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.
Biography
Rebecca Lawrence is a literary agent with The Booker Albert Literary Agency. After graduating with a B.A. in Professional Writing, Rebecca completed internships with Christian Indie Publishing Association and ArtHouse Literary Agency before moving to Booker Albert Literary Agency. From a young age, she has been fascinated with epic worlds like LOTR and The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. Books with romantic elements like Ella Enchanted, The Goose Girl, and The Cruel Prince all have places in her top ten. She also adores historical fiction like The Wednesday Wars and iconic masterpieces like Monica Hesse’s They Went Left, but her all-time favorite novel has to be the grounded fantasy The Scorpio Races. Her favorite tropes are houses-with-personality (think House of Leaves or The Haunting of Hill House), zombie apocalypses like in the book World War Z, and underwater worlds. Regardless of genre, Rebecca is looking for stories that have good pacing, grounded worlds, and believable characters. She is interested in fantasy of all kinds and anything that has a good hook. She would love to see more scary YA and MG historical fiction.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Dating Relationships Sex, History, Humor Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Self-Help, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Tricia Lawrence is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. She represents award-winning authors and illustrators of picture books and chapter books that look at the world in a unique and unusual way, with characters that are alive both on and off the page. Her clients have won awards such as the American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award, Coretta Scott King Illustration Honor, Charlotte Zolotow Award, and Ezra Keats Honor. She also represents middle grade and young adult fiction as well as adult fiction. In middle grade and young adult nonfiction as well as adult nonfiction, Tricia seeks out book ideas and platforms that offer untold stories by creators with a specific axiom or lens that speaks to the current issues, pains, fears, and hopes of both our current world and tomorrowÕs. Her client list includes Paula YooÕs Boston Globe-Horn Book award winner and National Book Award long listed YA nonfiction book about Vincent Chin. PaulaÕs second YA nonfiction book about the LA Uprising won the 2025 YALSA Nonfiction Medal. Tricia has worked in the publishing industry as a development and production-based editor for 30 years (from kidÕs books to college textbooks, but mostly college textbooks) and previously worked at Erin Murphy Literary as senior agent. She is based in Seattle. Tricia accepts queries by request or referral, or from people who have attended conferences where she is part of the faculty, on the contact page on her website.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Wendy Lawton is a literary agent with Books & Such Literary Agency. Wendy feels equally comfortable on a computer, at a writer’s conference or with a cool lump of clay in her hand. She’s been an artist, a writer and a literary agent. In her first career, as a sculptor and designer of porcelain dolls, she amassed more than 300 original editions. Lawton dolls were nominated for more than seventy industry awards, winning the coveted DOTY nine times, the Dolls Award of Excellence three times and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. ”Running a collectible business provided the perfect foundation for being a literary agent,” she says. “I’ve spent years developing product, analyzing market trends, and being involved in every aspect of the product supply chain.” And she believes that product development is the perfect parallel to book development. “Speaking as an author, I know we cringe to admit it, but creating books is largely about creating product.” What Wendy’s Clients SayÉ ”From Wendy’s business background she is a masterful negotiator and a diplomatic tactician; as a Christian she’s insightful, wise and judicious; and as a friend, she’s a joy.” -NYT Bestselling author and client, Debbie Macomber Wendy joined Books & Such in 2005 and was named Vice-president of the firm in 2011. She represents a number of successful, bestselling authors. She enjoys helping her clients develop their ideas and chart their careers. She’s adept at working with authors to discover the core of their writing style, leading to a brand recognition for each author in the marketplace of books. No stranger to the literary market, she has served on the faculty of several major writers conferences and has written eight books in her young adult Daughters of the Faith series. These books were followed by a series of four teen books and a nonfiction adult book. She won the1999 Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference. She also won the famous Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest for the intentional worst first line of a novel in the Children’s Literature category. In 2004 she received an honorary doctorate from Wilmington University, Delaware. American Christian Fiction Writers named her Agent of the Year in 2007.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Music, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Spirituality, Women’s Issues NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Daniel Lazar is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. Daniel says: “As an agent, and a reader, I’m a generalist. I work across fiction, non-fiction and children’s books. I love unputdownable stories that introduce me to new worlds, or recreate ones I already know. Explorations of relationships, history, faith, science, culture — yes, please. I love comics and graphic novels, so whether you’re working in prose or in panels or a combination of elements, all formats are welcome. I grew up the oldest of six, and I’m uncle to fifteen (so far), so I’m always intrigued by unique views on parenting and family life. Check out some of my clients below. On Instagram I’m @DanLazarAgent, and post more about my authors or what I’m reading outside of work. If your pages can make me hold my breath or miss my subway stop… I’d love to hear from you.”
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, Fitness, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Pop Culture, Religion, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Sarah Lazin is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Entertainment. Sarah Lazin began her publishing career on the editorial staff of Rolling Stone in 1971. In 1976, she established Rolling Stone Press, the book packaging division of the company, which she continued to represent for thirty years and which created hundreds of successful titles for Rolling Stone, MenÕs Journal, and US Magazine. She also created book packaging divisions for Ms. Magazine, The Village Voice, Musician, Playboy, and Vibe Magazine, and created books for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum, The Experience Music Project, and The International Center for Photography. She is the co-founder and past president of the American Book Producers Association, has served on the boards of the WomenÕs Media Group, and The Association of AuthorsÕ Representatives. She has taught at publishing seminars including Rice, Radcliffe, Denver, and New York University, and has served on the staffs of the Jackson Hole Writers Conference and the Maui Writers Conference. She received an MA in history from New York University. Based in New York, Sarah represents a range of nonfiction writers working in fields such as popular culture, biography, history, politics, journalism, memoir, parenting, health, practical nonfiction, contemporary affairs, social issues, and general reference. She also handles fiction from literary works and short stories to commercial novels, and represents some photographers and illustrators and several estates. She accepts submissions through referral only.
Notes
NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Environment, Family, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Inspirational Nonfiction, Journalism, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Music, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Technology, Travel
Biography
Michelle S. Lazurek is a literary agent with WordWise Media Services. She says: “In 2009, I felt a calling on my life to start writing. Apart from some poems in high school, I had never written anything before. As I studied and wrote down my thoughts, I soon published my first book. Today, with nine titles in print and hundreds of articles (and a few awards along the way), I teach aspiring authors at writers’ conferences. Now I get the privilege to journey with them more closely, and help them achieve their dreams. I have a Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Relations from Liberty University. When not occupied with literary pursuits, you can find me sipping a hot latte at Starbucks, reading a good book, or collecting records from the 1980s and 90s. I live in Pennsylvania with my husband, two children and our crazy dog, Cookie.”
Notes
NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Janine Le is a literary agent with and the founder of Janine Le Literary Agency. She is pleased to announce the launch of Janine Le Literary Agency, a full-service agency representing authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults. Janine brings to her new venture the classic training of over twelve years working closely with leading children’s book agents, experience supporting the various career needs of childrenÕs book luminaries and debut creators alike, and an entrepreneurial spirit to meet today’s challenges. Janine was most recently Agent and Foreign Rights Manager at Sheldon Fogelman Agency, where she spent nearly twelve years negotiating contracts, bookkeeping, managing foreign rights, and otherwise supporting agency clients, while building her own client list. She was previously an intern in the childrenÕs department at Sterling Lord Literistic and completed NYU’s Summer Publishing Institute. Janine graduated summa cum laude from Bucknell University with honors in English (Creative Writing), where she interned with literary magazine West Branch. Janine enjoys the balance of creative-minded and business-minded work and loves pushing her clients to reach their projectsÕ potential in the developmental stages and advocating for them from submissions onward. Janine has served as faculty for events with The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and donated critiques for several charitable campaigns. She finds balance in life by adventuring with her husband, two young children, and new dog.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic Novel 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
Thao Le is a literary agent at the Dijkstra Agency since 2011. Sherepresents children’s, YA, Romance, and Sci-fi/Fantasy. She enjoys lever, heartfelt, and commercial middle grade and YA in prose or graphic novel format and across genres. In the Adult SFF realm, sheÕs a fan of contemporary fantasy, near future science fiction, and romantic fantasy. In romance, her favorite tropes are: hate-to-love/enemies-to-lovers, slow burn, forbidden/doomed romance, fake dating/marriage of convenience, grumpy/sunshine, mistaken identities, and she is a sucker for beta second male leads who steal the show (and hopefully the heroineÕs heart!). If you can make her think of her favorite Asian Dramas then youÕre on the right track! In general, sheÕs a fan of high concepts that feel fresh and exciting. SheÕs especially drawn to character driven stories about family and friendships from the POV of diverse protagonists. SheÕs a fan of characters who are passionate about the arts, STEM, activism, and geeky fandoms. SheÕs a big reader of fanfiction and love that style of bingeable writing. She adores stories with a touch of magic and whimsy, and is a lifelong fan of mythology and fairytales. SheÕs interested in all things gothic, cottagecore, and dark academia. Though she has represented them in the past, she is currently NOT looking for picture book writers at the moment. ThaoÕs clients include New York Times and Indie bestselling authors such as Ali Hazelwood, Thea Guanzon, Sandhya Menon, Evelyn Skye, Jessie Sima, Jessica Kim, and moreÉ Thao is NOT looking for: non-fiction, adult literary fiction, adult general fiction, mystery/thriller/suspense, memoirs, poetry, religious/spiritual books, screenplays, or short stories. My Current MSWLs are: I am keen to find high concept romances (either YA or Adult) with a touch of speculative similar to popular Webtoons like: See You in My 19th Life, Operation True Love. IÕm a big fan of board games and escape rooms, so IÕm usually drawn to MG and YA stories that are a little puzzle-y and wraps up logically and cleverly. Think The Westing Game and The Mysterious Benedict Society. I love murder mysteries like Knives Out, but not mystery as the main genre/market. I particularly like mystery in Middle Grade like books such as Lockwood & Co. IÕm a huge fan of The Bear (Hulu) and would love to see an Adult romance featuring a sensitive yet tough and tatted Chef hero or other similar type of sensitive hero/love interest who is in a demanding career. I am a Jane Austen fan and my favorite is Emma. IÕm always a sucker for a unique take on Austen such as a retelling through the POV of an unexpected character or a new setting. IÕm also a fan of ships that have the vibe of the Princess Mononoke knife scene. My favorite fanfic AUs are: Coffeeshop, Flower Shop, and Soulmates/Fated Mates. Some of my favorite mythologies and fairytales include, but arenÕt limited to: ChangÕEr & Hou Yi, Yuki-onna, Swan Lake, Orpheus & Eurydice, Bluebeard, Tam Lin, Donkeyskin While I enjoy GRRM and Tolkien, IÕm not the best agent for adult epic fantasies unless itÕs particularly character driven. IÕm also not the best fit for any military, alien invasion stories, or hard science fiction. IÕm also not the best person for most action thriller stories involving cops, spies, or corporate espionage.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Susanna Lea is a literary agent with and the founder of Susanna Lea Associates. She studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of Oxford. She was previously director of international projects at ƒditions Fixot/Robert Laffont, supervising the publication and sale of rights for international bestsellers, before leaving to found Susanna Lea Associates.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, Cookbook Cooking, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Nonfiction, Science, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books
Biography
Byrd Leavell is the Co-Head of UTA Publishing and a literary agent with the United Talent Agency (UTA). He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the Radcliffe Publishing Program. In 2012, he partnered with Scott Waxman to form the Waxman Leavell Literary Agency. Over his 20-year career, he has overseen multiple New York Times #1 bestsellers and represents clients such as Chip and Joanna Gaines, Steph Curry, Fredrik Backman, Rich Paul, Tiffany Haddish, Don Lemon, Constance Wu, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ali Velshi, Bret Baier, Rich Roll, Justin Halpern, Santigold, Cat Marnell, Emma Lovewell, Miles Taylor, Matt Gutman, James Rebanks, Guy Raz, Kim and Penn Holderness, Rob Elliott, Neil Strauss, James Rebanks, Drew Magary, Christine Pride and Jo Piazza, and many others.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Nonfiction, Politics
Biography
Ned Leavitt is a literary agent with the Ned Leavitt Agency. Ned left William Morris in 1990 to open his own agency, his goal was to focus on really excellent writing and to be able to bring his personal attention to challenging, exciting and creative projects. Once on his own, a number of authors, both in fiction and non-fiction, came to him with projects distinguished by original, unique writing and cutting edge messages. A number of these books were in the areas of spirituality, creativity, alternative health and psychology. The agency was fortunate to see several of these books become major bestsellers. Ned is attracted to unusual fiction of all kinds and non-fiction with strong elements of soul and spirit. “I expect to always be involved with highly creative artists and soul journeyers Ð writers who explore and articulate all aspects of the soulÕs journey Ð the light, the dark and all the colors in between. So whether itÕs a breakthrough non-fiction book with a transformative impact or an exceptional novel, beautifully crafted with strong narrative integrity, if it has soul, it is what I am looking for.” A graduate of Harvard University with an MFA in theater from the University of Hawaii, Ned has been at times an actor, singer, cab driver, theatrical director, choral conductor, poker player, drummer, and vision quest guide.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Religious Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Medical Medicine, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, New Age, Nonfiction, Psychology, Religion, Spirituality
Biography
Shannon Lechon is a literary agent with the Jennifer Azantian Literary Agency. She began her career with literary agency internships at P.S. Literary and Cake Creative, as well as an editorial internship with Penguin Random House. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in criminology and English from Florida State University and a master’s in publishing from New York University.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Psychology, Science, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Albert Lee is a literary agent with the United Talent Agency (UTA). Albert Lee represents primarily platform-driven nonfiction, with an emphasis on diverse and outsider storytellers, bold personalities on the page, and unique Òbig ideaÓ books with a strong value proposition for the reader. He very selectively represents childrenÕs authors, with a particular interest in multi-platform intellectual property with franchise potential. He spent the first two decades of his career as an editor and journalist before joining independent literary agency Aevitas Creative Management, where he signed and represented such clients as National Public Radio, the estates of Albert Einstein and Muhammad Ali, meditation teacher Bob Roth, actor-activist Gabrielle Union, and tech diversity pioneer Ellen Pao. Since joining UTA, he has worked with a broad array of writers, thinkers, journalists, and category leaders, including Uzo Aduba, Zaila Avant-Garde, Nate Bargatze, Noah Baumbach, Cliff Bleszinski, John Cho, Pinky Cole, Common, Cameron Crowe, Lindsay Crouse, Terry Crews, Stephen Curry, Hilary Duff, Billy Eichner, Jay Ellis, Cynthia Erivo, Tavi Gevinson, Max Greenfield, Paris Hilton, Arianna Huffington, Gary Janetti, Daniel Dae Kim, John Leguizamo, Don Lemon, Lizzo, Keegan-Michael Key & Elle Key, Joseph Nguyen, Elliot Page, Seth Rogen, Heidi Schreck, Omid Scobie, Keila Shaheen, Cat Stevens / Yusuf, George Takei, Kenan Thompson, Jonathan Van Ness, Jose Antonio Vargas, Malala Yousafzai, and many others. He also helped establish the hugely successful publishing programs for leading childrenÕs brands Blippi and Cocomelon. Lee is a native of Kentucky and graduate cum laude of Princeton University. He serves on the board of the Academy of American Poets and lives in New York.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Mystery, Romance NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Self-Help, Technology, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Christine J. Lee is a literary agent with The Leshne Agency. She has interest in a broad range of genres, including full-length literary fiction, sci-fi, thrillers, horror, true crime, and romance, YA, cookbooks, interior design and gardening, parenting, books on self-empowerment, and memoirs/biographies touching on race, sex, class, and identity. She has worked in the publishing industry for more than 13 years, beginning at Bedford/St. MartinÕs, then moved on to Simon & Schuster. She earned a BA from Princeton University in English Literature and a MFA from the University of Houston in Fiction. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, son, and cat.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Gardening, General Nonfiction, Illustrated, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Self-Help, Sports, True Crime 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
LaSheera Lee is a literary agent with SBR Media. She is an award-winning blogger, La Sheera Lee, M.Ed., is a wife, mother, educator, podcaster, moderator, literary event planner, and magazine contributor. She is on a mission to help others to see the beauty of their own voices. La Sheera, also known for her savvy as a social media strategist and book influencer, loves to help people connect the dots. She utilizes the power of social media to inspire, inform, and educate on a global level. She is also the founder of the artistic event Lights! Camera! Action! #LCA is an experience that integrates books and the arts into an interactive weekend. Readers, authors, and publishing experts converge to have a weekend that is literally one for the books. You can also catch her FB Live (Cool Conversations with La Sheera Lee ) or Clubhouse (Cool Conversations Club), chatting it up with some of your favorite authors and industry professionals. Your goals are too powerful to give up! Keep Shining! You can contact her @readyoulater on Twitter and Instagram.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Nonfiction, Spirituality CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction
Biography
Whitney Lee is a literary agent with The Fielding Agency. In March 2003, Whitney started The Fielding Agency, a full-service literary agency. Prior to this, Whitney worked at Carlisle & Company, where she created a foreign rights department for the agency and worked closely with prominent authors such as Dava Sobel, David Kennedy, James Gleick and Daniel Mason. Whitney began her publishing career at Nicholas Ellison, Inc./Sanford J. Greenburger Associates where she worked with bestselling authors such as Nelson DeMille, Carol Higgins Clark, Christopher Moore and Olivia Goldsmith. Whitney graduated from Northwestern University with a double major in English and Women Studies. After earning her B.A., she attended the Radcliffe Publishing Course.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Sports, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books
Biography
Susan Cohen is a literary agent with Riverside Literary Agency.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Nonfiction, Reference, Religion, Science
Biography
Kait Lee Feldmann is a literary agent at KT Literary.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic Novel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book
Biography
Vaughne Lee Hansen is a literary agent with the Virginia Kidd Agency. She was an early reader, reading her first books before attending pre-school. From the start, fantasy and science fiction were, in her mind, what constituted “real books.” She went to work for Virginia Kidd in 1989 and over the years she and her colleagues have worked with some of the most interesting authors in the field including, Kage Baker, Ted Chiang, Alan Dean Foster, Ursula K. Le Guin, Anne McCaffrey, and Gene Wolfe. Her favorite parts about being an agent are being able to read the works of her favorite authors before they are published and getting down to the nitty-gritty during contract negotiations. She is delighted to be able to be working with Christine Cohen and Will Reeve on the ongoing preservation of Virginia Kidd’s legacy of the Virginia Kidd Agency and Arrowhead, continuing the tradition of representing quality fiction.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction
Biography
Lindsay Leggett is an associate agent with The Rights Factory. Lindsay grew up in the frozen wilds of Northern Ontario, and turned a love of reading and writing into a passion for editing. After working for a variety of authors and publishers, she found a home at The Rights Factory.
Lindsay is focused on Graphic Novels, Romance, and YA/MG with bite.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Graphic Novel | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Thriller |
Biography
Becky LeJeune is a literary agent with the Bond Literary Agency. Becky met Sandra at the Denver Publishing Institute when she was a student there in 2007. After DPI, she spent 2 years working as the managing editor for a cookbook imprint, and then 5 years as an acquisitions editor at The History Press before joining Sandra at BLA in 2014. She is interested in adult and teen general fiction, horror, mystery/thriller, historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Food Drink, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Katrina Lemaire is a Literary Agent Apprentice at the Corvisiero Literary Agency. She holds a Bachelor’s (Honours) in English and Creative Writing and has recently completed her Publishing Certificate at Toronto Metropolitan University. With a history of sales, marketing, and an insatiable desire for literature, she inevitably found herself pursuing a path in publishing. As a writer, Katrina has engaged in the social and theoretical aspects of creative writing, and is currently a member of the Canadian Authors Association. Known for her poetry and short fiction, her works have appeared in Plenitude Magazine, Soft Star Magazine,ÊCrow & Crosskeys Magazine, and other places. When it comes to her taste in books, Katrina is often found devouring the pages of decadent fantasies set in worlds with high or low stakes, dark academia with cult/occult aspects, speculative fiction, horror of all kinds, graphic novels, gothic literature, noir fiction, paranormal, romance, urban fantasy, mystery, and anything that leans towards the uncanny. Within these genres, specifically in crossover YA and Adult, Katrina is always looking for more queer and BIPOC representation that feature tenacious and palpable characters.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Betsy Lerner
Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Postal MailBiography
Betsy Lerner is a literary agent with the Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary Agency. Betsy Lerner worked as an editor for 16 years before becoming an agent. She mostly works with non-fiction writers in the areas of science, psychology, history, cultural studies, biography, current events, and memoir. Lerner was the recipient of the Tony Godwin Publishing Prize. She holds an MFA from Columbia University and is the author of Food & Loathing, The Bridge Ladies, and The Forest for the Trees: An Editor’s Advice to Writers. Her blog on publishing and writing can be found on http://www.betsylerner.com.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Romance NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction
Biography
Dani Leshgold is a literary agent at Sterling Lord Literistic. Dani joined Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc. in 2024 and works with Sarah Landis and Robert Guinsler. Prior to working at SLL, she received her MFA from Columbia University. Currently building her list, Dani is looking for literary fiction that keeps her up at night, grounded fantasy and romance that uncovers real emotion and truths, and books that sweep her off her feet with their atmosphere. Thematically, she is drawn to girlhood, nostalgia, queer romance, body horror, and her native Los Angeles. Dani is also interested in essay collections that explore home, the body, and family. Dani now enjoys watching the seasons change from her window in Brooklyn.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance
Biography
Lisa Leshne is a literary agent with The Leshne Agency. She has been in the media and entertainment business for 30+ years. In 1991, she co-founded and served for over a decade as Publisher of The Prague Post, the largest English-language newspaper in Central Europe, along with its book division and website. She held positions in NY as Senior Consultant for AccentureÕs Entertainment & Media Group; Executive Director, Strategy and Business Development for Dow Jones; Executive Director, International, for the Wall Street JournalÕs WSJ.com, overseeing advertising, marketing and circulation in Europe and Asia; and Vice-President, Strategy and Business Development, for Ink2, an industry leader in the print-on-demand industry and owner of Cardstore.com (NYSE:AM). Lisa spent the year after Sept. 11, 2001 at the Partnership for New York CityÕs Financial Recovery Fund, evaluating grant applications and providing strategic advice to small businesses destroyed in the World Trade Center terrorist attacks. Prior to founding The Leshne Agency in 2011, Lisa began her career as a literary agent at LJK Literary. LisaÕs clients include a diverse list of #1 New York Times bestselling, Pulitzer and Polk award-winning, and debut authors across many genres. She is most passionate about memoir and narrative non-fiction that elevate social justice topics, womenÕs issues, and underrepresented voices. She also acquires in the sports, business, political, health and pop-culture genres, and is always seeking exceptional literary and commercial fiction. Lisa represents many award-winning journalists, including Julissa Arce, Cynthia Brown, Heather Cabot, Dean Calbreath**, Deborah Copaken*, Ken Davidoff, Turney Duff*, Monique El-Faizy, Jennifer Gould, Barry Levine, Daisy Lewellyn (d. 2016), Anetta Nowosielska, and Samantha Walravens, as well as Czech bestselling novelist, memoirist and winner of the Magnesia Litera and Franz Kafka Prizes, Ivan Klima and Screenwriter, novelist and memoirist Leslie Lehr. She represents the business memoir and manifesto LEVEL UP by #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Political leader and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams*, and her business partner at NOW Corp, Lara Hodgson; three-time Olympic gold medalist and the most decorated US soccer player of all-time, former US National Team Captain, Christie Pearce Rampone, Three-time WWE WomenÕs Champion as ÒAJ LeeÓ and mental health advocate, AJ Mendez*, Ultra-marathoner, motivational speaker and Atlanta Hawks co-owner Jesse Itzler*, Celebrity trainer, fitness sensation and creator of the TorchÕd workout, Isaac ÒBootsÓ Calpito; Knicks Superfan Anthony Donahue; Bravo TVÕs Real Housewives of New York star Luann de Lesseps; Hip Hop DJ, producer and rapper with RUN D.M.C. and The Beastie Boys DJ Hurricane, Jukebox the Ghost guitarist and singer Tommy Siegel, Former TOPGUN instructor and defense analyst Commander Guy Snodgrass; Neuropsychologist and brain health expert, Dr. Kristine Keane; Pediatrician and parenting expert Dr. Harley Rotbart; Gastroenterologist, medical journalist and founder of TULA skincare, Dr. Roshini Raj; Disability rights activist Meg Zucker; Photographer and Artist-in-Residence at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, Christopher Michel, Survivor Corps founder Diana Berrent; Happiness entrepreneur Scott Simon, New York Law School professor Robert Blecker and Entrepreneurial lawyer Steve Cohen; Artist and Meme King Adam Padilla, and sculptor and artist Randy Polumbo; Author and writing coach Mina Samuels*, and bloggers David Futrelle aka We Hunted the Mammoth, Jill Smokler aka Scary Mommy, Latoya Shauntay Snell aka Running Fat Chef, *denotes NYT Bestselling author; **denotes Pulitzer and Polk award-winning author TALENT MANAGEMENT: Lisa manages a select number of her literary and entertainment clients, overseeing business matters, speaking engagements, and advising them over the course of their careers. Originally from Champaign, Illinois, Lisa has a BA in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She has been profiled for entrepreneurial activities on 60 Minutes, Prime Time Live, the BBC, and featured in Fortune, Money, The New York Times, Washington Post, London Times, Advertising Age, Smithsonian and other publications. Lisa is the subject of a Harvard Business School case study on The Prague Post, and has been an invited speaker and panelist at Harvard and Columbia Business Schools. She has two adult children and lives in Manhattan with her husband and their rescue dog, Luna May. Lisa is active on several non-profit boards and in her spare time loves to see Broadway shows and experimental theater. She is a veteran of four New York City marathons and several Olympic-distance triathlons. Lisa is a member of the Association of Author Representatives, the AuthorÕs Guild, the WomenÕs Media Group, and PEN America. She serves on the faculty of The Faulkner SocietyÕs WriterÕs Festival in New Orleans, LA and the Kauai WriterÕs Conference in Kauai, HI.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Computers, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Inspirational Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel, 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
Ann Leslie Tuttle is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. Ann Leslie Tuttle joined DG&B in 2017 after working for 20 years at Harlequin Books where she most recently was a Senior Editor. At Harlequin, she was fortunate to work on an extensive and varied list of bestselling and award-winning titles in romance and womenÕs fiction. She received her B.A. degree from the College of William and Mary and an M.A. from the University of Virginia. Finding and nurturing talented new writers has always been Ann LeslieÕs passion. At DG&B, she is actively seeking all kinds of romance from contemporaries, historicals, and romantic suspense to paranormals and inspirationals. Ann Leslie lives in New York City with her husband and young daughter, who is just discovering the magic of books and writing.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Dating Relationships Sex, Inspirational Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Self-Help CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Rachel Letofsky is a literary agent at the Transatlantic Agency. She has been working in publishing since 2010 and started building her list as a literary agent in 2013. She represents bestselling and award-winning authors such as Cherie Dimaline, Danny Ramadan, Ivan Coyote, Jessica Johns, and Vivek Shraya, and is the agent for the ground-breaking anthology Never Whistle at Night, edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore Van Alst Jr., which has been on the Indie Bestseller list since its publication in September 2023 and sold over 100,000 copies in North America. RachelÕs clients have been nominated for, and won, such prestigious prizes as the Kirkus Prize, the National Book Award, the Giller Prize, the Lambda Literary Award, the Governor GeneralÕs Awards, the OLAÕs Forest of Tree Awards, the WriterÕs Trust Awards, the Trillium Awards, the BC Book Awards, CBCÕs Canada Reads, the Sunburst Award, the Canadian Jewish Literary Awards, the Pink Triangle Awards, and the Rogers WritersÕ Trust Awards. Rachel travels extensively for pleasure and work, and attends many publishing events, conferences, fairs and festivals where she teaches classes, sits on panels, acts as a judge for literary competitions, and is consulted as a publishing expert. Rachel is currently on the board as secretary for PACLA (the Professional Association of Canadian Literary Agents), a position she has served in for four years, and she is a member of the AALA (the American Association of Literary Agents). A Canadian by birth, Rachel currently resides in the Oregon where she loves spending time with her family, the drizzly rainy weather, swimming in the ocean, hiking in the woods, Pilates, cooking and reading in Òthe comfy chairÓ with her three cats (when they arenÕt plotting their way into the fish tank).
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: History, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Poetry, Science, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction