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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
Jess Hoare is a literary agent with Calligraph. She joined the Zo‘ Pagnamenta Agency in 2019, after getting her start in publishing at W.W. Norton and the Maria Carvainis Agency. As foreign rights manager, Jess oversees the sale of CalligraphÕs translation rights. Originally from Australia, she has a degree in English Literature with a minor in Gender Studies and Social Analysis from the University of Adelaide.Jess is building a select list of domestic clients, in both non-fiction and fiction. With a background in the world of restaurants, Jess is particularly interested in food writing, whether that be cookbooks, books about the environment and our food systems, cultural histories, or memoir. She is also interested in social science, investigative journalism, essay collections, and nature writing. On the fiction side, Jess is looking to represent literary and upmarket fiction. She is drawn to novels that are smart, beautifully written, and explore the complexities of being human. She likes books that have an outsider’s perspective, or engage with social issues in a nuanced way. She lives in Brooklyn.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Environment, Food Drink, Gardening, General Nonfiction, History, Investigative, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Science
Biography
Gail Hochman is a literary agent with Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents. Gail Hochman developed her career by representing what she loves most to read: works of literary fiction, idea-driven non-fiction, literary memoir and childrenÕs books. Her authorsÕ works have become bestselling novels, successful films and television series, and international publishing phenomena, and have earned their authors prizes ranging from the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, and PEN/Faulkner Award to the Guggenheim Fellowship, Lambda Literary Award, and the Caldecott and Newbery Medals. Gail has taught a class in the role of the literary agent at NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies, and she is active in numerous charities and foundations which support the needs of women and children in New York City and the writing community. Throughout her tenure as President of the Association of AuthorsÕ Representatives, she has helped the organization to develop more effective educational programs for its member agents and to serve as an advocate for authorsÕ rights.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, Mystery, ThrillerNONFICTION: Biography, General Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, ScienceCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction
Biography
Mitch Hoffman is a literary agent with The Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency. Mitch Hoffman joined the Aaron Priest Literary Agency as a Senior Agent in December 2015. He was previously Vice-President, Executive Editor at Grand Central Publishing.Mitch is actively building a list of authors writing across the spectrum of fiction and nonfiction, including thrillers, suspense, crime fiction, and literary fiction, as well as narrative nonfiction, politics, popular science, history, memoir, current events, and pop culture. His clients include Leslie Archer, Andy Barr, Hilary Davidson, David Ewing Duncan, Elvis Duran, John Fried, Raymond Khoury, Allie Larkin, David Pepper, Dr. Ian Smith, Tom Rob Smith, and Radha Vatsal.As an editor, Mitch published over 200 books, more than 60 of which were New York Times bestsellers. He has nurtured the careers of debut novelists as well as global #1 bestselling authors, and has worked with journalists, memoirists, scientists, historians, and members of the military and intelligence services. His list of authors included David Baldacci, Harlan Coben, Jeffery Deaver, Roger Ebert, Senator Al Franken, Dr. David Grinspoon, John Lescroart, Brad Meltzer, Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child, Daniel Stashower, Sandi Tan, and Don Winslow. Their books have won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Orange Prize for Fiction, the Edgar Award, the Anthony Award, ITWÕs Thriller Award, The Barnes & Noble Discover Award, and have been longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, among many other honors.Prior to joining Grand Central Publishing in 2007, Mitch held editorial positions at Dutton and Dell Publishing, and began his career as an intern at Farrar, Straus and Giroux. He has been a Fellow of the Jerusalem International Book Fair, a Distinguished Guest of the Toronto International Festival of Authors, and has been a featured panelist at a wide array of industry events, including the NYU Summer Publishing Institute, numerous writers conferences, and has also addressed the bipartisan Creative Rights Caucus on Capitol Hill (sponsored by the AAP and Authors Guild) regarding collaboration between writers and publishers, and the importance of copyright protection for authors.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, True Crime
Biography
Scott Hoffman is a literary agent with Folio Literary Management. A refugee from the world of politics, Scott is one of the founding partners of Folio Literary Management. He has served as Vice-chairman of the Board of Directors of SEARAC (the only nationwide advocacy agency for Southeast Asian-Americans), a Board Member of Fill Their Shelves, Inc. (a charitable foundation that provides books to children in sub-Saharan Africa) and a member of the Metropolitan Opera’s Young Associates Steering Committee.Before entering the world of publishing, he was one of the founding partners of Janus-Merritt Strategies, a Washington, DC strategic consulting firm. He holds an MBA from New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business, and a BA from the College of William and Mary.What I’m looking for (and what I’m not looking for):My tastes are extremely eclectic; about the only types of projects I won’t consider are series romance, cozy mysteries, or Westerns. My current list is about half fiction and half nonfiction. My fiction is about half literary, and half commercial (chick lit? Sure – if it’s smart and fresh, and has a strong voice.) My nonfiction is spread out among serious journalistic or academic nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, and quirkier pop-culture books.If your project doesn’t fit one of the “established” categories, I’m probably your guy – I love projects that can’t be easily classified.
Notes
NONFICTION: Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Economics, Education, Fitness, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Psychology, Reference, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Technology, True Crime, Upmarket Nonfiction
Biography
Markus Hoffmann joined Regal Literary in 2006 and was made a partner in the agency in 2014, when it became Regal Hoffmann & Associates. He studied English and Russian literature and linguistics in Munich, Moscow, and at Hertford College, Oxford, and started his career in publishing in London in the late 90s before relocating to New York City in 2004. He still betrays his transatlantic allegiance by insisting on the proper pronunciation of the words basil, tomato, and herb (among others). If he ever writes a book, it will be called WHY PUNS MATTER. His main interests as an agent are international and literary fiction, genre-redefining speculative fiction, crime, literary memoir, philosophy, history, music, popular science, and travel literature. He also looks after the agencyÕs foreign rights. He’s obsessed with surfing and capoeira and plays the trumpet in the publishing jazz combo The Editšrial Standards.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, TravelCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Christina Hogrebe is a literary agent with the Jane Rotrosen Agency. She has been with JRA for over 15 years and is a tireless advocate for her clientsÕ goals. She represents authors at every stage in their careersÑfrom debuts to bestsellers to established authors looking for a change. Driven by data and accountability, Christina is particularly adept at creating visionary strategies for taking authorsÕ careers to the next level. A graduate of the Denver Publishing Institute and Franklin & Marshall College, she developed an affinity for all things British during a study abroad in Bath. Now her focus is on commercial adult fiction, especially domestic suspense, mystery, romantic comedy, womenÕs fiction, historical fiction, and anything British, naturally.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Biography
Mara Hollander is a literary agent with the Azantian Literary Agency. She started her publishing career at FinePrint Literary Management and joinedÊAzantian Literary Agency in 2025. Prior to working in publishing, Mara earned a bachelor’s degree at Georgetown University and a PhD and Pitt Public Health, and was a professor researching US health care policy. Mara believes stories make us who we are and that everyone deserves a chance to write their own. She is actively seeking to represent authors from communities traditionally underrepresented in publishing, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and disabled and/or chronically ill writers. In her free time, she writes fantasy novels, watches a shocking amount of figure skating, roots for the Washington Nationals and Georgetown Hoyas, and daydreams about petting dogs.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Dating Relationships Sex, Environment, Health Wellness, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Psychology, Reference, Science, Sports, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ameerah Holliday is a literary agent with the Serendipity Literary Agency. She is a dancer and self-proclaimed poetess from San Diego, California. She received her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from San Diego State University. Holliday is a former editorial assistant intern for Poetry International and currently serves as editorial director for the San Diego Poetry Annual and assistant editor for Kids! San Diego Poetry Annual.Ameerah has attended the San Diego Comic-Con every year since 2011, is a published poet, and has a cat named after a villain from The Vampire Diaries.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, Health Wellness, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Pop Culture, Psychology, Self-Help, SpiritualityCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Zach Honey is a literary agent with FinePrint Literary Management. He is North Carolina-born and Montana-raised with an equal love for sweet tea and waist-deep snow. He studied film production and philosophy at Montana State University and received a masterÕs degree from the University of Nottingham in England.Zach joined Fine Print Literary in 2020 and became an Associate Agent in 2022. He entered the writing world from the side of an author, publishing several short stories and maintaining a close connection with the craft as a member of writing groups in Boston and New York. After attending the NYC Pitch Conference and being introduced to the agenting side of the industry, he connected with Peter Rubie at Fine Print Literary, who brought him on as an assistant.Zach is primarily seeking thrillers and adult fiction, especially those set in rural places, mountainous regions, or other hard-to-reach corners of the world. His other interests include hiking, skiing, music, board games, golf, and other outdoor activities, and he is open to non-fiction pitches in these categories. He is not looking to represent fantasy or sci-fi at this time. He would like to support underrepresented authors, especially those in the American indigenous community.Above all, he enjoys strong writing with fascinating settings, memorable characters, and stories that are impossible to put down.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Sports Fiction, Thriller, Western FictionNONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Humor Nonfiction, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Nonfiction, Sports, True Adventure
Biography
Ashley Hong is a literary agent with Gardner Literary. She is a literary agent representing adult nonfiction and select fiction.She was previously an editor at Penguin Random House, where she acquired and edited the New York Times bestselling This Here Flesh by Cole Arthur Riley and A Rhythm of Prayer by Sarah Bessey. At PRH, Ashley edited and project managed titles across the Crown and Random House publishing groups, giving her a deep understanding and fondness for a wide breadth of books encompassing general interest, politics, business, history, cookbooks, wellness, Christian/Catholic writing, and more.Prior to book publishing, she cut her teeth in journalism by working at such outlets as Truthdig, CNN, and WNET, which instilled a love for narrative nonfiction in all its forms.Ashley joined Gardner Literary in 2023, and is delighted to partner with authors and shepherd their creative work. She is most interested in the books that haunt her in a good wayÑthe kind of writing that she keeps thinking about long after the first read. She gets excited about projects that are incisive, witty, transporting, equal parts seismic and granularÑin essence, books that unearth something within her, be it curiosity, laughter, longing, ache, or sonder. Recent and forthcoming projects include Eli Harwood’s Raising Securely Attached Kids, Alexis Barber’s Too Smart for This, and GG Renee Hill’s Story Work.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Animals, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Environment, Gardening, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Psychology, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Travel, True Crime, Women’s IssuesNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Aliza R. Hoover is a literary agent with The CAT Agency, Inc. She represents visual storytellers with distinctive, unique voices. She is inspired every day by the illustrators and author-illustrators she represents, and is honored to help bring their stories into the world.She began her Publishing career at Candlewick Press, where she spearheaded & coordinated illustrator searches and negotiated illustrator contracts. With a degree in Classics and a background in visual art, she is passionate about storytelling and the magical place where words and images collide.Aliza grew up homeschooled and barefoot in the woods, and has lived in Finland and Scotland before returning to her home state of Massachusetts where she lives with her partner John (who is a spreadsheet magician) and their cat Corryvreckan (who is AlizaÕs familiar). Outside of agenting, Aliza is a multimedia photographer, tarot enthusiast, and an aerial circus artist.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic NovelCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book
Biography
Pam Hopkins is the president of Hopkins Literary Associates, located in Rochester, NY. She has been an agent for 14 years and formed her own agency in 1996.Specializing in women’s fiction she represents full-length fiction in historical, contemporary, paranormal, chick & mom-lit, inspirational and category romance as well as mainstream fiction. Pam is a member of AAR (Association of Author’s Representative) and RWA.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Women’s Fiction
Biography
Marufa Hoque is a literary agent with and the founder of Cresent Literary. She is the founder of Crescent Literary and a graduate of UCLA Extension’s Literary Representation program. As a former teacher at a Muslim girls’ private school where her students were primarily immigrants or children of immigrants, she is dedicated to uplifting voices in publishing.Marufa has a BA in Geography and a minor in English as books have always been her passion. Her favorite genres are science-fiction and fantasy (if it has a dragon and/or mentions space, she’s all ears!). She currently resides in NYC working on her next novel.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Science FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Erin Hosier
Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Postal MailBiography
Erin Hosier is a literary agent with Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary Agency. Erin Hosier has been agenting since 2001, formerly at The Gernert Company before moving to DCL in 2007. She primarily works with nonfiction authors and has a special interest in popular culture, music biography, humor, women’s issues and memoir. In general, novels with happy endings put her in a bad mood. She grew up in rural Ohio, and lives in Brooklyn.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General FictionNONFICTION: Biography, General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Music, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Women’s Issues
Biography
Bob Hostetler is a literary agent with The Steve Laube Agency. He is a thirty-year veteran of Christian publishing. He has been a writer, magazine editor, freelance book editor, and author of fifty books, both fiction and non-fiction. A frequent speaker at writers conferences and retreats around the world, he has encouraged and coached numerous writers to publishing success. In 2017 his book The Bard and the Bible was named the Selah Awards Book of the Year.Bob is an Ohio native with earned degrees in English Bible from Cincinnati Christian University and English Communications from Bloomfield College. He was ordained to the ministry by The Salvation Army.He has been married for forty years to the lovely Robin, his teenage sweetheart and ministry partner; together they have pastored four churches (though not all at once) and were foster parents to ten teen boys (though not all at once). They make their home in southern Nevada.Bob claims to have two perfect children, Aubrey and Aaron, who have given him and Robin five perfect grandchildren.
Notes
NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Elisa Houot is a literary agent with The Seymour Agency. She is the author of five published Young Adult novels. Enthusiastic about discovering new voices, Elisa lives in France with her adorable and barking companion, Muffin.She joined The Seymour Agency after a MA in publishing. Reader, reviewer, book blogger, short story writer, published author, foreign rights agent, literary agent, Elisa has had many roles in the publishing industry. Beyond anything, she thrives on helping authors build their careers.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, ThrillerNONFICTION: Nonfiction, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Antwan Houser is a literary agent with the Cyle Young Literary Elite. He a dedicated leader who loves working with and impacting the lives of youth and young adults in all facets of life. He is passionate about youth and young adults formerly serving as Youth Pastor at Mount Pisgah MBC and currently serving as the minister over the Young Adult Ministry at Emmanuel MBC in Indianapolis, IN.He is a college graduate whom has achieved five degrees, to include an Associates, two Bachelors and two Masters. Antwan was the 2015 recipient of the MayorÕs Community Service Award for the State of Indiana awarded by Mayor Greg Ballard, he was the recipient of a Letter of Appreciation for his community service and service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day awarded by Congressman AndreÕ Carson. He one whom lives by his life scripture Òto whom much is given, much is required.”Antwan, a Pastor and United States Navy Veteran, member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, member of the Indianapolis Urban League as well as a Member of the Indiana Rotary Club is married with three children.
Notes
NONFICTION: Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Gift Novelty, Inspirational Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Self-HelpCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult NonfictionNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Elise Howard is a literary agent with DeFiore and Company. Prior to joining DeFiore & Company, Elise Howard was the founding publisher of Algonquin Young Readers, an imprint of Workman Publishing, which she led from 2011 to 2022. Elise was previously SVP and associate publisher at HarperCollins Children’s Books, where she oversaw the publication of many award-winning and bestselling books. Some of the authors she has worked with include Masuma Ahuja, Avi, Tracey Baptiste, Kelly Barnhill, Sara Farizan, Neil Gaiman, Kelly Jensen, and Nova Ren Suma. Books she has edited have won the Newbery Medal twice, the Edgar Allen Poe Award for best juvenile novel twice, and many other awards and honors. She began her career as a book packager, conceiving, selling to publishers, and developing juvenile and adult fiction and non-fiction projects.As a literary agent, Elise is looking for new favoritesÑ hers, an editorÕs, and ultimately the readerÕs: fiction and non-fiction to be savored and remembered for its immersive storytelling, rich world-building, and illumination of landscapes known and unknown.Elise is generally not looking for genre fiction, but she may take on a book with a great love story at its heart or one with elements of fantasy. She is looking for a twisty, well-done mystery, especially if it features a great new sleuth with many stories to tell.SheÕs also eager to represent eye-opening narrative non-fiction, particularly stories of the natural world, visible or invisible, including the human mind and body, or of people and events previously unknown or overlooked.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, MysteryNONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Environment, Gardening, Illustrated, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Zoe Aline Howard is a literary agent with Howland Literary. After working with Howland Literary and Lookout Books while earning her BFA in Creative Writing and Certificate in Publishing from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Zoe Howard is now building her own list of adult literary fiction and adult nonfiction. Zoe is also a literary publicist at Pine State Publicity. More than anything, Zoe is drawn to writing where language comes firstÑshe would love to see the work of poets-turned-to-prose, lyrical voices, and sentence-level craft that plays (Patti Smith, Ali Smith). She would love to read writing that explores boundaries: deconstructions of the coastal or Òconvenience storeÓ south & the mountain states of the US, non-traditional narrators, cross-discipline books, and so on. In adult fiction, she is seeking voice-driven stories that subvert reader expectations of their subject matter. Zoe is especially interested in unashamed characters; characters at their breaking point; literary fiction with speculative elements, especially those that tend dark and underground (Sharks in the Time of Saviors); joyous girlhood; body horror & transformations of the body; and insular settings (small towns, amusement parks, summer camps, hotels). In adult nonfiction, Zoe is looking for narrative nonfiction, memoir, and essay collections that blend personal narratives with research or questions about the larger world. She would love to see more nonfiction that reads like fiction. Her niche interests include material culture, why & how we use objects, celebrities, pop culture, parasocial relationships, and the connections between people and the places they inhabit.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Pop Culture
Biography
Macey Howell is a literary agent with WordLink, Incorporated. She is looking for literary fiction, romance, fantasy, psychological suspense and horror, narrative nonfiction, and cross-genre works that encompass any mix of these elements. She especially loves stylistically unconventional writing that uses language in an unexpected way and makes it feel unfamiliar and then familiar again, like moving into a new house and making it your home. In YA and middle grade, she would like to see contemporary and fantasy projects that are imaginative and have coming-of-age themes that speak to a young readerÕs perspective and concerns. She also considers whimsical and charming picture books that have a strong emotional center and deeply understand the specific context of the audience.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Romance, Suspense FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Carrie Howland is a literary agent with and the founder of Howland Literary. She founded Howland Literary, LLC in 2018, after thirteen years as an agent, most recently at Empire Literary.Carrie holds a B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Albion College, where she was the Poetry Editor of The Albion Review. Her poetry has appeared in various literary journals and magazines.She attends several conferences, both nationally and internationally, throughout the year. Her craft talk from the Adirondack Writers Conference, “Beyond the Query Letter,” is available on the Howland Literary website.In her spare time, Carrie volunteers as a foster for a local dog rescue and is an active member of the Junior League. Her passions include music, pop culture, and the Midwest. She has been featured in several publications discussing her work as an agent including Poets & Writers, SCWBI insight, Akashic Books, and Slice Magazine.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Short Story Collection, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Animals, Art, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, How-To, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, True Crime, Women’s Issues
Biography
Cait Hoyt is a literary agent with CAA Literary. She represents the worldÕs leading New York Times and UK Sunday Times bestselling authors. She works in every genre and is focused on building careers as authors for the leading actors, musicians, journalists, doctors, writers, and directors in the publishing industry. Her clients include Reese Witherspoon, Martha Stewart, Jen Anniston, Matthew Perry, Britney Spears, Kerry Washington, Will Smith, Willow Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Jimmy Fallon, Jon Batiste, Sam Lansky, Darren Aronofsky, Dustin Lance Black, Cleo Wade, Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager, Savannah Guthrie, Maria Shriver, Naomi Watts, Channing Tatum, Eva Chen, Lionel Richie, Tim McGraw, Dr. Yusef Salaam, Elf on the Shelf, Aubrey Plaza, and Chris Pine, among many others. Her work in publishing has launched some of the bestselling book tours, IP and merchandise development, in addition to creating longstanding publishing programs for her clients.She began her career in the mailroom at Paradigm and joined CAAÕs publishing division in 2009.
Notes
NONFICTION: Film Entertainment, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Music, Nonfiction
Biography
Mandy Hubbard is a literary agent with and the founder of the Emerald City Literary Agency. Mandy began her publishing career on the other side of the deskÐas an author. Her debut novel, Prada and Prejudice, was published by PenguinÕs Razorbill books imprint in 2009, and went on to appear in TIME magazine and Entertainment Weekly. She has since written 10 other novels, published by Harlequin, Flux, and Bloomsbury. Her work has been translated into a half dozen languages and optioned for film.Soon, Mandy found that she was just as drawn to the business side of publishing as she was the creative one. She considered a career as a literary agent, and tested the waters by interning for an established New York City agency. The internship confirmed sheÕd found her passion, and soon after she sought out an agency interested in adding a new agent to their roster.Mandy joined D4EO Literary Agency in February of 2010, where she began building her list. A few months later she sold her first book in a 4-way auction. The following year, she brokered her first six figure deal. By the end of 2015 sheÕd sold nearly 70 novels to major publishers, and was ready to launch Emerald City Literary Agency.Mandy still juggles writing with agenting, and wouldnÕt want it any other way.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Amy Hughes is a literary agent with and the founder of the Amy Hughes Agency. She has worked in publishing for over two decades, beginning her career as a publicist at Simon & Schuster and an editor at Penguin before finding her niche as an agent, first at McCormick & Williams Agency and then at Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary Agency. She is interested in books that explore new perspectives on history and culture, inspire better living, and spark movements. Nonfiction areas include history, psychology, parenting, memoir, current events, wellness, cooking, personal growth, lifestyle, spirituality, and the environment. She grew up in Tennessee and is a graduate of Sewanee, The University of the South.
Notes
NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Environment, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Psychology, Self-Help, Spirituality
Biography
Morgan Hughes is a literary agent with FinePrint Literary Management. She grew up in the midwest before relocating to Texas as soon as she turned eighteen. There, she attended Texas Tech University and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English literature. Morgan was previously an intern and Agency Assistant at Pippin Properties before joining FinePrint Literary in 2023 as an Associate Agent. She currently lives in Texas with her husband and their dog.Morgan believes that books can change the world and is committed to discovering and uplifting underrepresented voices. She is seeking Middle Grade and YA fantasy / adventure with a particular interest in graphic novels. She is also interested in YA, New Adult, and Adult romance. She loves unique narratives, strong voices, and impressive world-building, but is also drawn to small town vibes and sports settings. She is currently not seeking picture books, science-fiction, thrillers/mysteries, or nonfiction.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Sports Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Michelle Humphrey is a literary agent with the Martha Kaplan Agency. Before returning to the Martha Kaplan Agency where she was an agent 2009-2010, Michelle Humphrey was with International Creative Talent and Sterling Lord Literistic. Prior to these stints, she worked as an assistant for Renee Zuckerbrot Agency then Anderson Literary. She has also worked as an English Teacher, proofreader, and Freelance Book Reviewer. Her reviews have been published in Bitch, Bust, and The Women’s Review of Books.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural FictionNONFICTION: Autobiography, Biography, Current Events Affairs, History, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Reference, Science, Technology, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Allison Hunter is a literary agent with and a founding partner of Trellis Literary Management. She began her publishing career in 2005 working for the Los Angeles-based literary publicity firm Kim-from-L.A, and was an agent at InkWell Management, the Stuart Krichevsky Literary Agency, and Janklow & Nesbit before co-founding Trellis Literary Management in the fall of 2021, in search of more collaborative, boutique approach to client representation. Allison is actively acquiring literary and commercial adult fiction, especially focusing on upmarket book club and womenÕs fiction, romance and rom coms, thrillers and domestic suspense. She loves great storytelling and unforgettable characters, and is always looking for female friendship stories, campus novels, great love stories, family epics, and books about class and cultural identity. She would especially love to find a smart beach read by an author underrepresented in that category.In the non-fiction space, Allison is acquiring select memoir, narrative nonfiction, and the occasional prescriptive project. She loves working with journalists and with experts in their field, and is always looking for pop culture, womenÕs issues and for books that speak to the current cultural climate.Allison has a B.A. in American Studies and Creative Writing from Stanford University and a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School. A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, she now lives in Austin, Texas, after over a decade in New York City. She loves to cook, host dinner parties, watch all medical TV shows, and brainstorm new book ideas and plots with her authors.AllisonÕs favorite non-client authors (if your work is similar, please get in touch!): Dolly Alderton, Candice Carty-Williams, Katherine Heiny, Emily Henry, Elin Hilderbrand, Samantha Irby, Liz Moore, Liane Moriarty, Celeste Ng, Emily Oster, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Curtis Sittenfeld, Emma Straub, J. Courtney Sullivan, Jia Tolentino and Rebecca Traister.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Satire, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Business Book, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Technology, Travel, True Crime, Women’s Issues