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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
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.
Notes
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
Notes
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.
Notes
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).
Notes
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
Biography
Whitney Ross is a literary agent with the High Line Literary Collective. With over fifteen years of experience in publishing, including almost a decade as an editor at Macmillan, Whitney represents all the genres she loves and reads herselfÐ middle grade, young adult, and adult fiction across all genres, with an emphasis on historical, SF & fantasy, romance, and contemporary fiction. She is also open to non-fiction submissions in the areas of design, cooking, and fashion. Whitney loves to read novels set in unusual time periods and locations, whether that involves a fantastical element or not. She is rarely able to resist the trickster king motif, and has a weakness for read-between-the-lines subtle romances. And she canÕt wait to be surprised by tropes turned upside down, and unusual takes on old favorites. Yet she’s constantly intrigued by books not on her “wish list,” and is always open to stories with compelling characters and emotionally involving plotlines. Whitney loves partnering with authors in every stage, bringing her editorial experience and genre expertise to support her clients and their publishing journey. In her spare time, she enjoys competitive sports such as cooking and shopping, and tasting wines with her winemaker husband.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Beauty Fashion Style, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Design, Food Drink, History, Lifestyle, Nonfiction, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Stephanie Rostan
Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Stephanie Kip Rostan is a literary agent with the Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency. Stephanie started agenting in 2001 and became a principal at Levine Greenberg Rostan in 2014. Prior to that, she was an editor at Bantam Dell and the Book Producer for iVillage.com. About three quarters of her clients are fiction, including New York Times bestsellers Gillian Flynn, Lisa Lutz and Bryan Reardon as well as Sarah Healy, Wendy Wax, Thomas Lennon and Julia Dahl. Unusual and vivid voices, genre-straddling stories and intense emotion (whether funny, creepy, warm or sad) Ð the things that make a book stick with you for a long time Ð are what she finds most appealing. She represents adult, YA and middle grade projects. In nonfiction, she loves projects that solve a problem or make us see things in a new way, such as La Leche LeagueÕs revised edition of The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, Amir Levine and Rachel HellerÕs Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment, Chris SantellaÕs 50 Places series. She has also worked on narrative nonfiction such as New York Times bestseller Miracle in the Andes by Nando Parrado with Vince Rause and the true crime memoir The Spider and the Fly by Claudia Rowe. Raised in Andover, Massachusetts, Stephanie is the daughter of a Latin and Greek teacher whose specialty is etymology (ask her dad for a definition and youÕll get a minimum of 36 hours of explanation). This early focus on language led to her obsession with crossword puzzles, a term in Germany as an exchange student and an English/Creative Writing major at Princeton. There she became familiar with the slings and arrows of critique groups and revisions, writing under teachers such as Susan Shreve, Stephen Wright and Joyce Carol Oates. Stephanie now lives with her husband and two children in the New York City area, where she is committed to raising her kids as Red Sox fans despite the hostile environs.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Short Story Collection, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Economics, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Elana Roth Parker is a literary agent with the Laura Dail Literary Agency. Elana has specialized in children’s publishing from the beginning of her career, from her very first internship at Nickelodeon Magazine followed by 5 years as an editor at Parachute Publishing. She’s been an agent since 2008, joining LDLA in 2016 after running her own agency, Red Tree Literary. Elana is a graduate of Barnard College and the Jewish Theological Seminary, with degrees in English literature and Bible. It all adds up to her loving books that expertly combine the timely and the timeless.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jaclyn Rothman is a Literary Agent Apprentice at the Corvisiero Literary Agency. She has been clawing at bookshelves since she was old enough to stand.Ê At least, thatÕs what her mother tells her. A lifelong love affair with reading, writing, and all things literature led her to two summers at OxfordÊ University, where she studied creative writing, medieval literature, andÊ contemporary fiction. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, she earned her bachelorÕs degree in English Literature from Pepperdine UniversityÊ(known for its idyllic beachside locale, though she never could quite shakeÊher ever-present-if-irrational fear of tsunamis and the open ocean). AfterÊgraduating from Pepperdine, Jaclyn knew she wanted two things: to liveÊsomewhere she could experience actual, real-life snow, and to pursue aÊlegal education that would supplement her love of literature. So she movedÊto Madison, Wisconsin, and started law school at the University ofÊWisconsin-Madison, where she is currently in her second year Ð and whereÊthereÕs enough snow to make up for a lifetime deficit. At UW Law, JaclynÊserves as a Submissions Editor for the Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender,Êand Society, where she recently published a paper examining the fictionalÊÒFemme FataleÓ and its real-life implications on autonomous women withinÊthe legal system. She is presently focused on entertainment and copyrightÊlaw, in the hopes of using these skills to bolster her future in the literaryÊindustry.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
James Rovira is an agent with The James Rovira Literary Agency. He teaches literature and writing on FloridaÕs space coast and has over twenty yearsÕ experience in higher education as an instructor, chair, program director, and in curriculum design. He is also a multigenre / multimodal freelance writer, scholar, and poet who lives in Merritt Island, FL with his wife Sheridan and their children Penn, Grace, and Zoe. He has four adult children named Joshua, Steven, Bethany, and Beka who live in the Central Florida area.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Poetry CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Peter Rubie is a literary agent with FinePrint Literary Management. Peter specializes in a broad range of high-quality fiction and non-fiction. In non-fiction he specializes in narrative non-fiction, popular science, spirituality, history, biography, pop culture, business and technology, parenting, health, self-help, music, and food. He is a “sucker” for outstanding writing. In fiction he represents literate thrillers, crime fiction, science fiction and fantasy, military fiction and literary fiction, middle grade and some boy oriented young adult fiction. Rubie is a former BBC Radio and Fleet Street journalist and for several years was the director of the publishing section of the New York University Summer Publishing Institute. He was a member of the NYU faculty for 10 years, and taught the only university-level course in the country on how to become a literary agent. Prior to becoming an agent he was a publishing house editor for nearly six years, whose authors won prizes and critical acclaim. He has also been the editor-in-chief of a Manhattan local newspaper, and a freelance editor and book doctor for major publishers. He was a regular reviewer for the international trade magazine Publishers Weekly, and is a published author of both fiction and non-fiction. He is a member of AAR, and regularly lectures and writes on publishing and the craft of writing, and was once a professional jazz musician.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Elizabeth Rudnick is a literary agent with Gillian MacKenzie Agency. Elizabeth has been working in the publishing industry for over fifteen years. After attending Middlebury College where she majored in American Civilization, she completed the Columbia Publishing Course and discovered a passion for editing young adult and middle grade fiction. A ten year career at Disney/Hyperion followed, during which she worked with best-selling authors such as Melissa de la Cruz, Lisa Papademetriou, Melissa Kantor, and Kathryn Williams and helped bring box-office hits such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Tron, Enchanted, and Prince of Persia from big screen to the page. As a Senior Editor she worked with Miley Cyrus to develop her New York Times bestselling memoir, Miles to Go, and edited Jennifer Lopez’s original series, Amigas. She was also responsible for developing a line of original fiction based on the worlds of Prince of Persia and Pirates of the Caribbean. Elizabeth also writes her own children’s books, including her original novel, Tweet Heart, as well as bestselling novelizations based on films such as Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Maleficent, Frankenweenie, and Frozen. To keep her finger on the pulse of the middle-grade reader, she has spent three years working as a 6th grade teacher, while continuing her writing and freelance editing. Her interests primarily lie with middle-grade and young adult fiction of all typesÑfrom realistic fiction to fantasy (with a special soft spot for horse- and dragon-related titles). In addition to building her client list, she is focusing on packaging efforts, pairing high-concept ideas and story-lines with strong writers.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Nonfiction, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
John Rudolph is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. John Rudolph joined DG&B in 2010 after twelve years as an acquiring childrenÕs book editor. He began his career at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers as an Editorial Assistant and then moved to the G. P. PutnamÕs Sons imprint of the Penguin Young Readers Group, where he eventually served as Executive Editor on a wide range of young adult, middle-grade, nonfiction, and picture book titles. He graduated from Amherst College with a double major in Classics and Music. While JohnÕs list started out as mostly childrenÕs books, it has evolved to the point where it is now half adult, half childrenÕs authors Ñand heÕs looking to maintain that balance. On the childrenÕs side, John is keenly interested in middle-grade and young adult fiction and would love to find the next great picture book author/illustrator. For adults, he is actively looking for narrative nonfiction, especially in music, sports, history, popular science, Òbig thinkÓ, performing arts, health, business, memoir, military history, and humor. He is also interested in commercial fiction, but is very selective in what he takes on.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Science, Sports, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Robin Rue is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. Robin began her career as an editor at Dell, but has since spent more than 30 years as an agent.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Meg Ruley is a literary agent with the Jane Rotrosen Agency. She joined JRA in 1981. She is a business partner to and advocate for established bestselling authors as well as emerging writers. Her focus is commercial fiction, writers with distinctive voices in suspense, thrillers, mysteries, crime fiction, historical novels and historical suspense, romance, and womenÕs fiction. Meg grew up on Nantucket Island, graduated from Wheaton College, and attended the Denver Publishing Institute.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Diet Nutrition, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Runge Runge is a literary agent at Spencerhill Associates. She joined the Spencerhill team in 2025. A South Florida native, she earned her B.A. in English from the University of Florida in 2021 before moving to Boston, where she completed both an M.A. in ChildrenÕs Literature and an M.F.A. in Writing for Children from Simmons University in 2024. During grad school, she interned at Red Fox Literary and served as Graduate Fellow for The Horn Book during its centennial year, then spent a year as an assistant at Spencerhill. Her academic research background uniquely equips her to advocate for books that not only resonate with readers but also contribute meaningfully to the broader conversation about the evolution of the childrenÕs literature field. She is actively building her list in all genres of middle grade and young adult fiction. Her taste can be summed up as “eclectic,” and she is drawn to high-concept commercial projects with a literary aura, unexpected hooks, strong A/B plots, and distinct voices. SheÕs especially passionate about supporting diverse and underrepresented creators from all backgrounds, with the hope that every child can one day see themselves in the pages of a book. A lover of anthropomorphic characters, she dreams of repping the next blockbuster animal novel or series. Her favorite feeling is being moved to tears by a bookÕs last chapter. When not reading, Renee enjoys blasting music, playing with her pets, volunteering for her favorite causes, and collecting all kinds of ephemera. Find her on Twitter at @rrreadsbooks, BlueSky at @reneerunge.bsky.social and on Instagram at @reneerungelit.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kelsey Ruoff is a literary agent with the Gold Dust Literary Agency. I accept mysteries, psychological thrillers, YA sci-fi, and the occasional non-fiction that is within the mental health and lifestyle realm. Ultimately, I love a story with a twist Ð something that keeps me on my toes and canÕt be predicted from the opening page. I especially enjoy a book that is written with unique format or perspectives; think The Silent Patient for mystery/thrillers. I enjoy inspirational storylines, humor, and spectacular world building. Not every story has a happy ending, but a book that evokes the reader to learn something about themselves is certainly worthwhile. In YA sci-fi, I am most interested in dystopian settings, but I am open to a world of imagination! The more creative and far-fetched, the better. If you have something that is mind-blowing or heart-tugging (or both Ð even better!), I might just be the agent for you.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Health Wellness, Humor Nonfiction, Inspirational Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Mind Body Spirit, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Psychology, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kathleen Rushall is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Kathleen represents a wide range of childrenÕs literature. She represents NYT bestselling and award-winning authors. SheÕs drawn to environmental and social justice themes, particularly for the youngest set. She loves animals and books about their welfare and science. She’s always interested in picture books that inspire emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and empathy. When it comes to novels, Kathleen loves contemporary middle grade as well as the spooky and unexpected. She loves multi-generational stories, matrilineal magic, and is always happy to see high-concept contemporary romance. Kathleen gravitates to smart character-driven YA no matter the genre. She is always seeking stories written by diverse creators and underrepresented voices. KathleenÕs list includes inspiring picture books such as Carole LindstromÕs NYT Bestselling WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS (for which the illustrator won The Caldecott Medal), OCEAN SPEAKS by Jess Keating (Jane Addams Peace Award Honor), and ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP: How One GirlÕs Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything by Annette Bay Pimentel (Schneider Family Award Honor). She also represents a wide range of middle grade and YA from captivating fantasy like Lisa MaxwellÕs NYT bestselling THE LAST MAGICIAN series and Isabel SterlingÕs THESE WITCHES DONÕT BURN to whip-smart contemporary novels like Gloria ChaoÕs AMERICAN PANDA, Supriya KelkarÕs AMERICAN AS PANEER PIE, and Aimee LucidoÕs EMMY IN THE KEY OF CODE.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Tamar Rydzinski is a literary agent with and the owner/founder of the Context Literary Agency. Tamar has always had a strong love for the written word. Her goal for her authors is to reach their audience wherever they are, and she is proud of helping them stay ahead of the curve. Tamar began her career at Sanford Greenburger Associates. She then joined Laura Dail Literary Agency, where she became vice president and director of subrights.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Psychology, Science, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Lesley Sabga is the Media Rights Manager, Communications Manager, and a literary agent with The Seymour Agency. She has worked as an editorial assistant and freelancer for multiple publishing houses such as Entangled, Jolly Fish Press and Flux Books, as well as Sourcebooks. She’s been working for The Seymour Agency since 2014. Starting out as an eager intern, she worked her way up to being a literary assistant and in the fall of 2017, Lesley became an agent with The Seymour Agency. In 2020, she became the communications manager, handling author relations and agency administration. And in 2022, Lesley enthusiastically accepted the position handling media rights for the agency’s catalog, helping to option and place titles with numerous production companies to date. Lesley loves intricate and vivid world-building and character-driven plots with commercial pacing. She is currently acquiring young adult and adult fiction. She is always down to read a dark and twisty suspense/thriller featuring strong, female protagonists or mysteries where there is a large cast of characters and all the pieces slowly fall into place. She loves big, sweeping love stories that give you all the feels and she’s particularly interested in voice-driven fiction for millennial women that focus on the real-life romantic, humorous, and professional experiences they go through. Always open to diversity, Lesley is actively looking for marginalized authors to bring into the literary world.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Celebrity, Film Entertainment, History, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Self-Help, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jean Sagendorph is a literary agent with Mansion Street Literary Management. Jean is a twenty-year veteran of the entertainment industry whose award-winning work includes many New York Times bestsellers. She spent more than fifteen years at United Media, where she managed the firmÕs publishing, interactive, film, and music interests. While at United Media, her clients included Food Network, Peanuts, Dilbert, Fancy Nancy, Raggedy Ann & Andy, Rainbow Brite, hoops & yoyo, Dirty Dancing, Iron Chef, Iron Chef America, History Channel, Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers, and more. Jean capitalized on her expertise within the publishing and entertainment industries when she launched Mansion Street Literary Management, a boutique literary agency that seeks exciting new authors and properties to represent. She recently spearheaded the creation of a Meals On Wheels cookbook, Made with Love: The Meals on Wheels Family Cookbook, which features recipes from renowned personalities like Martha Stewart, Mario Batali, Helen Mirren, Joan Rivers, Patti LaBelle, Al Roker, and more. Jean is the recipient of the Scripps Howard/William R. Burleigh award for community service for her work on the Peanuts book Why, Charlie Brown, Why?, which benefited Paul NewmanÕs Hole In The Wall Gang Camp. She has also been a featured speaker at leading industry conventions, like Comic-Con, NXNE, Crossroads, Activison/Atari Global Sales Meeting, Blogher, DFW Writers Conference, Undercurrents, and others.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic Novel NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Design, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Reference, Sports CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Jessica Saint Jean is a literary agent at Root Literary. She says “I’m a literary agent specializing in visual storytellers. I primarily represent illustrators and author-illustrators, along with a select number of writers, who work across all illustrated formats and genres in children’s publishing Ð from board books and picture books to middle grade and graphic novels. I’m drawn to creators who share my deep passion for children’s books Ð who appreciate the role of children’s literature as nourishment and entertainment for kids, and as a rich literary art form. I’m looking for writers and illustrators who work hard on their craft; who understand their books’ audience (kids!); who read widely and know how their work fits within the current market; and who hope to build a professional publishing career. Creatively, my tastes are wide-ranging but mostly “upmarket” Ð meaning books with literary depth and impeccable craft that are also accessible and entertaining. I like working on books that genuinely appeal to kids without talking down to them, and that their grown-ups can appreciate in their own way too.”
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
Des Salazar is a literary agent with Metamorphosis Literary. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, she holds an MFA in Fiction having completed a thesis containing translations of stories and poems from an archived journal and reflection essays. Des has a passion for writing and working with other writers. All it took was a Sandra Bullock movie to make them want to read stories, and later, they realized that their nerdy editing could get them there (just not like Sandra Bullock level of editor). Their experience includes associate editing at Allium Literary Journal and their current position as a fiction editor at MASKS Literary Magazine.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jesseca Salky is a literary agent with Salky Literary Management. Jesseca (she/hers) is an agent, founder, and attorney, with almost two decades of experience in the book publishing and adjacent industries. She represents a curated list of distinguished novelists, including Pulitzer Prize-winning and New York Times bestselling novelist Anne Tyler, and works with some of the leading literary agencies and agents in New York as contracts counsel and general business adviser. She has a 360-degree view of the industry as agent and attorney and is on the cutting edge of developments in formats and mediums, often formulating new standards on behalf of writers and agents in the industry. Jesseca keeps a curated client list of authors, thinkers, and industry disruptors. She is selectively looking for contemporary young adult romance (in the vein of Jenny HanÕs The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy), as well as literary fiction submissions that are family stories (she loves a good mother/daughter tale or a story of multiple generations of one family), or have a strong sense of place (where the setting feels like its own character), a magical or mystical element, or a daring or unique voice. She also represents narrative nonfiction in the wellness, social activism and Òliving a purposeful lifeÓ spaces.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Satire, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Technology, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Abigail Samoun is a literary agent with the Red Fox Literary Agency. Before co-founding Red Fox Literary, LLC with Karen Grencik in 2011, ABIGAIL SAMOUN was an in-house childrenÕs book editor for over ten years. Her books received such honors as the CCBC Charlotte Zolotow award, the New York Public Library Ezra Jack Keats award, the SCBWI Golden Kite, and the Pura Belpre Honor. As an agent, Abigail now represents authors and illustrators working in a range of genres, from board books to young adult novels. Her clients include author/illustrator Hannah Harrison whose debut, Extraordinary Jane, received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and School Library Journal. HarrisonÕs picture book was Red FoxÕs first project to go to auction. Fellow clients Chris Pallace and Kevin Serwacki wrote and illustrated Joey and Johnny, the Ninjas, an illustrated middle-grade series that received four offers before being bought by Donna Bray at HarperCollins/Balzer&Bray. In addition to agenting, Abigail is the author of several childrenÕs books, including Sterling PublishingÕs Little Traveler board book series illustrated by Red FoxÕs own Sarah Watts. Abigail likes to organize her library according to which authors would get along well together (the Brontes next to George Elliot, Lois Lowry next to Margaret Atwood). She lives in Sonoma, California with her entomologist husband, two dogs, a gaggle of chickens, and a curious little boy named Tristan.
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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
Trinica Sampson-Vera
New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc.Accepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Trinica Sampson-Vera is a literary agent with New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. She is passionate about championing diverse voices and particularly loves speculative fiction; adventurous, character-driven stories with largely emotional stakes; stories featuring Caribbean characters/settings; and stories where queer characters find happy endings. Trinica graduated from Antioch College with a degree in Creative Writing and French. After several editorial internships during college, she moved to Austin and found an unexpected home in social services, where she worked for five years as a case manager to those experiencing chronic homelessness. Prior to beginning at New Leaf, she worked as an independent editor with Salt & Sage Books and Writing Diversely.
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FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kaitlyn Sanchez is a literary agent with the Bradford Literary Agency. She joined Bradford Literary in 2022 with two years of agenting experience under her belt. Kaitlyn is the proud co-creator and co-host of the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest and Kidlit Zombie Week as well as creator and co-host of the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy Contest. As a mom, wife, and middle school math teacher, Kaitlyn enjoys playing soccer, binge-watching TV shows, and, of course, reading, especially when sheÕs all cozied up with her husband and daughter reading together. Kaitlyn is an editorial agent and always works with her clients to make sure weÕre putting out their best work. SheÕs highly communicative and invested in every aspect of helping her clients have a strong and happy career. Kaitlyn is looking for childrenÕs books (picture books through YA) in all categories, including graphic novels, nonfiction, and illustration. She is incredibly eclectic in her tastes, with a great affinity for emotional stories as well as funny stories. Kaitlyn is always looking for diversity in all forms, including but not limited to BIPOC, neurodiversity, and LGBTQ+. Kaitlyn loves working with artists, so sheÕs always on the lookout for great illustrators, author-illustrators, and graphic novelists. Note: Kaitlyn generally leans PG and PG-13 for most submissions, though some intensity here and there is fine.
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FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Rayhane Sanders is a literary agent with Massie & McQuilkin. Rayhane was raised in Los Angeles and New York City by Iranian and Greek-Cypriot parents. She began her career at Newsweek Magazine before moving to book publishing. She worked for Dutton, Gotham Books, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt before moving to the agency side, working for WME (William Morris Endeavor) and Wayne KabakÕs WSK Management. She is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents. Her clients have been finalists and winners of numerous grants and prizes, including the National Book CriticsÕ Circle Award, the PEN/Jean Stein Award, the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize, the Story Prize, the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Lambda Literary Award, and the New American Voices Award. Works by several of her clients have graced the cover of The New York Times Book Review, and have appeared on national and international bestseller lists. She is particularly interested in representing a diversity of voices from around the world, and in fresh voices telling stories we havenÕt heard before. She is fond of immigrant tales and stories concerned with race, sexuality, cross-cultural themes, and notions of identity. You can find her WriterÕs Digest profile here.
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FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Short Story Collection, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction