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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
John Silbersack is a literary agent with The Bent Agency. He says: ÒI am a publishing professional with a deep experience as editor, publisher and agent. Prior to joining The Bent Agency, I spent 17 years at Trident Media Group as Executive Vice President and represented bestsellers by a host of fiction and non-fiction authors. Prior to that I built a solid publishing background at companies such as HarperCollins, Warner Books, and Penguin Putnam. I founded six imprints and have worked with writers and media properties including Governor John Kasich, General Wesley Clark, Chuck Close, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Philip K. Dick, the Frank Herbert Estate, Dean Koontz, Ursula K. LeGuin, Major League Baseball, NASCAR, the NBA, the Obama Inaugural Committee, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, the Ellen Raskin Estate, Charles Schulz, and Denzel Washington. As a literary agent, I have enjoyed success with a diverse roster of clients. Drawing on my more than twenty years as an editor, I work closely with my clients to develop and refine their proposals and manuscripts, many of which have gone on to become New York Times and international bestsellers. This attention to detail and strong sense of the agentÕs role in the publishing process are the defining aspects of my success as a literary agent. I have an A.B. from Brown University and am the author of several books. I am married and have three children.Ó
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, Current Events Affairs, History, Memoir, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Eric Simonoff is a literary agent with WME Books. Eric has been at WME since 2009 where he represents a wide range of fiction and nonfiction. His clients include Jhumpa Lahiri, Edward P. Jones, Yaa Gyasi, Megha Majumdar, Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child, hurmat kazmi, Buzz Bissinger, Tina Brown, Peter Balakian, Stacy Schiff, Alton Brown, Stephen Chbosky, Martin Dugard, Jean Kyoung Frazier, Petina Gappah, Brian Greene, Phil Klay, Christina Baker Kline, Jonathan Lethem, Ariel Levy, Sarah Lewis, Sam Lipsyte, Ben Mezrich, ZZ Packer, Roger Reeves, Jessica Shattuck, Trenton Lee Stewart, Ian Toll, Calvin Trillin, Karen Thompson Walker, Carl Zimmer, and The New Yorker Magazine, among others.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Satire, Short Story Collection, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Technology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Anjali Singh is a literary agent with and the founder of The Anjali Singh Agency. She founded her agency in 2024. Most recently, she was an agent at Ayesha Pande Literary for nine years; she has also worked as an editor at Vintage Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Simon + Schuster and as Editorial Director of Other Press. She is best known for having championed Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis after stumbling across it on a visit to Paris. She has always been drawn to the thrill of discovering new writers and among the literary novelists whose careers she helped launch are Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Samantha Hunt, Saleem Haddad and Nawaaz Ahmed. She focuses on literary fiction, memoir, and narrative nonfiction as well as representing graphic novel writers and illustrators across all age ranges.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Art, General Nonfiction, Illustrated, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Jessica Sinsheimer is a literary agent with the Context Literary Agency. Jessica has been reading and campaigning for her favorite queries since 2004. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, she went east for Sarah Lawrence College and stayed for the opportunity to read soon-to-be books for a living. Before joining Context, she was an Associate Agent at the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Travel, True Crime, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Aiden Siobhan is a literary agent with the Laura Dail Literary Agency. They graduated from UNC School of the Arts in 2023 with a Filmmaking BFA specializing in Screenwriting and Animation. Before becoming an agent, they interned at LDLA and were an Author Mentor Match mentee in 2022. When theyÕre not binge reading an LGBTQ+ YA novel, they work as the Art Director for two alternative newspapers, attend film festivals for their documentary projects, and go on road trips with their fiancŽ and dog. Aiden loves any story that is diverse, heartfelt, beautifully written, and makes them stay up reading until 3 A.M. Send them your trope-filled, high-stakes, addicting novels that will hook them so well theyÕll have to draw fan art (and they will)!
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Alexander Slater is a literary agent with Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. Alex has only ever worked for authors. A UConn graduate with a concentration in creative writing, he has experience in every area of literary agenting, from interning and assisting, to selling foreign rights and cultivating his own client list. After two years at the Maria Carvainis Agency, and twelve years at Trident Media Group, heÕs thrilled to be bringing his passion for publishing and his expertise in its business to SJGA and GreenburgerKids. As always, Alex seeks to launch careers, especially for writers who have been systematically held back. His clients today include several award-winning and New York Times bestselling authors. Please query him with smart and innovative thrillers, as well as witty and original rom-coms in the YA space. As for middle grade, he loves graphic novels and hopes to see more grounded sci-fi and fantasy, as well as books that aim for the highest literary prizes. Ultimately, all stories must have that sense of urgency that the best books for children share, and be from writers passionate about their own voice and eager to engage in the diverse and dynamic conversation already ongoing in contemporary literature.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Andie Smith is an Agent at Creative Media Agency, Inc. She has been obsessed with books from a young age. Growing up reading above her grade level in school, she was the girl who always had her nose in a book. When she discovered the agonizing pain of a book hangover after finishing a favorite series, Andie quickly learned she wanted to pursue a career in literature so she could be stuck in her favorite worlds forever. She has previously served as a writer and editor for several local newspapers and magazines in Central Florida. In 2022, she interned at Booker Albert Literary and was promoted to junior agent in 2023. After graduating with her MasterÕs in Public Administration, Andie joined the team at CMA in 2025. As an autoimmune advocate, she is passionate about working with authors who share a deep connection with their characters and embrace life through all disabilities, even the invisible ones. She is still growing her list and welcoming authors to join her team.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Bridget Smith is a literary agent with the Jabberwocky Literary Agency. She joined JABberwocky as an agent in May 2019. She grew up in Connecticut and graduated from Brown University with a BA in anthropology in 2010. After graduation, she interned at Don Congdon Associates, worked at a secondhand bookstore, and read submissions for Tor.com. In 2011, she started as an assistant at Dunham Literary, and she remained there as an agent for nearly eight years. In her spare time, she runs, plays Irish fiddle, and co-hosts the podcast Shipping & Handling with fellow agent Jennifer Udden of New Leaf Literary.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ciara Smith is a literary agent with the Corvisiero Literary Agency. She was raised by an editor who instilled in her a love of reading and writing. In her youth, she penned short stories, but left writing behind when she joined the US Navy. But, of course, that love for words never wavered even during her service, and she readily volunteered to edit and review any and all paperwork, reports, and regulations she could get her hands on. After becoming a parent to two beautiful daughters, she decided to leave the military to pursue various creative arts and returned to her first love of writing and editing. Ciara earned her Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and joined a small press as a freelance editor. She provides editing and beta reading services to friends she’s made in the writing community and is elated at the chance to support authors even more as she builds her list at Corvisiero. Ciara is especially excited for the opportunity to champion diverse, ND, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ authors.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction
Biography
Eric Smith is the founder and a literary agent at Neighborhood Literary. With over fifteen years of experience in publishing, both at a house and an agency, Eric Smith (he/him) has worked with numerous New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors across genres and categories.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Health Wellness, Memoir, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Latoya Smith is a literary agent with and the founder of LCS Literary Services.LCS Literary Services was founded by Latoya C. Smith in February 2016, offering an array of editorial, ghostwriting and management services. Latoya started her editorial career as an administrative assistant to New York Times bestselling author, Teri Woods at Teri Woods Publishing while pursuing her BachelorÕs Degree at Temple University. She graduated Cum Laude from Temple in August of 2005. She then attained a full-time position at Kensington Publishing in March of 2006. In October 2006, Latoya joined Grand Central Publishing, an imprint at Hachette Book Group. For the span of her eight years there, Latoya acquired a variety of titles from Hardcover fiction and non-fiction, to digital romance and erotica. She was featured in Publishers Weekly, Forbes and USA Today, as well as on various author, book conference, and book blogger websites. In early 2014, she appeared on CSpan2 where she contributed to a panel discussing the state of book publishing. From August 2014 to February 2016, Latoya was Executive Editor at Samhain Publishing where she acquired short and long-form romance and erotic fiction. She is the winner of the 2012 RWA Golden Apple for Editor of the Year, 2017 Golden Apple for Agent of the Year, and the 2017 Literary Jewels Award for Editor of the Year. Latoya is an editor, literary agent, and ghostwriter.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Health Wellness, How-To, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Shannon Snow is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency, Inc. She worked in finance and marketing for 18 years before turning to her childhood first loveÉ books and writers. She started her career in publishing 2018 and then joined Creative Media Agency, Inc. in 2018, first as an intern, before moving up to an Associate Agent in 2020. Shannon has a B.A. in English Language and Literature. She manages the audio rights for CMA.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Lee Sobel is a literary agent with and the owner of the Lee Sobel Literary Agent. He says: “My name is Lee Sobel and I am a music promoter, literary agent and filmmaker. Music drives everything I do and first and foremost I consider myself a music fan. The first feature film I directed was released as ÒRockabilly VampireÓ and when I premiered the film in 1996 with seven bands from the soundtrack performing live it launched my career as a music promoter. To date I have put on thousands of events in clubs with as many as 1500 attendees but I love putting on shows in small bars too. I currently put on shows all over the country and always try my hardest to make these special events wherever possible. I invented something I like to call Òthe mini-festivalÓ where all the bands match up by genre. This helps bands to build a support system with other bands of the same style and to give the shows more impact. It has also enabled me to get some very nice press coverage. For many years I put on swing dancing events and IÕve recently started putting them on again under the name Arcadia Swing. In 2016 I launched the Lee Sobel Literary Agency and have made a number of deals for music driven memoirs and biographies. As a filmmaker I directed seven low budget features and am now developing a music-driven documentary.”
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Illustrated, Lifestyle, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Pop Culture, Reference, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Shania Soler is a literary agent with the Metamorphosis Literary Agency. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Shania has been an avid book lover from the moment she picked up Richelle MeadÕs Vampire Academy. Ever since then, her TBR pile has steadily grown. Currently working on an MA at the University of Leeds, she has received her BachelorÕs of Arts in English from the University of Maine and plans to pursue a PhD in Japan, where she spent 7 months during her undergrad studying the language and culture. When not reading, she can be found lounging with her cat, Marlow, or studying for her degree.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Andrea Somberg is a literary agent with the Harvey Klinger Literary Agency. A literary agent for over twenty years, Andrea represents a wide range of fiction and nonfiction, including projects for adult, young adult and middle grade audiences. Her clientsÕ books have been NYTimes and USA Bestsellers, GMA and Target Book Club Picks, winners of ALAÕs Alex Award and the Nebula, nominated for The Edgar Award, The Governor GeneralÕs Award, the Lambda Award, the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award, the Ohioana Award and the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award, Junior Library Guild Selections, PublishersMarketplace’s Buzz Book Selections, and have been named best books of the year by NYPublic Library and Book of the Month Club. She also actively pursues film and tv rights, and has had projects optioned by 20th Century Fox, Imagine Entertainment, Warner Brothers and others. Andrea is a guest instructor for MediaBistro and Writers Digest.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Computers, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Design, Diet Nutrition, Economics, Fitness, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Technology, Travel, True Crime, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
DongWon Song is a literary agent with the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. DongWon Song represents commercial fiction for adult, young adult, and middle grade readers as well as select nonfiction. He was formerly an editor at Orbit and a product manager for the ebook startup Zola Books. He has also taught as an adjunct instructor in the publishing program at Portland State University. He joined HMLA in 2015. For adults, he is currently looking for thrillers with either a speculative edge or a focus on technology. Non-fiction personal narratives, food writing, and science writing, in particular work that addresses race and culture in these disciplines. For children, he is looking for science fiction, contemporary thrillers, horror, or fantasy that focuses on the experiences of marginalized people.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kelly Sonnack is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. For the past 18 years, Kelly has been championing writers and artists in nearly every category, format, and age group. She loves working with debut authors and illustrators as well as bestsellers and award-winning creators who are deep into their careers, and excels at developing strategies for clients at each stage of the creator’s journey. Kelly represents all categories and genres of children’s books but right now, she’s looking for the following categories: Graphic novel artists or author-illustrators (I am not open to representing new GN script writers) Illustrators and author-illustrators of picture books. This includes illustrators who want to illustrate another writer’s words, or artists who want to write and illustrate their own stories. Within these categories, Kelly is particularly interested in stories on the following topics, themes and story elements: Fiction and nonfiction unafraid to center queer and trans identities Stories celebrating alternative family structures Comedy/humor Innovative writing/storytelling (including visual storytelling) Kelly is on the board of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA). She is also on the AALA’s Membership Commitee and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee where she co-directs a mentorship program that provides support to agents from underrepresented backgrounds. Kelly grew up overseas, primarily in Singapore, and now lives in Southern California.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Laura Southern is a literary agent with Wolf Literary Services. She joined Wolf Literary Services in 2021 as an assistant to Kirsten Wolf and is now building her list as an associate agent. Born and raised in Texas, Laura received her BA in English from Baylor University before moving to New York City, where she earned her MS in Publishing from New York University while assisting at Morhaim Literary. Laura loves lyrical prose and character-driven narratives. In adult, she is looking for fantasy, science-fiction, and horror with lush worldbuilding and voice that vibrates off the page. SheÕs a fan of villains, setting as character, and stories that dive headfirst into the weird or strange. Romcoms and romantasies with sharp, witty prose are also high on her list. As a Texan native, Laura has a soft spot for narratives set in the South, particularly when told from diverse perspectives and featuring LGBTQ+ narrators. In young adult, Laura is interested in speculative fiction across any subgenre, as well as select contemporary fiction. Laura loves the fae, magical animals, dark academia, marching band, new twists on quest narratives, genre-blending, found family, mythological retellings, and dragons. Laura is not open to picture book, middle grade, or unsolicited nonfiction queries at this time.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Kerry Sparks
Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Kerry Sparks is a literary agent with the Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency. She joined LGR in 2008, coming to book publishing after several years in the film and television industry. With a love for all these mediums of storytelling, she gravitates toward books that have a cinematic feel or visual element that lend to film or television adaptation. She primarily represents fiction with a specific focus on novels for teens and young adults but regardless of age is always on the hunt for books that combine a solid hook and great writing and that have an undeniably fresh yet relatable voice. She also represents a select list of nonfiction writers. A few of her clients include NYT and International Bestselling author Jennifer Niven, National Book Award Finalist Carrie Arcos, illustrator and author Mark Pett, bestselling author Susan Wittig Albert, novelist Camille Perri, essayist and poet Shayla Lawson, and a robust list of JennifersÑ Jennifer Mathieu, Jenny Lundquist, Jennifer Gray Olson, and Jenny Torres Sanchez to name a few. Kerry grew up in the woods of Oregon as the extroverted early bird in a family of introverted night owls, and, as a middle child, learned how to negotiate while keeping the peace at a young age. She graduated with honors from California State University, Los Angeles with a degree in English, where she also published short stories and wrote and produced plays. After a decade in Manhattan, Kerry now heads up the LGR Oregon outpost in Portland where she lives with her husband and two daughters. Kerry is the co-author of the hipster baby name book Hello, My Name Is Pabst and will gladly help clients name their characters upon request.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Economics, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Poetry, Politics, Pop Culture CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Erica Spellman-Silverman is a literary agent at Trident Media Group. At 23 years old, Erica Spellman Silverman began her career at ICM. Coming from a family of writers and editors, sheÕs loved books all her life. She represented journalists Hunter S. Thompson, Tim OÕBrien, Robert Scheer, Robert Greenfield, Tim White, and Cameron Crowe, among others. Many went on to become novelists, screenwriters, and directors. After transitioning to the film side of the business, Erica found that she missed working with novelists and moved to The William Morris Agency (now William Morris Endeavor), where she became Vice President. There, she could work with writers in all categories: books, film, and theater. Lionel Schriver, Scott Spencer, Eve Babitz, and Robin Cook are among the many writers she represented. She was also responsible for their movie and TV deals. Having worked at ICM and William Morris, she made a transition to running United Artists in New York so she could see the other side of the fence. ÒI couldnÕt get back to being an agent fast enough!Ó Erica says. ÒI love finding my own writers and not being dependent on the committee mentality one needs as a buyer.Ó Erica has been at Trident for ten years, where she has had the wonderful opportunity to work with fantastic writers, including Andrew Mayne, Barbara Lynch, Cherise Wolas, Esther the Wonder Pig, Eve Babitz, Jennifer L. Scott, Rachel Van Dyken, Robin Cook, and many others. She also uses her knowledge of the movie business to handle book-to-film and TV rights for many of TridentÕs agents. Her client list is fairly eclectic. Her interest lies less in genre than in great storytellingÑErica says, Òanything that gets into your head and your heart, anything you canÕt stop thinking about, whether itÕs literary fiction, thrillers, young adult, or memoir. Books and stories that touch the soul, that make you laugh or cry or both. Stories that havenÕt been told before or are told in a different way: thatÕs what I am looking for.Ó
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Nonfiction, Parenting CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Elaine Spencer is a literary agent with The Knight Agency. Elaine Spencer joined The Knight Agency in 2005, after graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in economics and literature. Originally serving as the agencyÕs submissions coordinator, Elaine then moved on to head the foreign rights department, before beginning to actively build her own individual client list. Over the last decade Elaine has placed over 500 titles in a wide variety of sub-genres across the market. Elaine continues to keep a focused author list as she believes it is important to work closely with her clients through each step of the publishing process. She relishes seeing her clientsÕ talents grow alongside their careers, and one of her favorite parts of the job continues to be educating authors about the market and business at large. Elaine lives in Athens, Georgia with her husband, daughter, and four-legged sons. Elaine is a member of RWA and the WFWA and is also an AAR recognized agent. She is interested in a wide-variety of categories including but not limited to womenÕs fiction, historical fiction, romance, contemporary fiction, and a multitude of nonfiction topics which align with her personal interests.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Art, Beauty Fashion Style, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Diet Nutrition, Family, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Joe Spieler is a literary agent with The Spieler Agency. Joe has been a writer (The Village Voice, Penthouse, The SoHo Weekly News, HarperÕs Monthly) and an editor (The New York Times, The SoHo Weekly News). He began the agency in 1982 and represents nonfiction and fiction and books for children and young adults. Among the writers he represents are the cultural historian Thomas Frank (WhatÕs the Matter with Kansas?, One Market Under God, The Wrecking Crew ), the historian Walter Laqueur (A History of Zionism, Weimar, The Holocaust Encyclopedia, After the Fall: The End of the European Dream and the Decline of a Continent), the late Akio Morita, the founder of Sony (Made in Japan), Paul Hawken (Growing a Business, Blessed Unrest, Natural Capitalism), the historians Richard Breitman and Allan Lichtman (FDR and the Jews), Peter Senge (The Fifth Discipline), Joe Kane (Running the Amazon), and Marc Reisner (Cadillac Desert). His childrenÕs list includes Amy Ehrlich (With a Mighty Hand), David Martin (the forthcoming Shhh! Bears Sleeping), and Rebecca Rupp (After Eli).
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Environment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Psychology, Reference, Religion, Science, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Lauren Spieller is a literary agent with Folio Literary Management. She says: “I represent an exciting and talented list of award winning and bestselling authors. Whatever the age category or genre, IÕm passionate about representing diverse and underrepresented voices, and IÕm always on the hunt for a new point of view. I consider myself an editorial agent. I provide support and insight at all stages of a bookÕs creation, tailoring the way I work to the clientÕs needs. I am also a fierce advocate and negotiator. ItÕs important to me that my clients not just succeed in selling one book, but many, and that I do everything I can to help them have a long, creatively satisfying career. That means being strategic about which projects they write, the brand they are developing, and the way we pursue foreign, audio, and film/TV deals. (I also have lots of random advice ready to go. Like that time I taught a client who lives in CA how to remove ice from her windshield using a credit card. IÕm full service!) I have a BA and a MA in English because I just couldnÕt get enough of books. IÕm also the author of two Young Adult novels entitled YOUR DESTINATION IS ON THE LEFT and SHE’S THE WORST. Both are published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. When IÕm not working, you can find me playing with my mini goldendoodle, Louise, or binge watching something funny or thrilling. WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR I love books that sit at the intersection of ÒcommercialÓ and Òtimeless,Ó especially if they pair a big hook with voicey, upmarket writing. I like to read books that keep me at the edge of my seat, that make me laugh out loud, that make me swoon, or that are simply so unputdownable that I stay up way too late reading. I also love smart genre-bending tales, books that tackle a familiar topic or time period from a new or surprising perspective, and stories that take big risks, whatever that means to you. But letÕs get more specific. In MG, IÕm looking for high concept contemporaries, magical fantasy and kid-friendly sci-fi, exciting historical, and spooky horror/mystery. IÕd also love to see MG graphic novels, especially if it’s set in our world. In YA, IÕm drawn to speculative stories (fantasy, sci-fi, and horror), contemporary novels with a big hook, romance and RomCom, suspense/thrillers, and graphic novels. In Adult, I’m seeking female-driven suspense/thrillers, immersive and upmarket/literary SFF and horror, hilarious RomComs and swoony upmarket romance, as well as the occasional unique non-fiction with an existing platform. For a list of (some of) my favorite recent books, check out manuscriptwishlist.com and my #mswl posts on Twitter.”
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Amy Stapp is a literary agent with the Wolfson Literary Agency. Amy Stapp received her BA from Samford University and MA from Georgia State University before beginning her publishing career at Macmillan, where she was an editor for seven years and had the privilege of working with numerous New York Times bestselling authors. Amy joined Wolfson Literary in late 2018 and is actively building her list, with interest in womenÕs fiction, mystery, suspense, upmarket book club fiction, historical fiction, young adult, and select nonfiction. She is particularly drawn to a high concept hook, well-paced prose, immersive settings, and smart, multidimensional characters. As an editorial agent, she enjoys working hand-in-hand with authors to take their work to the next level.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Family, Fitness, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Spirituality, Travel, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Nancy Stauffer Cahoon is a literary agent with Nancy Stauffer Associates Literary Agency. Nancy began her career in book publishing in 1978, holding positions in the editorial, marketing, business, and subsidiary rights departments of The New York Times, McGraw-Hill, and Doubleday. Before founding Nancy Stauffer Associates in 1989, Mrs. Stauffer Cahoon held the position of Foreign and Performing Rights Director, Doubleday, and, later, Director, Subsidiary Rights, Doubleday, where she worked with a wide array of authors. She has lectured in book publishing at numerous writer’s conferences across the country and at UCLA and Radcliffe.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Michael Stearns is a literary agent with Upstart Crow Literary Agency. Michael is the founder of Upstart Crow Literary. Formerly editorial director and foreign acquisitions manager for HarperCollins ChildrenÕs Books, before that he was Senior Editor, Director of Paperback Publishing for Harcourt ChildrenÕs Books. He has worked on hundreds of books for children and adults during his more than twenty years in the industry. Among the many bestselling and award-winning books heÕs edited and published are A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly; Gone and Hunger by Michael Grant; Tangerine by Edward Bloor, East by Edith Pattou, The Secret Order of the Gumm Street Girls by Elise Primavera, Whales on Stilts by M.T. Anderson, Fly By Night by Frances Hardinge, the Young Wizards series by Diane Duane, and the Chet Gecko Mysteries by Bruce Hale, as well as a whole slew of books by Bruce Coville, Jane Yolen, Vivian Vande Velde, Andrew Auseon, and Ursula K. Le Guin, among others. He has taught a dozen classes on writing, published three anthologies of original stories, and is an award-winning writer of fiction for both children and adultsÑmost recently The Blood Guard series under the pen name Carter Roy.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Lori Steel is the founder and a literary agent at Steelworks Literary. Lori began her career in young peopleÕs literature first as an educator and school librarian, later as a freelance editor and writing instructor. She has degrees in history, education, and an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA), where she also received certification in the Picture Book, and was honored with the Alumni Gift Award. After graduating in 2012, Lori coordinated the VCFA Summer Residency Abroad (Bath, UK) for four years, initiated the kidlit writing class program at her local indie, Politics & Prose, and entered publishing as an Agency Assistant at Greenhouse Literary. She interned at two other kidlit-focused agencies before taking on her own clients first at Raven Quill Literary, then at Red Fox Literary. She founded SteelWorks Literary in 2024 with her talented list of authors, illustrators, and graphic novelists. Lori is a longtime member of ALA and SCBWI, and is a member of AALA where she serves on the Illustration Committee. Her clients include both debut and award-winning authors, and she continues to seek diverse perspectives, literary approaches, and unique story experiences for her list. Lyrical language, compelling voices, evocative settings, and evergreen stories told with heart are areas of particular interest in any genre/audience. Originally from the Washington DC area, Lori has also called Appalachia and England home. When not at her desk, you can often find her plotting her next travel adventure, testing out a new recipe, or pottering in her Washington DC garden with her English husband and Secret Agent pup sidekick, Juice (see bio below).
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