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7 Insider Secrets to Get a Top Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal
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Literary Agent Directory
Important: Visit each agent’s website (links in their listings below) to see if they’re open to submissions before querying.
- You are searching within category(ies): Commercial Fiction
Biography
Paige Terlip is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. She represents all categories of childrenÕs books from picture books to young adult, as well as select adult fiction and nonfiction. She is also actively building her list of illustrators and is especially looking for author-illustrators and graphic novel illustrators.
Across age categories, Paige is drawn to high concept novels with captivating hooks, snarky characters with hearts of gold, creative magic systems, complicated relationships, and found families. She loves well-plotted twists, being a little bit scared, and stories that explore the fluidity of gender and bring queer experiences to light. Regardless of genre, she is seeking inclusive, intersectional voices and gorgeous line-level writing with emotionally compelling narratives.
On the adult side she is open to thrillers/psychological suspense, fantasy/sci-fi, upmarket fiction, cozy mysteries, as well as narrative nonfiction and self-help that centers the mind, body, and spirit. She loves stories that make her feel a range of emotions, even if that means she ugly cries while reading. She wants a narrative that will stick with her long after reading.
Prior to becoming an Associate Agent, Paige was a Senior Assistant for Executive Agent Laura Rennert, and has been with ABLA for over three years. She comes to agenting with a background in marketing, design, and freelance editorial. SheÕs worked at Charlesbridge Publishing, The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and a ranch in the Rockies. She has an MA in Children’s Literature and an MFA in Writing for Children from Simmons University. If sheÕs not reading, you’ll find her practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, re-watching the Great British Baking Show, or hiking with her Husky-Shepherd mix.
You can find her on Twitter @pterlip and Instagram @pterlip. For more wishlist information visit: http://www.paigeterlip.com
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | New Literary Agents | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Horror | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Fitness | Health Wellness | Illustrated | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Spirituality | True Adventure | True Crime |
Biography
Kristen Terrette is a literary agent with Martin Literary Management. She is a literary manager excited to build her list featuring titles in middle grade, young adult, female-driven crime thrillers, faith-based books, and the occasional picture book with an author/illustrator.
She has a BA in Early Childhood Education and MA in Theology and Religious Studies which led her into childrenÕs ministry for many years. Eventually, her lifelong love of books and authors drew her back to her original dream of entering the publishing world. Kristen is a multi-published author and freelance writer. SheÕs held such positions as the Blog Manager for a national womenÕs ministry and the Social Media Manager for a publishing house. All these components landed her a spot in the coveted Writers House Intern Program. There, she received valuable hands-on agenting and publishing experience which she brings into her new position.
Kristen has long been a voice for diversity. SheÕs written extensively on topics of racial reconciliation and unity and is a facilitator of groups around these topics in her church. In all her focused genres, she welcomes books with BIPOC or disabled main characters and diverse friendships. She believes books change people in all the best ways and that every child should see themselves in the pages.
Middle Grade (All subgenres except Sci-fi): Kristen hearts Middle Grade. She would love to see books tackling themes like abandonment, bullying, loneliness, comparison, divorce, and body image but done so by instilling hope, growth, and healing. Send her the creepy, horrifying, supernatural, fantastical, historical, and contemporary. She is ready to see it all.
Young Adult (All subgenres except Sci-fi): KristenÕs background in writing YA and her extensive reading in this genre has given her a great love and understanding of it. Grab her attention within the first couple of pages. Send her books with first loves, unique friendships, interesting and/or challenging family dynamics, and hard-hitting subject matter (race relations, suicide, abuse, divorce, etc.) but leave her with a satisfying (not necessarily happy!) ending.
WomenÕs Crime Thriller: Kristen loves a good thriller with a woman main character, so send her the smart, tough, and brave lady crime solvers. If she canÕt figure out whatÕs going to happen next or what the ending will be, youÕve gotten her attention.
Faith-Based Fiction and Memoirs: Kristen loves a good redemption or forgiveness story, a historically accurate saga, a clean and beautiful, yet realistic love story, or a memoir that has her crying and laughing within the span of a few pages. Surprise her with the beauty of GodÕs grace.
Picture Books with Authors/Illustrators: Picture books are an important part of establishing a love for literature at an early age, though, at this time, Kristen is only looking for authors who are also illustrators. If your work fits these criteria, sheÕd love to see it.
Kristen is not a good fit for Science Fiction (even in MG or YA), books with any political agenda, extremely foul-mouthed characters, or gratuitous sex scenes.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction |Christian Fiction | Christian Nonfiction |Action Adventure | BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horror | Inspirational Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Religious Fiction | Romance | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Biography | Celebrity | Cultural Social Issues | History | Memoir | Multicultural Nonfiction | Parenting | Religion | Spirituality | True Crime |
Biography
Michelle Tessler is a literary agent with the Tessler Literary Agency. Before forming the agency, Michelle Tessler worked at William Morris and the prestigious literary agency Carlisle & Company (now Inkwell Management). She also spent seven years working in content and business development in the Internet industry, beginning in 1994 when she was hired by best-selling author James Gleick to help launch The Pipeline. In light of the digital opportunities that are transforming publishing, Michelle’s experience in the Internet world is of great benefit to her authors, both as they navigate ebook and audio opportunities, and as they look for creative and effective ways to market their books to niche communities that can be targeted online.
Michelle is a member of AALA (Association of American Literary Agents), and Women’s Media Group. She regularly attends writing conferences including The Muse & the Marketplace (GrubStreet), Aspen Words, the Kauai Writers Conference, and the Faulkner Festival. She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |Commercial Fiction | General Fiction | Literary Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Art | Biography | Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Diet Nutrition | Food Drink | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | Lifestyle | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Money Finance | Narrative Nonfiction | Parenting | Photography | Politics | Pop Culture | Psychology | Religion | Science | Spirituality | Sports | Technology | Travel |
Biography
Stacy Testa is a literary agent with Writers House. She says: “I joined Writers House in 2011 as the assistant to a senior literary agent, and have been building my own client list since 2013. I like to think, though, that my publishing career began as a wee bookworm, when I used to stay up late reading under the covers with a flashlight because I simply couldn’t part ways with a book, even to sleep. In many ways, I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since. There’s truly nothing quite as magical as losing yourself in a great story – when your own wants and needs become entirely secondary to those of the characters and voices on the page. As an agent, I am drawn to projects that do just that: pull me in and refuse to let go. If you think your book fits that bill, I’d love to hear from you.
To be more specific, I am seeking literary fiction and upmarket womenÕs fiction, particularly stories with international settings, unique subcultures, historical hooks, magical realism, unusual narrators, and/or strong, empowered women. At the moment, I am particularly (but not exclusively!) looking for uplifting stories that can inspire readers, and serve as an antidote to these troubled times. I think we could all use an escape right now, and what better way to transport yourself to another world, another time, another place, another reality than through a brilliant novel? On the nonfiction side, I am interested in representing memoir, popular science, humor writing, essay collections, narrative nonfiction, history, investigative journalism, true crime, and prescriptive titles with strong platforms. I especially love working with authors who are experts in their fields and helping them to translate that expertise to a trade audience. Broadly speaking, I am drawn to anything with vivid characters, an interest in social justice, an ability to change the way the reader sees the world or to shed light on the human experience, a compelling narrative voice, and/or a great sense of humor. I do not represent children’s books, including YA.
As a young(ish) agent with decades of agenting ahead of me, I am looking to develop long-term partnerships with new authors. I intend to work with all of my clients for many, many books to come, and to advocate for and advise them every step of the way. Please know that I am a highly editorial agent, so if you aren’t interested in collaborating on that level, we might not be the best fit. I respect creative autonomy, of course, but I believe it’s important to have an open mind when it comes to editorial feedback.”
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Cultural Social Issues | History | Humor Nonfiction | Investigative | Journalism | Lifestyle | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Narrative Nonfiction | Pop Culture | Science | True Crime |
Biography
Teffanie Thompson is an assistant agent at Falkin Literary. Originally from Texas, Teffanie Thompson (she/her) attended Prairie View A & M University and graduated from Excelsior University. She obtained her graduate degrees from the acclaimed Writing Popular Fiction program at Seton Hill University. Teffanie has over two decades of experience working with writers in various roles including mentoring, sensitivity reading, critiquing, and editing.
She is also an author. Teffanie is a contributor in Like Sunshine After Rain (Raw Dog Screaming Press), When I Go Outside, I Go Inside (MMH Press), pictureless books, and Many Genres One Craft (Headlines Book, Inc.). Teffanie attended the 2018 Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival in Dubai, UAE. In 2016, her magical realism middle-grade novel, DIRT (Brown Girl Books), won an African American Literary Award at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York Public Library. She is currently writing a non-fiction blog series detailing her expat experiences on the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia.
Teffanie dreams to see more diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in genre fiction. She wants to represent authors who write for young adult, new adult, and adult audiences. Today, her favorite reads are Xenogenesis Series, The Hunger Games, The Alchemist, and The Giver. If asked tomorrow, this list will probably change.
Outside her fiction addiction, she embraces the joy of spinning hula hoops. Teffanie is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She resides in Texas with her food justice advocate husband.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Black Literary Agents | New Literary Agents |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Dystopian Fiction | Historical Fiction | Literary Fiction | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Speculative Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |
Biography
Sydnie Thornton is a literary agent with Word One Literary. A native Memphian, Sydnie majored in English Literature at Rhodes College. Every summer, she escaped the Memphis heat to intern at various NYC agencies and eventually joined Irene Goodman Literary Agency in 2021. SheÕs thrilled to move to Word One Literary and excited about its future. When her eyes get blurry from reading manuscripts, she likes to go explore all the seasonal activities and endless pastry shops in the city.
Sydnie is interested in YA across all genres: fantasy, historical fiction, contemporary that leans literary, as well as thrillers with upmarket qualities and distinctive characterization. As for the adult side, Sydnie is actively looking for transportive, complex historical fiction and whimsical contemporary fantasy. Regardless of genre, sheÕs very likely to connect with manuscripts that bridge the YA/Adult divide. SheÕs also committed to amplifying the voices of disabled creators.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | Historical Fiction | Horror | Inspirational Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Fitness | Health Wellness | History | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Madeline Ticknor is a literary agent with Janklow & Nesbit Associates. She began her agenting career in 2018 as an intern at Curtis Brown, and soon after began working as an assistant at the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency where she worked with award-winning authors including Carl Safina, Nancy Springer, Sarai Walker, and Bonnie Kistler, and more. In 2021, she joined Writers House as an agent associate and began building her own list. Authors she worked with at Writers House include Jonathan Franzen, Rachel Kushner, Imbolo Mbue, William T. Vollmann, Tim Murphy, Vauhini Vara, Sanjena Sathian, and many more.
In 2022 Madeline joined Janklow & Nesbit Associates and is actively building her own list of literary and commercial fiction and narrative nonfiction while also assisting PJ Mark and his authors. She’s looking for fiction that bridges the gap between commercial and literary, upmarket thrillers and grounded speculative stories that explore the ideas of family and home, and queer stories that subvert or interrogate the concept of “binary.”
A graduate of Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, Madeline now lives in Brooklyn.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |Commercial Fiction | Family Saga | General Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |General Nonfiction | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction |
Biography
Chris Tomasino is a literary agent with the Tomasino Agency. Chris has been agenting since 1975, when she joined RLR Associates, Ltd and developed their literary division. Her clients have ranged from Civil War historian and novelist Shelby Foote to former baseball manager and MLB executive Joe Torre, from talented international book packagers Labyrinth Publishing and Carroll & Brown to diverse corporate clients Angel Records and The PGA. She is as comfortable with commercial fiction as she is with highly produced full color books; with the unconventional and best-selling Anti-Coloring Books as she is with translating the online wedding resource, The Knot, into a book franchise. She shepherded Sarah Ban Breathnach’s ground-breaking Simple Abundance (2 1/2 years on the NY Times bestseller list) and its follow-ups through the publishing process. Ever ahead of the trends, she was in on the boon in young adult fiction series in the 1970’s and 1980’s, the cookbook and lifestyle rage in the 1980’s, and the blossoming of spirituality and esoterica in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Having started her own, boutique-sized agency in 2000, she is best known for representing popular non-fiction books particularly in the areas of memoir, self-help and women’s issues, and tapping into the newest theories in health, science and spirituality which are supported by impeccable research and scholarship. She is on the faculty of the M.A./M.F.A. in Creative Writing program at Wilkes University.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Young Adult Fiction | BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | General Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Religious Fiction | Sports Fiction |General Nonfiction | Art | Biography | BIPOC Nonfiction | Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Gift Novelty | Health Wellness | History | Lifestyle | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Money Finance | Multicultural Nonfiction | Photography | Psychology | Religion | Science | Self-Help | Spirituality | Sports | Travel | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Amy Tompkins is an literary agent for adult authors, childrenÕs authors and/or illustrators with the Transatlantic Agency. She has worked in publishing since 2002 and has been with the Transatlantic Agency since 2007. She represents childrenÕs authors, adult authors, select illustrators, and is the international rights agent for Islandport Press. Amy is a graduate of the Publishing Program at Ryerson University, and has an MA in English Language and Literature. She is the Secretary of PACLA (the Professional Association of Canadian Literary Agents), and teaches in the Creative Book Publishing Program at Humber College in Toronto.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | New Literary Agents | Authors and Illustrators Only |Picture Book | Chapter Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Commercial Fiction | Literary Fiction |General Nonfiction |
Biography
Steve Troha is a literary agent with Folio Literary Management. Steve has a consistent track record of working with some of the world’s biggest authors. In the past ten years, he has worked with more than 50 New York Times bestselling authors, including Jackie Collins, Andrew Morton, Augusten Burroughs, Suzanne Somers, Erica Jong, Suze Orman, Nigella Lawson, Trisha Yearwood, and Emily Giffin. He has also worked on behalf of some of today’s biggest pop culture icons such as Alec Baldwin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Morrissey, Ronnie Wood, Mary Tyler Moore and many others.
Steve’s most recent New York Times bestselling memoirs include Fairy Tale Interrupted by RoseMarie Terenzio and The End of Normal by Stephanie Madoff Mack. His most rcent deals include books by Mollie Katzen, Andrew Morton, Cooking Channel star Ben Sargent, and Jackie Collins, as well as New York Times Notable Cookbook of the Year Make the Bread, Buy the Butter by Jennifer Reese.
Steve is a graduate from The George Washington University with a degree in Political Science, and a former U.S. Congressional Fellow. Before he joined Folio he was an agent at Vigliano Associates, where he represented the firm’s highest profile authors.
As the Associate Director of Publicity for St. Martin’s Press, Steve developed and orchestrated major promotional campaigns in support of the house’s top authors. He also established a reputation with agents and editors for being a steadfast and effective advocate for his authors.
Before St. Martin’s, Steve accumulated significant experience in public relations, marketing, and branding at both the East and West coast offices of Hilsinger-Mendelson, Inc. There he worked with the most influential media contacts at national media outlets, from the Today Show and Good Morning America to People magazine and The New York Times, allowing him to bring this insider information to Folio and to his clients. Steve’s background in public relations and marketing gives him a unique ability to assist clients with book publicity and their media platforms, as well as a keen eye for trends in publishing and marketing opportunities.
Steve says: ÒMy background in PR and marketing has taught me that a book’s (and author’s) marketability is essential to achieving success in the current publishing climate. My first question is always, “Does this have great publicity potential?” If the answer is, “Yes,” I’m usually intrigued.Ó
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Picture Book | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | General Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |General Nonfiction | Biography | Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Diet Nutrition | Economics | Food Drink | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Medical Medicine | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Money Finance | Narrative Nonfiction | Parenting | Politics | Pop Culture | Science | Self-Help | Technology | True Crime |
Biography
Joy Tutela is a literary agent with the David Black Agency. A member of AAR, Joy Tutela has been with the David Black Literary Agency since 1998. Joy represents various genres of books, including projects in the following categories: narrative non-fiction, memoir, history, politics, self-help, investment, business, science, womenÕs and GLBT issues, parenting, health and fitness, humor, craft, cooking and wine, lifestyle and entertainment, commercial and literary fiction, and middle grade and young adult. She represents the New York Times bestselling Atkins series as well as New York Times bestselling Intellectual Devotional series by David Kidder and Noah Oppenheim. She also represents the New York Times bestsellers Catification and Catify to Satisfy by the host of ÒMy Cat From HellÓ Jackson Galaxy and his co-author Kate Benjamin, and Jenny SanfordÕs New York Times bestselling memoir Staying True. Other bestselling projects include Steven PuleoÕs Dark Tide and Boston Italians, Lisa J. EdwardsÕ A Dog Named Boo, and Kim SunŽeÕs Trail of Crumbs, and Kay Gardiner and Ann ShayneÕs Mason-Dixon Knitting. Joy also works with respected business leaders and organizations including Jim McCann founder and CEO of 1-800-Flowers.com; Danny Seo, eco-lifestyle guru and founder and editor-in-chief of Naturally, Danny Seo; Susan Packard, former COO and co-founder of HGTV; Jonah Sachs, founder and CEO of Free Range Studios; Ashok Bajaj, restaurateur and founder of Knightsbridge Management; Stephen Fraser, founder and CEO of the online fabric store Spoonflower; and The Athena Center for Leadership at Barnard College. Originally from and based in Red Sox Nation, Joy is a graduate of Wellesley College and the Radcliffe Publishing Course. She has been writing instructor at GoucherÕs MFA in Creative Nonfiction program. She previously worked for Harvard Business School Press and taught at an elementary school in Italy.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Action Adventure | BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Art | Beauty Fashion Style | Biography | BIPOC Nonfiction | Business Book | Computers | Cookbook Cooking | Crafts | Dating Relationships Sex | Family | Film Entertainment | Fitness | Food Drink | Health Wellness | History | Humor Nonfiction | Illustrated | Inspirational Nonfiction | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Money Finance | Multicultural Nonfiction | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Parenting | Photography | Politics | Pop Culture | Psychology | Reference | Religion | Science | Self-Help | Spirituality | Sports | Technology | Travel | True Crime | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Amanda Urban is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. Amanda says: “I joined ICM as a literary agent in 1980, serving as Co-Director of the Literary Department in New York for nineteen years, and Managing Director of ICM Books in London for six years. Prior to joining ICM, I was General Manager of New York Magazine and The Village Voice, and Editorial Manager of Esquire Magazine. I represent both fiction and non-fiction titles for many world-renowned authors and prize-winning journalists, ranging from literary novels to memoirs, biographies, and books on current affairs.”
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Picture Book | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | General Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Suspense Fiction | Thriller |General Nonfiction | Art | Biography | Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Food Drink | Health Wellness | History | Medical Medicine | Memoir | Money Finance | Narrative Nonfiction | Photography | Politics | Pop Culture | Reference | Science | Self-Help | Technology |
Biography
LŽonicka Valcius is an literary agent for adult authors, childrenÕs authors and/or illustrators with the Transatlantic Agency. After completing the publishing program at Centennial College, LŽonicka Valcius interned in the sales department at HarperCollins Canada. The skills she learned landed her a job at Scholastic Book Fairs Canada as a book buyer and marketer. Her career growth then led her to the Online and Digital Sales team at Penguin Random House Canada where she sold ebooks and audiobooks.
As the founder of #DiverseCanLit and the first Chair of the Board of the Festival of Literary Diversity, serving readers and writers of colour is the core of LŽonickaÕs career.
She is committed to her clientsÕ careers for the long-haul and continuously expands her skill set to support their needs. To that end, LŽonicka Valcius is a JD 2024 Candidate at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | New Literary Agents |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Romance | Women’s Fiction |
Brandy Vallance
Barbara Bova Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email > Online Form >Biography
Brandy Vallance is the literary agent with the Barbara Bova Literary Agency. She comes from a long line of storytellers. An old soul, she fell in love with passed-down tales, the odd and unexplained, and the pursuit of answering the mysteries that perplex us all. She loves to wander down ancient paths, explore dusty libraries, and does occasional archaeology. Her books are a lush escape into timeless romance, breathtaking adventure, and push the boundaries of what is expected. Brandy is the winner of two national writing awards, one of which included a $20,000 prize.
After more than two decades in the world of publishing, Brandy has joined Barbara Bova Literary Agency, and she is looking forward to being a champion of amazing writers and outstanding books.
Throughout the years, Brandy has been a Writing Coach, a Story Consultant, and an International Publishing Specialist. Her writing has gone around the world and her encouragement has broken the chains of fear and self-doubt. From teaching Master Classes to sitting at quiet tables, Brandy loves helping people explore their deepest truths. To find out more visit: http://www.brandyvallance.com
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |Young Adult Fiction |Christian Fiction | Christian Books ONLY |Action Adventure | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Dystopian Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Humor Fiction | Inspirational Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Mystery | Paranormal Fiction | Religious Fiction | Romance | Satire | Science Fiction | Speculative Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Western Fiction | Women’s Fiction |
Biography
Sally van Haitsma is a literary agent with Van Haitsma Literary. Sally earned her B.A. and Masters of Communication from the University of California, San Diego, and was inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Society. While in graduate school she supported herself as a civil litigation paralegal, and thereafter was co-owner of Altitude, an upscale retail store for tall women. Transitioning to publishing, she worked at an alternative weekly newspaper, the San Diego Reader, before agenting at the Castiglia Literary Agency. Sally lives with her husband Dirk Sutro and an eclectic library of books, in Encinitas, Calif.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Commercial Fiction | General Fiction | Literary Fiction |General Nonfiction | Business Book | Current Events Affairs | Education | Journalism | Memoir | Money Finance | Narrative Nonfiction | Pop Culture |
Biography
Kelly Van Sant is a literary agent with KT Literary. She has over a decade of experience in the publishing industry. She cut her teeth in New York working at esteemed literary agencies before relocating to Minnesota, where she spent years as a contracts manager for various publishers. She uses her platform as a teaching artist at the Loft Literary Center and as the co-host of the Pub Crawl podcast to empower writers to become informed and take creative control over their work and the trajectory of their careers. KellyÕs own career came full circle when she realized that her true passion was advocating on behalf of authors. She is now an agent and actively building a client list, as well as kt literaryÕs contracts manager.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Fantasy | LGBTQ Fiction | Magical Realism | Romance | Science Fiction |Mind Body Spirit | New Age | Spirituality |
Biography
Hannah VanVels Ausbury is a literary agent with the Belcastro Agency. HannahÕs life is consumed by all things bookish, and when sheÕs not working on books, she can usually be found curled up with a good cup of coffee or a glass of wine. She earned her BA at the University of Michigan and holds MA degrees from Tel Aviv University and the University of Chicago. In addition to agenting, Hannah owns a freelance editing business. Hannah has worked various bookish jobs including a stint as a bookseller at Barnes & Noble, a freelance editor for scholarly and academic essays and journals, and most recently as the acquiring editor at a young adult imprint with HarperCollins Publishing. Hannah loves working closely with authors and coming alongside them to make their vision come to life on page. She lives in West Michigan with her partner, two German Shepherds, and two cats.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Fantasy | Graphic Novel | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Thriller |
Joanna Volpe
New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc.Accepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email > Online Form >Biography
Joanna Volpe is a literary agent with New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. Joanna represents all brands of fiction (commercial, literary and genre) and has a soft spot for speculative and/or fantastical elements. On the non-fiction side she tends toward all things geek-related, general pop-culture, pop-science and narrative non-fiction featuring interesting and powerful women. Across the board, sheÕs looking for anything that highlights under-represented voices, both real and fictional.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Picture Book | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Horror | Literary Fiction | Science Fiction | Upmarket Fiction |General Nonfiction | Art | Dating Relationships Sex | How-To | Narrative Nonfiction | Pop Culture | Science | Self-Help | Technology | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Bridget Wagner Matzie is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. Bridget Wagner Matzie has represented projects such as the #1 New York Times bestseller Shattered by Jon Allen and Amie Parnes, the national bestseller The Case for Impeachment by Allan Lichtman, the New York Times bestseller The Party Is Over by Mike Lofgren, the acclaimed novel The Private Life of Mrs. Sharma by Ratika Kapur, the LA Times bestseller Against Happiness: In Praise of Melancholy by Eric Wilson, and the New York Times bestselling novel Daemon by Daniel Suarez, among others.
Matzie graduated from Colgate University with a BA in English and Writing. She attended the Columbia University publishing program and subsequently worked for ICM in New York and London, as an agent and rights director at The Sagalyn Agency, and as foreign rights manager at Random House India.
Matzie represents nonfiction and commercial fiction as an Aevitas partner based in Washington, DC, where Washingtonian Magazine listed her as one of DCÕs top book agents. She is most interested in strong original ideas, new and international voices, big-think topics and books that challenge readers and create discussion.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Commercial Fiction | General Fiction | Romance | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Autobiography | Biography | Business Book | Celebrity | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Film Entertainment | Health Wellness | History | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | Memoir | Military War Nonfiction | Money Finance | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Politics | Pop Culture | Religion | Science | Spirituality | Sports | Technology |
Biography
Mitchell Waters is a literary agent with Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents. He represents a wide and diverse array of literary and commercial fiction and nonfiction, including mystery, history, biography and memoir. He is particularly drawn to historical fiction and voice-driven narratives, especially when both dark and humorous. He is also looking for realistic young adult fiction. He served for ten years on the Board of Directors of the Association of AuthorsÕ Representatives and is currently head of the membership committee.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery |General Nonfiction | Biography | Health Wellness | History | Memoir |
Biography
Carly Watters is a literary agent with the P.S. Literary Agency. She began her publishing career in London at the Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agency. She has a BA in English Literature from QueenÕs University and a MA in Publishing Studies from City University London. Since joining PSLA in 2010 Carly has had great success launching new creators domestically and abroad. Never without a book on hand she reads across categories which is reflected in the genres she represents at PSLA. Representing debuts and bestsellers, Carly is drawn to: emotional, well-paced fiction with a great voice and characters that readers can get invested in, and platform-driven non-fiction.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents | Member of the AALA |BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Family Saga | Historical Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Mystery | Romance | Speculative Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Beauty Fashion Style | Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Dating Relationships Sex | Health Wellness | Journalism | Lifestyle | Memoir | Parenting | Pop Culture | Psychology | Science | Self-Help | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Jessica joined The Dijkstra Agency in 2013.
A graduate of the University of California at Irvine, Jessica is a lifelong book lover and former indie book reviewer.
Jessica is most drawn to riveting and heart pounding romance. She loves fun, fresh voices and character driven stories that keep a reader turning the page because they need to know what happens next. Independent heroines are a must, in addition to well realized heroes who aren’t alpha-holes. She also loves fantasy that will appeal to a broad readership, especially if it has some spice in it!
In the children’s realm, she connects with anything that has heart and humor.
Jessica does like the occasional pop-culture or millenial leaning non-fiction project.
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CLOSED to Submissions | Authors and Illustrators Only | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Erotic Fiction | Espionage Military Fiction | Fantasy | Historical Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Cookbook Cooking | Memoir | Poetry | Pop Culture | Religion | Self-Help | Spirituality |
Biography
Bethany Weaver is the founder and a literary agent with Weaver Literary & Management. She began her career as an intern for the phenomenal Creative Media Inc where she then moved between different avenues of publishing. Most recently, she worked for Storm Literary Agency as their sole Foreign Rights agent.
Before publishing, she earned her BA in English with a concentration on writing, editing, and media and pursued a career with her local newspaper eventually making the switch to the USA Today where she still resides.
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Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Erotic Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Horror | Magical Realism | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Religious Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction |Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Pop Culture | Spirituality | True Crime | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Elisabeth Weed is a literary agent and partner with The Book Group. She began her publishing career at Curtis Brown in 1999. In 2007, Elisabeth opened her own agency, Weed Literary, where she began focusing primarily on upmarket fiction. She is especially attracted to plot-driven novels with a sense of place, and loves discovering new voices. Elisabeth is committed to working with authors not just on individual titles, but for the long term. Her clientsÕ novels have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists as well as international bestseller lists around the globe.
A few books I loved reading in my free time… The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V. E. Schwab, My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite, Long Bright River by Liz Moore, In the Woods by Tana French, The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin, The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai, and Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano.
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Accepting Submissions |Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Dystopian Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |
Cherry Weiner
Cherry Weiner Literary AgencyCLOSED to SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email > Postal Mail >Biography
Cherry Weiner is a literary agent with the Cherry Weiner Literary Agency. The Cherry Weiner Literary Agency ÒunofficiallyÓ started at the end of 1976 and officially in May of 1977. Criteria: Much as I always say I have no room, there is always room for one more. But that one more has to come from a TOTAL EXCITEMENT on the manuscript and knowledge that the author and I do have a chemistry that will allow us to work together. Usually that comes from meeting someone at a conference, or one of my authors and/or editors recommends that I take a look at someone’s work. No more than 50 clientsÉat this point it stands around 45. I don’t charge reading fees. Never have. Never will. I don’t handle children’s/ young adultÑexcept the occasional, limited to my already authors, poetry, most non-fictionÉbut there again you could hook me depending on the subject As for favoriteÉno matter the genre, if the writing is good and I can get excited I will handle it to the best of my ability. SALES: in both hardcover and paperback: Mainstream (whatever that is), Thrillers/suspense, Women’s novels, All the various romance categories, Westerns, Native American *big* novels and Nonfiction, Historical/contemporary mystery series, Military science fiction/General science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror.
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CLOSED to Submissions |Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Horror | Mainstream Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction |General Nonfiction | Biography | Business Book | Economics | How-To | Money Finance |
Biography
Samantha Wekstein is a literary agent with the Thompson Literary Agency. She grew up in Westchester, NY. She attended the University of Maryland, College Park and received a B.A. in English. She now lives in NYC with her husband and dog. After internships with Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency and Rowman & Littlefield, she began her career in 2013 at Writers House LLC. She then briefly worked as an assistant at The Agency Group (now UTA) before returning to Writers House for the next 5 years where she began supporting the CEO, and then the Founder, before becoming an agent. SheÕs been lucky to work with a variety of best-selling and award winning authors across all genres. She joined TLA in 2019 where sheÕs excited to grow her list. In YA, she loves creative and epic fantasies, but she is also drawn to realistic stories with multi-dimensional female characters. She is always interested in elevating diverse voices, particularly through feminist narratives. She is seeking middle grade of all stripes, but especially stories that deal with themes of friendship, adventure, or encountering tragedy for the first time. She is also on the lookout for whimsical, meaningful, and funny picture books. On the adult side she is drawn to commercial voices in Romance, WomenÕs Fiction, Historical Fiction, Sci-Fi and Fantasy.
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Accepting Submissions | Authors and Illustrators Only |Picture Book | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Upmarket Fiction | Western Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Cultural Social Issues | Humor Nonfiction | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction | Pop Culture | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Roseanne Wells is a literary agent with Lucinda Literary. She joined Lucinda Literary Agency in 2022. She is is eager to see diverse voices and marginalized stories. In adult nonfiction, she is looking for narrative nonfictionÑespecially popular science and history, pop culture, and big idea books with personal stakesÑas well as food books and cookbooks with a fresh perspective on cuisine or culture, all with a strong hook and takeaway for the reader. SheÕs considering YA and MG of all genres and nonfiction picture books by referral only.
Roseanne Wells joined Lucinda Literary Agency in 2022. Previously with The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency since 2012 and the Marianne Strong Literary Agency before that, she has also worked as a proofreader and a special sales/editorial assistant. She graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with degrees in literature and dance. An avid reader, Roseanne discovered her passion for book publishing during her internship at W. W. Norton, and she approaches agenting as a writerÕs advocate and partner. She is a former volunteer for Housing Works Bookstore Cafe in Soho, NYC.
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Accepting Submissions |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Action Adventure | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | Graphic Novel | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Satire | Science Fiction |Art | Biography | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Design | Environment | Film Entertainment | Food Drink | Gift Novelty | History | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Memoir | Multicultural Nonfiction | Narrative Nonfiction | Nature | Pop Culture | Psychology | Science | Technology | Travel | True Crime |