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The Directory of Literary Agents
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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
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 magic…reminding us that a creative hand can take us places we didn’t even know we wanted to go.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Mystery | Romance | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Business Book | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Diet Nutrition | Economics | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | Lifestyle | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Money Finance | Narrative 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 London’s 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 women’s 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 Vilhjálmsson, and Shirley Jackson Award nominee and debut novelist Tamsyn Muir.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Young Adult Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | Historical Fiction | Horror | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Women’s 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 today’s 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
Accepting Submissions |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Young Adult Nonfiction |Christian Fiction | Christian Nonfiction | Christian Books ONLY |Inspirational Fiction | Religious Fiction |General Nonfiction | Cookbook Cooking | Dating Relationships Sex | Food Drink | Inspirational Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Parenting | Religion | Self-Help | Spirituality |
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
Accepting Submissions |General Fiction | Literary Fiction |General Nonfiction | Art | Autobiography | Biography | Business Book | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | History | How-To | Memoir | Military War Nonfiction | Money Finance | Narrative Nonfiction | Politics | Reference | Science | Technology |
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
Accepting Submissions | General Nonfiction | Health Wellness | Mind Body Spirit | New Age | Spirituality |
Biography
Hillary Jacobson is a literary agent with CAA/ICM.She is actively building a list consisting of book club, commercial, and literary fiction, young adult fiction and select non-fiction and middle grade. She started her career at ICM in 2015, began representing books in 2016, and was officially promoted to agent in 2017. CAA closed its acquisition of ICM in the summer of 2022.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horror | Humor Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction |
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 message—because 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 Oregon’s 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
Accepting Submissions |Juvenile Nonfiction | Young Adult Nonfiction |Christian Fiction | Christian Nonfiction | Christian Books ONLY |Inspirational Fiction | Religious Fiction |General Nonfiction | Dating Relationships Sex | Inspirational Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Memoir | Religion | Self-Help | Spirituality | Women’s Issues |
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 master’s 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, women’s 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 haven’t 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 she’s not reading, she likes to cook, root for the Cubs, and spend as much time outside as she can.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Action Adventure | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | Historical Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Short Story Collection | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |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 | 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
Accepting Submissions |Picture Book | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | General Fiction | Romance |
Biography
Weronika E. Janczuk is a literary agent with the Janczuk Literary Agency. She is the founder of the Janczuk Literary Agency. She began her work in trade book publishing in 2009, during a high school work-study that placed her in an internship with a small imprint in Minnesota. She then worked with the industry’s best agents, including Lynn C. Franklin (1946-2021), Kathleen Anderson, Jenny Bent, and Mary Kole (formerly of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency), agenting from 2010-2012, while an undergrad at NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. She built a list that included the first four books of Campbell Award-winning and two-time Hugo Award-nominee novelist Max Gladstone’s Craft Sequence.
At NYU, she studied creative writing under the direction of Dr. June Foley, wrote and served as editor for her undergraduate literary and literacy journals, and aided literacy-related projects on NYC’s Lower East Side. She graduated NYU in December 2013.
After five years working for two international non-profits on education- and health-related programming, Weronika returned to the world of corporate book publishing, opening JLA in the state of New York in the fall of 2021.
Born in Canada to parents who immigrated as political exiles from communist Poland, Weronika moved to the USA in 1998. Fluent in Polish and English, today she is privileged to be a rare tri-citizen: Polish, Canadian, and American. She lives in Brooklyn.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Authors and Illustrators Only |Picture Book | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Paranormal Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Architecture | Art | Biography | Business Book | Computers | Cultural Social Issues | Dating Relationships Sex | Design | Economics | Education | Family | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | Lifestyle | Medical Medicine | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Money Finance | Philosophy | Politics | Pop Culture | Psychology | Science | Technology | Travel |
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
Accepting Submissions |Young Adult Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mainstream Fiction |General Nonfiction | Cookbook Cooking | Food Drink | Health Wellness | Journalism | Lifestyle | Medical Medicine | Memoir | Multicultural Nonfiction | Narrative Nonfiction | Nature | Parenting | Psychology | Science | Self-Help | Spirituality | Travel | Women’s Issues |
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 Luke’s 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, Luke’s 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
Accepting Submissions |Picture Book | Young Adult Fiction | Crime Fiction | Espionage Military Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Humor Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Satire | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |General Nonfiction | Biography | Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Film Entertainment | Food Drink | Health Wellness | Journalism | Medical Medicine | Memoir | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Politics | Pop Culture | Religion | Science | Spirituality | Sports | Technology | Upmarket Nonfiction |
Biography
Renee Jarvis is a literary agent with Triangle House. Born and raised in New York City, she graduated from Brooklyn College with a BFA in Creative Writing. She previously worked as an assistant and agent at MacKenzie Wolf Literary and spent two years as a writing teacher at the non-profit organization Legal Outreach.
Renée is seeking narrative nonfiction, adult speculative, upmarket, and literary fiction, and children’s books. She is looking for works that center POC and LGBTQIA+ voices and is particularly drawn to the work of Black writers across the African diaspora. In nonfiction, she is interested in pop culture analysis, cultural histories, linguistics, food writing, international stories, and explorations of music, fashion, and art. In fiction, she loves robust plots, bold characters with a sense of humor, unique formats, stories that explore friendship and family, and lyrical prose.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Black Literary Agents |Picture Book | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | BIPOC Fiction | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Romance | Satire | Science Fiction | Short Story Collection | Upmarket Fiction |Art | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Design | Environment | Film Entertainment | Food Drink | Gardening | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Memoir | Multicultural Nonfiction | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Nature | Photography | Pop Culture | Psychology | Religion | Science | Spirituality | Technology | Travel |
Biography
Melissa Jeglinski is a literary agent with The Knight Agency. A graduate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in English with a writing concentration, Melissa began her career as an editor with Harlequin Enterprises. Looking to work with a variety of authors and genres, she joined The Knight Agency in 2008.
With over two decades experience in the publishing industry, Melissa has fostered her clients to National prominence including a recent Newbery Honor. She is a member of RWA and AAR.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Historical Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction |
Biography
Carole Jelen is a literary agent with Waterside Productions, Inc. Book and online training agent for technology and business. Premier publishing agent for over two decades, author of the top-selling book for authors, Creating Your Author Platform: The New Rules. Carole secures 100+ publishing contracts per year, represents millions in author/client revenues and books sold. As former publishing executive and editor, Carole is designated as a “Career Builder” Literary Agent…
Current:
• Premiere publishing agent representing bestselling authors, creating and growing author publishing relationships
• Acquiring/promoting in top-selling specialty areas of technology, business and self-help arenas.
• Profile presence in media
• “Career Builder” Literary Agent designation
• Representing millions of copies in print.
Past:
• Senior Editor, Addison-Wesley Publishing
• Acquisitions Editor, Sybex Publishing, division of Wiley
• Publishing Representative, Prentice-Hall Publishing
• Publishing consultant to IBM, Apple, Adobe, Sybase, Novell and more
As Vice President/Literary agent, seeking out, creating, and managing author/publisher relationships as well as application of new ideas to online courses and apps. Publishing management in creating and negotiating contracts, advances, royalties as well as managing electronic and global rights within all computer-related and business arenas.
Success in over two decades of creating top publications, moving cutting edge concepts to print, and as collaborative content provider to corporate/college book and training series, networking 2,000+ authors to companies seeking writing and training experts and reviewers. Speaker at writing and publishing conferences.
Specialties:
Literary agent, editorial, content provider, author, corporate consultant to book and online publishing. Connecting authors to publishers in all top series such as the branded “For Dummies” line. Building author careers with single titles and full series lines.
Education
• University of California, Berkeley, MA
University of California, Los Angeles, BA
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Business Book | Self-Help | Technology |
Biography
Carolyn Jenks is a literary agent with the Carolyn Jenks Literary Agency. Her professional career began at age twelve in Chicago as an actress in film, television, radio and theatre. She studied acting with Flovia Drazy of the Moscow Art Theatre and voice with Titto Ruffo from the LaScala Opera in Milan. She earned a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a double major in Comparative Literature and Speech/Theatre.
While an unemployed actress in New York City, a chance introduction to publisher Ian Ballantine led to a second career in publishing, with a focus on subsidiary rights, and eventually the combining of her passions for books, theatre, film, and art into the establishment of her literary agency. Her personal journey created the activist within and the tumultuous events of the late sixties and seventies found her participating in civil rights and anti-war activities.
As an aftermath of witnessing suffering up close, she returned to school and earned two graduate degrees: one in Theology from Emmanuel College in Boston, and the other in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. She practiced as a licensed therapist with a Diplomate in Clinical Social Work until resurrecting her agency in the 1990s in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where it continues to this day.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Inspirational Fiction | Thriller |General Nonfiction | Narrative Nonfiction |
Biography
Alyssa Jennette is a literary agent with the Stonesong Literary Agency. She joined Stonesong in June 2015 after interning at the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency. She grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art with a BFA in Illustration in 2010. As a result, she has unique insight and expertise when it comes to design-heavy or illustrated works. Alyssa is a very editorial agent; she finds a lot of joy in shaping stories alongside the author and delights in building long-term partnerships. In her spare time, she’s the co-founder of a three-year-old book club called #readmorewomen, and a snuggler of cats.
Alyssa Jennette represents children’s and adult fiction and picture books, graphic novels, and select pop culture nonfiction. She values diversity and inclusion; in fiction she enjoys ensemble casts with distinct voices, stories about poor characters and communities, and formats that are specific to a story and give it its own context. Alyssa is particularly interested in art/art history/art conservation, archaeology, mythology, language/translation, and criminal justice reform. Her client list includes sex educator and GIRL SEX 101 author Allison Moon, Instagram sensation/art restorer Julian Baumgartner, illustrator Jessica Roux, internet storyteller Mollyhall Seeley, middle grade authors Chris Negron and Brandon Hoang, and more.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Picture Book | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Horror | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Art | Beauty Fashion Style | Crafts | Cultural Social Issues | Dating Relationships Sex | History | Humor Nonfiction | Illustrated | Journalism | Law Legal | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Pop Culture | True Crime |
Biography
William Jensen is a literary agent with the William K Jensen Literary Agency. William has worked in book publishing for 45 years. He’s discovered, launched, and championed the publishing careers of numerous bestselling authors whose books worldwide have sold well over 70 million copies.
Bill has worked in every genre of book publishing. His ability to recognize target markets, develop messages for a mass audience, and bring creativity to the entire publishing process has made him a trusted collaborator with authors, Bill’s gift for creativity is likely his greatest asset to an author and their book project.
It’s Bill’s desire to partner with authors in building up the Church through books that bring a fresh revelation of the grace of God, builds dynamic faith, and encourages believers in all aspects of life.
Bill is married to Sheila and has four daughters and five grandchildren. His other loves include fly-fishing Oregon rivers, which he runs in his driftboat. He has been a cooking enthusiast for years and a perennial flower gardener. He’s also passionate about classical music and opera. Bill served as a board member for Eugene Opera for three years and has attended over 80 opera performances.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Christian Nonfiction | Christian Books ONLY | Biography | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Dating Relationships Sex | Family | Gift Novelty | Health Wellness | Humor Nonfiction | Inspirational Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Politics | Religion | Spirituality | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Jeff Jernigan is a literary agent with Hidden Value Group. He is a board certified mental health professional, hospital administrator and engineer. These describe Jeff’s 35 year career focused on influencing change in people and organizations by capitalizing on growth and change through leadership selection and development.
His work in healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, and higher education has taken him to 42 countries around the world. As an internationally recognized thought leader and educator on the prevention of burnout and self-directed violence associated with mass violence and disasters, Jeff has also worked with military and government agencies on three continents.
Jeff is rated by the Wellness Council of American as one of the top 1% of wellness experts in the country. Serves on a number of boards and is an author and speaker known for addressing psychological safety in the workplace.
He has extensive experience in Human Resources and Operations Management nationally and internationally supporting and directing companies through creating, continuing, and capitalizing on growth and change. Known for excellence in human capacity management, success has been acknowledged through numerous awards for business excellence. Jeff has been an internationally published author since 1983.
Chief Executive Officer for Hidden Value Group, LLC. HVG is a network organization bringing healing, health, and hope to people and groups around the world. Its mission is to resolve problems and provide solutions through education, healthcare, and leadership development.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Christian Fiction | Christian Nonfiction | Christian Books ONLY |General Fiction | Inspirational Fiction | Religious Fiction |Business Book | Dating Relationships Sex | Family | Inspirational Nonfiction | Money Finance | Parenting | Religion | Self-Help | Spirituality | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Nancy Jernigan is a literary agent with Hidden Value Group. As President of the Hidden Value Group, Nancy is an internationally recognized leader known for leadership development and developing healthy teams in the midst of growth and change. She is an executive coach, master life coach and educator. A recognized leader in the publishing industry. She is on the Board of Olive Branch International, Inc – http://www.olivebranchintl.com and oversee’s their financial and marketing initiatives.
She is known for supporting and directing organizations through creating and capitalizing on growth and change. Nancy also serves as a leadership expert with an emphasis on mental health and beating stress and burnout for WELCOA. (Wellness Council of America) as well as a member of the AAS Taskforce for Improving Mental Health Access to Resources for Veterans.
As a consultant with churches and faith based non-profit organizations she finds great joy in inspiring strong leadership teams to work together effectively for Kingdom purposes and develop strong generational leadership. She has been creating marketing successes for organizations like Focus on the Family, BUY.COM, Interplay, NEST Entertainment and Christianity Today, Inc and recently working with USC (University of Southern California) in hiring a Vice President For Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX as well as the Professor of Music and Director of the Trojan Marching Band.
Nancy is also a favorite speaker for leadership conferences, women’s ministries, having served as well on church staffs such as Saddleback Community Church, in small group ministries, youth ministry and adult discipleship programs.
Nancy serves alongside Jeff as the President of the Hidden Value Group focusing on humanitarian aid around the world bringing healing, health and hope to organizations, schools and places needing healthcare and educational breakthroughs. She passionately serves non-profits, educational institutions and organizations looking to grow, transform and improve their leadership development and employee services.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Christian Fiction | Christian Nonfiction | Christian Books ONLY |General Fiction | Inspirational Fiction | Religious Fiction |Business Book | Dating Relationships Sex | Family | Inspirational Nonfiction | Money Finance | Parenting | Religion | Self-Help | Spirituality | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Bethany Jett is a literary agent with the Hartline Literary Agency. She is a multi-award-winning traditionally-published author, ghostwriter, and marketing strategist who earned top honors in her master’s program, where she earned her MFA in Communications focusing on Marketing and PR. She co-owns Serious Writer and loves to help writers reach their audiences. She is also obsessed with planners, “The Office,” and #cleanTok.
Bethany is married to her college sweetheart. They served in youth ministry for several years and now live the military life while raising three sons and two fluffy Pomeranians.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents | Member of the AALA | Christian Nonfiction | Christian Books ONLY |Commercial Fiction | Historical Fiction | Inspirational Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Upmarket Fiction |Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Design | Food Drink | Gift Novelty | Lifestyle | Self-Help |
Biography
Jennifer Joel is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. She is co-head of the literary department of the agency. She says: “When I left my first job as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs to become a literary agent, most of my new colleagues were aghast at what they perceived I’d given up for the privilege of working in a creative field. More recently, I’m commended for my wise and prescient career change.
I’m extremely fortunate to be able to spend my time representing a diverse group of writers of both fiction and nonfiction, whose work has in common two essential elements: they’re good stories, well told. My clients include literary and commercial novelists for adults and young readers, historians, biographers, memoirists, journalists, strategists, adventurers, entertainers and other extraordinary individuals with big ideas to share.
I’m also a member of The Library Council at the New York Public Library and a Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations.”
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | General Fiction | Mystery | Suspense Fiction | Thriller |General Nonfiction | Biography | Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Food Drink | History | Humor Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Memoir | Money Finance | Narrative Nonfiction | Parenting | Politics | Pop Culture | Reference | Religion | Science | Self-Help | Spirituality | Sports | Technology |
Biography
Brianne Johnson is a literary agent with HG Literary. After working at independent bookstores, a book warehouse, a literary magazine, and in book publishing, Brianne started as a starry-eyed intern at Writer’s House in 2007. She worked her way up to Senior Agent before moving to HG Literary in 2021.
Brianne represents children’s books of all stripes, with a particular focus on character-driven middle grade and young adult fiction. She also selectively represents picture books and adult fiction.
Some of her clients include: winner of the Edgar Award and #1 New York Times bestselling author Wesley King, authors of the recent HBO Max film UNPREGNANT Jenni Hendriks and Ted Caplan, Edgar nominated author Greg Howard, award winning playwright and author Kate Scelsa, Joya Goffney, Heather Fawcett, Laura Sibson, Cheryl Klein, Camilla Bruce, and others.
Brianne is particularly passionate about social justice stories, amplifying under-represented voices and perspectives, sex positivity, alternative lifestyles, quirky romances, well-researched historical fiction, and witchy/mythy genre benders. She loves pushing the envelope on balancing big, universally important themes with hope and humor in unexpected ways.
The one link Brianne has throughout the genres she focuses on is humor and whimsy, particularly in darker settings. She loves stories that can illuminate something about humanity in a fresh and quirky way, AND make her laugh. Life is serious enough. Reading should be a joy.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Magical Realism | Science Fiction | Women’s Fiction |
Biography
Greg Johnson is a literary agent with WordServe Literary Group. Greg Johnson has been in publishing for more than 25 years. Before becoming a full-time literary agent in 1994, he wrote and published 20 works of nonfiction with traditional publishers, as well as being an editor for a teenage boys magazine for five years. In his years as an agent, he has personally represented more than 2,300 books and negotiated more than 1,800 contracts to over 85 publishing houses. These works include adult trade books (non-fiction and fiction), children’s books, specialty Bibles, movie options, video curricula, audio products, gift books and greeting cards.
While Greg’s stable of authors is near full, he will occasionally take on new authors and new projects. Along with representing a broad array of adult nonfiction and fiction, Greg works with pastors and speakers, male and female, who have important and compelling messages to author for their constituents. He has also carved a niche by representing military nonfiction/memoir for those who have served our country from WWII until today. Business books, health and humor rounds out what he is looking to acquire.
Greg is married to Becky and together they are parents of six adult children and seven grandchildren. They make their home near Denver, Colo.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Christian Fiction | Christian Nonfiction |BIPOC Fiction | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Humor Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Religious Fiction | Romance |General Nonfiction | Biography | BIPOC Nonfiction | Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Current Events Affairs | Gift Novelty | Health Wellness | History | Humor Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Memoir | Military War Nonfiction | Money Finance | Multicultural Nonfiction | Pop Culture | Religion | Spirituality | Sports |
Biography
Jared Johnson is a literary agent with Olswanger Literary LLC. He is a recovering academic. After several years of academic research in the humanities and teaching writing and history, he turned his efforts toward pursuing a career in publishing. In 2021 he joined Olswanger Literary as a Literary Associate.
Most of his time is spent reading good books, editing, and trying to claw his way out from under a mountain of emails. In his downtime, he can be found outdoors with his dogs, building a fantasy team for the Overwatch League, or playing Magic: The Gathering with his nephews.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | New Literary Agents |Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | Horror | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Science Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |General Nonfiction | Beauty Fashion Style | Biography | BIPOC Nonfiction | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Education | History | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Multicultural Nonfiction | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Pop Culture | Religion | Science |
Biography
Kate Johnson is a literary agent with Wolf Literary Services. Kate is an agent as well as UK rights manager for Wolf Literary Services and the Gillian MacKenzie Agency. Before moving to Wolf Literary, Kate was an agent and Vice President at Georges Borchardt, Inc. She has edited and reported at StoryQuarterly, Bookslut.com, New York Magazine, and elsewhere, and graduated from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. Her authors have won the PEN Faulkner Award, Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize, Whiting Award, Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers’ Award, the Barnes & Noble Discover Prize for Fiction, National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35, the Nigeria Prize for Literature, and have been longlisted for the National Book Award in nonfiction and the PEN Open Book Award. Kate regularly visits literary festivals and universities, and has chaired the judging panel for the Bristol Short Story Prize and Bath Short Story Award.
Kate represents literary and upmarket fiction as well as a range of narrative nonfiction and select memoir, and is interested in food, running, obsessives, unconventional families, art, global stories, social justice, mental health, medicine, and the environment. She loves working with journalists. Across all her projects, she looks for authentic voices and books that uncover something off-kilter in the everyday, or conversely something relatable in the extraordinary.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Contemporary Fiction | Historical Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Short Story Collection | Upmarket Fiction |Art | Biography | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Environment | Family | Film Entertainment | Fitness | Food Drink | Health Wellness | History | Journalism | Medical Medicine | Memoir | Multicultural Nonfiction | Narrative Nonfiction | Politics | Pop Culture | Science | Technology | Travel | True Crime |
Biography
Lynn Johnston is a literary agency with Lynn Johnston Literary. She says: “For 20 years, I’ve represented nonfiction and a small selection of fiction. The books I represent have been called “firebreathng” and “righteous” by the New York Times, “exuberant” by O, The Oprah Magazine, and “a godsend” by Publishers Weekly. My list includes bestsellers (New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, USA Today), finalists for the Books for a Better Life Award, the winner of the International Association of Culinary Professionals Cookbook Award, a Grammy nominee for best audio book and many “best of year” citations
In response to the question, “What do you do?” I once replied, “I care.” It was at a party and I meant it as a joke. Thinking about it later, though, I realized I’d inadvertently gotten it right. I care about my authors, the important work they do, how it gets translated into book form, what happens to the book before and after publication, and ultimately the impact it has in the world. My authors have been honored with the Pulitzer Prize, Peabody Award, Global Teaching Prize (finalist), and GLAAD award, to name a few. I’m proud to work with each and every one. Here is a gallery of some of them in action.
I have an MBA and BA in Philosophy. Before publishing, I held marketing and management positions and served on the the board or staff of notable non-profits including Dress for Success, Bottomless Closet and the American Bar Association. I currently serve on the advisory board of the Woodstock Book Fest.
I came to live and work in New York City by way of Saigon where I was born, Bangkok, Dunedin (Florida), Austin, Dallas and Chicago. My home has several good bookstores within walking distance, but sadly, not enough bookshelves.”
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA | General Nonfiction | Animals | Biography | Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Environment | Film Entertainment | Fitness | Food Drink | Gardening | Gift Novelty | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Medical Medicine | Memoir | Military War Nonfiction | Money Finance | Multicultural Nonfiction | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Nature | Parenting | Photography | Politics | Pop Culture | Psychology | Religion | Science | Self-Help | Spirituality | Technology | Travel | Women’s Issues |
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Directory Instructions
Use the drop-down menu on the left to search for agents by genre, gender, location, longevity, or AAR Status. To find a specific agent or agency, enter the agent’s name or the name of the agency into the search box.
Important: If you use the search box, you must remove the search term by pressing the “Clear Search” link before you look for more agents using the drop-down menu (or you won’t see the proper results). Click on the “Show Notes” and “Show Bio” links underneath each agent for more information about that agent.
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About Mark Malatesta
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company Literary Agent Undercover and The Bestselling Author. Mark’s authors have gotten six-figure book deals, been on the NYT bestseller list, and published with houses such as Random House, Scholastic, and Thomas Nelson. Click here to learn more about Mark Malatesta and click here for Reviews of Mark Malatesta.
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Author Coaching Testimonials
“Mark, finding you has been both a treat and a treasure—I just signed a contract with my new literary agent!
My career has spanned publishing, TV, and feature film. I’ve served as Creative Dir. for the Magazine Group, TIME Inc.; Dir. of Time World News Service, a Founding Dir. of TIME-Life Films; Exec. Prod. for both the CBS and NBC TV Networks; Prod./Dir.: Movies of the Week: CBS Cinema Center Films and Universal MCA.
In today’s publishing marketplace, agents come and go. They also very often seem to just want an easy pathway to make a buck. Many authors are let go by their agents because their last book didn’t do well enough and the agent doesn’t want to devote the time to help the author. That’s not what you’re about Mark. Even established authors need this type of support in today’s marketplace.”
Author of ten fiction and nonfiction books
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“I’m psyched to have this be official. After getting five different offers for representation from top literary agents, I signed with Stephanie Tade who got me a 6-figure book deal with Penguin!
Getting multiple agents interested in my work was really important to me. I’ve dealt with agents before and gotten screwed on things contractually so I wanted to do it differently this time. I wanted choices.
Having you help me create that, and navigate my options, was really helpful. I heard other authors talk about their great relationships with their agents and it made me want the same thing. Now I have that.”
Author of Woman on Fire
(Penguin Books)
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“After sending out the query Mark revised for me, I had the opportunity to speak with literary agents from top agencies such as Janklow & Nesbit, Trident Media, Anderson Lit, and Folio. I signed with Don Fehr at Trident and, a short time later I had a publishing contract with Berkley Books, which recently published my book in hardcover.
Before that, I sent my query letter out on my own to 30 or 40 agents and got a lot of rejections. I then found Mark online while I was researching agents. I was surprised that he offered so much during his initial consultation—for a very modest amount of money.
I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t worked with Mark. I can’t even imagine that now though, because of the grief and detours I experienced before we worked together. It was a time-consuming pain in the neck. If you want to get the attention of top literary agents and publishers, there is no substitute for working with an insider. You can’t beat experience. And having Mark on your side is incredibly valuable.”
Author of Single Handed
(Berkley Books, a Division of Penguin Random House)
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“AHHH! OMG, it happened! I got three offers of representation for my children’s picture book in the United States, even though I live abroad! When I woke up and found the first offer for representation in my email in box, I wanted to scream. But my family was still asleep so I couldn’t. 🙂
Just 8 minutes after I sent a query letter to one of my favorite agents, she replied and asked to see my manuscript. A short time later we had a lovely conversation. She was interested in representing me and sounded very positive and enthusiastic about my book. Since I also got offers from two other agents, I had to turn two of them down. One of them was upset and it felt like I was breaking her heart, but you just have to do it. I kept reminding myself that this is a good problem to have!”
Author/Illustrator of Lon-Lon’s Big Night
and many other children’s books
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“Mark, after you helped me land a top literary agent, I got publishing offers from THREE well-known publishers: Amacom, Palgrave Macmillan, and McGraw-Hill (they’re publishing my book in hardcover)!
I was at Disneyworld with my family, in the Haunted Mansion, when I got the call. I went outside and listened to the voicemail message from my agent. A huge smile came over my face. It was a fantastic feeling. For a moment I felt like life was perfect and the angels were singing.
You’re filling an important need so I’ll say this to every other author reading this testimonial. Mark showed me that getting a top literary agent is a science. If you’ve written a book, or you’re in the process, you’ve already invested a lot—a lot more than money. Don’t stop yourself from getting out there to fulfill your purpose and dreams. Thank you so, so much, Mark!!!”
Author of Customer Focused Process Innovation (McGraw Hill)
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“I got a book deal! After I started sending out my new query letter I had 6 literary agents request my manuscript in a short amount of time, which is awesome. Then, within 2 weeks of my agent starting to pitch my story to publishers, we had an offer. I signed a book contract yesterday. A little while later my agent told me that a TV co-producer asked for more info about my book.
By the way, the acquiring editor that fell in love with the manuscript jumped in with both feet and we just worked out our timeline for publication. She’s as passionate about getting my book out as I am, and that means everything. She read the manuscript in two days and said she couldn’t put it down. And the book is going to be published as a hardcover!”
Author of A Chick in the Cockpit
(Behler Publications)
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“Thank you Mark! After you helped me get a well-known agent with Hartline Literary Agency (for my previously self-published murder mystery), he got me a deal with an American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) approved publisher. I’m hard-pressed to find anything that I had an expectation for that you didn’t deliver on.
Before I worked with you I sent out queries, but no one ever requested my complete manuscript. Comparing your new version of my query to the one I wrote before, I can see a vast difference.
I’ve been in business for 35 years so I’m not just saying this… what you’re doing is phenomenal. There are other people offering similar services, but the difference is your success. Others might say they do similar things but, if you research them, they don’t have your background or track record.”
Author of The Rector
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“Mark, you’re a miracle worker. Thanks to your help with my book, query letter, and synopsis… I now have a legitimate publisher who described my book as ‘Powerful Magic’ and it’s now available in bookstores and online!
I’m a lifelong academic writer who one day found myself writing inspired short stories that came to me in dreams and I began thinking of them as novels. That’s when I had a momentous conversation, an introductory coaching call with Mark Malatesta, the American creative writing coach, or rather, to be precise, a how-to-sell-yourself-and-your-work adviser. It was the best-spent money of my life apart (possibly) for my wedding ring.”
Author of The Black Inked Pearl
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“Within 4 minutes of sending out my query letter, a top literary called me on the phone (the #1 agent on my wish list). Less than 30 days later I had three major publishers making offers. A few days after that, I signed a deal with Random House. Mark, your query letter did that.
My agent talked about the query letter you helped me create for a long, long time. When he first called me on the phone, he hadn’t seen any of my sample chapters. It was just the query letter that did it. Communicating the right thing is so important. You are a wonderful medium helping authors find their voice and elevate their writing from just a hobby to a real business… a source from which they can both learn and earn.”
Author of Lights Out
(Random House)
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“MARK, MARK, MARK!!!!!!! Holy smokes… I just signed my book deal. First, two well-known literary agents asked to represent me. One of them responded to my query letter in less than 4 minutes!!
Then THREE different publishers wanted my book and started talking about making offers. The publisher I chose is perfect for me because they produce titles for the trade, educational, and scientific markets. And they agreed to publish my book as a hardcover!!!
When I met you, Mark, it was a pivotal time. I was under the belief that I could self-publish my book with a vanity press and then seek a publisher. I didn’t know what a literary agent was, why I needed one, or how to get one. I was wandering in the dark. You guided me in the right direction and gave me a solid plan.”
Author of Intestinal Health
(Rowman & Littlefield)
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“Boom!!! I just signed a contract with Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins for (what I’ve been told by several people) is a very large advance for a first-time author.
Before working with Mark I submitted my book to agents but didn’t get any interest. This time around I got a top NY literary agency (Fine Print Lit). What cloud is higher than 9?
I had several agencies interested before deciding to go with Fine Print. And, to be honest, all of the attention didn’t surprise me. The query letter and proposal that Mark helped me develop were incredible. Agents actually said things to me like: ‘Scott, I read your proposal and I’m just blown away by it!’ Mark is extremely talented at what he does. If you have the opportunity to work with him, take advantage of it.”
Author of The Unbreakable Boy
(Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson)