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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): Young Adult Fiction *
Biography
* Picture Book authors should not submit unless also illustrators. *
Elizabeth Bewley is a literary agent with Sterling Lord Literistic. A graduate of Northwestern University, Elizabeth was an editor at various imprints including St. Martin’s Press, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers before she joined Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc. in 2017. She loves to read all sorts of books for kids and adults. On the children’s side of her list, she represents young adult and middle grade fiction, and the occasional picture book. On the adult side, she is eager to represent more upmarket commercial fiction and narrative nonfiction. Elizabeth’s clients include Shana Youngdahl, Raquel Vasquez Gilliland, Alyson Noël, Dwayne Reed (aka: America’s Favorite Rapping Teacher), Dawnn Karen, Jenny Elder Moke, Elissa Sussman, Mercedes Helnwein, Joan Bauer, Roland Smith, Jennifer Lynn Alvarez, Chrystal Giles, and Yvette Clark, amongst others. In addition, she represents some literary estates, including those of Marguerite Henry and Lois Duncan.
Elizabeth’s current submission wish list includes high-concept young adult novels, especially from underrepresented voices, accessible middle grade novels that will foster a love of reading (think: fun, funny, or both!), young adult romance, high-concept adult love stories similar to One Day by David Nicholls, and any upmarket commercial fiction with a witty voice and eye for detail. She also loves working with clients who are boldly creating positive change in our world. If you’re doing something big and think that it should be explored in a book, reach out to Elizabeth.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Romance * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction * Lifestyle * Middle Grade * Narrative * Young Adult *
115 Broadway Suite 1602 New York NY 10006 USA
Biography
Lauren Bieker is a literary agent with FinePrint Literary Management. After a brief career in the fashion industry, Lauren made her move to publishing as an intern for agent Paige Wheeler. She moved to FinePrint to assist with day-to-day administrative tasks, but is now developing her client list and is open to queries.
Lauren is looking for commercial and upmarket women’s fiction and some well-crafted and differentiated YA novels. She is also open to select dystopian science fiction, as well as high concept and literary fiction works. She appreciates great storytelling and is a “sucker” for outstanding writing and convincing characters. While primarily interested in fiction, she will consider non-fiction proposals related to the world of fashion.
Lauren writes during her free time and has been published on various online platforms. She has attended many writing workshops and intensives, including the National Academy of Writing’s intensive at Cambridge University in the UK.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Literary * Science Fiction * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Gay/Lesbian * General Nonfiction * Women’s Issues *
207 W. 106th St. Suite 1D New York NY 10025 USA
Biography
Amy Elizabeth Bishop is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. Elizabeth Bishop joined Dystel, Goderich & Bourret in 2015, after completing an internship with them in 2014. Before diving into the world of publishing, she graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a degree in Creative Writing. She grew up in upstate New York and has now made the traitorous switch to downstate living. She is interested in upmarket women’s fiction, fiction from diverse authors, historical fiction (focusing on untold stories or well-known stories from a different perspective; think, diverse, minority voices), stories with a Victorian Gothic flair. She would also love to find some diverse adult fantasy that takes place in a non-Western based setting. In terms of nonfiction, she’s eagerly on the hunt for a killer feminist voice discussing contemporary issues and loves historical narrative non-fiction that dives into untold stories. Pop science & journalism also welcome!
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Family Saga * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Historical * Horror * Literary * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Romance * Short Story Collection * Suspense * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Celebrity * Contemporary * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Gay/Lesbian * History * Journalism * Multicultural * Narrative * Politics * Pop Culture * Psychology * Religion * Science * Spirituality * Technology * True Crime * Women’s Issues *
One Union Square West Suite 904 New York NY 10003 USA
Biography
Lauren Bittrich is a literary agent with Lucinda Literary. She is looking for upmarket and literary fiction, psychological thrillers, voicey memoirs and essay collections, and select YA with a focus on underrepresented voices. She’s drawn to family sagas, stories with dark themes, and powerful narratives that encourage readers to confront difficult topics and realities.
Prior to joining Lucinda Literary, Lauren was an associate editor at Pen and Press, a writing and consultancy company, and a member of the editorial team at Flatiron Books, where she acquired THE UNSEEN BODY by Dr. Jonathan Reisman and edited WHAT IS A DOG? by Chloe Shaw, EL JEFE by Alan Feuer, and New York Times bestseller THE LINCOLN CONSPIRACY by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch.
Lauren received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Kenyon College before attending Columbia University’s Publishing Course in 2017. Originally from the Boston area, she’s currently based in New York City.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Family Saga * Fantasy * Horror * Humor Fiction * Literary * Magical Realism * Mystery * New Adult * Satire * Short Story Collection * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Celebrity * Humor * Narrative * Pop Culture * True Crime *
Biography
Frances Black is the founder of and literary agent with Literary Counsel. She loves to read, whether reading at the beach, under an umbrella, or curled up on a couch with green tea; she loves romance-based books, the quirkier the better. One of her all-time favorite books is Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter by Mario Vargas Llosa. Romantic: check! Quirky: double check!
Mr. Llosa gives his readers a tale and keeps them enthralled from beginning to end.
Somerset Maugham is also a favorite author. She says that, “You can smell and feel his words. Maugham’s innuendos about society, his plots and subplots and his portrayal of people can easily be observed today. One can glimpse his influences in current fiction and in original screenplays and, of course, in soap operas. His characters often take two steps forward only to fall three steps back. There’s intrigue, deceit, travel and adventure and of course there is mad love, just what books should offer.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Literary * Mystery * Suspense * Thriller * Romance * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction * Memoir *
30 West 21 Street 8th Floor New York NY 10010 USA
Biography
Caitlin Blasdell is a literary agent with Liza Dawson Associates. Caitlin Blasdell has been a literary agent with Liza Dawson Associates since 2002 with a focus on commercial fiction. Before becoming an agent, she was a senior editor at HarperCollins Publishers. A graduate of Williams College, she lives in Westchester with her husband and four sons.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Fantasy * General Fiction * Historical * Horror * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Paranormal * Romance * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
121 W. 27th St. Suite 1201 New York NY 10001 USA
Biography
Isabelle Bleecker is a literary agent and a partner with the Nordlyset Literary Agency. An industry veteran with almost 30 years in book publishing, Isabelle Bleecker has devoted her career to words, ideas, and authors. She has held positions across editorial, production, and subsidiary rights in several houses including Rizzoli International, Tuttle Publishing, and the Perseus Books imprints, giving her a thorough insider’s understanding of every aspect of the trade book business. Her agenting focus is on idea-driven, upmarket nonfiction that expands our understanding of the world in science, investigative journalism, smart self-help, and narrative history, especially history focused on the lost or untold stories of our past, and commentaries on the world in which we live. She handles literary fiction and YA fiction with an international flair and from voices with fresh new stories and perspectives.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * NoMG * NoPB * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Current Events/Affairs * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Investigative * Journalism * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Money/Finance * Narrative * Politics * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Travel * Upmarket *
Albany NY USA
Biography
Keely Boeving is a literary agent with the WordServe Literary Agency. After receiving her B.A. in English from the University of Virginia, she went on to attend the Denver Publishing Institute and then began her career in New York working in the editorial departments of Bloomsbury and Oxford University Press, where she acquired books for the trade history list. She moved back to Colorado in 2014 and began her own freelance editorial company before joining WordServe the following year. She lives in Denver with her husband and their twins. You can find out more about her editorial work at http://www.keelyboeving.com.
Keely is looking for smart, well-crafted contemporary and literary fiction; narrative nonfiction and memoir; and well-researched nonfiction books in the areas of health and wellness, business (especially books targeting women in the workplace), parenting and family life, social justice, and religious studies; as well as projects from diverse and under-represented voices. For the Christian market, she is seeking books in the areas of Christian Living, spiritual transformation, devotion and worship, and women’s topics including motherhood, relationships and marriage, work-life balance, and calling. She is *not* looking for thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy, or romance.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Christian Fiction * Contemporary * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Religious * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Business * Christian * Cultural/Social Issues * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Family * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Middle Grade * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Psychology * Religion * Spirituality * Women’s Issues * Young Adult *
7500 E. Arapahoe Rd. Suite 285 Centennial CO 80112 USA
Biography
Anne Bohner is a literary agent with Pen and Ink Literary, and the founder. Prior to founding Pen & Ink Literary, Anne Bohner was a Senior Editor with New American Library and also worked at Bantam Dell for several years. While at NAL Anne spearheaded the YA line NAL Jam where she worked on many promising books including a current New York Times bestselling series. Anne has also worked with bestselling and award winning authors of both adult fiction and nonfiction and has an extensive background in the romance genre.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * General Fiction * Romance * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction *
200 W. 58th St Number 9C New York NY 10019 USA
Biography
Annie Bomke is a literary agent with the Annie Bomke Literary Agency. She is a literary agent with over a decade of experience helping authors succeed. Her books include Dodging and Burning by John Copenhaver, winner of the Macavity Award for Best First Novel, and nominated for a Lammy Award, Strand Critics Award, Barry Award and Anthony Award, and the Barnes & Noble bestselling Poppy McAllister cozy mystery series by Libby Klein. She has edited a wide range of projects—from hard-nosed business books to otherworldly historical novels. Authors have called her the pH test for good writing, and a bedrock for literary quality control.
Annie has loved the publishing industry since her position as an Editorial Assistant at Zoetrope: All-Story, a literary magazine founded by Francis Ford Coppola. She explored her love of books managing Alcala Gallery, an art gallery and rare bookstore, and even had a brief stint as a technical writer for a Department of Defense contractor.
She represents a wide variety of adult and YA fiction and nonfiction, including commercial and literary fiction, upmarket fiction, mysteries (from hilarious cozies to gritty police procedurals and everything in between), historical fiction, women’s fiction, psychological thrillers, literary/psychological horror, self-help, business, health/diet, cookbooks, memoir, relationships, current events, psychology, and narrative nonfiction.
Annie spends her free time reading, going for walks in the park, and dancing. Her favorite authors include Haruki Murakami, Margaret Atwood, Ray Bradbury, Tana French, and Paul Auster.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Family Saga * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Magical Realism * Mystery * New Adult * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Crafts * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Diet/Nutrition * Gay/Lesbian * Health/Wellness * History * Humor * Journalism * Lifestyle * Memoir * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Narrative * Pop Culture * Psychology * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Travel * True Crime * Young Adult *
P. O. Box 3759 San Diego CA 92163 USA
Biography
Michael Bourret is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. Michael Bourret joined Dystel, Goderich & Bourret as an intern while studying film and television production at New York University, and began at the agency full-time in 2000. After ten years as an agent in the New York office, Michael now works in Los Angeles in the West Coast office of DG&B. There, he continues to represent his own list of bestselling and award-winning clients while also aggressively pursuing new film and television opportunities.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Family Saga * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Picture Book * Satire * Technology * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Biography * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Gay/Lesbian * Gift/Novelty * Humor * Journalism * Juvenile * Memoir * Multicultural * Narrative * Politics * Pop Culture * Science * Upmarket Fiction *
One Union Square West Suite 904 New York NY 10003 USA
Biography
Katie Shea Boutillier is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. atie Shea Boutillier joined the Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2011. She is the Rights Director handling the agency’s translation and audio rights, and selected film/TV and electronic rights. In addition, Katie is focusing her list on women’s fiction and YA: realistic, contemporary, upmarket, historical (1920s +), domestic suspense, psychological suspense/thrillers, magical realism, light fantasy, light sci-fi. Memoir and narrative non-fiction only on referral. She loves books with big voices and strong hooks. She is a cum laude graduate of Marist College.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Contemporary * Family Saga * General Fiction * Humor Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Mystery * Suspense * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cultural/Social Issues * Narrative *
1000 Dean Street Suite 252 Brooklyn NY 11238 USA
Biography
Brenda Bowen is a literary agent with The Book Group. She represents authors and artists of books for young readers from preschool to young adult; she also represents some adult titles. Her clients have won the MacArthur Fellowship; the Newbery Medal and Newbery Honor; the Caldecott Medal and Caldecott Honor; the Stonewall Award; the Geisel Honor; the William C. Morris Honor; the New York Times Best Illustrated Book prize; the Society of Illustrators Gold Medal; as well as many other awards and citations. Brenda’s clients have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, and have been translated around the globe; she represents Oscar-, Emmy-, and Tony-Award winners; career authors and artists; and newcomers making their debuts. She can’t decide which she loves more: a bold picture book, or a lyrical middle-grade novel.
Brenda has the unusual advantage of having seen publishing from all sides: she began her career as an agent at Sanford J. Greenburger; she was a children’s book publisher for many years; she has written an adult novel; and she’s an award-winning author of some forty books for children. She lives with her family in New York City, and spends August in a cottage in Maine, where the menu almost always includes blueberry corn muffins.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Ethnic Fiction * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Picture Book * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cultural/Social Issues * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Family * General Nonfiction * Juvenile * Medical/Medicine * Middle Grade * Parenting/Child Guidance * Women’s Issues * Young Adult *
20 West 20th Street Suite 601 New York NY 10011 USA
Biography
Katherine Boyle is a literary agent with the Veritas Literary Agency. A Bay Area native, Katherine attended Stanford and the Berkeley extension publishing program before working at a variety of independent publishers and literary agencies. She established Veritas in 1995. A member of the AAR and the Authors Guild, she loves books that explore the lesser-known territories of human experience.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cultural/Social Issues * Environment * General Nonfiction * History * Juvenile * Memoir * Middle Grade * Narrative * Nature * Pop Culture * Women’s Issues * Young Adult *
601 Van Ness Ave. Opera Plaza, Suite E San Francisco CA 94102 USA
Biography
Laura Bradford is a literary agent with the Bradford Literary Agency. Laura established the Bradford Literary Agency in 2001. She considers herself an editorial-focused agent and takes a hands-on approach to developing proposals and manuscripts with her authors for the most appropriate markets. During her own misadventures as a writer, Laura came to understand the importance of having a friendly but critical eye on your side, a career strategist in your corner and a guide who can lead you through the travails of publication.
Her recent sales include books placed with Berkley, Grand Central, Harlequin, Kensington, Simon and Schuster, HarperCollins, Sourcebooks, Hyperion, Flux, Macmillan, Adams Media, Egmont USA, John Wiley and Sons and Mira Books. She continues to actively build her client list and is currently seeking work in the following genres: Romance (historical, romantic suspense, paranormal, category, contemporary, erotic), urban fantasy, women’s fiction, mystery, thrillers and young adult as well as some select non-fiction.
She is a member of the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR) and Romance Writers of America, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and she is an RWA-recognized agent.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chick Lit * Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Family Saga * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * History *
5694 Mission Center Rd. #347 San Diego CA 92108 USA
Biography
Catherine Bradshaw is a literary agent with Writers House. She is a junior agent at Writers House, building her adult, young adult, middle grade, and picture book lists. Catherine joined Writers House in 2018 as the front desk administrative assistant and reader for the agency at large. In 2019, she began supporting Senior Agent Susan Ginsburg’s diverse list of clients. Under Susan’s guidance and mentorship, Catherine has worked closely—both editorially and administratively—with a broad range of award-winning and bestselling adult and children’s book authors, including Diane Chamberlain, Sara Farizan, Jessica B. Harris, Deborah Heiligman, Edward Humes, Pam Jenoff, Cedella Marley, Leonard Mlodinow, Sarah Morgan, and Alexandra Penfold. Prior to Writers House, Catherine worked for Alanna Feldman Scouting, advising international and domestic clients on acquiring translation and/or TV/film rights for upcoming releases. Before that, Catherine received her Bachelor of the Arts in English with a minor in Creative Writing from New York University, all the while interning in editorial at Scholastic Book Clubs, Viking Children’s Books, and Flatiron Books.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Romance * Upmarket Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction * History * Memoir * Narrative *
Biography
Jordan Breindel is a literary agent with Literary Counsel. He grew up in New Jersey and has been reading ever since he learned how. As an agent, he’s interested in literary and commercial fiction including mystery/thriller, humor, YA and/or some awesome genre that combines all of the above. He graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and in addition to agenting, he’s written for a variety of publications both online and in print. He’s also written some commercials you may have seen or fast-forwarded through.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Literary * Mystery * Suspense * Thriller * Romance * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction * Memoir *
30 West 21 Street 8th Floor New York NY 10010 USA
Amy Brewer
Metamorphosis Literary AgencyDO NOT QUERY – Submission Window – Check website.Query method(s): Online Form *Biography
Amy Brewer is a literary agent with Metamorphosis Literary. She wears many hats everyday, from literary agent at Metamorphosis, to co-author of the Texting Prince Charming series, to social media manager, to yoga teacher. She is a graduate of Culver-Stockton College with a theater degree because drama, romance, and angst are her lifelong passions. Her intuitive human understanding can help other writers bridge the communication gap and jump into the publishing world. For the last few years she has been learning all she can about social media optimization and platform building in the publishing industry. Amy’s experience in the mental health field and yoga training help her guide and assist clients with stress and anxiety in this highly competitive industry. All of this is pulled together with a multi-tasking and hyper-organized brain, so that at the end of every day she feels accomplished and grateful. She’s seeking: Romances of all kinds, if your plot revolves around love or angst or both, send it to her. She is also looking for general fiction, LGBTQ+, women’s fiction, book club reads, and quirky humor.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Humor Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Mystery * Romance * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Gay/Lesbian * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * Humor * Mind/Body/Spirit * Young Adult *
Kansas City MO USA
Biography
Alicia Brooks is a literary agent with the Jean Naggar Literary Agency. She began her career over twenty-five years ago in book publishing as an editorial assistant at Penguin USA. She advanced to an assistant editor position at Nan A. Talese/Doubleday where she worked with groundbreaking authors, including Margaret Atwood, Pat Conroy, and Ian McEwan. Alicia then became an editor at Picador/St. Martin’s Press where she edited over 40 hardcover titles and several trade paper original titles, including Good Morning America Book Club Pick Noelle Howey’s Dress Codes: Of Three Girlhoods–My Mother’s, My Father’s, and Mine, Nega Mezlekia’s award-winning Notes from the Hyena’s Belly, and Ben Brantley’s New York Times Book of Broadway. As an agent at the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, she is looking for Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction from writers with diverse backgrounds, Self-Help, Pop Culture, Literary Fiction with high concepts, original voices, and imaginative structure, Speculative Fiction, Book Club Fiction, Thrillers, YA Fiction, and Historical Fiction. Alicia is a graduate of Wellesley College with a B.A. in English and Philosophy and has a Master’s Degree in the Teaching of English from Columbia University.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Family Saga * Fantasy * General Fiction * Historical * Horror * Literary * New Adult * Science Fiction * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Current Events/Affairs * Gift/Novelty * History * How-To * Humor * Memoir * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Pop Culture * Prescriptive * Self-Help/Personal Development * Science * Sports * Young Adult *
216 E. 75th St. Suite 1E New York NY 10021 USA
Biography
Michelle Brower is a literary agent with and a founding partner of Trellis Literary Management. She has spent over fifteen years as an agent, first at Wendy Sherman Associates and most recently as a partner at Aevitas Creative Management. She co-founded Trellis Literary Management in 2021 in order to better serve and support her authors and create an agency with a lasting positive impact in the world of publishing.
Her list spans the spectrum of literary and commercial fiction, from thought-provoking story collections to page-turning thrillers. She is primarily interested in work that focuses on storytelling and emotional connection, rather than formal experimentation, and believes that the best reading experience engages both the heart and the head. She is looking for book club novels (a commercial idea with a literary execution), literary fiction, literary suspense, genre fiction for a non-genre audience, and upmarket women’s fiction. In non-fiction, she is looking for a personal story that illuminates a greater subject. Michelle also very selectively represents literary Young Adult fiction. In all of these areas, she is looking to support underrepresented voices.
Michelle is honored to work with books that have received a variety of accolades, including NY Times Bestsellers, National Book Award finalists, and Read with Jenna, Target, and Barnes and Noble book club selections. Her authors have received recognition from the Whiting Awards, the Rona Jaffe Foundation, MacDowell, the Steinbeck Fellow Program, the Sewanee Writers Conference as well as from many other organizations.
Michelle received her Masters degree in British and American Literature from New York University. Originally from New Jersey, she now lives in Seattle with her family.
Michelle’s favorite non-client authors (if your work is similar, feel free to get in touch!): Maggie Shipstead, Lily King, Louise Erdrich, Deesha Philyaw, Kiley Reid, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Kazuo Ishiguro, Yaa Gyasi, Celeste Ng, Jennifer Egan, Shirley Jackson, Ann Patchett, Sarah Waters.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Contemporary * Family Saga * Fantasy * Historical * Literary * Magical Realism * Multicultural Fiction * Short Story Collection * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Memoir * Narrative *
Seattle WA 98177 USA
Biography
Marie Brown is a literary agent with Marie Brown Associates. Marie is also President of Marie Brown Associates. Ms. Brown is a part of the elite and small group of “black” literary agents. A 40-year veteran of the book business, Brown acquired a thorough understanding of her “calling” working as an editorial assistant and book editor; bookseller and bookstore manager; editor-in-chief of a magazine; book marketing strategist and literary agent. Ms. Brown has been a bibliophile since her childhood years and currently lives and works in Harlem.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Ethnic Fiction * General Fiction * Literary * Mainstream * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Autobiography * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Ethnic * Film/Entertainment * Health/Wellness * History * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Military/War * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Music * Politics * Pop Culture * Self-Help/Personal Development * Women’s Issues *
412 W. 154th St. New York NY 10032 USA
Biography
Emelie Burl is a literary agent with the Susan Schulman Literary Agency. Shejoined Susan Schulman in 2021 after fourteen years as an independent bookseller. She is looking for Children’s, YA, as well as Pop Culture nonfiction. She loves stories with hope and humor, strong female leads, LGBT+ and/or BIPOC Joy, and magic of all sorts. She currently works and lives in Missoula, MT with her husband, huskies, and books.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Fantasy * Graphic Novel * Humor Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Science Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Pop Culture * Young Adult *
454 W. 44th St. New York NY 10036 USA
Biography
Sarah Burnes is a literary agent with the Gernert Company. Sarah began her career on the editorial side of publishing, first at Houghton Mifflin, then in the Knopf Group, and last at Little, Brown. She became an agent in 2001, joining The Gernert Company in 2005. As an editor, she acquired and edited literary fiction and non-fiction, and as an agent has added children’s fiction to her list. Sarah sits on the board of non-profit progressive publisher the New Press and lives with her husband and three children in Brooklyn.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction * Upmarket *
136 East 57th Street New York NY 10022 USA
Biography
Ena Burnette is a literary agent with SBR Media. She is a book blogger turned book promotions company owner who has been a part of the indie industry for 10+ years.
When re-discovering her love for reading in 2012, she started blogging for Swoon Worthy Books–documenting all of her rambles and raves about her favorite books–and eventually started forming relationships with several authors.
After a couple of years of hosting said author’s book events, she decided to try her hand at building a business with the help and encouragement of friends and family.
In 2013, Enticing Journey Book Promotions was born.
Taking her business on the road, she traveled the world alongside her military husband for 8 years, before finally planting roots near her childhood home in Forest, Virginia.
When she isn’t spending time with her 2 sons or husband of twenty years, you can find her planning the family’s next glamping trip (she’s obsessed, OKAY!?) or trying to catch up on some much-needed sleep.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Erotica * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Biography
Nancy Stauffer Cahoon is a literary agent with Nancy Stauffer Associates Literary Agency. Nancy began her career in book publishing in 1978, holding positions in the editorial, marketing, business, and subsidiary rights departments of The New York Times, McGraw-Hill, and Doubleday. Before founding Nancy Stauffer Associates in 1989, Mrs. Stauffer Cahoon held the position of Foreign and Performing Rights Director, Doubleday, and, later, Director, Subsidiary Rights, Doubleday, where she worked with a wide array of authors. She has lectured in book publishing at numerous writer’s conferences across the country and at UCLA and Radcliffe.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: General Fiction * Literary * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction * Narrative * Young Adult *
PO Box 1203 Darien CT 06820 USA
Biography
Patrice Caldwell is a literary agent with New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. She is seeking commercial, character-driven fiction for middle grade, young adult, and adult readers as well as narrative nonfiction. Across the board, she is especially looking for middle grade science fiction & fantasy, mythology retellings and reimaginings, romance novels, and anything that can be categorized as horror and/or gothic literature. Patrice loves to champion stories from writers & illustrators from marginalized backgrounds. That said, she does not represent picture books.
Before becoming a literary agent, Patrice was an editor at Disney-Hyperion and, before that, Scholastic. She went to Wellesley College, where she studied Political Science and English, and is the founder of People of Color in Publishing, a grassroots organization.
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Fantasy * General Fiction * Horror * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * NoPB * Paranormal * Romance * Science Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Middle Grade * Narrative * Young Adult *
110 West 40th Street Suite 2201 New York NY 10018 USA
Biography
Tess Callero is a literary agent with Europa Content Ltd. Tess graduated from Indiana University with a dual degree in Marketing and English. She moved to New York in 2014 to combine her love of both fields and become a literary agent. After spending four years at Curtis Brown, she moved to Europa Content in March 2019. Tess represents clients across genres and categories, from young adult and adult fiction to select nonfiction projects.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Historical * Humor Fiction * Mystery * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Biography * Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Diet/Nutrition * Family * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Humor * Investigative * Journalism * Law * Lifestyle * Memoir * Money/Finance * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Photography * Politics * Pop Culture * Religion * Science * Spirituality * Sports * True Crime *
68 34th Street Suite B-531, Mailbox 74 Brooklyn NY 11232 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)