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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
Anne Tibbets is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. She joined DMLA in 2021, and was previously at D4EO Literary Agency. She represents adult and young adult commercial genre, primarily thrillers, mysteries, science fiction, fantasy, horror, and historical womenÕs fiction. A screenwriter and published author, Anne lives in the Los Angeles area and has a BA in Theatre Arts from California State University, Fullerton.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Madeline Ticknor is a literary assistant 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
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Technology
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
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Religious Fiction, Sports FictionNONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, Illustrated, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Psychology, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Travel, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Amy Tompkins is a literary agent at 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
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Science FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Suzie Townsend
New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc.Accepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Suzie Townsend is a literary agent with New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. Prior to joining New Leaf, Suzie graduated film school, earned her Masters of Education, taught high school English, and coached a swim team. In her spare time, she read everything she could, which prompted her move to publishing. She got her start as an intern at FinePrint Literary Management where she was hired as an assistant before making the move to literary agent. SheÕs been part of the team at New Leaf Literary & Media since its inception in 2012.Suzie represents all brands of childrenÕs and adult fiction. She loves womenÕs fiction, all subgenres of romance, fantasy, and crime fiction. On the childrenÕs side, she particularly loves YA and MG. Suzie loves strong characters and voice-driven stories that break out of the typical tropes of their genres, and sheÕs always looking for unique new voices in stories.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult 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
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Self-Help, Technology, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
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
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Beauty Fashion Style, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Computers, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Inspirational Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel, True Crime, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Amanda Urban is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. Based in the New York office, she represents 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. She has represented a long list of writers, including Toni Morrison, Cormac McCarthy, Haruki Murakami, Kazuo Ishiguro, Jennifer Egan, Michael Pollan, Isabel Wilkerson, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Walter Isaacson. She joined CAA in 2022 following the agencyÕs acquisition of ICM. She had been with ICM since 1980, where she held the position of 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, she was General Manager of New York Magazine and The Village Voice, and Editorial Manager of Esquire Magazine.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Science, Self-Help, TechnologyCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
LŽonicka Valcius is a literary agent at 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
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Religious Fiction
Biography
Matthew Valdez is an Agent at the Megibow Liteary Agency. MatthewÕs love of literature began as a teenager when his mom handed him a copy of TWILIGHT after years of being a reluctant reader. Then, in college he took a Young Adult Literature class and was further hooked on young adult novels. In fact, it was this Lit professor who encouraged Matthew to attend a YALLFest that launched him into the world of publishing. With over a decade of volunteering at conferences and interning at literary agencies, Matthew brings a behind-the-scenes perspective to his job as agent. Matthew holds a BachelorÕs in Secondary Education from the Metropolitan State University of Denver, and is currently attending The University of Central Florida to obtain his MasterÕs in Educational Leadership. He lives in sunny Florida where he teaches High School English and hopes just a sliver of his passion for books rubs off on his students.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Brandy Vallance
Barbara Bova Literary AgencyCLOSED to SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
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
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, 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 FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult FictionNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian 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
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary FictionNONFICTION: Business Book, Current Events Affairs, Education, General Nonfiction, Journalism, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, 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
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Mind Body Spirit, New Age, Nonfiction, SpiritualityCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Joanna Volpe
New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc.CLOSED to SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
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
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: Art, BIPOC Nonfiction, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, How-To, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Self-Help, Technology, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
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
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Romance, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, 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
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, MysteryNONFICTION: Biography, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Memoir, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Carly Watters is a senior literary agent and senior advisor at P.S. Literary Agency. She has a MA in Publishing Studies from City St. GeorgeÕs at the University of London and is a graduate of Harvard Business SchoolÕs Business of Entertainment, Media and Sports program.SheÕs been a literary agent for 15 years and represents award-winners and bestsellers in a variety of categories. She is known for her long-term vision for her authors and being an excellent collaborator with a nose for commercial success. Her clientsÕ books have been translated into 40 languages, optioned for TV and film, and have been on every bestseller list from coast to coast, including theÊNew York Times,ÊUSA TODAY, theÊLA Times, theÊWashington Post, theÊToronto Star, and theÊGlobe and Mail.Carly spent two terms as Vice President of the Professional Association of Canadian Literary Agents and is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents.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
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Dating Relationships Sex, Health Wellness, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Psychology, Science
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.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
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.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Spirituality, True Crime, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Vicky Weber is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency, Inc. She has always loved literature, even from a young age. In 2015, she began her career as an elementary school teacher and earned her Masters in Teaching & Learning with a concentration in ESL. Her first childrenÕs was published in late 2019, and sheÕs never looked back! In April 2021, she gave birth to her daughter and left the classroom several months later to pursue writing full-time. She founded At Home Author, a coaching company to help other aspiring picture book authors learn the industry. She joined The Purcell Agency as an associate literary agent in 2022 and was promoted to literary agent in January 2023. In April 2023, her family grew once more with the arrival of her son and in May 2024, she joined the team at CMA. As a Latinx agent and author, she strongly prefers to work with traditionally underrepresented voices whenever possible. She firmly believes that growing her author list is like growing her little family and she does so with intention.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
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.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction
Cherry Weiner
Cherry Weiner Literary AgencyCLOSED to SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Postal MailBiography
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.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Mainstream Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Economics, General Nonfiction, How-To, Money Finance, Nonfiction
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.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, History, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jennifer Weltz is a literary agent with the Jean Naggar Literary Agency. As President of JVNLA, Jennifer Weltz has sold books domestically, internationally, and for film for nearly two decades. Coming from a mediation background, Jennifer sees herself as a liaison between her author and the editor and publishing house that acquire her author’s work. This role takes on a myriad of formsÑbusiness manager, confidant, task master, preliminary editor, and matchmakerÑto name a few. Since Jennifer takes up an author’s career and not just a project, she is very careful and selective about signing on new authors.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Magical Realism, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Science, Self-Help, TechnologyCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Lauren Wendelken is a literary agent with Susanna Lea Associates. She is a Midwesterner and a neuroscientist by training. She began working with Susanna Lea Associates in New York in 2007. After a six year hiatus in San Francisco, where she worked at UCSF with Dr. Victor ValcourÕs NeuroAIDS research group, she was thrilled to return to the SLA fold in 2016. Lauren is passionate about nonfiction books with a social mission, or those which aim to make science accessible to all, as well as upmarket commercial fiction, literary fiction, and speculative fiction.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Cultural Social Issues, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science
Biography
Alisha West is a literary agent with Victress Literary. She resides in Washington State. SheÕs had a life-long love affair with stories, earning a BA in English and an MA in WomenÕs and Gender Studies. Her thesis, Exploring the Missing Pieces: Readers, Religion and Societal relations in One Magazine, 1954-1963, concerns one of the first widely circulated gay and lesbian magazines published in the U.S. (downloaded 300+ times). Her personal essay, ÒWalking Sweet Dee,Ó took third place in the Adult Short Topic category of the Pacific Northwest WriterÕs AssociationÕs Literary Contest in 2022.After bonding with Lizz during the after party of the PNWA awards ceremony, Alisha jumped at the chance to join Victress Literary as an editorial assistant in November 2022. Because of her commitment, cheerleading, and creativity, she was promoted to Junior Agent in May 2023. Her favorite tasks include reading submissions and editing manuscripts from Victress clients.When Alisha isnÕt reading, editing or writing about womenÕs rights and queer history, she enjoys playing with her fur babies (Roary Gilmore, Sweet Dee and Charlie Kelly), practicing guitar, gaming, and watching all the best stories film has to offer with her partner, Matt.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Environment, Fitness, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Self-Help, True Crime, Women’s Issues
Biography
Kimberly Whalen is a literary agent with and the founder of The Whalen Agency. Before founding The Whalen Agency, Kimberly Whalen worked at a major New York City literary agency for 15 years, where she represented dozens of New York Times bestselling clients. Those clients delivered over 40 New York Times bestselling books, multiple #1 New York Times bestsellers, dozens of international bestsellers (including #1 international bestsellers) and netted several eight-figure deals.Prior to her renowned career as a literary agent, Kimberly Whalen worked as the foreign rights director at St. MartinÕs Press. The experience of working at a publishing company as well as her background in selling international rights for over 20 years provides her clients with a truly unique and global expertise that is unparalleled in the industry.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Celebrity, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop CultureCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction