Welcome message…
7 Insider Secrets to Get a Top Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal
Press the play button below to listen.
Click here to view and/or download a free PDF transcript
of this audio program
* * *
Literary Agent Directory
Important: Visit each agent’s website (links in their listings below) to see if they’re open to submissions before querying.
- You are searching within category(ies): Young Adult Fiction
Brandy Vallance
Barbara Bova Literary AgencyCLOSED to SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Brandy Vallance is the literary agent with the Barbara Bova Literary Agency. She comes from a long line of storytellers. An old soul, she fell in love with passed-down tales, the odd and unexplained, and the pursuit of answering the mysteries that perplex us all. She loves to wander down ancient paths, explore dusty libraries, and does occasional archaeology. Her books are a lush escape into timeless romance, breathtaking adventure, and push the boundaries of what is expected. Brandy is the winner of two national writing awards, one of which included a $20,000 prize.After more than two decades in the world of publishing, Brandy has joined Barbara Bova Literary Agency, and she is looking forward to being a champion of amazing writers and outstanding books.Throughout the years, Brandy has been a Writing Coach, a Story Consultant, and an International Publishing Specialist. Her writing has gone around the world and her encouragement has broken the chains of fear and self-doubt. From teaching Master Classes to sitting at quiet tables, Brandy loves helping people explore their deepest truths. To find out more visit: http://www.brandyvallance.com
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult FictionNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction
Biography
Emily van Beek is a literary agent with Folio Literary Management. Emily moved to New York City from Toronto in 1999 armed with dual citizenship, a dream to work in children’s book publishing, and inspiration from my favorite (if clichŽd) Zen magnet, “Leap and the net will appear”. Soon after my arrival in the city, I was hired as an editorial assistant at Hyperion Books for Children. During my three-and-a half year tenure at HBFC I became an editor working on projects by celebrated authors and artists, including Julie Andrews Edwards, Rosemary Wells, Susan Jeffers, and L.M. Elliott. In October of 2003, I decided to explore the view from the agent’s side of the desk, where I fell head over heels in love with my role as a literary agent. I spent the next six-and-a-half years as an agent and the rights director at Pippin Properties, Inc. Kathi Appelt’s Newbery Honor-winning THE UNDERNEATH (Atheneum/S&S, 2008), Jandy Nelson’s THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE (Dial, 2010), Jenny Han’s New York Times bestselling SUMMER series, and Erin Bow’s TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award-winning PLAIN KATE (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, 2010) are examples of some of the titles I represented before joining Folio in May of 2010. I hope never to retire.At Folio Jr., I am honored to represent a distinct selection of both established and debut authors and artists. I am passionate about children’s and young adult books. I am passionate about negotiating the best deal possible. I am passionate about working together with our experienced and esteemed subsidiary rights and contracts teams to squeeze as much juice out of a single property as it will yield. I find it incredibly rewarding to work with new voices (and I’m thrilled to say that I’ve discovered several irresistible projects by debut authors and artists in the submissions pile). I’m also committed to helping established authors and artists continue to grow their careers. I am an “editorial” agent, in that I’ll work through as many drafts over the course of as many years as it takes to polish a manuscript I believe in to a high shine prior to submission. My goal is to build long-term relationships with authors and to help them publish books that will stand the test of time.I am exclusively interested in acquiring projects for young and teen readers, from picture books by authors and author / artists, to authentic and fresh middle-grade fiction, to lyrical and daring YA. I’m looking for voices that won’t be ignored. I am open to considering all sorts of YA from mysteries to well-written chick lit, coming-of-age, the lyrical, the literary, and the laughable. I am looking for fiction that has an impactÑwhether it packs a punch or effects change with a more subtle hand, but something that can’t be put down, a manuscript that begs me to turn the page, work that changes me with the reading. I’m really, really looking for something that feels new, that I haven’t read before. I am not the best agent for fangs, claws, and wings. These topics have been very successfully published already. I’m looking for what comes after vampires and werewolves. I would love to be surprised!I believe it was Ursula Nordstrom who once wrote (of the process of considering a manuscript) something along the lines of: “If you can resist it, do.” A tough love sort of approach to the process, but it’s a litmus test I often use to help me decide if I am the right agent to represent a particular project and to help an author achieve his or her publishing goals. When it comes to picture books I am a big fan of Mo Willems’ work (who better to capture a two-year-old’s temper tantrum?! Thank you Pigeon and Trixie!) I am madly in love with anything and everything “Polly Dunbar” (so much so that I’d submit her grocery list to publishers if I could). I think Jon Muth’s work is extraordinarily beautiful and thought-provoking, Kadir Nelson’s regal and rich, and Komako Sakai’s touching and so child-friendly.In terms of middle-grade, when I was growing up I couldn’t get enough of Enid Blyton’s mystery series (Famous Five and Secret Seven omnibuses were my favorite Christmas gifts ever!) I’d love to find a contemporary MG mystery series. I’m also a fan of THE PENDERWICKS, WHEN YOU REACH ME, and THE MEANEST DOLL IN THE WORLD (gotta love Brian Selznick’s hilarious treatment of front matter). Classics that will always hold a special place in my heart include CHARLOTTE’S WEB, THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH, and A WRINKLE IN TIME. Young adult favorites include Lucy Christopher’s STOLEN (I can still taste the sand in my teeth and feel the burn of the Australian sun on my skin), Suzanne Collins’ HUNGER GAMES AND CATCHING FIRE, Gabrielle Zevin’s ELSEWHERE, and Shannon Hale’s works.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic Novel, New Adult FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
A.J. Van Belle is a junior agent at the The Booker Albert Literary Agency. They are also a writer of fiction and nonfiction for adults and children, an editor, and a biologist. They have a BA in art with a minor in English from Columbia College, an MA in anthropology and an MS in biology from California State University, and a PhD in biology from Boston University.A.J. is actively building a diverse list and welcomes queries from marginalized writers. In YA and adult fiction, theyÕre seeking horror, thriller, and SFF with dark and atmospheric elements. TheyÕre also open to select MG across all genres. In all categories, theyÕre drawn to books that merge literary sensibilities with compelling plotlines. Some of their favorite authors include Paolo Bacigalupi, Nnedi Okorafor, Jordanna Max Brodsky, Yangsze Choo, Natasha Pulley, T. Kingfisher, and Jenna Satterthwaite.In nonfiction, theyÕre seeking fresh ideas in science, popular science, self-help, and health/wellness from authors with established platforms. As a scientist who has published NSF-funded research in ecology, they welcome queries from authors whose expertise links with evolution, ecology, statistics, microbiology, and biogeoscience.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Environment, Health Wellness, Nature, Nonfiction, Science, Self-HelpCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Krista Van Dolzer is a literary agent at the The Unter Agency. She is the newest literary agent at The Unter Agency, though sheÕs worked in and around the publishing industry for more than a decade. Her middle grade fiction has been published by Penguin Random House, Sourcebooks, Capstone, and Bloomsbury USA, and sheÕs hosted many query contests and pitchÊevents for aspiring authors over the years. She currently lives in central Iowa with her husband and four kids and holds degrees in Mathematics Education and Economics from Brigham Young University.
Notes
NONFICTION: Journalism, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Science, SportsCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Kristin van Ogtrop is a literary agent with InkWell Management. She is the former longtime editor-in-chief of Real Simple, the award-winning #1 American womenÕs lifestyle magazine brand with a print and digital reach of 25 million. She is the author of two books, Just Let Me Lie Down and Did I Say That Out Loud?, both published by Little, Brown. She is also a contributor to the New York Times bestseller, The Bitch in the House. As an agent, she represents lifestyle, illustrated books, prescriptive nonfiction, literary fiction and memoir.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: Art, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Illustrated, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Pop Culture, Self-HelpCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kelly Van Sant is a literary agent with KT Literary. She has over a decade of experience in the publishing industry. She cut her teeth in New York working at esteemed literary agencies before relocating to Minnesota, where she spent years as a contracts manager for various publishers. She uses her platform as a teaching artist at the Loft Literary Center and as the co-host of the Pub Crawl podcast to empower writers to become informed and take creative control over their work and the trajectory of their careers. KellyÕs own career came full circle when she realized that her true passion was advocating on behalf of authors. She is now an agent and actively building a client list, as well as kt literaryÕs contracts manager.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Mind Body Spirit, New Age, Nonfiction, SpiritualityCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Antoinette Van Sluytman
Looking Glass Literary & MediaCLOSED to SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Online FormBiography
Antoinette Van Sluytman is a literary agent with Looking Glass Literary & Media. She is an agent and the agencyÕs film and media rights coordinator. She actively networks with film agents, producers, directors, studios, and talent to secure film options for our clients, as well as manages the agencyÕs illustrator outreach, and social media.She is a writer, freelance illustrator/fine artist, graphic designer, poet, martial artist, and Film & Media coordinator with a bachelors in Graphic Design and Interactive Media. She is a member of the AALA and MDI committee, and volunteers at the African Diaspora Museum & Research Center in San Diego, and at writing nonprofit organization WriteHive, as an outreach coordinator, artist professional in residence, and diversity ally. She considers herself an entrepreneurial scholartist who advocates for countering literary hegemony through speculative radicalism and diverse narratives within art and writing.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative FictionNONFICTION: Art, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, History, Journalism, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jamie Vankirk is a literary agent with and the owner of Rainbow Nerds Literary.Like most agents, Jamie (she/her) grew up with her nose firmly planted in a book and was delighted when she learned that agenting was an actual job that she could eventually do. Jamie got her start in publishing with Liza Dawson Associates where she learned many invaluable skills before moving on to create Rainbow Nerds Literary.SheÕs drawn to Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction of all genres, and she loves partnering with authors to help develop their editorial skills. When not working or reading, Jamie enjoys playing video games or spending time outside.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Leslie Varney is a literary agent with Prentis Literary. She says: “It was never my plan to learn to read. In fact, I resisted it with all my five-year-old might, which was fairly significant. My favorite times were when my dad would read to me and I was afraid that when I learned to read myself, those lovely times would end. But my dadÕs plan was different and his will was equal to mine. After many knock-down battles, and lots of Dick and Jane, I reluctantly learned.I grew up during the mid-70Õs on my familyÕs hippie farm, situated in a small middle-class town in the Hudson Valley. This would have made me unique in any case, but the fact that we had no television was downright bizarre. While all my friends were watching re-runs of the ÒBrady BunchÓ (again), I was re-reading ÒA Wizard of EarthseaÓ (again). Or ÒWatership Down,Ó ÒA Wrinkle in Time,Ó ÒThe Crystal Cave,Ó whatever was around. Luckily for me, there were always books around. And, since my dadÕs favorite books tended to the fantasy and science fiction genres, my house was a fantastic playground of interesting ideas and wonderful stories. I was known as the weird kid who always had a book with her. If you couldnÕt find me, I was probably hiding in Oz. Instead of doing my boring chores, I was Laura Ingalls Wilder, and her chores were exciting frontier adventures! There were no limits when it came to stories and there was always somewhere wonderful to visit.I am pleased as punch that now I get to help authors bring new worlds, new ideas, and new magic to the literary world. I will always love the oral story-telling tradition, but my appreciation for the written work knows no bounds and I love being a part of bringing that passion to new readers. It turns out that my dadÕs plan was better than mine after all.”
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Memoir, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Susan Velazquez Colmant is a literary agent with the Jabberwocky Literary Agency. She is the subsidiary rights director at JABberwocky, where she manages audio and translation rights in addition to her own growing client list. She was born and raised outside of Dallas, Texas and received a B.A. in Creative Writing with a minor in Gender Studies from SUNY Oswego in 2016. Her hobbies include visiting art museums, trying new restaurants, and practicing her French with her husband, who was raised in Corsica.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Food Drink, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Self-Help, TechnologyCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Joanna Volpe
New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc.CLOSED to SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Joanna Volpe is a literary agent with New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. Joanna represents all brands of fiction (commercial, literary and genre) and has a soft spot for speculative and/or fantastical elements. On the non-fiction side she tends toward all things geek-related, general pop-culture, pop-science and narrative non-fiction featuring interesting and powerful women. Across the board, sheÕs looking for anything that highlights under-represented voices, both real and fictional.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: Art, BIPOC Nonfiction, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, How-To, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Self-Help, Technology, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Rebekah Von Lintel is a Literary Agent at Embolden Literary. She is a respected and influential leader in the publishing industry, with over twenty years of experience. With a passion for fostering emerging voices and an unwavering dedication to excellence, her contributions have played a significant role in the success of numerous best-selling titles across various genres. She recently served as editorial director for Baker Books for ten years, where she had the privilege of developing many award-winning authors, including NYT-bestselling author Mo Isom, Sheila Walsh, Sheri Hunter, Ruth Graham, Greg LaurieÕs Jesus Revolution, and Wendy SpeakeÕs The 40-Day Sugar Fast. Her love of books, passion for storytelling, and commitment to supporting talented authors continue to be a driving force in her work. Rebekah lives with her family in Colorado.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, Inspirational Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Psychology, Religion, Self-Help, SpiritualityCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Gordon Warnock is a literary agent with and a founding partner at Fuse Literary (formerly Foreword). He is a founding partner at Fuse Literary representing New York Times bestsellers and debut authors alike. He seeks to amplify historically marginalized voices and grow sustainable, long-term writing careers with an eye on actively creating change in the publishing industry and the culture as a whole. His years of experience as a senior agent, marketing director, editor for independent publishers, publishing consultant, and author coach inform his approach as a comprehensive business partner through the many lives of a book and the many stages of an authorÕs career. He frequently teaches workshops and gives keynote speeches at conferences and MFA programs in the US and Canada. He is an honors graduate of CSUS with a degree in Creative and Professional Writing.With a zest for fresh, new voices and a deep love of the classics, Gordon actively seeks out both the timely and the timeless. In that spirit, he establishes involved, long-term working relationships with talented and dedicated authors of many genres. For a better idea of what he represents, he often posts about his clients on Twitter.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Food Drink, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Pop Culture, Reference, Science, Self-Help, SportsCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Deborah Warren is a literary agent and founder of East/West Literary Agency. She founded E/W in 2000, after 17 years at Harcourt, and has a strong background in sales and marketing. SheÕs a strategist, incorporating long-term goals to help E/W clients not only grow a career, but to flourish within that career. With over 35 yearsÕ of experience in the publishing industry, and over 16 years at the helm of the Agency, Deborah not only represents authors and illustrators of picture books including Jim Averbeck (One Word for Sophia), Anna Dewdney (of the Llama Llama franchise), Kimberly and James Dean (of the Pete the Cat franchise), Gianna Marino (Night Animals) and Antoinette Portis (Best Frints in the Whole Universe), she represents authors and illustratorsÑboth debut and established–in the board book, concept, novelty, multicultural, non-fiction, middle-grade and young adult markets.DeborahÕs looking to fall in love with character-driven stories with heart, enhanced by a hook, told in a unique, fresh or distinctive way. Her sweet spots: short, quirky picture books and smartly layered, memorable and insightful MG and YA fiction. And she LOVES finding debut talent Ð in fact, itÕs a bit of a specialty for the Agency.As an example, we’re thrilled to have helped launch and nourish (among others) the careers of authors Kwame Alexander, whose debut MG, The Crossover (HMM) was awarded the 2015 Newbery Medal and the 2015 Coretta Scott King Honor; Dave Butler, whose debut MG, The Kidnap Plot, the first in a trilogy, has recently been released by Knopf/RH; NYT-bestselling Alethea Kontis, and her debut YA Fantasy novels launched by the YALSA nominated and Gelette Burgess Award winner Enchanted; and author/illustrator Sarah Aspinall, whose debut picture book, Penguins Love Colors, is slated for publication from Blue Sky Press/Scholastic, along with the companion volume, Penguins Love Their ABCÕs.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic NovelCHILDRENÕS 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
Mitchell Waters is a literary agent with Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents. He represents a wide and diverse array of literary and commercial fiction and nonfiction, including mystery, history, biography and memoir. He is particularly drawn to historical fiction and voice-driven narratives, especially when both dark and humorous. He is also looking for realistic young adult fiction. He served for ten years on the Board of Directors of the Association of AuthorsÕ Representatives and is currently head of the membership committee.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, MysteryNONFICTION: Biography, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Memoir, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jessica joined The Dijkstra Agency in 2013. A graduate of the University of California at Irvine, Jessica is a lifelong book lover and former indie book reviewer.Jessica is most drawn to riveting and heart pounding romance. She loves fun, fresh voices and character driven stories that keep a reader turning the page because they need to know what happens next. Independent heroines are a must, in addition to well realized heroes who aren’t alpha-holes. She also loves fantasy that will appeal to a broad readership, especially if it has some spice in it! In the children’s realm, she connects with anything that has heart and humor. Jessica does like the occasional pop-culture or millenial leaning non-fiction project.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Scott Waxman is a literary agent with Waxman Literary Agency. Scott Waxman, founder of Waxman Literary Agency, has spent his entire career fostering writers and their stories. He began his career in the editorial department of HarperCollins in the waning days of the pre-internet era 1990’s. Despite the countless changes to the industry since that time, some things have not changed at all: good writing, powerful stories, and strong word of mouth are still the main ingredients of successful publishing.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, New Adult FictionNONFICTION: Art, Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Fitness, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Inspirational Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Sports, True Adventure, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Bethany Weaver is the founder and a literary agent with Weaver Literary & Management. She began her career as an intern for the phenomenal Creative Media Inc where she then moved between different avenues of publishing. Most recently, she worked for Storm Literary Agency as their sole Foreign Rights agent.Before publishing, she earned her BA in English with a concentration on writing, editing, and media and pursued a career with her local newspaper eventually making the switch to the USA Today where she still resides.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Spirituality, True Crime, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Vicky Weber is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency, Inc. She has always loved literature, even from a young age. In 2015, she began her career as an elementary school teacher and earned her Masters in Teaching & Learning with a concentration in ESL. Her first childrenÕs was published in late 2019, and sheÕs never looked back! In April 2021, she gave birth to her daughter and left the classroom several months later to pursue writing full-time. She founded At Home Author, a coaching company to help other aspiring picture book authors learn the industry. She joined The Purcell Agency as an associate literary agent in 2022 and was promoted to literary agent in January 2023. In April 2023, her family grew once more with the arrival of her son and in May 2024, she joined the team at CMA. As a Latinx agent and author, she strongly prefers to work with traditionally underrepresented voices whenever possible. She firmly believes that growing her author list is like growing her little family and she does so with intention.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jennifer Weis is a literary agent with and the founder of The Weis Agency. Jennifer has always had a passion for all things literary. After receiving her BA and MA in English from Yale University, she worked at St. MartinÕs Press, serving as an Executive Editor and publishing bestselling titles like Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris, Climate of Hope by Michael Bloomberg, Baby Teeth by Zoe Stage, and ReniaÕs Diary by Renia Spiegel. In the fall of 2019, she moved to the other side of the desk as an agent. After several years with Ross Yoon Agency, Jennifer decided to continue to take her hands-on approach to client development to the next level by founding her own agency.JenniferÕs areas of specialty include high-concept, cleverly plotted bookclub fiction of all categories and nonfiction with new voices and new angles on perennial subjects. Above all, Jennifer is looking for books with a hook, a strong voice, and a powerful plot.Outside of the literary world, Jennifer is the co-chair of Project Lyme, a non-profit based in NYC that focuses on awareness, education, and advocacy. She also chairs the UJA Executive Committee for Publishing and is a UJA board member. She is based in NYC, where she lives with her husband and four children.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Business Book, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Rob Weisbach is a literary agent with Creative Management. Rob attended Phillips Academy Andover and Stanford University, where he studied American literature and poetry. Weisbach began his publishing career as an editorial assistant at Bantam Doubleday Dell in 1989 and was named Senior Editor in 1992. There he published three consecutive #1 New York Times bestsellers: Seinlanguage by Jerry Seinfeld; Couplehood by Paul Reiser; and My Point…And I Do Have One by Ellen DeGeneres. His other titles at BDD included Feeling the Spirit by New York Times photographer Chester Higgins, Jr. and Alice, an urban fairy tale by Whoopi Goldberg.In 1996 Weisbach was named President and Publisher of Rob Weisbach Books at William Morrow, where he oversaw the editorial, publicity, and sales strategy for a list of highly original fiction and nonfiction. The imprint’s first title, The Tenth Justice, launched the career of lawyer turned novelist Brad Meltzer and became an instant New York Times bestseller, as did Babyhood by Paul Reiser and Book by Whoopi Goldberg. Other bestselling and critically acclaimed writers Weisbach published at the imprint included The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart; literary fiction stars A.M. Homes, Dale Peck, and Amanda Davis; director and screenwriter Ethan Coen; humorist Sandra Bernhard; painter and nature writer James Prosek; and U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky.Rob Weisbach Books received industry honors for innovation in marketing and jacket and catalogue design. The imprint also became known for reaching the next generation of readers through its Virgin Fiction series for first-time writers and cutting edge visual books including The Pop-Up Book of Phobias; Tim Burton’s cult classic The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy; and the companion to Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Rent. Other imprint titles included The Nazi Officer’s Wife, the Holocaust memoir by Edith Hahn; Openly Bob, the award-winning collection of essays by pioneer gay comedian Bob Smith; and Use Me, the acclaimed literary fiction debut of Vanity Fair contributor Elissa Schappell.In 2002 Weisbach was named Vice President and Editor-at-Large at Simon & Schuster. There he developed cross-platform projects with other divisions of parent company Viacom and published select fiction and nonfiction titles with the Simon & Schuster adult trade division, among them the New York Times bestsellers The Know-It-All by Esquire contributor A.J. Jacobs; The Funny Thing Is…by Ellen DeGeneres; and Without You by Anthony Rapp.In 2005 Weisbach was named to the dual role of President and CEO of Miramax Books and President and CEO of The Weinstein Company’s new book division. There he oversaw the publication of the existing Miramax Books list and built a new infrastructure and publishing program for Weinstein Books. Miramax Books titles he published included the New York Times bestsellers The Debutante Divorcee by Plum Sykes and Ptolemy’s Gate by Jonathan Stroud as well as Lighting the Way by Karenna Gore Schiff, My Father’s Secret War by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Lucinda Franks, and SPY: The Funny Years by Graydon Carter, George Kalogerakis, and Kurt Andersen. Weinstein Books titles included the Giller Prize-winning Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures by Dr. Vincent Lam; the New York Times bestseller Quantum Wellness by Kathy Freston; The Gift of Rain, the Man Booker-nominated literary debut by Tan Twan Eng; We Bought a Zoo, a family memoir by Guardian columnist Benjamin Mee, and The Journal of Helene Berr, the recently discovered Holocaust diary published in fifteen countries in fall 2008.In 2008, Weisbach represented his first project as agent, the literary survival memoir Crazy for the Storm by Norman Ollestad, selling world rights to HarperCollins’s Ecco imprint. Ollestad’s extraordinary book became a New York Times bestseller, has been sold around the world, was chosen by Starbucks as their summer selection and by Amazon as one of the Ten Best Books of 2009, and was optioned by Warner Brothers for film.Over the course of his twenty-year career in entertainment Rob Weisbach has developed and published a diverse list of high-caliber talent including New York Times bestselling authors Jon Stewart, Brad Meltzer, Jerry Seinfeld, Whoopi Goldberg, Ellen DeGeneres, Paul Reiser, A.J. Jacobs, Bob Schieffer, Anthony Rapp, and Kathy Freston; US Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky and Pulitzer Prize-winner Lucinda Franks; literary stars A.M. Homes, Bruce Wagner, and Elissa Schappell; filmmakers Tim Burton and Ethan Coen; rights advocates Karenna Gore Schiff and Evan Wolfson; photographer Chester Higgins, Jr., painter and nature writer James Prosek, and chef Padma Lakshmi.”My mother and father, a psychologist and an editor, instilled in me the importance of marshalling one’s intellect, compassion, and will to help others achieve their aspirations. For twenty years, my professional life as a publisher has been devoted to promoting my authors’ talents. That hands-on experience, along with relationships I’ve built in national media, film, and television, now will enable me to offer my clients sophisticated, broadly informed representation from the other side of the desk.””In these times, more than ever, creative artists will need to become the architects of their own success. Over the years I’ve experienced great satisfaction from helping authors shape their work, focus on what they can do independently to ensure exposure in the marketplace, develop opportunities for themselves beyond the book page, and think beyond the traditional limits of publishing to build an audience in the digital age. Now, I’m looking forward to discovering and developing a new stable of distinctive, dynamic talent and empowering them to marry a rich creative life with good business strategy.”
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Science Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Art, Autobiography, Biography, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, True AdventureCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Alexandra Weiss is a literary agent with the Jennifer Azantian Literary Agency. She joined the world of publishing in 2016, as an associate agent with the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency. In 2021, she joined Azantian Literary Agency where she represents fiction and nonfiction picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, and select adult nonfiction. She holds a BFA in creative writing and publishing from Columbia College Chicago and has written for Bustle and Buzzfeed, among others. She regularly volunteers with literary organizations and has a soft spot for working with young readers. When she isn’t reading or writing, she’s probably baking up a storm or snuggling with her cat.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Speculative FictionNONFICTION: Animals, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Environment, Film Entertainment, Gift Novelty, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Technology, Travel, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jamie Weiss Chilton is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. She represents childrenÕs books in all categories, with a focus on preschool, picture books, novelty, and real-world-based middle grade and YA. Genre interests include thrillers, science fiction, and speculative fiction.Jamie looks for an intense emotional experience, in all categories. She’s seeking manuscripts that stay with her. This could mean the sweet pang of an “I love you” picture book, or the shock of recognition of an honest window to the tween or teen psyche. For the younger age groups, she looks for the hook that will make a book a must-have parenting or educational resource.Prior to joining Andrea Brown Literary Agency in 2008, Jamie was Conference Manager and Golden Kite Award Director at the Society of ChildrenÕs Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and prior to that held editorial positions at Random House ChildrenÕs Books and an internship at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers.Jamie received her BA in English from Columbia University. She lives in Los Angeles with her family.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Tess Weitzner is a literary agent with the Frances Goldin Literary Agency. She joined the Frances Goldin Literary Agency in 2023 after more than three years at Trident Media Group. A graduate of Middlebury College, she previously interned at Macmillan, The New England Review, and O/R Books. She was also a 2019 Bread Loaf student-scholar in fiction, as well as a research assistant for the author and journalist Charles Glass. And, after a long stint coaching and performing with a youth circus, she is drawn to anything that flies high, plays with fire, and embraces difference.She is primarily looking for literary fiction and narrative nonfiction narrow and deep in scope that might play with unreliable narrators, interrogations of power and violence, reclamations of identity, or dark-as-night humor. Fresh takes on horror, magical realism, camp, and kitsch will always be met with zeal. In the childrenÕs space, she is looking for contemporary middle grade and YA stories that are fun, engaging, and seemingly ÒquietÓ that crack open larger questions or underrepresented experiences. Some of her favorites include Sandra Cisneros, Louis Sachar, Carl Hiaasen, Katherine Applegate, Kelly Yang, and Jason Reynolds. As part of their brilliant storytelling, they respect young readers and approach tough topics with warmth, humor, and edge. She is not accepting queries in science fiction, fantasy, or picture books at this time. Her clients include Sara Cody, Berinna Chambers, David Dabel, Christina Frigo, Leora Fridman, Davey Lawson, Kathryn Kramer, and Suchi Rudra.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Satire, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Samantha Wekstein is a literary agent with the Thompson Literary Agency. She grew up in Westchester, NY. She attended the University of Maryland, College Park and received a B.A. in English. She now lives in NYC with her husband and dog. After internships with Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency and Rowman & Littlefield, she began her career in 2013 at Writers House LLC. She then briefly worked as an assistant at The Agency Group (now UTA) before returning to Writers House for the next 5 years where she began supporting the CEO, and then the Founder, before becoming an agent. SheÕs been lucky to work with a variety of best-selling and award winning authors across all genres. She joined TLA in 2019 where sheÕs excited to grow her list. In YA, she loves creative and epic fantasies, but she is also drawn to realistic stories with multi-dimensional female characters. She is always interested in elevating diverse voices, particularly through feminist narratives. She is seeking middle grade of all stripes, but especially stories that deal with themes of friendship, adventure, or encountering tragedy for the first time. She is also on the lookout for whimsical, meaningful, and funny picture books. On the adult side she is drawn to commercial voices in Romance, WomenÕs Fiction, Historical Fiction, Sci-Fi and Fantasy.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, History, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Victoria Wells Arms is a literary agent with HG Literary. She began her publishing career as an editor at Dial Books for Young Readers, moved to G. P. Putnam’s Sons and then Bloomsbury USA’s Children’s Division, where she was the founding Editorial Director and Associate Publisher and worked with Shannon Hale, Nikki Grimes, Renee Watson, E D Baker, and many other award-winning and bestselling authors. In 2013 Victoria started her own agency, Wells Arms Literary LLC, which joined in association with HG Literary in 2018. She represents authors of children’s books for all ages, a few adult authors, and many talented picture book illustrators including E. D. Baker, Nora Shalaway Carpenter, Alan Cumyn, Patrick Downes, Han Nolan, Maria Padian, Marcella Pixley, Susan L. Roth and more. She also works closely in partnership with the agent Edite Kroll and her clients.Victoria has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and is a member of the AAR, PEN America, and SCBWI.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novel, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural FictionNONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Food Drink, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Nonfiction, ParentingCHILDRENÕS 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
Jennifer Weltz is a literary agent with the Jean Naggar Literary Agency. As President of JVNLA, Jennifer Weltz has sold books domestically, internationally, and for film for nearly two decades. Coming from a mediation background, Jennifer sees herself as a liaison between her author and the editor and publishing house that acquire her author’s work. This role takes on a myriad of formsÑbusiness manager, confidant, task master, preliminary editor, and matchmakerÑto name a few. Since Jennifer takes up an author’s career and not just a project, she is very careful and selective about signing on new authors.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Magical Realism, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Science, Self-Help, TechnologyCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction