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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
Molly O’Neill is a literary agent with Root Literary. She says: ÒIf I can visualize exactly how to form a web of connections around a book and its creator while IÕm reading an early draft, then itÕs a fantastic signal that I also know how to help that author or artist build their way into a meaningful, and potentially lucrative, career.”
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance NONFICTION: Illustrated, Memoir, Nonfiction, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Caitlin O’Shaughnessy is a literary agent and director of strategy and business development with The Book Group. She joined The Book Group in 2024 in a hybrid role as Literary Agent and Director of Strategy and Business Development. She was previously Vice President and Associate Publisher at Henry Holt & Co., an imprint of Macmillan, where she oversaw the marketing and publicity departments and worked closely with authors on brand strategy, promotion, and platform development. Prior to joining Macmillan in 2019, Caitlin spent over a decade at Penguin Random House. She began her publishing career at Viking, where she spent six years in editorial Ñ acquiring fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and lifestyle books for the Viking, Penguin, and Plume imprints Ñ before transitioning to marketing at Penguin Press. While at PRH, Caitlin completed her MBA at NYU Stern part-time at night with specializations in Strategy & Marketing. Additionally, she has a dual degree in English and French Literature from Wesleyan University. Originally from Chicago, Caitlin now divides her time between New York City and the Hudson Valley. At The Book Group, Caitlin is interested in representing commercial fiction, thrillers, and a wide array of nonfiction, especially narratives told through an economic or business/leadership lens. A few books I loved reading in my free timeÉ The Wedding People, by Alison Espach, Wellness by Nathan Hill, How to Change Your Mind, by Michael Pollan, The Most Fun We Ever Had, by Claire Lombardo, Sociopath: A Memoir, by Patric Gagne, WhatÕs For Dessert, by Claire Saffitz, Fleishman Is in Trouble, by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, The Lords of Strategy: The Secret Intellectual History of the New Corporate World, by Walter Kiechel, Brick by Brick: How LEGO Rewrote the Rules of Innovation and Conquered the Global Toy Industry by David Robertson and Bill Breen.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Business Book, Economics, General Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction
Biography
Coleen O’Shea is a literary agent with and a founding partner in the Allen O’Shea Literary Agency. Previously, she worked in executive editorial positions at major trade publishers, discovering many bestselling authors and helping to develop publishing programs. Before becoming a literary agent, published author, book packager and publishing consultant, she was Executive Editor of a major publisher. In that position, Coleen worked with a wide array of award-winning and best-selling fiction authors and developed a successful list of self-improvement, health and nutrition titles, as well as illustrated lifestyle books and cookbooks. She has conceived and developed book series for Simon & Schuster, Random House, National Geographic Society Trade Books, and ReaderÕs Digest, among others. With a strong editorial and publishing background, as a literary agent Coleen works actively with her clients to craft strong proposals and to develop, publish and promote their books and brand. Her best-selling authors publish books, offer related courses, seminars and workshops, appear on national media, develop products, write for major publications and blogs, and speak to a wide array of audiences around the world. Her client list focuses on health, wellness, nutrition, diet, fitness, meditation, inspirational, lifestyle, cooking, narrative, memoir, and some select fiction authors. Among her clients are best-selling and award-winning authors, notable entrepreneurs, chefs and bakers, Olympic athletes, internationally celebrated yogis and fitness experts, Intuitives, Meditators, scientists, researchers, and doctors, educators and journalists. She also has an interest in the areas of pop culture, parenting, and design. She is the co-author of The Complete IdiotÕs Guide to Book Proposals and Query Letters (Penguin Books) with her partner Marilyn Allen. A voracious reader, active gardener, cook and runner, Coleen is eager to work with clients with national and international platforms to help share new ideas with big audiences. Coleen is a member of the Association of AuthorsÕ Representatives and WomenÕs Media Group.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Diet Nutrition, Environment, Fitness, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Inspirational Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, New Age, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Women’s Issues
Biography
Eva Oakes is a literary agent at the Transatlantic Agency. Originally from Colorado, Eva earned her BA from McGill University and now resides in Toronto. Eva has been with the Transatlantic Agency for nearly three years, first as an Editorial and Agent Assistant to Samantha Haywood, President & Literary Agent, and as an Associate Agent since 2024.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction
Biography
Monica Odom is an agent with Odom Media Management. She founded her own agency in 2019, after working in publishing for nearly a decade, including roles as agent at Liza Dawson Associates and Bradford Literary Agency. She earned her M.S. in Publishing: Digital & Print Media from New York University, and has a B.A. in English from Montclair State University. She was also schooled in bookselling and event coordinating at her local indie, Watchung Booksellers. Monica is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents where she has served on the Board, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, and as President of the DEI non-profit Literary Agents of Change. She currently teaches a publishing course at her alma mater MSU, in conjunction with the Montclair Literary Festival. She is dedicated to the holistic and intentional expansion of intersectional diversity, equity, inclusivity and justice in the publishing industry and beyond.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Beauty Fashion Style, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Travel, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Katherine Odom-Tomchin is a literary agent and the Director of Audio Rights with Folio Literary Management. She began her publishing career at Heritage Publishing, Inc., which publishes magazines, guides, and directories for health care, seniors, tourists, and attorneys throughout Florida and Southeast Georgia. During her time there, she held various positions in the editorial, graphic design, and information departments. Her many jobs included producing original content for their many publications and assisting in ad placement. At Folio, Kat enjoys working with and being a part of FolioÕs closely-knit team of skilled agents. Kat is FolioÕs Audio Rights Director, and she works hard to strategically place the agencyÕs audio rights with the most effective audio publishers possible. She also acts as a subagent for BenBella, an independent publishing house based in Dallas, TX known for publishing a range of nonfiction titles, and places audio rights for the storied authors of Harold Ober Associates and Emma Sweeney Agency.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Economics, How-To, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Technology, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Colleen Oefelein is a literary agent with MacGregor & Luedeke. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering with a focus in Biotechnology and a Bachelor of Science in German with a minor in International Business, both from Penn State. With over a decade of experience in the publishing industry, Colleen has worked at a couple literary agencies as both an associate agent and PR manager. SheÕs hosted numerous ÒPitch PerfectÓ and ÒRejection CorrectionÓ workshops on Facebook and at conferences nationwide and mentored several authors one-on-one through online pitch contests such as Pitch Wars. Also an author of young adult fantasy and memoir, Colleen has a deep appreciation for bond between an author and their art as well as a keen understanding of the PR world, having been featured in People Magazine, on Inside Edition, Fox NewsÕs Tucker Carlson and on 20/20. Colleen is a disabled veteran living in Alaska with her husband, son, and boerboel. A former 911 call taker and dispatcher for Alaska State Troopers, she has a soft spot for veterans and law enforcement families. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors and teaches creative writing workshops and Irish dance to homeschoolers. As a literary agent, Colleen is looking for romanceÐheart-rending love stories in most sub-genres (no erotica) and romantic suspense, as well as young adult and adult fiction: harsh and sobering contemporary, low fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, unusual re-tellings, suspense and thriller. In nonfiction, sheÕs interested in proposals for high-profile crime memoir, whistleblower memoir and narrative nonfiction on the subjects of science or medicine.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Celebrity, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Science, Sports, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Claire Oleson is a literary agent with Vicky Bijur Literary Agency. She joined the Vicky Bijur Agency in 2023 after working at several literary agencies, including Compass Talent and Union Literary. She is interested in literary fiction with experimental and speculative bends. She is particularly excited by queer voices, Midwestern settings, and unique approaches to the form of the contemporary novel. She is a 2020-2021 Center for Fiction Writing Fellow and a graduate of Kenyon College.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Food Drink, Health Wellness, Illustrated, Journalism, Memoir, Nonfiction, Photography
Biography
Charlie Olsen is a literary agent with InkWell Management. Charlie Olsen started his publishing career at InkWell in 2007 and has been building his client list since. He is interested in fiction, childrenÕs books, graphic novels and illustrated works, and compelling narrative non-fiction. Prior to Inkwell, Charlie studied print journalism at Rider University, covered a beat at a newswire in the District of Columbia, and wrote for two newspapers in New Jersey. He works with award-winning graphic novelists, including New York Times bestseller Matt Kindt, New York Times bestseller Jeff Lemire, and National Book Award finalist Noelle Stevenson; distinguished childrenÕs book authors including New York Times bestseller Andrea Cremer, Amy Ewing, and Gus Gordon; and also represents non-fictionÑboth illustrated and traditional proseÑlike Whisk(e)y Distilled by Heather Greene (Viking, 2014); a book about the seven would-be assassins of Queen Victoria called Shooting Victoria by Paul Thomas Murphy (Pegasus,2012); and The Warren Commission Report: A Graphic Investigation into the Kennedy Assassination by Dan Mishkin, Ernie C—lon, and Jerzy Drozd (Abrams, 2014).
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Romance NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, Economics, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Neil Olson is a literary agent with Massie & McQuilkin. He joined the agency in 2019. He has been in the publishing business for more than thirty years, primarily at the agency eventually known as Donadio & Olson, where he rose from assistant to partner. Authors with whom he has worked include New York Times bestsellers, as well as winners of the the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the Edgar Allan Poe Award, the William Dean Howells Medal, and many others. He is primarily interested in fiction, history, biography, travel and environmental issues.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Environment, General Nonfiction, History, Nature, Nonfiction, Travel
Biography
Anna Olswanger is a literary agent with Olswanger Literary, LLC. She has been a literary agent since 2005. She started her career at Liza Dawson Associates in Manhattan, and in 2014 launched her own literary agency, Olswanger Literary LLC, where she represents picture books (author-illustrators only), middle grade fiction and adult nonfiction. She is a member of the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR). Anna has sold to major publishers, including Bloomsbury, Chronicle, HarperCollins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Macmillan, Penguin Random House, and Simon & Schuster. Her clients have won the Newbery Honor, Asian Pacific American Award for Literature Honor, Flora Stieglitz Strauss Award for Nonfiction, Orbis Pictus Honor, PEN/Steven Kroll Award for Picture Book Writing, Parents Choice Gold Award, Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book, Sibert Award Honor, Ezra Jack Keats Book Award Honor, and been on The New York Times Bestseller list. You can view all her clients’ books on Pinterest. Anna is always looking to add to her client list. She enjoys discovering new authors and illustrators, and is looking for Òvoice,Ó the sound and rhythm of an author that is hers alone. She has a particular interest in picture books (author-illustrators only). She works hard with authors to get their manuscripts into shape for submission. She finds that most manuscripts need work on plot, so if you’re a potential author or illustrator client, be ready to go through many revisions before Anna agrees to send out your manuscript. Her job is to get the story to the point where an editor will make an offer. (And then be prepared to make more revisions for the editor.) Through her work as an agent of children’s books, Anna has developed a special interest in animal advocacy. She is the agent for Jill Robinson and Marc Bekoff’s Jasper’s Story: Saving Moonbears, the story of a moon bear held captive in a cage by bear farmers in rural China until rescued by Animals Asia, the organization that Jill founded, and Alan Rabinowitz’s A Boy and a Jaguar, the story of a boy who fulfills his promise to speak for animals who cannot speak for themselves. Anna is also interested in finding unusual books with a Judaic or Israel theme. She is the agent for Ruchama FeuermanÕs novel In the Courtyard of the Kabbalist, about the friendship between a rabbiÕs assistant and a devout Muslim janitor, and Santiago CohenÕs picture book The Yiddish Fish, about a fish who speaks Yiddish. If you think Anna would be the right agent for you, start by sending her an email with a few details about your book and the opening pages in the body of an email (not in an attachment). If Anna likes what she reads in your query, she’ll ask to see the full manuscript.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic Novel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book
Biography
Amaryah Orenstein is a literary agent with GO Literary. She has always loved to read and provide (oftentimes unsolicited) editorial advice and, as a literary agent, she is thrilled to help writers bring their ideas to life. She is particularly drawn to narrative non-fiction and memoir but enjoys any book that connects the reader to its characters and evokes thought and feeling. Amaryah began her career at the Laura Gross Literary Agency in 2009 and, prior to that, she worked as an Editorial Assistant at various academic research foundations, including the Tauber Institute, where she edited books for Brandeis University Press/University Press of New England. Originally from Montreal, Canada, Amaryah earned a BA at McGill University before coming to the United States to pursue graduate studies in American History. She completed an MA at Ohio UniversityÕs Contemporary History Institute and a PhD at Brandeis University, and currently serves as Co-President of the Boston chapter of the WomenÕs National Book Association.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Food Drink, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Sports, Travel, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Edward Orloff is a literary agent with McCormick Literary. Before joining McCormick & Williams Literary Agency, Edward he worked for six years at The Wylie Agency. Prior to Wylie he worked at Artforum, Film Comment, and Partisan Review. He is interested in literary fiction and narrative nonfiction, especially cultural history, politics, biography, and the arts.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, History, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics
Biography
Amanda Orozco is an literary agent for adult authors, childrenÕs authors and/or illustrators with the Transatlantic Agency. Before joining the Transatlantic Agency in the fall of 2020, Amanda Orozco gained a breadth of experience in academic publishing, publicity, subsidiary rights, and agenting. She graduated from UCLA with a degree in Physiological Science and an English minor and worked as a fine art instructor and freelance editor for several years before moving to New York to complete the NYU Masters of Science in Publishing: Digital and Print Media. While at NYU, she worked at the National Book Foundation, Shreve Williams Public Relations, and The Gernert Company; she was also selected to attend the Frankfurt Book Fair and the Beijing International Book Fair. Upon graduating from NYU in 2019, she worked in Subsidiary Rights at Little, Brown, where she helped sell rights for authors such as Michael Connelly, Elin Hilderbrand, and Sarah Knight, until discovering agenting was her true calling. She worked at Park & Fine Literary and Media before moving back to Los Angeles, where she is working with authors such as Vanessa AngŽlica Villarreal, Vickie Vertiz, Dr. Anthony Christian Ocampo, Nick Medina, Tania De Rozario, Mar’a Alejandra Barrios, and Vanessa Friedman. Amanda is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA); her aim is to elevate and amplify marginalized voices always.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Gift Novelty, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Technology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Rachel Orr is a literary agent with Prospect Agency. She says: “Like most agents, IÕve always been a reader. When I was a child, reading inside on a beautiful summer day, my parents would tell me to go outside. So I would go outsideÑand read my book. (Maybe they should have been a little more specific.) I began my publishing career while I was still a student at Kenyon College, interning for both the Kenyon Review and Highlights for Children magazine. After graduation, I had a short stint as a bookseller in the childrenÕs department at Barnes & Noble, and then worked for eight years as an editor at HarperCollins ChildrenÕs Books. I joined Prospect Agency in 2007, and I continue to edit my clientsÕ work before sending their projects out on submission. My favorite part of my job is the chance to collaborate with such talented authors and illustrators, and to work with them for the duration of their career. I also love working with clients who have more than one idea and are willing to revise. Since I really value the importance of a personal connection with authors and illustrators, I love meeting potential clients at conferences and through classes. I also really enjoy the opportunity to teach and to share information about the industry. As a result, I love speaking at SCBWI conferences across the country, as well as serving on the faculty of the OCCBWW in Oceanside, Oregon. In addition, IÕve taught novel-writing classes through both Mediabistro.com and the California State UniversityÕs Summer Arts program, and I have served as a Mentor Committee Co-Chair for the Rutgers One-on-One Conference for the past seven years.”
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kathleen Ortiz is a literary agent with and the founder of KO Media Management. She founded her own agency in 2022, after working in publishing and international licensing for over a decade, including roles as Director of Translation, Subsidiary Rights Manager and Literary Agent. She earned her M.S. in Publishing from Pace University, and has spent her career helping build and elevate creative brands. Her focus is on books and media for adults and children, especially with a visual element. She loves media and books that bring humor and joy and inspire others in life. She is a member of Licensing International and the Association of American Literary Agents.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Humor Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, Economics, Health Wellness, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology 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
Lukas Ortiz is a Literary Agent and the Foreign Rights Director at the Spitzer Agency. For the last seventeen years, he has worked closely with Philip Spitzer on author development and management. Lukas graduated from the University of Stony Brook in 2002, where he studied Sociology and Literature. Lukas is interested in fiction with a distinct narrative voice and memorable characters. He loves eccentric novels with an edge and original stories. In non-fiction, Lukas is interested in cultural studies, sociology, business, history, politics, current affairs, sports, and memoir. He looks for driven narratives and sharp storytelling, with themes that transcend their primary audience. Also, he is actively seeking to work with more Latino and Latin American authors for the U.S. market. Lukas is an associate member of the Association of Authors Representatives, and the Mystery Writers of America. He is also an active supporter of PEN American Center, which defends writerÕs rights and promotes literacy around the world.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Sports, True Crime
Biography
Heather Osborn is a literary agent with Spencerhill Associates. Before joining Spencerhill Associates, Heather Osborn spent many years editing romance, science fiction, fantasy, cozy mystery, and womenÕs fiction for various publishers. The experience of working with both well-established, bestselling authors, as well as those just embarking on their careers has helped shape her skills working with authors at every stage in their publishing journey. One of HeatherÕs greatest joys in life is discovering an amazing new author, whether that be in a slush pile, or on a bookstore shelf, and she looks forward to building long-lasting relationships built on clear and open communication with her clients. Heather is interested in representing works of popular fiction, mainly concentrated on romance of all genres and sub-genres other than inspirationalÑwith a particular interest in romantasy (and if there are dragons, all the better!), humorous contemporary romance, and paranormal romanceÑas well as fantasy (particularly cozy fantasy), urban fantasy, and science fiction with strong romantic elements. When not immersed in books, Heather can be found spoiling her adorable dog, George, dabbling in whatever craft has caught her attention this week, and playing increasingly elaborate solitaire games on her laptop. Heather is on Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @HeatherOsborn
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Humor Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction
Biography
Luba Ostashevsky is a literary agent with Ayesha Pande Literary. She has worked in the editorial departments of Alfred A. Knopf, Grove/Atlantic, Palgrave Macmillan and Nautilus magazine. She has written for Aeon, Mental Floss, Popular Science, Al Jazeera, and the Hechinger Report. As an agent, she is interested in nonfiction popular science projects, written by either research scientists, medical or mental health professionals, or journalists. Luba is not comfortable representing fiction, cookbooks, YA, self-help, nor business or politics (unless directly about science). She likes to help produce books that instill in readers a sense of wonder about the world, preferably, as part of an engaging narrative.
Notes
NONFICTION: Health Wellness, History, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Psychology, Science
Biography
Kristin Ostby is a literary agent with the Greenhouse Literary Agency. She represents authors of middle grade and young adult fiction, as well as picture book author/illustrators and select adult fiction. She is primarily seeking tightly written, tightly plotted, fast-paced commercial middle-grade and young adult fictionÑadventure, mystery, and contemporary humorÑas well as young adult romance. As the daughter of a librarian and a businessperson, itÕs really no wonder Kristin wound up in the book biz. Kristin moved from Michigan to New York to begin her life in publishing at Penguin Random House, and after sixteen years as a childrenÕs book editor (and freelance writer on the side), she rose to become a senior editor at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. Kristin has had the joy and pleasure of editing childrenÕs book legend Tomie dePaola; New York Times bestselling authors like Stuart Gibbs (Spy School) and US soccer star Alex Morgan (The Kicks); and award-winning creators including Daniel Miyares (Float), Jessica Lawson (Nooks & Crannies), and Heather Vogel Frederick (The Mother-Daughter Book Club). She also edited the mainstay bestseller I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy and Elizabeth Baddeley. Kristin loves guiding authors and illustrators toward their best work and advocating for them in service of building successful, sustainable artistic careers.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Satire, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Duvall Osteen is a literary agent with United Talent Agency (UTA). She represents a diverse list of debut, award-winning, bestselling, and notable authors. Before joining UTA, she spent 11 years as an agent at Aragi Inc., focusing on literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, and graphic novels. Her literary interests include writing rooted in place, especially the global South, multigenerational storytelling, crime, and literary suspense. In both fiction and non-fiction, she gravitates towards books across genres with big, original, astute, immersive voices. She is a passionate advocate for her authors, and tailors her approach to representation based on their needs. Above all, she prioritizes close editorial relationships. Duvall was raised in the South, and is based in Manhattan, where she lives with her family. She holds a Master of Arts in Southern Cultural Studies from the University of Mississippi.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Business Book, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Self-Help CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jeff Ourvan is a literary agent with the Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency. Jeff Ourvan, an attorney, published author and writing instructor, is a literary agent with the Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency. His interests are varied: he represents nonfiction works, especially narrative nonfiction, histories, biographies, science, food and sports. He also represents fiction writers, particularly in the young adult, thriller and romance categories. Jeff heads the Agency’s book-to-film efforts, and he is the founder of The WriteWorkshop, an intensive writing workshop for New York-area writers. His most recently authored work is THE STAR-SPANGLED BUDDHIST (Skyhorse).
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Sports, Technology, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Courtney Paganelli
Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Courtney Paganelli is a literary agent with the Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency. She joined the agency in May of 2019 and currently assists Jim Levine, Stephanie Rostan, and Victoria Skurnick. Courtney graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in English Literature. Her time in the Twin Cities was both bone-chilling and rewarding as she launched her publishing career as an intern with Wise Ink Creative Publishing. Upon graduation she returned home to the East Coast and began working on prominent business titles at Pearson. She later joined the managing editorial department at Random House ChildrenÕs books before becoming a part of the team at LGR. Throughout her career, Courtney has been inspired by authors who have taken their personal struggles and turned them into relatable stories. Her favorite novels incite emotion, whether fear, heartbreak, or happiness Ñ a book that makes her feel something is one she will read time and time again. Courtney enjoys diving into contemporary romances, relationship-driven literary fiction, psychological thrillers, and anything so scary that it will make her second guess whether or not she locked her door. In the young adult space, she particularly loves books that donÕt shy away from tough conversations pertaining to mental health, addiction, or abuse. She is looking for adult or young adult novels that will make her laugh, cry, and maybe slightly afraid of the dark. Some (but certainly not all) of her favorite authors include Stephen King, Laurie Halse Anderson, Jennifer Niven, Marisha Pessl, Gillian Flynn, Jessica Knoll, Lisa Lutz, Lisa Gardner, and Kara Thomas.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Economics, Film Entertainment, How-To, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Pop Culture, Self-Help, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Saribel Pages is a literary agent with Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency. Spanish Harlem born and bred, Saribel graduated from Kalamazoo College with a B.S in Anthropology, an embarrassingly long to be read list, and a passion for childrenÕs literature. This passion led her to positions at Penguin Random House and W.W. Norton, where she learned about the different sides of the publishing industry. Now at Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency, she is excited to work with a team so dedicated to uplifting marginalized voices. When not reading, you can find her playing various tabletop roleplaying games or explaining roller derby to her friends.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Zo‘ Pagnamenta is a literary agent with Calligraph. She comes to Calligraph as a Managing Partner from her own agency, which she established in 2008. Prior to that she ran the New York office of Peters, Fraser & Dunlop (PFD) for four years and worked in the US and UK offices of the Wylie Agency. Her interests are wide-ranging; she represents non-fiction: history, narrative journalism, biography, memoir, popular science, Òbig ideaÓ books, smart self-help, spirituality, technology, business, in addition to works of cultural criticism, as well as some literary fiction. Her clients include Libyan novelist Hisham Matar, author of the Pulitzer Prize winning memoir The Return, celebrated ceramicist Edmund de Waal, author of The Hare with Amber Eyes, Adam Nicolson, author of Life Between the Tides, Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering and the NYTimes bestselling writer Tom Vanderbilt, author of Beginners, among many others. In addition to representing US writers, Pagnamenta works closely with several UK agencies and represents a number of writers in North America on their behalf, including the historian Peter Frankopan, the biographer Hermione Lee, the economist Tim Harford and the philosopher and writer Alain de Botton. Zo‘ is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents, and serves as President on the board of The Young Vic in America. She has served as member of the Brooklyn Literary Council, and is a member of the Advisory Committee for the Cundill Prize. She is a Fellow of the New York Institute for the Humanities.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, True Crime, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ayesha Pande is a literary agent with Ayesha Pande Literary. Ayesha founded APL in 2007. Before becoming an agent she held several editorial positions, including most recently as a senior editor at Farrar Straus and Giroux. She is on the board of Art Omi and the AALA (Association of American Literary Agents) where she founded the Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and helped launch the non-profit Literary Agents of Change. Her client roster includes Ibram X. Kendi, Patricia Engel, Danielle Evans, Matthew Salesses and Lisa Ko. While her interests are wide-ranging and eclectic, she works mostly with literary fiction, narrative nonfiction across a broad range of topics including history and cultural commentary, memoir and biography, and the occasional work of young adult fiction. She is drawn to distinctive voices with a compelling point of view and memorable characters. Ayesha’s greatest joy is in finding and launching new literary voices.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Gina Panettieri is a literary agent with and the founder of Talcott Notch Literary Services. She says: “Being an agent is really all I can imagine doing. Books, and the amazing people who write them, have been the focus of my life for more than two decades. I remember packing to move my house and needing a separate small truck just for all the books, and I had given away countless volumes to the libraries for fundraisers already! But so many of them were treasured friends I couldn’t bear to part with, no matter the effort required to maintain the relationship. And this specific role I play, being given the chance to find and nurture new books, to work with some of the most creative and talented writers, scientists and psychologists, cooks and criminologists, experts from every field of study, makes what I do feel so different from work that my inbox feels like Santa’s magical Christmas bag. It’s always full, always overflowing, but brimming with the potential of something spectacular. All I’ve got to do is pull the little ribbon… Perhaps that’s why I have such trouble limiting myself to just a few genres. I find it all fascinating! History, business, self-help, science, gardening, cookbooks, crafts, parenting, memoir, true crime and travel. Teach me something new, something I couldn’t find somewhere else, something based on original research and that’s the hook I’m looking for. With fiction, I love quirky, edgy characters. Send me women’s fiction, paranormal, urban fantasy, horror, science fiction, historical, mystery, thrillers and suspense. Those rare moments I’m not reading or editing or talking about reading or editing or arguing about contracts, sleeping on the train, or tweeting about industry news, I adore classic films and old-time radio shows.”
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction