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The Directory of Literary Agents
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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.
- You are searching within category(ies): Picture Book *
Biography
* Picture Book authors should not submit unless also illustrators. *
Jessica Saint Jean is a literary agent with Jill Grinberg Literary Management. She joined Jill Grinberg Literary Management in 2020 to build a list of visual storytellers. Jessica came to JGLM from the art department at Candlewick Press, where she was in charge of illustrator searches and negotiating illustrator contracts for 6 years. She started her career as an editor at Barefoot Books, enabling her to bring experience from both an art and editorial perspective to her role as an agent. Jessica earned her B.A. in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College in Boston, and still lives in Massachusetts – though now a few miles north of downtown. She loves any excuse to make a color-coded spreadsheet, walk instead of drive, and start a new book.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
392 Vanderbilt Avenue Brooklyn NY 11238 USA
Biography
Bethany Jett is a literary agent with the Hartline Literary Agency. She is a multi-award-winning traditionally-published author, ghostwriter, and marketing strategist who earned top honors in her master’s program, where she earned her MFA in Communications focusing on Marketing and PR. She co-owns Serious Writer and loves to help writers reach their audiences. She is also obsessed with planners, “The Office,” and #cleanTok.
Bethany is married to her college sweetheart. They served in youth ministry for several years and now live the military life while raising three sons and two fluffy Pomeranians.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Christian Fiction * Contemporary * Historical * Inspirational Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Religious * Romance * Suspense * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Business * Christian * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Design * Food/Drinks * Gardening * Gift/Novelty * How-To * Parenting/Child Guidance * Religion * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Women’s Issues *
Biography
Jennifer Joel is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. She is co-head of the literary department of the agency. She says: “When I left my first job as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs to become a literary agent, most of my new colleagues were aghast at what they perceived I’d given up for the privilege of working in a creative field. More recently, I’m commended for my wise and prescient career change.
I’m extremely fortunate to be able to spend my time representing a diverse group of writers of both fiction and nonfiction, whose work has in common two essential elements: they’re good stories, well told. My clients include literary and commercial novelists for adults and young readers, historians, biographers, memoirists, journalists, strategists, adventurers, entertainers and other extraordinary individuals with big ideas to share.
I’m also a member of The Library Council at the New York Public Library and a Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Historical * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Suspense * Thriller * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Film/Entertainment * General Nonfiction * History * Humor * Journalism * Lifestyle * Memoir * Military/War * Money/Finance * Music * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Photography * Politics * Pop Culture * Reference * Religion * Science * Spirituality * Sports * True Adventure * True Crime *
65 East 55th Street 14th Floor New York NY 10022 USA
Biography
Brianne Johnson is a literary agent with HG Literary. After working at independent bookstores, a book warehouse, a literary magazine, and in book publishing, Brianne started as a starry-eyed intern at Writer’s House in 2007. She worked her way up to Senior Agent before moving to HG Literary in 2021.
Brianne represents children’s books of all stripes, with a particular focus on character-driven middle grade and young adult fiction. She also selectively represents picture books and adult fiction.
Some of her clients include: winner of the Edgar Award and #1 New York Times bestselling author Wesley King, authors of the recent HBO Max film UNPREGNANT Jenni Hendriks and Ted Caplan, Edgar nominated author Greg Howard, award winning playwright and author Kate Scelsa, Joya Goffney, Heather Fawcett, Laura Sibson, Cheryl Klein, Camilla Bruce, and others.
Brianne is particularly passionate about social justice stories, amplifying under-represented voices and perspectives, sex positivity, alternative lifestyles, quirky romances, well-researched historical fiction, and witchy/mythy genre benders. She loves pushing the envelope on balancing big, universally important themes with hope and humor in unexpected ways.
The one link Brianne has throughout the genres she focuses on is humor and whimsy, particularly in darker settings. She loves stories that can illuminate something about humanity in a fresh and quirky way, AND make her laugh. Life is serious enough. Reading should be a joy.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Fantasy * General Fiction * Historical * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Science Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
6 West 18th Street #7R New York NY 10011 USA
Biography
Janine Kamouh is a literary agent with William Morris Endeavor Entertainment.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
11 Madison Avenue 18th Floor New York NY 10010 USA
Biography
* Picture Book authors should not submit unless also illustrators. *
Lori Kilkelly is a literary agent with the LK Literary Agency. In 2008, after a number of successful years in advertising and sales, Lori aspired to combine her talents in these areas with her personal passion for children’s literature. Ultimately, this led to her decision to pursue a career change, and she attended the post graduate program, ‘The Denver Publishing Institute’ at The University of Denver. Subsequently, she spent nearly a decade at boutique children’s literary agency Rodeen Literary Management, headed by Paul Rodeen—a George Nicholson protégé—and home to award-winning authors Peter Brown, Victoria Jamieson, Lauren Castillo and Ryan Higgins, among others.
During her tenure at RLM, Lori rose through the ranks, eventually representing her own clients, and assembled a list of talented, best-selling, and award-winning authors and illustrators. Having worked independently for much of her career, she also began to lay the foundation to eventually open her own shop. Then, with the full support of Rodeen Literary, she formally announced LK Literary Agency in the fall of 2018 and was joined by all of her clients in the new endeavor.
Now, with more than 100 books under contract and titles with every major trade publisher, she is dedicated to continue bringing meaningful, funny, informative, and moving children’s and young adult literature to market, created by an incredibly talented group of authors and illustrators.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
Chicago IL USA
Biography
Ian Kleinert is a literary agent with Paradigm Literary and Talent Agency. Kleinert was most recently the CEO and founding partner of Projector Media, which focused on literary management and investor-backed digital platforms for groups like SALT Events, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Propagate Content, and sports legends Joe Namath and Cal Ripken Jr.
Kleinert was also the founder of the full service literary management company Objective Entertainment. During his time there, he represented and packaged book and subsidiary deals for writers and artists like Pulitzer Prize winner Quiara Alegría Hudes, Wendy Williams, Margaret Hoover, Kanye West and Donda West, Voletta Wallace and The Estate of The Notorious B.I.G., and many more.
Over his nearly three decades in entertainment, Kleinert has secured publishing deals for more than 300 books, He began his career in 1994 at Fifi Oscard Agency. He later became a lit agent at William Morris Agency, where he represented novelists including “Game Of Thrones” co-creator D.B. Weiss.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Fantasy * General Fiction * Horror * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Science Fiction * Thriller * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Humor * Lifestyle * Memoir * Money/Finance * Narrative * Politics * Pop Culture * Sports * True Crime *
Biography
Ginger Knowlton is a literary agent with the Curtis Brown Literary Agency. Ginger Knowlton represents a diverse list of authors and illustrators of picture books, middle-grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction. Her client list includes new and emerging writers as well as Newbery Medalists, Newbery and Printz Honor winners, Edgar and Lambda winners, New York Times bestsellers, and a host of other talented clients. Ginger has served on the Board of Directors of both the Association of Authors’ Representatives in NYC and the Friends of the Library in her hometown in Westchester County.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
228 E 45th Street 3rd floor New York NY 10017 USA
Biography
Barbara Kouts is a literary agent with the Barbara Kouts Literary Agency. She was formerly with The Lazear Agency Inc./Talkback, Barbara Markowitz Literary Agency, and Barbara Levy Literary Agency.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
P.O. Box 560 Bellport NY 11713 USA
Biography
Marie Lamba is a literary agent with the Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency. Marie Lamba (www.marielamba.com) is author of the young adult novels What I Meant… (Random House), Over My Head and Drawn, of the picture book Green Green: A Community Gardening Story (Farrar Straus Giroux), and of the upcoming picture book A Day So Gray (Clarion). Her articles appear in more than 100 publications, and she’s a frequent contributor to Writer’s Digest. Marie has worked as an editor, an award-winning public relations writer, a book publicist, and has taught classes on novel writing and on author promotion.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Chick Lit * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Humor Fiction * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Satire * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Animals/Pets * Art * Biography * Celebrity * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Environment * Film/Entertainment * Fitness * Food/Drinks * Gardening * Gay/Lesbian * Health/Wellness * History * Humor * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Narrative * Nature * Parenting/Child Guidance * Pop Culture * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Technology * Travel * True Adventure * Women’s Issues *
245 Park Avenue 39th Floor New York NY 10167 USA
Biography
Oliver Latsch is a literary agent with and the founder of LatschLit Literary Agency and Translation. He says: “I am a literary agent, representing literature and non-fiction for children, young adults and grown-ups worldwide. I also translate German to and from English for fiction, non-fiction, as well as commercial and academic texts.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Fantasy * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Science Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Cooking/Cookbook * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Middle Grade * Science * Young Adult *
11224 Canton Drive Studio City CA 91604 USA
Biography
Steve Laube is a literary agent with and the President and Founder of the Steve Laube Agency. He is a veteran of the bookselling industry with nearly 40 years of experience. In the 80s he was a bookstore manager and was awarded the National Store of the Year by the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA). He then spent over a decade with Bethany House Publishers and was named the Editor of the Year by AWSA. Over sixteen years ago he became an agent where he and his agency have represented nearly 2,000 new books and Steve was named Agent of the Year by ACFW. He was also inducted into the Grand Canyon University Hall-of-Fame by their College of Theology. He is married with three grown children and one grandchild.
Steve has very eclectic interests. He has represented everything from the sweet romance to the systematic theology. His clients are equally divided between fiction and non-fiction writers. (For a complete resume of his past work and editorial experience click here.)
He is the President of The Christian Writers Institute and publishes the annual Christian Writers Market Guide (also available online) and Book Proposal Tips and Tricks.
In addition, he is the owner and President of Enclave Publishing one of the premier publishers of Christian fantasy and science fiction.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Christian Fiction * Contemporary * Espionage/Military * Fantasy * Historical * Literary * Paranormal * Picture Book * Religious * Romance * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Biography * Christian * Cultural/Social Issues * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Family * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * Inspiration * Lifestyle * Money/Finance * Music * Parenting/Child Guidance * Philosophy * Politics * Psychology * Reference * Religion * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Women’s Issues *
24 W. Camelback Rd. A-635 Phoenix AZ 85013 USA
Biography
Jennifer Laughran is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Jennifer comes from a theatrical background, and began her career in agenting after working as a long-time children’s bookseller and buyer. She joined the Andrea Brown Literary Agency in 2007. Jenn loves quirky, warm illustration, and projects for all ages that have illustrated elements. Always on the lookout for sparkling YA and middle grade fiction with unusual and unforgettable characters and vivid settings, she is drawn to nearly all kinds of books, whether realistic comedies or richly imagined magical adventures. However, the common thread in her favorite stories is an offbeat world-view. Jennifer loves funny books, thrilling books, romantic books, books that make her cry, and all-around un-put-downable books … and her true favorites are all of the above.
She spends most of her free time … well, reading, what else?!
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile *
2225 E Bayshore Rd Suite 200 Palo Alto CA 94303 USA
Biography
Michelle S. Lazurek is a literary agent with WordWise Media Services. She says: “In 2009, I felt a calling on my life to start writing. Apart from some poems in high school, I had never written anything before. As I studied and wrote down my thoughts, I soon published my first book. Today, with nine titles in print and hundreds of articles (and a few awards along the way), I teach aspiring authors at writers’ conferences. Now I get the privilege to journey with aspiring writers and help them achieve their dreams of becoming published authors. I have a Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Relations from Liberty University.
When not occupied with literary pursuits, you can find me sipping a hot latte at Starbucks, reading a good book, or collecting records from the 1980s and 90s. I live in Pennsylvania with my husband, two children and our crazy dog, Cookie.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Picture Book *
NONFICTION: Christian * General Nonfiction *
4083 Avenue L Suite 255 Lancaster CA 93536 USA
Biography
* Picture Book authors should not submit unless also illustrators. *
Alexandra Levick is a literary agent with Writers House. She says: “I started at Writers House as an intern for Brianne Johnson and was quickly pulled from the program to begin working for Senior Vice President, Merrilee Heifetz. Later, I covered senior agent, Stephen Barr’s, paternity leave and worked as an assistant to senior agents Brianne Johnson and Rebecca Sherman. I have also worked as a bookseller in both the adult and children’s markets, as well as on the house side of the publishing business in publicity. In 2015, I graduated from New York University with my Masters of Science in Publishing: Digital and Print Media, with a specialization in Media Content Development.
I am actively growing my picture book, middle grade, young adult, and adult lists.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Horror * Literary * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * New Adult * Picture Book * Romance * Science Fiction * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
120 Broadway 22nd floor New York NY 10271 USA
Biography
Bibi Lewis is a literary agent with the Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency. She joined the agency in 2014. She acts as the agency’s royalties and office manager and is currently building her list in both Children’s and Adult. For Children’s she represents Picture Books through Young Adult, with a particular interest in big hearted Middle Grade, innovative non-fiction and Young Adult Contemporary and Thrillers.
On the adult end, Bibi is primarily looking for women’s fiction, upmarket commercial and book club fiction and contemporary and historical romance. She enjoys projects with a big hook, complicated and fully realized characters, and sharp, quick paced prose. She is also looking for select mysteries and thrillers—particularly domestic suspense and unexpected takes on true crime.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Historical * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * True Crime * Young Adult *
155 Suffolk Street #2R New York NY 10002 USA
Biography
Marlene Connor Lynch is a literary agent with and the founder of the Conner Literary Agency. She is a respected author and accomplished literary agent and former editor for The Literary Guild of America, Simon and Schuster and, in her first position, Random House. She is a native of New York City and founded CLA in 1985 before moving to the Twin Cities in 1995.
She has been agent and consultant for the Simplicity Pattern Company, the largest pattern company in the world, and Essence Magazine, the premier magazine for African American women. She has represented Dr. Ronn Elmore, author of the best seller HOW TO LOVE A BLACK MAN (Grand Central Publishing), Thelma Balfour, author of the bestseller, BLACK SUNS SIGNS (Simon and Schuster/Fireside), Lisa Akbari’s THE BLACK WOMAN’S GUIDE TO BEAUTIFUL HAIR and BEAUTIFUL HAIR AT ANY AGE (Sourcebooks), TWELVE MONTHS OF KNITTING by Joanne Yordanou (Potter Crafts), and many others.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * General Fiction * Historical * Literary * Mystery * Picture Book * Short Story Collection * Suspense * Thriller *
NONFICTION: Art * Beauty/Fashion/Style * Cooking/Cookbook * Crafts * Dating/Relationship/Sex * General Nonfiction * Gift/Novelty * Health/Wellness * History * Humor * Juvenile * Photography * Politics * Self-Help/Personal Development * Sports *
New York NY USA
Biography
Steven Malk is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. Steven is the third generation of his family to be involved in children’s books, as both his mother and grandmother owned children’s bookstores. He opened a West Coast office for Writers House in 1998, and represents a wide range of authors and illustrators, including Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith, Marla Frazee, Kadir Nelson, Sara Pennypacker, Jennifer Donnelly, Brett Helquist, Sonya Sones, Adam Rex, Deborah Wiles, and Cynthia Rylant, among others.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Mainstream * Middle Grade Fiction * Paranormal * Picture Book * Romance * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
7660 Fay Avenue #338H La Jolla CA 92037 USA
Biography
Hannah Mann is a literary agent with Writers House. She says: “I’ve been with the agency since 2013 and represent children’s fiction and nonfiction, from young picture books through middle grade and young adult, and all the hybrids in between–including graphic novels. I love flawed characters, mystery, family dynamics, underdogs, regular dogs, and unexpected settings, but voice (that goes for words OR art) is almost everything.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
7660 Fay Avenue #338H La Jolla CA 92037 USA
Biography
Rick Margolis is the founder and owner of Rising Bear Literary Agency. For nearly 15 years, he worked for School Library Journal, the world’s largest reviewer of books for young readers. As SLJ ’s executive editor, he has the pleasure of interviewing many remarkable children’s book creators, including Kate DiCamillo, Mo Willems, Katherine Paterson, Gene Yang, Rita Williams-Garcia, Markus Zusak, Rebecca Stead, and Jon Klassen. One of the best parts of his job was writing a monthly interview column, “Under Cover,” which highlighted new and promising authors and illustrators (like John Green, Suzanne Collins, and Stephenie Meyer) who went on to have amazing careers. Along the way, he also met many publishers and children’s book editors. Because he has read so much and so widely, he has a strong sense of the stories that appeal to them, and he knows the literary market well. And for some reason, almost every year he was able to predict the winner of the Caldecott Medal, which honors the year’s best-illustrated book.
Although he loved his stint at SLJ, he was ready for a new challenge. But not just any job would do.
He wanted to find one that felt like his true calling—one that he was wild about—and that could contribute something of value to the world. He also wanted to stay connected to kids’ books—because he loves them and because he was once a reading specialist (working with students who struggled to read) and he knows firsthand what a profound difference the right book can make in a young person’s life.
To make a long story short, after lots of praying and scores of meetings with some very insightful folks (and a fair amount of snacking), he launched Rising Bear Literary Agency, LLC, specializing in what he most love: picture books, early- and middle-grade fiction, young adult literature, and adult novels with unforgettable teen characters.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction * New Adult *
NONFICTION:
Fairfield CT
Biography
Shari Maurer is a literary agent with the Stringer Literary Agency. Shari graduated from Duke University with a degree in English, and later studied Dramatic Writing at NYU. Following a stint at The Children’s Television Workshop on international productions of Sesame Street, she published both novels and non-fiction, and worked as a writer and editor. Shari has also written Parenting & Lifestyle columns for several websites. A mother of three, she lives in New York with her husband.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chick Lit * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Humor Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * New Adult * Picture Book * Satire * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Juvenile * Memoir * Middle Grade * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Young Adult *
P.O. Box 111255 Naples FL 34108 USA
Biography
Lillian Mazeika is a literary agent with Tugeau 2. She became the T2 Agency’s very first Associate Agent in 2021 after spending a year assisting in the office. Coming from an art background herself, Lillian loves engaging with creators and seeing them bring stories to life. Lillian enjoys graphic novels and is always on the hunt for spooky stories and diverse voices. However, she really just adores all things kidlit. When she isn’t working, you can find her at a concert or flea market.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Graphic Novel * Picture Book *
NONFICTION:
2231 Grandview Avenue Cleveland Heights OH 44106 USA
Biography
Sean McCarthy is a literary agent and the owner of the Sean McCarthy Literary Agency. He began his publishing career as an editorial intern at Overlook Press and then moved over to the Sheldon Fogelman Agency. He worked as the submissions coordinator and permissions manager before becoming a full-time literary agent. Sean graduated from Macalester College with a degree in English-Creative Writing, and is grateful that he no longer has to spend his winters in Minnesota.
He is drawn to flawed, multifaceted characters with devastatingly concise writing in YA, and boy-friendly mysteries or adventures in MG. In picture books, he looks more for unforgettable characters, off-beat humor, and especially clever endings. He is not currently interested in high fantasy, message-driven stories, or query letters that pose too many questions.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
New York NY USA
Biography
Holly M. McGhee is a literary agent with Pippin Properties. She still carried MADELINE around in 3rd grade—until Mrs. Carrier, her school librarian, tricked her into reading longer books by giving her one with her name on it, HOLLY IN THE SNOW. After college, Holly headed straight into the book world of New York City, where she has enjoyed being a secretary, an advertising manager, a sales rep (for one month), and in the six years prior to opening the doors at Pippin, an executive editor at HarperCollins. Now, as the President and Creative Director of Pippin she is dedicated to shepherding books that make a difference into the world. Someone once told her, “If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life,” and that has proven true for her.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction *
110 West 40th Street Suite 1704 New York NY 10018 USA
Biography
Peter McGuigan is a literary agent with and the founder of Ultra Literary. With almost thirty years in the book publishing business, Peter McGuigan has seen the industry – and the agent’s role in it – evolve over the course of his career.
“Selling books is easy. Developing inspiring projects and guiding them to success is the real work of being an agent.”
Peter began his publishing career outside of the mail room, working as a bike messenger, then in bookstores before landing a job as an assistant at a small agency. He quickly became involved in foreign rights, and international publishing remains one of his passions. Five years working in corporate publishing convinced Peter that he was an independent at heart, and he took a job at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, where he began developing his own diverse client list and worked with Bestselling authors such as Dan Brown and Nicholas Sparks.
At Foundry Literary + Media, Peter created a large, independent agency that became known for high-quality bestsellers. Dewey, The Monuments Men, Dopesick, Trevor Noah’s Born A Crime, Cassandra Peterson’s Yours Cruelly, Elvira, – these projects were not only massively successful around the world, they were all developed from scratch by Peter, the author and their team.
“I am not interested in documenting popular culture,” he says. “I want to create popular culture.”
Foundry’s 13 year run, including massive bestsellers from Jenn Sincero, Mark Manson, Trevor Noah and others, set a high bar for independent, internationally-focused book publishing. Peter also became a producer of TV and film, with credits appearing in Dopesick, Stronger, Searching for Neverland and many other projects.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Thriller * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Autobiography * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Film/Entertainment * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Humor * Journalism * Lifestyle * Memoir * Military/War * Money/Finance * Music * Narrative * Nature * Photography * Politics * Pop Culture * Reference * Science * Technology * True Adventure * True Crime *
1 Dock 72 Way Brooklyn NY 11205 USA
Biography
Tanya McKinnon is a literary agent wtih McKinnon Literary. She says: “I represent serious nonfiction, literary fiction, children’s books, and graphic novels. Since establishing the agency five years ago, we have seen the publication of four New York Times bestsellers as well as numerous award winners and commercial successes.
Growing up all over—Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and the US—I found my home in books where writers confront the chaos of reality and distill it into narratives that leave us wiser and more human for having read them. The books I represent embody this ethos.
Because I wanted to help make books happen, I entered publishing right out of college, and while my job titles have changed, I have never left that world. I began as an editor, where I deepened my love of accessible, idea-driven nonfiction with the power to transform culture. Next, I worked as a literary scout, representing foreign publishers and Hollywood producers. For the last eighteen years, I have been a literary agent, helping authors bring their ideas to life and find their audience.
The time I have spent on various sides of the industry lets me view the agent-author relationship holistically. I routinely help my clients shape and sharpen their projects through a rigorous in-house editorial process. In the bigger picture, I work to help authors hone a career trajectory for their work. This level of focus requires that I cap the number of new clients I will take on.
I am always looking for work that takes me beyond the boundaries of where I currently am. This can be in categories such as history, sociology, psychology, anthropology, medicine, cultural criticism, popular culture, journalism, and sheer whimsy. I look for fiction that is story- and character-driven and engrossing with a strong voice. I have a particular interest in multicultural and African American work. I also have a passion for graphic novels, be they for adults or young readers. In children’s books, I represent the gamut from picture books through chapter books and middle grade readers, to young adult.
In addition to agenting, I hold an MA in cultural anthropology, and I teach a course on Writing for Children in the Publishing Certificate Program at City College.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Ethnic Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Cultural/Social Issues * Ethnic * General Nonfiction * History * Journalism * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Medical/Medicine * Middle Grade * Multicultural * Narrative * Pop Culture * Psychology * Reference * Upmarket * Young Adult *
2 Westchester Avenue #6N White Plains NY 10601 USA
Biography
* Picture Book authors should not submit unless also illustrators. *
Christie Megill is a literary agent with The CAT Agency, Inc. She joined The CAT Agency in 2022 after interning with Writers House, Triada US, and Cardinal Rule Press. She’s overjoyed to be working with talented creators to support their remarkable, distinctive art.
Christie comes to the agency with a background in elementary education. After several years of reading picture books to her young students, she shifted to children’s publishing in order to help make these books instead. She previously worked as an editorial assistant at an academic press in New York City, as a volunteer at the Housing Works Bookstore in SoHo, and as a bookseller at the bygone Borders Books and Music in Columbus Circle.
She holds a BA in English Literature from Fordham University and is a certificated elementary school teacher. Born and raised in Connecticut, she now considers New York City her forever home.
When she’s not losing herself in a good book, she can be found making butter-laden desserts, exploring new museums, and hiking in the woods with her three children.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Picture Book * Graphic Novel *
NONFICTION:
.
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About Mark Malatesta
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company Literary Agent Undercover and The Bestselling Author. Mark’s authors have gotten six-figure book deals, been on the NYT bestseller list, and published with houses such as Random House, Scholastic, and Thomas Nelson. Click here to learn more about Mark Malatesta and click here for Reviews of Mark Malatesta.
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Author Coaching Testimonials
“Mark, finding you has been both a treat and a treasure—I just signed a contract with my new literary agent!
My career has spanned publishing, TV, and feature film. I’ve served as Creative Dir. for the Magazine Group, TIME Inc.; Dir. of Time World News Service, a Founding Dir. of TIME-Life Films; Exec. Prod. for both the CBS and NBC TV Networks; Prod./Dir.: Movies of the Week: CBS Cinema Center Films and Universal MCA.
In today’s publishing marketplace, agents come and go. They also very often seem to just want an easy pathway to make a buck. Many authors are let go by their agents because their last book didn’t do well enough and the agent doesn’t want to devote the time to help the author. That’s not what you’re about Mark. Even established authors need this type of support in today’s marketplace.”
Author of ten fiction and nonfiction books
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“I’m psyched to have this be official. After getting five different offers for representation from top literary agents, I signed with Stephanie Tade who got me a 6-figure book deal with Penguin!
Getting multiple agents interested in my work was really important to me. I’ve dealt with agents before and gotten screwed on things contractually so I wanted to do it differently this time. I wanted choices.
Having you help me create that, and navigate my options, was really helpful. I heard other authors talk about their great relationships with their agents and it made me want the same thing. Now I have that.”
Author of Woman on Fire
(Penguin Books)
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“After sending out the query Mark revised for me, I had the opportunity to speak with literary agents from top agencies such as Janklow & Nesbit, Trident Media, Anderson Lit, and Folio. I signed with Don Fehr at Trident and, a short time later I had a publishing contract with Berkley Books, which recently published my book in hardcover.
Before that, I sent my query letter out on my own to 30 or 40 agents and got a lot of rejections. I then found Mark online while I was researching agents. I was surprised that he offered so much during his initial consultation—for a very modest amount of money.
I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t worked with Mark. I can’t even imagine that now though, because of the grief and detours I experienced before we worked together. It was a time-consuming pain in the neck. If you want to get the attention of top literary agents and publishers, there is no substitute for working with an insider. You can’t beat experience. And having Mark on your side is incredibly valuable.”
Author of Single Handed
(Berkley Books, a Division of Penguin Random House)
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“AHHH! OMG, it happened! I got three offers of representation for my children’s picture book in the United States, even though I live abroad! When I woke up and found the first offer for representation in my email in box, I wanted to scream. But my family was still asleep so I couldn’t. 🙂
Just 8 minutes after I sent a query letter to one of my favorite agents, she replied and asked to see my manuscript. A short time later we had a lovely conversation. She was interested in representing me and sounded very positive and enthusiastic about my book. Since I also got offers from two other agents, I had to turn two of them down. One of them was upset and it felt like I was breaking her heart, but you just have to do it. I kept reminding myself that this is a good problem to have!”
Author/Illustrator of Lon-Lon’s Big Night
and many other children’s books
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“Mark, after you helped me land a top literary agent, I got publishing offers from THREE well-known publishers: Amacom, Palgrave Macmillan, and McGraw-Hill (they’re publishing my book in hardcover)!
I was at Disneyworld with my family, in the Haunted Mansion, when I got the call. I went outside and listened to the voicemail message from my agent. A huge smile came over my face. It was a fantastic feeling. For a moment I felt like life was perfect and the angels were singing.
You’re filling an important need so I’ll say this to every other author reading this testimonial. Mark showed me that getting a top literary agent is a science. If you’ve written a book, or you’re in the process, you’ve already invested a lot—a lot more than money. Don’t stop yourself from getting out there to fulfill your purpose and dreams. Thank you so, so much, Mark!!!”
Author of Customer Focused Process Innovation (McGraw Hill)
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“I got a book deal! After I started sending out my new query letter I had 6 literary agents request my manuscript in a short amount of time, which is awesome. Then, within 2 weeks of my agent starting to pitch my story to publishers, we had an offer. I signed a book contract yesterday. A little while later my agent told me that a TV co-producer asked for more info about my book.
By the way, the acquiring editor that fell in love with the manuscript jumped in with both feet and we just worked out our timeline for publication. She’s as passionate about getting my book out as I am, and that means everything. She read the manuscript in two days and said she couldn’t put it down. And the book is going to be published as a hardcover!”
Author of A Chick in the Cockpit
(Behler Publications)
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“Thank you Mark! After you helped me get a well-known agent with Hartline Literary Agency (for my previously self-published murder mystery), he got me a deal with an American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) approved publisher. I’m hard-pressed to find anything that I had an expectation for that you didn’t deliver on.
Before I worked with you I sent out queries, but no one ever requested my complete manuscript. Comparing your new version of my query to the one I wrote before, I can see a vast difference.
I’ve been in business for 35 years so I’m not just saying this… what you’re doing is phenomenal. There are other people offering similar services, but the difference is your success. Others might say they do similar things but, if you research them, they don’t have your background or track record.”
Author of The Rector
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“Mark, you’re a miracle worker. Thanks to your help with my book, query letter, and synopsis… I now have a legitimate publisher who described my book as ‘Powerful Magic’ and it’s now available in bookstores and online!
I’m a lifelong academic writer who one day found myself writing inspired short stories that came to me in dreams and I began thinking of them as novels. That’s when I had a momentous conversation, an introductory coaching call with Mark Malatesta, the American creative writing coach, or rather, to be precise, a how-to-sell-yourself-and-your-work adviser. It was the best-spent money of my life apart (possibly) for my wedding ring.”
Author of The Black Inked Pearl
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“Within 4 minutes of sending out my query letter, a top literary called me on the phone (the #1 agent on my wish list). Less than 30 days later I had three major publishers making offers. A few days after that, I signed a deal with Random House. Mark, your query letter did that.
My agent talked about the query letter you helped me create for a long, long time. When he first called me on the phone, he hadn’t seen any of my sample chapters. It was just the query letter that did it. Communicating the right thing is so important. You are a wonderful medium helping authors find their voice and elevate their writing from just a hobby to a real business… a source from which they can both learn and earn.”
Author of Lights Out
(Random House)
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“MARK, MARK, MARK!!!!!!! Holy smokes… I just signed my book deal. First, two well-known literary agents asked to represent me. One of them responded to my query letter in less than 4 minutes!!
Then THREE different publishers wanted my book and started talking about making offers. The publisher I chose is perfect for me because they produce titles for the trade, educational, and scientific markets. And they agreed to publish my book as a hardcover!!!
When I met you, Mark, it was a pivotal time. I was under the belief that I could self-publish my book with a vanity press and then seek a publisher. I didn’t know what a literary agent was, why I needed one, or how to get one. I was wandering in the dark. You guided me in the right direction and gave me a solid plan.”
Author of Intestinal Health
(Rowman & Littlefield)
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“Boom!!! I just signed a contract with Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins for (what I’ve been told by several people) is a very large advance for a first-time author.
Before working with Mark I submitted my book to agents but didn’t get any interest. This time around I got a top NY literary agency (Fine Print Lit). What cloud is higher than 9?
I had several agencies interested before deciding to go with Fine Print. And, to be honest, all of the attention didn’t surprise me. The query letter and proposal that Mark helped me develop were incredible. Agents actually said things to me like: ‘Scott, I read your proposal and I’m just blown away by it!’ Mark is extremely talented at what he does. If you have the opportunity to work with him, take advantage of it.”
Author of The Unbreakable Boy
(Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson)