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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.
- The results are being filtered by the character: M
Bridget Wagner Matzie
Aevitas Creative ManagementDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Online Form *Biography
Bridget Wagner Matzie is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. Bridget Wagner Matzie has represented projects such as the #1 New York Times bestseller Shattered by Jon Allen and Amie Parnes, the national bestseller The Case for Impeachment by Allan Lichtman, the New York Times bestseller The Party Is Over by Mike Lofgren, the acclaimed novel The Private Life of Mrs. Sharma by Ratika Kapur, the LA Times bestseller Against Happiness: In Praise of Melancholy by Eric Wilson, and the New York Times bestselling novel Daemon by Daniel Suarez, among others.
Matzie graduated from Colgate University with a BA in English and Writing. She attended the Columbia University publishing program and subsequently worked for ICM in New York and London, as an agent and rights director at The Sagalyn Agency, and as foreign rights manager at Random House India.
Matzie represents nonfiction and commercial fiction as an Aevitas partner based in Washington, DC, where Washingtonian Magazine listed her as one of DC’s top book agents. She is most interested in strong original ideas, new and international voices, big-think topics and books that challenge readers and create discussion.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * General Fiction * Romance * Thriller * Women’s Fiction *
NONFICTION: Autobiography * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Film/Entertainment * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History *Humor * Journalism * Memoir * Military/War * Money/Finance * Music * Narrative * Politics * Pop Culture * Religion * Science * Spirituality * Sports * Technology *
Biography
Shari Maurer is a literary agent with the Stringer Literary Agency. Shari graduated from Duke University with a degree in English, and later studied Dramatic Writing at NYU. Following a stint at The Children’s Television Workshop on international productions of Sesame Street, she published both novels and non-fiction, and worked as a writer and editor. Shari has also written Parenting & Lifestyle columns for several websites. A mother of three, she lives in New York with her husband.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chick Lit * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Humor Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * New Adult * Picture Book * Satire * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Juvenile * Memoir * Middle Grade * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Young Adult *
P.O. Box 111255 Naples FL 34108 USA
Biography
Ed Maxwell is a literary agent with the Transatlantic Agency. He joined Greenburger Associates in 2011 to work with Faith Hamlin; in 2015 he started building a roster of clients whom he is very grateful to represent; and in summer 2019 he became a full-time agent.
A close reader of nonfiction, Ed is interested in how histories ripple across contemporary politics and present life. He is especially captivated by visual storytelling, whether by artists or documentary photographers, for child and adult readers alike, that seeks to break down any received notions that need toppling. Ed reads literary fiction as well, for adults and children, especially as a generation of writers rises to build an incorporative American canon.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION:
NONFICTION: Art * Current Events/Affairs * General Nonfiction * History * Juvenile * Photography * Politics *
Brooklyn NY USA
Biography
Julie Carson May is a literary agent with Media Motion International. In 2005 Julie founded Media Motion International (MMI) to focus on building brands and platforms for talented experts, celebrities, hosts, and corporations. Her expertise is in working with talent and companies in the life improvement field including fitness, nutrition, health and wellness, design, and many other areas. An honors graduate of Harvard University, Julie’s experience includes consulting with leading management consulting firm McKinsey & Company. Julie also led strategic efforts for DreamWorks interactive, the DreamWorks interactive multi-media division, where she was part of the senior executive team and focused on branding, licensing, and strategic planning.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION:
NONFICTION: Diet/Nutrition * Environment * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness *
15332 Anitoch St. #726 Pacific Palisades CA 90272 USA
Biography
Lillian Mazeika is a literary agent with Tugeau 2. She became the T2 Agency’s very first Associate Agent in 2021 after spending a year assisting in the office. Coming from an art background herself, Lillian loves engaging with creators and seeing them bring stories to life. Lillian enjoys graphic novels and is always on the hunt for spooky stories and diverse voices. However, she really just adores all things kidlit. When she isn’t working, you can find her at a concert or flea market.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Graphic Novel * Picture Book *
NONFICTION:
2231 Grandview Avenue Cleveland Heights OH 44106 USA
Biography
Laura Mazer is a literary agent with Wendy Sherman Associates. She specializes in adult nonfiction with a focus on women’s issues, intelligent pop culture, counterintuitive self-help, packaged gift or “concept” books, and books that take us on geeky deep dives into fascinating facets of everyday life. She adores history, biography, and celebrations of literary legacies, especially when they offer fresh stories about women. She also represents select upmarket fiction.
Before joining Wendy Sherman Associates, Laura was executive editor of Seal Press, an imprint of the Hachette Book Group, where she edited bold voices in adult nonfiction. Her New York Times bestselling books include So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo and From Cradle to Stage: Stories from the Mothers Who Rocked and Raised Rock Stars by Virginia Grohl. Previously, Laura was the managing editor of Counterpoint and executive editor of its imprint Soft Skull Press, where she acquired literary and upmarket fiction and narrative nonfiction.
Before joining the book publishing industry, Laura was managing editor of the global news agency representing some of the most influential opinion writers and editorial cartoonists of the day, including Hillary Clinton, Arianna Huffington, Molly Ivins, Ann Landers, and Mike Luckovich. A longtime advocate for underrepresented voices, Laura sits on the board of The OpEd Project and teaches publishing workshops for Bold Voice Collaborative.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Contemporary * Ethnic Fiction * Literary * Multicultural Fiction * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Cultural/Social Issues * Ethnic * Gift/Novelty * History * Lifestyle * Mind/Body/Spirit * Multicultural * Pop Culture * Prescriptive * Reference * Self-Help/Personal Development * Women’s Issues *
138 W. 25th St. Suite 1018 New York NY 10001 USA
Juliana McBride
Rebecca Friedman Literary AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Online Form *Biography
Juliana McBride is a literary agent with the Rebecca Friedman Literary Agency. She began her career in New York City at Random House in 2000. After a decade working with all the in-house and third-party publishers, she and her husband (and twin daughters) embarked on their second act in California producing and selling wine. She never gave up her penchant for good stories though; enter act three. Juliana loves commercial and literary fiction, young adult novels, and fantasy. I mean, who doesn’t secretly believe in magic? Like any true bookworm, Juliana is looking for transcendent stories that linger.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Fantasy * General Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Thriller * Romance * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Biography
Margret McBride is a literary agent with the Margret McBride Literary Agency. She began a career that served her love of books in New York, working at Random House in New York. Her office was next door to the editor of the Doctor Seuss books. As postcards and missives from the author came to the editor, the editor would share them with her. The picture over his desk, the view of La Jolla from Ted Geisel’s studio was a clue to her future. In 1980, she was living in La Jolla, and opening her literary agency and having fun times with Ted and his wife Audrey. In her “New York Years” in publishing she worked in the marketing departments of Random House and Ballantine Books, and as the Director of Publicity at Warner Books, and Director of Publicity, Promotions and Advertising for Pinnacle Books. Knowing what the media wants and readers love to read set the stage for her immediate success as an agent.
In 1981, year later, she sold a small book to William Morrow (Harper Collins) by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson MD, called THE ONE MINUTE MANAGER. Thirty years and millions of copies later, the 30th Anniversary Edition THE NEW ONE MINUTE MANAGER was published. Two other bestselling parables followed years later: Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul and John Christensen (Hachette Books) will next year celebrate their the 20th Anniversary of FISH! A Remarkable Way To Boost Morale and Improve Results. Bob Burg and John Mann have just passed their tenth anniversary with Portfolio, their hugely successful, GO-GIVER A Little Story About A Powerful Business Idea.
She is a member of the Association of Authors Representatives (AAR) and the Author’s Guild. She is past-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the board of The La Jolla Playhouse located on the campus of the University of California at San Diego. La Jolla Playhouse is internationally renowned for creating some of the most exciting and adventurous work in American Theater, over 101 world premieres, 52 new works, 37 productions to Broadway—among them JERSEY BOYS, MEMPHIS, THE WHO’S TOMMY, Billy Crystal’s 700 SUNDAYS, I AM MY OWN WIFE, and JUNK.
Margret previously served on the Library Board of the University of California at San Diego and under her five-year direction, the UCSD Writers Conference attracted a distinguished faculty of publishers, editors and agents, as well as international participants.
Margret is interested in a wide range of commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction, historical fiction, medical suspense, legal thrillers, and stories featuring strong female protagonists.
Her nonfiction interests include biographies and memoirs, history, psychology, health, self-improvement and business, especially entrepreneurship, management, and finance. She also has had a weakness for perfectly executed, mind-blowing business parables.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Chick Lit * Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Inspirational Fiction * Literary * Magical Realism * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Satire * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Western * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Animals/Pets * Art * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Environment * Film/Entertainment * Fitness * Food/Drinks * Gardening * Gay/Lesbian * Gift/Novelty * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Humor * Journalism * Lifestyle * Medical/Medicine * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Music * Narrative * Nature * Politics * Pop Culture * Psychology * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Technology * Travel * True Adventure * True Crime * Women’s Issues *
P.O. Box 9128 La Jolla CA 92038 USA
Biography
Rachel McCain is a literary agent with the Gold Dust Literary Agency. She says: “I have over a decade of experience in writing and editing for diverse platforms. I hold a BA in English, and I graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with an MFA in Nonfiction Writing. Aside from being a literary agent, I’m also an educator. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, traveling, spending time with loved ones, and reading.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Ethnic Fiction * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * New Adult * NoPB * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Ethnic * History * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Multicultural *
Biography
Bridget McCarthy is a literary agent with the McCormick Literary. She also oversees contracts and domestic subrights. She is seeking literary and commercial fiction, young adult fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and cookbooks. She is a graduate of Fordham University.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Literary * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cooking/Cookbook * Memoir * Narrative *
150 W 28th Street Suite 903 New York NY 10001 USA
Biography
E.J. McCarthy is a literary agent with the E.J. McCarthy Agency. He is a former executive editor with more than twenty years book-publishing experience (Bantam Doubleday Dell, Presidio Press, Ballantine/Random House). He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English at the Fordham University in Bronx, New York. He is a member of the Authors Guild.
In addition to military history and politics, Mr. McCarthy represents history, biography, memoir, media, public policy, sports, other nonfiction, and select fiction.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: General Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * General Nonfiction * Government * History * Memoir * Military/War * Politics * Sports *
405 Maple Street #H Mill Valley CA 94941 USA
Biography
Jim McCarthy is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. Jim interned for Dystel, Goderich & Bourret while studying urban design at New York University. Upon graduating, Jim realized he would much rather continue working with books than make the jump (as he had originally intended) to the field of city planning. Eighteen years later, he remains at DG&B as a VP and agent. As an avid fiction reader, his interests encompass both literary and commercial works in the adult, young adult, and middle grade categories. He is particularly interested in literary fiction, underrepresented voices, fantasy, mysteries, romance, anything unusual or unexpected, and any book that makes him cry or laugh out loud. In addition to fiction he is also interested in narrative nonfiction whether it be memoir, historical, science, pop culture, or just a darn good polemic.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Chick Lit * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Literary * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * NoPB * Romance * Satire * Short Story Collection * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Biography * Celebrity * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Film/Entertainment * Gay/Lesbian * Journalism * Juvenile * Memoir * Multicultural * Music * Narrative * Pop Culture * Psychology * History * Travel * Women’s Issues *
One Union Square West Suite 904 New York NY 10003 USA
Biography
Paul McCarthy is a literary agent with McCarthy Creative Services. Paul is also the founder and president of McCarthy Creative Services. He is an author and co-author, creative editor, novelist, anthologist, publishing consultant, magazine writer, essayist, book critic, literary, film and television agent, and public speaker.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Erotica * Ethnic Fiction * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Glitz * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Literary * Mainstream * Mystery * Romance * Science Fiction * Sports Fiction * Thriller * Western * Women’s Fiction *
NONFICTION: Animals/Pets * Art * Autobiography * Biography * Business * Cultural/Social Issues * Education * Ethnic * Gay/Lesbian * Gift/Novelty * Government * History * How-To * Humor * Memoir * Military/War * Money/Finance * Music * Nature * Pop Culture * Psychology * Religion * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Sports * True Adventure * True Crime *
625 Main St. Suite 834 New York NY 10044-0035 USA
Biography
Sean McCarthy is a literary agent and the owner of the Sean McCarthy Literary Agency. He began his publishing career as an editorial intern at Overlook Press and then moved over to the Sheldon Fogelman Agency. He worked as the submissions coordinator and permissions manager before becoming a full-time literary agent. Sean graduated from Macalester College with a degree in English-Creative Writing, and is grateful that he no longer has to spend his winters in Minnesota.
He is drawn to flawed, multifaceted characters with devastatingly concise writing in YA, and boy-friendly mysteries or adventures in MG. In picture books, he looks more for unforgettable characters, off-beat humor, and especially clever endings. He is not currently interested in high fantasy, message-driven stories, or query letters that pose too many questions.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
New York NY USA
Biography
Shawna McCarthy is a literary agent with The McCarthy Agency.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Fantasy * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Paranormal * Romance * Science Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Autobiography * Biography * History * Memoir * Military/War * Science * Technology *
7 Allen St. Rumson NJ 07760 USA
Biography
Cameron McClure is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. Cameron McClure joined the Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2004. She represents a small and select group of authors and specializes in fiction. She is especially looking for projects that combine genre style plotting with literary quality writing. She’s up for anything speculative, and is interested in seeing science-fiction and fantasy, literary fiction, mystery and suspense, and projects with multi-cultural, international, environmental, and GBLT themes. She’s also drawn to projects that explore subcultures or topics that haven’t quite broken into the mainstream. Some of her clients include Robert McCammon, Robert Jackson Bennett, Amy Alkon, Emily Winslow, Brian Francis Slattery, Molly Tanzer, Randy Henderson, Sarah Pemberton Strong, and Steve Bein.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Chick Lit * Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Erotica * Espionage/Military * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Inspirational Fiction * Literary * Magical Realism * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Religious * Satire * Science Fiction * Short Story Collection * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Western * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Environment * Film/Entertainment * Fitness * Food/Drinks * Gay/Lesbian * Health/Wellness * History * Humor * Journalism * Lifestyle * Memoir * Military/War * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Music * Narrative * Nature * Parenting/Child Guidance * Photography * Politics * Pop Culture * Psychology * Science * Technology * Travel * True Adventure * True Crime * Women’s Issues *
1000 Dean Street Suite 252 Brooklyn NY 11238 USA
Biography
David McCormick is a literary agent with the McCormick Literary. David has been a literary agent since 1998, first at IMG Literary and then as co-founder of his own agency. He was previously an editor at The New Yorker and Texas Monthly. He is a co-editor of The Ultimate Golf Book.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Health/Wellness * Literary * Romance * Short Story Collection * Thriller * Women’s Fiction *
NONFICTION: Autobiography * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Film/Entertainment * General Nonfiction * Gift/Novelty * History * How-To * Humor * Journalism * Memoir * Money/Finance * Music * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Pop Culture * Reference * Religion * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Sports * Travel *
150 W 28th Street Suite 903 New York NY 10001 USA
Taj McCoy
Rees Literary AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Online Form *Biography
Taj McCoy is a literary agent with the Rees Literary Agency. She has a law degree from Southwestern Law School and a bachelor’s degree in Business Law from California State University, Northridge. Taj trained as an agent under Fuse Literary, and has previously served as a Pitch Wars mentor and as co-program manager for Diverse Voices, Inc.’s DVdebut program. Her Adult Fiction is published through Mira/HQN.
Taj is building her list in Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction, Young Adult, and Middle Grade, as well as looking for illustrators. She’s passionately seeking BIPOC and queer creators who highlight parts of their cultures and experiences. She is an advocate for body positivity in publishing, and loves to highlight intersectionality. Taj aims to widen the entryway for marginalized authors into the publishing industry, and to normalize Black joy, fat joy, celebrations of culture, and love without limitations.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Crime/Detective/Police * Ethnic Fiction * Family Saga * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Humor Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Multicultural Fiction * New Adult * Picture Book * Romance * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Biography * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Ethnic * Food/Drinks * Gift/Novelty * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Humor * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Middle Grade * Mind/Body/Spirit * Multicultural * Narrative * Photography * Pop Culture * Reference * Self-Help/Personal Development * Sports * Travel * Young Adult *
Caitlin McDonald
Donald Maass Literary AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Online Form *Biography
Caitlin McDonald is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. She joined DMLA in 2015, and was previously at Sterling Lord Literistic. She represents adult and young adult speculative fiction, primarily science-fiction, fantasy, horror, and related subgenres, as well as contemporary fiction about geeky characters. She also handles a small amount of nonfiction in geeky areas, with a focus on feminist theory/women’s issues and pop culture. Caitlin grew up overseas and has a BA in Creative Writing from Columbia University.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Contemporary * Ethnic Fiction * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Science Fiction * Western * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Action/Adventure * Animals/Pets * Beauty/Fashion/Style * Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Diet/Nutrition * Environment * Film/Entertainment * Food/Drinks * Gay/Lesbian * Gift/Novelty * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Humor * Journalism * Lifestyle * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Mystery * Narrative * Nature * Pop Culture * Psychology * Romance * Satire * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Suspense * Technology * Thriller * Travel * Women’s Issues *
Biography
Trinity McFadden is a literary agent with The Bindery. She joined The Bindery in 2020, after having worked in traditional publishing for more than 12 years in editorial and public relations roles. Trinity has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, English, and journalism, and will graduate in 2022 with a master’s degree in business administration. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband and daughter.
While her interests are broad, Trinity is especially seeking to promote underrepresented voices with growing platforms. She is interested in compelling practical and narrative nonfiction in categories including social and cultural issues, feminism, women’s issues, history, biography, reportage, psychology, mental health and wellness, subcultures, parenting, and humor. She is also interested in suspense, upmarket, literary, and book club fiction, as well as select children’s picture books.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION:
NONFICTION: Animals/Pets * Art * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Christian * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Design * Environment * Film/Entertainment * Fitness * Food/Drinks * Gay/Lesbian * Gardening * Gift/Novelty * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Humor * Journalism * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Music * Narrative * Nature * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Pop Culture * Psychology * Religion * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Technology * Travel * True Adventure * True Crime * Women’s Issues *
Grand Rapids MI USA
Biography
Holly M. McGhee is a literary agent with Pippin Properties. She still carried MADELINE around in 3rd grade—until Mrs. Carrier, her school librarian, tricked her into reading longer books by giving her one with her name on it, HOLLY IN THE SNOW. After college, Holly headed straight into the book world of New York City, where she has enjoyed being a secretary, an advertising manager, a sales rep (for one month), and in the six years prior to opening the doors at Pippin, an executive editor at HarperCollins. Now, as the President and Creative Director of Pippin she is dedicated to shepherding books that make a difference into the world. Someone once told her, “If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life,” and that has proven true for her.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction *
110 West 40th Street Suite 1704 New York NY 10018 USA
James McGinniss
McGinniss AssociatesLiterary AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Email *Biography
James McGinniss is a literary agent with the McGinniss Literary Agency. James was born into the publishing industry and comes from a family of publishing greats (son of bestselling author Joe McGinniss and esteemed editor Nancy Doherty, and brother to acclaimed novelist Joe McGinniss, Jr). During his tenure at Vigliano Associates, James worked closely with the agents there on a number of high level projects. Sensing a strong shift in the publishing industry, James made the timely move of founding this agency in order to help his clients flourish in the new market.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Commercial * Espionage/Military * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Inspirational Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Religious * Satire * Science Fiction * Short Story Collection * Suspense * Thriller * Western *
NONFICTION: Animals/Pets * Art * Autobiography * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Design * Film/Entertainment * Fitness * Food/Drinks * Gardening * Gay/Lesbian * General Nonfiction * Gift/Novelty * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Humor * Journalism * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Military/War * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Music * Narrative * Nature * Photography * Politics * Pop Culture * Prescriptive * Psychology * Religion * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Sports * Technology * Travel * True Adventure * True Crime *
Biography
James McGowan is a literary agent with the BookEnds Literary Agency. He began his career right where he is: at BookEnds. He joined the team as an intern in the summer of 2015, and as the joke goes, they couldn’t get rid of him. He has worked in all departments at the agency and is now a literary agent representing a talented list of award-winning authors and illustrators. James’ list focuses on illustrated projects for young readers (board books, picture books, chapter books, and middle grade) as well as adult nonfiction and mystery/suspense novels.
In addition to being an agent, James is a children’s author. His debut picture book Good Night, Oppy! launched from Astra BFYR in 2021. He is born, raised, and currently living in Staten Island, and read all the books they told him to in college. He is a professional snacker, a huge fan of Jeopardy!, and fluent in sarcasm.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Crime/Detective/Police * Mystery * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction *
NONFICTION:
136 Long Hill Rd Gillette NJ 07933 USA
Biography
Matt McGowan is a literary agent with the Frances Goldin Literary Agency. Matt is also a Vice President with the agency. He is looking for emotionally, intellectually, and formally adventurous work of all kinds and is particularly interested in writers who believe nonfiction can be as artful as fiction. Queries for literary fiction, essays, history, memoir, journalism, biography, music, popular culture & science, sports (particularly soccer), narrative nonfiction, cultural studies, as well as literary travel, crime, food, suspense and sci-fi are all welcome. Among Matt’s clients are Eula Biss, Stephen Burt, Dan Crane, John D’Agata, Brian Evenson, Josh Garrett-Davis, Aram Goudsouzian, Justin Hocking, Lia Purpura, David Shields, and Ryan Van Meter. Matt was featured in Poets & Writers‘ “Twenty-One Agents You Should Know” and his clients have won or been shortlisted for the PEN/Martha Albrand Award, Pen/Revson Award, PEN USA Award, the New York Public Library Young Lions Award, the O. Henry Award, the Graywolf Literary Nonfiction Award, the Pushcart Prize, the Rona Jaffe Award, the Edgar Award, the Orion Book award, the Triangle Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and have received NEA, Whiting, Guggenheim, and Lannan Foundation grants. They publish in major magazines like The New Yorker, Harpers, and the New York Times Magazine, direct MFA writing programs such as Brown University and the University of Iowa, and have appeared on The Colbert Report, Conan O’Brien, Bookworm, NPR, as well as covers of the New York Times Book Review and New York Times bestseller lists.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Ethnic Fiction * General Fiction * Humor Fiction * Literary * Multicultural Fiction * Satire * Suspense * Thriller *
NONFICTION: Art * Biography * Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Ethnic * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * History * Humor * Journalism * Lifestyle * Memoir * Multicultural * Music * Narrative * Photography * Politics * Pop Culture * Science * Sports * Travel *
214 W. 29th St. Suite 1006 New York NY 10001 USA
Biography
Peter McGuigan is a literary agent with and the founder of Ultra Literary. With almost thirty years in the book publishing business, Peter McGuigan has seen the industry – and the agent’s role in it – evolve over the course of his career.
“Selling books is easy. Developing inspiring projects and guiding them to success is the real work of being an agent.”
Peter began his publishing career outside of the mail room, working as a bike messenger, then in bookstores before landing a job as an assistant at a small agency. He quickly became involved in foreign rights, and international publishing remains one of his passions. Five years working in corporate publishing convinced Peter that he was an independent at heart, and he took a job at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, where he began developing his own diverse client list and worked with Bestselling authors such as Dan Brown and Nicholas Sparks.
At Foundry Literary + Media, Peter created a large, independent agency that became known for high-quality bestsellers. Dewey, The Monuments Men, Dopesick, Trevor Noah’s Born A Crime, Cassandra Peterson’s Yours Cruelly, Elvira, – these projects were not only massively successful around the world, they were all developed from scratch by Peter, the author and their team.
“I am not interested in documenting popular culture,” he says. “I want to create popular culture.”
Foundry’s 13 year run, including massive bestsellers from Jenn Sincero, Mark Manson, Trevor Noah and others, set a high bar for independent, internationally-focused book publishing. Peter also became a producer of TV and film, with credits appearing in Dopesick, Stronger, Searching for Neverland and many other projects.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Thriller * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Autobiography * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Film/Entertainment * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Humor * Journalism * Lifestyle * Memoir * Military/War * Money/Finance * Music * Narrative * Nature * Photography * Politics * Pop Culture * Reference * Science * Technology * True Adventure * True Crime *
1 Dock 72 Way Brooklyn NY 11205 USA
Biography
Devin McIntyre is a literary agent with McKinnon Literary. He says: “A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, I graduated from Brown University with a degree in English. I began my publishing career in 2002 at Mary Evans Inc., where I became an agent and director of foreign rights. I then opened my own agency in 2010 and joined with Tanya McKinnon in 2014.
I represent an eclectic list of fiction and nonfiction, and am interested in smart, funny, useful books of all kinds. I love fiction that has something to say and nonfiction that knows how to say it.
I’m always on the lookout for literary and multicultural fiction, mysteries, horror, and graphic novels. On the nonfiction side, I’m looking for narrative nonfiction, pop culture, humor, music, science, and sports. I’m particularly interested in Asian American and biracial perspectives.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Ethnic Fiction * General Fiction * Horror * Humor Fiction * Literary * Multicultural Fiction *
NONFICTION: Crafts * Ethnic * General Nonfiction * How-To * Humor * Multicultural * Upmarket *
12 3rd St. 3rd Fl. Brooklyn NY 11231 USA
Kate McKean
Howard Morhaim Literary AgencyDO NOT QUERY – THIS AGENT IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONSQuery method(s): Email *Biography
Kate McKean is a literary agent with the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. Kate McKean joined HMLA in 2006. She earned her master’s degree in fiction writing at the University of Southern Mississippi and began her publishing career at the University Press of Florida. She is proud to work with New York Times bestselling authors in a wide variety of genres including Daniel Mallory Ortberg’s TEXTS FROM JANE EYRE, Madeleine Roux’s YA horror series ASYLUM, and Brittany Gibbons’ memoir FAT GIRL WALKING. In addition to working with clients, she is an adjunct professor at New York University.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Contemporary * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Literary * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * New Adult * Paranormal * Romance * Science Fiction * Western * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Crafts * Ethnic * How-To * Humor * Memoir * Middle Grade * Mind/Body/Spirit * Multicultural * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Photography * Pop Culture * Self-Help/Personal Development * Technology * Young Adult *
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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.
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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)