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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
Andy Ross is a literary agent with the Andy Ross Literary Agency. Andy has worked in the book business since 1972, all of this working life. He was owner and general manager of Cody’s Books in Berkeley, California from 1977-2006. Cody’s has been recognized as one of America’s great independent bookstores. Andy is past president of the Northern California Booksellers Association, a board member and officer of the American Booksellers Association and a national spokesperson for issues concerning independent businesses. He has had significant profiles in the Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, Publishers’ Weekly and the San Francisco Chronicle. Andy Ross is a member of the Association of Authors Representatives (AAR).
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, History, Journalism, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Reference, Religion, Science, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Gail Ross is a literary agent with WME Books. She represents important commercial nonfiction across all genres. Four of the books she represented have won the Pulitzer Prize: Cuba: An American History by Ada Ferrer, American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin, Black Flags by Joby Warrick and The Haunted Land by Tina Rosenberg. Her clients include thought leaders, CEO’s, social justice activists, journalists, historians, and experts in a variety of fields, and she and her team have earned a reputation in the industry for providing rigorous, enthusiastic editorial guidance at all stages of the publishing process. Prior to joining WME, Gail was a partner at Trister, Ross, Schadler & Gold and founded the Gail Ross Literary Agency, which became the Ross Yoon Agency in 2010. Washingtonian magazine has named her one of the most powerful women in Washington for several years running. Gail is also the author of The WriterÕs Lawyer and The Essential Guide to Entertainment LawÕs chapter on book publishing contracts. She speaks widely about publishing and book contracts across the country. Gail cofounded the Washington D.C., office of WME in 2023. GailÕs daily mantra is: Books Change Lives.
Notes
NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Journalism, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Sports, True Crime
Biography
Steve Ross is a literary agent with and the founder of the Steve Ross Agency. Steve Ross has launched the Steve Ross Agency as the next step in a long career in books. A literary agent and Director of the Book Division at Abrams Artists Agency for eight years, Steve also has more than two decadesÕ experience in the publishing industry, starting as an Editor and eventually becoming a Publisher, including running high-visibility and profitable divisions at major publishing companies. Steve was instrumental in publishing Barack Obama’s Dreams from my Father and Audacity of Hope, and many other best-selling books of quality commercial non-fiction. Named one of seven ÒInfluentialsÓ in Books by New York Magazine and profiled on the front page of CrainÕs as Òa superb general nonfiction publisherÓ, Ross was Sr. VP and Publisher of Random HouseÕs Crown Division for twelve years, where he conceived and launched several content-specific imprints that remain category leaders today. At Random House he worked with such authors as Arianna Huffington, Spike Lee, Suze Orman, Derek Jeter, Michael Jordan, Suzanne Somers, Erik Larson, The Onion, Jillian Michaels, Charles Schwab, and Max Brooks. Ross was also President & Group Publisher of the $100 million Collins Division at HarperCollins, where he oversaw the operations and growth of four distinct publishing programs. There he worked with such authors as Jack Welch, Russell Brand, Sir Roger Moore, Jessica Seinfeld, and Rick Pitino. Steve created a client list as a literary agent and Director of the Books Division at Abrams that features a wide range of global thought leaders, innovators, and people of substantial accomplishment in such fields as sports, medicine, and the arts, all of whom have unique and important stories to tell, Steve helps his clients to shape those stories. Finding the best publishing home for them has returned him to the mission and passion that drove him to become a book editor earlier in this career. He has also developed a global network of sub-agents who represent his clients in their specific territories. A former President of the Publishers Lunch Club and recipient of the James Thurber Award for editing and publishing the #1 Bestseller Our Dumb Century by The Onion, Ross earned a Master’s Degree from New York University, is an avid motorcycle rider and tennis player, and lives with his family in Westchester County.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Science, Sports, True Crime
Biography
Whitney Ross is a literary agent with the High Line Literary Collective. With over fifteen years of experience in publishing, including almost a decade as an editor at Macmillan, Whitney represents all the genres she loves and reads herselfÐ middle grade, young adult, and adult fiction across all genres, with an emphasis on historical, SF & fantasy, romance, and contemporary fiction. She is also open to non-fiction submissions in the areas of design, cooking, and fashion. Whitney loves to read novels set in unusual time periods and locations, whether that involves a fantastical element or not. She is rarely able to resist the trickster king motif, and has a weakness for read-between-the-lines subtle romances. And she canÕt wait to be surprised by tropes turned upside down, and unusual takes on old favorites. Yet she’s constantly intrigued by books not on her “wish list,” and is always open to stories with compelling characters and emotionally involving plotlines. Whitney loves partnering with authors in every stage, bringing her editorial experience and genre expertise to support her clients and their publishing journey. In her spare time, she enjoys competitive sports such as cooking and shopping, and tasting wines with her winemaker husband.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Beauty Fashion Style, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Design, Food Drink, History, Lifestyle, Nonfiction, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Stefanie Rossitto is the Director of Foreign Rights Department and a literary agent with The Tobias Literary Agency. Originally from the German Alps, Steffi used to spend hours in quaint bookstores as a child. She went on to study English language, American literature and medieval history at Regensburg University and Edinburgh University. Her master’s thesis was based on a New York Times article on modern day ÔsuburbanÕ novelists and how these authors shaped American suburban culture. After graduation, she moved to New York City where she gained publishing experience at three different literary agencies before moving on to Doubleday and Crown at Random House to explore the corporate side of the business. At Random House, she handled foreign and domestic rights for over five years and dealt with books and authors of every genre. Before coming to Tobias Literary Agency, she spent five years as a reader at Maria B. Campbell Associates evaluating German fiction and non-fiction for the US and international market. Steffi combines experience in agenting with corporate publishing and scouting. Some books Steffi has recently enjoyed are: KwanÕs SEX AND VANITY, GilbertÕs CITY OF GIRLS, AllendeÕs A LONG PETAL OF THE SEA, HilderbrandÕs 28 SUMMERS. Other all time favorites are everything and anything Mary Balogh, Katherine NevilleÕs THE EIGHT, Diana J. GabaldonÕs OUTLANDER series, and Benedict WellsÕ THE END OF LONELINESS. Steffi is currently looking for historical fiction, and funny, witty, modern romances. She also enjoys anything and everything medieval as well as exciting historical romances and/or fiction based on real characters.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction
Stephanie Rostan
Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Stephanie Kip Rostan is a literary agent with the Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency. Stephanie started agenting in 2001 and became a principal at Levine Greenberg Rostan in 2014. Prior to that, she was an editor at Bantam Dell and the Book Producer for iVillage.com. About three quarters of her clients are fiction, including New York Times bestsellers Gillian Flynn, Lisa Lutz and Bryan Reardon as well as Sarah Healy, Wendy Wax, Thomas Lennon and Julia Dahl. Unusual and vivid voices, genre-straddling stories and intense emotion (whether funny, creepy, warm or sad) Ð the things that make a book stick with you for a long time Ð are what she finds most appealing. She represents adult, YA and middle grade projects. In nonfiction, she loves projects that solve a problem or make us see things in a new way, such as La Leche LeagueÕs revised edition of The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, Amir Levine and Rachel HellerÕs Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment, Chris SantellaÕs 50 Places series. She has also worked on narrative nonfiction such as New York Times bestseller Miracle in the Andes by Nando Parrado with Vince Rause and the true crime memoir The Spider and the Fly by Claudia Rowe. Raised in Andover, Massachusetts, Stephanie is the daughter of a Latin and Greek teacher whose specialty is etymology (ask her dad for a definition and youÕll get a minimum of 36 hours of explanation). This early focus on language led to her obsession with crossword puzzles, a term in Germany as an exchange student and an English/Creative Writing major at Princeton. There she became familiar with the slings and arrows of critique groups and revisions, writing under teachers such as Susan Shreve, Stephen Wright and Joyce Carol Oates. Stephanie now lives with her husband and two children in the New York City area, where she is committed to raising her kids as Red Sox fans despite the hostile environs.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Short Story Collection, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Economics, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Kara Rota is a senior agent with the Thompson Literary Agency. She grew up in Sewell, New Jersey reading and counting down the days until she could move to New York City and work at a magazine, which she did in 2005 after graduating from Sarah Lawrence College. Before joining TLA, she worked as an Executive Editor at Chicago Review Press from 2019-2023, acquiring narrative nonfiction, music, and pop culture titles. Previously from 2014 Kara worked at Macmillan, acquiring and editing cookbooks, mind/body/spirit projects and other nonfiction for multiple Macmillan imprints including Flatiron and St. Martin’s Press. She also served as director of recipe website and Macmillan portfolio company Cookstr.com. At TLA, Kara is excited to represent nonfiction authors including activists, artists, witches, and revolutionaries; cookbooks about more than food, parenting books that see care work as central to social change, illustrated projects that inspire delight, and other nonfiction books that seek to change the world. She lives in Evanston, IL with her husband, their daughter Maeve, and Cat.
Notes
NONFICTION: Art, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Illustrated, Nonfiction, Parenting, Spirituality
Biography
Elana Roth Parker is a literary agent with the Laura Dail Literary Agency. Elana has specialized in children’s publishing from the beginning of her career, from her very first internship at Nickelodeon Magazine followed by 5 years as an editor at Parachute Publishing. She’s been an agent since 2008, joining LDLA in 2016 after running her own agency, Red Tree Literary. Elana is a graduate of Barnard College and the Jewish Theological Seminary, with degrees in English literature and Bible. It all adds up to her loving books that expertly combine the timely and the timeless.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jaclyn Rothman is a Literary Agent Apprentice at the Corvisiero Literary Agency. She has been clawing at bookshelves since she was old enough to stand.Ê At least, thatÕs what her mother tells her. A lifelong love affair with reading, writing, and all things literature led her to two summers at OxfordÊ University, where she studied creative writing, medieval literature, andÊ contemporary fiction. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, she earned her bachelorÕs degree in English Literature from Pepperdine UniversityÊ(known for its idyllic beachside locale, though she never could quite shakeÊher ever-present-if-irrational fear of tsunamis and the open ocean). AfterÊgraduating from Pepperdine, Jaclyn knew she wanted two things: to liveÊsomewhere she could experience actual, real-life snow, and to pursue aÊlegal education that would supplement her love of literature. So she movedÊto Madison, Wisconsin, and started law school at the University ofÊWisconsin-Madison, where she is currently in her second year Ð and whereÊthereÕs enough snow to make up for a lifetime deficit. At UW Law, JaclynÊserves as a Submissions Editor for the Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender,Êand Society, where she recently published a paper examining the fictionalÊÒFemme FataleÓ and its real-life implications on autonomous women withinÊthe legal system. She is presently focused on entertainment and copyrightÊlaw, in the hopes of using these skills to bolster her future in the literaryÊindustry.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Eliza Rothstein is a literary agent with InkWell Management. A native of St. Louis, Eliza Rothstein began her career in publishing at The Susan Golomb Literary Agency after studying Comparative Literature and Art History at the University of Pennsylvania and attending the Columbia Publishing Course. At InkWell, she represents memoir, literary and commercial fiction, and a wide range of journalists and non-fiction authors who seek to generate deep conversations, inspire social and systemic change, or advance our understanding of our minds and bodies. In addition to finding publishers for their books, she helps writers expand their reach by placing essays and journalism in publications ranging from The New York Times and The Atlantic to National Geographic and Sports Illustrated. She is particularly interested in the intersection of narrative writing with topics of psychology, medicine, science, food, technology, business, humor and pop culture. She is also drawn to literary fiction that explores diverse communities or intergenerational stories, commercial fiction that crosses genre borders, and fiction from Latinx and Spanish-speaking writers.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Technology
Biography
James Rovira is an agent with The James Rovira Literary Agency. He teaches literature and writing on FloridaÕs space coast and has over twenty yearsÕ experience in higher education as an instructor, chair, program director, and in curriculum design. He is also a multigenre / multimodal freelance writer, scholar, and poet who lives in Merritt Island, FL with his wife Sheridan and their children Penn, Grace, and Zoe. He has four adult children named Joshua, Steven, Bethany, and Beka who live in the Central Florida area.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Poetry CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Mason Rowlee is a literary agent with DeFiore and Company. Originally from rural Upstate New York, Mason Rowlee holds a BA in English, with a concentration in creative writing and journalism from Fordham College at Rose Hill. While in college, he interned at DeFiore & Company, as well as McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency, Gotham Writers Workshop, CBS Television Production and Farrar, Straus & Giroux. He previously worked as an assistant literary scout at Jenny La Plante, Inc., where he developed an eye for the types of literary and upmarket fiction and narrative nonfiction that also appeal to international publishers as well as film production companies. As of August 2023, he is excited to return to DeFiore & Company as an assistant. Mason loves innovative, boundary-pushing literary fiction, engrossing upmarket fiction, and nonfiction that amplifies traditionally underrepresented voices in publishing, particularly those by queer authors. He is not accepting queries at this time.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction
Biography
Mitch Royer is a literary agent with The Fedd Agency. A 3rd generation Pastor and 12-year veteran of Family Ministry, Mitch has worked with mega churches around the country in cities like Chicago, Phoenix, and Austin. After organizing a Guinness World Record breaking event during an Easter service, Mitch developed a love for event planning and went on to start his own company as an event producer. Specializing in creating and executing large scale events across Texas, the companyÕs well known events include the Texas Whiskey Festival, Rock the Red Kettle, which raised close to 5 million dollars for a local non-profit, and Go Wheels Up, an air, car, and music festival in San Marcos. Mitch received his bachelorÕs degree in public relations from Indiana University and a masterÕs degree in leadership. Mitch is a sports and outdoors enthusiast with a passion for self-improvement and loves partnering with authors equally passionate in these categories to bring creative, inspirational, and unique stories to The Fedd Agency.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Religious Fiction, Sports Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Celebrity, Environment, Inspirational Nonfiction, Memoir, Nature, Nonfiction, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, True Adventure NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Peter Rubie is a literary agent with FinePrint Literary Management. Peter specializes in a broad range of high-quality fiction and non-fiction. In non-fiction he specializes in narrative non-fiction, popular science, spirituality, history, biography, pop culture, business and technology, parenting, health, self-help, music, and food. He is a “sucker” for outstanding writing. In fiction he represents literate thrillers, crime fiction, science fiction and fantasy, military fiction and literary fiction, middle grade and some boy oriented young adult fiction. Rubie is a former BBC Radio and Fleet Street journalist and for several years was the director of the publishing section of the New York University Summer Publishing Institute. He was a member of the NYU faculty for 10 years, and taught the only university-level course in the country on how to become a literary agent. Prior to becoming an agent he was a publishing house editor for nearly six years, whose authors won prizes and critical acclaim. He has also been the editor-in-chief of a Manhattan local newspaper, and a freelance editor and book doctor for major publishers. He was a regular reviewer for the international trade magazine Publishers Weekly, and is a published author of both fiction and non-fiction. He is a member of AAR, and regularly lectures and writes on publishing and the craft of writing, and was once a professional jazz musician.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Cynthia Ruchti is a literary agent with the Books & Such Literary Agency. She distinctly remembers telling people, ÒIÕd rather sing three songs on a platform than have to speak my own name into a microphone.Ó It will come as no surprise to those who understand GodÕs sense of humor that sheÕs spent most of her life since that moment with a microphone in her hand; first as writer/producer and corporation president of a national and international radio broadcastÑThe Heartbeat of the HomeÑthen as a speaker/author. She has served or currently serves on several non-profit ministry boards. Her roles in creating mission and vision statements, problem-solving, negotiating, personnel placement, and handling communications prepared her for similar roles in agenting. CynthiaÕs experience with American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), as board president (2009-2010) and in her current role as ACFWÕs professional relations liaison (since 2011), helps to keep her informed about the publishing industry and has introduced her to many publishing professionals. She has worked shoulder-to-shoulder with publishers, editors, marketing managers, as well as retailers, library representatives, reviewers, and other agents on industry-centric projects and events and is invited to many of those events as an industry insider. As author of 21 books to date, Cynthia has experienced the authorÕs side of the process. In addition to novels and novellas, she has written full-length nonfiction and has frequently contributed to devotion collections. In 2016, she was honored to have participated in two Bible projectsÑGuidepostsÕ Mornings with Jesus Daily Bible and The Common English WomenÕs Bible. She understands both the heart of the author and the business side of a writing career, the elements of a strong proposal, and the sometimes labyrinthine path to publication. Being part of the Books & Such team fulfills another layer in a long-held passion: helping other writers develop their craft and reach their writing career goals. She is an advocate for the power of storyÑfiction and nonfictionÑand a champion for those who create, edit, publish, distribute, review, and sell books. As part of her contribution to other writers, she serves as an instructor or keynoter at writers conferences. Although Cynthia is open to a few novelists, she currently is focusing her acquisitions attention on nonfiction projects.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Romance NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Elizabeth Rudnick is a literary agent with Gillian MacKenzie Agency. Elizabeth has been working in the publishing industry for over fifteen years. After attending Middlebury College where she majored in American Civilization, she completed the Columbia Publishing Course and discovered a passion for editing young adult and middle grade fiction. A ten year career at Disney/Hyperion followed, during which she worked with best-selling authors such as Melissa de la Cruz, Lisa Papademetriou, Melissa Kantor, and Kathryn Williams and helped bring box-office hits such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Tron, Enchanted, and Prince of Persia from big screen to the page. As a Senior Editor she worked with Miley Cyrus to develop her New York Times bestselling memoir, Miles to Go, and edited Jennifer Lopez’s original series, Amigas. She was also responsible for developing a line of original fiction based on the worlds of Prince of Persia and Pirates of the Caribbean. Elizabeth also writes her own children’s books, including her original novel, Tweet Heart, as well as bestselling novelizations based on films such as Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Maleficent, Frankenweenie, and Frozen. To keep her finger on the pulse of the middle-grade reader, she has spent three years working as a 6th grade teacher, while continuing her writing and freelance editing. Her interests primarily lie with middle-grade and young adult fiction of all typesÑfrom realistic fiction to fantasy (with a special soft spot for horse- and dragon-related titles). In addition to building her client list, she is focusing on packaging efforts, pairing high-concept ideas and story-lines with strong writers.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Nonfiction, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
John Rudolph is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. John Rudolph joined DG&B in 2010 after twelve years as an acquiring childrenÕs book editor. He began his career at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers as an Editorial Assistant and then moved to the G. P. PutnamÕs Sons imprint of the Penguin Young Readers Group, where he eventually served as Executive Editor on a wide range of young adult, middle-grade, nonfiction, and picture book titles. He graduated from Amherst College with a double major in Classics and Music. While JohnÕs list started out as mostly childrenÕs books, it has evolved to the point where it is now half adult, half childrenÕs authors Ñand heÕs looking to maintain that balance. On the childrenÕs side, John is keenly interested in middle-grade and young adult fiction and would love to find the next great picture book author/illustrator. For adults, he is actively looking for narrative nonfiction, especially in music, sports, history, popular science, Òbig thinkÓ, performing arts, health, business, memoir, military history, and humor. He is also interested in commercial fiction, but is very selective in what he takes on.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Science, Sports, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Robin Rue is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. Robin began her career as an editor at Dell, but has since spent more than 30 years as an agent.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Meg Ruley is a literary agent with the Jane Rotrosen Agency. She joined JRA in 1981. She is a business partner to and advocate for established bestselling authors as well as emerging writers. Her focus is commercial fiction, writers with distinctive voices in suspense, thrillers, mysteries, crime fiction, historical novels and historical suspense, romance, and womenÕs fiction. Meg grew up on Nantucket Island, graduated from Wheaton College, and attended the Denver Publishing Institute.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Diet Nutrition, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Runge Runge is a literary agent at Spencerhill Associates. She joined the Spencerhill team in 2025. A South Florida native, she earned her B.A. in English from the University of Florida in 2021 before moving to Boston, where she completed both an M.A. in ChildrenÕs Literature and an M.F.A. in Writing for Children from Simmons University in 2024. During grad school, she interned at Red Fox Literary and served as Graduate Fellow for The Horn Book during its centennial year, then spent a year as an assistant at Spencerhill. Her academic research background uniquely equips her to advocate for books that not only resonate with readers but also contribute meaningfully to the broader conversation about the evolution of the childrenÕs literature field. She is actively building her list in all genres of middle grade and young adult fiction. Her taste can be summed up as “eclectic,” and she is drawn to high-concept commercial projects with a literary aura, unexpected hooks, strong A/B plots, and distinct voices. SheÕs especially passionate about supporting diverse and underrepresented creators from all backgrounds, with the hope that every child can one day see themselves in the pages of a book. A lover of anthropomorphic characters, she dreams of repping the next blockbuster animal novel or series. Her favorite feeling is being moved to tears by a bookÕs last chapter. When not reading, Renee enjoys blasting music, playing with her pets, volunteering for her favorite causes, and collecting all kinds of ephemera. Find her on Twitter at @rrreadsbooks, BlueSky at @reneerunge.bsky.social and on Instagram at @reneerungelit.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kelsey Ruoff is a literary agent with the Gold Dust Literary Agency. I accept mysteries, psychological thrillers, YA sci-fi, and the occasional non-fiction that is within the mental health and lifestyle realm. Ultimately, I love a story with a twist Ð something that keeps me on my toes and canÕt be predicted from the opening page. I especially enjoy a book that is written with unique format or perspectives; think The Silent Patient for mystery/thrillers. I enjoy inspirational storylines, humor, and spectacular world building. Not every story has a happy ending, but a book that evokes the reader to learn something about themselves is certainly worthwhile. In YA sci-fi, I am most interested in dystopian settings, but I am open to a world of imagination! The more creative and far-fetched, the better. If you have something that is mind-blowing or heart-tugging (or both Ð even better!), I might just be the agent for you.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Health Wellness, Humor Nonfiction, Inspirational Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Mind Body Spirit, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Psychology, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kathleen Rushall is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Kathleen represents a wide range of childrenÕs literature. She represents NYT bestselling and award-winning authors. SheÕs drawn to environmental and social justice themes, particularly for the youngest set. She loves animals and books about their welfare and science. She’s always interested in picture books that inspire emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and empathy. When it comes to novels, Kathleen loves contemporary middle grade as well as the spooky and unexpected. She loves multi-generational stories, matrilineal magic, and is always happy to see high-concept contemporary romance. Kathleen gravitates to smart character-driven YA no matter the genre. She is always seeking stories written by diverse creators and underrepresented voices. KathleenÕs list includes inspiring picture books such as Carole LindstromÕs NYT Bestselling WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS (for which the illustrator won The Caldecott Medal), OCEAN SPEAKS by Jess Keating (Jane Addams Peace Award Honor), and ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP: How One GirlÕs Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything by Annette Bay Pimentel (Schneider Family Award Honor). She also represents a wide range of middle grade and YA from captivating fantasy like Lisa MaxwellÕs NYT bestselling THE LAST MAGICIAN series and Isabel SterlingÕs THESE WITCHES DONÕT BURN to whip-smart contemporary novels like Gloria ChaoÕs AMERICAN PANDA, Supriya KelkarÕs AMERICAN AS PANEER PIE, and Aimee LucidoÕs EMMY IN THE KEY OF CODE.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Marly Rusoff is a literary agent with and founder of Marly Rusoff & Associates. Marly Rusoff was a former publishing executive at Houghton Mifflin, Doubleday and William Morrow, and most recently an affiliate agent at Carlisle & Company in New York. ÒIn the past year, my wonderful affiliation with Carlisle & Company helped me realize that I am never happier than when I work closely with authorsÓ, said Rusoff. ÒIn my more than twenty years in publishing I have participated in hundreds of book marketing and publicity campaigns and have come away from the experience with a keen sense of what it takes to make a book work. I would like to apply that knowledge in my own agency in both shaping projects and seeing books to market, and to do this in the service of a relatively small list of clients. This is a challenging publishing environment but also one with great opportunities for talented writers and I have been extremely fortunate in so quickly finding a number of them in both fiction and non-fiction.Ó Rusoff began her career as a bookseller in Minneapolis while still a student at the University of Minnesota. The store became a gathering place for writers and it was upstairs that she and a number of them formed The Loft, a nationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to foster a writing community and an audience for literature. The list of authors with whom she has worked as a publicist and/or marketer includes Margaret Atwood, Thomas Cahill, Ethan Canin, Pat Conroy, Alex Kotlowitz, Tim OÕBrien, Dennis Lehane, Bill Moyers, Sena Jeter Naslund, Cokie Roberts and Paul Theroux. At Doubleday she created the yearlong marketing plan for the launch of The Century by Peter Jennings and Todd Brewster. While at Doubleday, Rusoff also created the first Reading Group Guide specifically aimed at book groups, a popular marketing tool now widely used by publishers to encourage both sales and reading through active community interaction with books. Rusoff will continue to consult on marketing issues for a select number of preexisting clients.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Psychology, Upmarket Nonfiction
Biography
Curtis Russell is the founder, president, and principal Agent at P.S. Literary Agency. He began his publishing career as the proprietor of an indie press before co-founding PSLA two decades ago. CurtisÕ reputation for excellence and passion for getting the best for his creators has resulted in a wide-ranging and diverse client list that appeals to his many literary interests. His penchant for discovering creators with standout ideas in a variety of categories has served the agency well. And his ability to spot talent of all stripes has resulted in the creation of a growing and dynamic PSLA team committed to the highest standards of literary representation.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Business Book, Current Events Affairs, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Sports
Biography
Jim Rutman is a literary agent with Sterling Lord Literistic. Jim represents adult literary fiction and non-fiction. In fiction, he is interested in audacious novels that test the form and prioritize language. His non-fiction interests are wide ranging, from history, journalism, music, film, sports, and biography, to traditional narrative approaches, criticism, and essays. He is often drawn to interdisciplinary and hybrid treatments, authorities seeking to complicate long held assumptions. He represents Sheila Heti, Alissa Nutting, Teddy Wayne, Manohla Dargis, Eleanor Henderson, Rowan Ricardo Phillips, Jay Caspian Kang, Carvell Wallace, and others.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, History, Journalism, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Reference, Sports
Biography
Peter Ryan is a literary agent with Stimola Literary Studio. Peter Ryan is a lifelong reader of comic books and graphic novels. His first comics were a big box of silver and golden age comics that were handed down from a friends older brother. The comics were tattered, torn and in pieces but they were the best thing he had ever seen. His interests are classic sci-fi, adventure, contemporary stories of life, mysteries, thrillers and really really word books that keep him up at night thinking. He is currently looking for stories that are steeped in diverse cultures and families that show the rich tapestry that is our national and global community. He is also looking for stories that delve into LGBTQ and gender identity, again because he wants to show how broad our cultural composition really is. Pete worked on Wall St. for 15 minutes straight out of college. He spent a few years working in the video game industry on titles like Guitar Hero, Call of Duty, and in some of the Marvel Universe. He also worked in construction and IT. When Pete isn’t working he can be found playing with his wife, son and two dogs, catching a few minutes on the Xbox, or tinkering with RC car projects. When it snows you will probably find him in a pair of skis somewhere. Pete has been with the Stimola Literary Studio since 2012. He represents only graphic novel authors and illustrators. Pete also manages the business and operations of the company.
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FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Graphic Novel, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller
Biography
Regina Ryan is a literary agent with Regina Ryan Publishing Enterprises. Regina says: “I founded this independent literary agency company 40 years ago. Prior to that I was editor-in-chief of Macmillan Adult Books, the first woman ever to hold that position in a major hardcover publishing house. Before that I was an editor at Alfred A. Knopf. My strong editorial backgroundÑfirst as an editor and later as a book producerÑIs very useful in helping my authors develop their projects in the most salable way. My many years of experience in the business and my extensive contacts help me to place their books with the best houses for their projects. I am a member of the Women’s Media Group, PEN, the Authors Guild, the Association of AuthorsÕ Representatives (AAR), and the Agents Round Table (ART). I am a past president and former board member of the American Book Producers Association. I am also a member of the New York Audubon Society, the Linnaean Society of New York and the New York Mycological Society, and the American Bird Conservancy. I am a founding member of The Agents Round Table (ART),a collaborative consortium of expert literary agents. Honors: #1 Dealmaker in nonfiction — Publishers Marketplace, September 2015. Who’s Who in America; Who’s Who Among American Women; Who’s Who in the World.”
Notes
NONFICTION: Animals, Architecture, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Computers, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Diet Nutrition, Environment, Food Drink, Gardening, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Science, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Nonfiction