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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
Daniele Hunter is a literary agent with the McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency. She represents serious nonfiction, literary fiction, children’s books, and graphic novels. Since establishing the agency in 2014, we have seen the publication of numerous New York Times bestsellers and winners of the National Book Award, the Pulitzer Prize, the Lambda Literary Award, the L.A. Times Book Prize, the Frederick Douglass Book Prize, and many more. Growing up all overÑAfrica, Europe, the Caribbean, and the USÑI found my home in books where writers confront the chaos of reality and distill it into narratives that leave us wiser and more human for having read them. The books I represent embody this ethos. Because I wanted to help make books happen, I entered publishing right out of college, and while my job titles have changed, I have never left that world. I began as an editor, where I deepened my love of accessible, idea-driven nonfiction with the power to transform culture. Next, I worked as a literary scout, representing foreign publishers and Hollywood producers. For the last eighteen years, I have been a literary agent, helping authors bring their ideas to life and find their audience. The time I have spent on various sides of the industry lets me view the agent-author relationship holistically. I routinely help my clients shape and sharpen their projects through a rigorous in-house editorial process. In the bigger picture, I work to help authors hone a career trajectory for their work. This level of focus requires that I cap the number of new clients I will take on. I am always looking for work that takes me beyond the boundaries of where I currently am. This can be in categories such as history, sociology, psychology, anthropology, medicine, cultural criticism, popular culture, journalism, and sheer whimsy. I look for fiction that is story- and character-driven and engrossing with a strong voice. I have a particular interest in multicultural and African American work. I also have a passion for graphic novels, be they for adults or young readers. In children’s books, I represent the gamut from picture books through chapter books and middle grade readers, to young adult. In addition to agenting, I hold an MA in cultural anthropology, and I teach a course on Writing for Children in the Publishing Certificate Program at City College.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, New Adult Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Kristy Hunter is a literary agent with The Knight Agency. As a graduate of Vanderbilt University and The Columbia Publishing Course, Kristy Hunter began her publishing career in New York CityÑfirst as an editorial intern at Bloomsbury ChildrenÕs Books and then as a book publicist at Grove/Atlantic and Random House ChildrenÕs Books. When she moved to the agenting side of the industry, she was closely mentored by Deidre Knight, president and founder of The Knight Agency, and her first co-agented project sold at auction soon after. As an agent, Kristy enjoys being able to bring a unique perspective to her clients thanks to her diverse publishing background. When sheÕs not curled up with a fantastic book or manuscript, she can be found kickboxing or hiking with her dog and is an active member of SCBWI.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Alexis Hurley is a literary agent with InkWell Management. Alexis Hurley started her career in 1998 and has been at InkWell since its inception in 2004. Alexis works in the dual capacity of Co-Director of Foreign Rights and agent of domestic works in the areas of literary and commercial fiction, memoir, narrative non-fiction and more. She is a native of the Berkshires and a graduate of Dickinson College where she received her BA in English and Art History and a minor in Italian.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Reference, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ismita Hussain is a literary agent with Great Dog Literary. She is a Georgia native and graduate of Emory University, where she studied Human Health and Italian. During college, she also worked for various Atlanta area hospitals in departments ranging from neonatal to geriatric care. In her Desi household, she grew up speaking Bangla, Hindi, and Urdu. Ismita is seeking literary fiction, health-related non-fiction, YA, and short story collections. Some of her favorite authors are Flannery OÕConnor, Cormac McCarthy, Oscar Wilde, and Tom Perrotta. Ismita is especially drawn to fiction with a Southern setting, gritty realist writing, and any books that explore health or disability. Ultimately though, sheÕs a sucker for writing with a great sense of humor. Member: AALA.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Short Story Collection, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Art, Biography, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Sports, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ginger Hutchinson is a literary agent with Movable Type Management. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies, Ginger Hutchinson went on to become Wesleyan UniversityÕs Kim Frank Fellow of Creative Writing, building upon years of experience as an editor in publication, workshop and teaching environments. As an educator, most recently with the Free Library of Philadelphia, Ginger has been committed to nurturing creativity and embracing the power of storytelling to connect each of us with a sense of purpose, community and appreciation of one anotherÕs unique way of navigating the world. Ginger grew up in rural Florida amidst a large, rambunctious family and massive system of natural springs; all its pre-historic creatures and people who often seem odd to outsiders are regular characters in the story she carries through life.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Art, Beauty Fashion Style, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Family, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Travel, True Crime
Biography
Steven Hutson is a literary agent with WordWise Media Services. He says, “I was a storyteller almost from birth; poems, articles, business letters, advertising copy, and lame excuses. But like most writers, I kept a day job; in-between gigs I found gainful employment as a clerk typist, vitamin buyer, waiter, forklift operator, lifeguard, bookkeeper, grocery manager, printer’s apprentice, and meat cutter. Oh, and I went to college for a while with a major in business. But the muse didn’t give up on me, and in time I had a couple of books published. One thing led to another; I edited dozens of books for others and managed a writersÕ conference for several years, making many valuable contacts along the way. I’ve mentored hundreds of aspiring authors, I speak often at writers’ events, and I write two blogs. Swimming, gardening, and cooking keep my hands busy in-between. I live in sunny Southern California with my wife Ruth and son Bradley. “
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Western Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Environment, Family, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, Gardening, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Inspirational Nonfiction, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Annie Hwang is a literary agent with Ayesha Pande Literary. Before joining Ayesha Pande Literary, Annie began her career at Folio Literary Management where she had the pleasure of working with debut and seasoned authors alike. As a former journalist, Annie possesses a keen editorial eye which she brings to her approach to agenting, taking an active role in the careers of her clients. Annie represents voice-driven literary fiction and select nonfiction. In particular, she gravitates toward subversive, genre-inflected literary fiction and impactful mission-driven narrative nonfiction that explores and grapples with the complex, fundamental truths of our world. A fierce champion for underrepresented voices, Annie is always on the hunt for gifted storytelling that stretches its genre to new heights.
Notes
FICTION: Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science
Dara Hyde
Hill Nadell Literary AgencyCLOSED to SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Online Form or Postal MailBiography
Dara Hyde is a literary agent with the Hill Nadell Literary Agency in Los Angeles. She is a senior agent at the Hill Nadell Literary Agency in Los Angeles and represents a wide range of fiction and nonfiction, including literary and genre fiction, graphic novels, narrative non-fiction, memoir, and young adult. Before joining Hill Nadell, Dara spent over a decade as an editor and rights and permissions manager at independent publisher Grove Atlantic in New York. Dara has taught or spoken at a number of writersÕ conferences and events, including Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, 826LA, BinderCon, New Orleans WritersÕ Conference, Pima WritersÕ Workshop, PubWest, Long Beach Comic Expo, IWOSC, Antioch University LA MFA, Chapman University MFA, UC Riverside MFA and UCR Palm Desert MFA, Santa Barbara WritersÕ Conference, Fallbrook WritersÕ Conference, and the Literary Editing and Publishing (LEAP) program at USC.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Satire, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Tia Ikemoto is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. Based in the New York office, she represents a diverse range of nonfiction and fiction across the commercial to literary spectrum. She began her career at ICM Partners in 2019 assisting the co-head of the Publishing department and joined CAA in 2022 following the agencyÕs acquisition of ICM. She graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Communication and a minor in Business. She is seeking fiction and nonfiction projects that resonate with a wide audience. She is drawn to compelling and propulsive storytelling, emotionally resonant narratives, and high concept projects with unique hooks or fresh perspectives.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Susan C. Ingram is an agent with Williamson Literary. She joined Williamson Literary in 2019 after knowing, and writing with, Emily Williamson for close to a decade. From classmates in the Johns Hopkins MA in Writing program, to longtime writing group colleagues to editing and agenting, Emily and Susan have found they have similar approaches to writing and tastes in literature. Besides, they enjoy working together. ItÕs a good fit for them and the writers seeking representation with Williamson Lit. Susan comes to agenting as an award-winning journalist with a number of careers under her belt. A Baltimore County native, Susan worked 20 years as a film industry camera assistant in Los Angeles and Baltimore and 20 years in journalism as a newspaper reporter and editor. She has also taught writing, written speeches for a county councilman, copy edited a well-known international wine journal and happily shelved books at her local library. She now works as a writer and editor in addition to agenting. After attaining her bachelorÕs degree in film from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, she attended the graduate program in film at UCLA and later graduated from the International CinematographerÕs camera assistant training program in Los Angeles. She received her Master of Arts in Writing from Johns Hopkins University in 2012. Susan loves reading an array of fiction and nonfiction and is an Ernest Shackleton freak and classic film fan. She has a penchant for settling in with a bowl of popcorn on Saturday nights with her two rescue cats, Mack and Baine, to watch horror host Svengoolie and his eclectic selection of horror movies. More at newzcook.wordpress.com
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Satire, Suspense Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Education, Environment, History, Humor Nonfiction, Inspirational Nonfiction, Journalism, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Science, Sports, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s Issues
Biography
Adrienne Ingrum is a literary agent at the Serendipity Literary Agency. She joined Serendipity Literary Agency as Vice President and Senior Agent, with a focus on debut and seasoned writers who explore spirituality, radical cultural change and self-reflection via nonfiction. In more than four decades in publishing, Adrienne has held VP editorial positions at Putnam, the book chain Waldenbooks, and Crown/Random House. She led the start-up team for Black Issues Book Review magazine and served as lead consultant in the development of Black Expressions Book Club. She is proud to have been part of the cohort of black publishing industry professionals who ushered in the ÒBlack books boomÓ of the 1980s/90s. She acquired early books by bestselling author Bebe Moore Campbell, cultural influencers Nelson George (National Book Critics Circle Award nominee) and Rita Dove (National Poet Laureate), and developed the national bestseller We Are the World for the #1 song written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones for USA for Africa, the earliest charity effort for international food justice. Adrienne is excited to bring todayÕs thought-leading culture makers to the publishing community and seeks clients who deeply, practically, or humorously examine faith; who pinpoint cultural intersectionality; and who entertain in unique ways. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, she graduated from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. She is a trustee of the New York Society Library, a literacy volunteer with My Own Books Fund, and an active member at First Corinthian Baptist Church of New York City (FCBCNYC). She is based in Harlem.
Notes
NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality
Biography
Liv Ivanov is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency, Inc. She has always had a passion for reading wildly immersive, character-driven novels and developed a love for storytelling when her next-door neighbor introduced her to NaNoWriMo back in 2010. After graduating from the University of Missouri and working in operations and video game development for several years, Liv returned to her first love and began volunteering as a reader and fiction editor for literary magazines before starting her internships at Triada US and Creative Media Agency in 2023. Now stepping into her role as an Associate Agent at CMA, Liv is excited to both discover refreshing, compelling, and fantastical stories and champion new creative voices in the industry. In her free time, Liv loves to go hiking in the Rocky Mountains near her home in Colorado Springs, as well as collect books as she slowly works toward making her home office a 1,000-book library.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Nathaniel Jacks is a literary agent with InkWell Management. He joined InkWell Management after graduating from Columbia University with a BA in literature. Among the books he represents are The Birth of Cool by New Yorker contributor Nicola Twilley, The Heavenly Table by Guggenheim Fellow Donald Ray Pollock, American Hookup by sociologist Lisa Wade, Ph.D., The Code of Trust by behavioral expert Robin Dreeke, and Broad Influence by TIME Washington correspondent Jay Newton-Small. He is excited to work with ambitious authors whose books enlighten everyday life, demystify systems, explore the mind, question the status quo, and empower self-improvement. He also oversees contracts at InkWell.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Mystery, Short Story Collection, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Eleanor Jackson
Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Postal MailBiography
Eleanor Jackson is a literary agent with Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary Agency. She has been agenting since 2002. Previously, she was an agent at Markson Thoma and at InkWell Management. She is a graduate of Colby College and the Columbia Publishing course. Her list includes authors of fiction and non-fiction in a wide range of categories, including literary, commercial, memoir, art, food, science and history. She looks for books with deeply imagined worlds, and for writers who take risks with their work. She lives in Brooklyn NY.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Science, Travel, True Crime, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books
Biography
Heather Jackson is a literary agent with and the founder of the Heather Jackson Literary Agency. She decided to vault over the desk to the agent side in 2016 after a highly successful career as a trade editor. In her 20+ years as an editor she acted as the creative midwife to multiple dozens of New York Times bestselling authors and titles, including: Tim Ferriss, Jillian Michaels, Dr. Steven Gundry, Ron Fournier, Joy Bauer, Rick Hanson, Dr. Robert C. Atkins, Dr. Arthur Agatston, Dr. Nancy Snyderman, Dr. Susan Love, Dr. Alice D. Domar, Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, Mallika Chopra, Barbara Sher, Martina Navratilova, Joe and Teresa Graedon, B. Smith and Dan Gasby, Howard Dully…among many others. The selective client list she and we are cultivating has one unifying theme: to represent authors and books that entertain, elevate, inform, or make some type of positive difference to the individual reader or our larger society. Works that make you want to press the pause button on everything else–ditch the screens, the duties, the worries–to sit down and read for hours. Books that can ignite or shift a conversation and that might unite us rather than divide us further. And, most importantly, books that can connect deeply and widely with masses of readers. We specialize in commercial non-fiction, both narrative and prescriptive, and in contemporary fiction. We represent top-tier authors in health and well-being, psychology/self-help, politics and current affairs, as well as memoir and personal finance. We are always on the hunt for brilliant writing and deeply moving journalistic narratives that share insights into unseen aspects of our culture, subcultures, and the function or workings of our world. We love big ideas and groundbreaking big think books. We love historical and contemporary fiction penned with propulsive storylines, sharp and textured writing, and peopled with vivid characters. Lastly, we are steadfastly looking for a reliable narrator who isn’t a psychopath, a multi-generational family saga that surprises, and, well, something that is just pure magicÉreminding us that a creative hand can take us places we didnÕt even know we wanted to go.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Economics, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Upmarket Nonfiction
Biography
Jennifer Jackson is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. Jennifer Jackson is Vice President at the Donald Maass Literary Agency, which she joined in 1993. Once upon a time, she worked as a bookseller for Waldenbooks, and also did a stint at Forbidden Planet, the retail division of LondonÕs Titan Books. She maintains a personal website at http://www.jenniferjackson.org/ and her blog is archived at http://arcaedia.wordpress.com/ Growing up reading science fiction and fantasy led naturally to a concentration in that genre, which she continues to champion. She initiated the expansion of the agency into the area of womenÕs fiction, and has also expanded her genre reach into the thriller and suspense categories. Her current roster includes, among others, New York Times best-selling fantasy writer Jim Butcher, Hugo Award winning science fiction author Elizabeth Bear, USA Today best-selling author Anne Bishop, New York Times best-seller Kim Harrison, evil genius Seth Dickinson, Nebula Award winner Martha Wells, Compton Crook Award winner Nicky Drayden, Nebula finalist Saladin Ahmed, New York Times best-selling author Yoon Ha Lee, Icelandic novelist Alexander Dan Vilhj‡lmsson, and Shirley Jackson Award nominee and debut novelist Tamsyn Muir.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Lisa Jackson is a literary agent with the Alive Literary Agency. She is the Executive Vice President of the agency. She is a passionate advocate for her clients. She has the experience, insights, and expertise necessary to not only help authors shape their message, but also to successfully navigate the ever-changing demands of todayÕs publishing market. A publishing veteran with more than three decades of experience, Lisa has always been a fan of the written word. She started out as a local newspaper reporter and editor, then worked as an associate magazine editor. Lisa then led the nonfiction team at Tyndale Publishing House before moving to Alive Literary Agency in 2014. With extensive experience in both the general and Christian publishing markets, Lisa has a proven track record for recognizing and developing key voices. She considers it an honor to serve as a champion for authors in the book publishing world. She and her husband live in beautiful Manitou Springs, Colorado. She enjoys nature and spending time with her two objectively perfect grandchildren.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Religious Fiction NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Inspirational Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Nonfiction, Parenting, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Nonfiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Melanie Jackson is a literary agent with the Melanie Jackson Agency. Melanie is a leading literary agent. She founded the highly respected Melanie Jackson Agency. Among the many awards won by her clients are: the Nobel Prize in Literature, four Pulitzer Prizes, the National Book Award, and the National Book Critics Circle Award.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, History, How-To, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Reference, Science, Technology
Biography
Michelle Jackson is a literary agent with LCS Literary Services. She represents books that evoke heartfelt emotions and fervent conversations among readers. Her mission is to mentor and develop authors, particularly those from underrepresented communities, and help them build a brand of quality and authentic reads. Originally from Jamaica, West Indies, Michelle is now a literary agent with LCS Literary. She began her agenting career as an intern and then a Literary Associate with Olswanger Literary. She is also a published author and has earned educational degrees from New York University, SUNY at StonyBrook, Teachers College Columbia University and Argosy University. Michelle looks forward to bringing adult fiction and select young adult and non-fiction works of new authors to the masses, especially BIPOC and underrepresented authors. She is also a content editor and loves developing and working with new authors to help them hone their craft. She is looking for stories with strong character arcs and hooks. Intriguing plot lines that keep her up at night until she gets to the last page. Romances that make her heart swoon, thrillers that keep her guessing and heartwarming, uplifting tales. Stories about sister friends, mother-daughter relationships. Stories with themes of friendship, forgiveness, love and second chances. Michelle has a soft spot for fellow educators who are writers and for stories featuring educators. She is also looking for those who want to write category romancesÐshe also loves Amish romances!
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, Health Wellness, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Self-Help, Spirituality, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Devra Ann Jacobs is a literary agent with Dancing Word Group. She has been an influential businesswoman and speaker. She founded and served as editor-in-chief of Mystic Pop Magazine for 9 years until its sale in 2008. Devra has been a successful literary agent, owner of Dancing Word Group Agency, since 2008, representing both mainstream and higher consciousness authors… As a Representative of Excellence Devra has an extensive networking model, which aids her in representing her authors. She has established contacts with both large and small publishing houses. Her drive to represent the interests of her clients comes from a deep-seated base of ethics, concern, experience and understanding.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Mind Body Spirit, New Age, Nonfiction, Self-Help, Spirituality
Biography
Hillary Jacobson is a literary agent with CAA/ICM.She represents a wide array of adult and young adult fiction, as well as select non-fiction. She began her career at ICM in 2015 and joined CAA in 2022 following the agencyÕs acquisition of ICM. A lifelong obsessive reader, she is always on the hunt for writing that provokes a strong emotional reaction, adds an important perspective to the cultural conversation, or challenges the reader’s beliefs. She is particularly drawn to suspense, coming-of-age narratives, sweeping family sagas, moving love stories and rom-coms, as well as speculative fiction. To submit your work, please send your pitch and the first 10 pages of your manuscript in the body of an email. She responds to every query, and her average response time is approximately one month.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Rachel Jacobson is a literary agent with the Alive Literary Agency. She’s a tireless advocate dedicated to helping her clients build deeply rich and lifegiving publishing careers. As an in-your-corner type of gal, Rachel enjoys helping authors hone their ideas, tap into their generative creativity, and share their messageÑbecause she wholeheartedly believes books can be a positive force for good in the world. Prior to joining Alive, Rachel worked as a literary agent at D.C. Jacobson & Associates before serving authors as an acquisitions editor at Baker Books. She draws on her marketing and business experience and a strong creative eye to help authors tap into marketplace needs and catch the attention of publishers. Rachel lives in OregonÕs beautiful Willamette Valley (the traditional land of the Kalapuyans) with her husband, Blair. A self-proclaimed ambivert, she will undoubtedly say yes to 80s dance nights, bike rides, and good books.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Religious Fiction NONFICTION: Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, Inspirational Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Nonfiction, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Nonfiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Amanda Jain is a literary agent with the BookEnds Literary Agency. Amanda came by her love of reading honestly, inheriting it from parents who always had books close to hand. She began her career in publishing at W. W. Norton, where she spent seven years before pursuing a masterÕs degree in history of the decorative arts. She rejoined publishing shortly thereafter at Inklings Literary Agency, and is excited every day to encounter new writers and their stories. Amanda currently reps adult romance, mystery, womenÕs fiction, and upmarket fiction, with a special emphasis on historical fiction in all genres. She also represents narrative nonfiction, especially projects exploring the literary world, art history, material culture, archaeology, food history, or social history. She loves projects with a strong sense of place and those that create a completely immersive world. She is particularly interested in books that add something important to the conversation, that explore stories we havenÕt yet heard, and that introduce new voices to our reading experience. Amanda currently lives outside of Washington, DC with her husband and two kids. When sheÕs not reading, she likes to cook, root for the Cubs, and spend as much time outside as she can.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Environment, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, Gardening, Gift Novelty, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Sports, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s Issues
Biography
Amy Jameson is a literary agent with A+B Works. Amy began her career in publishing working with renowned literary agent Lynn Nesbit. During her seven years at Janklow & Nesbit Associates, Amy had the privilege of working with acclaimed authors such as Michael Crichton, President Jimmy Carter, Tom Wolfe, Gore Vidal, Joan Didion, Jeffrey Eugenides, and many others. She also sold audio and first serial rights for several years at J&N while building her own select client list. In 2004, she left Janklow and partnered with her husband Brandon to form A+B Works. Amy has always had a passion for young adult and middle grade fiction. Some of her favorite authors include Sharon Creech, Jerry Spinelli, Madeleine L’Engle, E.L. Konigsberg, Louisa May Alcott, Susan Juby, Cynthia Rylant, Karen Cushman, Susan Cooper, and, of course, her own clients. Amy enjoys spending time with her children, trying to grow things in her garden, cooking, singing, and reading really great books.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Romance CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Joylanda Jamison is an Associate Literary Agent with Embolden Literary. She is a writer and editor living in the Blueridge Mountains of Virginia. Her writings have been published in various faith-based outlets such as Think Christian as well as non-religious publications. Joylanda previously served as a guest poetry editor for Frontier Poetry. She has a passion for amplifying the voices and stories of BIPOC writers and thrives when helping others cultivate their creative voice. Joylanda takes the utmost care in guiding authors along their writing journey and ensures that their story remains an authentic reflection of themselves.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Poetry CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction
Biography
Sarah Jane Freymann has been a literary agent since the 1970s. She is the founder and president of the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Journalism, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Travel, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Luke Janklow is a literary agent with Janklow & Nesbit Associates. Luke Janklow represents an eclectic list of authors with multiple talents ranging from imaginative storytelling to broadcasting, cooking, politics and rock-and-roll. There is one governing principle to LukeÕs taste: books that are prime examples of their type. His list features fiction and narrative nonfiction, journalism, idea books, celebrity, sports and cookbooks. In fiction, satire is a particular favorite, as is high concept science fiction, humor, thrillers/spy stories and young adult. Luke is focused on where publishing is going and what it will look like in the near and far future. He is open to exploring new publishing ideas and how authors can maximize and broaden their earning power and cultural impact. Having graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in Cinema Studies and Art History, Luke is engaged by the worlds of film, television and digital. He is also exploring branding, products and other unusual ways for storytellers to expand their reach. As a professional musician who once wrote and made records, LukeÕs experience in the music business provided valuable lessons that he applies to his work with authors. As a songwriter, he experienced how difficult it is to sit alone and create something and then present it to a sometimes indifferent world. Creating an original work takes imagination and guts; artists and authors need strong advocates in their corner. He saw the music business implode in the digital revolution, and sees preventable parallels that publishing can avoid in this transitional time. We are in the storytelling business and there are stories everywhere.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Humor Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Design, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction