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7 Insider Secrets to Get a Top Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal
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Literary Agent Directory
Important: Visit each agent’s website (links in their listings below) to see if they’re open to submissions before querying.
- You are searching within category(ies): Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Rebecca Strauss is an agent at DeFiore and Co. and focuses on literary and commercial fiction, women’s fiction, fantasy, science fiction, romance, mystery, YA, pop culture and select non-fiction. In all genres, she’s looking for a compelling story, clear concept, fresh voice and emotional heartÑa work that grabs you from the first page. She’s especially interested in emerging writers and underrepresented voices; and, she’s looking to develop long term relationships.
Before joining DeFiore and Co., Rebecca was at McIntosh and Otis for seven years where she was an agent and Director of Subsidiary Rights. Prior to M&O, she was a foreign rights associate at Trident Media Group, and a book scout and development assistant at Sony Pictures. She’s originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina and earned her degree in English Literature from Duke University.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Paranormal Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Business Book | Economics | Humor Nonfiction | Money Finance | Parenting | Pop Culture |
Biography
Marlene Stringer is a literary agent with and the found of The Stringer Literary Agency. Marlene Stringer was raised and educated in NYC, and started her publishing career as a proofreader. She eventually became an in-house publisher for a corporate magazine before taking a detour to have her family, move to NJ, and write and edit for local publications. Following a move to Florida, she founded TSLA after eight years with Barbara Bova Literary Agency. Mother of four, she lives in Lakewood Ranch with her husband and two very spoiled toy poodles.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Member of the AALA |Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | Historical Fiction | Horror | Magical Realism | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Biography |
Biography
Dan Strone is CEO and a literary agent at Trident Media Group. He is one of the industry’s leading literary agents, Dan has represented numerous bestselling books across all genres. He works closely with a client roster that includes literary nonfiction authors, novelists, journalists, celebrities, Hollywood legends, athletes, children’s authors, culinary superstars, literary estates, and newsmakers of all types. He has helped turn ideas and headlines into some of publishing’s most beloved and successful books with Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart and Jerry Seinfeld. At one point he had five books simultaneously on the NYT Bestseller List. He has helped his authors adapt their work across all platforms, including Broadway, TV, film, and digital. In 2000, Dan co-founded Trident Media Group after leaving his position as Sr. Vice President at WME. He is a graduate of Duke University.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | General Fiction |General Nonfiction | Celebrity | Cookbook Cooking | Journalism | Sports |
Biography
Dan Strone is CEO and a literary agent at Trident Media Group. He is one of the industryÕs leading literary agents, Dan has represented numerous bestselling books across all genres. He works closely with a client roster that includes literary nonfiction authors, novelists, journalists, celebrities, Hollywood legends, athletes, childrenÕs authors, culinary superstars, literary estates, and newsmakers of all types. He has helped turn ideas and headlines into some of publishingÕs most beloved and successful books with Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart and Jerry Seinfeld. At one point he had five books simultaneously on the NYT Bestseller List. He has helped his authors adapt their work across all platforms, including Broadway, TV, film, and digital. In 2000, Dan co-founded Trident Media Group after leaving his position as Sr. Vice President at WME. He is a graduate of Duke University.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | General Fiction |General Nonfiction | Celebrity | Cookbook Cooking | Journalism | Sports |
Biography
Kari Stuart is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. She says: “IÕm a literary agent in NYC. When IÕm not reading fabulous new, unpublished books, you can find me testing new recipes or running in the park with my dogs.”
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Young Adult Fiction | Crime Fiction | General Fiction | Mystery | Suspense Fiction | Thriller |General Nonfiction | Biography | Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Dating Relationships Sex | Economics | Food Drink | Health Wellness | History | Lifestyle | Medical Medicine | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Money Finance | Narrative Nonfiction | Parenting | Religion | Science | Self-Help | Spirituality | Sports | Travel |
Biography
Saba Sulaiman is a literary agent with Talcott Notch Literary Services. She says: “I was drawn into the world of literature by default when my sisterÕs growing collection of books in our tiny room began to overflow onto my bed. Born to Pakistani immigrants in Sri Lanka, and knowing how to express myself only in English for the first fifteen years of my life, I found comfort in reading about other culturally displaced people, unable to communicate in their native tongues, and hesitant to assert themselves in environments where there were few examples of people like them. Moving to Pakistan and absorbing what it meant to be an educated and empowered girl coming of age in a traditional Islamic society contributed greatly to my desire to seek similar narratives, especially from other women. I took the next step in my immigrant journey by moving to the United States to study Economics and Middle Eastern Studies at Wellesley College. I then studied modern Persian Literature at the University of Chicago, where I helped edit our departmentÕs academic journal. After a stint at Sourcebooks as an Editorial Intern, I joined the team at Talcott Notch Literary, and the rest is history.
Being an author today is an entrepreneurial endeavor, and I see my role as my clientsÕ primary advocate as they navigate each and every stage of the publishing process Ð from digging deep into developing their craft, to representing their interests zealously even after they find homes for their books. I am also committed to highlighting marginalized voices with bright careers ahead of them and compelling stories to tell; stories that demonstrate the true range of perspectives that exist in this world, and address urgent and often underexplored issues with veracity and heart. For a complete list of the genres I work in, visit my website and check out my #MSWL.
IÕm also proud to be on the steering committee for People of Color in Publishing, a grassroots organization working to serve the interests of publishing professionals of color.
When IÕm not reading, youÕll probably find me running after my two small children, secretly learning another foreign language, playing Scrabble, watching a Bollywood movie, or singing in the bathroom (the acoustics, am I right?)___”
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | General Fiction | Literary Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |Cultural Social Issues | Humor Nonfiction | Memoir | Multicultural Nonfiction |
Biography
Kari Sutherland is a literary agent with KT Literary. She is based out of Southern California. She began on the editorial side of publishing, first at Disney Press, then HarperCollins ChildrenÕs BooksÐwhere she had the honor of editing many talented authors, including Victoria Aveyard and Sara Shepard. Middle grade and YA are at the heart of her list, but she also represents picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, and upmarket fiction. She graduated from Williams College with a B.A. in English and Psychology and received a Masters in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice before pivoting back to her first loveÐbooks. With her editorial insight and experience with the entire publishing process, Kari is passionate about helping to polish each manuscript and equip her clients for success.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Chapter Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Fantasy | Graphic Novel | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |
Biography
Emily Sylvan Kim is a literary agent with the Prospect Agency. She says: “Reading has always been my addiction so I feel very fortunate that it is my career as well. After a childhood spent devouring books in Denver, Colorado I majored in English at Carleton College where I once electively took and enjoyed a class titled “Dickens and Scott, the Longer Novels.” I gave law school a try for a year after graduation but the lure of fiction was just too strong so I moved to New York City, the hub of the publishing industry. This was one of the best decisions in my life. I worked at Writers House literary agency for five years while also writing reviews for Publisher’s Weekly as well as my own fiction and poetry. I even met my husband in a poetry class!
In 2005, I was thrilled to take the next step in my career by opening the doors to Prospect Agency. My inspiration in naming the agency came from Brooklyn’s beloved Prospect Park. With winding trails, woods and meadows, there is a place for everyone to find a bit of peace in the middle of a crowded city and I strive to provide just such a haven for our clients. I am proud to have built an agency composed of so many talented agents who represent a wide array of authors and illustrators.
Even though a love of reading brought me to agenting, as my career has advanced, I found myself equally drawn to the business aspect of creating books. Publishing is the nexus of art and commerce. How we navigate that intersection is endlessly fascinating and of critical importance to the future of literature. By working and listening closely to both publishers and writers, I always strive to foster dialogue and create innovative opportunities. I understand that we are in a time of great change and that decisions we make now will have a lasting impact on our future. As an agent, I have taken a leadership role in helping to shape the digital landscape. By embracing and understanding technology, we can make sure we stay relevant and fresh for both long time readers and also attract new audiences.”
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | General Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mainstream Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Biography | Health Wellness | History | Memoir | Science | Travel |
Biography
Laurel Symonds is a literary agent with KT Literary. She began her publishing career in the editorial department of HarperCollins ChildrenÕs Books. She also worked in the marketing department at a small publishing house, in a library, and as a bookseller at one of the nationÕs best independent bookstores. She began agenting in 2018 and joined KT Literary in 2022, representing picture books, middle grade and young adult novels, graphic novels, and select nonfiction for children and teens. When Laurel is not reading, she enjoys baking, hiking, and spending time with her dog, Sherlock. Raised in rural New England and having spent a decade in New York City, London, and Chicago, sheÕs thrilled to have settled in the Pacific Northwest.
Laurel is seeking middle grade and young adult fiction, picture books and graphic novels from author-illustrators, and select nonfiction for kids and teens.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Authors and Illustrators Only | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Graphic Novel |Biography | History | Illustrated |
Biography
Sabrina Taitz is a literary agent with WME Books. Sabrina Taitz joined WME in 2015. She represents upmarket and commercial fiction, as well as a broad swath of nonfiction, ranging from memoir to lifestyle to cookbooks. Her list includes New York Times bestsellers, B&N Book Club selections, Amazon Book of the Month selections, an ALA Award winner, a William C. Morris Award winner, and a Best American Writing selectee. Sabrina is looking for propulsive and dynamic writing that keeps her turning the pages. She lives in Manhattan with her husband and daughter.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |General Nonfiction | Cookbook Cooking | Food Drink | Humor Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction |
Biography
Marin Takikawa is a literary agent with The Friedrich Agency. Before joining TFA in early 2021, I got my start as an assistant to three agents at Foundry Literary + Media, following internships at The Book Group, Folio Literary Management, and Triada U.S. Born in Tokyo and raised in Singapore and NYC, I graduated from the University of Rochester with degrees in English and Business. In addition to building my own list, I support Molly Friedrich and Lucy Carson, and handle audio rights for the agency. IÕm an eclectic reader, and hope that my list will showcase this range as wellÑin addition to adult fiction and nonfiction, I also am looking to represent select YA.
For adult fiction, IÕm always seeking innovativeÑboth in idea and structureÑliterary/upmarket fiction thatÕs lush, evocative, and full of heart(break). IÕm also looking for family sagas, novels that subvert forms of power, specifically relating to colonialism/imperialism, and engages with social and environmental issues. IÕm also particularly enamored by genre-bending works: speculative concepts, ghost stories, magical realism, and anything that plays with myth and folklore will always catch my eye!
For YA, IÕm looking for voice-driven and literary-leaning novels with the emotional breadth and depth in the tradition of authors like Emily X. R. Pan and Kelly Loy GilbertÑalthough I wonÕt say no to sweeter contemporary YA (my comfort reads are Anna & the French Kiss, Love & Gelato, and Better Than the Movies)! IÕm also excited by speculative concepts and am not afraid of going dark. Give me all your gothic, atmospheric, haunting books (especially with a sense of mystery and adventure)! Some of my recent favorite YA books are If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang, Anatomy by Dana Schwartz, and FirekeeperÕs Daughter by Angeline Boulley.
In adult nonfiction, I gravitate toward community-oriented narrative nonfiction with engaging and insightful research, reportage, or cultural analysis. IÕm also looking for narrative nonfiction that is intersectional, resistant, and radical in nature, that questions why we have the institutions, ideas, and systems we have in place. I often think about the legacies of colonialism, how it haunts and perpetuates in various forms in the modern age (such as the environment and in capitalism), but also about collective action/liberation and its sense of possibilities and what an equitable future could look like. IÕd love to hear from you if your work is in this space. *Please note that IÕm not looking for memoir at this time, although IÕll be open to considering memoirs written by BIPOC.
Regardless of category, IÕm looking for a singular voice that will guide me through any literary terrain and is not afraid of pushing against the status quo. And above all, itÕs of utmost importance to me that my list is filled with writers from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities, as well as diasporic voices.
In my spare time, you can find me dancing, watching anime, or hiking. IÕm fluent in Japanese, and you also probably donÕt want to bad-mouth me in Mandarin 😉
Five non-agency books I loved: HOW HIGH WE GO IN THE DARK; SHARKS IN THE TIME OF SAVIORS; HEADS OF THE COLORED PEOPLE; GOODBYE, VITAMIN; THE SUBTLE KNIFE. P.S.: pronounced marine
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |Juvenile Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | BIPOC Fiction | Family Saga | General Fiction | Gothic Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Paranormal Fiction | Speculative Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Upmarket Fiction |General Nonfiction | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Economics | Environment | History | Journalism | Memoir | Money Finance | Multicultural Nonfiction | Narrative Nonfiction | Nature | Science | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Bailey Tamayo is a literary agent with Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. She is seeking middle grade, YA, and adult speculative fiction, fantasy, sci fi, horror, and anything in betweenÑespecially when the genre is a unique setting for the deeply human stories underneath. She is drawn to poignant coming of age narratives like The Graveyard Book, I Am Not Okay With This, and any given Ghibli film. Her favorite stories are those that are gently heartbreaking, hopeful, or (ideally) both. She enjoys sharp humor, lyrical prose, lovable and complex characters, and rich worldbuilding. She is eager to advocate for underrepresented authors, and especially to explore these viewpoints through horror, such as Welcome to Night Vale, The Magnus Archives, and Mexican Gothic. Some of her favorite authors/creators are Neil Gaiman, Emily St. John Mandel, Taika Waititi, Noelle Stevenson, Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples, and ONE.
Bailey joined Greenburger Associates after internships with Writers House and the Carol Mann Agency. She is now an associate agent and the assistant to Matt Bialer, aiding him with his talented list of fantasy, sci-fi, thriller, literary, and nonfiction authors. She graduated from Emerson College with a degree in Writing, Literature & Publishing and Communication Sciences & Disorders.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Horror | Humor Fiction | Science Fiction |
Biography
Alice Tasman is a literary agent with the Jean Naggar Literary Agency. Alice Tasman has been agenting for over 20 years. Alice represents a wide variety of writers with an emphasis on fiction. Her writers have earned numerous awards, honors, and fellowships, including the Calvino Prize, the C. Hugh Holman Award, the Henfield/Transatlantic Review Award, the Mary Roberts Rinehart Award, the O. Henry Prize, the Saint Francis College Literary Prize, the Willie Morris Award, and a Guggenheim Fellowship. Her clients’ writing has appeared in The New York Times, Best American Short Stories, McSweeney’s, One Story, Oxford American, Prairie Schooner, The Normal School, and A Public Space. Awards and honors for her children’s writers include a Caldecott Honors Winner, an ABA Indie Choice E.B. White Read Aloud Honor Award, Midwestern Booksellers Association Award, The Monarch Award, Texas Bluebonnet Award, Newbery Award nominee, Cybils Award nominee.
She loves finding debut writers and is committed to working with authors over the long term. She is very hands-on in every stage of the publishing processÑfrom editing manuscripts and refining proposals, to amassing the perfect list of editors for the project and negotiating contracts, to actively working with publishers on the publicity and marketing of the books.
Alice earned her BA from Brown University and her MFA from Sarah Lawrence College.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller |General Nonfiction | Biography | Memoir | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Pop Culture | Science | Technology |
Biography
Brent Taylor is a literary agent with Triada U.S. Literary Agency. His tastes can best be described as upmarket: stories that are extremely well-written, robust with emotion, and appeal to a wide, commercial audience.
He is seeking new clients in the following categories: picture book (author-illustrators only; text-only manuscripts will not be considered); middle grade; young adult; graphic novels; and adult fiction (fantasy; romance; beach reads; thrillers; LGBTQ fiction).
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Authors and Illustrators Only | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Chapter Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Action Adventure | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | Graphic Novel | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Romance | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |Biography | Cookbook Cooking | Crafts | History | Humor Nonfiction | Illustrated | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Memoir | Pop Culture | Psychology | Science | Sports | Travel | True Crime |
Biography
Stuti Telidevara is a literary agent with Park & Fine Literary and Media. She works on sharp, commercial adult, young adult, and middle grade fiction. She is looking for diverse storytellers and vivid, detailed worldbuilding across genre, and fiction with a strong, high-concept hook. She is especially interested in fantasy and speculative fiction and is actively building her list.
Prior to joining Park & Fine in 2021, she held positions at Raven Quill Literary, Orbit Books, and Transatlantic Literary. She holds a B.A. in English from Harvard University and spends her free time watching ice hockey, listening to history podcasts, and brewing perfect cups of tea.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Speculative Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |
Biography
Paige Terlip is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. She represents all categories of childrenÕs books from picture books to young adult, as well as select adult fiction and nonfiction. She is also actively building her list of illustrators and is especially looking for author-illustrators and graphic novel illustrators.
Across age categories, Paige is drawn to high concept novels with captivating hooks, snarky characters with hearts of gold, creative magic systems, complicated relationships, and found families. She loves well-plotted twists, being a little bit scared, and stories that explore the fluidity of gender and bring queer experiences to light. Regardless of genre, she is seeking inclusive, intersectional voices and gorgeous line-level writing with emotionally compelling narratives.
On the adult side she is open to thrillers/psychological suspense, fantasy/sci-fi, upmarket fiction, cozy mysteries, as well as narrative nonfiction and self-help that centers the mind, body, and spirit. She loves stories that make her feel a range of emotions, even if that means she ugly cries while reading. She wants a narrative that will stick with her long after reading.
Prior to becoming an Associate Agent, Paige was a Senior Assistant for Executive Agent Laura Rennert, and has been with ABLA for over three years. She comes to agenting with a background in marketing, design, and freelance editorial. SheÕs worked at Charlesbridge Publishing, The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and a ranch in the Rockies. She has an MA in Children’s Literature and an MFA in Writing for Children from Simmons University. If sheÕs not reading, you’ll find her practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, re-watching the Great British Baking Show, or hiking with her Husky-Shepherd mix.
You can find her on Twitter @pterlip and Instagram @pterlip. For more wishlist information visit: http://www.paigeterlip.com
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | New Literary Agents | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Horror | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Fitness | Health Wellness | Illustrated | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Spirituality | True Adventure | True Crime |
Biography
Nikki Terpilowski is a literary agent with Holloway Literary. After achieving a B.A. in English and Marketing, with a minor in creative writing and a graduate degree in nternational relations, Nikki who has been a bookworm from way back decided she wanted to learn more about the publishing industry.
She interned in the industry while working in marketing communications and then established Holloway Literary in 2011. You can find her @AWomanReading on Twitter and Instagram discussing her favorite topics: books, wine, beer & whiskey, history, travel and southern living.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Black Literary Agents |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | BIPOC Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | Historical Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Western Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Art | BIPOC Nonfiction | Cookbook Cooking | Crafts | Environment | Food Drink | Gardening | History | Lifestyle | Mind Body Spirit | Multicultural Nonfiction | Nature | New Age | Travel |
Biography
Kristen Terrette is a literary agent with Martin Literary Management. She is a literary manager excited to build her list featuring titles in middle grade, young adult, female-driven crime thrillers, faith-based books, and the occasional picture book with an author/illustrator.
She has a BA in Early Childhood Education and MA in Theology and Religious Studies which led her into childrenÕs ministry for many years. Eventually, her lifelong love of books and authors drew her back to her original dream of entering the publishing world. Kristen is a multi-published author and freelance writer. SheÕs held such positions as the Blog Manager for a national womenÕs ministry and the Social Media Manager for a publishing house. All these components landed her a spot in the coveted Writers House Intern Program. There, she received valuable hands-on agenting and publishing experience which she brings into her new position.
Kristen has long been a voice for diversity. SheÕs written extensively on topics of racial reconciliation and unity and is a facilitator of groups around these topics in her church. In all her focused genres, she welcomes books with BIPOC or disabled main characters and diverse friendships. She believes books change people in all the best ways and that every child should see themselves in the pages.
Middle Grade (All subgenres except Sci-fi): Kristen hearts Middle Grade. She would love to see books tackling themes like abandonment, bullying, loneliness, comparison, divorce, and body image but done so by instilling hope, growth, and healing. Send her the creepy, horrifying, supernatural, fantastical, historical, and contemporary. She is ready to see it all.
Young Adult (All subgenres except Sci-fi): KristenÕs background in writing YA and her extensive reading in this genre has given her a great love and understanding of it. Grab her attention within the first couple of pages. Send her books with first loves, unique friendships, interesting and/or challenging family dynamics, and hard-hitting subject matter (race relations, suicide, abuse, divorce, etc.) but leave her with a satisfying (not necessarily happy!) ending.
WomenÕs Crime Thriller: Kristen loves a good thriller with a woman main character, so send her the smart, tough, and brave lady crime solvers. If she canÕt figure out whatÕs going to happen next or what the ending will be, youÕve gotten her attention.
Faith-Based Fiction and Memoirs: Kristen loves a good redemption or forgiveness story, a historically accurate saga, a clean and beautiful, yet realistic love story, or a memoir that has her crying and laughing within the span of a few pages. Surprise her with the beauty of GodÕs grace.
Picture Books with Authors/Illustrators: Picture books are an important part of establishing a love for literature at an early age, though, at this time, Kristen is only looking for authors who are also illustrators. If your work fits these criteria, sheÕd love to see it.
Kristen is not a good fit for Science Fiction (even in MG or YA), books with any political agenda, extremely foul-mouthed characters, or gratuitous sex scenes.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction |Christian Fiction | Christian Nonfiction |Action Adventure | BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horror | Inspirational Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Religious Fiction | Romance | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Biography | Celebrity | Cultural Social Issues | History | Memoir | Multicultural Nonfiction | Parenting | Religion | Spirituality | True Crime |
Biography
Kate Schafer Testerman is a literary agent with KT Literary Agency. After a dozen years working in publishing in New York City, Kate moved to Colorado and formed kt literary in early 2008, where she concentrates on middle grade and young adult fiction. Bringing to bear the experience of being part of a large agency, she enjoys all aspects of working with her authors, offering hands-on experience, personal service, and a surfeit of optimism.
Her clients include Maureen Johnson, Ellen Booraem, Stephanie Perkins, Carrie Harris, Trish Doller, and Matthew Cody, among other exciting and acclaimed authors. Kate is a graduate of the University of DelawareÕs Honors Program, a former cast member of the New York Renaissance Faire, and an avid collector of shoes, bags, children, and dogs. Her interests cover a broad range including contemporary drama, urban fantasy and magical realism, adventure stories, and romantic comedies. She is an active member of the SCBWI and AAR.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Member of the AALA |Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Action Adventure | Contemporary Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Humor Fiction | Magical Realism | Romance | Science Fiction |Mind Body Spirit | True Adventure |
Biography
Robert Thixton is a literary agent and the co-founder of Pinder Lane & Garon-Brooke Associates.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Juvenile Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | BIPOC Fiction | Erotic Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horror | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Biography | Current Events Affairs | Film Entertainment | History | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Politics | Pop Culture | Sports | True Crime |
Biography
Kelly Thomas is an Associate Literary Agent with Serendipity Literary Agency and a Certified Copy Editor with a bachelorÕs degree in English from Pace University. She is an associate member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA), a member of the New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT), Women in Film (WIF), and a member of the Editorial Freelance Association. She co-runs the monthly Ò8 Simple Steps to Writing a Successful Synopsis WebinarÓ and the ÒMake Your Synopsis Stand Out WorkshopÓ alongside Jennifer S. Wilkov through the publishing consulting company Your Book Is Your Hook. Kelly is also a screenwriter with a feature-length film in development. Prior to joining Serendipity Literary Agency, she provided part-time manuscript analysis for the D4EO Literary Agency. She is a panelist for the New York Women in Film & TelevisionÕs (NYWIFT) ÔThe Business of Adaptations PanelÕ program and a trainer for the ÔNext Bestseller Workshops.Õ Kelly has participated in Pitch Slams for writing conferences, including ThrillerFest, Crimebake, Writing Day Workshops, and The WriterÕs Digest Conference. She has sat on ÔAsk the AgentÕ panels for the AWP Conference and Writing BarnÕs ÔCourage to CreateÕ program, and she has participated in the ÔFirst Pages CritiqueÕ panel for the Carnegie Center for Literary, LearningÕs Books-in-Progress Conference and for the Women in Publishing Summit. Kelly has participated in the ÒFirst Ten Lines CritiqueÓ panel for The Hampton Roads WriterÕs Conference where she also taught classes on synopsis writing and character development. Kelly is a published poet with publications in Tales for the Disenchanted (2008) and Penumbra Art & Literature (2015). She has served as an editor for the literary arts magazine Pen & Brush and as a writing coach for the academic consulting company Brattlestreet.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Chapter Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Crime Fiction | General Fiction | Horror | Humor Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Paranormal Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller |General Nonfiction | Art | Biography | Business Book | Celebrity | Cookbook Cooking | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Diet Nutrition | Education | Fitness | Food Drink | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Lifestyle | Medical Medicine | Memoir | Money Finance | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Photography | Politics | Pop Culture | Psychology | Reference | Science | Self-Help | Sports | Travel | True Crime |
Biography
Teffanie Thompson is an assistant agent at Falkin Literary. Originally from Texas, Teffanie Thompson (she/her) attended Prairie View A & M University and graduated from Excelsior University. She obtained her graduate degrees from the acclaimed Writing Popular Fiction program at Seton Hill University. Teffanie has over two decades of experience working with writers in various roles including mentoring, sensitivity reading, critiquing, and editing.
She is also an author. Teffanie is a contributor in Like Sunshine After Rain (Raw Dog Screaming Press), When I Go Outside, I Go Inside (MMH Press), pictureless books, and Many Genres One Craft (Headlines Book, Inc.). Teffanie attended the 2018 Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival in Dubai, UAE. In 2016, her magical realism middle-grade novel, DIRT (Brown Girl Books), won an African American Literary Award at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York Public Library. She is currently writing a non-fiction blog series detailing her expat experiences on the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia.
Teffanie dreams to see more diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in genre fiction. She wants to represent authors who write for young adult, new adult, and adult audiences. Today, her favorite reads are Xenogenesis Series, The Hunger Games, The Alchemist, and The Giver. If asked tomorrow, this list will probably change.
Outside her fiction addiction, she embraces the joy of spinning hula hoops. Teffanie is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She resides in Texas with her food justice advocate husband.
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Accepting Submissions | Black Literary Agents | New Literary Agents |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Dystopian Fiction | Historical Fiction | Literary Fiction | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Speculative Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |
Biography
Sydnie Thornton is a literary agent with Word One Literary. A native Memphian, Sydnie majored in English Literature at Rhodes College. Every summer, she escaped the Memphis heat to intern at various NYC agencies and eventually joined Irene Goodman Literary Agency in 2021. SheÕs thrilled to move to Word One Literary and excited about its future. When her eyes get blurry from reading manuscripts, she likes to go explore all the seasonal activities and endless pastry shops in the city.
Sydnie is interested in YA across all genres: fantasy, historical fiction, contemporary that leans literary, as well as thrillers with upmarket qualities and distinctive characterization. As for the adult side, Sydnie is actively looking for transportive, complex historical fiction and whimsical contemporary fantasy. Regardless of genre, sheÕs very likely to connect with manuscripts that bridge the YA/Adult divide. SheÕs also committed to amplifying the voices of disabled creators.
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Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | Historical Fiction | Horror | Inspirational Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Fitness | Health Wellness | History | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Jessie Thorsted is a literary agent with InkWell Management. She joined InkWell Management in 2017 and is a member of the foreign rights team, after working for three years in royalties and accounting. She earned her BA in English Literature with a minor in Art History from Arizona State University and her MA in English from Northern Arizona University. Before coming to InkWell, Jessie interned at Liza Dawson Associates and worked for Strand Book Store. She enjoys reading young adult literature, romance, suspense, and mysteries.
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Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |Young Adult Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Suspense Fiction |
Biography
Anne Tibbets is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. She joined DMLA in 2021, and was previously at D4EO Literary Agency. She represents adult and young adult commercial genre, primarily thrillers, mysteries, science fiction, fantasy, horror, and historical womenÕs fiction. A screenwriter and published author, Anne lives in the Los Angeles area and has a BA in Theatre Arts from California State University, Fullerton.
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CLOSED to Submissions | Member of the AALA |Young Adult Fiction | BIPOC Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |
Ann Tobias
A Literary Agency for Children’s BooksAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email > Postal Mail >Biography
Ann Tobias is a literary agent with A Literary Agency for Children’s Books. Ann started out as an editor at Harper and Row under the legendary Ursula Nordstrom. She later freelanced for Harper, Morrow, Crown, Dial, and other publishers; spent some years full time at Greenwillow Books and a year at Scholastic; then moved to Washington, DC, where she founded Ann Tobias, A Literary Agency.
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Accepting Submissions |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction |Reference |
Biography
Chris Tomasino is a literary agent with the Tomasino Agency. Chris has been agenting since 1975, when she joined RLR Associates, Ltd and developed their literary division. Her clients have ranged from Civil War historian and novelist Shelby Foote to former baseball manager and MLB executive Joe Torre, from talented international book packagers Labyrinth Publishing and Carroll & Brown to diverse corporate clients Angel Records and The PGA. She is as comfortable with commercial fiction as she is with highly produced full color books; with the unconventional and best-selling Anti-Coloring Books as she is with translating the online wedding resource, The Knot, into a book franchise. She shepherded Sarah Ban Breathnach’s ground-breaking Simple Abundance (2 1/2 years on the NY Times bestseller list) and its follow-ups through the publishing process. Ever ahead of the trends, she was in on the boon in young adult fiction series in the 1970’s and 1980’s, the cookbook and lifestyle rage in the 1980’s, and the blossoming of spirituality and esoterica in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Having started her own, boutique-sized agency in 2000, she is best known for representing popular non-fiction books particularly in the areas of memoir, self-help and women’s issues, and tapping into the newest theories in health, science and spirituality which are supported by impeccable research and scholarship. She is on the faculty of the M.A./M.F.A. in Creative Writing program at Wilkes University.
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CLOSED to Submissions |Young Adult Fiction | BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | General Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Religious Fiction | Sports Fiction |General Nonfiction | Art | Biography | BIPOC Nonfiction | Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Gift Novelty | Health Wellness | History | Lifestyle | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Money Finance | Multicultural Nonfiction | Photography | Psychology | Religion | Science | Self-Help | Spirituality | Sports | Travel | Women’s Issues |