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.
- The results are being filtered by the character: G
Biography
David Groff is a literary agent with Creative Management. David Groff scouts and develops fiction and nonfiction writers for the company, provides editorial expertise to company clients, and offers editorial services to outside clients. David is a veteran book editor, creative writing professor, and published poet with more than twenty-five years of experience in the publishing business. As a senior editor at Crown he acquired and edited such celebrated authors as Dave Barry, Jim Dwyer, Patrice Gaines, and Colin Harrison. As an independent editor and publishing consultant he has worked directly with authors, literary agents, and publishers. Writers whose books he edited have been published by Basic, Crown, HarperCollins, Miramax Books, William Morrow, and Wiley, among other houses, and several of his authorsÑincluding Homer Hickam, Gregory Maguire, and Christopher RiceÑhave become New York Times bestsellers. Along with his work with Rob Weisbach Creative Management, David continues to work with his outside authors. David has taught at the University of Iowa, New York University, and Rutgers, and has led seminars in publishing at the New School, The University of Pennsylvania, and Poets House. An award-winning writer and poet, David is the recipient of the National Poetry Series prize for his book Theory of Devolution. A graduate of Princeton and the Iowa Writers Workshop, he currently teaches creative writing in the MFA program of the City College of New York.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction NONFICTION: Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Health Wellness, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Religion, Science
Biography
Nikki Groom is a literary agent with SBR Media. She has been a part of the romance industry for over ten years. It started with a busy blog, which then led to turning her hand to writing and self-publishing her own passion projects, and an editing career quickly followed. She feels that she found her place in the world when she discovered all things literary, and the enthusiasm has only grown over the years. Nikki likes nothing better than to get lost in fictional worlds, and discovering new, talented authors. She is excited to have the opportunity to help authors spread their wonderful books around the world for readers to enjoy. ÔBelieve in yourself and anything is possible.Õ Nikki lives just outside of London in the UK with her husband and their herd of alpacas!
Notes
FICTION: Erotic Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction
Jill Grosjean
Jill Grosjean Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Postal MailBiography
Jill Grosjean is the literary agent with the Jill Grosjean Literary Agency. She has been a literary agent for sixteen years, the last thirteen as the head of her own agency. Prior to becoming an agent, Jill managed an influential independent bookstore. She also worked at a top advertising agency and in publishing.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction
Biography
Laura Gross is a literary agent with the Laura Gross Literary Agency. She says: “Born and raised in London, I worked for a prominent literary agent, as well as for three Members of Parliament (allowing me a fascinating view of the British governmentÕs innards before security was tight) before heading to the East Coast for college. With a B.A. in Comparative Literature, I began working in New York publishing as an assistant at two leading New York literary agencies, then I moved on to become the youngest editor at one of New YorkÕs oldest publishing houses. I have now been a literary agent for decades and am extremely lucky to love what I do. IÕm also fortunate that I represent a broad range of both fiction and non-fiction writers. These days, I am particularly interested in politics, current affairs, and espionage from a broad range of voices and perspectives.”
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Current Events Affairs, Environment, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Investigative, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Loren Grossman
Paul S. Levine Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Postal MailBiography
Loren Grossman is a literary agent with the Paul S. Levine Literary Agency. Areas of literary interest: Non-fiction: Archaeology; Art; Architecture; Autobiographies; Education / Academics; Gardening; Genealogy; Health / Medicine; Law; Science / Technology; Sociology Education: Ed.D., University of Southern California; J.D., University of Memphis; M.S., Health Science (Health Statistics and Research), California State University, Northridge; A.B., Sociology, University of California, Berkeley
Notes
NONFICTION: Architecture, Art, Autobiography, Cultural Social Issues, Education, Gardening, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Law Legal, Medical Medicine, Nonfiction, Science, Technology
Biography
Deborah Grosvenor is a literary agent with Grosvenor Literary Agency. Deborah has more than 25 years’ experience in the book publishing business as an agent and editor. During her career, she has edited or represented several hundred nonfiction books. As an editor, she acquired Tom Clancy’s first novel, The Hunt for Red October. Her distinguished client list includes nationally prominent writers, New York Times bestselling authors, and prize-winning historians and journalists. Among them are Eleanor Clift, Morton Kondracke, Thomas Oliphant, Henry Allen, Aaron Miller, Scott Wallace, Curtis Wilkie, Nina Burleigh and Elizabeth Pryor. Grosvenor is interested in narrative nonfiction in the categories of history, biography, politics, current and foreign affairs, memoir, food, health, the environment and travel. For fiction, she is simply interested in great storytelling, especially in an historical context. Grosvenor is the recipient of the TWIN award (Tribute to Women in Industry), an award given by the YWCA and industry to “outstanding women who have made significant contributions to their companies in managerial and executive positions.”
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Religious Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Environment, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Government, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Politics, Religion, Science, Travel, True Adventure
Biography
Pam Gruber is a literary agent with the High Line Literary Collective. She became a literary agent when she realized her favorite part of the publishing business was working closely with authors and artists, helping them to shape not only their stories, but also their careers. She got her start in publishing as an editor, working for over a decade at Hachette Book Group and went on to serve as the Editorial Director at childrenÕs media startup Rebel Girls before shifting gears. As an agent, Pam aims to sign authors, not just individual books, and she believes in collaboration, communication, creativity, and mutual respect. Her clients write in all categories, from childrenÕs and YA, to adult SFF and contemporary rom-com. She looks for work that is gripping from page one, whether thatÕs due to the voice, world building, or premise. She loves messy female protagonists, innovative twists on classic tropes, and getting swept away by fully realized worldsÑbe it the next town over or an imagined land unlike our own. She brings an inscrutable eye for detail to every book she gets her hands on, and her prior experience gives her insight into how editors think, and what theyÕre looking for. In her life outside of books (as if!), Pam is an aspiring art collector, avid window shopper, experimental baker, and Pilates enthusiast slowly fixing up the antique house she lives in with her husband, son, and feline familiars.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Beauty Fashion Style, History, Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Lisa Grubka is a literary agent with United Talent Agency (UTA). She represents a variety of fiction and non-fiction authors. Her writers have won the National Book Award and the PEN American Literary Award, and she has represented dozens of New York Times Best Sellers. Her clientsÕ books have been successfully adapted for television and translated into more than 30 languages. In fiction, Lisa represents literary fiction, along with some upmarket and Young Adult. She is often drawn to ÒcontainedÓ settings (campuses, unique communities, etc), family sagas, and complex relationships of all kinds. She looks for strong writing and voice (especially unique and diverse voices) but also appreciates page-turning momentum. In non-fiction, she represents narrative, science, nature, journalism, conversation-changing perspectives on currents events, food/lifestyle, and is generally interested in non-fiction that will help readers live better, more fulfilling lives. She often enjoys reading about subcultures or deep dives into a topic. Lisa joined UTA in 2023 after beginning her career at FSG, the WIlliam Morris Agency, and Fletcher & Co. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and lives in Brooklyn.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, Environment, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Technology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Laura Gruszka is a literary agent with Writers House. She says: “IÕm looking for authors and illustrators of childrenÕs books for all agesÑpicture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels. IÕm also open to adult graphic novels and adult literary fiction. My priority as a junior agent is uplifting traditionally underrepresented voices and stories in publishing. This applies to every category of books I am looking for. If you are a creator who is part of a marginalized communityÑregardless of whether you are specifically writing about identityÑplease send your work my way! For PBs, I have broad taste in stories, from all laughs to slice-of-life, though I tend to favor stories with an unforgettable main character, a strong voice, and a clear story arc. I love art with a voiceÑart with unmistakable style, energy, and heart. IÕm especially fond of books whose pages invite young readers to discover new details and secrets upon each read (inspired by my own hours poring over Hilary KnightÕs and Richard ScarryÕs art). (And if you happen to be tuned to the same frequency in voice and humor as Adventure Time and Over the Garden Wall…send your work my way.) Some favorites artists and storytellers: Jillian Tamaki, Lian Cho, Corey R. Tabor, Shaun Tan, Jon Klassen, Matthew Forsythe, Jœlia Sardˆ, Julie Benbassat, Lauren Castillo, Christian Robinson. In MG and YA, the first thing I fall for is prose. Whether lyrical and lush or impeccably voicey, IÕm looking for books whose lines are just as carefully crafted as their stories. I love all things magic, folklore, and wildly-imagined in any genreÑparticularly those that bend, defy, or reimagine genre conventions. I am open to submissions in verse, though I prefer verse that takes full stylistic advantage of the form (like LOVE THAT DOG by Sharon Creech). In addition to genre, IÕm equally drawn to quiet, meaningful everyday stories and unflinching looks at the difficulties of being a young person. IÕm looking for that book that makes young readers see their world differentlyÑperhaps more tenderlyÑwhen they put it down. Favorite MG: Anything by Tae Keller, TOO BRIGHT TO SEE by Kyle Lukoff, AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS by B. B. Alston, THE DOLDRUMS series by Nicholas Gannon, BLACK BIRD, BLUE ROAD by Sofia Pasternack, MOLLY MOON by Georgia Byng. Favorite YA: Anything by Deb Caletti, anything by Maggie Stiefvater, anything by Nina LaCour, THE HONEYS by Ryan La Sala, DARIUS THE GREAT IS NOT OKAY by Adib Khorram, MAN MADE MONSTERS by Andrea L. Rogers, SORCERY OF THORNS by Margaret Rogerson. For graphic novels and highly-illustrated MG, YA, and adult, I grew up on a steady diet of manga, which is where my art sensibilities tend to lie. My taste in childrenÕs and adult literary books carry over into my GN taste, and IÕm looking for everything from contemporary to genre to memoir. IÕm not the best fit for art and stories in the superhero comic tradition. Just a few favorites: Kay OÕNeill, Tillie Walden, Mariko Tamaki + Rosemary Valero-O’Connell, Kate Beaton, Josh Trujillo + Cara McGee + Brittany Peer + Gonalo Lopes. Most of all, IÕm eager to work with creators whose books will be life-changing to a young reader, whether itÕs by finally seeing an authentic representation of their own experience, learning about a subject not discussed in their everyday life, or igniting their lifelong love for reading. When it comes to adult literary fiction, IÕm looking for un-put-downable line-level writing and out-of-the-box thinking. In particular, IÕd love to read more brainy, literary horror. I love writing that doesnÕt shy away from the difficult, the unjust, and even the traumatic, as long as there is a kernel of heartÑand hopeÑat their center. And IÕm always game for the weird, the genre-bending, the oft-not-seen. Favorites: MONKEY BEACH by Eden Robinson, anything by Sarah Gailey, CONVENIENCE STORE WOMAN by Sayaka Murata, FEVER DREAM by Samanta Schweblin, CRUDDY by Lynda Barry, IF WE WERE VILLAINS by M. L. Rio, and anything by Brian Evenson.”
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Literary Fiction 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
Wendi Gu is an Agent at HG Literary. Before joining the HG Literary team in 2024, Wendi Gu was a literary agent at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates and Janklow & Nesbit. When she first moved to New York, she didnÕt plan on going into childrenÕs books Ñ she wanted to work with serious adult literary fiction Ñ but thanks to her great mentors and good luck she ended up working with authors and illustrators of books for young people. Today, WendiÕs author and illustrator clients have won the Caldecott Honor, Asian/Pacific American Library Award, the Stonewall Honor, Sydney Taylor Award, Geisel Honor, Governor General Literary Award, and Horn Book Award. They have also been nominated for the NAACP Image Award and made finalists for the Ezra Jack Keats Award. Her clients books have been New York Times, USA Today, and Indie bestsellers. Wendi represents everything in the young reader space, from preschool to young adult, with some select adult fiction and nonfiction. She is looking for picture books that straddle humor and heart, lyrical middle grade, and daring, sharp YA. She loves a visually striking board book, as well as graphic novels that share lesser-known pieces of history and those quieter slices of life. She especially adores stories of all genres if they are from around the world, multigenerational diaspora experiences, and books that teachers, librarians, and parents might find as helpful tools for challenging subjects. Wendi is from Chicago and studied English and Anthropology at Northwestern University. In her free time she plays piano (and still reads serious adult literary fiction Ñ but for fun!). She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and a dog named Beanie Gu.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Nonfiction 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
Robert Guinsler is a literary agent with Sterling Lord Literistic. Robert has been with Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc. since 2000. His general curiosity in all things has allowed him the opportunity to represent a wide variety of prize-winning and New York Times bestselling nonfiction authors and projects. From the geopolitical mosaics of journalists Rania Abouzeid and Mikhail Zygar, to the impassioned memoirs of Alex Marzano-Lesnevich and legendary gay rights activist Cleve Jones, to the comedic collections of Sarah Colonna, Phoebe Robinson and Egypt’s own Bassem Youssef, most every avenue of the nonfiction spectrum can be found on his list. As well, he has been a champion of LGBTQ+ voices his entire career and some of his authors include Hugh Ryan, Guy Branum, Peter Staley, The Estate of Gilbert Baker, and Evan Fallenberg, among many others. Additionally, he represents the Estate of Anne Sexton.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Spirituality CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Masha Gunic is a literary agent with the Jennifer Azantian Literary Agency. She started her career in publishing as an intern at the Azantian Literary Agency and has since held internships at Red Fox Literary and Writers House before working as an Editorial Assistant at Abrams Books on the children’s side for two years. Her love for books across genres, as well as her desire to find and foster great talent, drove her to make the transition from editorial back to the Azantian Literary Agency on the West Coast. Right now, Masha is only looking to acquire middle grade and young adult novels.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Lindsay Guzzardo is a literary agent with Martin Literary Management. Through tenures at Amazon Publishing, Guideposts Books, and Penguin/Signet, Lindsay Guzzardo acquired and edited numerous bestselling titles to fantastic customer and trade reviews, particularly in commercial fiction, women’s fiction, and romance. Now a Literary Manager of adult fiction, Lindsay applies her comprehensive market knowledge and keen editorial instinct to identify and nurture exciting new talent for MLM. She will consider any adult fiction with a clear, marketable, compelling hook, and strong voice. Her personal tastes align with the following wish list, but she would never shut herself off to The Next Big Thing! Lindsay is also interested in working with proven genre writers (i.e. previously published, award-winning/nominated, placement in contests, strong platform, etc.) from the elevator pitch onward. Bring her your pitches and she will help direct you which one to pursue, or she can provide you with one to flesh out into a proposal.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Biography
Julie Gwinn is the Vice President and a literary agent with The Seymour Agency. She has a background in editorial, launching the Pure Enjoyment line at B&H Publishing Group where she served as Fiction Publisher and was awarded Editor of the Year and Agent of the Year finalist by the American Christian Fiction Writers. Julie also has more than 25 years of public relations and marketing experience and has worked in marketing for several Nashville nonprofit organizations, including the Tennessee Association for the Education of Young Children, the Nashville Area Red Cross, and the YWCA. She puts that marketing expertise to use in working with her authors. Julie is actively looking for diverse voices in both fiction and non-fiction and is currently looking for romance, mystery/true crime, historical and speculative/fantasy novels. In non-fiction she is looking for self-help, lifestyle, motivational and sports related books. As of January, Julie’s query process has changed. She is no longer accepting email queries and has started using Query Manager to manage this part of the business. Please visit her Query Manager portal at the link below where you will find instructions on the process and how to upload your materials.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Design, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Health Wellness, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Inspirational Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Psychology, Religion, Self-Help, Sports, True Adventure, True Crime NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction