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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): Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Andrea Cascardi is a literary agent with the Transatlantic Agency. Andrea Cascardi has held senior editorial positions at Random House, Disney/Hyperion, and Egmont USA. As an editor she acquired and edited Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King winner Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold, the Raffi Songs to Read series, and Pura Belpre winner Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez among many other award-winning books. As an agent she has represented many bestselling and award-winning titles including Clare VanderpoolÕs Newbery winner Moon Over Manifest and Printz Honor winner Navigating Early, e.E. Charlton-TruilloÕs Stonewall winner Fat Angie, New York Times Bestseller Nubs: A Mutt, A Marine, and a Miracle, and Texas Bluebonnet winner Ten Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break if You Want to Survive the School Bus.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Lifestyle, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Barbara Casey is president of the Barbara Casey Agency. She represents clients nationally and internationally in fiction and nonfiction for adults. She is also a partner with Strategic Media Books. Her past and present professional associations are numerous and include being editorial consultant for the Jamaican Writers Circle in affiliation with the University of West Indies and Mico Teachers College in Kingston. She also received special recognition for her editorial work on the English translations of Albanian childrenÕs stories. She is a frequent guest speaker at writersÕ conferences and universities throughout the United States. She is a former director, guest author, and panelist of BookFest of the Palm Beaches, Florida; and for thirteen years, she served as judge for the Pathfinder Literary Awards in Florida. She held the position of Florida Regional Advisor for the Society of ChildrenÕs Book Writers and Illustrators from 1991 to 2003. Originally from Carrollton, Illinois, Barbara Casey attended the University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University, and North Carolina Wesleyan College where she received a BA degree, summa cum laude, with a double major in English and history. In 1978 she left her position as Director of Public Relations and Vice President of Development at North Carolina Wesleyan College to write full time and develop her own manuscript evaluation and editorial service. Since that time her award-winning articles, short stories, and poetry for adults have appeared in several publications.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, General Nonfiction, History, Inspirational Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Self-Help, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Haley Casey is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency, Inc. She has always had a special place in her heart for stories, but it was when she wrote her first chapter book in fifth grade that her true love of literature was realized. In 2015, she graduated from The University of Kansas with a bachelorÕs degree in creative writing, and that fall, she attended the Denver Publishing Institute. She began her full-time career at Ogden Publications, where she was an editor for four years. There she worked with a variety of authors across multiple magazines, wrote articles, edited podcasts, and even styled photosÑanything to add some creativity to her days. In 2020, she interned at Metamorphosis Literary Agency and Creative Media Agency, Inc. before stepping into her role as a junior agent at CMA. She also manages the digital arm of the company. Haley is actively building her list, and is ready to assist her authors in achieving their publishing goals.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Environment, Gardening, Health Wellness, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Psychology, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Erin Casey Westin is a literary agent with Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency. Erin graduated from Hamilton College with a B.A. in Creative Writing and an ever-growing list of books to read. She is open to all kid lit age groups, from picture books through YA, and is particularly drawn to work that shows the authorÕs world- and character-building ability. She wants to believe wholeheartedly in the world of the book, whether the setting is familiar or fantastic. She wants to see authentic, thoughtful representations of all people so that every kid can find a book that speaks to them. She wants even the simplest lines of dialogue to pluck at her heartstrings because theyÕre so perfectly written for that character. Erin loves that startled feeling you get upon reaching the end of a chapter in a really good book. You forget youÕre reading when youÕre so busy living, you know?
Notes
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
Heather Cashman is a literary agent with the Storm Literary Agency. Heather has always devoured any book–fiction or nonfiction–that told a good story and introduced a new world, but she especially loves the ones that make her want to be the heroine of her own life. Her work in Biochemistry inspired her imagination for creating worlds. Writing for enjoyment turned into an interest in improving craft. Heather was a professional editor for Cornerstones Literary Consultancy, editing middle grade, young adult, and adult books. SheÕs also helped authors by working as Managing Director of Pitch Wars, #PitMad, and Pitch Madness, as well as being a Pitch Wars mentor. Before becoming Associate Literary Agent and Agent Mentor at Storm Literary Agency, Heather interned for three years at The Bent Agency and Entangled Publishing. Heather is currently seeking submissions for middle grade, young adult, and adult in fiction and nonfiction. For fiction, sheÕll consider all genres and loves a good genre splice. For non-fiction, anything that takes her back to those days in the library when she wanted to learn about someone, something, and somewhere new. For all writing, Heather enjoys unique characters formed from their own experiences in a unique world. The characters need to feel real with a distinct voice from the first line. Thematic elements and strong character arcs are a must. She loves commercial fiction that has a literary flair and inclusive books that bring us together as citizens of the world. Some of her favorite authors: Anne McCaffrey, Terry Brooks, Judy Blume, Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein, Gary Paulson, Roald Dahl, Lord Byron (so much love for Prometheus Unbound, especially), Orson Scott Card, Beverly Cleary, Dean Koontz, Rainbow Rowell, Pierce Brown, Leigh Bardugo, Maggie Stiefvater, Holly Black, and so many more.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Sports, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Johanna Castillo is a Senior Agent at Writers House Literary Agency. A seasoned professional in the publishing industry with 20+ years of experience, Johanna was formerly Vice President & Executive Editor at Simon and Schuster and Editorial Director of Atria Espa–ol for nearly fifteen years. She has acquired, edited or represented more than 50+ New York Times bestsellers, National and International bestselling authors including Isabel Allende, Samanta Schweblin, Rachael Ray, Sara Shepard, Lucinda Riley, Agustina Bazterrica, Javier Sierra, Laura Esquivel, Reyna Grande, Antonia Hylton, Ana Castillo, Justin Baldoni, Armando Lucas Correa and many others. While at Simon and Schuster, Johanna acquired and edited #1 New York Times bestseller It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover, as well as all of her first 14 titles, including Slammed, Ugly Love, November 9 and others. She was also responsible for acquiring non-fiction category breakers such as The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and represented Madness by Antonia Hylton. Johanna is also considered an industry expert in books in translation, Latine and Spanish US market. She has been featured in The Miami Herald, The Boston Globe, The Daily News, Latina Magazine and in Publishers Weekly Magazine. In 2016 she was named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women by People en Espa–ol magazine. She is also a board member of the Board of Directors of Poets & Writers. As a literary agent, Johanna is actively building a list of talented authors with whom she can work closely editorially and form solid, long-term partnerships. Johanna is seeking works of Literary and commercial fiction and narrative non-fiction. She is always seeking new diverse voices, particularly Latinx and African-American.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, History, Lifestyle, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Analieze Cervantes is a literary agent with the Rees Literary Agency. Analieze joined the Rees Literary Agency in 2023, after working as an agent at Harvey Klinger Literary Agency. She has a bachelorÕs degree in creative writing, with a minor in screenwriting, from Cal State San Bernardino University. Analieze is actively building her list. She is interested in Picture-Books, Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Adult Fiction. She is passionately seeking BIPOC and underrepresented voices.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Jemiscoe Chambers-Black
Andrea Brown Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Online FormBiography
Jemiscoe Chambers-Black is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Before Jemiscoe “Jem” Chambers-Black joined Andrea Brown Literary Agency in 2020, she was an assistant director for film and television. Her love for books prevailed, and she went back to school to study English Literature and creative writing in fiction and earned her MFA. She represents illustrators, picture book authors (by referral only), MG, YA, and adult authors. In picture books, she enjoys laugh-out-louds, tight rhyming, and heartfelt books that deal with family, friendships, and emotional literacy.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Minju Chang is a literary agent with BookStop Literary Agency. Minju joined BookStop in 2006, and represents middle-grade and young adult writers of all genres. She has a particular interest in smart adventure/mystery novels, magical realism, and intense literary fiction, but her real weakness is for funny, clever, and gutsy characters with big attitudes. BookStop clients and their work have earned national recognition from such organizations as the American Library Association’s Notable committee, the American Booksellers and from ÔYoung Reader’ committees in a number of states.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic Novel 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
Jennifer Chen Tran is a literary agent with Glass Literary Management. With over a dozen years of experience in the publishing industry, Jennifer is passionate about nurturing and championing the creative lives of the authors and artists she is honored to represent. She works with a wide range of award-winning talent, including entrepreneurs, journalists, physicians, thought leaders, James Beard nominated chefs, and graphic novelists, among others. Jennifer is an editorial agent who believes in the art and magic of collaboration. She works with her authors from concept to publication, helping to polish each creatorÕs work so that it can best shine in a competitive marketplace. Prior to joining Glass Literary Management, Jennifer was a literary agent at Folio Literary Management and Idea Architects and served as Of Counsel at The New Press. She obtained her Juris Doctor from Northeastern School of Law and a Bachelors in English Literature from Washington University in St. Louis. She is an attorney in good standing in California and New York, a member of the Authors Guild, and a member of the Association of American Literary Agents. As a person of color and daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, Jennifer is deeply committed to amplifying voices from persons with disabilities, BIPOC, LGBTQ, underrepresented, marginalized, and neurodiverse communities. Her ultimate goal is to work in concert with authors to create books that will have a lasting positive social impact on the worldÑbooks that inform, entertain, and inspire. In her free time, you can find Jennifer relaxing with a good book, trying to complete a recipe with too many ingredients, or exploring the Lone Star State with her family.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Computers, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Environment, Family, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ernie Chiara is a literary agent with Fuse Literary. He loves nothing more than getting to work with his amazing clients on the books of their dreams. Having first joined Fuse Literary as a writer and client himself, he knows what itÕs like to be in the query trenches, and his goal is to be the type of agent every writer hopes to find. Prior to becoming a literary agent, Ernie was an associate agent at Fuse, an assistant to Fuse Senior Agent Tricia Skinner, and a mentor and Communications Director for the Pitch Wars writer mentorship program. A former copywriter for a Fortune 500 client, Ernie is also the founder of TBRstack.com, a platform for authors and publishing professionals to share lists of their favorite books. Outspoken about the issues of equality, both in society as a whole and as they relate to the publishing industry, Ernie values accuracy in representation and the raising of marginalized voices. He strives to be a fierce advocate for his clients and their interests, and is passionate about bringing their stories to a broader audience. In his free time, Ernie enjoys sketching and painting, whaling away on his drum kit, binge-watching the latest fantasy series, and having fun with his three amazing kids. He specializes in Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Horror in the Adult, Young Adult, and Middle Grade categories, as well as YA Contemporary.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Danielle Chiotti is a literary agent with Upstart Crow Literary. Danielle has worked in publishing for twenty years. Formerly an editor, she joined Upstart Crow when it was founded in 2009. She is honored to work on books with accolades including National Book Awards finalists, Kirkus Prize winners, and NYT Editor’s Picks. Her authors have received recognition from the Guggenheim Foundation, the James Beard Foundation, the Schneider Family Book Award, the Lambda Literary Awards, the Story Prize, and more. Danielle specializes in upmarket and literary fiction, young adult and middle grade fiction, as well as select nonfiction. Thanks to her extensive editorial background, she enjoys working closely with authors to develop projects. She welcomes first-time authors with a unique voice and point of view. Her clients include Deesha Philyaw, author of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies (WVU Press), Brian Broome, author of Punch Me Up to the Gods (Mariner), Jacqueline West, author of the NYT bestselling Books of Elsewhere (Penguin), The Collectors and Long Lost (Harper/Greenwillow), Alisa Zipurksy, author of Healing Honestly: The Messy and Magnificent Path to Overcoming Self-Blame and Self Shame, and Nicole D. Collier, author of Just Right Jillian and The Many Fortunes of Maya (Clarion).
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Short Story Collection, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Erica Christensen has been in the publishing industry since 2014, holding various positions. She was born and raised in the Heartland of America and now resides near the beautiful Emerald Coast with her family of five and her sassy, spunky lab-pit mix named Kali.ÊShe is seeking:ÊContemporary YA and Adult Romance ranging from Sweet to Erotic. Inclusive manuscripts from #OwnVoices authors are welcomed and strongly encouraged! Erica is not a fit for Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance or Historical Fiction, Fantasy, or Science Fiction.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Steven Chudney is a literary agent with The Chudney Agency. Steven says: “After more than fifteen years in book publishing I founded The Chudney Agency in 2002, specializing in the wonderful world of children’s books. My very first job in publishing was selling paperbacks for Dell Publishing in their small telemarketing department. Since then I have held various sales and marketing positions at Viking Penguin, Farrar, Straus & Giroux, and Simon & Schuster where I was first the marketing director and then director of licensing and brand development. My last publishing position was with Winslow Press where I held the position of Senior Director of Marketing, Sales & Subsidiary Rights. I have sold and marketed every imaginable type of book – adult and children’s, hardcovers, pop-up books and paperbacksÑto wholesalers, independent bookstores and chain stores alike. And, having worked at various publishing houses, I know many editors and art directors in the industry. Successes along the way included the marketing campaign to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Eloise, by Kay Thompson, the launch of the Nickelodeon line of books, and the acquisition and initial development of the Cheerios brand for Simon & Schuster into one of the bestselling board book series’ of all time. Not to mention all the first time novels and picture books I worked on as well. Now, as an agent, I find that I really love the beginning of the process: reading manuscripts and discovering new talent. I also enjoy the challenge of developing authors and illustrators, and making sure their books find the largest audience possible. Since I began my agency in 2002, I have had the good fortune to work with new and established writers and illustrators, pairing them with the right editor at the right publishing house, and guiding and managing their careers. Working with sub-agents covering TV and film rights, as well as foreign language agents in key territories and countries all over the world, I continue to be excited about the opportunities for my authors and illustrators.”
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Humor Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jane Chun is a literary agent at the Transatlantic Agency. She joined Transatlantic in 2023 after four years at Janklow & Nesbit Associates. Prior to her time at J&N, she worked on a freelance project for HG Literary and interned at Writers House and Maximum Films & Management. Before entering the publishing world, Jane attended NYU where she majored in History and minored in Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology; Creative Writing; and Spanish. She returned to NYU shortly after graduation and a brief stint at Asian CineVision and the Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) to receive her M.S. in Publishing with distinction. She is a native New Yorker.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Environment, Food Drink, History, Illustrated, Investigative, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Kayla Cichello is a literary agent with Upstart Crow Literary. She brings to Upstart Crow Literary nearly a decade of experience in childrenÕs publishing. A former Conference Coordinator for the Summer and Winter Conferences for the Society of ChildrenÕs Book Writers and Illustrators, she most recently logged several years as assistant to Senior Agent Jennifer RofŽ at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. She is open to picture books through YA and illustrators, and select adult manuscripts in the upmarket and contemporary romance categories. She is searching for those voices that make her laugh and keep the page turning. Some of her clients include author Ana Ot, author of the upcoming THE HEART NEVER FORGETS (Atheneum/S&S, 2024) and author/illustrator Kirbi Fagan, illustrator of the New York Times Bestselling A HORSE NAMED SKY (Greenwillow/HarperCollins, 2023) and several unannounced upcoming projects.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Upmarket Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Ginger Clark is a literary agent with Ginger Clark Literary. Ginger launched Ginger Clark Literary in 2021 to guide and support authors as they build and grow their careers in publishing. With over two decades of experience at Writers House and Curtis Brown, in addition to active work in major positions at the Association of AuthorsÕ Representatives, Ginger is an expert in contracts, foreign rights, and negotiating with all the top publishers. She prides herself on always putting her clients first. She is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College, and lives with her husband outside New York City.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Lane Clarke is a literary agent with Ultra Literary. She believes in representing books that transport your mind, whether it be in a fantastical world, or the real one. She is always hoping to learn something new from books, and strives to represent a diverse list of creators. She represents all age groups and is fairly genre-agnosticÐshe simply looks for stories that have something to say in both the fiction and nonfiction space. She earned a Bachelors of Arts in English Literature from Virginia Tech, and a law degree from The University of Chicago Law School. She is the co-founder of PitBlk, a Twitter pitch event for Black writers from across the diaspora, and is the brain behind #BVM, the Black Voices Matter hashtag. She lives in the Washington D.C.-area with her husband and two fur babies.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Bill Clegg is a literary agent with The Clegg Agency. Bill represents authors such as Mary Jo Bang, Bonnie Jo Campbell, Mark Doty, Rivka Galchen, Daniyal Mueenuddin, Salvatore Scibona, and Rebecca Wolff. But he’s an author, too, having published last year the memoir Portrait of an Addict as Young Man and this April the follow-up Ninety Days: A Memoir of Recovery. Both published by Little, Brown, the memoirs delve into Clegg’s drug addiction and recovery.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Chris Clemans is a literary agent with Janklow & Nesbit Associates. He received his BA in English from Duke University, with a minor in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. After internships at The New Republic and The New York Observer, he began his career in publishing at William Morris Endeavor. In 2014, he left WME to help start The Clegg Agency, where he became an agent. He joined Janklow & Nesbit in 2018. ChrisÕs authors have become instant New York Times bestsellers and been honored with numerous awards and distinctions, including a National Book Foundation Ò5 Under 35Ó honor, a National Book Award in Fiction longlist selection, a PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel longlist selection, a Chicago Review of Books Award in Fiction, an Andy Warhol Arts Writers Grant, a Wallace Stegner Fellowship, a Rona Jaffe Foundation WritersÕ Award, a Barnes & Noble Book of the Year finalist selection, a Barns & Noble Discover selection, a Center for Fiction First Novel Prize longlist selection, a Chicago WriterÕs Association Book of the Year Award, a New American Press Fiction Prize, a Heartland Booksellers Award in Fiction finalist selection, multiple High Plains Book Awards in Fiction, multiple New York Times Book Review EditorsÕ Choice selections, and multiple Best Books of the Year selections from The New York Times, NPR, Vogue, and Chicago Tribune, and others. Recent and upcoming titles include Abundance by Jakob Guanzon, The Lost Book of Adana Moreau by Michael Zapata, How Can I Help You by Laura Sims, On Vanishing by Lynn Casteel Harper, Life Is Everywhere by Lucy Ives, The Novelist by Jordan Castro, Future Feeling by Joss Lake, Ruthie Fear by Maxim Loskutoff, Every Other Weekend by Zoela Renee Summerfield, Talent by Juliet Lapidos, Everything is Fine by Vince Granata, The Barrowfields by Phillip Lewis, The Standardization of Demoralization Procedures by Jennifer Hofmann, The Visitors by Jessi Jezewska Stevens, Planes by Peter C. Baker, Accidentally Wes Anderson by Wally Koval, How to Walk on Water by Rachel Swearingen, Letter to a Stranger by Colleen Kinder, Slonim Woods 9 by Daniel Barban Levin, Calling Ukraine by Johannes Lichtman, Minor Prophets by Blair Hurley, Game of Edges by Bruce Schoenfeld, Sucker by Daniel Hornsby, The Sea Elephants by Shastri Akella, Tropic‡lia by Harold Rogers, Ways and Means by Daniel Lefferts, Alive Day by Karie Fugett, Words for my Comrades by Dean Van Nguyen, and End of Active Service by Matt Young. His taste in fiction tends toward the literary, and on the nonfiction side heÕs interested in narrative journalism, cultural criticism, and voice-driven memoir and essays.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Sports CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Marisa Cleveland the Executive Director and a literary agent with The Seymour Agency. She joined The Seymour Agency as an author in 2009. With more than two decades in the education and publishing industries, she is adamant about supporting the efforts toward the betterment of the human condition. In June 2020, she started signing her own authors who write in the children’s, general fiction, and nonfiction spaces. Marisa has been featured, participated, and moderated at book festivals, panels, and workshops on branding, communication, cultural agility, diversity, leadership development, and the state of the industry. Gulfshore Business and DÕLatinos magazines honored Marisa with the Arts and Culture 2015 FACE Award, and in 2014, Gulfshore Business selected her as a Ò40 Under 40Ó honoree. In June 2015, her young adult novel hit the New York Times as part of an anthology, and her other publications include academic peer-reviewed articles, an academic book chapter, and fiction and nonfiction books.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Memoir, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Jonathan Cobb is a literary agent with HG Literary. He graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a BachelorÕs degree in English Literature, and later completed a MasterÕs degree in Publishing: Digital and Print Media at NYU. After gaining experience at Writers House and NYU Press, he joined HG Literary to assist partner and agent Josh Getzler on a wide variety of titles in fiction and nonfiction. In addition to being an agent, Jon also coordinates HG LiteraryÕs internship program. Jon reads all genres of fiction but has a particular interest in contemporary middle grade and YA, science fiction and fantasy, African-American fiction, literary fiction, and mysteries and thrillers. He also has a soft spot for anything related to track and field, geek culture, weird science or cutting-edge technology.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Mara Cobb is a literary agent at Lighthouse Literary. On Mara Cobb’s fifth birthday, she read two Junie B. Jones books in one sitting. It wasnÕt long after that when her grandmothers, both voracious readers, took it upon themselves to hunt for books she would love just as much as the Junie B. series. By age six, she was reading Nancy Drew mysteries. At seven, she was working her way through the Bobbsey Twins and Little House in the Big Woods, followed by Little Women. As a reader and as an agent, she often picks up the same books that she sneaked into her bed and read long into the night with her handy-dandy flashlight. She’s drawn to strong and feisty protagonists, antagonists with redemptive arcs, and plots that have curveballs and keep her glued to the page. She loves books that are impossible to put down with surprising plot twists–books that have her saying Òjust one more chapterÓ at 2 a.m. when she really should be sleeping. By day, when she’s not reading or teaching at a nearby community college, she’s drafting stories of her own, baking cookies, crafting, playing piano and fiddle, and spending time outdoors with the dogs, cats, goats, horses, and chickens on her family’s farm. By night, she can be found consuming iced coffee while watching cheesy rom-coms and reality TV. She also enjoys traveling and hopes to visit all 50 states, finding unique coffee shops, book stores, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants along the way. In February 2022, Mara began interning at Martin Literary Management, and she started work as a junior agent at Martin Lit in September 2023. She is excited to be part of Lighthouse Literary, where she can fulfill her goal of working on projects that serve as a light in our world.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Crafts, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Nonfiction, Parenting, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Travel, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Amy Collins is a literary agent with Talcott Notch Literary Services. She has more than 30 years in the publishing industry as a book buyer, Sales Director for a large non-fiction publisher, and the founder and President of New Shelves Books, one of the largest book sales and marketing companies in the US. Collins is a USA TODAY and WALL STREET JOURNAL bestselling author and has spent her career working with Barnes & Noble, Target, Costco, Books-A-Million, Wal-Mart, as well as bookstores and libraries. As well as an agent, Collins is a trusted expert, speaker, and recommended publishing consultant for some of the largest book and library retailers and wholesalers in the publishing industry. In her agent role, Collins focuses on non-fiction/ history, historical fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi. She can be reached at amysadvice.com. Amy Collins has taught and spoken at many of the publishing industryÕs top festivals and conferences, including PublisherÕs WeeklyÕs BookCon, Keynoting at Scottish WriterÕs Conference, Oklahoma WriterÕs Conference, Author U, AAPS, Dublin Writers Conference, BAIPA, IBPAÕs Publishing University, Dallas Book Con, NY PitchFest, PALA, St. Louis WriterÕs Conference, Writers Digest Annual and Novel Conferences, Henderson Writers Conference, DFWCon, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Conference, and many others. When not in the office, her focus is on the working poor and poverty elimination, and she spends a great deal of time personally and professionally working with and training women from disadvantaged backgrounds. A member of several charitable and political organizations, she donates not only her time but a portion of her companyÕs profits to grant-based charities that work to alleviate the cycle of poverty. Amy is currently working while traveling and living in a spacious motorhome with two dogs and a husband, living life to the fullest.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Magical Realism, Science Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Biography, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Gardening, General Nonfiction, History, How-To, Journalism, Lifestyle, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Andrea Comparato is a literary agent with and the founder of the Inscriptions Literary Agency. Her favorite books to represent are: picture books, middle grade, graphic novels, craft books, memoirs, and children’s devotionals. She had an idea for a graphic novel-style children’s devotional and would love to see a submission for one!
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Christian Fiction * Fantasy * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Religious * Science Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Christian * Crafts * Juvenile * Middle Grade * Religion *
Andrea Comparato
Inscriptions Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Andrea Comparato is a literary agent with and the founder of the Inscriptions Literary Agency. Her favorite books to represent are: picture books, middle grade, graphic novels, craft books, memoirs, and childrenÕs devotionals. She had an idea for a graphic novel-style childrenÕs devotional and would love to see a submission for one!
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Crafts, Gift Novelty, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Religion, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Elizabeth Copps is a literary agent with and the founder of Copps Literary Services. In the summer of 2010, Elizabeth Copps did what any starry-eyed word nerd would do: she used her savings to move from Florida to New York City with the goal of doing somethingÑanythingÑrelated to books. When she was offered an internship with Maria Carvainis Agency, Inc., she discovered her passion for publishing. For the past decade, Elizabeth has dedicated herself to the care and management of author careers. Her business philosophy is simple: to foster relationships across the industry that are equitable, transparent, and long-lasting. She is excited to build Copps Literary Services and her list of award-winning and eclectic clients from her current home of Denver, Colorado. What Elizabeth is looking for: Elizabeth is drawn to fresh takes on timeless plots; stories that are thought provoking and discussion spurring. She loves complex characters who are brimming with personality and burst off the page. Who are irreverent and dark. Smart and sarcastic. Creative and wise. She specializes in middle grade, young adult, and adult fiction in the following genres: contemporary with a literary bent, historical, horror, magical realism, thriller/mystery/suspense, book club, and women’s fiction. In nonfiction, she seeks platform-driven memoir and biography.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Lifestyle, Memoir, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction