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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
Richard Abate is a literary agent with 3 Arts Entertainment. Mr. Abate oversaw a number of seven-figure book deals during his brief tenure at Endeavor and built up a staff of several literary agents while cementing his reputation in publishing circles as a brash and sometimes sly businessman. Mr. Abate had indeed been working in the literary department of ICM for a decade when he decided that it was time to run his own shop. Abate’s sterling client list includes such Hollywood figures as James Franco, Tina Fey, Law & Order creator Dick Wolf, Mindy Kaling and Homeland producer Howard Gordon.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Fantasy * General Fiction * Horror * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Science Fiction * Short Story Collection * Thriller * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Diet/Nutrition *Film/Entertainment * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Humor * Lifestyle * Memoir * Military/War * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Music * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Photography * Politics * Pop Culture * Religion * Science * Spirituality * Sports * Women’s Issues *
27 W 24th St Suite 301 New York NY 10010 USA
Biography
Lauren Abramo is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. Lauren E. Abramo joined DG&B in 2005 after getting degrees in English at NYU and Irish Studies at NUI Galway. As VP and Subsidiary Rights Director for the agency she sells foreign and audio rights, and she also maintains a very small client list. Her interests include humorous middle grade and contemporary YA on the children’s side, and upmarket commercial fiction and well-paced literary fiction on the adult side. She’s also interested in adult narrative nonfiction, especially pop culture, psychology, pop science, reportage, media, and contemporary culture. In nonfiction she has a strong preference for interdisciplinary approaches, and in all categories she’s especially interested in underrepresented voices. Born in New York City and raised not far outside it, she now lives in Brooklyn.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Contemporary * Commercial * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Gay/Lesbian * Graphic Novel * Journalism * Narrative * Pop Culture * Science * Technology *
One Union Square West Suite 904 New York NY 10003 USA
Biography
Jordy Albert is a Literary Agent and co-founder of The Booker Albert Literary Agency. She holds a B.A. in English from Pennsylvania State University, and a M.A. from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. She has worked with Marisa Corvisiero during her time at the L. Perkins Agency and the Corvisiero Literary Agency.
Jordy is looking for fun young adult and middle grade contemporary, sci-fi, and fantasy. She’s also looking for contemporary romance (please no cheating or abuse). She’s drawn to strong, funny, intelligent characters, and well-developed friendships. Please note that while it isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, she tends to shy away from novels with trigger topics, such as suicide and any type of abuse. Jordy is NOT accepting picture books, non-fiction or screenplays at this time.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Fantasy * Middle Grade Fiction * Romance * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
P.O. Box 20931 York PA 17402 USA
Biography
Rachel Altemose is a literary agent with Salky Literary Management. She is a junior agent and has been with Salky Literary Management since its inception in 2019. Prior to SLM, she interned at Eden Street Literary Agency and attended the Columbia Publishing Course. She has a burgeoning list of picture book, MG, YA, narrative/serious nonfiction, and literary fiction authors and also assists Jesseca, Eryn, Kate, and Charlotte with SLM and CSLA clients.
Rachel is a lifelong lover of storytelling and graduated from Vassar College with degrees in English and drama. She is interested in a diverse array of genres (children’s through adult) and is particularly keen on narratives with unique voices, diverse perspectives, immersive settings, complicated familial relationships, young/twenty-something protagonists, magical realism/surrealism, or experimental style.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Contemporary * Family Saga * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * New Adult * Picture Book * Short Story Collection * Upmarket Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Film/Entertainment * Gay/Lesbian * Journalism * Memoir * Multicultural * Narrative * Pop Culture * Women’s Issues *
1216 Broadway Suite 414 New York NY 10001 USA
Biography
Miriam Altshuler is a literary agent with DeFiore and Company. She began her career at Russell & Volkening, where she worked for twelve years with such writers as Anne Tyler, Eudora Welty, Joseph Campbell, Nadine Gordimer, and Bernard Malamud. In 1994 she established her own agency, which she ran for twenty-one years until she joined DeFiore and Company in early 2016.
Miriam specializes in adult literary and commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, and books for children.
First and foremost, she responds to voice and stories that are character-driven. She searches for books that draw her in and give her a new perspective on a world she doesn’t know, or make her think more deeply about a world she does know. Miriam seeks books with a heart and writers with wonderful storytelling abilities.
In fiction, she is most interested in family sagas, historical novels, and stories that offer a new twist or retelling of some kind. She does not work with adult romance, sci fi, or fantasy.
In nonfiction, she loves memoir, narrative nonfiction, and self-help (as long as it is not too prescriptive). She particularly responds to books that have an important cultural, social, or psychological focus.
For children’s books, she focuses primarily on YA and middle grade, and her tastes vary broadly in those areas. It always comes back to the voice and the heart of a story for her.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Ethnic Fiction * Family Saga * General Fiction * Historical * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * NoPB * Upmarket Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Cultural/Social Issues * Ethnic * General Nonfiction * Juvenile * Memoir * Middle Grade * Multicultural * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Prescriptive * Psychology * Self-Help/Personal Development * Young Adult *
47 E. 19th St. 3rd Floor New York NY 10003 USA
Biography
Kathleen Anderson is a literary agent with Anderson Literary Management. Kathleen Anderson, formerly a partner of Anderson Grinberg Literary Management, Inc., is president of Anderson Literary Management, LLC. She is particularly interested in serious nonfiction and literary journalism (narrative nonfiction, psychology, history, science, anthropology, memoir, cultural studies, biography, and women’s studies), as well as literary fiction, general women’s fiction, and very well-written commercial fiction (psychological suspense, historical fiction, lady-lit, chick-lit), She also represents many prestigious young adult writers. Her work as an executive editor at W.W. Norton and Simon and Schuster has given her special expertise in developing nonfiction proposals and first fiction.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Ethnic Fiction * General Fiction * Historical * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Multicultural Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Chick Lit * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Ethnic * Health/Wellness * History * Journalism * Juvenile * Memoir * Multicultural * Narrative * Politics * Psychology * Science * Travel * Upmarket * Women’s Issues * Young Adult *
244 Fifth Avenue Floor 11 New York NY 10001 USA
Biography
Hannah Andrade is a literary agent with Bradford Literary Agency. She started as an agency assistant before moving on to acquire her own clients. She’s been with Bradford Literary Agency since 2017 and has had the privilege to work with a number of bestselling authors across a variety of genres. She likes to think of herself as an editorial-focused agent and is particularly eager to acquire BIPOC/underrepresented voices. She is prioritizing stories of joy where identity isn’t the focus and is especially excited about stories rooted in history, mythology, and legends, particularly those that are lesser-known or underrepresented in traditional publishing.
Hannah is very interested in stories that explore the intricacies of multicultural identities. She loves stories of immigration (not relegated to America) and of first/second generation Americans who struggle balancing the values of their country with the culture and heritage of their parents (as in the tv shows Ramy or Gentefied). As a Mexican-American, she would particularly love to see the stories that she grew up with showcased in new and creative ways.
Hannah loves strong characters and voice-driven stories that break out of the typical tropes of their genres. She’s a huge fan of expansive world building and atmospheric settings, dark and transporting fantasy in YAs, and MGs with macabre elements and dark humor. One of her favorite tropes is the “found family”—especially if the family is found through crime. She has a soft spot for any kind of retelling or spin off of “classic lit” or fairy tales (like Lauren Blackwood’s WITHIN THESE WICKED WALLS or Lilliam Rivera’s NEVER LOOK BACK). She’s looking for stories with quirky characters/voices and love ones that feature dysfunctional families (like SAFFY’S ANGEL by Hilary McKay). If your story involves ghosts, riddles/puzzles, and/or whimsy, Hannah would love to see it! She loves mysteries for readers of all ages, and is particularly looking for an Only Murders in the Building-esque story.
In nonfiction, she is looking for something that takes the mystery out of everyday life/occurrences (a lá Malcolm Gladwell or Atul Gawande) and investigative journalism-esque stories with a strong narrative hook.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chick Lit * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Family Saga * Fantasy * Graphic Novel * Historical * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * New Adult * NoPB * Romance * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Cultural/Social Issues * History * Humor * Journalism * Juvenile * Memoir * Multicultural * Narrative * Pop Culture * Psychology * True Adventure * True Crime *
Biography
Kurestin Armada is a literary agent with Root Literary. She says: “I love working with creators to form a roadmap for the rest of their career. Talking to people with projects that are ambitious, strange, personal, and just outrageously fun is the spark that keeps me going. I’m here to be their advocate and make sure they can keep writing for years and years to come.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Contemporary * Fantasy * Graphic Novel * Horror * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Romance * Science Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cooking/Cookbook * Juvenile * Lifestyle *
617 S. Olive St. #300 Los Angeles CA 90014 USA
Biography
Faye Atchison is an associate agent with the Margret McBride Literary Agency.
Faye handles correspondence between publishers, authors and the agency, and provides liaison, continuity and logistics for Ms. McBride. She handles the flow of manuscripts inside the office and with the publisher. She has a BA in Fine Arts from San Diego State University. If you have a question, from submissions within the office to working with the publisher after the sale, Faye will find your answer.
Faye is interested in in both commercial and niche fiction and nonfiction. Fiction interests include YA, speculative fiction, commercial fantasy, women’s fiction, historical fiction, sci-fi, paranormal, unconventional westerns, and anything with unique, well-drawn characters and a dark or offbeat sense of humor.
Her nonfiction interests include pop-culture, music, history, health, inspirational (but not spiritual), and extremely well-written narrative nonfiction.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Chick Lit * Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Inspirational Fiction * Literary * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Satire * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Western * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Animals/Pets * Art * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Environment * Film/Entertainment * Fitness * Food/Drinks * Gardening * Gay/Lesbian * Gift/Novelty * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Humor * Journalism * Lifestyle * Medical/Medicine * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Music * Narrative * Nature * Politics * Pop Culture * Psychology * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Technology * Travel * True Adventure * True Crime * Women’s Issues *
P.O. Box 9128 La Jolla CA 92038 USA
Biography
Steven Axelrod is a literary agent with The Axelrod Agency. Steven has been an agent for over 30 years and president of his own agency for more than 25 years. Prior to agenting, he was an editor at The Literary Guild, managing editor at Harcourt Brace and a reader for a number of paperback houses. His present clients include two-time Edgar Award-winning mystery author S.J. Rozan, as well as many top women’s fiction authors, including #1 New York Times bestsellers Christine Feehan, J.R. Ward and Julia Quinn, as well as multi-New York Times Bestsellers Jayne Ann Krentz, Susan Elizabeth Phillips , Suzanne Brockmann and Catherine Anderson.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Crime/Detective/Police * Erotica * Fantasy * Mystery * New Adult * Paranormal * Romance * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
55 Main Street PO Box 357 Chatham NY 12037 USA
Biography
Jennifer Azantian is a literary agent with the Jennifer Azantian Literary Agency. Jennifer established Azantian Literary in 2014 and focuses primarily on fiction across genres for mg, YA, and adult readers. She represents bestselling and award-winning writers, and is always on the lookout for new talent. Prior to ALA, Jennifer was at the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency followed by a stint with the Paul Levine Literary Agency. Before publishing, she earned her B.S. in clinical and developmental psychology from UCSD where she was an executive editor for the Triton Psychology Report. She brings to her clients a passion for literature born of a writer’s heart, an editorial eye honed from reviewing thousands of projects, and the connections to help bring wonderful books to life.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Fantasy * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Literary * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * NoPB * Satire * Science Fiction * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Escondido CA USA
Biography
Bernadette Baker-Baughman is a literary agent with Victoria Sanders & Associates. She says: “After completing a Master’s Degree in Writing at Portland State University, and spending several years in-house (first editorial, then marketing) I began agenting in 2005. I have worked with VSA since 2010. I am drawn to strong story telling in all genres, though I have a special interest in thrillers, contemporary novels, magical realism, young adult, and books for kids. I am also open for pop-culture, gift books, and memoir. I love smart writing, high concept books, work with great emotional resonance, and humor. I am always looking for authors with a distinctive voice. I’ve represented a number of New York Times bestselling and award winning writers and illustrators, including Leslye Walton, Faith Erin Hicks, Tony Cliff, Maris Wicks, Liv Constantine, and Carson Morton, to name a few.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Fantasy * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Humor Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Romance * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Biography * Cultural/Social Issues * General Nonfiction * Gift/Novelty * History * Humor * Memoir * Narrative * Pop Culture * Reference * Upmarket *
440 Buck Road Stone Ridge NY 12484 USA
Biography
Claudia Ballard is a literary agent with William Morris Endeavor Entertainment. She has been an agent at WME since 2008. She represents mainly fiction, from established short-story writers to debut novelists and beyond. She works with a variety of authors including Amelia Gray, Patricio Pron, Marjorie Celona, Aria Sloss, and screenwriters Seth Grahame-Smith and Charlie Kaufman. She is interested in taking on exciting new voices, risk-takers, and storytellers of all kinds.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * General Fiction * Picture Book * Romance * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * General Nonfiction * History * Humor * Memoir * Narrative * Pop Culture * Science *
11 Madison Avenue 18th Floor New York NY 10010 USA
Biography
Lisa Bankoff is a literary agent with the Bankoff Collaborative. Lisa has been a major force on the literary book scene for twenty years as an agent with ICM, her first four years spent assisting the late, great Jed Mattes. Prior to this she worked for several book publishers that included stints in production (teaching her respect for the heft of a given sheet of paper). Her experience rounded out with editorial, promotion/marketing, and publicity. Her current clients include Elizabeth Berg, Doug Brinkley, Claire Cook, John Colapinto, Chris Hedges, Laura Kasischke, J. Robert Lennon, David Lipsky, Ann Patchett, Mike Perry, Anne Roiphe, and Anne Ursu, nearly all of whom she has repped since book one. She loves literary fiction, but also craves “the vicarious excitement afforded by working on nonfiction with journalists,” the life she didn’t choose.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: General Fiction * Romance * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Diet/Nutrition * General Nonfiction * History * Humor * Lifestyle * Memoir * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Pop Culture * Religion * Science * Spirituality * Sports * Young Adult *
459 Columbus Avenue Suite 512 New York NY 10024 USA
Biography
Anjanette Barr is a literary agent with Dunham Literary. She has been working in various branches of the writing and publishing world for over a decade, and being an agent is the perfect way to synthesize her interests and talents.
She spent the pandemic earning a certificate in Literary Representation from UCLA Extension. She also holds a B.A. in Japanese Studies from William Jewell College.
Anjanette lives with her family of six in Juneau, Alaska.
Member:
Association of American Literary Agents
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
Alaska Writers Guild
Catholic Writers Guild
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Fantasy * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Humor Fiction * Inspirational Fiction * Literary * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * New Adult * Picture Book * Romance * Science Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Biography * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Middle Grade * Narrative * Nature * Parenting/Child Guidance * Religion * Science * Spirituality * Upmarket * Young Adult *
Biography
Nicola Barr is a literary agent with The Bent Agency. She says: “I arrived at this brilliant agency via a long stint as an agent at Greene & Heaton, having spent my formative publishing years at the much-missed literary imprint of HarperCollins, Flamingo. During that time I worked as a reviewer for the Guardian, the Observer, the Scotsman, and others.
I have over the years represented many bestselling commercial fiction authors, Richard & Judy bestsellers, and award-winning crime fiction and commercial women’s fiction. I am still very much on the lookout for upmarket commercial well-written fiction in these areas, particularly if they speak to a social issue, shine a light on a true-life injustice, have an atypical hero or heroine. I adore literary fiction, whether experimental or traditional, and will certainly not turn away a novel for seeming lack of… anything happening.
But, whether you are writing commercial fiction or literary fiction, I am endlessly fascinated by dysfunctional or unusual families, oddballs, women struggling and women achieving, the disenfranchised, outsiders. I embrace fiction that explores the darker side of life, but do respond well to points of view that don’t take the world too seriously.
In YA, I’m most passionate about grounded contemporary. I’m lucky enough to look after Rainbow Rowell in the UK, so think ELEANOR AND PARK and FANGIRL…
I’m a committed Londoner, but was born and raised in Northern Ireland, then studied at the University of Glasgow. I am actively looking to build on the brilliant Irish, Northern Irish and Scottish writers I already have. I do have a natural tendency to be drawn to working-class voices and regional stories. I also love nothing more than getting stuck in editorially on a story if I see brilliance there.
Like many in these odd times, I find myself increasingly drawn to non-fiction that allows for a collective vent. In the past year or so I have represented books by Owen Hatherley, John Grindrod, Lauren Duca, Danielle Henderson, Alix O’Neill – on housing, Europe, feminism, millennials, sexual harassment. I love illustrators, cartoonists. I love sport and comedy and I might even show an interest in your food blog. As long as it doesn’t mention cupcakes.
I’m open and approachable and desperate to get good writing out in the world. Send me something.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Family Saga * Literary * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Cultural/Social Issues * Food/Drinks * History * Humor * Photography * Pop Culture * Science * Sports * Women’s Issues *
529 W 42nd St Suite 3P New York NY 10036 USA
Biography
Stephen Barr is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. Writers House has been around for almost forty years, and in addition to being an actual house, it’s one of the largest literary agencies in the industry, representing fiction and non-fiction of every stripe.
Stephen says: “I’ve been with Writers House for a little over four years now, and although I’m not an actual house (it’s true!), I’m a pretty omnivorous agent. At the moment, I’ve got a particular hankering for unexpected memoirs with itchy voices, narrative non-fiction that tackles hard-to-tackle issues, wry and rarely paranormal YA, laugh-until-you-squirt-milk-out-of-your-nose middle grade (with heart!), sweet and wacky (but still logical) picture books from innovative author/illustrators, and any fiction that rewards the reader line-by-line and gets to know at least one character really, really well (recent favorites include Jeff In Venice, The Lazarus Project, Diary of a Bad Year, and Horns, which was awesome). I’m also willing to be a sucker for mysteries that bend reality, ghost stories that blow reality to hell, humor that’s more than just an infinitely repeated gag in sheep’s clothing, and Secret Book X (I don’t know what Secret Book X is, but suffice it to say, I’m open to the occasional curveball). I’m still in the early stages of building my list, and I have almost zero emotional baggage, so I’m ready to fall in love (with your book)!”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Humor Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Paranormal * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Humor * Memoir * Middle Grade * Narrative * Pop Culture * Young Adult *
120 Broadway 22nd floor New York NY 10271 USA
Biography
Maile Beal is a literary agent with Arc Literary Management. She joined Arc Literary Management in 2021 after over 5 years at the Carol Mann Agency. She began her career as an intern before becoming subrights manager and assistant to Myrsini Stephanides and eventually growing her own client list. She is passionate about advocating for writers and artists so that they are empowered to create work that will have a lasting impact – books in which readers will see themselves represented, find tools for social change, learn something new, connect with a different perspective, and deepen their understanding of the world.
Originally from Hawaii, Maile’s first home on the east coast was Philadelphia, where she earned her B.A. in English from Drexel University. She can usually be found caring for her growing collection of indoor plants, attempting overambitious recipes in the kitchen, or starting yet another new crafting hobby. All, of course, with her rescue dog, Rufus, somewhere underfoot.
Maile is interested in adult non-fiction as well as children’s, middle grade, and YA fiction and non-fiction. In all categories, she is looking for projects that amplify underrepresented voices and untold stories.
In adult nonfiction, Maile is interested in journalistic, investigative deep dives, narrative retellings of untold histories, business and leadership resources centering underestimated identities, lifestyle and cookbooks with a fresh, personal hook, and unexpected humor and gift books.
In children’s, Maile is seeking fiction and non-fiction in all age categories. In picture books and MG, she gravitates toward heartfelt, earnest stories that use humor and silliness to connect with readers. In YA, she’s drawn to voice driven projects focusing on community and relationships with strong, complex characters that will stick with readers beyond the last page.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Biography * Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Film/Entertainment * Food/Drinks * Gay/Lesbian * Gift/Novelty * History * Humor * Journalism * Lifestyle * Memoir * Multicultural * Narrative * Photography * Politics * Pop Culture * Science * Technology * True Crime * Women’s Issues *
2838 29th Street Long Island City NY 11102 USA
Biography
Rachel Beck is a literary agent with Liza Dawson Associates. She joined Liza Dawson Associates in 2020 after working at a boutique literary agency for 4 years. She has been in the publishing industry since 2009 and worked at Harlequin editing romance novels for nearly 6 years before transitioning her skills to the agent world in order to be an advocate and champion for authors. She lives in southern California with her husband, young son, and endlessly entertaining cat.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Family Saga * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Mystery * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Business * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Humor * Lifestyle * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Money/Finance * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Pop Culture * Psychology * Religion * Self-Help/Personal Development * Sports * True Adventure * True Crime * Women’s Issues *
121 W. 27th St. Suite 1201 New York NY 10001 USA
Biography
Ann Behar is a literary agent with the Scovil Galen Ghosh Literary Agency. Ann says: “It has always been books for me, even if I veered off my path at times. I majored in English and received my B.A. from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1981. I went on to receive an M.A. in English literature in 1982 from the University of Virginia and my J.D. from the University of San Diego Law School in 1985. Things happened quickly after that. My husband began practicing medicine (he is a neurologist) in 1986, and my first daughter was born that August. My second daughter was born 16 months later, and for the next 15 years or so I was a full-time mother and wife. What to do with my degrees stayed on a back burner.
In 2002, with my high school-age daughters half-way out the door, I was ready to go back to work. I found one of the few businesses in the world—the literary agency business—where an English degree and a law degree are equally valuable.
I joined SCG, learning the business from top to bottom, doing everything from reviewing and negotiating contracts to evaluating manuscripts, with heavy, constant contact with writers.
After five years, Russell asked me to take over the firm’s small but growing list of juvenile writers and grow it into something more substantial. I accepted the challenge, and have been searching for wonderful children’s books, from picture books to YA, ever since.
I am looking for anything that is beautifully written, with a strong, distinct voice and characters that come alive on the page. Ideally, a book should grab my attention from the very beginning and hold it there, and leave me thinking about it for a few days after I am finished.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
276 Fifth Avenue Suite 708 New York NY 10001 USA
Biography
Sharon Belcastro is a literary agent with the Belcastro Agency. She was born and raised in Northeastern Ohio. It only took her 37 years to get sick of the snow, cracked fingers and chapped lips before she picked up and moved to the much warmer and sunnier Tampa Bay area. Her love of books goes back to early childhood where some of her fondest memories were spent with Gulliver in Lilliput and Ishmael and his voyage on the Pequod. She has had a book in her hand and her nose in a book ever since. Forced to grow up and face the real world, Sharon earned her Engineering degree from Youngstown State University and her master’s in business from Case Western Reserve University. She spent several years in product development, sales and the development and streamlining of key business processes before she returned to her passion for books attended classes in publishing at NYU and applied her experience to the founding of Belcastro Agency.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chick Lit * Commercial * Contemporary * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Historical * Horror * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Picture Book * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cooking/Cookbook * Fitness * Food/Drinks * Gardening * Gay/Lesbian * Health/Wellness * Lifestyle * Memoir * Music * Narrative * Pop Culture * Psychology * Self-Help/Personal Development * True Crime *
124 N. Bentley Ave Niles OH 44446 USA
Biography
Maria Bell is a literary agent with Sterling Lord Literistic. She joined Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc. in 2019 and works with Doug Stewart and Neeti Madan. Maria is drawn to adult literary fiction and YA that break conventions in form, voice and character. In both fiction and nonfiction, she’s partial to stories involving the natural world, queer identities, baseball, and all those that grapple with conflicts and truths from which most of us instinctively distance ourselves. Maria graduated from Vassar College with a degree in English and sociology. She grew up in Minnesota with goats as pets, and now lives with her rabbit in Brooklyn.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Literary * Sports Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Gay/Lesbian * General Nonfiction * Sports * Upmarket * Young Adult *
Biography
Faye Bender is a literary agent and partner with The Book Group. With a focus on strong collaborative working relationships with her authors, Faye Bender represents fiction for readers aged eight to adult. Her authors have won numerous awards and honors, including the Newbery Medal, the Schneider Family Book Award, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, the Rona Jaffe Foundation Writer’s Award, the Indies Choice Book of the Year Award, the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award, and the International Latino Book Award, and have been finalists for the National Book Award and the Impac Dublin Literary Award. Her clients’ books have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, New York Times Book Review Notable Books, and selected for Best Books of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post, School Library Journal, NPR, the Wall Street Journal, the American Library Association, and the New York Public Library, among others.
Faye is always excited to discover authors with a strong narrative voice and an eye for imaginative storytelling, and she works with her authors for the length and breadth of their careers. Born and raised in Denver, Faye lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children.
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
20 West 20th Street Suite 601 New York NY 10011 USA
Biography
Kristyn Keene Benton is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. She has been at International Creative Management since 2006, which merged with CAA in 2022, building a list consisting of literary and commercial fiction, including narrative nonfiction, memoir, thrillers, young adult, and pop culture. She is a graduate of the Columbia Publishing Course and holds a degree in English and writing from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * General Fiction * Humor Fiction * Literary * Picture Book * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Business * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Diet/Nutrition * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Humor * Lifestyle * Memoir * Money/Finance * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Pop Culture * Young Adult *
65 East 55th Street 14th Floor New York NY 10022 USA
Biography
Mel Berger is a literary agent with William Morris Endeavor Entertainment. Mel is a senior Vice President in the Literary Department of the William Morris Agency where he has been for more than thirty years. He represents Pulitzer Prize winning authors, Steve Naifeh and Gregory White Smith for POLLOCK and Oscar winning screenwriter Pamela Wallace for WITNESS.
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Mainstream * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Romance * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Autobiography * Biography * Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Diet/Nutrition * Fitness * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Humor * Lifestyle * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Military/War * Money/Finance * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Pop Culture * Reference * Religion * Science * Spirituality * Sports *
11 Madison Avenue 18th Floor New York NY 10010 USA
Biography
Amy Berkower is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Cruz, Amy moved back to New York to find a job in publishing. An ad in the NewYork Times led to a gal Friday position at Writers House where she has been working ever since. Amy is now a partner, and President of the company. In 1978, Al Zuckerman, the founder of Writers House, had the insight to ask Amy to start a children’s book department. Recognizing the need for kid friendly books that would appeal to the fast growing paperback original market, Berkower initially focused on series.
Her first sale, an interactive children’s book, grew into a series called CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE consisting of over one hundred titles, and was soon followed by a succession of popular franchises: SWEET VALLEY HIGH, THE BABYSITTERS CLUB, JUNIE B JONES and CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS. Determined to apply what she learned about branding series to the marketing of individual authors, Amy developed a list that includes some of the most respected names (Sharon Creech, Laurie Anderson, Andrew Clements, Jack Gantos) in the business.
Her colleagues have built upon that foundation, growing Writers House’s children’s book department into one of the largest and most successful in the world. Writers House clients include a mix of mega hits ( TWILIGHT and ERAGON) and Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, and National Book Award recipients such as Neil Gaiman, Ingrid Law, Grace Lin, Kadir Nelson, Susan Patron and Robin McKinley. Amy also has a growing list of adult authors including Nora Roberts, Ken Follett, Erica Jong, Ridley Pearson and Barbara Delinsky.
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chick Lit * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Mainstream * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * NoPB * Paranormal * Picture Book * Romance * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Current Events/Affairs * History * Humor * Memoir * Politics *
120 Broadway 22nd floor New York NY 10271 USA
Meredith Bernstein
Meredith Bernstein Literary AgencyAAR/AALA MemberQuery method(s): Postal Mail * Online Form *Biography
Meredith Bernstein is a literary agent with the Meredith Bernstein Literary Agency. Meredith has been a literary agent for over 30 years. Prior to becoming a literary agent, she worked as a story editor for film producers on both the East and West Coasts, as well as a freelance reader. In addition to being a literary agent, Meredith Bernstein has packaged two romance lines and co-authored SEXUAL CHEMISTRY with Julius Fast (M. Evans/Pocket). In nonfiction, the agency seeks platform-driven works that shed new light on a given subject and is also open to any area of nonfiction that is well executed. We love personal memoirs that bring out heroic individualism, and are further interested in writers of “special” projects and creative endeavors that supersede genre.
Meredith Bernstein also has been very successful in representing individuals who have accomplished memo-rable and outstanding achievements in their lives. Among such clients are Miep Gies (the woman who hid Anne Frank’s family and found her diary), Patricia Ireland, the former president of N.O.W., and Dennis Conner, of sailing fame.
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Literary * Mystery * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Business * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * Inspiration * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Money/Finance * Parenting/Child Guidance * Psychology * Science * Spirituality * Travel * Women’s Issues *
2095 Broadway Suite 505 New York NY 10023 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)