics * Pop Culture * Science * True Crime *
120 Broadway 22nd floor New York NY 10271 USA
Biography
Marisa Corvisiero is a literary agent with the Corvisiero Literary Agency. She is the founder of the Corvisiero Literary Agency, an attorney, and our Senior Literary Agent. During the few years prior to starting her own agency, Marisa worked with the L. Perkins Agency, where she learned invaluable lessons and made a name for herself in the industry. She is also a Literary Consultant, Speaker, Author and an Attorney practicing law with a focus on Corporate Law and Estate Planning in New York City.
Ms. Corvisiero is also the founder of Corvisiero Law. Since the law firm’s inception, it has achieved incredible success and growth, and continues on its high-speed trajectory towards excellence. The firm now provides assistance in a number of practice areas as a comprehensive package of legal services for existing and new clients.
Ms. Corvisiero has held positions in several law firms and companies since 1995 in different capacities. In such positions, she has attained the knowledge and experience necessary to properly and dynamically represent her clients. These stellar firms and companies include Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, LLP, a top global law firm; Windels, Marx, Lane & Mittendorf, LLP, a white shoe boutique law firm; and Avaya, Inc., a fortune 500 telecommunications company among several distinguished others.
Ms. Corvisiero received her Bachelors in Business Administration in International Business and Marketing from Hofstra University in 1995, where she was the President of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity Chapter, and the President of the Pre Law Society during her last year. Ms. Corvisiero received her Juris Doctorate from Pace University School of Law in 2000, and earned Pace University School of Law’s prestigious International Law Certificate for her studies in International Law. During her legal studies, she held several Board positions on the Student Bar Association, where she was also the Treasurer of the Environmental Law Society, the Chair of the Social Committee, and the Co-Editor of the Pace University School of Law Year Book in 1999 and 2000.
Ms. Corvisiero is licensed to practice in New York State, and has been in good standing for the duration of her admission to the Bar. She belongs to the New York City Bar Association, New York State Bar Association and the American Bar Association.
She is fluent in Italian and Spanish, and has some working knowledge of Portuguese and Japanese.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Chick Lit * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Inspirational Fiction * Literary * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Paranormal * Picture Book * Romance * Satire * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Animals/Pets * Art * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Design * Environment * Film/Entertainment * Fitness * Food/Drinks * Gardening * Gay/Lesbian * Gift/Novelty * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Humor * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Military/War * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Music * Nature * Parenting/Child Guidance * Photography * Politics * Pop Culture * Psychology * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Sports * Technology * Travel * True Adventure * True Crime * Women’s Issues *
1180 Avenue of the Americas 8th Floor New York NY 10036 USA
Biography
Rachel Crawford is a literary agent with Wolf Literary Services. She joined Wolf Literary Services as an agent in 2015. She represents authors in both the U.S. and Australia, and represents U.S. rights on behalf of select Australian publishers and agents. Previously, she was MacKenzie Wolf’s foreign rights manager. Before moving to Wolf, Rach worked in rights at Fletcher and Company, at Sterling Lord Literistic, and as a publicist for a small press. Rach’s clients have won Walkley Awards, are Fulbright Scholars, have been shortlisted for the Stella Prize, the Commonwealth Writers Prize, a Lambda Literary Award, nominated for Pushcart Prizes, and appeared in Best American Short Stories.
Rach represents literary fiction and narrative nonfiction, with a particular interest in LGBTQ+ perspectives across topics. In nonfiction she is drawn above all else to lyrical writing and rigorous thinking, and is interested in climate change, nature, geopolitics, migration, pop culture, tech, and in works that might be defined as cultural anthropology—books that help us understand the world we live in now. In fiction, as well as work that engages with the above topics, she has a particular soft spot for social horror, literary fiction that flirts with genre, working class characters, and intimate novels that burrow deep into the brain of one captivating weirdo.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Crime/Detective/Police * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Family Saga * Fantasy * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Literary * Magical Realism * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Satire * Science Fiction * Short Story Collection * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Western * Women’s Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Environment * Film/Entertainment * Food/Drinks * Gardening * Gay/Lesbian * Gift/Novelty * History * Journalism * Lifestyle * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Music * Narrative * Nature * Politics * Pop Culture * Psychology * Religion * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Technology * Women’s Issues *
135 West 29th Street Suite 603 New York NY 10001 USA
Biography
Laura Crockett is a literary assistant with the Triada U.S. Literary Agency. She is interested in a variety of YA and adult fiction.
In YA, she is interested in contemporary realistic fiction (such as study abroad experiences, strong female friendships, falling in love, mental health, diversity, LGBTQ) and fantasy (particularly with excellent world-building, authentic characterization, fantasy inspired by fairytales and other cultures’ mythology, and historical fantasy). Some favorite titles include Fangirl, The Lie Tree, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, All the Bright Places, Shadowfell, When We Collided, Anna and the French Kiss, A Shadow Bright and Burning, The Star-Touched Queen, and The Winner’s Curse.
In adult fiction, she is interested in contemporary women’s fiction (heartfelt, juicy moral dilemmas, historical bends with parallel narratives), humorous chick-lit (especially if it’s millennial-driven), and fantasy (excellent world-building, authentic characterization, fantasy inspired by fairytales and other cultures’ mythology, and historical fantasy). Some favorite titles include The Night Circus, Outlander, The Queen of Blood, Daughter of the Forest, The Winter Witch, The Hating Game, and authors like Jodi Picoult, Kate Morton, Gayle Forman, and Sophie Kinsella.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Contemporary * Fantasy * General Fiction * Historical * Humor Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Magical Realism * Romance * Science Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
P.O. Box 561 Sewickley PA 15143 USA
Biography
Michael Curry is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. He joined the Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2012, where he works as the assistant to Jennifer Jackson and is now developing his own select list of clients, focusing on literary SF/F and thrillers with speculative elements. He is also a slush reader for the award-winning Lightspeed Magazine (and has been since 2009, when it was still Fantasy Magazine).
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Fantasy * Horror * Literary * Science Fiction * Thriller * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
1000 Dean Street Suite 252 Brooklyn NY 11238 USA
Biography
John Cusick is a literary agent with Folio Literary Management. He began his career in publishing as an agent’s assistant with Scott Treimel NY, where, along with dog-walking and coffee-fetching, he was fortunate enough to learn the ins-and-outs of publishing. He soon began representing a small list of clients, including Sharon Biggs Waller (A MAD, WICKED FOLLY, Viking Books for Young Readers), Ryan Gebhart (THERE WILL BE BEARS, Candlewick Press), and Hannah Moskowitz (A HISTORY OF GLITTER AND BLOOD, Chronicle Books).
In 2013 he joined Greenhouse Literary and grew his list to include many more critically acclaimed and bestselling authors, including New York Times bestseller Tommy Wallach (WE ALL LOOKED UP, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers), Courtney Alameda (SHUTTER, Feiwel and Friends), and Gina Ciocca (LAST YEAR’S MISTAKE, Simon Pulse). He also began representing picture book authors and illustrators, including Chana Stiefel (DADDY DEPOT, Feiwel & Friends), Julie Bayless (ROAR! Running Press Kids), and Eric Chase Anderson (CHUCK DUGAN IS AWOL, Chronicle Books).
At Folio Jr., he’ll continue to represent a diverse list of iconoclastic voices in picture books, middle-grade, young adult, and everything in between.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Fantasy * General Fiction * Horror * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * New Adult * Picture Book * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
630 Ninth Ave. Suite 1101 New York NY 10036 USA
Biography
Liz Darhansoff is a literary agent with Darhansoff & Verrill Literary Agents. She founded her eponymous agency in 1975 after spells at Atheneum, Random House, and ICM. She has been partners with Chuck Verrill since 1989, and together they have solidified a reputation among publishers for representing quality writers and lasting work. Currently, she takes on select projects with an emphasis on fiction and narrative nonfiction.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Ethnic Fiction * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Literary * Mainstream * Multicultural Fiction * Picture Book * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Autobiography * Biography * Business * Current Events/Affairs * Ethnic * Gay/Lesbian * General Nonfiction * History * Humor * Juvenile * Memoir * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Narrative * Politics * Sports *
275 Fair Street Suite 17D Kingston NY 12401 USA
Biography
Kaylee Davis is a literary agent with Dee Mura Literary. Growing up in The Middle of Nowhere, Ohio, Kaylee’s lifeline to sanity was the local library where she nurtured her love of all things literary. Kaylee received a B.A. in English Literature and a B.A. in Sociology from Miami University, and she is certified in Copyediting from Emerson College. Recognized for her obsessive-compulsive attention to detail and crazy-fast reading ability, Kaylee joined the team as a professional copyeditor, proofreader, and administrative assistant. She has recently been promoted to Associate Literary Agent.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Contemporary * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Science Fiction * Thriller * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Gay/Lesbian * General Nonfiction * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
P.O. Box 131 Massapequa Park NY 11762 USA
Biography
Joelle Delbourgo is a literary agent with Joelle Delbourgo Associates. Joëlle Delbourgo is President and Founder of Joëlle Delbourgo Associates. She represents a broad range of adult nonfiction and fiction, as well as a select and growing list of young adult and middle grade fiction and nonfiction.
Joelle’s authors include New York Times bestselling fiction writer Ben H. Winters, author of the acclaimed novel, Underground Airlines and winner of both the Edgar Award and the Philip K. Dick Award (The Last Policeman, Countdown City, World of Trouble) and New York Times bestselling author, Dale Russakoff (The Prize: Who’s in Charge of America’s Schools), Jim Obergefell, named plaintiff in the Supreme Court marriage equality case (Obergefell v. Hodges), Dr. Michele Borba, award-winning educator and parenting contributor to The Today Show (author of UNSELFIE), New York Times bestselling authors Dr. Susan Forward, Ashley Rhodes-Courter (Three Little Words) Missy Chase Lapine (The Sneaky Chef), Congresswoman and DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz (For the Next Generation), Israel Meir Lau (former Chief Rabbi of Israel), breast cancer awareness crusader Geralyn Lucas (Why I Wore Lipstick, Then Came Life), Pulitzer Prize-winning Wall Street Journal writers Ellen E. Schultz and Geeta Anand, classicist Philip Freeman (Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great), American Public Media host of Marketplace and Sound Money, Chris Farrell (Un-Retirement), Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Debbie Cenziper (Washington Post), religious scholar and award-winning documentarian, Simcha Jacobovici (co-author of The Lost Gospel), among many others.
Prior to founding Joëlle Delbourgo Associates, Delbourgo was a senior editorial executive at HarperCollins and Random House for more than two decades. The authors she published included Ken Davis, Abraham Verghese, Lee Smith, Barbara Tuchman, Carl Sagan, Robert Massie, James P. McPherson, Jim Davis, Sophy Burnham, Delia Ephron and Margaret George. She began her career at Bantam Books, where she discovered and launched the Choose Your Own Adventure series for kids, which sold millions of copies worldwide.
Joëlle is a member of AAR (Association of Authors’ Representatives).
She holds a Master of the Arts in English and Comparative Literature with Honors from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of the Arts from Williams College, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa with a double concentration in History and English Literature. She also attended Vassar College. Joëlle is as sought-after speaker, panelist, workshop leader and instructor at writing conferences, such as the Madison Writers Institute, the Pacific Northwest Writers Conference, Jackson Hole Writers Conference, and also teaches each year at Rancho La Puerta (“Rancho Reads and Writes”). Born in Alexandria, Egypt, she has lived on three continents, is fluent in French, and considers herself to be a citizen of the world. The mother of two gainfully employed millennials, she is an ardent student of Latin and ballroom dance and makes a mean chocolate mousse.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Ethnic Fiction * Fantasy * General Fiction * Historical * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Romance * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Computers * Cooking/Cookbook * Crafts * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Diet/Nutrition * Environment * Ethnic * Family * Film/Entertainment * Food/Drinks * Gardening * Health/Wellness * History * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Middle Grade * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Narrative * Nature * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Pop Culture * Psychology * Reference * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Sports * Technology * Travel * True Crime * Young Adult *
101 Park St. Montclair NJ 07042 USA
Biography
Katelyn Detweiler is an associate agent with Jill Grinberg Literary Management. She attended Pennsylvania State University as a Schreyer Honors College scholar, receiving a B.A. in English, emphasis in Creative Writing, and a minor in Women’s Studies, interning at the Penn State Press during her time there. Post college she moved to New York City for the Columbia Publishing Course, and from there worked in the marketing department of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. She joined Jill Grinberg Literary Management in 2010, and after a few years assisting Jill with the general agency roster, Katelyn began actively building her own client list. Katelyn is also a published YA author. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and son, and when she’s not writing, reading, and revising books, she enjoys practicing yoga and embarking on road trips.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Contemporary * Family Saga * Fantasy * General Fiction * Historical * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Paranormal * Picture Book * Romance * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Health/Wellness * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Middle Grade * Mind/Body/Spirit * Narrative * Young Adult *
392 Vanderbilt Avenue Brooklyn NY 11238 USA
Biography
Cori Deyoe is a literary agent with 3 Seas Literary Agency. Cori Deyoe joined 3 Seas as a literary agent in 2006 with over 25 years of experience in the writing industry. She was previously a published author at Silhouette/Harlequin (national and international) and was also published in various non-fiction periodicals. Cori no longer pens her own stories, focusing solely on her fantastic clients’ projects. She has a special talent for the editing process and enjoys working closely with her authors to achieve perfect presentations.
Cori is actively looking to expand her list of clients. She represents all sub-genres of romance, women’s fiction, young adult, middle grade, picture books, thrillers, mysteries and select non-fiction.
On a personal note, Cori loves reading (of course!), traveling, photography, dogs, cats, horses and anything chocolate.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Chick Lit * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Erotica * Espionage/Military * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Historical * Humor Fiction * Inspirational Fiction * Literary * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Picture Book * Religious * Romance * Satire * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Western * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Animals/Pets * Biography * Celebrity * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Design * Environment * Film/Entertainment * Fitness * Food/Drinks * Gardening * Gay/Lesbian * Gift/Novelty * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Humor * Journalism * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Military/War * Multicultural * Music * Narrative * Nature * Parenting/Child Guidance * Photography * Pop Culture * Psychology * Religion * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Sports * Technology * Travel * True Adventure * True Crime * Women’s Issues *
P.O. Box 444 Sun Prairie WI 53590 USA
Biography
Bob Diforio is a literary agent with the D4EO Literary Agency. Bob spent 17 years at New American Library [Dutton/Penguin USA] in positions ranging from VP Sales to President and Publisher, Chairman and CEO. There he helped launch the paperback careers of Erica Jong, Robin Cook, Stephen King, Ken Follett and Robert K. Tanenbaum. With Odyssey Partners, he led the management in a leverage buy out of the company from Times Mirror in 1982, purchased E. P. Dutton, and they sold the combined company to Pearson PLC in 1986, which merged the company with Viking Penguin to create Penguin USA. He opened D4EO Literary Agency in late 1989.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Crime/Detective/Police * Ethnic Fiction * Fantasy * General Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Romance * Science Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Ethnic * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Reference * Sports * Travel *
13206 Treviso Dr. Lakewood Ranch FL 34211 USA
Biography
Katelyn Dougherty is a literary agent with the Paradigm Literary and Talent Agency.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Horror * Humor Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Romance * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Gay/Lesbian * General Nonfiction * Humor * Journalism * Juvenile * Memoir * Middle Grade * Photography * Pop Culture * Young Adult *
Biography
Connor Eck is a literary agent with Lucinda Literary. He has been with Lucinda Literary since 2016, where he focuses on a wide range of fiction, nonfiction, and ghostwriting collaborations.
He represents all genres of children’s and young adult literature, adult fiction, memoir, business, sports, and narrative nonfiction. He looks for underrepresented voices, unforgettable characters, tightly constructed plots, and thematic storytelling. In nonfiction, he is drawn to original thinkers, experts with diverse backgrounds, stories that illuminate little-known subjects, and ideas that challenge the status quo or ask big questions.
Connor’s list includes, on the adult side: Once A Warrior (Sentinel), FitMind (Avery), Be Straight With Me (Andrews McMeel), The Bold Ones (McGraw-Hill), Get Out of My Head (Benbella), Dating Sucks But You Don’t (Simon & Schuster); and on the children’s side: the You Be Mommy series (Feiwel + Friends), The Book That Almost Rhymed (Dial), The Homework Squad (Magination Press), and Three Ways To Be Brave (Penguin Workshop).
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Literary * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Picture Book * Romance * Satire * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Business * Celebrity * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Film/Entertainment * Food/Drinks * Gay/Lesbian * History * How-To * Humor * Journalism * Lifestyle * Memoir * Multicultural * Narrative * Psychology * Science * Sports * Technology * Travel * True Adventure * True Crime * Women’s Issues *
575 Madison Avenue Suite 1006 New York NY 10022 USA
Biography
Ethan Ellenberg is a literary agent with the Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency. Ethan opened his literary agency in late, 1984 after holding jobs at both Bantam and Berkley/Jove. At Berkley/Jove he was manager of the Contracts Department. At Bantam he was Associate Contracts Manager. He says: “I remain excited and committed to assisting Authors at different stages of their careers. I work with a number of talented people writing and illustrating many different kinds of books and that’s what I like. If you have something special in any of the commercial fiction genres I would be interested in hearing about it. For children’s books works of the imagination and beauty will always interest me. If I can’t help you, I will share your work with a colleague.
The business of book publishing has changed almost beyond recognition since I joined the industry. It’s as complex as any business I know and that makes it daunting for everyone involved. Our goal is to assist Authors where they need it most, passionate dedication to help them earn a living, and honest feedback about their work.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Ethnic Fiction * Fantasy * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Paranormal * Picture Book * Romance * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Action/Adventure * Biography * Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Ethnic * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Middle Grade * Military/War * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Narrative * New Age * Politics * Psychology * Reference * Science * Spirituality * Sports * Technology * True Adventure * True Crime * Young Adult *
155 Suffolk Street #2R New York NY 10002 USA
Biography
Rebecca Eskildsen is a literary agent with Writers House. She says: “I joined Writers House in 2017, supporting Merrilee Heifetz with all her clients’ needs. Under Merrilee’s guidance, I’ve worked closely with a range of incredible authors, including Neil Gaiman, the Estate of Octavia E. Butler, Alexandra Bracken, Beth Revis, Melissa Marr, Ellen Datlow, Kristen Orlando, Amanda Panitch, and Robin McKinley. Prior to my time at Writers House, I was part of the foreign rights department at JABberwocky Literary Agency, and before that, I spent two years as a bookseller.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Contemporary * Ethnic Fiction * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Humor Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Romance * Science Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
120 Broadway 22nd floor New York NY 10271 USA
Biography
James Farrell is a literary agent with Curtis Brown Literary Agency. He received a bachelor’s degree from Colorado College and a master’s degree from Bath Spa University. His reading interests include literary and upmarket adult fiction, non-fiction, and, on occasion, science fiction. He is open to submission as an associate agent, especially seeking voices from underrepresented backgrounds.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Fantasy * General Fiction * Literary * Science Fiction * Upmarket Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * General Nonfiction * History * Narrative * Politics * Pop Culture * Upmarket *
Biography
Jessica Felleman is a literary agent with the Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency. She began her publishing career in Los Angeles after receiving her MFA in writing from CalArts. She relocated to New York in 2015, where she spent five years at Foundry Literary + Media. She represents a range of creators, loves fresh stories about magic, and looks for commercial and literary fiction featuring underserved voices, unforgettable places, and complicated families. Jessica specializes in popular nonfiction and prescriptive titles that offer realistic advice or new perspectives to help readers better understand themselves and the world, including the #1 New York Times Bestseller THE HIDDEN POWER OF F*CKING UP by The Try Guys.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Family Saga * Fantasy * Literary * Magical Realism * Science Fiction * Upmarket Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * History * Humor * Pop Culture * Prescriptive * Narrative * Science *
27 West 20th St. Suite 1003 New York NY 10011 USA
Biography
Dave Fessenden is a literary agent with WordWise Media Services. He says: “After 30 years of experience in writing and editing, I took the plunge into independent consulting. I have degrees in journalism and theology, served in editorial management positions for Christian book publishers, and was regional editor for the largest Protestant weekly newspaper in the country. I am the author of seven books; I’ve written hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles, and edited numerous books for others. I am a frequent speaker at writers’ conferences. In 2011 I compiled my experience in publishing to produce Writing the Christian Nonfiction Book: Concept to Contract, published by SonFire Media.
My first novel, The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy, came out in 2013 through Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. It reflects my love for history and for the Sherlock Holmes stories of Arthur Conan-Doyle. My wife, Jacque, and I live in south-central Pennsylvania and have two adult sons.”
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Christian Fiction* Fantasy * Historical * Religious * Science Fiction *
NONFICTION: Business * Christian * Cultural/Social Issues * Reference * Religion *
4083 Avenue L Suite 255 Lancaster CA 93536 USA
Biography
Alexander Field is a literary agent with and the founder of The Bindery. Alex Field launched The Bindery in 2017 after 20 years working in book publishing and journalism. Prior to starting The Bindery, he served as Vice President and Publisher for two imprints of Penguin Random House, largest publisher of trade books in the English-speaking world.
After college he began his career at Los Angeles Times, assisting in the Calendar section, and writing dozens of freelance pieces and news reports. Since then, he’s worked in journalism and book publishing for nearly two decades, writing, editing, acquiring books, and managing teams including editorial, marketing, publicity, design, production, subsidiary rights, and contract departments.
He has published a number of New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly bestsellers and many award-winning books, with beloved authors, celebrities, leaders, and media luminaries.
Field grew up on the beaches of Southern California. Today he and his family live along the front range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Christian Fiction * Fantasy * General Fiction * Inspirational Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Religious * Science Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Christian * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Diet/Nutrition * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * Inspiration * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Pop Culture * Religion * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Sports * Technology *
2727 North Cascade Avenue Suite 170 Colorado Springs CO 80920 USA
Biography
Melanie Figueroa is a literary agent with Root Literary. She says: “I want to work with the kind of stories that both create and sustain life-long readers—books that make me sigh with contentment, learn something new, or take delight in the unexpected. Those stories stay with you, and they’re a gift I want to help give readers by lifting up the voices of talented and hard-working creatives.
I’m actively looking for fiction and narrative nonfiction. I’m especially excited to find high-concept commercial and literary leaning general fiction, young adult novels with a strong voice and propulsive pacing, and heartfelt and humorous middle grade novels across genres. I was born and raised in Southern California in a multi-cultural, blended family, so I have a soft spot for books that shine a spotlight on the nuances of family relationships and identity.
In all cases—no matter what genre you’re writing in—I want to read books that are inclusive and that accurately reflect our world. I like characters who aren’t your typical lead and to be surprised by the unexpected.”
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Contemporary * Commercial * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
617 S. Olive St. #1207 Los Angeles CA 90014 USA
Biography
Diana Finch is a literary agent with Diana Finch Literary Agency. Diana says: “While I love to represent a wide variety of books, I do have a particular enthusiasm for narrative nonfiction, memoir and journalists who are writing about current events. I opened my own agency in 2003 after nearly 18 years with the Ellen Levine Literary Agency.”
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Ethnic Fiction * Fantasy * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Religious * Science Fiction * Sports Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Computers * Current Events/Affairs * Environment * Ethnic * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Journalism * Memoir * Middle Grade * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Narrative * Nature * Politics * Reference * Religion * Science * Sports * Technology * Travel * Young Adult *
116 West 23rd Street Suite 500 New York NY 10011 USA
Biography
Caitie Flum is a literary agent with Liza Dawson Associates. She joined Liza Dawson Associates in July 2014 as assistant and audio rights manager. She graduated from Hofstra University in 2009 with a B.A. in English with a concentration in publishing studies. She interned at Hachette Book Group and Writers House. She was an editorial assistant then coordinator for Bookspan, where she worked on several clubs including the Book-of-the-Month Club, The Good Cook, and the Children’s Book-of-the-Month Club.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Historical * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Romance * Science Fiction * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Current Events/Affairs * Film/Entertainment * Gay/Lesbian * History * Humor * Narrative * Pop Culture * Women’s Issues *
121 W. 27th St. Suite 1201 New York NY 10001 USA
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About Mark Malatesta
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company Literary Agent Undercover and The Bestselling Author. Mark’s authors have gotten six-figure book deals, been on the NYT bestseller list, and published with houses such as Random House, Scholastic, and Thomas Nelson. Click here to learn more about Mark Malatesta and click here for Reviews of Mark Malatesta.
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Author Coaching Testimonials
“Mark, finding you has been both a treat and a treasure—I just signed a contract with my new literary agent!
My career has spanned publishing, TV, and feature film. I’ve served as Creative Dir. for the Magazine Group, TIME Inc.; Dir. of Time World News Service, a Founding Dir. of TIME-Life Films; Exec. Prod. for both the CBS and NBC TV Networks; Prod./Dir.: Movies of the Week: CBS Cinema Center Films and Universal MCA.
In today’s publishing marketplace, agents come and go. They also very often seem to just want an easy pathway to make a buck. Many authors are let go by their agents because their last book didn’t do well enough and the agent doesn’t want to devote the time to help the author. That’s not what you’re about Mark. Even established authors need this type of support in today’s marketplace.”
Author of ten fiction and nonfiction books
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“I’m psyched to have this be official. After getting five different offers for representation from top literary agents, I signed with Stephanie Tade who got me a 6-figure book deal with Penguin!
Getting multiple agents interested in my work was really important to me. I’ve dealt with agents before and gotten screwed on things contractually so I wanted to do it differently this time. I wanted choices.
Having you help me create that, and navigate my options, was really helpful. I heard other authors talk about their great relationships with their agents and it made me want the same thing. Now I have that.”
Author of Woman on Fire
(Penguin Books)
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“After sending out the query Mark revised for me, I had the opportunity to speak with literary agents from top agencies such as Janklow & Nesbit, Trident Media, Anderson Lit, and Folio. I signed with Don Fehr at Trident and, a short time later I had a publishing contract with Berkley Books, which recently published my book in hardcover.
Before that, I sent my query letter out on my own to 30 or 40 agents and got a lot of rejections. I then found Mark online while I was researching agents. I was surprised that he offered so much during his initial consultation—for a very modest amount of money.
I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t worked with Mark. I can’t even imagine that now though, because of the grief and detours I experienced before we worked together. It was a time-consuming pain in the neck. If you want to get the attention of top literary agents and publishers, there is no substitute for working with an insider. You can’t beat experience. And having Mark on your side is incredibly valuable.”
Author of Single Handed
(Berkley Books, a Division of Penguin Random House)
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“AHHH! OMG, it happened! I got three offers of representation for my children’s picture book in the United States, even though I live abroad! When I woke up and found the first offer for representation in my email in box, I wanted to scream. But my family was still asleep so I couldn’t. 🙂
Just 8 minutes after I sent a query letter to one of my favorite agents, she replied and asked to see my manuscript. A short time later we had a lovely conversation. She was interested in representing me and sounded very positive and enthusiastic about my book. Since I also got offers from two other agents, I had to turn two of them down. One of them was upset and it felt like I was breaking her heart, but you just have to do it. I kept reminding myself that this is a good problem to have!”
Author/Illustrator of Lon-Lon’s Big Night
and many other children’s books
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“Mark, after you helped me land a top literary agent, I got publishing offers from THREE well-known publishers: Amacom, Palgrave Macmillan, and McGraw-Hill (they’re publishing my book in hardcover)!
I was at Disneyworld with my family, in the Haunted Mansion, when I got the call. I went outside and listened to the voicemail message from my agent. A huge smile came over my face. It was a fantastic feeling. For a moment I felt like life was perfect and the angels were singing.
You’re filling an important need so I’ll say this to every other author reading this testimonial. Mark showed me that getting a top literary agent is a science. If you’ve written a book, or you’re in the process, you’ve already invested a lot—a lot more than money. Don’t stop yourself from getting out there to fulfill your purpose and dreams. Thank you so, so much, Mark!!!”
Author of Customer Focused Process Innovation (McGraw Hill)
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“I got a book deal! After I started sending out my new query letter I had 6 literary agents request my manuscript in a short amount of time, which is awesome. Then, within 2 weeks of my agent starting to pitch my story to publishers, we had an offer. I signed a book contract yesterday. A little while later my agent told me that a TV co-producer asked for more info about my book.
By the way, the acquiring editor that fell in love with the manuscript jumped in with both feet and we just worked out our timeline for publication. She’s as passionate about getting my book out as I am, and that means everything. She read the manuscript in two days and said she couldn’t put it down. And the book is going to be published as a hardcover!”
Author of A Chick in the Cockpit
(Behler Publications)
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“Thank you Mark! After you helped me get a well-known agent with Hartline Literary Agency (for my previously self-published murder mystery), he got me a deal with an American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) approved publisher. I’m hard-pressed to find anything that I had an expectation for that you didn’t deliver on.
Before I worked with you I sent out queries, but no one ever requested my complete manuscript. Comparing your new version of my query to the one I wrote before, I can see a vast difference.
I’ve been in business for 35 years so I’m not just saying this… what you’re doing is phenomenal. There are other people offering similar services, but the difference is your success. Others might say they do similar things but, if you research them, they don’t have your background or track record.”
Author of The Rector
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“Mark, you’re a miracle worker. Thanks to your help with my book, query letter, and synopsis… I now have a legitimate publisher who described my book as ‘Powerful Magic’ and it’s now available in bookstores and online!
I’m a lifelong academic writer who one day found myself writing inspired short stories that came to me in dreams and I began thinking of them as novels. That’s when I had a momentous conversation, an introductory coaching call with Mark Malatesta, the American creative writing coach, or rather, to be precise, a how-to-sell-yourself-and-your-work adviser. It was the best-spent money of my life apart (possibly) for my wedding ring.”
Author of The Black Inked Pearl
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“Within 4 minutes of sending out my query letter, a top literary called me on the phone (the #1 agent on my wish list). Less than 30 days later I had three major publishers making offers. A few days after that, I signed a deal with Random House. Mark, your query letter did that.
My agent talked about the query letter you helped me create for a long, long time. When he first called me on the phone, he hadn’t seen any of my sample chapters. It was just the query letter that did it. Communicating the right thing is so important. You are a wonderful medium helping authors find their voice and elevate their writing from just a hobby to a real business… a source from which they can both learn and earn.”
Author of Lights Out
(Random House)
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“MARK, MARK, MARK!!!!!!! Holy smokes… I just signed my book deal. First, two well-known literary agents asked to represent me. One of them responded to my query letter in less than 4 minutes!!
Then THREE different publishers wanted my book and started talking about making offers. The publisher I chose is perfect for me because they produce titles for the trade, educational, and scientific markets. And they agreed to publish my book as a hardcover!!!
When I met you, Mark, it was a pivotal time. I was under the belief that I could self-publish my book with a vanity press and then seek a publisher. I didn’t know what a literary agent was, why I needed one, or how to get one. I was wandering in the dark. You guided me in the right direction and gave me a solid plan.”
Author of Intestinal Health
(Rowman & Littlefield)
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“Boom!!! I just signed a contract with Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins for (what I’ve been told by several people) is a very large advance for a first-time author.
Before working with Mark I submitted my book to agents but didn’t get any interest. This time around I got a top NY literary agency (Fine Print Lit). What cloud is higher than 9?
I had several agencies interested before deciding to go with Fine Print. And, to be honest, all of the attention didn’t surprise me. The query letter and proposal that Mark helped me develop were incredible. Agents actually said things to me like: ‘Scott, I read your proposal and I’m just blown away by it!’ Mark is extremely talented at what he does. If you have the opportunity to work with him, take advantage of it.”
Author of The Unbreakable Boy
(Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson)