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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
Danielle Matta is a literary agent with the Robin Straus Agency. She is a Junior Agent at the Robin Straus Agency. She graduated from NYU with a BA in English, specializing in Creative Writing and Post-Colonial Literature, and joined RSA in May of 2020 after her internships at McIntosh & Otis and Writers House. She gravitates towards inclusive fiction and non-fiction with distinct, lyrical storytelling andÑbeing first-generation herselfÑunderrepresented voices of diasporic and immigrant communities. She also loves an unorthodox ghost story or psychological thriller. Although Danielle has lived in NYC since 2015, she grew up in Virginia, and therefore has a life-long love for farmers markets, cornbread, and green spaces.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science
Biography
Rebecca Matte is a literary agent with the Bradford Literary Agency. She joined Bradford Literary Agency as Contract Manager and agency assistant in 2022 before moving on to take on her own clients. Prior to working at Bradford, she worked as assistant to Executive Agent Laura Rennert at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, where she provided editorial and contract support for a wide array of books across genre and age range. Rebecca began her professional life as an IP and contracts lawyer for several prominent law firms in New York City, and now seeks to use those skills to raise up authors and help them succeed. A writer herself, Rebecca plans to be a highly editorial agent who will work with authors to help them bring their vision to reality on the page.In general, Rebecca absolutely loves adult and YA science fiction/fantasy and queer romance. But no matter the settingÑbe it a far off kingdom beset by magic or around the corner in BrooklynÑRebecca seeks out books that feature diverse, complex characters in deeply rooted relationships, platonic and romantic. A well-crafted romance will make her heart sing, while a beautifully detailed friendship will elevate any book to an instant favorite. She also gravitates towards inherently hopeful stories of self-discovery and reinvention at all ages, particularly those that center questions of gender and sexuality. She tries to bring magic to every moment of life, and loves books that do the same.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance, Science FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Anthony Mattero is a literary agent with Creative Artists Agency. Based in the New York office, he represents many of the worldÕs leading comedians, journalists, musicians, actors, athletes, and public figures in their book pursuits, including Oprah Winfrey, Arthur C. Brooks, Quinta Brunson, Jamie Foxx, Dwyane Wade, Wesley Lowery, Roy Wood Jr., Chris Bosh, Jo Koy, Natasha Leggero, Roy Choi, Chris Paul, Amber Ruffin, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, Dr. Brian Klaas, Commander Michael Hayes, Carmelo Anthony, Mayim Bialik, Jill Duggar, Josh Gad, and Hilarie Burton, among others.Mattero began his career at ICM in the Television Literary department and transitioned to book publishing in 2009. He joined CAA in 2018.Mattero graduated from Syracuse UniversityÕs S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications with a B.A. in Television, Radio, and Film and a B.S. in Political Science.
Notes
NONFICTION: Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Music, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Sports, Travel
Biography
Laura Lee Mattingly is a literary agent with Present Perfect Dept. She says: “Personal transformation is the first step in global transformation, and my passion is developing books that help readers discover more purpose, awareness, and fulfillment in life. IÕm especially looking for talent in the categories of self-help, social justice, spirituality, narrative nonfiction, essay collections, business, and select illustrated titles. In my nearly 20 years in the publishing business, IÕve collaborated with celebrated writers, activists, licensed therapists, spiritual thought-leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs to bring their book visions into printed reality. Many of my clientsÕ projects have been featured in major national media, translated into multiple languages, and gone on to become bestsellers. I love developing close working relationships with my clients. I take seriously my responsibility as an agent to elevate underrepresented voices and am a passionate advocate for the disability community. I am a member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA).”
Notes
NONFICTION: Art, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Illustrated, Law Legal, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Psychology, Self-Help, Spirituality, Women’s Issues
Biography
Jennifer Mattson is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Jennifer represents authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators who bring a distinct point of view to their work, and who tell stories with multiple layers. In middle grade and YA both, her heart beats faster for stories that cascade from a mind-expanding premise. She also loves survival stories and losing herself in Dickensian sagas (WOLVES OF WILLOUGHBY CHASE!), and enjoys watching characters puzzle their way through problems. She has a special soft spot for middle grade about resilient kids sorting out the messiness of life.Jennifer has worked previously as an editor at Dutton Children’s Books and as a Books for Youth staff reviewer at Booklist. Two fun facts: she spent a summer giving tours at Emily DickinsonÕs house, and has a coauthor credit in THE OFFICIAL EASY-BAKE OVEN COOKBOOK. Jennifer is based in Chicago, where, when not reading, she spends her free time in dance classes or jogging the lakefront.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Shari Maurer is a literary agent with the Stringer Literary Agency. Shari graduated from Duke University with a degree in English, and later studied Dramatic Writing at NYU. Following a stint at The ChildrenÕs Television Workshop on international productions of Sesame Street, she published both novels and non-fiction, and worked as a writer and editor. Shari has also written Parenting & Lifestyle columns for several websites. A mother of three, she lives in New York with her husband.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Humor Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Satire, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, ScienceCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Ed Maxwell is a literary agent with the Transatlantic Agency. He began his career in book publishing in 2011, as an assistant at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, Inc., working closely with Faith Hamlin for several years, before becoming a full agent in 2019. Ed is thrilled to have joined Transatlantic in the fall of 2022.Ed has always favoured representing visual storytellers and their captivating art-driven literature to publishers. Standout titles and authors include Feminist Baby by Loryn Brantz, Queer Love in Color by Jamal Jordan, The Fisherman and the Whale by Jessica Lanan, In Limbo by Deb JJ Lee, and the forthcoming picture book, WillowÕs Winter Walk by Stevie Lewis.Ed also represents adult non-fiction writers who are determined to break apart conventional wisdoms in favour of brighter futures. With extensive professional experience in politics, Ed aims to bring the best of a civic mentality to agenting Ð to make good, sustainable connections for his clients, holistically represent their interests, and help grow their work, one conversation at a time.Ed holds a BachelorÕs degree in History from New York University, with a focus in the 20th century political history of the Navajo Nation. Ed lives in Brooklyn, and when heÕs not negotiating on behalf of his clients, heÕs either shopping at a farmers market or shepherding his daughter from school to a playground.As an agent of Transatlantic, Ed is piling his desk with the work of award-winning and reader-beloved storytellers.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic NovelNONFICTION: Art, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, History, Illustrated, Nonfiction, Photography, PoliticsCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book
Biography
Laura Mazer is a literary agent with Wendy Sherman Associates. She specializes in adult nonfiction with a focus on womenÕs issues, intelligent pop culture, counterintuitive self-help, packaged gift or ÒconceptÓ books, and books that take us on geeky deep dives into fascinating facets of everyday life. She adores history, biography, and celebrations of literary legacies, especially when they offer fresh stories about women. She also represents select upmarket fiction.Before joining Wendy Sherman Associates, Laura was executive editor of Seal Press, an imprint of the Hachette Book Group, where she edited bold voices in adult nonfiction. Her New York Times bestselling books include So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo and From Cradle to Stage: Stories from the Mothers Who Rocked and Raised Rock Stars by Virginia Grohl. Previously, Laura was the managing editor of Counterpoint and executive editor of its imprint Soft Skull Press, where she acquired literary and upmarket fiction and narrative nonfiction.Before joining the book publishing industry, Laura was managing editor of the global news agency representing some of the most influential opinion writers and editorial cartoonists of the day, including Hillary Clinton, Arianna Huffington, Molly Ivins, Ann Landers, and Mike Luckovich. A longtime advocate for underrepresented voices, Laura sits on the board of The OpEd Project and teaches publishing workshops for Bold Voice Collaborative.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, Fitness, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, True Crime, Women’s Issues
Biography
Juliana McBride is a literary agent with the Rebecca Friedman Literary Agency. She began her career in New York City at Random House in 2000. After a decade working with all the in-house and third-party publishers, she and her husband (and twin daughters) embarked on their second act in California producing and selling wine. She never gave up her penchant for good stories though; enter act three. Juliana loves commercial and literary fiction, young adult novels, and fantasy. I mean, who doesnÕt secretly believe in magic? Like any true bookworm, Juliana is looking for transcendent stories that linger.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Margret McBride is a literary agent with the Margret McBride Literary Agency. She began a career that served her love of books in New York, working at Random House in New York. Her office was next door to the editor of the Doctor Seuss books. As postcards and missives from the author came to the editor, the editor would share them with her. The picture over his desk, the view of La Jolla from Ted GeiselÕs studio was a clue to her future. In 1980, she was living in La Jolla, and opening her literary agency and having fun times with Ted and his wife Audrey. In her ÒNew York YearsÓ in publishing she worked in the marketing departments of Random House and Ballantine Books, and as the Director of Publicity at Warner Books, and Director of Publicity, Promotions and Advertising for Pinnacle Books. Knowing what the media wants and readers love to read set the stage for her immediate success as an agent. In 1981, year later, she sold a small book to William Morrow (Harper Collins) by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson MD, called THE ONE MINUTE MANAGER. Thirty years and millions of copies later, the 30th Anniversary Edition THE NEW ONE MINUTE MANAGER was published. Two other bestselling parables followed years later: Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul and John Christensen (Hachette Books) will next year celebrate their the 20th Anniversary of FISH! A Remarkable Way To Boost Morale and Improve Results. Bob Burg and John Mann have just passed their tenth anniversary with Portfolio, their hugely successful, GO-GIVER A Little Story About A Powerful Business Idea.She is a member of the Association of Authors Representatives (AAR) and the AuthorÕs Guild. She is past-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the board of The La Jolla Playhouse located on the campus of the University of California at San Diego. La Jolla Playhouse is internationally renowned for creating some of the most exciting and adventurous work in American Theater, over 101 world premieres, 52 new works, 37 productions to BroadwayÑamong them JERSEY BOYS, MEMPHIS, THE WHOÕS TOMMY, Billy CrystalÕs 700 SUNDAYS, I AM MY OWN WIFE, and JUNK. Margret previously served on the Library Board of the University of California at San Diego and under her five-year direction, the UCSD Writers Conference attracted a distinguished faculty of publishers, editors and agents, as well as international participants.Margret is interested in a wide range of commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction, historical fiction, medical suspense, legal thrillers, and stories featuring strong female protagonists.Her nonfiction interests include biographies and memoirs, history, psychology, health, self-improvement and business, especially entrepreneurship, management, and finance. She also has had a weakness for perfectly executed, mind-blowing business parables.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Satire, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Animals, Art, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Rachel McCain is a literary agent with the Gold Dust Literary Agency. She says: “I accept nonfiction, adult fiction, YA fiction, and childrenÕs literature (fiction or nonfiction). I do not accept romance, erotica or religious/spiritual.I love nonfiction with a historical element (think Show Me a Hero). I absolutely love nonfiction stories that are unknown and/or overlooked. Dark and gritty stories are especially welcome (think Random Family and Grand Central Winter). In regards to fiction, I would love to find the next Alice Walker or James Baldwin. I would love something set in New York. I also love YA fiction with series potential Ð think Goosebumps, BabysitterÕs Club, The Princess Diaries. I am looking for the next Meg Cabot and R.L. Stine. For childrenÕs literature, I want something with diverse and unique characters. Make sure you hook me into your writing, from beginning to end. I need imagery. Dare to be creative. Also, please edit your writing thoroughly before you submit.”
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop CultureCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Bridget McCarthy is a literary agent with the McCormick Literary. Bridget McCarthy (they/she) is a literary agent and oversees contracts and domestic subrights. They are seeking literary and commercial fiction, young adult fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and cookbooks. They are a graduate of Fordham University.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Literary FictionNONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
E.J. McCarthy is a literary agent with the E.J. McCarthy Agency. He is a former executive editor with more than twenty years book-publishing experience (Bantam Doubleday Dell, Presidio Press, Ballantine/Random House). He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English at the Fordham University in Bronx, New York. He is a member of the Authors Guild.In addition to military history and politics, Mr. McCarthy represents history, biography, memoir, media, public policy, sports, other nonfiction, and select fiction.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Government, History, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Sports
Biography
Jim McCarthy is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. Jim interned for Dystel, Goderich & Bourret while studying urban design at New York University. Upon graduating, Jim realized he would much rather continue working with books than make the jump (as he had originally intended) to the field of city planning. Eighteen years later, he remains at DG&B as a VP and agent. As an avid fiction reader, his interests encompass both literary and commercial works in the adult, young adult, and middle grade categories. He is particularly interested in literary fiction, underrepresented voices, fantasy, mysteries, romance, anything unusual or unexpected, and any book that makes him cry or laugh out loud. In addition to fiction he is also interested in narrative nonfiction whether it be memoir, historical, science, pop culture, or just a darn good polemic.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Biography, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Travel, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Sean McCarthy is a literary agent and the owner of the Sean McCarthy Literary Agency. He began his publishing career as an editorial intern at Overlook Press and then moved over to the Sheldon Fogelman Agency. He worked as the submissions coordinator and permissions manager before becoming a full-time literary agent. Sean graduated from Macalester College with a degree in English-Creative Writing, and is grateful that he no longer has to spend his winters in Minnesota.He is drawn to flawed, multifaceted characters with devastatingly concise writing in YA, and boy-friendly mysteries or adventures in MG. In picture books, he looks more for unforgettable characters, off-beat humor, and especially clever endings. He is not currently interested in high fantasy, message-driven stories, or query letters that pose too many questions.
Notes
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
Shawna McCarthy is a literary agent with The McCarthy Agency.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science FictionNONFICTION: Autobiography, Biography, History, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Science, TechnologyCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Cameron McClure is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. Cameron McClure joined the Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2004. She represents a small and select group of authors and specializes in fiction. She is especially looking for projects that combine genre style plotting with literary quality writing. SheÕs up for anything speculative, and is interested in seeing science-fiction and fantasy, literary fiction, mystery and suspense, and projects with multi-cultural, international, environmental, and GBLT themes. SheÕs also drawn to projects that explore subcultures or topics that havenÕt quite broken into the mainstream. Some of her clients include Robert McCammon, Robert Jackson Bennett, Amy Alkon, Emily Winslow, Brian Francis Slattery, Molly Tanzer, Randy Henderson, Sarah Pemberton Strong, and Steve Bein.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Religious Fiction, Satire, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
David McCormick is a literary agent with the McCormick Literary. David has been a literary agent since 1998, first at IMG Literary and then as co-founder of his own agency. He was previously an editor at The New Yorker and Texas Monthly. He is a co-editor of The Ultimate Golf Book.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, Romance, Short Story Collection, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Travel
Biography
Taj McCoy is a literary agent at the Laura Dail Literary Agency. She aims to widen the entryway for marginalized authors and to normalize Black joy, fat joy, celebrations of culture, and love without limitations. An author and literary agent, she pulls from her experiences on the author’s side as teachable moments about the ins and outs of navigating the publishing industry for her clients. Taj gravitates toward distinct voices, dynamic settings, and complex characters with intersectional identities that pull at the heartstrings and incite full belly laughs. In nonfiction, she loves to see narratives about lesser-told parts of history and/or culture, of empowerment, with strong takeaways for readers.Before joining LDLA, Taj worked at Rees Literary Agency and assisted at Fuse Literary. She earned her bachelor’s in Business Law from Cal State Northridge and her law degree from Southwestern Law School. Following law school, she worked for 12 years at several law schools, leading admissions and recruitment efforts and career development.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Poetry, Pop Culture, Reference, Self-Help, Sports, TravelCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Caitlin McDonald is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. She joined DMLA in 2015, and was previously at Sterling Lord Literistic. She represents adult and young adult speculative fiction, primarily science-fiction, fantasy, horror, and related subgenres, as well as contemporary fiction about geeky characters. She also handles a small amount of nonfiction in geeky areas, with a focus on feminist theory/womenÕs issues and pop culture. Caitlin grew up overseas and has a BA in Creative Writing from Columbia University.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Western FictionNONFICTION: Animals, Art, Beauty Fashion Style, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Diet Nutrition, Environment, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Technology, Travel, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Trinity McFadden is a literary agent with The Bindery. She joined The Bindery in 2020, after having worked in traditional publishing for more than 12 years in editorial and public relations roles. Trinity has a bachelorÕs degree in philosophy, English, and journalism, and will graduate in 2022 with a masterÕs degree in business administration. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband and daughter. While her interests are broad, Trinity is especially seeking to promote under-represented voices with growing platforms. She values excellent writing combined with fresh ideas, especially around messages of liberation. If a book can help a reader understand themselves or the world in a new or better way, sheÕs intrigued. Her specialties include compelling practical and narrative nonfiction in categories including social & culture issues, feminism, religion & spirituality, history, biography, reportage, subcultures, and mental health & wellness. She is also interested in select childrenÕs picture books and in select suspense, upmarket, literary, and book club fiction.
Notes
NONFICTION: Animals, Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s BooksNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Holly M. McGhee is a literary agent with Pippin Properties. She still carried MADELINE around in 3rd gradeÑuntil Mrs. Carrier, her school librarian, tricked her into reading longer books by giving her one with her name on it, HOLLY IN THE SNOW. After college, Holly headed straight into the book world of New York City, where she has enjoyed being a secretary, an advertising manager, a sales rep (for one month), and in the six years prior to opening the doors at Pippin, an executive editor at HarperCollins. Now, as the President and Creative Director of Pippin she is dedicated to shepherding books that make a difference into the world. Someone once told her, “If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life,” and that has proven true for her.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic NovelNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
James McGowan is a literary agent with the BookEnds Literary Agency. Over the past decade, James has worked across all departments at BookEndsÐincluding the social media and finance departmentsÐwhich informs his tactical approach to representing clients. He also serves on several committees within the Association of American Literary Agents. As a co-host of the BookEnds YouTube Channel, James educates creators on all stages of publishing to promote accessibility in the industry. James currently lives in Staten Island, where he graduated with a MasterÕs in literature from the College of Staten Island. He is the author of the picture book GOOD NIGHT, OPPY! To learn more about his work, visit the BookEnds website or his website.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, ScienceCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book
Biography
Matt McGowan is a literary agent with the Frances Goldin Literary Agency. Matt is also a Vice President with the agency. He is looking for emotionally, intellectually, and formally adventurous work of all kinds and is particularly interested in writers who believe nonfiction can be as artful as fiction. Queries for literary fiction, essays, history, memoir, journalism, biography, music, popular culture & science, sports (particularly soccer), narrative nonfiction, cultural studies, as well as literary travel, crime, food, suspense and sci-fi are all welcome. Among MattÕs clients are Eula Biss, Stephen Burt, Dan Crane, John DÕAgata, Brian Evenson, Josh Garrett-Davis, Aram Goudsouzian, Justin Hocking, Lia Purpura, David Shields, and Ryan Van Meter. Matt was featured in Poets & WritersÔ ÒTwenty-One Agents You Should KnowÓ and his clients have won or been shortlisted for the PEN/Martha Albrand Award, Pen/Revson Award, PEN USA Award, the New York Public Library Young Lions Award, the O. Henry Award, the Graywolf Literary Nonfiction Award, the Pushcart Prize, the Rona Jaffe Award, the Edgar Award, the Orion Book award, the Triangle Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and have received NEA, Whiting, Guggenheim, and Lannan Foundation grants. They publish in major magazines like The New Yorker, Harpers, and the New York Times Magazine, direct MFA writing programs such as Brown University and the University of Iowa, and have appeared on The Colbert Report, Conan OÕBrien, Bookworm, NPR, as well as covers of the New York Times Book Review and New York Times bestseller lists.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Satire, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Sports, Travel
Biography
Erica McGrath is a literary agent with Writers House. She I am a junior agent actively growing my list of adult and childrenÕs books. IÕve been at Writers House since my intern days back in 2018, since then, IÕve worked closely with the contracts department, and have supported Senior Agents Stephen Barr and Susan Cohen. Under their mentorship, IÕve had the opportunity to work closely with a range of award-winning authors and illustrators including Maggie Thrash, Anna Walker, Mark Leiknes, Jared Dillian, F.C. Yee, Jeanette Winter, Stacy Innerst, and Emily Hughes.Before joining Writers House, I studied Visual Arts and English at SUNY New Paltz and interned at not-for-profit art organizations like The Center for Photography at Woodstock and Musee Magazine. Now, combining my literary and artistic passions with my business sensibilities, IÕm dying to read your work! As a Cancer sun, Virgo rising, and the eldest daughter of four siblings, I come well equipped as an intuitive, organized, and dedicated advocate. I am a passionate collaborator eager to support authors on this emotional journey to create lasting and inspiring projects.IÕm looking to work with authors and illustrators across all age ranges, in genres ranging from picture books to middle grade and YA, to adult literary fiction and nonfiction. My taste is wide ranging.”
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, MysteryNONFICTION: Art, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, Memoir, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop CultureCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Peter McGuigan is a literary agent with and the founder of Ultra Literary. With mega-bestselling clients including Jennette McCurdy and Trevor Noah, Peter McGuigan represents literary stars, both todayÕs and tomorrows. After almost thirty years in the book publishing business, Peter has seen the industry – and the agent’s role in it – evolve.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, ThrillerNONFICTION: Art, Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Science, Technology, True Adventure, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kate McKean is a literary agent with the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. Kate McKean joined HMLA in 2006. She earned her masterÕs degree in fiction writing at the University of Southern Mississippi and began her publishing career at the University Press of Florida. She is proud to work with New York Times bestselling authors in a wide variety of genres including Daniel Mallory OrtbergÕs TEXTS FROM JANE EYRE, Madeleine RouxÕs YA horror series ASYLUM, and Brittany GibbonsÕ memoir FAT GIRL WALKING. In addition to working with clients, she is an adjunct professor at New York University.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, BIPOC Nonfiction, Computers, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Design, Food Drink, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Pop Culture, Sports, TechnologyCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction