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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
Rachel Kent is a literary agent with Books & Such Literary Agency. Rachel Kent has been an agent with Books & Such since 2007. Rachel started at Books & Such as a summer intern while she was attending U.C. Davis and then, after graduating, worked part-time at the agency as an assistant. Her favorite part of the job was reading a manuscript and providing an author with feedback to help him or her to improve the project. She graduated from Davis in three years with a bachelorÕs degree in English and minors in both religious studies and psychology. Rachel has more than eight years of experience and training working closely with Janet Kobobel Grant and Wendy Lawton, as well as part-time with author Robin Jones Gunn in creating marketing materials and promotional ideas to keep Robin connected with her readers. Through RachelÕs work at the agency and with authors, she has gained an understanding of the publishing process, contract negotiation, and what it takes to successfully write and market a book. RachelÕs goal is to develop strong relationships with her authors and to help them to develop lasting relationships with their editors and publishers. Good relationships have always been important to her. She likes to stick by people. She believes that as long as two people are dedicated toward working together, the relationship can work, and they can accomplish the task at hand. Rachel acquires fiction and nonfiction projects with a special interest in YA, 20-something and 30-something projects. She lives with her husband and family in Northern California.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Chris Kepner is a literary agent with and the founder of The Kepner Agency. He says: “I’ve been working in the publishing industry since 2008, both as a literary agent and director of international rights. I have negotiated hundreds of book licenses all over the world, and I couldn’t be more excited about establishing this agency. Discovering authors is my passion, and building a new list is an absolute thrill. If you’re an author seeking representation, please review my query guidelines. I live with my amazing wife and daughter in New Jersey, a half-hour west of Manhattan. I’m originally from the lovely Buffalo area and still visit family and friends there at least twice a year. I studied English and business at Notre Dame, and I never thought IÕd find a profession that so perfectly utilizes these two disciplines. IÕm a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan. I’ve been in love with music and skiing for as long as I can remember, and I try to get out on the golf course or ropes course whenever I can. By the way, if anyone knows where you can ride devil karts in the U.S., let me know! I did this once at Bromley Mountain in Vermont, but they’ve since shut it down for what I can only assume were insane liability considerations. Our lives may seem meaningless when you take a broad space-time perspective, but this world we all share… it’s pretty special. Let’s cherish it, and one another, while we can. Be at ease. Be confident in who you are. Be mindful that everyone else is their own universe of thought and feeling, and be forgiving.”
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Computers, Cookbook Cooking, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Science, Sports, Technology, Travel
Biography
Molly Ker Hawn is a literary agent with The Bent Agency. She says: “I joined the Bent Agency in 2012 and lead our London office, where I work with authors from all over the world, selling directly to publishers in the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. IÕve bounced back and forth from America to England since I was a teenager: I grew up in Northern California, lived for a year in the West Country, read English at Cambridge University, and spent many years in New York City. I represent authors whose books have been New York Times, Sunday Times and international bestsellers and that have won and been shortlisted for the William C. Morris YA Debut Award, the Michael L. Printz Award, the Barnes & Noble ChildrenÕs Book Award, the Costa Book Award, the Waterstones ChildrenÕs Book Prize, the Carnegie Medal, the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis, and more. IÕm honored to have served for three years on the governing committee of the Association of AuthorsÕ Agents and to have been named one of the BooksellerÕs most influential people in the UK publishing industry. I have a thriving list, but from time to time, I do have room for an irresistible new project when I feel I can place it successfully with a publisher and bring real value to the authorÕs career. Specifically, IÕm looking for exceptional middle-grade and young adult fiction with global commercial appeal, as well as graphic novels for children and young adults with illustrations in place and fantasy, science fiction and speculative fiction for adults. For childrenÕs and YA, IÕm open to any genre and almost any topic. Contemporary, historical, fantasy, science fiction, romance, horrorÉIÕve loved and sold books that fit all those descriptions. For adult fantasy, science fiction and speculative fiction, IÕm looking for fast-paced stories that would appeal to a broad audience, set either in new worlds or one that could be our own, with vividly drawn characters. No matter the genre or age category, the writing needs to be polished and assured; the story needs to be captivating. I like to be astonished! IÕm especially drawn to stories with a strong sense of place, told by authors who fundamentally understand the world theyÕre writing about, whether itÕs real or imaginary. Some specific likes and dislikes: I like wit, not snark. I like books that play with form and narrative. Nothing hooks me like writing that shows a real mastery of language. I love love. Romantic love, family love, the love of friendship Ñ authentic-feeling bonds between characters can carry me through almost any story. I like books that make me feel changed by the end of them, like my world is bigger, and I understand it a little better. IÕm not interested in Ômisery lit.Õ I donÕt like to finish a book feeling hopeless about the characters. Fantasy was my first love: Ruth Chew, Lloyd Alexander, Susan Cooper, Anne McCaffrey, and Sylvia Engdahl made me the reader I am today. But those influences mean my standards are high Ñ I need solid worldbuilding, intelligent dialogue and real emotion in fantasy. My taste in fantasy doesnÕt run to angels/demons, vampires/werewolves, or similar ÔparanormalÕ tropes. I canÕt get enough of books that tell a great story and invite me to get to know a culture IÕm unfamiliar withÑand IÕd like the author to be an authentic representative of that culture. IÕm not a dog person. Animal protagonists in general donÕt interest me, except maybe cats. IÕm interested in reading about life in religious communities. IÕm interested in books that deal with theatre and performance. I think the publishing industry underestimates young readersÕ love of weirdness. IÕm particularly interested in hearing from writers from historically excluded communities. Please do not send me picture books. I only represent picture books for my established clients. Please do not send me illustration samples. I donÕt represent illustrators who donÕt write their own texts.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Natasha Kern is a literary agent with the Natasha Kern Literary Agency. She has personally sold over 1,200 books, has worked as an agent more than 20 years and has a strong commitment to discovering new talent as well as developing the careers of her clients. Natasha has sold to all major publishers in both ABA and CBA. Her list includes: mainstream women’s fiction and inspirational fiction; romantic suspense, mysteries and thrillers; contemporary and historical novels, romantic comedy, Amish fiction, and issue-oriented fiction; young adult, multicultural fiction and other subgenres. Her clients include several New York Times best-selling authors, USA Today Best Sellers, and RITA, CAROL and EDGAR winners. She represents Christy winners and finalists as well as other popular CBA authors and ECPA bestsellers. Natasha was named Agent of the Year at the 2013 ACFW Conference. Natasha says: ÒWhen I left New York, I knew that I wanted to stay in publishing. However, editorial work was not sufficiently satisfying by itself. I knew I could acquire and develop salable properties and that my background gave me expertise in sales and running a company. I wanted to work with people long term and not just on a single project or phase of one. Plus, I had an entrepreneurial temperament and experience negotiating big money deals from raising venture capital for high tech firms. When I developed literary projects for other agents that did not sell, I knew I could sell them myself, so I did. I’ve never regretted that decision. Agenting combined my love of books, my affinity for deal-making and my preference for trusting my own intuition. I sold 28 books the first year the agency was in business. ÒI did everything else I ever wanted to do before becoming an agent. Agenting is truly a calling for me and I would not be as happy doing anything else. It is a case of do what you love (and are good at) and the money follows. I also have a deep commitment to bringing new knowledge, new ideas and new writing into the world. I believe storytelling is powerful and a great book truly can change the world.Ó
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction
Biography
Kat Kerr is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. She graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelors in English in 2009. Kat feels strongly about supporting programs like We Need Diverse Books and is passionate about creating space in this industry for those from historically marginalized communities.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Food Drink, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kathleen Kerr is a literary agent with the Alive Literary Agency. She believes in writers. With long experience in amplifying authorsÕ messages, she has the passion and expertise to come alongside writers as they hone their ideas and navigate a changing publishing landscape. SheÕs always on the lookout for the bold voices that are shaping conversations in todayÕs culture. Before joining Alive, Kathleen served as an acquisitions editor at Zondervan and Harvest House Publishers. She worked with bestselling, debut, and award-winning authors, helping to refine their messages, build their careers, and partner in their ministries. She also worked as a bookseller at an independent bookstore, where she learned that there are few greater joys than introducing kids to the books that will shape their own stories. Kathleen graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with degrees in French and English. She now lives with her husband, Noah, and their two daughters in OregonÕs Willamette valley. She can usually be found reading, camping, and creating chaos in the kitchen.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Religious Fiction NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Inspirational Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Nonfiction, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Nonfiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Emily S. Keyes is a literary agent with and the founder of Keyes Agency. She has represented many award-winning titles mainly (but not exclusively) in the realm of childrenÕs literature. She loves finding and nurturing new talent, as well as reading and representing projects that will get readers excited to go to the bookstore. Emily is actively searching for all kinds of childrenÕs literature, as well as select adult projects in genre fictionÑso long as itÕs not ÒseriousÓ literature. She is searching for authors and illustrators who will be her coworker for a long career. Previously she worked at the L. Perkins Agency as a contracts manager and associate agent. Before that, she was a Contracts Administrator at Simon & Schuster for five years. In 2008, she graduated from New York UniversityÕs Center for Publishing. Emily lives in Brooklyn but she can usually be found spending too much time on the internet. For a better idea of who she is and what she represents, follow her on Twitter and Tumblr.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Women’s Issues 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
Sarah Khalil is a literary agent with Calligraph. She represents serious nonfiction and memoir with a lens toward social, economic and environmental justice; anti-imperialist thought; pop/cultural criticism and histories; cross-cultural narratives; and writing from Caribbean, MENA, Muslim and LGBTQIA+ creators; all deeply explored by expertsÑacademics, journalists, and those with lived experience. Radical thought, artful storytelling and propulsive narrative are the cornerstones of her taste. She is also seeking select fiction in the same space. Prior to CalligraphÕs founding, Sarah was at Kneerim & Williams for four years, developing several of the agencyÕs best-selling and award-winning authors alongside Jill Kneerim and Katherine Flynn. She has worked at Beacon Press and the IP law firm Sennott, Williams, & Rogers. She holds an MA in Publishing & Writing from Emerson College and a BA in English Literature with a minor in History from the American University of Beirut. Sarah is the director of the agencyÕs internship program. She is on the Association of American Literary AgentsÕ DEI Committee and is a co-director of its Mentorship Program, which serves junior literary agents from underrepresented backgrounds. She has participated in panels on trade publishing and pitching roundtables at Harvard University, the University of GeorgiaÕs Grady College of Journalism, the Boston Book Festival, the Gotham Writers Conference, and others.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Romance NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Computers, Cultural Social Issues, Economics, Education, Environment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Journalism, Law Legal, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Technology, Travel
Biography
Lauren Khan is an Associate Agent at FinePrint Literary Management. She joined FinePrint Literary in 2025 as an Associate Agent following an internship at Triada US Literary Agency. She first entered the publishing world as an author. Prior to transitioning to agenting, she worked for over seven years as a corporate lawyer in New York City. Lauren brings both editorial and transactional expertise to her clients. Lauren lives with her family in her small beach hometown in Florida. She wrote her first novel while pregnant with her son and began agenting while pregnant with her daughter. A graduate of Duke University and Fordham University School of Law, she loves podcasts, long walks with her dog, and all things Nora Ephron. As a former theatre kid, Lauren is a lifelong champion of storytelling, subjecting her loved ones to her songs, stories, and plays from the moment she could talk. An avid reader across genres, Lauren is particularly interested in adult and YA commercial fiction, especially womenÕs fiction, romance, mysteries, and thrillers, as well as select non-fiction titles. She is an editorial agent with a strong interest in developing fulfilling and long-lasting careers for her authors.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Teresa Kietlinski is a literary agent with and the founder of Bookmark Literary. In 2016, Teresa Kietlinski started an exciting new chapter in her career with the launching of BOOKMARK LITERARY an agency specializing in books for children. Teresa brings to the table over twenty years of publishing experience, from all different areas of expertise, including marketing, publicity, public relations, book design and picture book art direction. As an agent, Teresa has had the pleasure of launching the careers of many creatives as well as growing the careers of established clients. Her expertise lies in illustrated book development. She works closely with authors and illustrators developing manuscripts, book dummies and portfolios with strong visual narratives. When Teresa is not wrestling pencils away from her pencil-eating dachshund, she is doodling, writing poetry or smelling wildflowers. She lives by a shimmery lake in New Jersey with her husband, daughter and a small fishing boat named Holy Mackerel.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic Novel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book
Biography
Lori Kilkelly is a literary agent with the LK Literary Agency. In 2008, after a number of successful years in advertising and sales, Lori aspired to combine her talents in these areas with her personal passion for childrenÕs literature. Ultimately, this led to her decision to pursue a career change, and she attended the post graduate program, ‘The Denver Publishing Institute’ at The University of Denver. Subsequently, she spent nearly a decade at boutique childrenÕs literary agency Rodeen Literary Management, headed by Paul RodeenÑa George Nicholson protŽgŽÑand home to award-winning authors Peter Brown, Victoria Jamieson, Lauren Castillo and Ryan Higgins, among others. During her tenure at RLM, Lori rose through the ranks, eventually representing her own clients, and assembled a list of talented, best-selling, and award-winning authors and illustrators. Having worked independently for much of her career, she also began to lay the foundation to eventually open her own shop. Then, with the full support of Rodeen Literary, she formally announced LK Literary Agency in the fall of 2018 and was joined by all of her clients in the new endeavor. Now, with more than 100 books under contract and titles with every major trade publisher, she is dedicated to continue bringing meaningful, funny, informative, and moving children’s and young adult literature to market, created by an incredibly talented group of authors and illustrators.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Karen Kilpatrick is a literary agent with the East West Literary Agency. She is passionate about helping people tell their stories and works with a select group of clients to cultivate and nurture their careers in childrenÕs publishing. As a former VP of marketing and innovation in the toy industry, a picture book and early graphic novel author, and an attorney, Karen has a unique perspective on the publishing and entertainment space. She accepts submissions for board books, picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels. Karen is a graduate of Georgetown University and NYU School of Law.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic Novel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Picture Book
Biography
Charles Kim is a literary agent with the Serendipity Literary Agency. He focuses on moving forward the principles of diversity and inclusion, authentic representation, equity, and narrative change in publishing. His client list includes many thought leaders and change makers in the Asian American community, influential Gen Z voices in social media and digital communication, clinicians and therapists working to heal BIPOC and intergenerational traumas, activists bringing about change in cannabis and drug law reform, contemporary art curators and critics, writers of adult fiction and YA/childrenÕs literature, and collectives of Black and Brown creators and speakers. Previously, Charles served as Associate Publisher at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, where he oversaw the publication of forty titles per year and sat on institution-wide committees including the Editorial Board, Revenue Committee, Digital Strategy Committee, Online Courses Steering Committee, and Budget Working Group. He established a highly successful line of limited editions on artists such as Yoko Ono and Robert Rauschenberg, and a best-selling line of childrenÕs books on iconic artists, such as Henri Matisse, Edgar Degas, and RenŽ Magritte, but also women artists and artists of color, such as Yayoi Kusama, Sonia Delaunay, Shahzia Sikander, and Jacob Lawrence. Before MoMA, he served as Editor in Chief and Director of Publications at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, where he launched the MuseumÕs first publishing imprint. He also served as Senior Agent at the French PublishersÕ Agency, an office of FranceÕs Ministry of Culture representing twenty-five leading French publishers. He earned a BA in French and Asian Studies at Vassar College and an MA in French Literature at New York University and was a Fulbright Scholar in Lyon, France. Charles was born in Seoul, Korea and immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of seven. Charles is a Gemini and also an identical twin, so please ask him about his four distinct personalities. In addition, heÕs an avid runner, house and techno enthusiast, and K-drama binger.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Multicultural Fiction NONFICTION: Art, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Law Legal, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Psychology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Iwalani Kim is a literary agent with Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. She is seeking adult upmarket and literary fiction and select narrative nonfiction. In fiction, she loves coming-of-age narratives, family dramas, and stories that challenge systems of power. She gravitates toward lush prose, wry humor, irreverent characters, and a sense of yearning. In nonfiction, she is looking for literary memoir and cultural criticism. She is particularly drawn to food writing, deep dives into subcultures, and writing that complicates the idea of ÔparadiseÕ or explores progressive movements such as prison industrial complex (PIC) abolition. Some of her favorite authors include Jesmyn Ward, T Kira Madden, Raven Leilani, Alex Marzano-Lesnevich, and Ling Ma, and she would love to consider any manuscripts in a similar vein. She is passionate about championing the work of underrepresented authors and would especially love to work with Pacific Islander writers. Please note: Iwalani is not the right agent for childrenÕs books (including YA) or hard genre fiction like sci-fi and fantasy. Iwalani joined Sanford J. Greenburger Associates in 2018 after interning at Ayesha Pande Literary, Don Congdon Associates, and Kweli Journal. She was born and raised in Honolulu, HawaiÕi and graduated from Vassar College with degrees in Political Science and German Studies. As the senior assistant and foreign rights liaison to agency president Heide Lange, Iwalani has the pleasure of working with HeideÕs extraordinary clients.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Architecture, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Design, Food Drink, History, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction
Biography
Jennifer Kim joined the Dijkstra Agency in 2015. In addition to building her own list, she is the Royalties Manager for the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency. Jennifer is a first generation Korean-American. She graduated from the University of California Irvine, where she received degrees in both English Literature and Spanish Literature, and spent a year studying Spanish literature at the University of Barcelona. She has also worked as a long time bookseller. Jennifer is most interested in literary fiction, speculative fiction, and translated fiction for the adult market, unusual history, journalism, politics, and pop-culture and music history. Some of her recent favorite reads were: Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in my Country by Patricia Evangelista,The Prisoner: A Memoir By Hwang Sok Yong, translated by Sora Kim-Russell and Anton Hur, The End of August by Yu Miri, translated by Morgan Giles, Cursed Bunny by Bora Chung, translated by Anton Hur, Walking Practice by Dolki Min, translated by Victoria Caudle, and Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica, translated by Sarah Moses. SheÕs fond of oral histories in any genre (think Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk By Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain.) She is particularly drawn to eccentric and unusual stories and values a distinct narrative voice and a strong sense of place. She loves literary fiction with genre elements (horror, sci-fi, or fantasy), but isn’t a great fit for high fantasy or straightforward science fiction. She’s a fit for anything described as gothic, alternative, or weird, ghost stories that explore culture and trauma, family sagas (both blood and chosen), and anything that dismantles oppressive systems (think Decolonising the Mind by Ngugi wa Thiong’o). As a third culture kid, sheÕs interested in stories that reflect that experience. In general, Jennifer loves literary writing, with challenging themes, experimental plots and eccentric characters. She is excited to add writers of diversity (including, but not limited to, all ethnicity, sexual orientation, mental and physical health, and socioeconomic status) to her client list. Please note that Jennifer is currently not taking on YA or Childrens books. She is not a great fit for romance, business books, religious or spiritual books, screenplays, high fantasy or science fiction, or self-help.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Travel
Biography
Julia Kim is an assistant agent with The Rights Factory. Julia graduated from Western University with a BA (Hons) and MA in English Literature. Her experience includes working as a freelance editor and an Assistant Editor at Dundurn Press before joining The Rights Factory in 2024.
In fiction, she is looking for literary, upmarket, and commercial. In nonfiction, she is seeking a range of topics including history, politics, current affairs, social justice, womenÕs issues, biography and memoir, food and lifestyle, art and culture, film and TV, and pop culture.
She is keen to support BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and historically underrepresented writers. As a second-generation Korean Canadian living in Toronto, she has a particular interest in diverse stories from diasporic communities.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Graphic Novel | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Upmarket Fiction |General Nonfiction | Art | Biography | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Film Entertainment | Food Drink | History | Lifestyle | Politics | Pop Culture | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Kirby Kim is a literary agent with Janklow & Nesbit Associates. A native of Los Angeles, California, Kirby attended Harvard-Westlake high school then went to Pomona College where he was a PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) major. He spent the year after graduation teaching English in South Korea and when he returned moved to San Francisco to get his JD at UC Hastings College of the Law. Kirby moved out to New York in the spring of 2004 and got his first job in publishing working for Charlotte Sheedy Literary, at that time an affiliate of Sterling Lord Literistic. He then moved to Vigliano Associates where he gradually started representing his own projects. In 2008, he joined Endeavor which the following year merged with William Morris. He stayed at WME for five years before joining Janklow & Nesbit. Kirby represents both literary and commercial authors. When it comes to literary work, heÕs alternatively drawn to rich, sweeping stories that try to encompass a time or a place or tightly written, narratively innovative stories that bridge genres. His commercial interests include thriller, horror, speculative and science fiction, young adult, and middle grade. He also represents a range of nonfiction working with leaders and journalists in the areas of science, culture and current affairs. HeÕs also known for representing pop culture, in particular music and comedy. Kirby is currently a board member of the Asian American Writers Workshop. He lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife and two kids.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Reference, Science, Self-Help, Sports, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Sally M. Kim is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Sheis looking to represent a wide range of childrenÕs book authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators. She is drawn to stories with a distinct voice, unexpected wit, aggressive pacing, punchy and/or emotionally resonant endings. When it comes to illustration, she gravitates to versatile artists using traditional mediums and those with a unique take on color, texture, perspective, and thoughtful details. Please send Sally fiction and non-fiction submissions in the following categories: picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and graphic novels. Across all categories, Sally is especially eager to see authentic explorations of underrepresented cultures, relationships, and identities. Prior to joining Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Sally spent more than fifteen years in childrenÕs book marketing and publicity at a variety of publishers including Macmillan, Penguin, and Chronicle Books. More recently, she has worked as an independent consultant for global childrenÕs book publishers and literacy-related non-profits. Sally lives in San Francisco, California, and she spends most of her free time taking videos of her cat.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book
Biography
Natalie Kimber is a literary agent with The Rights Factory. She has worked with The Rights Factory since 2014, and is based in the New York area. She previously worked with the Georgetown University Booklab, and Literary and Creative Artists in Washington, DC. She is an associate editor for Monologging.org, organizer of the NYC Writers Circle, and founder of the Weehawken Writers and Artists Studio. She takes pride in guiding authors through the strategy and practical process of publishing, and yet she acknowledges that a wondrous magic is at work when books come into form.
As an aesthete and theologian at heart, she aspires to a Òpost-mystic modernÓ philosophy, which attempts to reintegrate our mystic roots and intuition with contemporary thought. Nat hails from the WestÑspecifically Colorado and New MexicoÑand cherishes art and books that capture that region. She is an avid cook and gardener, and credits her encyclopedic knowledge of food, wine and spirits to 20+ years of work in the restaurant industry. She canÕt live without chiles, cheese, potatoes, and wine. She discovered a love of classic and pre-code cinema when she joined a film club during the early days of the pandemic. She lives with her partner, two snuggly cats, and a rambunctious bunny in Weehawken, NJ.
In fiction she is looking for: literary, commercial, and upmarket womenÕs and LGBTQ+ fiction, romance, comedies, international or transnational stories, action/adventure, animal stories, modern mythology, nostalgic and historical fiction, and short fiction collections with a strong theme. It is most important that authors understand the WHY of their story and methods of storytelling. Novels and fiction need to have a great hook, while also showcasing craft. Within speculative fiction she likes magical realism, occult, and horror, but is not looking for traditional science fiction or fantasy.
She will consider the following YA categories: realistic/contemporary, rebellious teen fiction, boy books, horror, suspense/thriller, and some nonfiction for teens, especially if the book is related to activism, sustainability, empowerment, creative arts or personal growth. She is not looking for YA sci-fi or fantasy.
For nonfiction she is looking for: humor, memoir, biography, lifestyle, art, health, environment/climate, animal/pets, healing, spiritual/occult, history (especially ancient), peace studies, music, food/cooking/cocktails, pop culture, relationship, regional and international studies, writing craft, essay collections and literary criticism. She requests that authors use appropriate content warnings when querying with sensitive material.
Follow Nat on Twitter @Nat_TRF and Instagram @Zsunita.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | New Literary Agents |Juvenile Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Action Adventure | Commercial Fiction | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Animals | Art | Biography | Cookbook Cooking | Dating Relationships Sex | Environment | Food Drink | Gardening | Health Wellness | History | Humor Nonfiction | Memoir | Music | Nature | Pop Culture | Science | Spirituality |
Biography
Rob Kirkpatrick is a literary agent with Kirkpatrick Literary. Before founding his own agency in 2019, he was an agent with The Stuart Agency. He has placed projects at major publishers for such authors as All-Star pitcher and MLB mental performance coach Bob Tewksbury; national MLB columnist and analyst Scott Miller; MMA competitor/analyst and Celebrity Apprentice cast member Chael Sonnen; The PlayersÕ Tribune senior editor Mark Beech; Pat Garofalo of U.S. News & World Report; Golden Globe-winning actor Olivia Hussey; and the hosts of The SkepticsÕ Guide to the Universe; to name a few. His areas include big-platform memoir, biography, history, sports, music, pop culture, pop science, and currents events/culture wars. Rob joined The Stuart Agency after working as a senior editor at both ÒBig FiveÓ and indie publishing houses. Titles he published include Kent HartmanÕs The Wrecking Crew; Bryan BishopÕs Shrinkage; Viv AlbertineÕs Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys.; Charles Falco and Kerrie DrobanÕs Vagos, Mongols, and Outlaws; Alex StorozynskiÕs The Peasant Prince; Leigh Steinberg and Michael ArkushÕs The Agent; Dan EpsteinÕs Big Hair and Plastic Grass; Dennis DunawayÕs and Chris HodenfieldÕs Snakes! Guillotines! Electric Chairs!; David SilvermanÕs Fighting God; KennedyÕs The Kennedy Chronicles; Art GarnerÕs Black Noon; David de SolaÕs Alice in Chains: The Untold Story; Linda CohnÕs Cohn-Head; Shannon Miller and Danny PearyÕs ItÕs Not About Perfect; and Jerry Rice and Randy WilliamsÕ 50 Years, 50 Moments. Rob completed a PhD in English and also has written a few books.
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FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Education, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, True Crime
Biography
Dan Kirschen is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. He represents authors and journalists working across many genres, with a focus on literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and pop culture. Kirschen began his career at ICM Partners. With one of the most prestigious literary departments in the world, CAA represents a wide range of writers, including authors of bestselling fiction and non-fiction books, prominent newspaper and magazine journalists, and recipients of the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, and many other literary honors. The books CAA represents frequently appear on The New York Times Best Sellers list. In addition to selling publication rights, CAA’s New York literary agents work closely with CAA agents in Los Angeles to seek out opportunities for film and television adaptations. For foreign rights, CAA has an office in London that sells UK and translation rights to CAA books.
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FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Sports, Travel
Biography
Kim-Mei Kirtland is a literary agent with the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. She is actively taking on clients who write speculative fiction, literary fiction, and nonfiction. Her primary focus is work for adult and YA audiences, but she is open to select middle grade projects. In fiction, she is particularly interested in hard science fiction, secondary world fantasy, space opera, magical realism, fabulism, and urban fantasy; in nonfiction, she is primarily open to history, biography, popular science, and food and travel writing with a strong voice. Books that have resonated with her recently include the Imperial Radch novels by Ann Leckie, PRIVATE CITIZENS by Tony Tulathimutte, HOW TO BE BOTH by Ali Smith, and THE FOUR THOUSAND, THE EIGHT HUNDRED by Greg Egan. She is not the best audience for work in the thriller or romance genres without speculative elements.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Nonfiction, Science, Travel, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Arthur Klebanoff has owned the Scott Meredith Literary Agency since 1993. Arthur has represented books that have grossed more than $1 billion in retail sales. He is the author of The Agent: Personalities, Politics and Publishing (2002). Arthur Klebanoff is now the Publisher of Rodin Books and Founding Publisher, RosettaBooks. Arthur is a graduate of Harvard Law School (Law Review) and Yale University (winner of the Alpheus Henry Prize). Arthur Klebanoff is now Founding Publisher of RosettaBooks. A graduate of Harvard Law School (Law Review, 1972) and Yale University, Arthur Klebanoff is an advisor to Youth Communication in New York City.
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NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Health Wellness, History, Money Finance, Nonfiction, Reference
Biography
Judy Klein is a literary agent with the Kleinworks Agency. Judy spent a dozen years with the prestigious publishing house Farrar, Straus & Giroux. During her tenure, she was a vice president of the company as well as the director of subsidiary rights, the director of paperback publishing and the director of audiobooks. She has also worked with St. Martin’s Press, iUniverse and Sterling Publishing. Judy is a former editor in chief of The Literary Guild Book Club and also of the Booksonline Book Clubs. In addition to collaborating with authors and publishers, Judy works part-time as a bookseller and as an organizer for the annual Montana Festival of the Book. She also teaches classes on book publishing and she writes the occasional magazine article.
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FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Psychology, Reference, Science, Travel, Women’s Issues
Biography
Ian Kleinert is a literary agent with Paradigm Literary and Talent Agency. Kleinert was most recently the CEO and founding partner of Projector Media, which focused on literary management and investor-backed digital platforms for groups like SALT Events, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Propagate Content, and sports legends Joe Namath and Cal Ripken Jr. Kleinert was also the founder of the full service literary management company Objective Entertainment. During his time there, he represented and packaged book and subsidiary deals for writers and artists like Pulitzer Prize winner Quiara Alegr’a Hudes, Wendy Williams, Margaret Hoover, Kanye West and Donda West, Voletta Wallace and The Estate of The Notorious B.I.G., and many more. Over his nearly three decades in entertainment, Kleinert has secured publishing deals for more than 300 books, He began his career in 1994 at Fifi Oscard Agency. He later became a lit agent at William Morris Agency, where he represented novelists including ÒGame Of ThronesÓ co-creator D.B. Weiss.
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FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Sports, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jeff Kleinman is a literary agent with Folio Literary Management. Jeff says: “So this is what I love more than anything else in the world: IÕm sitting on the couch reading, and then IÕm goneÑliving in Narnia, breathing Middle Earth air, dodging passers-by in turn-of-the-century New York City. ThereÕs nothing else like that moment. Sometimes (ok, true confession here) IÕll get so caught up that my hands go numb (which makes scrolling down almost impossible). Once my diaphragm seized up and I had to stop reading so the black spots would disappear in front of my eyes. ThatÕs what books can do: they can transform you. They can transform the world. (OK, so IÕm a bit of an idealist.) IÕm on the hunt: I want projects that can make a difference. I love unique voices, magnificently strong characters, unusual premises, and books that offer up some new perspective on something I thought I already knew something about (like Alaskan exploration) or never even dreamed existed (a racecar-loving dog, for instance). IÕm always interested in learning (I spent a lot of time in the classroom, with a B.A. in English/Modern Studies from the University of Virginia, an M.A. in Italian from the University of Chicago, and a J.D. from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Yeah, that was definitely enough schooling for anybody), and I love it when someone can teach me something organically so it doesnÕt feel like IÕm even learning. While IÕm hunting for that next amazing book, IÕm also a founding partner at Folio, a Manhattan-based agency Ð we pride ourselves on nurturing new talent and developing a strong, supportive, professional relationship with our clients. (You wonÕt get shunted off to an assistant, for instance.) Folio offers the best of both worlds (OK, so maybe IÕm a little biased?). With over 15 agents, we have the experience, expertise, and strength that you’d expect from a larger agency, but we have the spark, ingenuity, and personalized attention that you’d want from a smaller agency. And the best part: everybody at Folio is really, really nice. (Seriously. Not kidding.) (But theyÕre all bulldogs for negotiating contractsÑjust warning you.)”
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FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Art, Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Inspirational Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Upmarket Nonfiction
Biography
Harvey Klinger is a literary agent with the Harvey Klinger Literary Agency. Harvey received his M.A. in The Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins University. He began his publishing career at Doubleday where he expected to become the next Max Perkins among editors. Instead, he left and worked for a literary agent for eighteen months and began forming his first client list. A two-year stint followed in association with an independent publicist. Harvey created his own independent operation in October, 1977 and has never looked back. He personally loves great adult commercial and literary fiction; and in non-fiction, books with a strong narrative voice in all disciplines, but written by an author who already has an established professional platform in one’s field of expertise.
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FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Fitness, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Lifestyle, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, True Crime