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7 Insider Secrets to Get a Top Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal
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Literary Agent Directory
Important: Visit each agent’s website (links in their listings below) to see if they’re open to submissions before querying.
Biography
Janine Kamouh is a literary agent with WME Books. Janine has been part of the WME Books Department since 2012, where she was lucky enough to get her start on the amazing international rights team. Her list now focuses in the childrenÕs, illustrated, and graphic novel spaces, where she has the honor and pleasure of representing bestselling and award-winning authors, illustrators, animators, creators, artists, and multi-hyphenates. She is looking for stories that reach readers on both a head and heart level; picture books that can stand the test of being read over and over again; resonant storytelling that opens the door to important conversations with peers/parents; laugh out loud middle grade; bold and visually propulsive graphic novel fiction and non-fiction; sidekicks in the driverÕs seat; timeless adventure; fumbly, funny, butterfly-inducing YA and crossover romance; and fantasy where real people are thrust into magical mayhem. Janine lives in NJ with her husband and their two little bookworms.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic NovelNONFICTION: Illustrated, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Elianna Kan is a literary agent with Regal Hoffmann & Associates. She has been at Regal Hoffmann since 2017. She began her publishing career at Picador and as Senior Editor of The American Reader, where she edited literature in translation. After several years as a Spanish reader for Maria B. Campbell Associates and various US publishers, she decided to immerse herself more fully in the Latin American publishing world by moving to Mexico City where she worked as a consultant for Penguin Random House Mexico’s Foreign Rights Director. She continues splitting her time between New York and Mexico. Elianna is a native of New Hampshire with a BA in Literary Studies and a background in theater from Middlebury College. She has studied Critical Theory at the University of Buenos Aires and is currently pursuing an MA at the Bread Loaf School of English. She is a native Russian speaker and speaks Spanish fluently. She has written about the Latin American publishing market for Publishing Perspectives and has interviewed writers and theater-makers on behalf of The Paris Review, BOMB Magazine, and The Believer. She has a passion for interdisciplinary cultural programming and teaches creative writing and literary translation at Columbia University. Elianna is actively building a list of Spanish-language fiction and non-fiction writers and is interested in literature in translation in general.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, ScienceCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Alex Kane is a literary agent with WME Books. Alex joined WME in 2017. He represents bestselling and award-winning nonfiction and fiction, and he is especially drawn to stories that have a strong social or political conscience. His clients have been published in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, New York Magazine, The Paris Review, HarperÕs, n+1, and The Baffler among others. He is based in Los Angeles.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General FictionNONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics
Biography
Mona Kanin is a literary agent with Great Dog Literary. Inspired by imagination and content creation, Mona spent 25 years designing, writing and making non-fiction media for broadcast, non-broadcast, print, and the web. Mona helped define the audience, the medium, and the message for The Human Genome Project, Weston Woods, PBS, several of the Discovery Channels, and others. Her work won top national awards. Before she was a producer, Mona was a librarian at the Boston Public Library & for several years managed a small book shop in D.C. She’s always sought to forge connectionsÑbetween visuals and words, trust and the collaborative process, content and authenticity/emotion. She believes in the power of books to create more empathic beings. She is seeking smart, resonating projects including literary fiction, memoirs that read like fiction, & non-fiction for adults that speaks to today’s cultural currents. She’s closed to non-referral PB and MG fiction queries at least until Spring, 2022, when she’ll re-evaluate. Authenticity/own voices always essential. Member: AALA.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, Memoir, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Psychology, TravelCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Nonfiction
Biography
Camille Kantor is a literary agent with Kimberley Cameron & Associates. Camille is a mother, scientist, and devoted New Yorker magazine reader. While completing a masterÕs degree in evolutionary biology, a journey that bridged the birth of her two sons, she became interested in how people communicate about nature and biology. Her pivot into publishing involved attending and graduating the renowned Columbia Publishing Program at Oxford. She now also works as a buyer at her local Indie bookstore: CopperfieldÕs Books. As an agent at Kimberley Cameron & Associates she is excited to work with authors who have a talent to catch a readerÕs attention while describing complex topics and who share in the desire to broaden the general publicÕs understanding and appreciation of the natural world.Camille is looking for titles, whether fiction or non-fiction, that will inspire the public to engage with nature while imparting fascinating knowledge about our planet and its inhabitants, whether fiction or non-fiction. She is particularly interested in popular science non-fiction work, such as Darkness Manifesto by Johan Eklšf or An Immense World by Ed Yong, where the author has a commanding voice that feels less like lecturing and more like storytelling.CamilleÕs fiction tastes include books that immerse the reader in descriptive but clear imagery and that have themes of nature-human interactions. She especially loves interesting, well-developed characters and high concept literary fiction that approaches philosophical topics about our relationship with our planet, think Overstory by Richard Powers or Dinosaurs by Lydia Millet.She is not currently looking for young adult literature or picture books.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Short Story Collection, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Environment, History, Journalism, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Science, Technology, True Adventure
Biography
Elizabeth Kaplan is a literary agent with the Elizabeth Kaplan Literary Agency. Elizabeth has represented numerous critically acclaimed and best-selling authors throughout her 20-year career as a literary agent. She is known for the sharp insights and editing skills she brings to the development of successful projects and authors’ careers. She works tirelessly to connect individuals, and to find the right home for each project.After graduating from the University of Michigan, Elizabeth moved to New York City and began her publishing career as the assistant to Jim Silberman, the founder of Summit Books. Elizabeth worked as an editor at Summit for three years before moving on to assist another publishing legend, the literary agent Sterling Lord. Before beginning her own agency in 2002, she worked as an agent at Sterling Lord Literistic, and the Ellen Levine Agency.Elizabeth’s main areas of focus include: literary fiction, young adult fiction, narrative nonfiction (especially issue-based books), history, biography, food writing and cookbooks and memoir.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop CultureCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Dorian Karchmar is a literary agent with WME Books. Dorian has been a Partner-agent at WME since 2005, focusing on literary and crossover fiction, and narrative nonfiction. She seeks material that feels both highly relevant and timeless, executed with a distinctive voice, structural mastery, and emotional depth. She collaborates closely with writers to build enduring careers. Some of the writers with whom she works are: Amor Towles; Tressie McMillan Cottom; the late Paul Kalanithi; Daniel James Brown; Beth Macy; Heather McGhee; and Jacqueline Woodson. Raised by refugee parents in New York City, Dorian holds an MFA in Creative Nonfiction writing from the University of Iowa, and lives in upper Manhattan with her husband and two teenagers.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Current Events Affairs, Environment, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Memoir, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Technology
Biography
Kelly Karczewski is a literary agent with UTA. She joined UTA in 2023, after almost two years at Fletcher & Company. She is currently building her list in both fiction and nonfiction.In fiction, Kelly is generally drawn towards sharp, contemporary stories that draw you in with a strong commercial hook, and keep you reading with effortless, surprising writing. SheÕs a bit of an omnivore in terms of genre, but anything that might be a GMA Book Club Pick is usually right up her alley. If thereÕs a lightly speculative element, a bit of well-placed humor, or female characters with bite, count her in.Novels she loved: Sorrow & Bliss by Meg Mason; The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer; anything written by Rebecca Makkai; Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore; Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley; Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld; Trust by Hernan Diaz; Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead; Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong; The Husbands by Holly Gramazio.For nonfiction, she reads solely to learn something new–and while there is little she isnÕt curious about, sheÕs most interested in exploring topics with bite, especially those that speak to a larger moment in our culture. SheÕs always eager to read more about sexuality, conspiracy theories, cults, modern takes on dating & relationships, and feminist history.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Beauty Fashion Style, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Investigative, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, True Crime, Women’s Issues
Biography
Julia Kardon is a literary agent with HG Literary. Julia Kardon was born and raised in New York City. Her first job in publishing, while in high school, was shelving fiction at the fabled Strand Bookstore. After receiving degrees in Comparative Literature, as well as in Slavic Languages and Literature at the University of Chicago, she moved to Prague to teach English for a year. Julia then returned to New York to restart her career in publishing. She joined HG Literary in 2018 after building a list at Mary Evans Inc and handling foreign rights. She is interested primarily in literary and upmarket fiction and memoir, especially with a focus on identity or with an international lens, narrative nonfiction, journalism, and history, and her clients include New York Times Best Sellers Brit Bennett and Etaf Rum, Barnes & Noble Discover picks John Freeman Gill and Leah Franqui, Center For Fiction Emerging Writer Fellow Melissa Rivero, Moriel Rothman-Zecher, Marcelo Hernandez Castillo, and others.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction
Biography
Jan Kardys is a literary agent with Black Hawk Literary Agency. She says: “As the President and Literary Agent at Black Hawk Literary & Portfolio Agency, I help aspiring and established writers achieve their publishing goals. With over 40 years of experience in the book publishing industry, I have worked in executive positions at ten of the major book publishers, including Doubleday, St. Martin’s Press, Scholastic, and Google. I have extensive expertise in editorial, contracts, rights, production, marketing, and consulting.I am also the Chairman and Founder of Unicorn Writers’ Conference, Inc., a unique and innovative event that connects writers with agents, editors, and publishers. The conference features workshops, panels, pitch sessions, manuscript reviews, and networking opportunities. Since 2008, the conference has been featured in Writer’s Digest Magazine and has sold out five years in a row. My mission is to empower and educate writers and to foster a supportive and inclusive community.”
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Maryann Karinch is a literary agent with the Rudy Agency. She is the author of 33 commercially published books since 1994 and the ghostwriter behind nine other works of non-fiction. Much of her writing has focused on human behavior, especially body language, risk-taking, and human sexuality. Building on her experience as an author as well as her marketing communications background, she launched The Rudy Agency in January 2004.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, ThrillerNONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Computers, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Reference, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Technology, Women’s Issues
Biography
Caryn Karmatz Rudy is a literary agent with DeFiore and Company. She joined DeFiore and Company in the fall of 2010.Prior to becoming a literary agent, Caryn spent seventeen years as an editor of both fiction and nonfiction for Warner Books/Grand Central Publishing. Her experience on the other side of the publishing desk has armed her with invaluable insight into the hurdles editors face throughout the entire publishing process from the bookÕs initial acquisition to the marketing, publicity and sales vital to ensuring strong salesÉand she believes falling shamelessly in love with a book is the ultimate weapon in any agentÕs arsenal.Caryn graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and currently sits on the Board of Kelly Writers House.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Self-Help, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction
Biography
Barney Karpfinger is a literary agent with and the founder of the Karpfinger Agency. Barney Karpfinger studied English at Columbia University while supporting himself by working as a paralegal. Before establishing the agency in 1985, he ran the contracts department of a major New York publishing company. Over the years, Barney has represented more fiction than non-fiction. Recently, though, heÕs worked on a bit more non-fictionÑwork as varied as a philosopherÕs take on procrastination, a dance criticÕs look at grace in all of its manifestations and an investigative reporterÕs examination of the big-money business of college football. The writers Barney works with share an ease with language and the ability to tell a compelling story.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, MysteryNONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, Investigative, Journalism, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Reference, Science, Sports, Technology
Biography
Ben Kaslow-Zieve is an associate literary agent at Park, Fine & Brower Literary Management. He works alongside Celeste Fine on bestselling nonfiction and fiction. Having started his career in the foreign rights department at Park & Fine (now Park, Fine & Brower), he is particularly attuned to ideas and stories that will impact readers around the worldÑand how to help those books reach their audience in every country and every language. He loves non-fiction of all kinds, especially books that seek to translate big ideas to a broad audience and authors who help us better understand the time and place in which we live. Whether in science, history, memoir, cultural criticism, investigative journalism, or business, he loves an unexpected angle, an untold story, and an unusual discovery. He believes in the power of nonfiction to start conversations, shift perspectives, and change our culture.In fiction, heÕs looking for smart takes on genre and accessible literary fiction that engages with its social and historical context. He loves: original premises taken to surprising conclusions; epics of all genres; unique relationships; characters at odds with their time; a feel for the rhythms of the world; understated heartbreak; compassion; compelling sentences.When not reading, you can find Ben searching for the best movie theater and pickup basketball game in London, where he is based.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Literary FictionNONFICTION: Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, History, Investigative, Journalism, Memoir, Nonfiction, Science
Biography
Kaitlyn Katsoupis is a literary agent with the Belcastro Agency. After receiving a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College, Kaitlyn refused to leave the concept of nightly homework behind. A literary agent for Belcastro Literary Agency, she is also a freelance editor at her own company, K. Johnson Editorial. Kaitlyn started her literary journey as a copyeditor for academic publisher codeMantra, a YA editor for Accent Press, a Conference Assistant for GrubStreet, Boston, a former agent with Corvisiero Literary Agency. She has written various articles for WriterÕs Digest and has had a flash fiction story published in the anthology A Box of Stars Beneath the Bed.Some of KaitlynÕs favorite books: Cornelia Funke (Inkheart series); Michael Buckley (Undertow series); John Green (more Looking for Alaska, less An Abundance of Katherines); Gayle Forman (Just One Year and Just One Day); Lois Lowry (The Giver series); Scott OÕDell (Island of the Blue Dolphins). Her favorite tv shows are Doctor Who, Buffy, Supernatural, Firefly, basically the nerdier the fandom the better.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Isabel Kaufman is a literary agent with Fox Literary. She is actively looking to build her list in fantasy & science fiction, adult literary fiction, horror, historical fiction, contemporary commercial fiction, and upper-level young adult literature. She is looking for smart, inventive, ambitious storytelling and welcomes speculative elements across all genres. She is also interested in creative nonfiction and microhistories particularly related to travel, food, and incisive cultural perspectives on luxury and beauty.Her taste is varied, but she is consistently drawn to dynamic, thoughtful prose and vibrant character voice. She is actively seeking work from historically underrepresented and marginalized perspectives. She appreciates fresh takes on familiar archetypes, new perspectives on well-known myths and fairytales, and crossover rehabilitations of “archaic” genres such as noir, gothic, and classical revenge tragedy (she has a master’s in revenge tragedy and is willing to get bloody!).Recent books she has loved include THE GLASS HOTEL, by Emily St. John Mandel; SEVERANCE, by Ling Ma; the LOCKED TOMB trilogy, by Tamsyn Muir; PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE, by Samantha Shannon; THE IDIOT, by Elif Batuman; LUSTER, by Raven Leilani; PLAIN BAD HEROINES, by Emily Danforth; FRESHWATER, by Akwaeke Emezi. Nonfiction favorites include PRIESTDADDY, by Patricia Lockwood; SECONDHAND TIME, by Svetlana Alexievich; BLOOD, BONES, AND BUTTER, by Gabrielle Hamilton; and THE EMPEROR OF SCENT, by Luca Turin. Permanent must-read authors include Helen Oyeyemi and Megan Abbott.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Beauty Fashion Style, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, TravelCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Tamara Kawar is a literary agent with DeFiore and Company. Tamara joined DeFiore and Company in 2022. She started her career with internships at Macmillan and Writers House, then worked at ICM for five years. Tamara represents writer and illustrator clients in both the childrenÕs and adult markets, with a particular focus on talented LGBTQ+ and BIPOC storytellers. She holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature from Princeton University and an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from Columbia University. She also serves on the AALAÕs Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, where she co-directs a mentorship program for early career agents from underrepresented backgrounds.Tamara is actively seeking graphic novels for all ages and across genres; science fiction, fantasy, horror, and historical fiction for middle grade, YA, and adult readers; upmarket and book club fiction, especially genre-bending stories, and those with an international bent; and adult & YA rom-coms and romance featuring LGBTQ+ characters. She also represents select nonfiction for young readers, including illustrated projects. Across all categories, she is passionate about championing marginalized voices and perspectives.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Cultural Social Issues, Illustrated, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Photography, Pop CultureCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Dara Kaye is a literary agent with WME Books. She has been at WME since 2023. She represents adult nonfiction that tells great storiesÑfrom serious history and memoir to pop science and parentingÑalong with select speculative fiction. Her clients include NYT bestsellers and winners of awards from the Locus to PEN America, Fulbright, and NEH fellowships.Across genres, she is drawn to projects with potential for international success and books that make the familiar world feel new and surprising. In nonfiction, she especially loves working with academics, journalists, and other experts with a knack for communicating original research to mainstream audiences, and with memoirists whose unique perspective stays with readers long after the last page.Before joining WME, Dara was an agent and foreign rights director at the Ross Yoon Agency and spent two years in South Korea on a Fulbright fellowship. A graduate of Smith College (BA) and University College London (MA), she lives in Washington, DC, with her husband and children.
Notes
NONFICTION: Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Reference, Science
Biography
Trena Keating is a literary agent with Union Literary. She represents a range of talented authors across fiction and nonfiction, including novelists, journalists, celebrities, and experts writing for a popular audience such as professors, doctors, scientists, and entrepreneurs. Her list is a balance of #1 NYT bestsellers and debuts; Trena takes equal pleasure in working with masters of the craft and promising new talent. She manages complicated estates, works with multi-platform authors, develops writers in mid-career, and introduces new voices to the book world. Prior to becoming an agent, Trena was Editor-in-Chief of Dutton and Associate Publisher of Plume, both imprints of Penguin, Senior Editor at HarperCollins, and humanities assistant at Stanford University Press and has had the honor to work with such esteemed, award-winning, and bestselling writers such as E.L. Doctorow, Toni Morrison, and Joyce Carol Oates. She has appeared as a publishing expert on television. In both fiction and nonfiction, Trena is always looking for authors with creative, cutting edge ideas, well-crafted prose, and strong voices, with a particular interest in outsidersÕ perspectives that propel readers beyond their own experiences. Authors Trena doesnÕt represent, but has recently loved reading, include Peter Attia, Katherine May, Zadie Smith, Ann Patchett, James McBride, and Rachel Cusk.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Business Book, Celebrity, Education, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Nonfiction, Science
Biography
Kristyn Keene Benton is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. She represents a wide range of writers across many genres, including essay collections, memoirs, sophisticated prescriptive nonfiction, literary and commercial fiction, and the occasional childrenÕs picture book. Her roster includes New York Times bestselling authors and prize winners, such as recipients of the PEN America Award, Southern Book Prize, and National Book AwardÕs Ò5 Under 35,Ó as well as authors whose books have been featured in the Book Clubs of notable clients Jenna Bush Hager and Reese Witherspoon.She began her career at ICM in 2006 and joined CAA in 2022 following the agencyÕs acquisition of ICM. She is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara with degrees in English and Writing as well as the Columbia Publishing Course. After being based in New York City for over a decade, she now lives in Minneapolis with her husband and children.To query Benton, please send a note by email describing yourself and your book.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop CultureCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Wendy Keller is a literary agent with Keller Media. Wendy Keller is an award-winning former journalist, a respected literary agent, an author, speaker and acclaimed book marketing consultant. She got her first job as a newspaper reporter as a 16 year old college freshman. Since then, Wendy worked for PR Newswire; the Knight-Ridder newspaper chain; as managing editor of Dateline magazine; and as associate publisher of Los AngelesÕ then-second-largest Spanish language weekly, La Gaceta. She founded what is now Keller Media, Inc. as ÒForthWrite Literary AgencyÓ in 1989.Today, after selling an astonishing ~1,500 rights deals worldwide, including 17 New York Times best sellers and 9 international best sellers, the agency Wendy founded is exceptionally focused on helping each author to do three things:1. Maximize public awareness of the author and their bookÑbefore or after publication. In the industry, this is called a Òplatform.Ó2. To find the best publisher possible for each author we represent. We seek an editor who aligns with their vision for the book.3. To advise our authors on how to become a (more) renowned, recognized thought leader in their topic area, thus increasing profits for everyone.These days, publishers demand authors who are effective, competent partners in the publishing process. ThatÕs why we screen our potential clients so assiduouslyÑwe want them to have a growing platform, a big visionÉand the moxie to achieve it. Keller Media helps our authors become highly successful by advising on cutting-edge marketing strategies, advanced book promotion practices, and the best known use of media, social media, and paid speaking. We know that a good book idea + intelligent marketing = a successful author.Wendy Keller has personally taught +20,000 authors how to get published; and over 7,500 people how to get started as paid, professional speakersÑa major method for selling lots of copies of your book. (Check out the ÒResourcesÓ page so you can get access to her decades of publishing wisdom.)Wendy was 26 when her own first book was published. Today, she is the author of 31 published books under 9 pseudonyms and 11 self-published books. She has been a featured guest on 53 television programs, including Dr Phil, Dateline NBC, CBS The Early Show, Hannity and Colmes, Crosstalk, Fox, ABC, and Politically Incorrect. She has been a guest on +500 radio shows, primarily in North America, and has been interviewed/quoted in The Chicago Tribune, New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, Arizona Republic, Dallas Morning News, Playboy, The Scotsman, Maxim, Parenting, the Miami Herald and many more.Wendy Keller is unique among agents because her perspective on publishing was shaped by her early work in the media. She believes that good books are about serving the audience what they want to readÑand that it is the authorÕs solemn responsibility to get their message out in every way possible. As the publishing industry moves into this new era, Wendy is a prominent advocate for authors taking a vibrant, active role in the promotion of their own work. This helps Keller Media authors create maximum impact in the world and maximum profit from their content.In her free time, Wendy rows on the marina near her home and enjoys hiking, luxury travel, languages, archaeological studies and of course, voracious reading. Parlo italiano e je parle franais.
Notes
NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Economics, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Inspirational Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Money Finance, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology
Biography
Lauren Galit is a literary agent with LKG Agency. Lauren Galit, a magazine editor by training, started the LKG agency in 2005 and is best known for representing many of the stars of TLCÕs ÒWhat Not to Wear.Ó She sold Clinton KellyÕs FreakinÕ Fabulous books, Carmindy AcostaÕs 5 Minute Face and Get Positively Beautiful, and Nick ArrojoÕs Great Hair. The LKG Agency has also worked with numerous magazine writers to help them launch their book projects.However, in 2010, after selling associate Caitlen Rubino-BradwayÕs Ordinary Magic to Bloomsbury US, LKG Agency opened its doors to childrenÕs booksÉand the whole world exploded. Descendants of Revolutionary heroes and traitors, a teen struggling with OCD, art that comes alive, a boy who lives every day twice, a girl on a quest for a new bedtime reader, the dogs of Camelot Ð LKG authors have explored these themes and more. LKG focuses mainly on middle grade and young adult, only working on picture book projects with already established LKG authors. As for genre, LKG has a special interest in contemporary and magical realism but is open to fantasy, sci-fi, thriller, and more (but maybe not horror).Regardless of the project, LKG doesnÕt stop with the sale, negotiating each contract to make sure authors get the best deal possible, and continuing to hold their hands through delivery, publication, and publicity. Lauren also works with Sandy Hodgman, of Hodgman Literary, for foreign rights for her projects. Because, after all, writing a book is hard enough. LKG will guide authors through all the rest.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Carly Kellerman is a literary agent with the Alive Literary Agency. She has spent more than fifteen years helping writers find their voice and hone their message. With a professional background that spans editorial development and sales, she has a proven knack for finding the sweet spot between profoundly meaningful and commercially viable content. Her unique blend of business acumen and love for storytelling makes her an excellent advocate and guide for authors navigating the publishing world. Before joining Alive, Carly worked at HarperCollins Christian Publishing for more than a decade. She developed several bestselling titles throughout her time at HCCP, and she strives to bring that same creative spark to each of her clients at Alive. Carly lives with her husband Jesse and their two children in Southwest Michigan. When sheÕs not reading, you can find her planning her next dinner party, scheming a new travel destination, or reorganizing a closet that was probably perfectly fine to begin with.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Religious FictionNONFICTION: Inspirational Nonfiction, Mind Body Spirit, Nonfiction, Religion, SpiritualityNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Tianna Kelley is a literary agent at Neighborhood Literary. She is a literary agent building a list that reflects her love of dark romance, sharp romantic comedies, genre-bending romantasy, and bold speculative fiction. SheÕs especially drawn to Queer and own voices, stories with complex emotions, unforgettable relationships, and high-stakes worldbuildingÑand sheÕs always looking for projects that blur the line between love and disaster (in the best way).With over three years of experience in publishing marketing, she brings a sharp eye for positioning, audience, and platform development to every project.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction
Biography
Jennie Kendrick is a literary agent with Red Fox Literary. She represents YA, MG and select picture books with Red Fox Literary. A former criminal defense attorney and history major, she has worked in the publishing industry since 2013, including reviewing for publications such as Kirkus, and part-time bookselling at a local independent bookstore. JennieÕs passions include history (especially medieval European history), the criminal justice system, art, tarot, rock music, and cooking. She loves well-researched character-driven fiction, narrative non-fiction, and is particularly looking for Own Voices works and books from marginalized creators. Jennie is always looking for a phenomenal ghost or vampire story, regardless of childrenÕs age group.
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CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Julia Kenny
Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Postal MailBiography
Julia Kenny is a literary agent with the Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary Agency. She began her career in publishing as an intern at the Wendy Weil Agency, while studying creative writing at Sarah Lawrence College. For nearly 10 years, she worked as the director of foreign rights and as an agent at Markson Thoma. She primarily works with fictionÑadult, middle grade and YAÑand is especially interested in dark, literary thrillers and suspense. She’s also interested in narrative non-fiction, memoir, and lifestyle and entertaining projects. She is on the lookout for writing that immediately draws her in, and stories that stick with her long after she’s finished reading. She was born and raised on Nantucket Island and lives in Brooklyn.
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FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Art, General Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Photography
Biography
Fiona Kenshole is a literary agent with the Transatlantic Agency. She came to agenting after nearly a decade as VP at Laika Studios, creating a development slate of new projects for the Academy Award winning animation studio including the Oscar-nominated THE BOXTROLLS and CORALINE.Previously she was a senior publisher in the UK where she published authors including Michael Bond (Paddington Bear), P.L Travers (Mary Poppins) and the Laureate Michael Morpurgo (War Horse) and was UK editor for Beverley Cleary, Lois Lowry, Bruce Coville, Gary Paulsen and Cynthia Voigt. She was nominated for ÒEditor of the YearÓ at the British Book Awards.Fiona enjoys being on faculty as a conference guest speaker throughout the US and in Europe. She has taught publishing at Oxford Brookes University and Portland State, organized events for the Oxford Literary Festival and is herself a published author. A British citizen, Fiona now lives in Portland, Oregon.She joined Transatlantic in 2013. Her clientsÕ recent successes include Rosanne ParryÕs MG A WOLF CALLED WANDER (Andersen Press/Greenwillow) which has spent 37 weeks in the NYT bestseller list and sold in 11 languages, and Vicki GrantÕs YA romcom, 36 QUESTIONS THAT CHANGED MY MIND ABOUT YOU (Running Press), which sold in 22 languages and is optioned for TV.
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CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction