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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
Melissa Edwards is a literary agent with the Stonesong Literary Agency. She joined Stonesong as a literary agent in August 2016. Previously, she was a literary agent at the Aaron Priest Literary Agency, where she managed the foreign rights for a forty-year backlist. After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis and Vanderbilt Law School, Melissa began her career as a litigation attorney before transitioning into publishing. She is a tireless advocate for her clients and a constant partner during the publication process and beyond. Melissa also acts as a contract consultant for authors and agents under the business MLE Consulting. She can be found on Twitter @MelissaLaurenE.
Melissa is currently highly interested in developing her adult commercial fiction list, with a particular eye out for vibrant and fun young women’s fiction, mysteries and thrillers featuring characters from underrepresented backgrounds, and upmarket book club fiction.
Melissa is not the best choice for horror, science fiction, or historical fiction.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Pop Culture * Young Adult *
270 West 39th Street Suite 201 New York NY 10018 USA
Biography
Judith Ehrlich is a literary agent with Judith Ehrlich Literary Management. A former award-winning journalist, Judith is the co-author of The New Crowd: The Changing of the Jewish Guard on Wall Street (Little, Brown, 1989). She shifted gears in l998 and worked as a senior associate of the Linda Chester Agency for five years before launching her own agency in 2002. Judith is a member of the Author’s Guild and the American Society of Journalists and Authors. She was formerly on the Council of Conservators of the New York Public Library and served on the board of directors of The Shakespeare Society. For many years she was on the advisory board of The Partisan Review.
Judith has sold a wide range of nonfiction and fiction and looks for that special quality that makes a book compelling. Among her strongest interests are narrative nonfiction that combines fascinating original material with superb writing, topical business books by industry leaders, and prescriptive women’s books with a strong platform. Prescriptive books should offer fresh information and advice, and most authors must have ongoing experience with national workshops and lectures or strong newspaper, radio or TV presence, depending on the work. In fiction, she looks for novels that have a strong opportunity for print review or appeal to book club readers. She is drawn to stories that pull you in and won’t let you go. In upmarket, literary, and quality commercial fiction, she looks for novels that have sympathetic characters, original plots with surprising twists, and strong descriptive writing. She is also interested in fresh, well-crafted, riveting thrillers of all kinds including legal and medical ones.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * General Fiction * Historical * Literary * Mainstream * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Romance * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Lifestyle * Memoir * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Prescriptive * Psychology * Science * Women’s Issues *
146 Central Park West 20E New York NY 10023 USA
Biography
Nicole Eisenbraun is a literary agent with Ginger Clark Literary. She is an Agent and the Translation Rights Manager at Ginger Clark Literary. She graduated from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and got her start in publishing at Curtis Brown, Ltd. She is a member of the AALA Contracts and Copyright Committees and lives in Brooklyn.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Middle Grade Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Gay/Lesbian * History * Humor * Journalism * Middle Grade * Photography * Pop Culture * Psychology * Science * Sports * Travel * Young Adult *
554 Boston Post Road Suite 513 Orange CT 06477 USA
Biography
Matthew Elblonk is a literary agent with DeFiore and Company.Matthew Elblonk joined DeFiore and Company in 2010. He currently represents writers in the world of pop culture, music, food, young adult, narrative non-fiction, literary fiction and humor. Interests also include science and any authors with great ideas and an equally strong platform. He tends to have a soft spot for all Beatle related projects. He is currently not considering any poetry or genre fiction.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: General Fiction * Humor Fiction * Literary * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Humor * Music * Narrative * Pop Culture * Science * Young Adult *
47 E. 19th St. 3rd Floor New York NY 10003 USA
Biography
Ethan Ellenberg is a literary agent with the Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency. Ethan opened his literary agency in late, 1984 after holding jobs at both Bantam and Berkley/Jove. At Berkley/Jove he was manager of the Contracts Department. At Bantam he was Associate Contracts Manager. He says: “I remain excited and committed to assisting Authors at different stages of their careers. I work with a number of talented people writing and illustrating many different kinds of books and that’s what I like. If you have something special in any of the commercial fiction genres I would be interested in hearing about it. For children’s books works of the imagination and beauty will always interest me. If I can’t help you, I will share your work with a colleague.
The business of book publishing has changed almost beyond recognition since I joined the industry. It’s as complex as any business I know and that makes it daunting for everyone involved. Our goal is to assist Authors where they need it most, passionate dedication to help them earn a living, and honest feedback about their work.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Ethnic Fiction * Fantasy * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Paranormal * Picture Book * Romance * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Action/Adventure * Biography * Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Ethnic * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Middle Grade * Military/War * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Narrative * New Age * Politics * Psychology * Reference * Science * Spirituality * Sports * Technology * True Adventure * True Crime * Young Adult *
155 Suffolk Street #2R New York NY 10002 USA
Biography
Kate Epstein is a literary agent with the Epstein Literary Agency. Kate is also the founder and president, and she is a member of the Association of Authors’ Representatives. Kate travels periodically to her native New York City—an easy train ride from her Washington, DC-area location—and is actively building relationships with editors at publishers large and small. The particular strengths she brings to authors include:
Intelligent and insightful editing.
Concept sharpening when required.
An imagination for companion books when the time comes.
An understanding of editors that comes from having been one.
A willingness to work with independent publishers that offer good distribution, as well as larger publishers.
Enthusiasm and attentiveness.
A passion for working with authors and for defending their interests.
An understanding of authors’ emotional experience of the publishing process.
Kate participates in writer’s conferences from time to time, and values the opportunity to meet writers and share her opinions about the business of publishing. Upcoming appearances at such events, if any, are listed in the News section.
Epstein Literary offers a standard agency agreement that follows AAR guidelines and charges 15% commission on sales to North American publishers. No fees, ever. Standard expenses are charged against sales, not billed directly. Kate Epstein founded the Epstein Literary Agency in October, 2005, after four years’ acquisitions experience at Adams Media. Kate Epstein holds a B.A. with Highest Honors in English from the University of Michigan. She lives with her husband and two children outside Washington, DC.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Middle Grade Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Animals/Pets * Autobiography * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Cooking/Cookbook * Crafts * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Design * Diet/Nutrition * Economics * Film/Entertainment * Family * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Gift/Novelty * Health/Wellness * How-To * Humor * Journalism * Lifestyle * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Money/Finance * Music * Narrative * Nature * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Pop Culture * Psychology * Reference * Religion * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Travel * Women’s Issues *
PO Box 392 Randolph MA 02368 USA
Biography
Jessica Errera is a literary agent with the Jane Rotrosen Agency. She has been with JRA since 2014. She is looking for commercial women’s fiction with a fresh and fun hook, all genres of YA (especially diverse stories), contemporary romance, mysteries and suspense, the occasional historical fiction, and anything that might be read in a day on the beach. Jessica is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she spent four years cheering on the Tar Heels and a few fantastic months interning with Algonquin Books.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Contemporary * Historical * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Jane Rotrosen Agency 318 East 51st St New York NY 10022 USA
Biography
Annalise Errico is a literary agent with Ladderbird. Annalise is a graduate of Lesley University where she earned a B.A. in Creative writing with a double minor in Literature and Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. She is excited about uplifting stories by authors with marginalized voices and intersectional identities, ultimately making room for the diverse voices that have long since been ignored and suppressed in the literary world and beyond. When she isn’t agenting, Annalise spends an excessive amount of time snuggling with her cat, Mittens, and writing romance novels that are more swoony than strictly necessary.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Contemporary * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Magical Realism * Mystery * New Adult * Romance * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Biography
Suzy Evans is a literary agent with and the founder of Suzy Evans Literary Agency. She says: “I’m an attorney, author and literary agent who holds a Ph.D. in history from UC Berkeley. My books include Machiavelli for Moms (Simon & Schuster) and Forgotten Crimes: The Holocaust and People with Disabilities. I’m also a ghostwriter for a #1 New York Times best-selling author with 30 million copies in print and my work has appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal and other major publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Parade, Forbes, Los Angeles Business Journal, Los Angeles Daily Journal, Orange County Register, McSweeney’s and The London Times.
In the adult market, I’m particularly on the hunt for great serious nonfiction, especially by historians who are looking to make the transition from an academic to trade readership and journalists who have something unique and significant to say. I’m also on the lookout for smart parenting books with truly useful, original hooks that fill a gap in the market (bonus points for humor!); food, health, and diet-related titles, especially culinary histories of all flavors and tastes; sports books with strong crossover appeal in other genres, especially history and philosophy (I’d LOVE to find the next Golf in the Kingdom or Zen and the Art of Archery); self-help of every stripe by authors with well-established platforms and riveting, elegantly-written memoir (recent favorites include William Finnegan’s Barbarian Days and Paul Kalanithi’s deeply-rendered When Breath Becomes Air), as well as cookbooks with inventive new twists; pop culture; humor, especially as it relates to parenting; and small, quirky books that make me smile or think about the world in entirely new and surprising ways. I’d also love to find a great legal thriller.
On the children’s front, I have a great love of middle grade and am particularly on the hunt for lively, engaging nonfiction that *pops* off the page and makes kids excited about reading and learning; wacky/hilarious/silly commercial MG fiction with series potential; fiction and nonfiction that explore diversity and disability in all their glorious manifestations; and graphic novels that bring history, great works of literature and fascinating historical figures (think Socrates! Machiavelli! Hamilton!) to life.
I also have a huge soft spot for classic literary works that explore the coming-of-age theme with a warm, honest voice that draws me in and makes me feel at home, contemporary YA fiction that tackles difficult issues in bold, daring ways and with inventive formats that can be brought into the classroom to stimulate meaningful discussion and debate (a la Walter Dean Myers’ Monster) and sweet, lyrical picture books that capture the imagination and call for multiple readings (favorite classics include Stellaluna and The Cat Who Walked Across France). I’d also LOVE to find an exciting, high-concept thriller that has “MOVIE!” written all over it.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Ethnic Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * NoPB * Picture Book * Sports Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Diet/Nutrition * Ethnic * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Humor * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Middle Grade * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Parenting/Child Guidance * Philosophy * Pop Culture * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Sports * Travel * Young Adult *
1155 Camino del Mar Suite 515 Del Mar CA 92130 USA
Biography
Samantha Fabien is a literary agent with Root Literary. She says: “I live for the rollercoaster of emotions that characters and stories can take me on. Whether I’m swooning or gasping, I want to feel strongly enough about a project that I desperately need to share it with the world.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Contemporary * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Historical * Horror * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
617 S. Olive St. #300 Los Angeles CA 90014 USA
Sorche Fairbank
Fairbank Literary RepresentationAAR/AALA MemberQuery method(s): Email * Postal Mail *Biography
* Picture Book authors should not submit unless also illustrators. *
Sorche Fairbank is a literary agent with Fairbank Literary Representation. Since establishing Fairbank Literary Representation in 2002, Sorche has had the pleasure of working with a dynamic and varied list, representing best-selling authors, Edgar recipients, award-winning journalists, and many first-time authors. Her tastes in novels tend toward literary fiction, international voices, women’s voices, edgier work, wry voices, and sometimes darker topics.
On the nonfiction side, she is all about narrative. She has a strong interest in books that tackle current events and societal issues with a narrative treatment: women’s issues; class and race issues; plus the occasional memoir. She is also looking for quality lifestyle books (food, wine, and home design), humor, and pop culture. To date, she has signed on six terrific clients through Grub Street, the latest for whom she struck a deal worth over a million dollars for book and film. Subjects and genres not of interest include: sci-fi and fantasy, paranormal, children’s and YA, self-help, romance, sports fiction, and generally anything that opens with a dream scene and/or exhaustive descriptions of weather.
Notable authors and books represented by Fairbank Literary include: O. Henry Prize winner Charlotte Forbes; Pulitzer nominee and LA Times Cairo Bureau Chief Jeffrey Fleishman; Matthew Frederick and his best-selling 101 Things I Learned series; Travis Bradford, president of the Prometheus Institute for Sustainable Development and author of Solar Revolution; Ethan Gilsdorf (Fantasty Freaks and Gaming Geeks); Darci Klein (To Full Term, A Mother’s Triumph Over Miscarriage); Jonathan McCullough (A Tale Of Two Subs: An Untold Story Of World War II, Two Sister Ships, And Extraordinary Heroism); the estate of Robin Moore (The French Connection, The Green Berets, etc.); Xaviera Hollander (The Happy Hooker); syndicated cartoonist Man Martin; Edgar-winning mystery writer Rex Burns; Terry Border and his Bent Objects; and the fabulous Miroslav Penkov (East of the West).
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Crime/Detective/Police * Ethnic Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Suspense * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Architecture * Art * Biography * Cooking/Cookbook * Crafts * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Design * Ethnic * Food/Drinks * Gardening * Gift/Novelty * History * How-To * Humor * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Middle Grade * Multicultural * Narrative * Photography * Politics * Pop Culture * Reference * Science * Sports * Women’s Issues * Young Adult *
21 Lyman Street Waltham MA 02452 USA
Biography
Cheyenne Faircloth is a literary agent with Handspun Literary. She joined Handspun Literary Agency as an agency assistant in 2021, after graduating with a B.F.A. in Creative Writing, and a certification in Publishing from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Before Handspun, Cheyenne interned as an editorial assistant at Howland Literary, and was a member of the editorial and acquisition teams at Lookout Books, an independent publisher that is home to National Book Award Finalist Edith Pearlman. Cheyenne also independently managed a book blog where she collaborated with both major and indie publishers to promote upcoming titles and participated in various promotional activities centered around supporting debut authors.
Cheyenne is most interested in manuscripts from underrepresented communities, i.e. queer, BIPOC, AAPI, neurodivergent, and disabled voices.
Her interests include YA, Southern Gothic, folkloric elements, gothic romances, fantasy stories with political elements and well-grounded world building, non-western mythology, sports romances in conversation with institutional issues/sexism/gender, and creatures from myth told through a queer allegorical lens.
She is not currently accepting middle grade, picture books, or nonfiction.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Erotica * Ethnic Fiction * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Historical * Horror * Magical Realism * Multicultural Fiction * Paranormal * Romance * Sports Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Biography
Mark Falkin is a literary agent with Falkin Literary Agency. Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mark Falkin graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and then the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He has lived in Texas for the last twenty years, where he is a literary agent and recovering music attorney, having represented platinum sellers and Grammy winners alike.
His 2006 self-published novel, Days of Grace, was optioned for a film and nominated for a literary award, The Needle Award, at POD-dy Mouth blog, where the reviewer said, “This is literature at its best . . . Falkin could easily be likened to the aforementioned Lethem or to Augusten Burroughs or even J.D. Salinger,” and Bookpeople in Austin noted, “Here’s more proof that Austin is home to some of the best new writers around . . . Falkin’s novel is reminiscent of the writing style found in Lethem, Sedaris, Coupland, and Kerouac, with his sharp wit and journalistic style.”
Working on his next book, he lives with his wife and family in Austin, where he reads, coaches recreational soccer, tries to find time to paddle Texas waters, and keeps a sharp eye on his young daughters, snatching hugs here and there.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Dystopian * Ethnic Fiction * General Fiction * Horror * Humor Fiction * Literary * Multicultural Fiction * Satire * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cultural/Social Issues * Film/Entertainment * General Nonfiction * Humor * Memoir * Music * Narrative * Sports *
2605 West 49 1/2 Street Austin TX 78731 USA
Biography
Sam Farkas is a literary agent and foreign rights manager with Jill Grinberg Literary Management. She grew up in South Jersey and attended the College of William & Mary, where she received her B.A. in History and English. Upon graduation, she moved to New York to intern with Maria B. Campbell Associates, where she discovered her love for collaborating with agents and publishers around the world. She worked in the subsidiary rights department at Penguin before she joined the JGLM team in 2018. She handles foreign rights for all JGLM authors. An avid traveler, Sam has been to 14 countries spanning 4 continents, and dreams of visiting them all. She speaks Spanish, and can often be found on language-learning apps.
Above all, Sam is drawn to exemplary writing.
In Adult, Sam is looking for upmarket fiction of all stripes, but especially historical; fast-paced, high-concept speculative thrillers that make her heart race; lyrical and immersive fantasy; and single-title romance that simmers.
Sam is also open to Young Adult and Middle Grade of all genres, but she has a special fondness for thoughtful contemporary, often with a speculative twist; historical with modern sensibilities; fantasy with morally gray protagonists and complicated character dynamics; the very strange, and the very funny.
In all categories and genres, she is looking for diverse and underrepresented voices.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Action/Adventure * Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Ethnic Fiction * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Picture Book * Romance * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Cooking/Cookbook * Food/Drinks * Gay/Lesbian * History * Journalism * Juvenile * Memoir * Narrative * Pop Culture * Psychology * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Travel *
392 Vanderbilt Avenue Brooklyn NY 11238 USA
Biography
Esther Fedorkevich is the founder of The Fedd Agency. She launched her career in 1997 as a salesperson for a major book publisher. Within six months, Esther sold a million dollars in products. From there she went to work for Dave Ramsey, a New York Times bestselling author and television host with a nationally syndicated radio program. She worked in the publishing department, selling and marketing Dave’s books and other projects, and fell in love with book publishing. When Esther was pregnant with her first child, her entrepreneurial spirit was charged and decided to venture out on her own, selling books and ideas as a literary agent.
Esther founded The Fedd Agency in 2003 and began investing in authors. Her first client came to her for help when William Morris could not secure a book deal, even after pitching it for two years. With her innovative intervention and her acute business sense and selling skills, Esther got the author a three-book deal within two months. Esther continues to hone her innate marketing and sales talents, coupling that with a passion for selling life-changing books. Esther firmly believes she doesn’t just represent authors, she represents and builds futures.
Esther represents many New York Times bestselling authors. Among her clients are Pattie Mallette, Mark Batterson, Tim McGraw, Sara Evans, Lysa Terkeurst, Tommy Barnett, Matthew Barnett, George Barna, David Kinnaman, Jud Wilhite, Judah Smith, Steven Furtick, Crystal Paine, Carlos Whittaker Michael Franzese, Tom Delay, and Chris Seay. Using her natural entrepreneurial sensibilities, Esther also negotiates deals for film, television, and other derivative products. Additionally, The Fedd Agency offers agency guided publishing and audio book production services.
Esther lives in Austin, TX with her husband, Jimmy, and their two kids, Alexi Jane and Paul Gregory. In her spare time, you can find Esther shooting hoops, swinging a golf club or tennis racket, reading, or cooking gourmet meals for her family and friends.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Christian Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Religious * Thriller * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Business * Celebrity * Christian * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * General Nonfiction * Inspiration * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Middle Grade * Money/Finance * Politics * Pop Culture * Religion * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Sports * Young Adult *
401 Ranch Road 620 South Suite 250 Austin TX 78734 USA
Biography
Don Fehr is a literary agent with Trident Media Group. After a twenty-year career in senior-level editorial jobs (Atheneum, Addison-Wesley, Viking Penguin, and Basic Books) and as a publisher (Smithsonian/Harper Collins), Don Fehr joined the Trident literary agency in 2010. “My reputation is that of an editor’s editor, intensely loyal, author-centered, and entrepreneurial in the publishing and marketing of my writers,” says Don. “While traditional publishers will always have an important role in the marketplace, exciting developments are occurring, and dynamic multi-platforms are evolving. I wanted to be an integral part of that action for my authors, and Trident was clearly the literary agency to go to make a significant impact.”
Don’s experience in working with authors in many genres and subject areas, ranging from bestsellers to award winners, has given him a sense of what works in the marketplace.
Don has published over a dozen New York Times bestsellers, and his authors and books have won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the P.E.N. Faulkner Award, and the Los Angeles Times Book Award. Prominent authors he has worked with over the years have included political and legal commentators Alan Dershowitz and Linda Greenhouse, medical writers Dr. Sherwin B. Nuland and Dr. Pauline Chen, psychiatrist Peter D. Kramer, historians Niall Ferguson, Christopher Andrew, W. Bruce Lincoln, Walter McDougall, Thomas Fleming, David Reynolds, William Chafe, Omer Bartov, and Richard Evans, novelists Charles Johnson and Ishmael Reed, science writers Carl Zimmer and Franz De Waal, theologian Harvey Cox, actors Simon Callow and Klaus Kinski, pianist Andras Schiff, and other authors, including Christopher Hitchens, Paul Berman, Thomas Sowell, Bruce Chatwin, Kevin Philips, John Yoo, Grover Norquist, Fred Waitzkin, and Brent Edwards.
“Now I am using my experience and insights as a book agent to help my authors navigate the internal and changing dynamics of the publishing processes to maximize the upside while still protecting their long-term interests,” says Don. “I roam widely in terms of subject areas and categories that interest me, but what always catches my attention first is the author’s voice. Just about everything flows from that. I must be pulled in by the author’s voice before I get interested in the story or subject.”
Don is aggressive in looking to build a list of authors with “strong voices” across a wide variety of areas: literary and commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoirs, travel, science, and health. Reading alongside his thirteen-year-old daughter, Don has now developed an interest in young adult fiction. “You’re never too old to be young again,” says Don.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Romance * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Autobiography * Biography * Business * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Fitness * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Humor * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Money/Finance * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Pop Culture * Religion * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Sports * Technology * Travel *
355 Lexington Ave 12th FL New York NY 10017 USA
Biography
Leigh Feldman is a literary agent with and the founder of Leigh Feldman Literary. She says: “During my twenty years at Darhansoff, Verrill, Feldman Literary Agency, I represented acclaimed literary fiction such as Charles Frazier’s National Book Award Winning COLD MOUNTAIN, Arthur Golden’s International Bestseller MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA, the novels and stories of Judy Budnitz (named one of Granta’s 21 Best Young American Novelists), and bestselling Young Adult author Sarah Dessen, along with many other authors of extraordinary talent. In February, 2011, I joined Writers House, and in October 2014 I am thrilled to be starting my own agency, Leigh Feldman Literary.
While my list has always been extremely selective, allowing me to give my clients the attention and support services they deserve, I am always looking for talented writers who know how to engage readers with compelling characters and masterful storytelling. Whether I’m reading literary fiction or narrative nonfiction, memoir or young adult, I look for books that, from the beginning, make me want to just drop everything and read all day. I look for complex, believable, sympathetic characters that win me over completely, compelling me to care about them and making me desperate to know what happens to them. I want to be transported into another world when I read, but I also want new and unexpected insight into the world we all live in.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * General Fiction * Historical * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Short Story Collection * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Memoir * Middle Grade * Narrative * Young Adult *
New York NY USA
Biography
Jessica Felleman is a literary agent with the Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency. She began her publishing career in Los Angeles after receiving her MFA in writing from CalArts. She relocated to New York in 2015, where she spent five years at Foundry Literary + Media. She represents a range of creators, loves fresh stories about magic, and looks for commercial and literary fiction featuring underserved voices, unforgettable places, and complicated families. Jessica specializes in popular nonfiction and prescriptive titles that offer realistic advice or new perspectives to help readers better understand themselves and the world, including the #1 New York Times Bestseller THE HIDDEN POWER OF F*CKING UP by The Try Guys.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Contemporary * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Historical * Inspirational Fiction * Literary * Magical Realism * New Adult * Science Fiction * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Environment * Film/Entertainment * Food/Drinks * Gay/Lesbian * Gift/Novelty * History * Humor * Journalism * Lifestyle * Pop Culture * Psychology * Multicultural * Narrative * Nature * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Technology * True Adventure * Women’s Issues *
27 West 20th St. Suite 1003 New York NY 10011 USA
Biography
T.S. Ferguson is a literary agent with the Jennifer Azantian Literary Agency. Before joining Azantian Literary Agency, T.S. Ferguson worked for 16 years as an editor for some of the top children’s and teen book publishers in the business, including Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Harlequin Teen/Inkyard Press, and JIMMY Patterson Books. He has worked with New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors such as Sherman Alexie, Sara Zarr, Suzanne Selfors, Pseudonymous Bosch, Robin Talley, Hillary Monahan (writing as Eva Darrows), and Adi Alsaid.
T.S. is looking for young adult and middle grade fiction across all genres that combines high-concept, hooky stories with writing and voice that feel standout. An addicting, page-turning quality is always a plus! He has a special place in his heart for dark and edgy stories (including but not limited to horror), fairy tales, mythology, action-adventure, LGBTQ stories, graphic novels, and stories by and about under-represented voices. He is not the best fit for sports-centric stories, high sci-fi, or non-fiction.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Graphic Novel * Middle Grade Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
USA
Biography
Jenni Ferrari-Adler is a literary agent with Union Literary. She is a longtime agent at Union Literary. Recent sales include debut novels ALL THE SECRETS OF THE WORLD by Steve Almond, TELL ME HOW TO BE by Neel Patel, HOW TO BE EATEN by Maria Adelmann, and WHITE IVY by Susie Yang; the young adult novels FORGIVE ME NOT by Jenn Baker, and UNDERCOVER LATINA by Aya de Leon, the story collection CAT PERSON by Kristen Roupenian, the memoirs MAYBE IT’S ME by Eileen Pollack. and ARTIFICIAL by Amy Kurzweil; and the cookbooks BAKING BY FEEL by @thesweetfeminist Becca Rea-Tucker, and YOGURT AND WHEY by Homa Dashtaki. Jenni is drawn to distinct voices, engaging storytelling, and insight into the human condition. She works closely with clients on each step of the publishing process, and on their career as a whole, including handling film and television, foreign, and magazine sales. She is an editor, mediator, advocate, handholder, explainer, bad cop, good cop etc. etc. Born and raised in NYC, she holds an MFA in Fiction from the University of Michigan and a BA in Creative Writing from Oberlin College. She edited the anthology ALONE IN THE KITCHEN WITH AN EGGPLANT: Confessions of Cooking for One and Dining Alone (Riverhead), and has published her own work in Glimmer Train, Bellevue Literary Review, New York Magazine, and Tin House. She has taught Fiction at the University of Michigan and The Gotham Writers’ Workshop, and worked as a reader for The Paris Review and as a bookseller at Housing Works (where she met her husband). She lives in Brooklyn.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Literary * Mystery * Short Story Collection * Thriller * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cooking/Cookbook * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Memoir * Narrative * Young Adult *
30 Vandam Street Suite 5A New York NY 10013 USA
Biography
Melanie Figueroa is a literary agent with Root Literary. She says: “I want to work with the kind of stories that both create and sustain life-long readers—books that make me sigh with contentment, learn something new, or take delight in the unexpected. Those stories stay with you, and they’re a gift I want to help give readers by lifting up the voices of talented and hard-working creatives.
I’m actively looking for fiction and narrative nonfiction. I’m especially excited to find high-concept commercial and literary leaning general fiction, young adult novels with a strong voice and propulsive pacing, and heartfelt and humorous middle grade novels across genres. I was born and raised in Southern California in a multi-cultural, blended family, so I have a soft spot for books that shine a spotlight on the nuances of family relationships and identity.
In all cases—no matter what genre you’re writing in—I want to read books that are inclusive and that accurately reflect our world. I like characters who aren’t your typical lead and to be surprised by the unexpected.”
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Contemporary * Commercial * Family Saga * Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Horror * Literary * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * NoPB * Picture Book * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Business * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Narrative *
3727 W. Magnolia Blvd #205 Burbank CA 91505 USA
Biography
Diana Finch is a literary agent with Diana Finch Literary Agency. Diana says: “While I love to represent a wide variety of books, I do have a particular enthusiasm for narrative nonfiction, memoir and journalists who are writing about current events. I opened my own agency in 2003 after nearly 18 years with the Ellen Levine Literary Agency.”
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Ethnic Fiction * Fantasy * General Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Religious * Science Fiction * Sports Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Computers * Current Events/Affairs * Environment * Ethnic * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Journalism * Memoir * Middle Grade * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Narrative * Nature * Politics * Reference * Religion * Science * Sports * Technology * Travel * Young Adult *
116 West 23rd Street Suite 500 New York NY 10011 USA
Biography
Susan Finesman is a literary agent with and the founder of Fine Literary Management. Susan Finesman began scouting books, plays and narrative non-fiction for Tri-Star Pictures in 1986. Five years later, she moved on to SAVOY Pictures followed by a long and award winning stint at HOME BOX OFFICE where highlights included an Emmy for Ernest Gaines’ A LESSON BEFORE DYING.
Scouting books for film is like sitting in the most fabulous catbird seat, not prisoner to any genre and not prey to any shelf space at the bookstore. Learning how to find new stories and adapt them for the screen gave me a slightly different perspective on how to sell books to publishers.
She says: “In 2010, I decided to build a seat of my own, introducing great writers first to publishers and then, not as an afterthought but as part of a coordinated plan, pursue film, television and internet opportunities.
I continue to be interested in all kinds of books but tend to be compelled by work that features characters that I cannot shake.
I challenge authors to make me laugh or cry and you will have certainly won me over by doing both. I love the twists and turns of a great page-turner, can be seduced by a truly honest memoir and am delighted when transported by historical fiction.
Regarding non-fiction: Cookbooks and lifestyle are a particular area of interest but I can be compelled to consider almost any subject that is honest and thoughtful.
We work with co-agents in every territory and join forces with Hollywood agencies to broker film and television rights. At this time, we are not representing children’s picture books or work composed for the stage or screen.”
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Historical * Juvenile Fiction * Mystery * NoPB * NoYA * Romance * Sports Fiction * Women’s Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Business * Cooking/Cookbook * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Memoir * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Sports * Travel *
117 N. Mansfield Venue Los Angeles CA 90036 USA
Biography
Amanda Fink is a literary agent with the Gold Dust Literary Agency. She says: “With over a decade of experience in the publishing industry, I have experience as a developmental editor, acquisitions editor, and advocate for authors. I attended Portland State University where I worked at Ooligan Press and graduated with a Master’s in Book Publishing. My passion lies with young adult and fantasy titles. In my free time, you can find me writing about new worlds with morally gray characters, reading and collecting beautiful books, baking, and dreaming of when I can travel again.”
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Fantasy * Magical Realism * New Adult * Science Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Biography
Julia Fink is a literary agent with Sheldon Fogelman Agency. An Alabama native, Julia Fink graduated summa cum laude from Auburn University, where she studied marketing, journalism, and creative writing. There, she served as editor-in-chief of Auburn’s literary and arts magazine and a lead consultant at the university’s writing center. Starting with a focus in business, these experiences lead Julia to delve more into literary agency work. Working toward this, she completed an internship with Folio Literary Management as a publishing intern and worked as a freelance copyeditor for Rare Bird Books during her undergraduate program, and completed the Columbia Publishing Course in the summer of 2022. She enthusiastically joined Sheldon Fogelman Agency as a Literary and Foreign Rights Assistant in September 2022.
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
Biography
Steve began his career in television journalism in New York, working for ABC News and CNN. At ABC he worked for World News Tonight as Head of the Research department and an Off Air Reporter and worked closely with then host Peter Jennings. At CNN he wrote anchor copy and field produced.
Turning to Hollywood, Steve trained at ICM, then began his agenting career at the venerable H.N. Swanson Agency, the oldest literary firm on the West Coast.
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This literary agent represents:
FICTION: General Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Memoir * Pop Culture * Humor *
405 S. Beverly Dr. Los Angeles CA 90212 USA
Biography
Seth Fishman is a literary agent with The Gernert Company. Seth joined The Gernert Company in 2010. Head of the Los Angeles office, Seth is a Vice President and agent at The Gernert Company, which he joined in 2010 after beginning his career as an agent at Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc. Born in Midland, Texas, he graduated from Princeton University and earned an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. His interests are wide-ranging, but in particular he’s looking for the new voice, the original idea, the entirely breathtaking creative angle in both fiction and nonfiction. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and son, and is the author of the award-winning picture book, A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars, along with Power Up and The Ocean In Your Bathtub, as well as two YA books.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction *
8440 Warner Drive Culver City CA 90232 USA
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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)