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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): Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Colleen Oefelein is a literary agent with MacGregor & Luedeke. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering with a focus in Biotechnology and a Bachelor of Science in German with a minor in International Business, both from Penn State. With over a decade of experience in the publishing industry, Colleen has worked at a couple literary agencies as both an associate agent and PR manager. SheÕs hosted numerous ÒPitch PerfectÓ and ÒRejection CorrectionÓ workshops on Facebook and at conferences nationwide and mentored several authors one-on-one through online pitch contests such as Pitch Wars. Also an author of young adult fantasy and memoir, Colleen has a deep appreciation for bond between an author and their art as well as a keen understanding of the PR world, having been featured in People Magazine, on Inside Edition, Fox NewsÕs Tucker Carlson and on 20/20. Colleen is a disabled veteran living in Alaska with her husband, son, and boerboel. A former 911 call taker and dispatcher for Alaska State Troopers, she has a soft spot for veterans and law enforcement families. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors and teaches creative writing workshops and Irish dance to homeschoolers. As a literary agent, Colleen is looking for romanceÐheart-rending love stories in most sub-genres (no erotica) and romantic suspense, as well as young adult and adult fiction: harsh and sobering contemporary, low fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, unusual re-tellings, suspense and thriller. In nonfiction, sheÕs interested in proposals for high-profile crime memoir, whistleblower memoir and narrative nonfiction on the subjects of science or medicine.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Celebrity, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Science, Sports, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Amaryah Orenstein is a literary agent with GO Literary. She has always loved to read and provide (oftentimes unsolicited) editorial advice and, as a literary agent, she is thrilled to help writers bring their ideas to life. She is particularly drawn to narrative non-fiction and memoir but enjoys any book that connects the reader to its characters and evokes thought and feeling. Amaryah began her career at the Laura Gross Literary Agency in 2009 and, prior to that, she worked as an Editorial Assistant at various academic research foundations, including the Tauber Institute, where she edited books for Brandeis University Press/University Press of New England. Originally from Montreal, Canada, Amaryah earned a BA at McGill University before coming to the United States to pursue graduate studies in American History. She completed an MA at Ohio UniversityÕs Contemporary History Institute and a PhD at Brandeis University, and currently serves as Co-President of the Boston chapter of the WomenÕs National Book Association.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Food Drink, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Sports, Travel, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Amanda Orozco is an literary agent for adult authors, childrenÕs authors and/or illustrators with the Transatlantic Agency. Before joining the Transatlantic Agency in the fall of 2020, Amanda Orozco gained a breadth of experience in academic publishing, publicity, subsidiary rights, and agenting. She graduated from UCLA with a degree in Physiological Science and an English minor and worked as a fine art instructor and freelance editor for several years before moving to New York to complete the NYU Masters of Science in Publishing: Digital and Print Media. While at NYU, she worked at the National Book Foundation, Shreve Williams Public Relations, and The Gernert Company; she was also selected to attend the Frankfurt Book Fair and the Beijing International Book Fair. Upon graduating from NYU in 2019, she worked in Subsidiary Rights at Little, Brown, where she helped sell rights for authors such as Michael Connelly, Elin Hilderbrand, and Sarah Knight, until discovering agenting was her true calling. She worked at Park & Fine Literary and Media before moving back to Los Angeles, where she is working with authors such as Vanessa AngŽlica Villarreal, Vickie Vertiz, Dr. Anthony Christian Ocampo, Nick Medina, Tania De Rozario, Mar’a Alejandra Barrios, and Vanessa Friedman. Amanda is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA); her aim is to elevate and amplify marginalized voices always.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Gift Novelty, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Technology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Rachel Orr is a literary agent with Prospect Agency. She says: “Like most agents, IÕve always been a reader. When I was a child, reading inside on a beautiful summer day, my parents would tell me to go outside. So I would go outsideÑand read my book. (Maybe they should have been a little more specific.) I began my publishing career while I was still a student at Kenyon College, interning for both the Kenyon Review and Highlights for Children magazine. After graduation, I had a short stint as a bookseller in the childrenÕs department at Barnes & Noble, and then worked for eight years as an editor at HarperCollins ChildrenÕs Books. I joined Prospect Agency in 2007, and I continue to edit my clientsÕ work before sending their projects out on submission. My favorite part of my job is the chance to collaborate with such talented authors and illustrators, and to work with them for the duration of their career. I also love working with clients who have more than one idea and are willing to revise. Since I really value the importance of a personal connection with authors and illustrators, I love meeting potential clients at conferences and through classes. I also really enjoy the opportunity to teach and to share information about the industry. As a result, I love speaking at SCBWI conferences across the country, as well as serving on the faculty of the OCCBWW in Oceanside, Oregon. In addition, IÕve taught novel-writing classes through both Mediabistro.com and the California State UniversityÕs Summer Arts program, and I have served as a Mentor Committee Co-Chair for the Rutgers One-on-One Conference for the past seven years.”
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kathleen Ortiz is a literary agent with and the founder of KO Media Management. She founded her own agency in 2022, after working in publishing and international licensing for over a decade, including roles as Director of Translation, Subsidiary Rights Manager and Literary Agent. She earned her M.S. in Publishing from Pace University, and has spent her career helping build and elevate creative brands. Her focus is on books and media for adults and children, especially with a visual element. She loves media and books that bring humor and joy and inspire others in life. She is a member of Licensing International and the Association of American Literary Agents.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Humor Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, Economics, Health Wellness, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology CHILDRENÕS 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
Biography
Kristin Ostby is a literary agent with the Greenhouse Literary Agency. She represents authors of middle grade and young adult fiction, as well as picture book author/illustrators and select adult fiction. She is primarily seeking tightly written, tightly plotted, fast-paced commercial middle-grade and young adult fictionÑadventure, mystery, and contemporary humorÑas well as young adult romance. As the daughter of a librarian and a businessperson, itÕs really no wonder Kristin wound up in the book biz. Kristin moved from Michigan to New York to begin her life in publishing at Penguin Random House, and after sixteen years as a childrenÕs book editor (and freelance writer on the side), she rose to become a senior editor at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. Kristin has had the joy and pleasure of editing childrenÕs book legend Tomie dePaola; New York Times bestselling authors like Stuart Gibbs (Spy School) and US soccer star Alex Morgan (The Kicks); and award-winning creators including Daniel Miyares (Float), Jessica Lawson (Nooks & Crannies), and Heather Vogel Frederick (The Mother-Daughter Book Club). She also edited the mainstay bestseller I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy and Elizabeth Baddeley. Kristin loves guiding authors and illustrators toward their best work and advocating for them in service of building successful, sustainable artistic careers.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Duvall Osteen is a literary agent with United Talent Agency (UTA). She represents a diverse list of debut, award-winning, bestselling, and notable authors. Before joining UTA, she spent 11 years as an agent at Aragi Inc., focusing on literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, and graphic novels. Her literary interests include writing rooted in place, especially the global South, multigenerational storytelling, crime, and literary suspense. In both fiction and non-fiction, she gravitates towards books across genres with big, original, astute, immersive voices. She is a passionate advocate for her authors, and tailors her approach to representation based on their needs. Above all, she prioritizes close editorial relationships. Duvall was raised in the South, and is based in Manhattan, where she lives with her family. She holds a Master of Arts in Southern Cultural Studies from the University of Mississippi.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Business Book, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Self-Help CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jeff Ourvan is a literary agent with the Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency. Jeff Ourvan, an attorney, published author and writing instructor, is a literary agent with the Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency. His interests are varied: he represents nonfiction works, especially narrative nonfiction, histories, biographies, science, food and sports. He also represents fiction writers, particularly in the young adult, thriller and romance categories. Jeff heads the Agency’s book-to-film efforts, and he is the founder of The WriteWorkshop, an intensive writing workshop for New York-area writers. His most recently authored work is THE STAR-SPANGLED BUDDHIST (Skyhorse).
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Sports, Technology, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Courtney Paganelli
Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Courtney Paganelli is a literary agent with the Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency. She joined the agency in May of 2019 and currently assists Jim Levine, Stephanie Rostan, and Victoria Skurnick. Courtney graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in English Literature. Her time in the Twin Cities was both bone-chilling and rewarding as she launched her publishing career as an intern with Wise Ink Creative Publishing. Upon graduation she returned home to the East Coast and began working on prominent business titles at Pearson. She later joined the managing editorial department at Random House ChildrenÕs books before becoming a part of the team at LGR. Throughout her career, Courtney has been inspired by authors who have taken their personal struggles and turned them into relatable stories. Her favorite novels incite emotion, whether fear, heartbreak, or happiness Ñ a book that makes her feel something is one she will read time and time again. Courtney enjoys diving into contemporary romances, relationship-driven literary fiction, psychological thrillers, and anything so scary that it will make her second guess whether or not she locked her door. In the young adult space, she particularly loves books that donÕt shy away from tough conversations pertaining to mental health, addiction, or abuse. She is looking for adult or young adult novels that will make her laugh, cry, and maybe slightly afraid of the dark. Some (but certainly not all) of her favorite authors include Stephen King, Laurie Halse Anderson, Jennifer Niven, Marisha Pessl, Gillian Flynn, Jessica Knoll, Lisa Lutz, Lisa Gardner, and Kara Thomas.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Economics, Film Entertainment, How-To, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Pop Culture, Self-Help, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Saribel Pages is a literary agent with Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency. Spanish Harlem born and bred, Saribel graduated from Kalamazoo College with a B.S in Anthropology, an embarrassingly long to be read list, and a passion for childrenÕs literature. This passion led her to positions at Penguin Random House and W.W. Norton, where she learned about the different sides of the publishing industry. Now at Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency, she is excited to work with a team so dedicated to uplifting marginalized voices. When not reading, you can find her playing various tabletop roleplaying games or explaining roller derby to her friends.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Zo‘ Pagnamenta is a literary agent with Calligraph. She comes to Calligraph as a Managing Partner from her own agency, which she established in 2008. Prior to that she ran the New York office of Peters, Fraser & Dunlop (PFD) for four years and worked in the US and UK offices of the Wylie Agency. Her interests are wide-ranging; she represents non-fiction: history, narrative journalism, biography, memoir, popular science, Òbig ideaÓ books, smart self-help, spirituality, technology, business, in addition to works of cultural criticism, as well as some literary fiction. Her clients include Libyan novelist Hisham Matar, author of the Pulitzer Prize winning memoir The Return, celebrated ceramicist Edmund de Waal, author of The Hare with Amber Eyes, Adam Nicolson, author of Life Between the Tides, Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering and the NYTimes bestselling writer Tom Vanderbilt, author of Beginners, among many others. In addition to representing US writers, Pagnamenta works closely with several UK agencies and represents a number of writers in North America on their behalf, including the historian Peter Frankopan, the biographer Hermione Lee, the economist Tim Harford and the philosopher and writer Alain de Botton. Zo‘ is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents, and serves as President on the board of The Young Vic in America. She has served as member of the Brooklyn Literary Council, and is a member of the Advisory Committee for the Cundill Prize. She is a Fellow of the New York Institute for the Humanities.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, True Crime, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ayesha Pande is a literary agent with Ayesha Pande Literary. Ayesha founded APL in 2007. Before becoming an agent she held several editorial positions, including most recently as a senior editor at Farrar Straus and Giroux. She is on the board of Art Omi and the AALA (Association of American Literary Agents) where she founded the Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and helped launch the non-profit Literary Agents of Change. Her client roster includes Ibram X. Kendi, Patricia Engel, Danielle Evans, Matthew Salesses and Lisa Ko. While her interests are wide-ranging and eclectic, she works mostly with literary fiction, narrative nonfiction across a broad range of topics including history and cultural commentary, memoir and biography, and the occasional work of young adult fiction. She is drawn to distinctive voices with a compelling point of view and memorable characters. Ayesha’s greatest joy is in finding and launching new literary voices.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Gina Panettieri is a literary agent with and the founder of Talcott Notch Literary Services. She says: “Being an agent is really all I can imagine doing. Books, and the amazing people who write them, have been the focus of my life for more than two decades. I remember packing to move my house and needing a separate small truck just for all the books, and I had given away countless volumes to the libraries for fundraisers already! But so many of them were treasured friends I couldn’t bear to part with, no matter the effort required to maintain the relationship. And this specific role I play, being given the chance to find and nurture new books, to work with some of the most creative and talented writers, scientists and psychologists, cooks and criminologists, experts from every field of study, makes what I do feel so different from work that my inbox feels like Santa’s magical Christmas bag. It’s always full, always overflowing, but brimming with the potential of something spectacular. All I’ve got to do is pull the little ribbon… Perhaps that’s why I have such trouble limiting myself to just a few genres. I find it all fascinating! History, business, self-help, science, gardening, cookbooks, crafts, parenting, memoir, true crime and travel. Teach me something new, something I couldn’t find somewhere else, something based on original research and that’s the hook I’m looking for. With fiction, I love quirky, edgy characters. Send me women’s fiction, paranormal, urban fantasy, horror, science fiction, historical, mystery, thrillers and suspense. Those rare moments I’m not reading or editing or talking about reading or editing or arguing about contracts, sleeping on the train, or tweeting about industry news, I adore classic films and old-time radio shows.”
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Roma Panganiban is a literary agent with the Azantian Literary Agency. She began her publishing career at The Gernert Company before moving to Janklow & Nesbit in 2019, where she began representing literary and upmarket fiction and nonfiction across the adult and childrenÕs markets. She joined the Azantian Literary Agency in 2025 to continue championing fresh, unexpected perspectives, particularly those of writers from underrepresented communities. Her taste leans literary, but she is open to fiction that incorporates genre elements, as well as work that defies categorization altogether. She is interested in narrative nonfiction that reorients our understanding of history, culture, science, society, and ourselves, and creative nonfiction that appeals equally to the heart, mind, and sense of humor. Roma is a member of the American Association of Literary Agents (AALA) and an ambivalent Twitter and Bluesky user (@romapancake). She lives in Brooklyn.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Education, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Ammi-Joan Paquette is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. She represents a wide range of childrenÕs and young adult authors and illustrators, and a select list of authors writing for adults. Her clientsÕ books include New York Times and USA Today bestsellers, winners and finalists for the National Book Award, the Carnegie medal, the Kirkus Prize, the LA Times Book Award, the Boston GlobeÐHorn Book Award, the Printz Award, the Pura Belpre Award, the Coretta Scott King Award, the Walter Award, IrelandÕs Great Reads Award, and many more. She represented Jeanne RyanÕs NYT bestselling YA novel Nerve, which was made into a major motion picture starring Emma Roberts and Dave Franco; and Michelle RayÕs Falling for Hamlet, which was made into the TV series ÒThe Royals,Ó starring Elizabeth Hurley. As an author herself, Joan has published twenty books for young readers, which have been translated into nine languages and have received numerous accolades, including a nomination for the Massachusetts Book Award and a PEN-New England Discovery Award honor. Her adult short fiction debut, Stories I Told My Dead Lover, was published in 2024. She brings this unique dual perspective on the publishing industry to her agenting career. Joan accepts queries only by referral, or from creators who attend events where she is presenting. She is most excited by strongly voiced, bold stories that take risks and have depth and resonance. Tight pacing and rich, evocative language especially catch her eye. She lives in Brooklyn, NY.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Romance, Science Fiction NONFICTION: Art, How-To, Nonfiction, Photography CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Liz Parker is a literary agent with the Verve Talent & Literary Agency. She runs the publishing team at Verve Talent & Literary, an agency based in New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA. She represents horror, upmarket and literary fiction, select graphic novels and YA, as well as memoir, sociopolitical, narrative and platform-driven nonfiction. Liz began her career in editorial, serving as an editorial assistant at Viking/Penguin, and ultimately as the publishing director at Counterpoint and Soft Skull Press. She was a scout with Maria B. Campbell Associates, and spent three years with InkWell Management before joining Verve Talent & Literary in April 2018.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Literary Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Sarah Passick is a literary agent and partner with Park, Fine & Brower Literary Management. Executive Director of Commercial Nonfiction Sarah Passick represents authors with important missions that disrupt the way we see the world. Sarah leads the commercial nonfiction team in crafting the agencyÕs editorial, publicity, and marketing strategy across all commercial nonfiction clients. As an extremely hands on partner, Sarah tailors each client experience to their individual needs. She works side by side with each author through the inception of an idea, finding the right publishing partner, negotiating the best deals, and crafting successful promotional campaigns, ensuring that the team is executing at the highest level. Sarah represents media-driven storytellers across genres in narrative nonfiction, memoir, personal development, business, cooking, and select fiction and childrenÕs books. Sarah prides herself on securing major book deals and having a gift for getting to know the unique needs of each individual client and project to create the most successful and rewarding publication possible. Sarah has helped clients get their own television shows, book national media, and make career-changing connections with traditional and nontraditional influencers. Some of her authors include Logic, JoJo Siwa, Dr. William Li, Garcelle Beauvais, Colin OÕBrady, Charles Oakley, Laila Ali, Nico Tortorella, Amber Rae, and more. Sarah graduated Cum Laude from Tulane University and holds a certificate in publishing from New York University. She lives in New York City.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Self-Help CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Emma Patterson is a literary agent with Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents. She represents fiction ranging from dark, literary novels to historical and upmarket fiction; narrative non-fiction that includes memoir, investigative journalism, and popular history; and young adult fiction along similar lines. She is drawn to both domestic and far-flung settings (while remaining on Earth) that are original and transporting. She is looking for fresh, lyrical, and voice-driven writing, suspenseful plots, emotional narratives, and unforgettable characters.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, History, Investigative, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Miranda Paul is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. She joined EMLA in 2019, and Aevitas in 2025. Miranda represents a range of projects in fiction and nonfiction, with a heavy focus on writing and illustration for childrens and teens, and gravitates towards books that include science, nature, or global themes. She is actively seeking to represent more adult projects as well as new illustrator clients. In addition to agenting, Miranda is the award-winning author of more than two dozen books for children including One Plastic Bag (illus. Elizabeth Zunon), Speak Up (ill. Ebony Glenn), and Water is Water (illus. Jason Chin). Her client list includes Yangsook Choi, Suma Subramaniam, Chana Stiefel, and more.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Nicole Payne is a literary agent with Copps Literary Services. Many moons ago, a book-loving nerd was given a chance to live out her childhood dream of being a literary agent. Starting from reader to intern, Nicole Payne ultimately became an agent in the summer of 2016. Now she embarks on a new journey, joining Copps Literary Services in 2023.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Health Wellness, Humor Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Nonfiction, Science, Travel, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction
Biography
Sharon Pelletier is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. She joined DG&B in 2013 after working for Europa Editions, Vantage Press, and Barnes & Noble. Born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, Sharon moved to New York in 2009 and now can’t imagine ever living anywhere else. In addition to growing her own list, Sharon oversees digital projects and social media for the agency. While her interests are broad, Sharon is especially seeking upmarket fiction, including unexpected suspense fiction; smart, complex womenÕs fiction; and hearty, unforgettable book club fiction. On the nonfiction side Sharon is eager for compelling, fierce narrative nonfiction by journalists and experts, and emerging voices with a growing platform who can speak to pop culture, feminism, sports, social justice, and/or religion.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, History, How-To, Journalism, Law Legal, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Alexandra Penfold is a literary agent with Upstart Crow Literary. She has been working in publishing for over a decade. Formerly an Editor at Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, she specializes in young picture books, middle-grade fiction, and young adult. Prior to becoming an editor, Alexandra was a childrenÕs book publicist. She worked on media campaigns that appeared in USA Today, Newsweek, US News and World Report, and NPRÕs All Things Considered. SheÕs the co-author of New York a la Cart: Recipes and Stories from the Big AppleÕs Best Food Trucks and the author of Eat, Sleep, Poop, illustrated by Jane Massey and We Are Brothers, We Are Friends, illustrated by Eda Kaban as well as three forthcoming picture books, for more on AlexandraÕs books visit her website. Alexandra is looking to take on select lifestyle and cooking projects in addition to childrenÕs books.
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NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Travis Pennington is an associate agent and does marketing for The Knight Agency. After working in the education field for over ten years, Travis turned his attention to writing, completing his first novel and helping others market their books as well. He launched a media business that has assisted both independent and New York Times bestselling authors with branding their work. He provides content and layout support for the agency newsletter, designs both advertorials and book covers, aids in the management of the agencyÕs social media venues, and processes digital titles through the assisted self-publishing program.
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FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Inspirational Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Health Wellness, History, Inspirational Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Travel, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Lara Perkins is an Associate Agent and Digital Manager at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Lara represents NYT bestselling and award-winning authors and illustrators of picture books, middle grade, and YA fiction and nonfiction. She loves digging in editorially with clients, but her favorite part of being an agent is working with each author and illustrator to build a unique, long, and satisfying career. Lara has a BA in English and Fine Arts from Amherst College and an MA in English Literature from Columbia University, where she studied feminist and postcolonial theory. Prior to joining ABLA in 2010, she studied architecture at a graduate level at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) and then began her career in publishing as an assistant at the B.J. Robbins Literary Agency. After many years in New York and the San Francisco Bay area, Lara lives in her hometown of Los Angeles with her family, including her two kids who love picture books almost as much as she does. She drinks far too much coffee.
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CHILDRENÕS 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
Biography
Martha Perotto-Wills is a literary agent with The Bent Agency. She says: “I assist Molly Ker Hawn in the Bent AgencyÕs London office and am building my own list, representing authors of adult literary fiction and sci-fi/fantasy/horror, as well as select adult non-fiction and middle-grade and young adult fiction. I grew up in Deptford, southeast London. After finishing my BA in History at Cambridge University, I spent a few years as a bookseller and cataloguer in the wild world of second-hand, rare, and antiquarian books. I did my MA in Queer History at Goldsmiths College, where I researched queer-coding in 1920s fashion journalism. I joined the Bent Agency in 2019. I read pretty omnivorously, but across all genres I particularly enjoy: authorial confidence; unexpected, singular narrative voices; good, stylish sentences; humour/wit; knotty interpersonal relationships; and transportive writing that immerses me in a fully-formed world, whether fantastical, geographical, or emotional. A random selection of old and new favourites: Shirley Jackson, Patricia HighsmithÕs Ripley novels, Confessions of the Fox, Diana Souhami, Tamora Pierce, LOTE, The Worst Journey in the World, Tamsyn Muir, Eve Babitz, Dusty Answer, Julia Armfield, Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl, Happy All the Time, Hilary Mantel, Sybille Bedford, His Dark Materials, Less, Michelle Tea’s Black Wave, Dorothy L Sayers, Alexander Chee’s The Queen of the Night, The Secret History, Susanna Clarke, Michelle Paver, Pamela Dean’s Tam Lin, The Once and Future King, etcÉ”
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FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction NONFICTION: Beauty Fashion Style, General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jas Perry is a literary agent at Looking Glass Literary & Media. Jas represents authors and illustrators of graphic novels across all ages, in addition to select childrenÕs prose fiction. Jas has a background in PB/MG/YA/GN editorial at Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Books and Levine Querido, and began building her list as an agent in 2020. SheÕs genre agnostic but has a particular fondness for the unsettling, the horrifying, and the absurd.
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FICTION: Fiction, Graphic Novel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Carrie Pestritto is a literary agent with the Laura Dail Literary Agency. Carrie Pestritto worked at Writers House and Prospect Agency before becoming part of the LDLA team. She earned her BA in English, cum laude, from Amherst College in 2009, also spending a year studying abroad at St. Catherine’s College, Oxford University. As an agent, she loves the thrill of finding new authors with strong, unique voices and working closely with her clients. Carrie always strives to help create books that will introduce readers to new worlds and is drawn in by relatable characters, meticulous world-building, and unusual, compelling premises.
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FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Technology, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction