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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.
- The results are being filtered by the character: S
Biography
Tricia Skinner is a literary agent with Fuse Literary. She is a Senior Agent at Fuse Literary, joining the company in 2015. She enjoys discovering fantastic writers who wish to establish long-lasting careers in publishing. She seeks to build a powerful client list of authors who produce original, extraordinary tales, especially writers from marginalized communities, because no one should feel excluded from their favorite fiction categories. Writing has consistently played a significant part in TriciaÕs life. After earning an undergraduate degree from the nationally acclaimed Journalism Institute for Media Diversity at Wayne State University, she started her writing career as a newspaper reporter for The Detroit News, InvestorÕs Business Daily, MSN, and The Houston Chronicle. SheÕs worked in academia and video games industry, later earning her graduate degree from Southern Methodist University. TriciaÕs experience as a published fantasy author informs her approach to agenting. She knows the highs and lows, the joy of accomplishment and the hurt of adversity. She communicates regularly with her clients, brainstorms ideas, gives feedback, and listens to their concerns. Tricia is Team Vader, listens to K-pop, loves everything Marvel, and finds great joy in learning a new language.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction
Victoria Skurnick
Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Victoria Skurnick is a literary agent with the Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency. Victoria came to Levine Greenberg after being at The Book-of-the Month Club for almost twenty years. As Editor-in-Chief, she relished the opportunity to devour every kind of book, from the finest literary fiction to Yiddish for Dogs. Anne Tyler, John LeCarre, Amy Tan, Tom Wolfe, Stephen King, Michael Lewis, Lee Child, Roddy Doyle, Alice Sebold, Tracy Kidder, Julia Child and Susan Elizabeth Phillips are just a few of the authors that make her deaf and blind to anyone around her when she’s reading. Victoria’s other addiction besides reading is music. She has sung in many choirs in New York City and spent a few ostensibly happy years singing rock in groups like Big and the Evolution. No, you haven’t heard of it-if you had, she wouldn’t be an agent. She also is the co-author (with Cynthia Katz) of seven novels written by “Cynthia Victor.” Raised in New Rochelle, NY, Victoria went to the University of Wisconsin where she studied political science with an emphasis on constitutional law, a subject that still fascinates her. Neither adventurous nor peripatetic, she has remained within a 20-mile radius of home since her day of birth.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Self-Help, Sports, True Crime
Biography
Alexander Slater is a literary agent with Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. Alex has only ever worked for authors. A UConn graduate with a concentration in creative writing, he has experience in every area of literary agenting, from interning and assisting, to selling foreign rights and cultivating his own client list. After two years at the Maria Carvainis Agency, and twelve years at Trident Media Group, heÕs thrilled to be bringing his passion for publishing and his expertise in its business to SJGA and GreenburgerKids. As always, Alex seeks to launch careers, especially for writers who have been systematically held back. His clients today include several award-winning and New York Times bestselling authors. Please query him with smart and innovative thrillers, as well as witty and original rom-coms in the YA space. As for middle grade, he loves graphic novels and hopes to see more grounded sci-fi and fantasy, as well as books that aim for the highest literary prizes. Ultimately, all stories must have that sense of urgency that the best books for children share, and be from writers passionate about their own voice and eager to engage in the diverse and dynamic conversation already ongoing in contemporary literature.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Madison Smartt Bell is a literary agent with Ayesha Pande Literary. He is the author of twelve novels, including The Washington Square Ensemble, Waiting for the End of the World, Straight Cut, The Year of Silence, Doctor Sleep, Save Me, Joe Louis, Ten Indians, SoldierÕs Joy, Anything Goes, All Souls Rising (National Book Award and PEN/Faulkner finalist), Master of the Crossroads, The Stone That The Builder Refused, DevilÕs Dream, and The Color of Night. Bell has also published three collections of short stories: Zero db, Barking Man, and Zig-Zag Wanderer; two biographies: Toussaint-Louverture and Lavoisier in the Year One; and a memoir of travel in Haiti, Soul in a Bottle. With Wyn Cooper, the other head of the two-headed singer songwriter Bell & Cooper, he has released two albums: Forty Words For Fear and Postcards out of the Blue. Born and raised in Tennessee, he has lived in New York, Paris and London. A graduate of Princeton University and the Hollins College graduate creative writing program, he has taught in many other writing programs, including Goucher College, the Iowa WritersÕ Workshop, and the Johns Hopkins University Writing Seminars. For thirty years he has helped writers place their manuscripts on a pro bono basis. He is interested in literary fiction, noir, criminal procedurals, work from the Caribbean basin and other diasporas, and anything genuinely original and fresh.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Thriller
Biography
Andie Smith is an Agent at Creative Media Agency, Inc. She has been obsessed with books from a young age. Growing up reading above her grade level in school, she was the girl who always had her nose in a book. When she discovered the agonizing pain of a book hangover after finishing a favorite series, Andie quickly learned she wanted to pursue a career in literature so she could be stuck in her favorite worlds forever. She has previously served as a writer and editor for several local newspapers and magazines in Central Florida. In 2022, she interned at Booker Albert Literary and was promoted to junior agent in 2023. After graduating with her MasterÕs in Public Administration, Andie joined the team at CMA in 2025. As an autoimmune advocate, she is passionate about working with authors who share a deep connection with their characters and embrace life through all disabilities, even the invisible ones. She is still growing her list and welcoming authors to join her team.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Bridget Smith is a literary agent with the Jabberwocky Literary Agency. She joined JABberwocky as an agent in May 2019. She grew up in Connecticut and graduated from Brown University with a BA in anthropology in 2010. After graduation, she interned at Don Congdon Associates, worked at a secondhand bookstore, and read submissions for Tor.com. In 2011, she started as an assistant at Dunham Literary, and she remained there as an agent for nearly eight years. In her spare time, she runs, plays Irish fiddle, and co-hosts the podcast Shipping & Handling with fellow agent Jennifer Udden of New Leaf Literary.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ciara Smith is a literary agent with the Corvisiero Literary Agency. She was raised by an editor who instilled in her a love of reading and writing. In her youth, she penned short stories, but left writing behind when she joined the US Navy. But, of course, that love for words never wavered even during her service, and she readily volunteered to edit and review any and all paperwork, reports, and regulations she could get her hands on. After becoming a parent to two beautiful daughters, she decided to leave the military to pursue various creative arts and returned to her first love of writing and editing. Ciara earned her Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and joined a small press as a freelance editor. She provides editing and beta reading services to friends she’s made in the writing community and is elated at the chance to support authors even more as she builds her list at Corvisiero. Ciara is especially excited for the opportunity to champion diverse, ND, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ authors.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Crime 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, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s Fiction 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, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction
Biography
Eric Smith is the founder and a literary agent at Neighborhood Literary. With over fifteen years of experience in publishing, both at a house and an agency, Eric Smith (he/him) has worked with numerous New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors across genres and categories.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Health Wellness, Memoir, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Latoya Smith is a literary agent with and the founder of LCS Literary Services.LCS Literary Services was founded by Latoya C. Smith in February 2016, offering an array of editorial, ghostwriting and management services. Latoya started her editorial career as an administrative assistant to New York Times bestselling author, Teri Woods at Teri Woods Publishing while pursuing her BachelorÕs Degree at Temple University. She graduated Cum Laude from Temple in August of 2005. She then attained a full-time position at Kensington Publishing in March of 2006. In October 2006, Latoya joined Grand Central Publishing, an imprint at Hachette Book Group. For the span of her eight years there, Latoya acquired a variety of titles from Hardcover fiction and non-fiction, to digital romance and erotica. She was featured in Publishers Weekly, Forbes and USA Today, as well as on various author, book conference, and book blogger websites. In early 2014, she appeared on CSpan2 where she contributed to a panel discussing the state of book publishing. From August 2014 to February 2016, Latoya was Executive Editor at Samhain Publishing where she acquired short and long-form romance and erotic fiction. She is the winner of the 2012 RWA Golden Apple for Editor of the Year, 2017 Golden Apple for Agent of the Year, and the 2017 Literary Jewels Award for Editor of the Year. Latoya is an editor, literary agent, and ghostwriter.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Health Wellness, How-To, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Lindsey Smith is a literary agent with the Speilburg Literary Agency. She got her start in the publishing industry as an author. After her own publishing success, she started working with other writers to help launch their books and shape their careers. To date, Lindsey has worked with over 1,000 authors and negotiated book deals even before becoming an agent. Her unique perspective helps shape her passion for the industry and her role as an advocate for her clients. Formerly a publicist and hailing from the world of self-publishing, Lindsey understands the importance of branding, and she works with each client not only to sell a book but to build a career. Lindsey is excited to work with first-time authors as well as those who are established. She is seeking nonfiction only, specifically prescriptive nonfiction that is compelling, and voice-driven, with the ability to shed light on a topic that might be unknown. She especially loves projects and people that bring humor to serious situations. Lindsey is interested in cookbooks, lifestyle, health, pop culture, gender issues, self-help, true crime, and current events. She is especially interested in podcast-to-book ideas, journalists who specialize in specific research, and cookbooks that have a niche and/or narrative voice. Please do not send diet books. Lindsey lives in Pittsburgh with her punk rock husband and their adorable rescue pup, Ms. Winnie Cooper.
Notes
NONFICTION: Animals, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Design, Fitness, Food Drink, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Self-Help, True Crime, Women’s Issues
Biography
Sarah Smith is a literary agent with the David Black Agency. She began her publishing career in 2008 working for Algonquin Books in Chapel Hill, NC as an editorial intern. Soon thereafter, she moved to New York City to work at Trident Media Group as an assistant in the literary and book-to-film departments. She joined the David Black Agency in 2012. Sarah represents award-winning and best-selling nonfiction. She is interested in books that teach readers something new or offer a novel perspective, in particular in the space of food and drink, health/ medicine/ wellness, narrative nonfiction, personal finance/ business, memoir, essays, and cultural criticism. She loves working with experts in their fields and is always interested in projects that concern pop culture, art/ design/ music, and the cultural zeitgeist. In addition, Sarah represents a number of collaborative writers who partner with authors on cookbooks, memoir, leadership and sports books, and more. Select titles include Salad Freak by Jess Damuck (Abrams), Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ (Clarkson Potter), Indian-ish by Priya Krishna (HMH), And Now We Have Everything by Meaghan O’Connell (Little, Brown), Poilane by Apollonia Poilane (HMH), The Suspect by Kent Alexander and Kevin Salwen (Abrams Press), A Table by Rebekah Peppler (Chronicle), and Meet the Frugalwoods by Elizabeth Willard Thames (Harper Business). Sarah has a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa with highest honors. After college, she lived and worked for a while in Argentina. She has spoken at conferences across the country, including AWP, IACP, and SDSU Writers Conference and is passionate about demystifying the opaque world of book publishing. For three years, Sarah curated the weekly True Story: Nonfiction at KGB reading series at KGB Bar in the East Village. She lives with her husband in Brooklyn.
Notes
NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Self-Help, Sports, True Crime
Michael Snell
The Michael Snell Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Postal MailBiography
Michael Snell is a literary agent with and the founder of The Michael Snell Literary Agency. He has authored, co-authored, and collaborated on 50 books, including The New York Times best sellers Creating Excellence with Craig Hickman (New American Library), The Oz Principle with Roger Connors and Tom Smith (Prentice-Hall /Portfolio), How Did That Happen with Roger Connors and Tom Smith (Portfolio), Change the Culture, Change the Game with Roger Connors and Tom Smith (Portfolio) and Leadership IQ (Wiley) with Emmett Murphy. Other recent collaborations include Business at the Speed of Now with John Bernard (Wiley), Talent IQ with Emmet Murphy (Adams Media), Your Inner CEO with Allan Cox (Career Press), Iron Butterflies with Birute Regine (Prometheus), What Keeps Leaders Up at Night with Nicole Lipkin (AMACOM), The New Corporate Facts of Life with Diana Rivenburgh (AMACOM), Primal Teams with Jackie Barretta (AMACOM), Career Courage with Katie Kelley (HarperCollins), The Insider’s Guide to Culture by Siobhan McHale (Harper-Collins), and The Culture Puzzle by Mario Moussa (Berrett-Kohler). Specializing in business books, he has agented over 1000 titles since founding his agency in 1978. Successful titles include Journey To The Emerald City by Roger Connors and Tom Smith (Prentice-Hall/Portfolio), which appeared from Portfolio in 2011 as Change the Culture/Change the Game, Bargaining for Advantage and The Art of Woo by Richard Shell (Penguin), The Ultimate Sales Letter by Dan Kennedy (Adams Media), Topgrading by Brad Smart (Prentice-Hall/Portfolio), The Complete IdiotÕs Guide to MBA Basics by Tom Gorman (alpha), Why DidnÕt I Think of That? by Charles McCoy (Prentice-Hall/Portfolio), and Leading Self-Directed Work Teams by Kim Fisher (McGraw-Hill). He also collaborated on Sally EdwardsÕ Heart Zone Training (Adams Media) and many pet books, including Myrna MilaniÕs Body Language and Emotion in Dogs and Body Language and Emotion in Cats, (Morrow/HarperCollins). His Prima/Crown book From Book Idea to Bestseller has helped thousands of aspiring writers get their work successfully published. A frequent speaker at writersÕ conferences and workshops, Michael constantly promotes both his titles and those on which he has collaborated. His media contacts create feature articles in local and national newspapers and magazines as well as appearances on radio and television.
Notes
NONFICTION: Animals, Business Book, General Nonfiction, Money Finance, Nonfiction
Patricia Snell
The Michael Snell Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Postal MailBiography
Patricia Snell is a literary agent with The Michael Snell Literary Agency. Patricia Snell, Executive Vice-President and Senior Agent and at the Michael Snell Literary Agency, has worked as a book publishing professional since 1991. An accomplished agent, book developer and writing collaborator, she specializes in adult non-fiction, particularly self-help and how-to books in all subject areas. She has overseen the publication of successful titles on business, parenting, communication, travel, health, pets, and women’s issues. Successful books she has developed and sold include Jake Breeden’s Tipping Sacred Cows (Jossey-Bass), Donny Ebenstein’s Now I Get It (AMACOM Books), Julie HansenÕs Act Like a Sales Pro (Career Press), David Petersam’s Top MBA Programs (Jist), Paul ColemanÕs How to Say It To Your Kids, Richard Heyman’s How To Say It To Your Teens (Prentice-Hall Press), June Paris’ But I Didn’t Mean To Say That (New Harbinger), Joel Widzer’s The Penny Pincher’s Guide To Luxury Travel (O’Reilly), Jim McKenzieÕs The Five-Gallon Bucket Book (Andrews McMeel), Stacy Rubin’s The Happy Breast-fed Baby (AMACOM Books), Gincy Bucklin’s What Your Horse Wants You To Know, How Your Horse Wants You To Ride. More How Your Horse Wants You To Ride (Wiley/Howell) and The Gentle Art Of Horseback Riding (Human Kinetics), Joy RobertsÕ The Joy of Horses (Contemporary Books), Jay AhujaÕs Fields of Dreams and Speed Dreams (Kensington), Paulette DaleÕs Did You Say Something, Susan? (Kensington), Francis BudaÕs Holistic Sleep (Kensington), Jeanette Smith’s The Creative Wedding (Adams Media), Paul Coleman’s You, Him And The Other Woman (Adams Media), Paul ColemanÕs The Complete IdiotÕs Guide to Intimacy (alpha Books), and Finding Peace In Your Heart When Your Heart Is In Pieces (Adams Media), Rosanne Thomas’ Excuse Me (AMACOM Books). She has also consulted with Michael Snell on his guide to getting published, From Book Idea To Bestseller (Crown), and several New York Times bestselling business books, including Leadership IQ (Wiley) by Emmett Murphy, The Oz Principle, How Did That Happen and Change The Culture/Change The Game by Roger Connors and Tom Smith (Penguin/Portfolio), Business at The Speed Of Now (Wiley) by John Bernard, and What Keeps Leaders Up At Night (AMACOM Books) by Nicole Lipkin.
Notes
NONFICTION: Animals, Business Book, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, How-To, Nonfiction, Parenting, Self-Help, Travel, Women’s Issues
Biography
Shannon Snow is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency, Inc. She worked in finance and marketing for 18 years before turning to her childhood first loveÉ books and writers. She started her career in publishing 2018 and then joined Creative Media Agency, Inc. in 2018, first as an intern, before moving up to an Associate Agent in 2020. Shannon has a B.A. in English Language and Literature. She manages the audio rights for CMA.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Lee Sobel is a literary agent with and the owner of the Lee Sobel Literary Agent. He says: “My name is Lee Sobel and I am a music promoter, literary agent and filmmaker. Music drives everything I do and first and foremost I consider myself a music fan. The first feature film I directed was released as ÒRockabilly VampireÓ and when I premiered the film in 1996 with seven bands from the soundtrack performing live it launched my career as a music promoter. To date I have put on thousands of events in clubs with as many as 1500 attendees but I love putting on shows in small bars too. I currently put on shows all over the country and always try my hardest to make these special events wherever possible. I invented something I like to call Òthe mini-festivalÓ where all the bands match up by genre. This helps bands to build a support system with other bands of the same style and to give the shows more impact. It has also enabled me to get some very nice press coverage. For many years I put on swing dancing events and IÕve recently started putting them on again under the name Arcadia Swing. In 2016 I launched the Lee Sobel Literary Agency and have made a number of deals for music driven memoirs and biographies. As a filmmaker I directed seven low budget features and am now developing a music-driven documentary.”
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Illustrated, Lifestyle, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Pop Culture, Reference, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Nat Sobel is a literary agent with Sobel Weber Associates. Nat founded the agency in 1970. He is a former bookseller, publisher’s sales rep., marketing director, and subsidiary rights agent. He holds a B.A. in English from the City College of New York. He is a founder of the New York Literary Writers Conference.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, General Nonfiction, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Nonfiction
Biography
Shania Soler is a literary agent with the Metamorphosis Literary Agency. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Shania has been an avid book lover from the moment she picked up Richelle MeadÕs Vampire Academy. Ever since then, her TBR pile has steadily grown. Currently working on an MA at the University of Leeds, she has received her BachelorÕs of Arts in English from the University of Maine and plans to pursue a PhD in Japan, where she spent 7 months during her undergrad studying the language and culture. When not reading, she can be found lounging with her cat, Marlow, or studying for her degree.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Bonnie Solow is a literary agent with Solow Literary Enterprises. After many years as a journalist and film and publishing executive, Bonnie found her true calling when she established Solow Literary Enterprises in 1997. Curious and adventurous by nature, Bonnie has traveled and lived around the globe. She has kayaked in Alaska, trekked across New Zealand, salsa danced in Havana, communed with elephants in Laos, and lived for a year in a Calabrian village where the residents speak medieval French. Oh, and when she was younger she was kissed by Elvis, worked as Joe Cocker’s maid, and babysat for Bob Dylan’s kids. Her Italian is pretty decent. Bonnie has spoken to writers at the Stanford WriterÕs Workshop, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, and the California Institute of Integral Studies and is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents and The Authors Guild. Bonnie studied at the University of Copenhagen.
Notes
NONFICTION: Animals, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Education, Environment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality
Biography
Andrea Somberg is a literary agent with the Harvey Klinger Literary Agency. A literary agent for over twenty years, Andrea represents a wide range of fiction and nonfiction, including projects for adult, young adult and middle grade audiences. Her clientsÕ books have been NYTimes and USA Bestsellers, GMA and Target Book Club Picks, winners of ALAÕs Alex Award and the Nebula, nominated for The Edgar Award, The Governor GeneralÕs Award, the Lambda Award, the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award, the Ohioana Award and the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award, Junior Library Guild Selections, PublishersMarketplace’s Buzz Book Selections, and have been named best books of the year by NYPublic Library and Book of the Month Club. She also actively pursues film and tv rights, and has had projects optioned by 20th Century Fox, Imagine Entertainment, Warner Brothers and others. Andrea is a guest instructor for MediaBistro and Writers Digest.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Computers, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Design, Diet Nutrition, Economics, Fitness, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Technology, Travel, True Crime, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
DongWon Song is a literary agent with the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. DongWon Song represents commercial fiction for adult, young adult, and middle grade readers as well as select nonfiction. He was formerly an editor at Orbit and a product manager for the ebook startup Zola Books. He has also taught as an adjunct instructor in the publishing program at Portland State University. He joined HMLA in 2015. For adults, he is currently looking for thrillers with either a speculative edge or a focus on technology. Non-fiction personal narratives, food writing, and science writing, in particular work that addresses race and culture in these disciplines. For children, he is looking for science fiction, contemporary thrillers, horror, or fantasy that focuses on the experiences of marginalized people.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kelly Sonnack is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. For the past 18 years, Kelly has been championing writers and artists in nearly every category, format, and age group. She loves working with debut authors and illustrators as well as bestsellers and award-winning creators who are deep into their careers, and excels at developing strategies for clients at each stage of the creator’s journey. Kelly represents all categories and genres of children’s books but right now, she’s looking for the following categories: Graphic novel artists or author-illustrators (I am not open to representing new GN script writers) Illustrators and author-illustrators of picture books. This includes illustrators who want to illustrate another writer’s words, or artists who want to write and illustrate their own stories. Within these categories, Kelly is particularly interested in stories on the following topics, themes and story elements: Fiction and nonfiction unafraid to center queer and trans identities Stories celebrating alternative family structures Comedy/humor Innovative writing/storytelling (including visual storytelling) Kelly is on the board of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA). She is also on the AALA’s Membership Commitee and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee where she co-directs a mentorship program that provides support to agents from underrepresented backgrounds. Kelly grew up overseas, primarily in Singapore, and now lives in Southern California.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Arley Sorg is a literary agent with KT Literary. He is primarily interested in adult speculative titles, including science fiction, fantasy, and horror with speculative/fantastic elements, literary speculative fiction, and climate fiction. Arley is a two-time World Fantasy Award Finalist and a two-time Locus Award Finalist for his work as co-Editor-in-Chief at Fantasy Magazine. He is also a SFWA Solstice Award Recipient, a Space Cowboy Award Recipient, and a finalist for two Ignyte Awards: for his work as a critic as well as for his creative nonfiction. Arley is senior editor at Locus Magazine, associate editor at both Lightspeed & Nightmare, a columnist for The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, and conducts interviews for Clarkesworld. Arley grew up in England, Hawaii, and Colorado, and lives in the SF Bay Area. He is a 2014 Odyssey Writing Workshop graduate. Find out more on his personal site (arleysorg.com) and look for him on QueryTracker.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction
Biography
Laura Southern is a literary agent with Wolf Literary Services. She joined Wolf Literary Services in 2021 as an assistant to Kirsten Wolf and is now building her list as an associate agent. Born and raised in Texas, Laura received her BA in English from Baylor University before moving to New York City, where she earned her MS in Publishing from New York University while assisting at Morhaim Literary. Laura loves lyrical prose and character-driven narratives. In adult, she is looking for fantasy, science-fiction, and horror with lush worldbuilding and voice that vibrates off the page. SheÕs a fan of villains, setting as character, and stories that dive headfirst into the weird or strange. Romcoms and romantasies with sharp, witty prose are also high on her list. As a Texan native, Laura has a soft spot for narratives set in the South, particularly when told from diverse perspectives and featuring LGBTQ+ narrators. In young adult, Laura is interested in speculative fiction across any subgenre, as well as select contemporary fiction. Laura loves the fae, magical animals, dark academia, marching band, new twists on quest narratives, genre-blending, found family, mythological retellings, and dragons. Laura is not open to picture book, middle grade, or unsolicited nonfiction queries at this time.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Kerry Sparks
Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Kerry Sparks is a literary agent with the Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency. She joined LGR in 2008, coming to book publishing after several years in the film and television industry. With a love for all these mediums of storytelling, she gravitates toward books that have a cinematic feel or visual element that lend to film or television adaptation. She primarily represents fiction with a specific focus on novels for teens and young adults but regardless of age is always on the hunt for books that combine a solid hook and great writing and that have an undeniably fresh yet relatable voice. She also represents a select list of nonfiction writers. A few of her clients include NYT and International Bestselling author Jennifer Niven, National Book Award Finalist Carrie Arcos, illustrator and author Mark Pett, bestselling author Susan Wittig Albert, novelist Camille Perri, essayist and poet Shayla Lawson, and a robust list of JennifersÑ Jennifer Mathieu, Jenny Lundquist, Jennifer Gray Olson, and Jenny Torres Sanchez to name a few. Kerry grew up in the woods of Oregon as the extroverted early bird in a family of introverted night owls, and, as a middle child, learned how to negotiate while keeping the peace at a young age. She graduated with honors from California State University, Los Angeles with a degree in English, where she also published short stories and wrote and produced plays. After a decade in Manhattan, Kerry now heads up the LGR Oregon outpost in Portland where she lives with her husband and two daughters. Kerry is the co-author of the hipster baby name book Hello, My Name Is Pabst and will gladly help clients name their characters upon request.
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FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Economics, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Poetry, Politics, Pop Culture CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Alice Speilburg is a literary agent and founder of the Speilburg Literary Agency. Her first editing gig was on the news desk of her college daily, and she is still drawn to compelling nonfiction stories, especially those written by journalists, that deepen our understanding of culture and society. In fiction, she loves a complete immersion read that takes her to another world through the eyes of unconventional characters. Alice previously worked at John Wiley & Sons, and Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. She has worked with bestselling and award-winning authors, literary and professional societies, and branded content. She spends her weekends hiking with her husband and two sons.
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FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Environment, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Sports, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s Issues
Biography
Erica Spellman-Silverman is a literary agent at Trident Media Group. At 23 years old, Erica Spellman Silverman began her career at ICM. Coming from a family of writers and editors, sheÕs loved books all her life. She represented journalists Hunter S. Thompson, Tim OÕBrien, Robert Scheer, Robert Greenfield, Tim White, and Cameron Crowe, among others. Many went on to become novelists, screenwriters, and directors. After transitioning to the film side of the business, Erica found that she missed working with novelists and moved to The William Morris Agency (now William Morris Endeavor), where she became Vice President. There, she could work with writers in all categories: books, film, and theater. Lionel Schriver, Scott Spencer, Eve Babitz, and Robin Cook are among the many writers she represented. She was also responsible for their movie and TV deals. Having worked at ICM and William Morris, she made a transition to running United Artists in New York so she could see the other side of the fence. ÒI couldnÕt get back to being an agent fast enough!Ó Erica says. ÒI love finding my own writers and not being dependent on the committee mentality one needs as a buyer.Ó Erica has been at Trident for ten years, where she has had the wonderful opportunity to work with fantastic writers, including Andrew Mayne, Barbara Lynch, Cherise Wolas, Esther the Wonder Pig, Eve Babitz, Jennifer L. Scott, Rachel Van Dyken, Robin Cook, and many others. She also uses her knowledge of the movie business to handle book-to-film and TV rights for many of TridentÕs agents. Her client list is fairly eclectic. Her interest lies less in genre than in great storytellingÑErica says, Òanything that gets into your head and your heart, anything you canÕt stop thinking about, whether itÕs literary fiction, thrillers, young adult, or memoir. Books and stories that touch the soul, that make you laugh or cry or both. Stories that havenÕt been told before or are told in a different way: thatÕs what I am looking for.Ó
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FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Nonfiction, Parenting CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Marya Spence is a literary agent with Janklow & Nesbit Associates. Raised in CaliforniaÕs Bay Area, Marya studied literature at Harvard, where she was Fiction Editor for the Advocate and specialized in creative writing. She went on to get her MFA at New York University and teach undergraduate creative writing there. She also spent these years in her 20Õs working and interning at The New Yorker, PAPER Mag, Travel & Leisure, Vanity Fair, Publishers Weekly, METROPOLIS Magazine, and moreÑwith a brief stint in equity research. As someone who values craft from the writerÕs perspective, Marya represents a diverse range in fiction and nonfiction, including, but not limited to, literary novels and collections, upmarket commercial fiction, cultural criticism and voice-driven essays, narrative journalism with a humorous or critical edge, and pop culture. She lives in Brooklyn.
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FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Politics, Pop Culture