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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.
- The results are being filtered by the character: B
Biography
Regina Brooks is a literary agent with Serendipity Literary Agency. Ms. Regina Brooks is the founder and president of Serendipity Literary Agency in New York, New York. Her agency is the largest African American owned agency in the country and has represented and established a diverse base of award-winning clients in adult and young adult fiction, nonfiction, and childrenÕs literature. Her authors have appeared in USA Today, the New York Times, and the Washington Post as well as on Oprah, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, FOX, MSBNC, TV One, BET, and a host of others. In 2015, Publishers Weekly nominated Regina Brooks as a PW Star Watch Finalist, and she was honored with a Stevie Award in Business. WriterÕs Digest Magazine named Serendipity Literary Agency as one of the top 25 literary agencies. She is currently the Vice President of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA) and co-chair of its Communications Committee, a founding member and board member of Literary Agents of Change (LAOC), and a board member of the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP). Formerly, she held senior editorial positions at John Wiley and Sons (where she was not only the youngest but also the first African American editor in their college division) and McGraw-Hill.Prior to her publishing career, she worked as an aerospace engineer and made history as the first African American woman to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from The Ohio State University. She is a graduate of The School of the Arts High School in Rochester, NY.She is the author of Essence MagazineÕs quick pick childrenÕs book, Never Finished, Never Done (Scholastic), Writing Great Books for Young Adults: Everything You Need to Know, from Crafting the Idea to Getting Published, 2e (Sourcebooks), and You Should Really Write a Book: How to Write, Sell, and Market Your Memoir (St. MartinÕs Press) and is a well-received blogger for the Huffington Post. Brooks is also on the faculty of the Harvard University publishing program, Western Connecticut MFA low residency programs, and WriterÕs Digest University and teaches annually at more than twenty worldwide conferences. She has been highlighted in several national and international magazines and periodicals, including Publishers Weekly, Forbes, Media Bistro, Writers and Poets, Essence Magazine, Ebony, Jet, Women on Writing, WriterÕs Digest Magazine, The Writer, The Network Journal, and Rolling Out.She was named Woman of the Year by The National Association of Professional Women, A New York Urban League Rising Star Award winner, and a finalist for the StevieTM Award for Women Entrepreneurs. Regina Brooks is featured in books such as Guide to Literary Agents and the NAACP-nominated Down to Business: The First 10 Steps for Women Entrepreneurs, How to Build a Platform, and Bill DukeÕs Dark Girls. She is also listed in International WhoÕs Who under the categories of Professional Management, Technology, Entrepreneurs, and Engineering. In 2010, Brooks partnered with Marie Brown of Marie Brown and Associates and Marva Allen of Hue Man Bookstore to launch a new publishing imprint with Johnny TempleÕs Akashic Books called Open Lens.Further, Possibiliteas is the brainchild of the literary agent and tea enthusiast, Regina Brooks, who believed that teaÑthe worldÕs oldest performance-enhancing beverageÑcould have a beneficial effect on her clientsÑwriters, artists, and other creative professionals who were looking for fuel for their creative fire.She is a pilot and cofounder of Brooklyn Aviation as well as a member of New York Women in Film and Television.Ms. Brooks is the founder and Co-Executive Director of Y.B. Literary Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit organization designed to kindle a passion for literature within high school students and an appreciation for the possibilities and opportunities that reading can provide.When ReginaÕs not agenting, sheÕs gardening, fishing, and flying her own plane (always in a dress).
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Romance, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Sports, Travel, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS 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 NonfictionNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Savannah Brooks is a literary agent with KT Literary. She started in agenting as an intern with the Jennifer De Chiara team in 2017, moving to associate agent in 2018. In 2022, she joined the incredible team at KT Literary as an agent, where she represents all of kid lit and adult contemporary fiction, romcoms, thrillers/mystery/suspense, and horror. SheÕs especially interested in stories that teach her something new, add to a larger sociopolitical conversation, and highlight underrepresented identities and cultures. She earned her MFA, focused in creative nonfiction, from Hamline University and her BS in marketing management from Virginia Tech and worked on the editorial side of publishing for two years prior to joining JDLA. As well as agenting, she works as a publishing and literature lecturer at the University of Minnesota and a teaching artist at the Loft Literary Center. She lives in Minneapolis and can regularly be found at one of MinnesotaÕs 11,842 lakesÑyes, even in winter.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS 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
Philippa Brophy is a literary agent with Sterling Lord Literistic. Philippa is President of the Agency, where, after graduating from Boston University, she began her career over 30 years ago as a receptionist. Philippa represents journalists, nonfiction writers and novelists, and is most interested in current events, memoir, science, politics, biography, and women’s issues. Authors she represents include James McBride, author of The Color of Water and Miracle at St. Anna; Richard Ben Cramer, author of What It Takes, Joe DiMaggio: The Hero’s Life, and Why Israel Lost: The Four Questions; and Senator John McCain, author of Faith of My Fathers, Why Courage Matters and Character Is Destiny. She represents several Pulitzer-Prize winning journalists, distinguished politicians, and award-winning novelists.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Journalism, Nonfiction
Biography
Justin Brouckaert is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. He holds an English degree from Saginaw Valley State University and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of South Carolina. He joined Aevitas in 2017 after working in journalism and independent publishing.Based in Detroit, Justin is actively seeking narrative nonfiction in the areas of history, current affairs, sports, internet culture, politics, and science.
Notes
NONFICTION: Biography, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Gift Novelty, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Technology, True Crime
Biography
Kimberly Brower a Founding Partner, and co-CEO with Park, Fine, & Brower Literary Management. She fell in love with reading when she picked up her first BabysitterÕs Club book at the age of seven and hasnÕt been able to get her nose out of a book since. She holds a BS in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge and received her JD from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. After spending a decade in the business world, it was kismet that she found herself in publishing. She previously worked for over two years at a boutique literary agency before starting her own, Brower Literary & Management, which she ran on her own for eight years before joining with Park & Fine Literary & Media to form Park, Fine & Brower Literary & Management.Kimberly works with all types of authors who write commercial fiction, from debuts to #1 New York Times bestselling authors, and likes to consider them all her favorites. She has the unique experience of assisting self-published authors, whether it is finding homes for their subsidiary rights and/or supporting them as they enter traditional publishing. In addition, she has been successful in helping authors take their careers to the next level, as shown by her early foresight in advocating for print only deals.While being incredibly hands on with her clients, from idea conception to post-publication, Kimberly loves to work with each author to come up with a unique strategy to ensure that the proper steps are taken to help them not only create long, profitable careers, but to continue to grow them year after year, decade after decade. In addition to traditional publishing, she works directly with her clients in facilitating opportunities to license and expand their foreign/translation, audio, film/TV and merchandising rights, while also advising them on their marketing and publicity plans. After joining forces with Theresa Park and Celeste Fine, she is eager to work with their combined talented staff to continue to build a place where authors know they will find not only years of experience in the industry, but people who are committed to their continued success.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Michelle Brower is a literary agent with and a founding partner of Trellis Literary Management. She has spent over fifteen years as an agent, first at Wendy Sherman Associates and most recently as a partner at Aevitas Creative Management. She co-founded Trellis Literary Management in 2021 in order to better serve and support her authors and create an agency with a lasting positive impact in the world of publishing.Her list spans the spectrum of literary and commercial fiction, from thought-provoking story collections to page-turning thrillers. She is primarily interested in work that focuses on storytelling and emotional connection, rather than formal experimentation, and believes that the best reading experience engages both the heart and the head. She is looking for book club novels (a commercial idea with a literary execution), literary fiction, literary suspense, genre fiction for a non-genre audience, and upmarket womenÕs fiction. In non-fiction, she is looking for a personal story that illuminates a greater subject. Michelle also very selectively represents literary Young Adult fiction. In all of these areas, she is looking to support underrepresented voices.Michelle is honored to work with books that have received a variety of accolades, including NY Times Bestsellers, National Book Award finalists, and Read with Jenna, Target, and Barnes and Noble book club selections. Her authors have received recognition from the Whiting Awards, the Rona Jaffe Foundation, MacDowell, the Steinbeck Fellow Program, the Sewanee Writers Conference as well as from many other organizations.Michelle received her Masters degree in British and American Literature from New York University. Originally from New Jersey, she now lives in Seattle with her family.MichelleÕs favorite non-client authors (if your work is similar, feel free to get in touch!): Maggie Shipstead, Lily King, Louise Erdrich, Deesha Philyaw, Kiley Reid, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Kazuo Ishiguro, Yaa Gyasi, Celeste Ng, Jennifer Egan, Shirley Jackson, Ann Patchett, Sarah Waters.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Short Story Collection, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Andrea Brown is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Andrea is the president of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc. Founded in New York City in 1981, it was the first literary agency to represent both children’s book authors and illustrators. Prior to opening her own firm, Andrea was an editor at Alfred A. Knopf, and worked in the editorial departments of Random House and Dell. In 1990, she moved her literary agency to Northern California. Andrea has published articles and published a chapter about the children’s book field in THE PORTABLE WRITER’S CONFERENCE, published by Quill Driver Books. She has been quoted in the New York Post, CNN.com, Yahoo News, Forbes, Good Housekeeping and Reuters News Service.President of the San Francisco chapter of the Women’s National Book Association for four years, she was the National Pannell Award Chair that gives awards to booksellers at the Book Expo Association. Andrea has also had her own cable television show in New York City, An Afternoon with Children’s Books, and has appeared on C-SPAN’S Book Notes, and public television’s Authors and Critics.She is the Executive Director of the Big Sur Writing Workshops for children’s books, held annually in December. Andrea has lectured at many writing conferences and colleges such as UCLA, Stanford, and Dominican College. She was also an associate faculty member at the Pacific Northwest MFA program in Whidbey Island. Andrea is also the author of WRITERS’ AND ARTISTS’ HIDEOUTS: Great Getaways for Seducing the Muse, the only travel/writer’s guide available.Andrea represents National Book Award winner Neal Shusterman.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic NovelCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Bianca Brown is an Agent at the Gold Dust Literary Agency. She says “I love stories that have a big twist, something that the readers canÕt predict. I want to be shocked. Think The Silent Patient or If We Were Villains.I also enjoy reading stories with a unique alternating timeline or format, as well as a novel that spans a characterÕs entire life.I love heart-wrenching, emotional, tragic, dramatic, and suspenseful novels. I love a good cry while reading.The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, The Goldfinch and A Little Life are perfect examples.”
Notes
FICTION: Erotic Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction
Biography
Evan Brown is an literary agent for adult authors with the Transatlantic Agency. His list is focused on the following categories:Literary fiction: unique storytelling from standout voices, from real and relatable to surreal and experimental, featuring intriguing characters, pondering big questions, and exploring the depths of the human experience.Historical fiction: literary rather than genre, preferably set pre-20th century, featuring epic settings, multi-generational legacies, and compelling character drama, wrapped up in real and well-researched historical detail.Fantasy fiction: written for adult readers, meaning mature themes and well-developed worldbuilding, laced with intricate lore, tangled politics, complex morality, and relatable character motivations.Science fiction: set in unique and evocative locations that reflect social, cultural, or political elements of our own world, challenging aspects of contemporary society through a futuristic lens or alternative reality, and with a focus on relatable human issues.Nonfiction: with a particular but not exclusive interest in sports stories, narrative-driven and reflecting to some extent on wider social issues. Also cultural criticism and hidden histories, whether narrative or essays. Big ideas backed by thought-provoking research and real-world application.He is a Literary Agent and member of the International Rights Adult Lit Division at Transatlantic Agency.Evan has worked in publishing since 2012. Before joining the Transatlantic Agency in early 2019 he was a marketing specialist for MIRA and Inkyard Press, spearheading successful campaigns for Adult and YA authors across a wide range of genres, including numerous New York Times bestselling titles. Prior to joining the marketing team, Evan established the publisherÕs first in-house online rights enforcement system to combat digital piracy and plagiarism on behalf of the publisher and its authors. He has been an acquisitions reader and freelance editor, and has worked as a proofreader and copyeditor for the University of Toronto Press, Academic Journals division.Evan holds an MA in 18th-century history and literature from the University of York, UK, and a BA with combined honours in Early Modern Studies and English from Dalhousie and The University of KingÕs College, Canada, where he was editor-in-chief of the Early Modern Studies programme student journal, Babel, in 2009. He has lived in Lyon, France, and returns regularly to the UK.At Transatlantic, EvanÕs growing list ranges from powerful, culturally significant nonfiction to captivating literary debuts and select childrenÕs titles. He represents international translation rights for nonfiction publisher Page Two Books, and for graphic novel publisher Drawn & Quarterly alongside agency president Sam Haywood.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Science FictionNONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, General Nonfiction, History, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Reference, Sports
Biography
Marie Brown is a literary agent with Marie Brown Associates. Marie is also President of Marie Brown Associates. Ms. Brown is a part of the elite and small group of “black” literary agents. A 40-year veteran of the book business, Brown acquired a thorough understanding of her “calling” working as an editorial assistant and book editor; bookseller and bookstore manager; editor-in-chief of a magazine; book marketing strategist and literary agent. Ms. Brown has been a bibliophile since her childhood years and currently lives and works in Harlem.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, Autobiography, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, Health Wellness, History, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Self-Help, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Marissa Brown is an Associate Agent at Pippin Properties. She has always been a reader. She is never without a book (or three, just in case). But it wasn’t until high school that she realized she could have a career in books. She studied English Literature at DePauw University in Indiana prior to attending the NYU Summer Publishing Institute. There she was introduced to the world of literary agencies and immediately knew she wanted to become an agent, which led her to Pippin.
Biography
Chris Bucci is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. He represents bestselling and award-winning fiction and non-fiction authors including, Highway of Tears by Jessica McDiarmid; Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything? by Timothy Caulfield; and The War Widow by Tara Moss.Chris began his career at the University of Toronto Press as an acquisitions editor in the social sciences. He joined HarperCollins Canada in 2003 as a non-fiction editor and then moved to McClelland & Stewart. In 2008 he joined The McDermid Agency as a literary agent and later bought the agency, along with Martha Webb. In 2017 they merged with the Cooke Agency to form CookeMcDermid where Chris was Proprietor and Literary Agent before coming to Aevitas in 2020.Chris represents a broad range of both fiction and non-fiction as an Aevitas agent based in the NY Metropolitan area. He aims to work with some of the cultureÕs best writers, thinkers and expertsÑauthors whose work helps us to interpret and understand our times as well as our future.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Animals, Art, Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Sports, Technology, True Crime, Women’s Issues
Biography
Danielle Bukowski is a literary agent with Sterling Lord Literistic. Danielle represents critically acclaimed, award-winning fiction and nonfiction. She is particularly looking for narratives from writers traditionally excluded from the publishing industry. For fiction, she likes books that balance plot with voice, have a strong sense of place, a unique hook, and are stylistically bold; for nonfiction, sheÕs looking for work grounded in the authorÕs personal interest, rigorously reported and researched, and will expand the readerÕs view of the world. Recent and forthcoming books include Sea Change by Gina Chung (Vintage), A Haunting on the Hill by Elizabeth Hand (Mulholland), Victim by Andrew Boryga (Doubleday), Loneliness & Company by Charlee Dyroff (Bloomsbury), People of Means by Nancy Johnson (William Morrow), Alligator Tears: A Memoir-in-Essays by Edgar Gomez (Crown 2025), I Leave it Up to You by Jinwoo Chong (Ballantine), and Mutual Interest by Olivia Wolfgang-Smith (Bloomsbury).
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Travel
Biography
Cindy Bullard is a literary agent with and the founder of Birch Literary. Cindy opened Birch Literary in 2021, to help other writers on their own path to publication. (She writes under a pen name.)
Notes
NONFICTION: Environment, History, Humor Nonfiction, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Sports, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books
Biography
Sobi-Dee Burbano is a literary agent at LCS Literary Services. She earned her AssociateÕs Degree in Arts, but her true passion has always been reading. She discovered a love for books as a child and that has carried on through adulthood. When she is not caring for her young children, as a mother of two, the kindle is her best friend. She loves reading romance of all genres including fantasy and paranormal. Sobi is excited to work with aspiring authors and is now actively building her list. She is looking for unputdownable stories with bold, courageous characters who take you down an emotional journey of perseverance. She enjoys getting lost in a great drama-filled fantasy and also hopes to escape into a romance that makes her fall in love with love again.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Danielle Burby is a literary agent with and the founder of the Mad Woman Literary Agency. Before founding Mad Woman Literary Agency, Danielle spent over a decade developing her skills in agenting and subsidiary rights and building an incredible client roster. Danielle’s focus as an agent is on a strong sense of partnership and collaboration. She brings her own unique mix of business-minded and emotionally rooted support to clients and represents a diverse list of critically acclaimed and New York Times bestselling authors with stellar voices, incredible storytelling skills, and fresh narratives to share.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Meagan Burgad is a literary agent with SBR Media. She grew up as a voracious reader in rural North Dakota. As a military spouse, she has over 11 moves under her belt. A graduate of Hawaii Pacific University, Meagan has her BA in English, which has allowed her to work in the book industry for over a decade. In the past, Meagan has been the editor of a peer-reviewed journal, Hawaii Pacific Review; written reviews and TV recaps for Random House; blogged for Love Between the Sheets; edited and beta read for bestselling authors; managed social media for a library and bookshop; and freelanced for numerous publications. Meagan joined SBRMedia where she continues to expand her skill set. She is especially excited to work with authors who focus on creative non-fiction, erotica, fantasy, historical, humor/satire, LGBTQ+, new adult, romance, science fiction, celebrity, memoir, military, narrative, pop culture, and travel.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Celebrity, General Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Travel, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jenni Burke is a literary agent with the Illuminate Literary Agency. She is on a mission to see authors truly thrive, so their words and lives can make a deep and lasting impact in the world for good.Her love of books and Jesus led her into the Christian publishing industry in 2003. After guiding a wide range of manuscripts through Multnomah PublisherÕs editorial department, Jenni moved to the other side of the publishing desk in 2006 to help Don Jacobson start a literary agency, D.C. Jacobson & Associates. As the agency grew over the next 13 years, JenniÕs career progressed from an author relations manager, to associate agent, to senior literary agent, before she stepped into her current role as president and owner in 2019. Jenni rebranded the agency to ILLUMINATE in 2020. Now, sheÕs championing authors in a new role with Illuminate Literary Agency, and delivering the same quality service that her clients and publishing partners have always valued. ÒAuthors are my heroes,Ó Jenni says. ÒIt takes a great deal of courage and perseverance to write and promote a book you believe in. I feel honored to get to lift up people whoÕve been entrusted with life-changing messages,Ó she says. Seeking: This year, Jenni is looking to add just one or two select clients who are exceptionally strong in what she calls The Four Cs: Concept (message, angle), Craft (writing skill), and Crowd (platform, network), and Character (work ethic, fit). Theme Verse: When Jonathan is considering a bold, audacious move up a steep cliff to take new territory, his armor-bearer says to him: ÒDo all that you have in mind. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul,Ó (1 Samuel 14:7). Jenni wants to be that kind of champion for her clients as they pursue their God-given passions. Tell me a bit more: JenniÕs degree is in English Communication and Business Administration from Corban University. She is a native Central Oregonian, where she lives with her husband SethÑa counselorÑand their two young children, William and Violet. She enjoys getting her hands in the dirt with her family, ministering with her local community, or planning her next trip to Italy. After a long day working on books, Jenni likes to relax withÉ a book. Jenni has combined two of her passionsÑlifting up Christian communicators and spending time in ItalyÑinto the Tuscany WritersÕ Retreat, a soul care pilgrimage for writers (and spouses) in the land of the Renaissance. SheÕs led groups in 2014, 2016, 2018 and is hoping to take a group of ILLUMINATE clients in 2022!
Notes
NONFICTION: Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Economics, Family, Food Drink, Gardening, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, Inspirational Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, TravelNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Emelie Burl is a literary agent with the Susan Schulman Literary Agency. Emelie joined Susan Schulman in 2021 after fourteen years working as an independent bookseller. She lives in Montana with her husband, two huskies, and her books. When she isnÕt reading manuscripts, she is most likely knitting, gardening, playing DnD, and/or camping in the mountains without any cell phone service.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Art, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, TravelCHILDRENÕS 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
Sarah Burnes is a literary agent with the Gernert Company. Sarah began her career on the editorial side of publishing, first at Houghton Mifflin, then in the Knopf Group, and last at Little, Brown. She became an agent in 2001, joining The Gernert Company in 2005. As an editor, she acquired and edited literary fiction and non-fiction, and as an agent, she has added children’s fiction to her list. Sarah sits on the board of non-profit progressive publisher the New Press and her writing has appeared on The Paris Review’s blog. She lives with her husband and three children in Brooklyn.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Upmarket NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Penelope Burns is a literary agent with the Gelfman Schneider/ICM Literary Agency. She is the newest member of Gelfman Schneider/ICM Partners. She came to the agency as an intern after graduating from Colgate University in 2012. Currently, as an agency assistant, Penelope is looking to a build a list of her own. She is interested in Literary and Commercial fiction and non-fiction, as well as a variety of Young Adult and Middle Grade.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Memoir, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Sheree Bykofsky is a literary agent with Sheree Bykofsky Associates. Sheree Bykofsky is the author, co-author and editor of more than thirty books, including the best-selling The Complete IdiotÕs Guide to Getting Published (Pearson), now in its fifth edition, The Complete IdiotÕs Guide to Publishing Magazine Articles (Pearson), The New York Public Library Desk Reference (Simon & Schuster), three editions of the regional bestseller The Best Places to Kiss in and Around New York City (Beginning, 3rd edition), The Big Book of LifeÕs Instructions, (Harper), Me: Five Years From Now (Warner, and then Hyperion), Sexy City Cocktails, (Adams), The Downtown GirlÕs Guide to Wine: How to Buy, Serve and Sip with Style and Sophistication (Adams), Put Your House on a Diet (now available as an e-book), Popping the Question: Real-Life Stories of Marriage Proposals From the Romantic to the Bizarre (Walker), The 52 Most Romantic Dates in and Around New York City (Adams), and Put Your House on a Diet (Rodale). Sheree has written articles for a variety of magazines and newspapers, including The Writer, which featured ShereeÕs cover story ÒThe Six Secrets of Getting Published.ÓSheree is also an avid poker player and author, with the late Lou Krieger, of Secrets the Pros WonÕt Tell You About Winning HoldÕEm Poker (Kensington), The Rules of Poker: The Ultimate Argument Settler (Kensington) and The Portable Poker Pro (Kensington). In December 2005 Sheree placed first out of 164 women who competed in the World Series of Poker LadiesÕ Circuit Event at the Showboat in Atlantic City. And Sheree won a seat into the famous World Series of Poker two times.One of ShereeÕs oldest books, 500 Terrific Ideas for Organizing Everything (Simon & Schuster), has hundreds of thousands of copies in print and was #20 on bn.com after ten years in print. Many of ShereeÕs books, including Me: Five Years From Now have been selected by the Literary Guild and other book clubs. She has given walks and talks about travel and publishing at locations and venues such as the Learning Annex, Hyatt Hotel and other conferences, AOL, and Seminar Center. Sheree appeared on a special fundraising edition of ÒThe Brian Lehrer ShowÓ on NPR for an hour, generating nearly 200 pledges. She has appeared on ÒGood Day New York,Ó ÒEyewitness News,Ó ÒNews 1,Ó and on television and radio stations nationwide, and she was a romantic consultant on NBC for a new reality show. Sheree also speaks widely about all areas of publishing at colleges, writerÕs conferences, and libraries.Sheree, a member of IFWTWA and AuthorsÕ Guild, is a freelance travel writer whose expertise is in romantic places, spas, luxury travel, food and wine, and skiing. Sheree is a travel staff writer at beautynewsnyc.com, and a contributor to gallagherstravels.com, offbeattravel.com, goworldtravel.com, honeymoonersreviewguide.com, travellady.com, TravelWorld International Magazine, http://www.sogonow.com/, and MSNBC.com (please visit her Travel Corner, now under construction). She was a spa investigator for a Mexican Spa Reservation Service and contributed to a feature article in New York Magazine, highlighting spas and related pampering services.
Notes
NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Humor Nonfiction, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology, Women’s Issues
Biography
Jack Byrne is the owner of the Sternig & Byrne Literary Agency, which represents many major SFF authors.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction