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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.
- The results are being filtered by the character: H
Esmond Harmsworth
Aevitas Creative ManagementDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Online Form *Biography
Esmond Harmsworth is a literary agent and partner with Aevitas Creative Management. He has represented the #1 Wall Street Journal business bestseller and New York Times bestseller Breakthrough: Secrets of America’s Fastest Growing Companies by Keith McFarland; Amanda Ripley’s New York Times bestseller The Smartest Kids in the World—And How They Got That Way; and PEN/Faulkner winner Sabina Murray, author of The Caprices, A Carnivore’s Inquiry, and Valiant Gentlemen.
Born in London, Harmsworth was educated in England before graduating magna cum laude from Brown University and cum laude from Harvard Law School. He was a founding partner of the Zachary Shuster Harmsworth Literary Agency which merged with Kuhn Projects to form Aevitas.
Based in Boston, Harmsworth represents serious nonfiction books on topics such as politics, psychology, culture, and society. For fiction, he represents literary fiction, mystery and crime, popular (mainstream) fiction, and young adult and middle grade fiction.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Horror * Literary * Mystery *
NONFICTION: Health/Wellness * History * Narrative * New Age * Religion * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality *
Biography
Logan Harper is a literary agent with the Jane Rotrosen Agency. Prior to joining JRA in 2021, Logan was an Associate Agent at a mid-sized literary agency in Manhattan. She’s seeking a variety of character-driven fiction and is particularly drawn to women’s fiction, book club fiction, psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, horror, mystery/crime, upmarket and literary fiction. She is always eager to read and champion underrepresented voices and perspectives. A native Washingtonian, Logan is a graduate of the University of Washington in Seattle and the Columbia Publishing Course in Oxford.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Crime/Detective/Police * Horror * Literary * Mystery * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Jane Rotrosen Agency 318 East 51st St New York NY 10022 USA
Biography
Michael Harriot is a literary agent with Folio Literary Management. Over the past 15 years, Michael’s client list has featured a variety of high-profile authors such as Yankee great Yogi Berra, Black Francis of the Pixies, Peter Criss of KISS, NBA Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, Sopranos star Steve Schirripa, and former NAACP president Ben Jealous.
Other notable authors Michael has represented include Tony Fletcher (A LIGHT THAT NEVER GOES OUT), Josh Frank (FOOL THE WORLD), Zachary Jernigan (NO RETURN), Benjamin Lorr (HELL-BENT), and Jeff Salyards (SCOURGE OF THE BETRAYER).
Overall, Michael has represented or co-represented more than a dozen New York Times bestsellers. A graduate of Dartmouth College, he holds a BA in Film Studies.
The first thing I look for in an author is something valuable, thought-provoking, or entertaining to say—a compelling story or message we’ve never heard before or told from a completely new perspective. I like an author with a distinctive voice and a command of the craft, or someone committed to working with a quality co-writer to get his or her vision onto the page. Extra points for fearlessness, genuine quirkiness, or a dark sense of humor.
While I’m open to just about anything smart, well written, and engaging, my primary areas of interest are commercial non-fiction (both narrative and prescriptive) and fantasy/science fiction. On the non-fiction side, I love anything that helps people improve their lives, intelligent takes on pop culture (music, sports, film, comic books), and books that examine unique subcultures. The fantasy and science fiction that grabs me is superbly crafted and avoids the usual tropes or turns them upside-down. I look for strong, memorable characters that are psychologically realistic and emotionally relatable at their core, no matter how fantastic the worlds and events around them may be.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: General Fiction * Humor Fiction * Satire *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction * Humor *
630 Ninth Ave. Suite 1101 New York NY 10036 USA
Biography
Brittani Harris is a literary agent with the Gold Dust Literary Agency. She says: “After serving in the United States Navy, I decided to continue with my education, graduating from The Los Angeles Film School with a B. A. in Digital Filmmaking. I’ve written and directed several short films that were selected for numerous film festivals. During the pandemic, I decided to obtain an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Queens University of Charlotte. Aside from being a screenwriter and literary agent, I am also a freelance photographer and video editor. In my free time, I enjoy going to the movies, reading, collecting comics and graphic novels, exercising, karaoke, and learning a new language.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Crime/Detective/Police * Horror * Humor Fiction * Paranormal * Suspense * Thriller *
NONFICTION:
Biography
Erin Harris is a literary agent with Folio Literary Management. Erin has worked in publishing for over a decade and serves as a Senior Vice President and literary agent at Folio Literary Management, where she focuses on book club and literary fiction, as well as narrative non-fiction. (She also selectively represents Young Adult and poetry projects.) Her clients include New York Times Bestsellers, National Book Award, Pulitzer Prize, and PEN/Faulkner Award finalists; winners of the Lambda Literary Award, Stonewall Book Award, and Pushcart Prize; Indie Next Pick and NYT Editor’s Choice authors; and authors selected for the national book clubs Reese Witherspoon’s “Hello Sunshine,” Good Morning America, Barnes & Noble, and Target. Her clients have received support from MacDowell, Bread Loaf, Sewanee, Tin House, Yaddo, The Vermont Studio Center, The Rona Jaffe Foundation, and the Elizabeth George Foundation.
Erin collaborates with debut and seasoned authors alike and is honored to champion the careers of: Emiko Jean, Allegra Hyde, SJ Sindu, John Manuel Arias, Michelle Min Sterling, Allie Rowbottom, Adam Wilson, Daniel Levine, Erica Ferencik, Tanen Jones, Laura Maylene Walter, Carla Power, Daniel Peña, Curtis Chin, Linda Scott, Jen St. Jude, Kit Frick, Marie Marquardt (and Mayra Cuevas by association!), Jasmine Mans, and Melania Luisa Marte, among many others.
Erin is passionate about books that interrogate our collective and personal histories with heart and intelligence; characters that make us feel and stories that make us think, even as they keep us feverishly turning pages; and book club and literary fiction that is high concept, whether it be contemporary, historical, or genre-bending (i.e. an accessible, elevated dash of fabulism, sci-fi, horror, suspense, alt. history, etc.)
Erin is a member of the AALA (Association of American Literary Agents) and received her MFA in Creative Writing from the New School. She lives in Brooklyn, NY and is a co-curator of the literary event series HIP Lit.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Family Saga * General Fiction * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Literary * Mystery * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cultural/Social Issues * Education * General Nonfiction * History * Journalism * Memoir * Narrative * Psychology * Upmarket * Young Adult *
630 Ninth Ave. Suite 1101 New York NY 10036 USA
Joy Harris
The Joy Harris Literary AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Email *Biography
Joy Harris is a literary agent with the Joy Harris Literary Agency. She established her own literary agency in 1990. She works primarily with literary fiction, strongly-written commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction across a broad range of topics, memoir and biography, and is drawn to a clear, original voice, an engaging point of view, and strong characters. Joy takes great pleasure in finding new literary voices, and over the course of her career has represented many bestselling and acclaimed authors from the time of their first published work.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * General Fiction * Literary *
NONFICTION: Biography * General Nonfiction * Memoir * Narrative *
Biography
Sloan Harris is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. Sloan has been promoted to co-head of publications at ICM, which in Variety’s words “essentially establishes him as heir apparent to run the agency’s Gotham-based powerhouse book operation in the years to come.” The 44-year-old agent will share his new title with Esther Newberg, who has run the book department with fellow EVP Amanda Urban since 1988. Urban is dropping the co-head role; instead, she will turn her attention to running the agency’s international book biz, especially the London office, which she set up several years ago.
Some of Harris’s most notable clients include Hampton Sides, Anthony Lane, Vince Flynn, Anthony Swofford, Michael Paterniti, Susan Casey and George Pelecanos. ICM co-president Chris Silbermann said in a statement that “Sloan has the best of both worlds here. He is a 17-year veteran who is at a time and place in his career where he’s stepping up and taking on managerial responsibility, a growth that has happened organically. At the same time, he is supported by Esther and Binky, who are two of the best publishing agents of their generation and who have built the preeminent publishing agency in New York. We are set up for future growth and a fluid evolution. This is about embracing change while keeping the stability that the department has always had.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Literary * Mystery * Sports Fiction * Thriller *
NONFICTION: Autobiography * Biography * Current Events/Affairs * General Nonfiction * History * Journalism * Memoir * Middle Grade * Narrative * Politics * Reference * Science * Sports * Pop Culture * Humor *
65 East 55th Street 14th Floor New York NY 10022 USA
Biography
Steven Harris is a literary agent with and the founder of CSG Literary Partners. He has worked for Warner Books, The New American Library, Penguin, and The Overlook Press, and was an agent who founded and ran International Publisher Associates with Joseph DeRogatis. Together, they successfully marketed “The Cyndi Lauper Scrapbook,” “Shelli Sonstein’s Thoroughly Tasteful Dirty Jokebook,” “The Pediatrician’s A-Z Guide,” and the critically acclaimed “Under the Clock,” among many others.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION:
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Health/Wellness * History * Humor * Inspiration * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Pop Culture * Reference * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Sports *
32 Cambria Road Syosset NY 11791 USA
Biography
Nick Harrison is a literary agent with the WordServe Literary Agency. He has worked in the book industry for more than 30 years. He began his career working for the public library while attending San Jose State University where he graduated with a degree in English. Since then Nick has owned or managed both Christian and children’s bookstores, written articles for several prominent publications, and has authored ten books including Magnificent Prayer and Power in the Promises. Endorsers of Nick’s books include Anne Graham Lotz, Lee Strobel, Mark Mittelberg, Liz Curtis Higgs, Jim Cymbala, Chip Ingram, Jerry Jenkins, and Tony Evans.
For fifteen years Nick served as a senior editor at Harvest House Publishers where he worked with several well-known fiction and non-fiction authors. Nick is a popular speaker and teacher at writers’ conferences where he loves to discover promising new writers. He and his wife, Beverly, an avid quilter, live in Oregon and are the parents of three adult daughters and grandparents of two boys and two girls.
Nick is interested in representing authors of well-written fiction and non-fiction. For fiction, he prefers character-driven historical fiction, but will look at contemporary literary fiction and some genre fiction (mystery, romance, Amish). He will represent fiction for either the Christian or secular market, though if the latter, it must not offend Christian values in any way (language, sexuality, violence).
For non-fiction, Nick looks for books by authors with a strong platform from which to promote the book. He will also consider quality books that are impulse purchases (books that don’t require a large platform to promote). He welcomes well-written memoirs, books by high-profile speakers or entertainers, health-related books, issue-related books, and “deeper life” Christian living books.
Slow-moving (hard to sell) genres for Nick are: speculative fiction, Bible studies, personal experience books, Bible prophecy, gift books, poetry, and generic Christian growth books.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Christian Fiction * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Historical * Inspirational Fiction * Literary * Mystery * Religious * Romance * Women’s Fiction *
NONFICTION: Celebrity * Christian * Cultural/Social Issues * General Nonfiction * Gift/Novelty * Health/Wellness * Inspiration * Lifestyle * Memoir * Self-Help/Personal Development *
7500 E. Arapahoe Rd. Suite 285 Centennial CO 80112 USA
Cate Hart
Harvey KlingerDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Online Form *Biography
Cate Hart is a literary agent with Harvey Klinger. Cate joined Harvey Klinger Literary Agency in 2019 after 5 years with a New York agency where she represented Middle Grade to Adult fiction. She specializes in Historical, whether in Young Adult, Women’s Fiction and Romance, or narrative nonfiction. She is particularly drawn to oft forgotten stories of the past and underrepresented voices, and especially personal to her is unexplored Southern history and culture. She also loves high-concept fantasy in YA and Adult fiction. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, studying Theatre and History, Cate currently lives in Nashville with her children.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Chick Lit * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Fantasy * Graphic Novel * Historical * Literary * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * NoPB * Romance * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Celebrity * Cultural/Social Issues * Design * Film/Entertainment * Food/Drinks * Gardening * History * Juvenile * Middle Grade * Multicultural * Music * Narrative * Pop Culture * Travel * Young Adult *
Jim Hart
Hartline Literary AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Email *Biography
Jim Hart is a literary agent with Hartline Literary Agency. Jim’s clients include both veteran and debut authors and represents a mix of fiction and non-fiction clients. He serves both Christian and general markets. He is looking for authors who can write unique and engaging fictional suspense, romance (contemporary, historical and suspense), women’s fiction, and some sci-fi. He is also interested in non-fiction on the topics of Christian living, church growth, social issues and some self-help. Authors need to need to possess a growing platform. Non-fiction writers will need to show a strong platform in their area of expertise.
Jim is not looking at children’s, YA or devotional proposals at this time. Please do not send proposals for books that include graphic language and sex.
Jim is also a singer/songwriter/worship leader and has been involved in youth and music ministry for several decades. He is credentialed with the Assemblies of God.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Christian Fiction * Contemporary * General Fiction * Historical * Inspirational Fiction * Religious * Romance * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction *
NONFICTION: Business * Christian * Cultural/Social Issues * General Nonfiction * Lifestyle * Parenting/Child Guidance * Religion * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality *
Joyce Hart
Hartline Literary AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Email * Postal Mail *Biography
Joyce Hart is a literary agent with Hartline Literary Agency. Joyce has been a literary agent since 1992. She was formerly the vice president of marketing of an inspirational publishing company and as the president of Hartline Marketing has nearly thirty three years of successful experience marketing and promoting books. Joyce has been a pioneer in selling high quality fiction to the inspirational market and has built an excellent rapport with leading inspirational publishers. A member of ACFW, and the National Association of Professional Women, Joyce is a graduate of Open Bible College, Des Moines, IA now merged with Eugene Bible College in Eugene, Oregon. Joyce is based at Hartline Literary’s Pittsburgh headquarters.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chick Lit * Christian Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Historical * Humor Fiction * Inspirational Fiction * Mainstream * Mystery * Religious * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Christian * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Family * Fitness * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * Lifestyle * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Parenting/Child Guidance * Psychology * Religion * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality *
Biography
Glen Hartley is a literary agent with Writers’ Representatives. Glen’s wide experience in book publishing includes top marketing and publisher positions at The University of Chicago Press, Cornell University Press, Simon & Schuster, and Harper & Row (now HarperCollins).
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Ethnic Fiction * General Fiction * Historical * Humor Fiction * Literary * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Religious * Sports Fiction * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Computers * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Economics * Ethnic * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Humor * Law * Lifestyle * Memoir * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Philosophy * Politics * Religion * Reference * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Sports * Technology * Upmarket *
116 West 14th Street 11th Floor New York NY 10011 USA
Pamela Harty
The Knight AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Online Form *Biography
Pamela Harty is a literary agent with The Knight Agency. Pamela joined The Knight Agency in the summer of 2000, and has placed hundreds of titles in a broad range of categories, including; health, parenting, southern history, African-American interest, business, motivation, romance, young adult, children’s, middle grade, and Christian living. Recent sales include books to Penguin Putnam, Grand Central, Random House, Simon and Schuster, Harper Collins, Harlequin/Silhouette, Thomas Nelson, Water Brook, McGraw Hill, and Baker/Revell. She brings to the agency a successful sales background combined with a genuine love of books. Says Pamela, “Agenting is my dream job. I get to read for a living while working with incredibly talented people in a competitive and challenging industry. It’s a great time to be in publishing where there are more opportunities than ever before for writers.”
Pamela serves as The Knight Agency’s Vice President of Sales, and belongs to the Association of Authors’ Representatives and Romance Writers of America. She’s currently seeking submissions for contemporary and historical romance, romantic suspense, women’s fiction, young adult, business, motivational, diet and health, memoir, parenting, pop culture, and true crime.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Christian Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Family Saga * Historical * Humor Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Romance * Satire * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Christian * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Design * Environment * Film/Entertainment * Fitness * Food/Drinks * Gardening * Gift/Novelty * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Humor * Lifestyle * Memoir * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Narrative * Nature * Parenting/Child Guidance * Pop Culture * Psychology * Self-Help/Personal Development * Travel * True Crime * Women’s Issues *
Biography
Hilary Harwell is a literary agent with KT Literary. As a proud member of the KT Literary family, Hilary represents children’s and young adult authors. She joined the team in 2016 as an assistant to both Kate and Sara and began taking on her own clients in 2017. Hilary is a graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she earned a degree in Anthropology. She went on to work in the back office of a major Swiss Investment Bank for eight years before deciding to trade numbers for letters. When not reading or editing or writing stories of her own, Hilary likes to hike the Rockies with her family and dreams of one day owning her own horses. As an agent, Hilary partners with her growing list of clients to develop their projects in preparation for submission and strategizes to help them build long-term writing careers as published authors. She’s highly communicative, empathetic, and supportive as an agent–tailoring her approach to each client’s unique needs, acting as a strong advocate, and helping them navigate the business side of publishing their work. She’s actively acquiring middle grade and young adult projects across all genres; picture books, chapter books and graphic novels by author-illustrators. More about her interests can be found at Manuscript Wishlist. Recent sales can be found on Publisher’s Marketplace.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile *
9249 S. Broadway #200-543 Highlands Ranch CO 80129 USA
Shannon Hassan
Marsal Lyon Literary AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Email *Biography
Shannon Hassan is a literary agent with the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. She brings a depth of business and editorial experience to her role as agent, having worked in publishing and law for more than a decade. She represents authors of literary and commercial fiction, young adult and middle grade fiction, and select nonfiction. With respect to fiction, she is drawn to fresh voices, compelling characters, and crisp prose, and enjoys both contemporary and historical settings. For nonfiction, she is interested in exceptional narratives from authors with strong platforms. Based in Boulder, Colorado, she is also eager to hear from authors with a unique perspective on the West.
A sample of books Shannon has represented: THE MASK COLLECTORS, a literary thriller by Iowa Short Fiction Award-winner Ruvanee Vilhauer (Little A), INSIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF A CACTUS, an award-winning middle grade series by Dusti Bowling (Sterling), DIE YOUNG WITH ME, an ALA award-winning memoir by Rob Rufus (Simon & Schuster), THE MOON IN THE PALACE, a RITA-award winning historical series by Weina Dai Randel (Sourcebooks), WHOLLY UNRAVELED, a memoir by Keele Burgin (Little A), THE WORLD’S GREATEST ADVENTURE MACHINE, a middle grade fantasy by Frank L. Cole (Penguin Random House), GIRLS ON THE LINE, a multicultural young adult novel by Jennie Liu (Lerner), THE SILENCE BETWEEN US, a young adult contemporary by Alison Gervais (HarperCollins), and FRÄULEIN M., a historical novel by Caroline Woods (Simon & Schuster).
Before becoming an agent, she was the Acquisitions Editor at Fulcrum Publishing, and prior to that, a corporate attorney at Arnold & Porter in New York. She received her JD from Harvard and her BA from George Washington University, and she serves on the board of The Dairy Arts Center.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Family Saga * General Fiction * Historical * Humor Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * NoPB * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Western * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Michelle Hauck
Storm Literary AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Email *Biography
Michelle Hauck is a literary agent with the Storm Literary Agency. She devoured the classics at an early age, falling in love with heroic stories like The Three Musketeers, Ivanhoe, and The Scarlet Pimpernel. It wasn’t until her teens that she got her hands on The Sword of Shannara and discovered a new heroic level in SFF. Now she’d like to advocate for stories that take the reader beyond the traditional hero’s journey.
After graduating with a business degree, with a concentration in finance, Michelle worked as a cost accountant for several years before a short stint as a stay-at-home mom. Then she switched gears for twenty years working in an elementary school, where she’s learned a lot about what kids like to read and applied that to her own stories, publishing a historic fantasy series with Harper Voyager.
She’s been helping writers long before taking the step to become an agent. Her Midwest roots taught her to pay things forward, and along with several co-hosts, she ran an impressive collection of contests for writers, including Query Kombat, Nightmare on Query Street, and Picture Book Party. She also learned much from six years as a successful Pitch Wars mentor in adult SFF.
Currently, Michelle is taking submissions for middle grade, young adult, and some limited adult genres.
Drawn to all sorts of stories from the heroic to the humorous, she loves big worlds, inventive magic systems, and a rich sense of history. Characters with lots of back-story and villains with shades of gray make her day. She’s not the best fit for contemporary with dark themes, but she loves contemporary that can be described as quirky, fun, and light. She wants to look at all things SFF or historical, and won’t pass up a cozy mystery, page-turner thriller, or a sweet romance. A dash of politics is a great added ingredient. She is not interested in nonfiction or picture books at this time.
Some of her recent favorite reads include The Locked Tomb series, The Priory of the Orange Tree, The Hate U Give, and The City We Became. Old favorites include The Hunger Games series, The Wheel of Time Series, Anne of Green Gables series, The Legend of Eli Monpress, Ready Player One, and The Questionable Behavior of Dalia Moss.
Some of her all-time favorite authors are Brandon Sanderson, Jane Austen, Kate Elliott, Kristen Britain, Agatha Christie, John Schalzi, and Michael J. Sullivan.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Contemporary * Dystopian * Ethnic Fiction * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Romance * Science Fiction * Thriller * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Susan Hawk
Upstart Crow LiteraryDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Email *Biography
* Picture Book authors should not submit unless also illustrators. *
Susan Hawk is a literary agent with Upstart Crow Literary. She has worked in children’s books for over twenty-five years. She comes to Upstart Crow from the Bent Agency, and her clients include Alison Oliver, illustrator of the bestselling Baby Lit board books and the forthcoming picture book Moon; Ruth Spiro, author of the Baby Loves Science board book series; Marcie Colleen, author of the Super Happy Party Bears chapter book series and the forthcoming picture books Love, Triangle and Penguinaut!; Lisa Tyre, whose debut middle-grade novel, Last in a Long Line of Rebels, was a BEA Buzz Book title; Sarah Lariviere, whose middle-grade novel The Bad Kid is an 2017 Edgar Award Nominee; and Rachael Allen, author of the YA novels 17 First Kisses, The Revenge Playbook and the forthcoming A Taxonomy of Love.
Before agenting, Susan worked in the Children’s Marketing departments of Penguin Books for Young Readers, Henry Holt Books for Young Readers and North-South Books, where she managed campaigns for many books and authors including Eric Carle, Mary E Pearson, Richard Peck and Joan Bauer. She’s also been a children’s librarian and bookseller, and spent some time in Dutton Editorial, acquiring select picture book and YA projects for that list.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
Biography
Anne Hawkins is a literary agent with John Hawkins & Associates. Anne has an eclectic list ranging from thrillers to literary fiction to serious non-fiction. She also has particular interests in science, history, public policy, medicine and women`s issues. One of her first sales was the delightful novel EDDIE’S BASTARD by William Kowalski, which has been translated into thirteen languages. The best-selling Reagan: A Life in Letters reflects Anne’s history and policy interests. Her clients include bestselling authors, Tasha Alexander and Taylor Stevens.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Literary * Mainstream * Mystery * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Current Events/Affairs * Environment * General Nonfiction * Government * History * Medical/Medicine * Narrative * Nature * Politics * Science * Technology * Women’s Issues *
80 Maiden Lane STE 1503 New York NY 10038 USA
Lynn Haynes
Starlight Literary AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Email *Biography
Lynn Haynes is a literary agent with the Starlight Literary Agency. Lynn works with wide-ranging topics in both fiction and non-fiction, but prefers books that keep her on the edge of her seat. Though her interest includes many types of books, adult fiction is a favorite along with books that have strong or quirky characters. If it is a believable fantasy, that works for her also. She is always looking for something unique and clever, especially something that can be adapted to film.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Chick Lit * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Espionage/Military * Family Saga * Fantasy * General Fiction * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Inspirational Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Mystery * New Adult * Religious * Romance * Satire * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Western *Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Animals/Pets * Autobiography * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Design * Diet/Nutrition * Economics * Environment * Film/Entertainment * Fitness * Food/Drinks * Gardening * General Nonfiction * Gift/Novelty * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Humor * Inspiration * Investigative * Journalism * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Military/War * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Music * Narrative * Nature * Parenting/Child Guidance * Philosophy * Photography * Politics * Pop Culture * Psychology * Religion * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Sports * Technology * Travel * True Adventure * True Crime * Women’s Issues *
Allison Hegan
Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary ManagementDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Email *Biography
Allison Hegan is a literary agent with Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management. She is the founder of Purple Elephant Editing. As a Junior Agent, she will be working closely with CEO Italia Gandolfo on client submissions. Most recently, Allison assembled and edited an anthology, No More Endlings: Saving Species One Story at a Time. She has written several articles including, “Zoopharmacognosy: how self-healing animals could save humans” for a London-based pharmacist that was published on mongabay.com, one of the world’s most popular environmental science and conservation news sites. Allison has also been a featured writer for the Wildlife Waystation’s magazine and has written for the British Herpetological Society’s Herpetological Bulletin. Having been in a writer’s shoes, she will be able to relate to authors and offer advice during submissions and the editorial process.
Originally from Pasadena, California, Allison received her B.A. degree in Geography-Environment and People, and completed both the environmental studies and African studies certificate programs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While studying abroad in Australia, she volunteered with Conservation Volunteers Australia and helped preserve a section of rainforest. Since then, Allison has worked with the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York City, the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy in Virginia, and volunteered as a researcher and consultant for World Vision’s Natural Environment & Climate Issues department in California. She loves exploring new places and has lived in several cities around the country and abroad.
Drawn into novels with emotionally vibrant, compelling, and often flawed characters, Allison believes the best books are those that stay with the reader long after they have been read. Her current interests include young adult fiction, historical fiction, historical romance, mystery, fantasy, suspense, and environmental topics.
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Fantasy * Historical * Mystery * Romance * Suspense * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Environment *
Biography
Gary Heidt is a literary agent with Signature Literary Agency. Gary started his career as an agent with the Imprint Agency in 2003, and joined Signature Literary Agency in 2009. Gary represents authors of nonfiction and fiction. In nonfiction he is interested in history, science, popular culture, narrative nonfiction, psychology, religion, and spirituality.
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: General Fiction * Literary * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller *
NONFICTION: Biography * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Education * General Nonfiction * History * Journalism * Memoir * Narrative * Politics * Pop Culture * Psychology * Reference * Religion * Science * Spirituality * Technology *
4200 Wisconsin Ave NW #106-233 Washington DC 20016 USA
Biography
Merrilee Heifetz is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. Merrilee has been at Writers House for over 20 years and was one of the first agents to handle comic books/graphic novels when asked by a very young Neil Gaiman to represent his work with DC Comics (he did promise to write bestselling novels one day and she is very glad she took him at his word.) She is one of the few agents who is well known for representing both adult and children’s books and she finds she has been very successful with authors who don’t fall into categories and who can benefit from overall career management.
Her New York Times Bestsellers include Gaiman, Laurell K. Hamilton, Melissa Marr and Beth Revis, whose 2011 debut novel ACROSS THE UNIVERSE she placed in a major deal. Her award winners include three Newbery Medals (Cynthia Voigt, Robin McKinley and Neil Gaiman) a MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient (the late Octavia E Butler) and many best of the year awards such as the Hugo, the Nebula and the World Fantasy Award. For five years she chaired the Contracts Committee for the Association of Authors Representatives (AAR).
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Fantasy * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Mainstream * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Romance * Science Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Celebrity * Film/Entertainment * General Nonfiction * Juvenile * Middle Grade * Music * Narrative * Pop Culture * Reference * Young Adult *
120 Broadway 22nd floor New York NY 10271 USA
Biography
Andrea Heinecke is a literary agent with The Bindery. Andrea brings a broad publishing background to every project she represents, having worked as an editor, publicist, and literary agent with award-winning authors writing both fiction and nonfiction for adults, youth, and children.
Andrea represents bestselling and critically acclaimed authors—thoughtful and diverse women and men who contribute to the culture and dialogue of our world. She has been a literary agent for over a decade and has negotiated hundreds of contracts on behalf of her wonderful clients, which include The Henri Nouwen Legacy Trust, Eugene Peterson, Valorie Burton, and Brian Zahnd.
Her love for the written word began early in life and took her to Seattle Pacific University, where she majored in English Literature. She has served within her community and industry as a board member for the Henri Nouwen Society, a Girl Scout Leader, and a member of the Coronado Junior Woman’s Club. She lives in California with her husband Matt, a teacher and musician, and their children, Ella and Luke.
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Christian Fiction * General Fiction * Inspirational Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Picture Book * Religious * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Christian * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Humor * Inspiration * Juvenile * Memoir * Multicultural * Parenting/Child Guidance * Pop Culture * Psychology * Religion * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Young Adult *
Colorado Springs CO 80908 USA
Allison Hellegers
Stimola Literary StudioDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Email *Biography
* Picture Book authors should not submit unless also illustrators. *
Allison Hellegers is a literary agent with Stimola Literary Studio. As both Foreign Rights Director and Literary Agent, Allison’s tastes lean towards books that have emotional hooks mixed with strong plot, film/TV and/or translation appeal, and take the reader on a journey.
Allison (who also goes by that name Alli at the Studio) received her degrees in Journalism and Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After spending a semester abroad at the Sorbonne in Paris, she was thrilled when her jobs as Literary Scout and Foreign Rights Manager would take her back to France (among other countries). Alli also volunteered with the non-profit Girls Write Now, and empowering teen girls became one of the biggest drivers in her career. After working with the YA packager, Alloy Entertainment, Alli spent the last 10 years as Foreign Rights Director with Rights People. She also co-agents books for all ages on behalf of foreign publishers and agencies (international, British, and Australian) to represent projects into North America. Alli loves hiking in nature, listening to music on road trips, and spending time with her friends, husband, young son (a new reader!), and her rescue mutt in Brooklyn.
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Ethnic Fiction * Family Saga * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Ethnic * Food/Drinks * Gay/Lesbian * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * Journalism * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Middle Grade * Mind/Body/Spirit * Multicultural * Parenting/Child Guidance * Pop Culture * Psychology * Women’s Issues * Young Adult *
Biography
Kathy Helmers is a literary agent with Helmers Literary Services. She has thirty-five years of experience as editor, writer, publisher, and literary agent. Focusing primarily on nonfiction, she specializes in clients who invest skill, creativity, and hard work in making key contributions in their areas of expertise while nurturing communities of loyal fans.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Christian Fiction * General Fiction * Religious *
NONFICTION: Business * Christian * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Health/Wellness * Lifestyle * Memoir * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Religion * Spirituality *
P.O. Box 50737 Colorado Springs CO 80949 USA
Cathy Hemming
Cathy Hemming Literary AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Postal Mail *Biography
Cathy Hemming is a literary agent with Cathy Hemming Literary Agency. She works in conjunction with McCormick & Williams.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * New Adult * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Business * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Film/Entertainment * Fitness * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Journalism * Lifestyle * Medical/Medicine * Military/War * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Reference * Religion * Science * Spirituality * Sports * Technology * Travel *
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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)