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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
Ashley Reisinger
Triada U.S. Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Postal Mail
Biography
Ashley Reisinger is a literary agent with the Triada U.S. Literary Agency. She is interested in a variety of fiction across adult, young adult, and middle grade. In adult, she is primarily looking for swoony romances, the more chaotic the protagonist, the better (think Boyfriend Material, The Love Hypothesis, You Had Me at Hola, Book Lovers, Weather Girl). In young adult, she is interested in heartfelt, character-driven stories, particularly romcoms (think To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, What I Like About You). She can also be enticed by the odd horror, thriller, or spec fic (think Wilder Girls, Cemetery Boys, The Darkness Outside Us, The Whispering Dark). In middle grade, she is looking for a fun, quirky voice that will make her laugh. Primarily, she’s interested in contemporary (think Front Desk, From the Desk of Zoe Washington), and fantasy/contemporary fantasy (think Amari and the Night Brothers, Ghost Squad).
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
William Reiss is a literary agent with John Hawkins & Associates Literary Agency. William has been in this firm since 1971. At the time he joined the ranks, they were in the Scribner building on 48th Street and 5th Avenue. Rooms were divided by partitions that reached two-thirds the height of each room. Bill’s training regimen was to eavesdrop and ask questions, and he still does. He has a penchant for junk food, historical narratives, biography, slightly off-beat fiction (WICKED by Gregory Maguire, PAINT IT BLACK by Janet Fitch) suspense fiction (THE ANALYST by John Katzenbach) and nonfiction, children’s books (STONER & SPAZ by Ron Koertge), nature writing (LIVING AT THE END OF TIME by John H. Mitchell). He is also (in his own words) a lazy, neo-Luddite, and is waiting for electronic communication to be so user-friendly that it will become even simpler say, than telephoning (which he doesn’t like to do either).
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Photography CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Yfat Reiss Gendell is a literary agent with YRG Partners. She is the founder of agency and branding company. She represents world-builders and subject matter authorities across fiction and nonfiction. Her nonfiction projects include narrative nonfiction works of memoir (Sherri ShepherdÕs Permission Slips; international zeitgeist poet Sarah KayÕs forthcoming The View from South Dakota; and Vice Admiral Robert HarwardÕs forthcoming The Gouge), history and science (New York Times bestseller Denise KiernanÕs The Girls of Atomic City and The Last Castle; and Cristin OÕKeefe AptowiczÕs Dr. Mutters Marvels), prescriptive nonfiction in the areas of business (Eve Rodsky and Reese WitherspoonÕs Hello SunshineÕs New York Times bestselling Fair Play; hospitality industry thought-leader Damian Mogavero and Joseph DÕAgneseÕs The Underground Culinary Tour), health and wellness (iconoclast and bestseller Yoni Freedhoff MDÕs The Diet Fix; neuroscientist and TED Talk star Wendy Suzuki, PhDÕs bestselling Happy Brain, Healthy Life; internationally renowned environmental toxin authority Leonardo Trasande, MDÕs Sicker, Fatter, Poorer; internationally lauded neuroscientist Nan Wise, PhDÕs bestselling Why Good Sex Matters; and Pierre Dukan, MDÕs New York Times bestselling The Dukan Diet), parenting (bestselling ÒToddler WhispererÓ Tovah Klein PhDÕs bestselling How ToddlerÕs Thrive; Jo FrostÕs Toddler Rules by TVÕs ÒSupernannyÓ), and humor (the New York Times bestselling Sh*tty Mom franchise of books and merchandise). Yfat routinely helps consumer packaged goods companies and other business leaders bring their brand stories to entertainment (New York Times bestselling Suja Juice Solution; BabyGanics groundbreaking BabySafe in Seven Steps; Vera Bradley founder Barbara Bradley BaekgaardÕs A Colorful Way of Living; Stella & Dot founder Jessica HerrinÕs Find Your Extraordinary; and two forthcoming projects by Swedish environmental change agent Oatly). Yfat understands what her authors and creatives go through, because she is one. As an author she has published eight nonfiction titles with Chronicle Books, Stewart, Tabori & Chang, and Penguin Random House, among others. Prior to becoming an agent, Yfat worked as a lawyer and ran a boutique publishing house. She attended Brandeis University and The UCLA School of Law and spent more than a decade on the board of WIN (formerly Women in Need), one of New YorkÕs largest providers of homeless services for women and children.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Fitness, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Allison Remcheck Pernetti is a literary agent with Stimola Literary Studio. She is so lucky to say that she has only ever worked with booksÑa journey that has taken her from a library, to a bookstore, to a publishing house, and finally to the StudioÑand books, particularly those for children, have been her lifelong passion. Allison believes there is simply nothing better in the world than putting the perfect book into a child’s hand. But there is something extraordinary in nurturing a book from the start, and seeing it find its place in the world. She has had the opportunity to work with many critically-acclaimed and bestselling authors. Her clients include Lamda-nominee Zack Smedley, Schneider Family Book Award-winner Shannon Stocker, Newbery Medalist and Pura Belpre Medalist Donna Barba Higuera, and she is co-agent for #1 New York Times bestselling author, Karen M. McManus, among others. Her tastes can be summed up as high-concept, universally-reaching stories that are beautifully told. She finds herself drawn to voices that speak for themselves, stories that only the author can tell, and books that reflect the lives of every child–especially the ones told least often. She hopes to help publish the sorts of books that make children readers for life.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Laura Rennert is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Laura Rennert has been with the agency since 1998. She specializes in all categories of children’s books, from picture books to YA. She also represents literary-commercial fiction, thrillers, and psychological suspense/horror on the adult side. Laura gravitates toward books with a masterful voice and an unusual point of view. She’s captivated by conflicted, charismatic characters who invite empathy, whether we like them or not; strong, fresh idiosyncratic voices; and stories that make readers think and feel deeply. She’s category agnostic, but right now she’s particularly seeking middle grade fiction, YA fiction, author-illustrator picture books, and literary-commercial thrillers and psychological suspense/horror in the adult space. She’d especially love to find a diverse, Own Voices fantasy or thriller that draws on an underrepresented history/culture for its mythology or world-building. SheÕs drawn to narrative risk-takers, and would like to find a middle grade, YA, or adult novel, or even unconventional narrative nonfiction, that tells an emotionally compelling story in an unexpected way (like Jay AsherÕs contemporary YA THIRTEEN REASONS WHY, which reads like a mystery). In thrillers and psychological suspense/horror, she gravitates toward unreliable narrators and morally ambiguous characters. She looks for street cred and authenticity (whether of tradecraft, investigative technique, historical/geographical setting, culture, or psychology). SheÕs fascinated with hidden worlds and secret knowledge. Some of the YA books Laura represents include Maggie Stiefvater’s #1 NYT and USA Today bestselling series The Raven Cycle and Printz Honor Finalist THE SCORPIO RACES (both Scholastic); Jay Asher’s #1 NYT and USA Today bestselling THIRTEEN REASONS (Razorbill/PRH) on which the Netflix Thirteen Reasons Why series is based; #1 NYT and USA Today Bestseller Ellen Hopkins’s THE YOU IÕVE NEVER KNOWN (Margaret K. McElderry/S&S); and award-winning author Mitali Perkins’s forthcoming YOU BRING THE DISTANT NEAR (FSG/Macmillan). Middle grade titles include Shannon Messenger’s NYT and USA Today bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series (Aladdin/S&S). Picture books include Lisa MantchevÕs STRICTLY NO ELEPHANTS (Paula Wiseman/S&S), a 2016 NCTE Charlotte Huck Award Honorable Title; Tammi Sauer’s YOUR ALIEN, an NPR Best Book of 2015; and NYT bestselling author Nina Laden’s just released IF I HAD A LITTLE DREAM (Paula Wiseman/S&S) and her Peek-A-Who series (Chronicle). Some adult titles include NYT bestselling and award-winning author Catherine Ryan Hyde’s forthcoming ALLIE AND BEA (Lake Union/Amazon), #1 NYT bestselling author Lauren KateÕs forthcoming DOVE (Putnam/PRH); Wall Street Journal bestselling author Joe HartÕs forthcoming OBSCURA (Thomas & Mercer/Amazon), and NYT bestselling and award-winning thriller writer Barry Eisler’s LIVIA LONE (Thomas & Mercer/Amazon). Laura’s work as an agent is enhanced by her familiarity with what itÕs like on the author’s side of the table. SheÕs married to an author; sheÕs raising a young author; and Laura herself is the author of a picture book, BUYING, TRAINING, AND CARING FOR YOUR DINOSAUR (Knopf/PRH), illustrated by Marc Brown, creator of Arthur; and of an illustrated chapter book, ROYAL PRINCESS ACADEMY: DRAGON DREAMS, illustrated by Melanie Florian (Dial/PRH). Laura has a Ph.D. in English Literature and was a faculty member in the English departments of the University of Virginia, Osaka University of Foreign Studies, and Santa Clara University. You can find the latest about Laura on Facebook.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Nicole Resciniti is the President and a literary agent with The Seymour Agency. Nicole has been listed by Publishers Marketplace as a top dealmaker in the country and named as ACFW’s 2012 Agent of the Year. She loves discovering new talent and helping established authors to take their career to the next level. Nicole is a member of AAR, ACFW, RWA, and Mensa. She holds degrees in biology, psychology, and behavioral neuroscience. Like Mary Sue, Nicole taught in the public school system and has worn many hats before heeding her calling to become a literary agentÑfor which she will forever be indebted to Mary Sue Seymour. Do you have the next project to feed her book addiction? A smart, tight read she wonÕt be able to put down? A signature voice sheÕll fight to represent? A proponent for authentic, diverse voices in fiction, Nicole is actively seeking those stories that have to be told. HEAÕs are a must for romance. Mainstream suspense, thrillers, mysteries, YA, and inspirational novels are welcome. A consummate science geek and card-carrying Mensa member, Nicole would love to find the next great science fiction/fantasy novel or action/adventure masterpiece. Currently on her wish list: high-concept middle grade, any kind of romance, and really fresh voices in YA. ”I have the best job in the world. I read for a living and make authorsÕ dreams come true.” – Nicole Resciniti
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, General Nonfiction, Inspirational Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction
Biography
Alyssa Reuben is a literary agent with WME Books. Alyssa joined WME in 2022 after serving as the head of Paradigm AgencyÕs Book Publishing division, where she worked for nearly 15 years. She represents a wide array of categories: adult, young adult, and middle-grade fiction, as well as platform-driven nonfiction ranging from prescriptive to narrative, illustrated food/lifestyle, humor, and everything in between. She has brokered deals for many bestselling authors including Jessica Knoll, Jessica Goodman, Karin Tanabe, Billie Eilish, Tracee Ellis Ross, the Betches, Mara Wilson, Ali Maffucci, and Katie Sturino. Alyssa is passionate about working with dynamic authors who change the conversation and have propulsive stories that resonate emotionally. She loves fiction with an edge or a great romantic arc and prides herself on unearthing new talent and helping her clients realize their potential. Above all, she is looking for books that really make you want to turn the pages. Originally from Philadelphia, she lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two kids.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Pop Culture, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Alex Reubert is a literary agent with HG Literary. He is pursuing books that, either by style or story, demand he keep reading. He loves literature in translation, novels set outside the U.S., and stories that offer the reader a new or unconventional way of seeing. Novels that skew upmarket and literary are welcome, as are any narrators looking back and trying to make sense of their life. For nonfiction, heÕs interested in memoir, psychology, narrative, literary studies, art history, popular science, philosophy, and cultural studies. HeÕs also seeking poets and musicians that have ventured into prose. Writers that instill a sense of curiosity and wonder in others, no matter the subject, should get in touch and tell him about their work. Alex began his publishing life as a bookseller at WORD Bookstores and an intern with New Directions and W.W. Norton & Company. He then spent five years as an international book scout, then literary agent, at Greenburger Associates before joining HG Literary in 2024. Hailing from Georgia, he now lives in Brooklyn where he enjoys walking through parks and visiting delis.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Satire, Short Story Collection, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Psychology, Science, Self-Help CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Chip Rice is a literary agent with WordLink, Incorporated. He worked in education before transitioning to agenting by way of freelance editing and manuscript assessment. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and teen sons. Chip is looking for fiction that delivers exceptional voice with commercial appeal. He values emotional connection, authenticity, a vivid sense of place, humor, well-drawn characters, and a brisk pace. Open to most genres of adult, young adult, and middle grade fiction, as well as platform-driven nonfiction. A ÒheartÓ from Chip on your Twitter / X pitch (any event, at any time) is an invitation to query per agency guidelines, even if he is closed to queries.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Nicki Richesin
Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Postal MailBiography
Nicki Richesin is a literary agent with the Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary Agency. She began her agenting career at Wendy Sherman Associates in 2017, after editing nonfiction for fifteen years. She is the editor of four anthologies (The May Queen, Because I Love Her, What I Would Tell Her, and Crush) featuring personal essays by many acclaimed authors. She represents literary and upmarket fiction, and contemporary Young Adult fiction. She also focuses on nonfiction including investigative journalism, pop culture, biography, cooking/food writing, and memoir that makes an impact and becomes part of the larger cultural conversation. She is invested in discovering underrepresented voices. She lives in the San Francisco bay area.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Satire, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Autobiography, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, How-To, Investigative, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Pop Culture, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Rick Richter is a literary agent and partner with Aevitas Creative Management. He represents or (co-represents) numerous recent New York Times bestselling authors in both the adult and childrenÕs markets, including the estate of Albert Einstein for the #1 bestselling series Max Einstein, Rolling Stone journalist Andy Greene for The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s, Sgt. Travis Mills and Marcus Brotherton for Tough as They Come, Marc and Angel Chernoff for Getting Back to Happy, Grace Byers for I Am Enough, and the estate of Muhammad Ali for Becoming Muhammad Ali. Richter spent over a decade on Simon & SchusterÕs Executive Committee as President, ChildrenÕs Book Division and President of Sales and Distribution, and brings a wide range of publishing and media expertise to his role at Aevitas. His areas of interest include self-help, pop culture, memoir, history, thriller, true crime, political and social issues, narrative food writing, and faith. He has deep experience and interest in childrenÕs books, having overseen two of the nationÕs top childrenÕs publishers: Simon & Schuster and Candlewick Press.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Horror, Thriller NONFICTION: Animals, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Rachel Ridout is a literary agent with Harvey Klinger. Rachel is a graduate of New York University where she studied English and Creative Writing. She joined the Harvey Klinger Literary Agency in 2009, after a brief stint in the travel guide industry. Rachel is currently building her own list and is interested in adult, young adult, and middle grade fiction. She is a fan of magical realism, contemporary westerns, science fiction and all stories that quicken the pulse and imagination.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller, Western Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Judith Riven is a literary agent with and the founder of Judith Riven Literary Agency. She has been an independent literary agent since 1993; before that she held editorial positions at various major New York publishing houses, including Hyperion, Avon, and Dell/Delacorte. We work with our clients throughout the writing and publishing process, beginning with the development of an idea through contract negotiation, and on to marketing, promoting and keeping a book in print long after publication. She has successfully placed projects with all major publishers.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Romance NONFICTION: Business Book, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Self-Help CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Sera Rivers is a literary agent with the Speilburg Literary Agency. Sera (pronounced ÒSÓ + ÒairÓ + ÒahÓ) Rivers started reading at age four and has been obsessed with books ever sinceÑif she could live in creative worlds, she would. She worked in educational publishing for seven years and launched Avenue A Books, a childrenÕs book imprint at Center for Responsive Schools. As Avenue AÕs acquiring and managing editor, she worked with new and established childrenÕs book writers and illustrators to create picture books and middle grade graphic novels. Now, as an agent, Sera provides editorial feedback to help clients get their manuscripts submission ready. Sera earned her MFA in Writing for Children, with a concentration in young adult novels, from Simmons University. Her young adult memoir THE WICKED ONES won the 2016 PEN New England Susan P. Bloom ChildrenÕs Book Discovery Award.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
BJ Robbins is a literary agent with the BJ Robbins Literary Agency. BJ Robbins opened her Los Angeles-based agency in 1992 after a multifaceted career in book publishing in NY. She started in publicity at Simon & Schuster and was later Marketing Director and then Senior Editor at Harcourt. Her agency represents quality fiction, both literary and commercial, and general nonfiction, with a particular interest in memoir, biography, narrative history, pop culture, sports, travel/adventure, medicine and health. A member of AAR and PEN America, Ms. Robbins has led workshops at UCLA Extension, UC Irvine Extension, the Writer’s Pad, and at the Squaw Valley Community of Writers Fiction Workshop. On behalf of PEN, she has been guest speaker in numerous cities in the West as part of their Writers Toolbox program, including Seattle, Portland, Santa Fe, Dallas, Las Cruces, Flagstaff and Oakland. She was profiled in Writer’s Digest and mediabistro.com.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Sports, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Annelise Robey is an Agent at the Jane Rotrosen Agency. She has been with JRA since 1995. She is proud to represent bestselling authors in womenÕs fiction, romance, historical fiction, YA, fantasy, mystery, and suspense, and is always looking for exciting new voices in fiction. She works closely with her clients on all aspects of their careers, and finds nothing more gratifying than helping authors achieve their goals and their dreams. After growing up in Hawaii and upstate NY, she moved to NYC with the singular mission of working in book publishing. She got her start at JRA as an assistant and has been doing what she loves ever since.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Quressa Robinson is a literay agent with Folio Literary Management. She joined Folio Literary Management in 2022 after working at previous agencies, including the Nelson Literary Agency, and as an editor for five years. She is originally from San Francisco, but has been living in New York City for over a decade. As a New York based agent, she is eager to build her MG, YA, and Adult lists. When not curled on her couch reading, she plays video games, enjoys too much, TVÐ-mostly Sailor Moon and Avatar: The Last Airbender (Fire Nation)–eats delicious things, drinks champagne, hangs out with her very clever partner, and adds another ÒdramaticÓ color to her lipstick collection. Quressa is also a member of the 2017-2019 WNDB Walter Grant Committee and holds an MFA in Creative Writing: Fiction from Columbia University. In 2020, she was named a Publisher’s Weekly Star Watch finalist. In 2021 she was named an influential gatekeeper in Book and Film GlobeÕs inaugural Publishing Power 30 list alongside phenoms like Reece Witherspoon, Celeste Ng, and Lisa Lucas.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Environment, Film Entertainment, History, Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Technology, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Rebecca Rodd
Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Rebecca Rodd is a literary agent with the Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency. She joined the agency in August of 2020 and currently assists Danielle Svetcov, Kerry Sparks, and Sarah Bedingfield, while building her own list. Rebecca received her BachelorÕs degree in English from (the illustrious) Spelman College and holds a MasterÕs degree in Library Science from CUNY Queens College. Before joining the agency, she was a Library Information Supervisor at Brooklyn Public Library, where she specialized in childrenÕs literature and programming. As a reader, RebeccaÕs interests cover a wide range of genres, but most of all, she loves to read adult and YA upmarket commercial fiction that centers people of color, filled with nuance and dimension. Whether sheÕs reading literary fiction, contemporary fiction, something with a speculative bend, or a book club romcom, she loves to get wrapped up in a page-turning story with thoughtful, multi-dimensional characters and strong voices. And while she will always argue that Òthe book was better,Ó she is intrigued by stories she can imagine watching on the big screen, or preferably, on the small screen from the comfort of her couch. In the non-fiction space, Rebecca is interested in millennial experiences and perspectives. SheÕs also interested in pop culture and social commentary, especially from underrepresented voices. Currently, in YA and adult fiction, Rebecca is looking for: anything set on an HBCU campus, a BIPOC Big Bang Theory, a love story with the depth and complexity of Tia WilliamsÕs Seven Days in June, or a devourable romcom that would sit nicely on a shelf with Jasmine Guillory and Helen Hoang. . In childrenÕs, Rebecca would love to find an ensemble cast boasting equal parts brains, snark, and determination a la The Mysterious Benedict Society. Clients include Arushi Avachat, Paige Classey, Pieper James, and Emily Marano. Rebecca is based in Atlanta.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Nonfiction, Pop Culture CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Paul Rodeen is a literary agent with Rodeen Literary Management. Paul discovered his love of writing, editing, and publishing at Knox College where he was the fiction editor and a contributor to the award winning college literary journal Catch. Paul was graduated from Knox College with a Creative Writing major in 2001. Later that summer, he attended the Denver Publishing Institute where he was encouraged to move to New York City to officially start his publishing career. In late 2001, Paul received his first job with the highly respected literary agency Sterling Lord Literistic, Incorporated. He began his career as an assistant to Jody Hotchkiss, a film agent with Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc. at the time. After a few months of reading and evaluating scripts, Paul was informed that a position was available in the children’s book division of Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc. as an assistant to George Nicholson, the legendary children’s book publisher turned literary agent. Paul welcomed the opportunity to work for such a respected figure in the publishing business and he quickly found that he still loved many of the genres he had enjoyed when he was a child and a teenager. During his three years working as an assistant to George Nicholson, Paul Rodeen signed his first client (the writer/illustrator Peter Brown) and he also closed his first book deal FLIGHT OF THE DODO. In 2004, Paul Rodeen moved back to his home state of Illinois where he opened up a small satellite office in Chicago for Sterling Lord Literistic, Incorporated. Between 2004 and 2008, Paul expanded his list of clients to include over a dozen talented writers and illustrators of picture books, middle grade novels and young adult fiction. This group of talented artists became the backbone of what would become Rodeen Literary Management. In late 2008, with much encouragement from his clients, editors, publishers and other agents, Paul Rodeen established Rodeen Literary Agency an agency devoted to supporting the careers of children’s book writers and illustrators.
Notes
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
Lisa Rodgers is a literary agent with the Jabberwocky Literary Agency. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and received her bachelorÕs degree from California State University, Sacramento. In 2012, she moved to New York City to attend NYUÕs Summer Publishing Institute and joined the JABberwocky team soon after. SheÕs previously worked at San Francisco Book Review and Barnes & Noble, interned at Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency, and was a submissions reader for Lightspeed Magazine. She is a member of Romance Writers of America.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Crafts, Gift Novelty, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Science, Technology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Monica Rodriguez is a literary agent with the Context Literary Agency. Her solution-driven strategies support our clientsÕ books before and after theyÕve hit the shelves. She loves maximizing the career potential for our authors and brainstorming new ways to discover life-long readers. In addition to her Director of Brand Management role, Monica is also a Junior Agent. She is on a mission to help uplift underrepresented voices in publishing, specifically within the Latinx community.
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FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kate Rogers is a literary agent with KO Media Management. She is a University of Washington graduate with a double major in English and Cinema Media Studies. She has worked in customer service at Vroman’s Bookstore in her hometown of Pasadena, California, and as the Assistant Director for Communications and Marketing for Stevens Court Community Council in Seattle. Submissions: Kate loves illustrated stories with graphic elements or multimodal components. All ages (ChildrenÕs, MG, YA, and Adult) welcome, as long as there is a visual component! Genres include humor, horror/thriller (bonus if itÕs entry level for a younger audience!), romance, light sci-fi, light fantasy (not currently open to high-fantasy of any kind), contemporary realistic fiction, and narrative non-fiction. She is interested in diverse, character-driven narratives that subvert familiar tropes or conventions. Bonus points if your story includes non-conventional, interactive formats.
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FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Western Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Illustrated, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, True Crime 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
Julie Romeis Sanders is a literary agent at Steelworks Literary. Julie first fell in love with reading while hiding under the covers with a book and a flashlight. She later rediscovered the magic of childrenÕs books working at an independent book and toy store in her Texas hometown, leading to the Columbia Publishing Course and a dream job helping launch Bloomsbury USA in New York City. There, she edited award-winning books for all ages including a PW Best ChildrenÕs Book, two titles which became feature films, and acquired numerous debut authors who went on to best-selling careers. Next, she headed west and joined Chronicle Books to spearhead their middle grade and YA program as well as develop unforgettable picture books such as Caldecott Honor Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle. Since 2012, Julie has worked as a freelance editor, bookseller, teacher, and international workshop leader. All of these experiences come together to inform JulieÕs outlook as a literary agentÑwhere connection, co-creation, and evolution are key. With a steady guiding hand in editorial development, a heart for collaborative partnership, and a feel for making connections, Julie brings books into the world that will make lasting contributions to the lives of readers. The right fit client for Julie brings stories that spark joy, tears, and laughter as well as characters who leap off the page, unexpected twists, and new perspectives. Julie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two children, and young dog, Ripley. She spends her free time volunteering in equine rescue, paddle boarding, and of course, curling up with a good book (flashlight no longer required).
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FICTION: Fiction, New Adult Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Shelly Romero is an Associate Agent with the Azantian Literary Agency. She began her publishing career in 2017 at Scholastic where she rose up the ranks from editorial assistant to associate editor, where she acquired her own titles and assisted on series publishing for The Bad Guys and Goosebumps. She later joined Cake Creative as Lead Editor and she was most recently a freelance editor. She graduated from Stephens College with a bachelorÕs degree in English and attended the 2017 NYU Summer Publishing Institute. Shelly was selected as a 2020 Publishers Weekly Star Watch Honoree and is a member of Latinx in Publishing & People of Color in Publishing. Born and raised in Miami by Honduran parents, she now resides in New York City where she might be found at a movie theatre viewing the latest release from her Letterboxd watchlist.
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FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Holly Root is a literary agent with Root Literary. She says: ÒReading as much as you do in this job, it’s easy to become overly analyticalÑassessing this or that from a market standpoint, considering the buyers and retail outlook before you’ve even fallen into the story. My favorite booksÑand the submissions most likely to catch my interestÑare the ones so assured in their execution that the only input my critical mind can muster is “That was fun. How soon can we tell everyone we know about it?” I’m delighted to be in a position of perpetual discovery. Professionally, I’m proudest of the times my work has enabled my clients to take great leaps, whether creative or professional, to advance their careers. It’s an honor to be inside the process, participating in bringing great reads into the world, and a true joy to enable those books’ creators to build healthy, sustainable careers. IÕm drawn to well-told commercial narratives across multiple categories. IÕm much more likely to keep reading if I know from the perfectly-executed first pages that this is someone whose voice interests me, someone whose story IÕd like to get lost in for the next few hours. I know IÕve found a winner when I catch myself sketching a potential submission list on any available scrap of paper as I read.Ó
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FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Dating Relationships Sex, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ann Rose is a literary agent with The Tobias Literary Agency. She is a California native who left her heart in San Diego, and now resides in Texas after a stint in Florida. Her degree is in Communication from San Diego State University, and her resume runs the gamut from Lifeguard to Business Systems Analyst, but books have always been her passion. Ann is excited to finally merge her love of literature with her past professional experiences as a literary agent with The Tobias Literary Agency after starting her career with Prospect Agency. She looks forward to helping authors build successful, sustainable careers. Ann is looking for characters who arenÕt afraid to stand up for their convictions and beliefs – whether they fight with their fists or their words. SheÕs open to all genres of middle gradeÑand especially love stories that push the MG boundary. By this she means they explore topics that affect middle graders but arenÕt always talked about in MG books; like It Happened on Saturday by Sydney Dunlap. Ann also represents all genres in YA. In the adult arena, she adores swoony romances, light sci-fi or fantasy (emphasis on the light side), commercial fiction, and heartwarming – or heart wrenching – contemporaries. She really enjoys feminist stories that highlight womenÕs experiences in the world. She is a sucker for a strong female friendship narrative because she truly believes that empowered women, empower women! SheÕs always looking for unique voices, diverse perspectives, vivid settings, and stories that explore tough topics. Dark and edgy is totally okay too. She is also up for a good revenge plot. Above all Ann is looking for stories with compelling characters that push boundaries and make her laugh and cry, hopefully in the same story! She is ready to roll up her sleeves and help her authors create the best books possible, from brainstorming at the idea stage all the way through submissions and beyond. Ann loves attending conferences and sharing her knowledge of the publishing industry.
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FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Nonfiction, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Andy Ross is a literary agent with the Andy Ross Literary Agency. Andy has worked in the book business since 1972, all of this working life. He was owner and general manager of Cody’s Books in Berkeley, California from 1977-2006. Cody’s has been recognized as one of America’s great independent bookstores. Andy is past president of the Northern California Booksellers Association, a board member and officer of the American Booksellers Association and a national spokesperson for issues concerning independent businesses. He has had significant profiles in the Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, Publishers’ Weekly and the San Francisco Chronicle. Andy Ross is a member of the Association of Authors Representatives (AAR).
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FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, History, Journalism, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Reference, Religion, Science, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction