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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.
Biography
Carter Hasegawa is a literary agent at Tugeau 2. He has been in the childrenÕs book world for nearly 20 yearsÑas a book seller for various indies across the US, as an editor at Candlewick Press, and now, as a literary agent. Why kidsÕ books? It began in the late-90s with Andrew ClementÕs Frindle, became a solid go-to genre with Jerry SpinelliÕs Maniac Magee, and finally, it became a wished-for career with Markus ZusakÕs The Book Thief. ÒThe thing IÕve always loved about childrenÕs literature,Ó he says, Òis that beyond the sheer range of incredible stories, itÕs always served as a sort of testing ground for me: of new ideas, of new experiences, of new viewpoints, of emotional extremes.Ó Carter is incredibly proud of the work he did while at Candlewick, but heÕs especially looking forward to finding and developing new talent Ð authors, author-illustrators, illustrators Ð and having a hand in crafting some of the best books out there. When asked what heÕs looking for in a book, he compares it to a particular scene from the movie version of The NeverEnding Story: ÒThe main character, Bastian, is so drawn to a book he finds at a used bookstore that he steals away with it and hides out in his schoolÕs attic and begins to read. In that moment, all that matters is the book. To hold it, turn its pages, fall into its story . . . itÕs magic.Ó In addition to the already-mentioned titles, some of his favorite books include Watercress, My Papi Has a Motorcycle, Big, Tar Beach, Wednesday Wars, EnderÕs Game, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Notorious Benedict Arnold, and SO MANY others. Carter is also an active mentor/speaker for SCBWI, The Writing Barn, Inked Voices, and more. Originally from Seattle, he now lives in Boston with his librarian wife and their two young sons.
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
Shannon Hassan is a literary agent with the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. Shannon Hassan has been an agent at Marsal Lyon for over a decade. She represents upmarket adult fiction, middle grade fiction, and young adult fiction and has New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors on her list. She looks for contemporary and historical stories with a fresh perspective and big hook. She received her JD from Harvard and her BA from George Washington University. She lives in Boulder, Colorado, and served on the board of The Dairy Arts Center. A sample of books Shannon has represented: THE MASK COLLECTORS, a literary thriller by Iowa Short Fiction Award-winner Ruvanee Vilhauer (Little A), INSIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF A CACTUS, an award-winning middle grade series by Dusti Bowling (Sterling), DIE YOUNG WITH ME, an ALA award-winning memoir by Rob Rufus (Simon & Schuster), THE MOON IN THE PALACE, a RITA-award winning historical series by Weina Dai Randel (Sourcebooks), WHOLLY UNRAVELED, a memoir by Keele Burgin (Little A), THE WORLDÕS GREATEST ADVENTURE MACHINE, a middle grade fantasy by Frank L. Cole (Penguin Random House), GIRLS ON THE LINE, a multicultural young adult novel by Jennie Liu (Lerner), THE SILENCE BETWEEN US, a young adult contemporary by Alison Gervais (HarperCollins), and FR€ULEIN M., a historical novel by Caroline Woods (Simon & Schuster). Before becoming an agent, she was the Acquisitions Editor at Fulcrum Publishing, and prior to that, a corporate attorney at Arnold & Porter in New York. She received her JD from Harvard and her BA from George Washington University, and she serves on the board of The Dairy Arts Center.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Michelle Hauck is a literary agent with the Storm Literary Agency. She devoured the classics at an early age, falling in love with heroic stories like The Three Musketeers, Ivanhoe, and The Scarlet Pimpernel. It wasnÕt until her teens that she got her hands on The Sword of Shannara and discovered a new heroic level in SFF. Now sheÕd like to advocate for stories that take the reader beyond the traditional heroÕs journey. After graduating with a business degree, with a concentration in finance, Michelle worked as a cost accountant for several years before a short stint as a stay-at-home mom. Then she switched gears for twenty years working in an elementary school, where sheÕs learned a lot about what kids like to read and applied that to her own stories, publishing a historic fantasy series with Harper Voyager. SheÕs been helping writers long before taking the step to become an agent. Her Midwest roots taught her to pay things forward, and along with several co-hosts, she ran an impressive collection of contests for writers, including Query Kombat, Nightmare on Query Street, and Picture Book Party. She also learned much from six years as a successful Pitch Wars mentor in adult SFF. Currently, Michelle is taking submissions for middle grade, young adult, and some limited adult genres. Drawn to all sorts of stories from the heroic to the humorous, she loves big worlds, inventive magic systems, and a rich sense of history. Characters with lots of back-story and villains with shades of gray make her day. SheÕs not the best fit for contemporary with dark themes, but she loves contemporary that can be described as quirky, fun, and light. She wants to look at all things SFF or historical, and wonÕt pass up a cozy mystery, page-turner thriller, or a sweet romance. A dash of politics is a great added ingredient. She is not interested in nonfiction or picture books/chapter books at this time. Some books IÕve read recently and enjoyed are: Where Darkness Blooms, The Space Between Worlds, The Once and Future Witches, Station Eternity, The Swifts, Tilly in Technicolor, Where Darkness Blooms, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, The Space Between Worlds, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, This Time ItÕs Real, Legends and Lattes, The Seventh Bride, There Goes the Neighborhood, The Locked Tomb series, the Murderbot series, The Priory of the Orange Tree, Wings of Ebony, Mexican Gothic, Cemetery Boys, Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, How to Trap a Tiger, New Kid, Project Hail Mary, and The City We Became. Old favorites include The Hunger Games series, The Wheel of Time Series, Anne of Green Gables series, The Legend of Eli Monpress, Ready Player One, and The Questionable Behavior of Dalia Moss.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Susan Hawk is a literary agent with Upstart Crow Literary. She has worked in childrenÕs books for over twenty-five years. Her clients include Rachael Allen, author of multiple YA novels, including A Taxonomy of Love and the forthcoming DC Icons title, Harley Quinn: Reckoning; J.M.M. Nuanez, author of the MG novel Birdie and Me; Paul Acampora, whose newest MG novel is the forthcoming In Honor of Broken Things; Sarah Lariviere, author of the YA novel Time Travel for Love and Profit; graphic novelist Rachel Elliott, author of the forthcoming The Real Riley Mayes; author-illustrator Denis Angelov, illustrator of The Big Scream; and Ruth Spiro, author of the Baby Loves Science board book series and the Made by Maxine series of picture books. Before agenting, Susan worked in the ChildrenÕs Marketing departments of Penguin Books for Young Readers, Henry Holt Books for Young Readers and North-South Books, where she managed campaigns for many books and authors including Eric Carle, Mary E Pearson, Richard Peck and Joan Bauer. SheÕs also been a childrenÕs librarian and bookseller, and spent some time in Dutton Editorial, acquiring select picture book and YA projects for that list.
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
Anne Hawkins is a literary agent with John Hawkins & Associates. Anne has an eclectic list ranging from thrillers to literary fiction to serious non-fiction. She also has particular interests in science, history, public policy, medicine and women`s issues. One of her first sales was the delightful novel EDDIE’S BASTARD by William Kowalski, which has been translated into thirteen languages. The best-selling Reagan: A Life in Letters reflects Anne’s history and policy interests. Her clients include bestselling authors, Tasha Alexander and Taylor Stevens.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Current Events Affairs, Environment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Medical Medicine, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Technology, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Samantha Haywood is a literary agent at the Transatlantic Agency. After 20 years of literary agenting in international publishing and nearly 10 years of running the Transatlantic Agency as owner and President, Samantha specializes in managing authorÕs careers across the spectrum of Book and Film/TV, with a global mandate. Some of her notable clients include Khaled Hosseini, Iain Reid, Canisia Lubrin, Jesse Thistle, Emma Knight and Marissa Stapley [see further client list highlights below]. Samantha Haywood has been the President of the Transatlantic Agency since 2017. She has extensive experience selling authors in North America for publication and TV/film representation. She launched her client list with Transatlantic Agency in 2004 after working in the International Rights departments of Random House of Canada and Westwood Creative Artists. Samantha represents a vibrant client list of novelists, memoirists, investigative journalists, graphic novelists and thought leaders. Samantha represents international rights for the renowned publisher, Drawn & Quarterly. She is also a founding member and former President of PACLA, the Professional Association of Canadian Literary Agents.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, History, Illustrated, Inspirational Nonfiction, Investigative, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, True Crime, Women’s Issues
Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong
Marsal Lyon Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Online FormBiography
Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong is a literary agent with the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong is a life-long lover of books and enjoys vivid memories of the exact day she unlocked the secret code behind letters that, when combined, form words. Since then, itÕs the rare occasion when youÕll find her without a book in her hand, a Kindle in her purse, or a pair of Airpods in her ears while she devours the works of whatever author sheÕs selected as her new favorite of the month. CathieÕs journey in the publishing industry was born in 2014 after her oldest child left for college. With newfound time on her hands, she set about writing The Edge of Nowhere, a work of adult historical fiction inspired by her grandmotherÕs life as a widow raising fourteen children during the one-two punch of the 1930s Dust Bowl and The Great Depression. Three years later, she followed up with her sophomore novel, Roam, a young adult title inspired by the homeless community where she currently resides. The release of this second book coincided with CathieÕs first job as a literary agent where she spent eight years learning the industry before joining the team at Marsal Lyon. An avid reader of many genres, Cathie represents Adult Romance in every category except science fiction, and Adult Mysteries, Domestic Suspense, Fantasy, light Horror, and Book Club and WomenÕs Fiction. She also accepts the occasional Young Adult novel in the categories of Romance, Mystery, Suspense, Fantasy, and light Horror. She especially enjoys locked-room mysteries/thrillers, and anything fast-paced that can catch her attention in the first few paragraphs. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Cathie is a 1992 graduate of the University of Oklahoma where she received a B.A. in Journalism and a minor in history. Usurpingly, sheÕs a rabid OU Sooners football fan. Currently, She resides in Minnesota where she and her husband of 32 years share and share two grown children and a son-in-law.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Allison Hegan
Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary ManagementCLOSED to SubmissionsQuery Method(s): EmailBiography
Allison Hegan is a literary agent with Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management. She is the founder of Purple Elephant Editing. As a Junior Agent, she will be working closely with CEO Italia Gandolfo on client submissions. Most recently, Allison assembled and edited an anthology, No More Endlings: Saving Species One Story at a Time. She has written several articles including, ÒZoopharmacognosy: how self-healing animals could save humansÓ for a London-based pharmacist that was published on mongabay.com, one of the worldÕs most popular environmental science and conservation news sites. Allison has also been a featured writer for the Wildlife WaystationÕs magazine and has written for the British Herpetological SocietyÕs Herpetological Bulletin. Having been in a writerÕs shoes, she will be able to relate to authors and offer advice during submissions and the editorial process. Originally from Pasadena, California, Allison received her B.A. degree in Geography-Environment and People, and completed both the environmental studies and African studies certificate programs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While studying abroad in Australia, she volunteered with Conservation Volunteers Australia and helped preserve a section of rainforest. Since then, Allison has worked with the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York City, the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy in Virginia, and volunteered as a researcher and consultant for World VisionÕs Natural Environment & Climate Issues department in California. She loves exploring new places and has lived in several cities around the country and abroad. Drawn into novels with emotionally vibrant, compelling, and often flawed characters, Allison believes the best books are those that stay with the reader long after they have been read. Her current interests include young adult fiction, historical fiction, historical romance, mystery, fantasy, suspense, and environmental topics.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction NONFICTION: Environment, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Haley Heidemann is a literary agent with WME Books. Haley has been at WME since 2016. She represents commercial and literary adult fiction, along with narrative nonfiction, pop-culture, and lifestyle. She is drawn to novels with complex female characters, dark female friendships and relationships, queer stories, and a fun family saga. For non-fiction, sheÕs looking for voice-driven narratives, cultural criticism, sex and dating, essay collections, thought leaders, and lifestyle. In both, she is seeking books that move her and say something subversive about our culture.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Lifestyle, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture
Biography
Gary Heidt is a literary agent with Signature Literary Agency. represents authors of nonfiction and fiction. In nonfiction he is interested in history, science, popular culture, narrative nonfiction, psychology, religion, and spirituality. Fiction IÕm looking for now: High-quality literary fiction, science fiction and the occasional thriller. No historical fiction, mysteries, fantasy, cozies or romance. Not that I don’t like them, I just don’t represent them. In non-fiction, IÕd like to find the following: ¥ History and biography. I am looking for authors with credentials as academics, journalists or independent scholars with some publication credits. ¥ Science. I am actively looking for scientists with writing skills who can explain new developments in science to a popular audience, as well as journalists who write about new developments in science and technology. I am also interested in exceptional nonfiction proposals in the following areas: reference, pop culture, memoir, politics, cultural criticism and Fortean/High Strangeness/paranormal, or deep politics.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Education, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Technology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Merrilee Heifetz is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. Merrilee has been at Writers House for over 20 years and was one of the first agents to handle comic books/graphic novels when asked by a very young Neil Gaiman to represent his work with DC Comics (he did promise to write bestselling novels one day and she is very glad she took him at his word.) She is one of the few agents who is well known for representing both adult and children’s books and she finds she has been very successful with authors who don’t fall into categories and who can benefit from overall career management. Her New York Times Bestsellers include Gaiman, Laurell K. Hamilton, Melissa Marr and Beth Revis, whose 2011 debut novel ACROSS THE UNIVERSE she placed in a major deal. Her award winners include three Newbery Medals (Cynthia Voigt, Robin McKinley and Neil Gaiman) a MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient (the late Octavia E Butler) and many best of the year awards such as the Hugo, the Nebula and the World Fantasy Award. For five years she chaired the Contracts Committee for the Association of Authors Representatives (AAR).
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Celebrity, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Reference CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Allison Hellegers is a literary agent with Stimola Literary Studio. As both Foreign Rights Director and Literary Agent, Allison’s tastes lean towards books that have emotional hooks mixed with strong plot, film/TV and/or translation appeal, and take the reader on a journey. Her adult co-agent clients include New York Times bestselling author Lucy Adlington (The Dressmakers of Auschwitz) and Reese Book Club pick Holly Smale (Cassandra in Reverse). SheÕs looking to take on more fiction and non-fiction clients, and is interested in pop culture, music comedy, science, journalism, history, and health/wellness. Her young adult clients include award winning authors Colby Cedar Smith (Call Me Athena) and Rebecca Caprara (Spin) and as well as graphic novel clients Teo Duvall (Brooms) and Mari Costa (Belle of the Ball). In YA, she loves a big hook and bold characters that sweep her off her feet. Middle grade will always be a favorite area, and she enjoys a classic, literary voice with humor and heart, and/or a touch of magical realism. Her middle-grade clients include ALA Notable Elaine Dimopolous (The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow) and beloved Australian author Nova Weetman (It All Begins With Jellybeans), who also has her first adult memoir coming out this year (Love, Death & Other Scenes). She represents a select few picture book clients, including Horn Book award winner Dinah Johnson (H is for Harlem) and Ezra Jack Keats honor winner and beloved Slovenian artist Marta Bartolj (Every Little Kindness). Allison attends the book fairs in Frankfurt and Bologna each year and has been an industry speaker and on staff at numerous conferences and events; this year sheÕs honored to have been chosen to participate in the Creative Australian VIP Publisher Program. Aside from working, sheÕs happiest when hiking with her rescue mutt in Brooklyn, reading alongside her son near a body of water, listening to music on a road trip, or looking at the sky from inside an airplane or train.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Poetry, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Kathy Helmers is a literary agent with Helmers Literary Services. She has thirty-five years of experience as editor, writer, publisher, and literary agent. Focusing primarily on nonfiction, she specializes in clients who invest skill, creativity, and hard work in making key contributions in their areas of expertise while nurturing communities of loyal fans.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Religious Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Nonfiction, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Cathy Hemming is a literary agent with Cathy Hemming Literary Agency. She works in conjunction with McCormick & Williams.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Medical Medicine, Money Finance, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Reference, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Bethany Fulk Hendrix is a literary agent with Spencerhill Associates. Bethany joined Spencerhill in 2024 after working at a boutique literary agency for 5 years. Her background includes a BA in English, a specialization in Social Media Marketing, and time as a PR and editorial assistant. Her favorite parts of being an agent are editing and building relationships with her clients. Bethany is seeking middle grade and young adult fiction in all genres, as well as adult fantasy and romance. She is especially interested in diverse fantasy, rom-coms, and historical romance. Bethany is always looking for new voices and diverse perspectives. Bethany lives with her husband, their two cats, Fergus and Obi, and their farm dog, Chuck, where she spends her time reading, writing, and visiting the local coffee shop far too often. She can be found on Twitter, @bethanyfulk.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Magical Realism, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Sports Fiction, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Chelsea Hensley is an agent at Mad Woman Literary Agency representing a varied list of clients writing across ages and genres and a few who are also illustrating. She began her agenting career in 2020 and continues to build a list that reflects her own diverse tastes, from the lushest of fantasies to the tensest thrillers, steamy, hilarious romcoms to smart sci-fi, lyrical picture books to plucky middle grade, and imaginative, innovative horror to intelligent, deeply researched nonfiction. In all areas, Chelsea enjoys bold work from ambitious creators who share her unrelenting drive to succeed in a challenging industry. Chelsea is a Capricorn from St. Louis, where she lives with a pair of very cute, though very chaotic, dogs. She enjoys D&D, Golden Girls, womenÕs soccer, chocolate chip cookies, and Airtable. She is a member of the AALA.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Sports, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jeff Herman is a literary agent with the Jeff Herman Agency. Jeff is an exceptionally successful veteran literary agent, entrepreneur, and author. His areas of editorial expertise include popular business, spirituality, and most other areas of nonfiction. ÒIf I feel I can sell it, IÕll represent itÓ, says Herman. Jeff Herman opened his literary agency in the mid-1980s while in his mid-20s. He has made nearly one-thousand book deals, including many bestsellers. His own books include JEFF HERMANÕS GUIDE TO PUBLISHERS, EDITORS & LITERARY AGENTS (more than 500,000 copies sold), and WRITE THE PERFECT BOOK PROPOSAL (coauthored with Deborah Herman). He has presented hundreds of workshops about writing and publishing and has been interviewed for dozens of publications and programs.
Notes
NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Computers, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Psychology, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology, True Crime NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Katia Herman is a literary agent with The Herman Agency. She graduated from NYU, where she created her own major in painting and writing. Katia now has 2 sons and 2 stepsons, ages 13, 10, 11 and 4, so she is a very busy woman in a home with 5 males! Middle grade books are not only something she enjoys reading, but a genre she has read to her boys and to which she feels connected to. Katia wrote and illustrated her first “book”, You Get Some Good and You Get Some Bad, when she was eight years old. Throughout high school (Fieldston in NYC) she wrote endless poems and found solace in characters in literature from Anna in Anna Karenina to Holden Caulfield in Catcher in The Rye. As Katia got older, she loved the complex voice of Nabokov and got through her teenage and young adult years with the help of Sharon Olds, Adrienne Rich and T.S. Eliot. These are years she still holds onto, and it is no wonder she finds herself an agent for YA and middle grade books. She loves these genres! Katia also runs her own high-end flower design business and teaches work-out classes. If you are wondering if Katia is related to Ronnie, the answer is yes; she is RonnieÕs much loved younger daughter.
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
Biography
Saritza Hernandez is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Known as the first literary agent to represent marginalized creators in the digital publishing space, Saritza is a self-proclaimed geek with a passion for all things Star Wars, Star Trek, and tabletop gaming. Her love of great storytelling is what has driven her work in the publishing industry for the past 17 years and her passion for amplifying queer and BIPOC voices is what continues to drive her today. An avid romance and science-fiction reader, and strong advocate of the LGBTQ+ community, she enjoys fresh voices in YA and adult genre fiction. She specializes in romance and young adult fiction by and for diverse audiences. She also represents writers and illustrators for middle grade, young adult, and adult (fiction and nonfiction) and is actively building her list in the following categories: Adult fiction – romance, science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Adult narrative nonfiction – cooking books (not cookbooks), parenting, humor. Young adult and middle grade fiction – contemporary/realistic fiction, romance, science fiction, fantasy, mystery and horror. Young adult and middle grade nonfiction – cooking books, humor, queer narratives, queer history. Graphic novels – adult, young adult, middle grade (including nonfiction). Illustrators – middle grade to adult categories Her client titles include: 2018 Lambda Literary Finalist and 2017 NYPL Book of the Year DREADNOUGHT (Diversion Books) by April Daniels; 2019 RITA Winner, THREE-WAY SPLIT (Entangled) by Elia Winters; 2020 YA Debut, SALTY, BITTER, SWEET (Blink/HarperCollins) by CNN Producer Mayra Cuevas; and 2021-2022 YA contemporary fiction titles, TROUBLE GIRLS by Julia Lynn Rubin (Wednesday/Macmillan); and UNEXPECTING by Jen Bailey (Wednesday/Macmillan). Saritza teaches a 10-week course at the UCLA Extension on publishing for the Writing Department, speaks at writer workshops across the country and through her local library system in Orlando, Florida and various “LitLando” writing community groups. She also participates in book events like the upcoming virtual book festival Wordplay, hosted by The Loft.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Food Drink, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Technology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Paloma Hernando is a literary agent with Ayesah Pande Literary. She got her start at Einstein Literary Management in 2020, where she built a list focusing on graphic novels and illustrated books,Êand joined APL in the fall of 2024. Coming from a background of independent comics and the DIY scene, Paloma has always been attracted to well-told stories with a passionate drive behind them. Paloma is also accepting prose works and is seeking any book that tells genre stories in new ways. The only thing she likes more than trope-y fun is the chance to break it down into something new. Paloma also represents illustrators for literary projects and is always on the lookout for strong visual styles. As a daughter of Argentinian immigrants, Paloma views publishing globally and would love to work with any bilingual or international projects. Currently located in Brooklyn, Paloma can usually be found at a drag show or in the karaoke room, and would love to recommend the next movie you should watch.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Technology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Jennifer Herrera is literary agent with the David Black Agency. Jenny joined the David Black Agency in 2015 after working at Fletcher & Company and Europa Editions, where she was an early advocate of Elena Ferrante. She went to college in Ohio, where she studied Philosophy, French, and Russian, and has masterÕs degrees in Philosophy and Social Sciences. Her authors have been awarded the Harriet Tubman Prize, nominated for the J. Anthony Lukas Prize, appeared on NPRÕs Fresh Air, and been New York Times bestsellers. She loves reading nonfiction books about big ideas and is particularly drawn to smart, issue-driven books, especially those from journalists as well as writers with professional expertise, including science, psychology, philosophy, economics, prescriptive, lifestyle, history, and the stories of underrepresented groups. In terms of fiction, she loves character-driven thrillers, upmarket book club fiction, and imaginative fantasy. Books she wishes she would have represented include: Fair Play by Eve Rodsky, Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche, Lab Girl by Hope Jahren, How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis, Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe, The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, The God of the Woods by Liz Moore, and Starling House by Alix E. Harrow.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Computers, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Journalism, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Photography, Politics, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Technology, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ali Herring is a literary agent with Spencerhill Associates. Ali joined Spencerhill in 2017. She represents a broad range of upmarket and commercial fiction, and is proud to represent, among others, Bram Stoker Award winner Lora Senf, bestselling inspirational author Kristin Billerbeck, and finalist for the Philip K. Dick Award for distinguished science fiction and winner of the Pen New England Susan P. Bloom Children’s Book Discovery Award, Kristy Acevedo. A former magazine associate editor, Ali has a diverse background in communications and editorial. She graduated valedictorian of her class at Berry College in 2001, where she obtained her bachelorÕs degree in Journalism. She is seeking middle grade and young adult fiction in all genres, science fiction and fantasy, romance, womenÕs fiction, and inspirational fiction, especially category and single-title romance. She particularly likes high-concept commercial fiction with a literary flair. If you’d like a better idea of her interests, you can find her on Twitter, @HerringAli, where she regularly posts #MSWL’s. Please query her only via the Query Manager link under the submission’s tab.
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FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction
Biography
Christa Heschke is a literary agent with the McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency. Christa graduated from Binghamton University with a major in English and a minor in Anthropology. She started in publishing as an intern at both Writers House and Sterling Lord Literistic, where she fell in love with the agency side of publishing. Christa has been at McIntosh and Otis, Inc. in the Children’s Literature Department since 2009 where she is actively acquiring for all age groups in childrenÕs. Christa is taking on picture books very sparingly and is not taking on rhyming picture books. SheÕs interested in fiction and nonfiction picture books about environmentalism, especially the ocean, as well as diverse cultures and identities. She is more open in middle grade and young adult, prioritizing BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse, and disabled writers. She is interested in contemporaryÐwhether issue-driven or lighter and rom-comÐas well as various genres including horror, fantasy, mystery/thriller, and historical. She is considering adult fantasy very sparingly, and is not open to any other adult work. She is not interested in rhyming picture books or religious texts. She leans toward more literary writing. Some specific topics that interest her in addition to the above are unique, atmospheric settings/world-building and underrepresented cultural influences, offbeat narrative structures, complex romances, stories featuring siblings or friendship dynamics, and stories featuring artists of any kind.
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FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Thriller NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Environment, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Lane Heymont is President and literary agent with The Tobias Literary Agency. Lane HeymontÕs literary agent journey began at the age of eight when his grandfather paid him $5 to read and discuss the classics of literature. He started his publishing career at The Seymour Agency. In 2016, Lane formed The Tobias Literary Agency. With his eclectic taste and particular passion for horror, Lane is the top literary agent in the genre. Some of LaneÕs favorite reads include horror classics such FRANKENSTEIN, OR THE MODERN PROMEHTEUS by Mary Shelley, THE WILLOWS by Algernon Blackwood, and the works of Sheridan Le Fanu, Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Lovecraft (in spite of his being a monster himself), Nathaniel Hawthorne, the BrontŽ sisters, Daphne du Maurier, Ann Radcliffe, and more. Newer horror favorites include THE HUNGER by Alma Katsu, THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS by Stephen Graham Jones, and ALL THE WHITE SPACES by Ally Wilkes. Outside of horror, LaneÕs favorite novels include SKELETONS AT THE FEAST by Chris Bohjalian, KNIGHT OF THE BLACK ROSE by James Lowder, the DRAGONLANCE CHRONICLES by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, IN COLD BLOOD by Truman Capote, I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS by Maya Angelou, and THE DINOSAUR ARTIST by Paige Williams. As a literary agent, Lane represents a broad range of commercial fiction and serious nonfiction. In fiction, he is especially interested in projects broadly defined as horror. This includes select young adult horror. He is always looking for projects by underrepresented voices both in horror, fiction in general, and nonfiction. In nonfiction, Lane focuses on the sciences, cultural studies, history, pop-culture, and celebrity projects.
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FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Environment, General Nonfiction, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Nature, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Technology, Travel, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Cole Hildebrand is a literary agent with the Jean Naggar Literary Agency. He began his career as an assistant editor at YesYes Books, going on to become managing editor for the press, involved in manuscript acquisitions, event planning, website design and publicity for YesYes Books’ list, which includes works by authors such as Elizabeth Acevedo, Justin Phillip Reed, Danez Smith, and many others. He joined JVNLA in 2021, where he is actively building his list while aiding with international rights, film rights, and contracts, as well as handling the Australia/New Zealand market. He is acquiring literary and upmarket fiction, narrative non-fiction, essays, and poetry, particularly works by LGBTQ+ authors. He is drawn to character and voice driven stories with unique perspectives on the contemporary moment, especially those engaging with radical ideas and issues of social justice. He loves fostering the careers of debut authors, working closely with them to help develop and edit their projects, and guiding them through the full process from submission to publication and beyond. Cole earned his BA in English from Lewis & Clark College and his MA in English and American Literature from New York University.
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FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Environment, Film Entertainment, Health Wellness, History, Investigative, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Poetry, Politics, Pop Culture
Jordan Hill
New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc.Accepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Jordan Hill is a literary agent with New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. She is primarily pursuing literary and upmarket fiction for adults. She loves intergenerational stories that grapple with complexities of families and culture through time and anything with an unreliable narrator or a speculative bent. SheÕs also a fan of weird short fiction. In the YA space, sheÕs drawn to contemporary thrillersÐanything with high stakes and a heart. For Middle Grade readers, she looks for adventure or contemporary stories that deal with tough topics for kids. Across the board, she also considers historical fiction or retellings with a fresh approach and compelling perspective. Prior to agenting she worked in the advertising world at a boutique agency, and before that was a bookseller. She hails from Texas and studied English Language & Lit and Spanish at Smith College. In her free time she loves exploring Brooklyn and is always on the search for the best cheeseburger the city has to offer.
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FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Sam Hiyate is the president and CEOÊwith The Rights Factory. He is keen to discover new voices and help writers prepare their works for market, and to help them build lasting careers. In the past two decades with THE RIGHTS FACTORY his hundreds of book deals have resulted in several bestsellers such as MORE, the memoir by Molly Roden Winter, THIS ONE SUMMER, the graphic novel by Jillian and Mariko Tamaki, non-fiction such as HEALTHY AF (DITCH THE DIET) by Oonagh Duncan and THE MYTH of CAPITALISM by Jonathan Tepper and Denise Hearn, and fiction such as GIRLS IN WHITE DRESSES by Jennifer Close and THE ADULT by Bronwyn Fischer.
The Host of the podcast Agent Provocateur, Sam regularly appears at writers conferences and also teaches publishing (Toronto Metropolitan University) and Creative Writing (University of Toronto). Before The Rights Factory, Sam ran the literary division of The Lavin Agency in 2003, building a client list and completing his first deals. Sam also worked as editor and publisher for the small press, Gutter Press, from 1993 to 2002, and worked at the literary magazines Blood & Aphorisms and The Quarterly in the 90s.
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Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Graphic Novel | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |Business Book | Food Drink | Health Wellness | Lifestyle | Memoir | Self-Help |