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7 Insider Secrets to Get a Top Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal
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Literary Agent Directory
Important: Visit each agent’s website (links in their listings below) to see if they’re open to submissions before querying.
Biography
Kathleen Rushall is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Kathleen represents a wide range of childrenÕs literature. She represents NYT bestselling and award-winning authors. SheÕs drawn to environmental and social justice themes, particularly for the youngest set. She loves animals and books about their welfare and science. She’s always interested in picture books that inspire emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and empathy. When it comes to novels, Kathleen loves contemporary middle grade as well as the spooky and unexpected. She loves multi-generational stories, matrilineal magic, and is always happy to see high-concept contemporary romance. Kathleen gravitates to smart character-driven YA no matter the genre. She is always seeking stories written by diverse creators and underrepresented voices. KathleenÕs list includes inspiring picture books such as Carole LindstromÕs NYT Bestselling WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS (for which the illustrator won The Caldecott Medal), OCEAN SPEAKS by Jess Keating (Jane Addams Peace Award Honor), and ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP: How One GirlÕs Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything by Annette Bay Pimentel (Schneider Family Award Honor). She also represents a wide range of middle grade and YA from captivating fantasy like Lisa MaxwellÕs NYT bestselling THE LAST MAGICIAN series and Isabel SterlingÕs THESE WITCHES DONÕT BURN to whip-smart contemporary novels like Gloria ChaoÕs AMERICAN PANDA, Supriya KelkarÕs AMERICAN AS PANEER PIE, and Aimee LucidoÕs EMMY IN THE KEY OF CODE.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Marly Rusoff is a literary agent with and founder of Marly Rusoff & Associates. Marly Rusoff was a former publishing executive at Houghton Mifflin, Doubleday and William Morrow, and most recently an affiliate agent at Carlisle & Company in New York. ÒIn the past year, my wonderful affiliation with Carlisle & Company helped me realize that I am never happier than when I work closely with authorsÓ, said Rusoff. ÒIn my more than twenty years in publishing I have participated in hundreds of book marketing and publicity campaigns and have come away from the experience with a keen sense of what it takes to make a book work. I would like to apply that knowledge in my own agency in both shaping projects and seeing books to market, and to do this in the service of a relatively small list of clients. This is a challenging publishing environment but also one with great opportunities for talented writers and I have been extremely fortunate in so quickly finding a number of them in both fiction and non-fiction.Ó Rusoff began her career as a bookseller in Minneapolis while still a student at the University of Minnesota. The store became a gathering place for writers and it was upstairs that she and a number of them formed The Loft, a nationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to foster a writing community and an audience for literature. The list of authors with whom she has worked as a publicist and/or marketer includes Margaret Atwood, Thomas Cahill, Ethan Canin, Pat Conroy, Alex Kotlowitz, Tim OÕBrien, Dennis Lehane, Bill Moyers, Sena Jeter Naslund, Cokie Roberts and Paul Theroux. At Doubleday she created the yearlong marketing plan for the launch of The Century by Peter Jennings and Todd Brewster. While at Doubleday, Rusoff also created the first Reading Group Guide specifically aimed at book groups, a popular marketing tool now widely used by publishers to encourage both sales and reading through active community interaction with books. Rusoff will continue to consult on marketing issues for a select number of preexisting clients.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Psychology, Upmarket Nonfiction
Biography
Curtis Russell is the founder, president, and principal Agent at P.S. Literary Agency. He began his publishing career as the proprietor of an indie press before co-founding PSLA two decades ago. CurtisÕ reputation for excellence and passion for getting the best for his creators has resulted in a wide-ranging and diverse client list that appeals to his many literary interests. His penchant for discovering creators with standout ideas in a variety of categories has served the agency well. And his ability to spot talent of all stripes has resulted in the creation of a growing and dynamic PSLA team committed to the highest standards of literary representation.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Business Book, Current Events Affairs, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Sports
Biography
Jim Rutman is a literary agent with Sterling Lord Literistic. Jim represents adult literary fiction and non-fiction. In fiction, he is interested in audacious novels that test the form and prioritize language. His non-fiction interests are wide ranging, from history, journalism, music, film, sports, and biography, to traditional narrative approaches, criticism, and essays. He is often drawn to interdisciplinary and hybrid treatments, authorities seeking to complicate long held assumptions. He represents Sheila Heti, Alissa Nutting, Teddy Wayne, Manohla Dargis, Eleanor Henderson, Rowan Ricardo Phillips, Jay Caspian Kang, Carvell Wallace, and others.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, History, Journalism, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Reference, Sports
Biography
Peter Ryan is a literary agent with Stimola Literary Studio. Peter Ryan is a lifelong reader of comic books and graphic novels. His first comics were a big box of silver and golden age comics that were handed down from a friends older brother. The comics were tattered, torn and in pieces but they were the best thing he had ever seen. His interests are classic sci-fi, adventure, contemporary stories of life, mysteries, thrillers and really really word books that keep him up at night thinking. He is currently looking for stories that are steeped in diverse cultures and families that show the rich tapestry that is our national and global community. He is also looking for stories that delve into LGBTQ and gender identity, again because he wants to show how broad our cultural composition really is. Pete worked on Wall St. for 15 minutes straight out of college. He spent a few years working in the video game industry on titles like Guitar Hero, Call of Duty, and in some of the Marvel Universe. He also worked in construction and IT. When Pete isn’t working he can be found playing with his wife, son and two dogs, catching a few minutes on the Xbox, or tinkering with RC car projects. When it snows you will probably find him in a pair of skis somewhere. Pete has been with the Stimola Literary Studio since 2012. He represents only graphic novel authors and illustrators. Pete also manages the business and operations of the company.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Graphic Novel, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller
Biography
Regina Ryan is a literary agent with Regina Ryan Publishing Enterprises. Regina says: “I founded this independent literary agency company 40 years ago. Prior to that I was editor-in-chief of Macmillan Adult Books, the first woman ever to hold that position in a major hardcover publishing house. Before that I was an editor at Alfred A. Knopf. My strong editorial backgroundÑfirst as an editor and later as a book producerÑIs very useful in helping my authors develop their projects in the most salable way. My many years of experience in the business and my extensive contacts help me to place their books with the best houses for their projects. I am a member of the Women’s Media Group, PEN, the Authors Guild, the Association of AuthorsÕ Representatives (AAR), and the Agents Round Table (ART). I am a past president and former board member of the American Book Producers Association. I am also a member of the New York Audubon Society, the Linnaean Society of New York and the New York Mycological Society, and the American Bird Conservancy. I am a founding member of The Agents Round Table (ART),a collaborative consortium of expert literary agents. Honors: #1 Dealmaker in nonfiction — Publishers Marketplace, September 2015. Who’s Who in America; Who’s Who Among American Women; Who’s Who in the World.”
Notes
NONFICTION: Animals, Architecture, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Computers, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Diet Nutrition, Environment, Food Drink, Gardening, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Science, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Tamar Rydzinski is a literary agent with and the owner/founder of the Context Literary Agency. Tamar has always had a strong love for the written word. Her goal for her authors is to reach their audience wherever they are, and she is proud of helping them stay ahead of the curve. Tamar began her career at Sanford Greenburger Associates. She then joined Laura Dail Literary Agency, where she became vice president and director of subrights.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Psychology, Science, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Lesley Sabga is the Media Rights Manager, Communications Manager, and a literary agent with The Seymour Agency. She has worked as an editorial assistant and freelancer for multiple publishing houses such as Entangled, Jolly Fish Press and Flux Books, as well as Sourcebooks. She’s been working for The Seymour Agency since 2014. Starting out as an eager intern, she worked her way up to being a literary assistant and in the fall of 2017, Lesley became an agent with The Seymour Agency. In 2020, she became the communications manager, handling author relations and agency administration. And in 2022, Lesley enthusiastically accepted the position handling media rights for the agency’s catalog, helping to option and place titles with numerous production companies to date. Lesley loves intricate and vivid world-building and character-driven plots with commercial pacing. She is currently acquiring young adult and adult fiction. She is always down to read a dark and twisty suspense/thriller featuring strong, female protagonists or mysteries where there is a large cast of characters and all the pieces slowly fall into place. She loves big, sweeping love stories that give you all the feels and she’s particularly interested in voice-driven fiction for millennial women that focus on the real-life romantic, humorous, and professional experiences they go through. Always open to diversity, Lesley is actively looking for marginalized authors to bring into the literary world.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Celebrity, Film Entertainment, History, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Self-Help, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Maggie Sadler is a literary agent with the Corvisiero Literary Agency. She earned her joint Masters with honors in Comparative Literature and English from the historic University of St Andrews and her Masters in Literary Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland, where her literary interests ranged from folklore retellings to nineteenth-century maritime adventure fiction, and interrogating audience reception across creative mediums. Outside of the agency space, Maggie also works as an editor and writing coach. Maggie marries these complimentary experiences with an intentional, intelligent, and growth-minded approach as a literary agent. Maggie primarily seeks literary and upmarket adult fiction with distinct character voices, lyrical prose, and propulsive plots. She loves books that unapologetically challenge and deconstruct genre, narrative, or structural conventionsÑbooks that take risks. She appreciates a careful, restrained hand with fabulist elements, one that gently asks the reader to reconsider the boundary between the real and the fantastic. Above all, Maggie craves stylish writing and wholly unique concepts that leave her feeling devastated over the palpable talent. A writer herself, Maggie draws inspiration from folklore, sweeping landscapes, and untamed femininity as she scribbles away at her debut novel. When not reading or writing, Maggie can usually be found exploring astride her rascally horse, admiring various species of moss on hikes with her partner, or taking up yet another hobbyÑcurrently, mounted archery.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Medical Medicine, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Travel, Women’s Issues
Biography
Jacklyn Saferstein-Hansen is a literary agent with Renaissance Literary & Talent. She hails from Omaha, Nebraska and came to Los Angeles by way of Boston University. She’s on the hunt for fresh nonfiction in the following areas: wellness/nutrition/food, mental health, history, science, pop culture, and Jewish issues. She’s interested in helping academics make the jump to the trade market. In fiction, she’s partial to novels with a distinct voice (the weirder the better) and quirky characters in the genres of women’s fiction, historical fiction, thriller/mystery, and fantasy.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Diet Nutrition, Economics, Education, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science
Biography
Rafe Sagalyn is an Agent with CAA Literary. He represents leading journalists, historians, novelists, business thinkers, and public intellectuals. Born and raised in Western Massachusetts, he graduated from Tufts University and started his publishing career at Simon & Schuster before moving to Washington D.C, where he founded The Sagalyn Literary Agency which merged with ICM Partners in 2019. He joined CAA in 2022 following the agencyÕs acquisition of ICM.
Notes
NONFICTION: Business Book, History, Journalism, Nonfiction
Biography
Jean Sagendorph is a literary agent with Mansion Street Literary Management. Jean is a twenty-year veteran of the entertainment industry whose award-winning work includes many New York Times bestsellers. She spent more than fifteen years at United Media, where she managed the firmÕs publishing, interactive, film, and music interests. While at United Media, her clients included Food Network, Peanuts, Dilbert, Fancy Nancy, Raggedy Ann & Andy, Rainbow Brite, hoops & yoyo, Dirty Dancing, Iron Chef, Iron Chef America, History Channel, Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers, and more. Jean capitalized on her expertise within the publishing and entertainment industries when she launched Mansion Street Literary Management, a boutique literary agency that seeks exciting new authors and properties to represent. She recently spearheaded the creation of a Meals On Wheels cookbook, Made with Love: The Meals on Wheels Family Cookbook, which features recipes from renowned personalities like Martha Stewart, Mario Batali, Helen Mirren, Joan Rivers, Patti LaBelle, Al Roker, and more. Jean is the recipient of the Scripps Howard/William R. Burleigh award for community service for her work on the Peanuts book Why, Charlie Brown, Why?, which benefited Paul NewmanÕs Hole In The Wall Gang Camp. She has also been a featured speaker at leading industry conventions, like Comic-Con, NXNE, Crossroads, Activison/Atari Global Sales Meeting, Blogher, DFW Writers Conference, Undercurrents, and others.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic Novel NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Design, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Reference, Sports CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Valentia Sainato is a literary agent with the Jabberwocky Literary Agency. She is an associate agent at JABberwocky assisting Eddie Schneider. She also handles all merchandise and third-party licensing proposals. They graduated from Cal Poly SLO with a B.A. in English and have lived in New York City ever since. Outside of her literary interests, Valentina is a dancer of many different styles, a video game lover, and a ~very~ amateur digital artist. Before joining JABberwocky, Valentina worked as an Events Manager with Barnes & Noble on the Upper West Side, where they hosted a huge variety of author events, book clubs, childrenÕs activities, and more. She has also interned at Foundry Literary + Media, Folio Literary Management, and the Feminist Press at CUNY.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Cultural Social Issues, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science
Biography
Jessica Saint Jean is a literary agent at Root Literary. She says “I’m a literary agent specializing in visual storytellers. I primarily represent illustrators and author-illustrators, along with a select number of writers, who work across all illustrated formats and genres in children’s publishing Ð from board books and picture books to middle grade and graphic novels. I’m drawn to creators who share my deep passion for children’s books Ð who appreciate the role of children’s literature as nourishment and entertainment for kids, and as a rich literary art form. I’m looking for writers and illustrators who work hard on their craft; who understand their books’ audience (kids!); who read widely and know how their work fits within the current market; and who hope to build a professional publishing career. Creatively, my tastes are wide-ranging but mostly “upmarket” Ð meaning books with literary depth and impeccable craft that are also accessible and entertaining. I like working on books that genuinely appeal to kids without talking down to them, and that their grown-ups can appreciate in their own way too.”
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
Des Salazar is a literary agent with Metamorphosis Literary. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, she holds an MFA in Fiction having completed a thesis containing translations of stories and poems from an archived journal and reflection essays. Des has a passion for writing and working with other writers. All it took was a Sandra Bullock movie to make them want to read stories, and later, they realized that their nerdy editing could get them there (just not like Sandra Bullock level of editor). Their experience includes associate editing at Allium Literary Journal and their current position as a fiction editor at MASKS Literary Magazine.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Mike Salisbury is a literary agent with Yates & Yates. He says, “My dad once told me the best days are the ones that include a trip to the bookstore. I couldnÕt agree more. And perhaps the best careers involve literature too, because every day I consider myself fortunate to work with extremely talented writers, editors, marketers, and sales professionals in the publishing industry. Biographical Information At Grand Valley State University I enrolled in an introductory creative writing class on a whim, thinking it would be fun. That class led to a minor and then a major. I was hooked. Being a double major in both creative writing and marketing, I had no idea how I would marry the two in a career. I always thought theyÕd be separate, writing being my passion and marketing my day job. Then one day I was offered an internship with ZonderKidz, the childrenÕs division of Zondervan. My first project was working on the movie tie-in release for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. My internship turned into a full-time role on the trade books team. I was responsible for developing author brands and marketing strategies for product launches. I worked with authors like Chuck Colson, Gary Thomas, Ann Voskamp, Jon Acuff, and Shauna Niequist. In December 2010, I moved from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs to pursue an opportunity with David C Cook. But not without first asking the love of my life, Amy, to marry me. After finishing the school yearÑsheÕs a teacherÑwe married that summer and she joined me on this Colorado adventure. During my time at David C Cook, I had the opportunity to market Francis Chan, Matt Chandler, Tullian Tchividjian, and many others. As I grew from a senior manager to the marketing director of trade books, I began helping with publishing decisions and guiding the companyÕs future initiatives. I also finished my Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. Being a literary agent for Yates & Yates is the perfect opportunity for me to continue combining my passions for publishing and marketing. When IÕm not reading or writing, Amy and I love to run in the summer and ski the mountains in the winter. We enjoy listening to Detroit Tigers baseball and wandering bookstores. You can keep up with my reading list by friending me on Goodreads.”
Notes
NONFICTION: Business Book, General Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Nonfiction, Politics, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Jesseca Salky is a literary agent with Salky Literary Management. Jesseca (she/hers) is an agent, founder, and attorney, with almost two decades of experience in the book publishing and adjacent industries. She represents a curated list of distinguished novelists, including Pulitzer Prize-winning and New York Times bestselling novelist Anne Tyler, and works with some of the leading literary agencies and agents in New York as contracts counsel and general business adviser. She has a 360-degree view of the industry as agent and attorney and is on the cutting edge of developments in formats and mediums, often formulating new standards on behalf of writers and agents in the industry. Jesseca keeps a curated client list of authors, thinkers, and industry disruptors. She is selectively looking for contemporary young adult romance (in the vein of Jenny HanÕs The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy), as well as literary fiction submissions that are family stories (she loves a good mother/daughter tale or a story of multiple generations of one family), or have a strong sense of place (where the setting feels like its own character), a magical or mystical element, or a daring or unique voice. She also represents narrative nonfiction in the wellness, social activism and Òliving a purposeful lifeÓ spaces.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Satire, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Technology, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Nour Sallam is an associate agent at the P.S. Literary Agency. She represents adult fiction and non-fiction. She has a BA in English Literature and Political Science from the University of British Columbia and studied publishing at Toronto Metropolitan University. As an Arab woman and immigrant, she especially loves books that amplify joy and connection. Across genres, she is interested in stories that feature complex and nuanced histories, social dynamics, or underrepresented narratives.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, Health Wellness, Lifestyle, Nature, Nonfiction, Pop Culture
Biography
Bethany Saltman is a literary agent at Wave Literary. She has devoted her life to guiding writers in crafting books and literary careers that change livesÑtheir own and their readers.Õ As the founder of BOOKISH, a boutique book-development agency and co-host of the podcast BOOKBOUND, she has shepherded dozens of aspiring authors through the process of finding their unique authority and writing exceptional book proposals and bestselling books. Bethany is also a widely published poet who received an MFA from Brooklyn College where she worked with Allen Ginsberg; a popular essayist; and the author of the critically acclaimed book, Strange Situation: A MotherÕs Journey Into the Science of Attachment (2020, Random House). Strange Situation was named one of the Top Science Books of 2020 by New Scientist, published in five countries, and is included in psychology syllabi around the world. Bethany splits her time between the Catskills of New York and the Upper West Side of Manhattan. She is a longtime Zen practitioner, as well as a Brown-University certified leadership coach. Through Wave Studios, Bethany is available for VIP Deep Dive Days.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Health Wellness, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Science
Biography
Abigail Samoun is a literary agent with the Red Fox Literary Agency. Before co-founding Red Fox Literary, LLC with Karen Grencik in 2011, ABIGAIL SAMOUN was an in-house childrenÕs book editor for over ten years. Her books received such honors as the CCBC Charlotte Zolotow award, the New York Public Library Ezra Jack Keats award, the SCBWI Golden Kite, and the Pura Belpre Honor. As an agent, Abigail now represents authors and illustrators working in a range of genres, from board books to young adult novels. Her clients include author/illustrator Hannah Harrison whose debut, Extraordinary Jane, received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and School Library Journal. HarrisonÕs picture book was Red FoxÕs first project to go to auction. Fellow clients Chris Pallace and Kevin Serwacki wrote and illustrated Joey and Johnny, the Ninjas, an illustrated middle-grade series that received four offers before being bought by Donna Bray at HarperCollins/Balzer&Bray. In addition to agenting, Abigail is the author of several childrenÕs books, including Sterling PublishingÕs Little Traveler board book series illustrated by Red FoxÕs own Sarah Watts. Abigail likes to organize her library according to which authors would get along well together (the Brontes next to George Elliot, Lois Lowry next to Margaret Atwood). She lives in Sonoma, California with her entomologist husband, two dogs, a gaggle of chickens, and a curious little boy named Tristan.
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
Trinica Sampson-Vera
New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc.Accepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Online FormBiography
Trinica Sampson-Vera is a literary agent with New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. She is passionate about championing diverse voices and particularly loves speculative fiction; adventurous, character-driven stories with largely emotional stakes; stories featuring Caribbean characters/settings; and stories where queer characters find happy endings. Trinica graduated from Antioch College with a degree in Creative Writing and French. After several editorial internships during college, she moved to Austin and found an unexpected home in social services, where she worked for five years as a case manager to those experiencing chronic homelessness. Prior to beginning at New Leaf, she worked as an independent editor with Salt & Sage Books and Writing Diversely.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Dani Sanchez is a literary agent with SBR Media. She has always been passionate about small business owners. Before coming to publishing, she spent many years working in business management, sales, and marketing for Fortune 500 companies. Since making the move to publishing, she has helped countless authors build their brands, strategize for success, and reach their dreams of hitting the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestsellers list. She loves to create marketing plans that target all aspects of an authorÕs business, with a strong focus on digital marketing, sales platforms, advertising, and long-term sales growth.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Satire, Thriller NONFICTION: Business Book, General Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Nonfiction
Biography
Kaitlyn Sanchez is a literary agent with the Bradford Literary Agency. She joined Bradford Literary in 2022 with two years of agenting experience under her belt. Kaitlyn is the proud co-creator and co-host of the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest and Kidlit Zombie Week as well as creator and co-host of the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy Contest. As a mom, wife, and middle school math teacher, Kaitlyn enjoys playing soccer, binge-watching TV shows, and, of course, reading, especially when sheÕs all cozied up with her husband and daughter reading together. Kaitlyn is an editorial agent and always works with her clients to make sure weÕre putting out their best work. SheÕs highly communicative and invested in every aspect of helping her clients have a strong and happy career. Kaitlyn is looking for childrenÕs books (picture books through YA) in all categories, including graphic novels, nonfiction, and illustration. She is incredibly eclectic in her tastes, with a great affinity for emotional stories as well as funny stories. Kaitlyn is always looking for diversity in all forms, including but not limited to BIPOC, neurodiversity, and LGBTQ+. Kaitlyn loves working with artists, so sheÕs always on the lookout for great illustrators, author-illustrators, and graphic novelists. Note: Kaitlyn generally leans PG and PG-13 for most submissions, though some intensity here and there is fine.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Rayhane Sanders is a literary agent with Massie & McQuilkin. Rayhane was raised in Los Angeles and New York City by Iranian and Greek-Cypriot parents. She began her career at Newsweek Magazine before moving to book publishing. She worked for Dutton, Gotham Books, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt before moving to the agency side, working for WME (William Morris Endeavor) and Wayne KabakÕs WSK Management. She is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents. Her clients have been finalists and winners of numerous grants and prizes, including the National Book CriticsÕ Circle Award, the PEN/Jean Stein Award, the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize, the Story Prize, the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Lambda Literary Award, and the New American Voices Award. Works by several of her clients have graced the cover of The New York Times Book Review, and have appeared on national and international bestseller lists. She is particularly interested in representing a diversity of voices from around the world, and in fresh voices telling stories we havenÕt heard before. She is fond of immigrant tales and stories concerned with race, sexuality, cross-cultural themes, and notions of identity. You can find her WriterÕs Digest profile here.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Short Story Collection, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Victoria Sanders is a literary agent with Victoria Sanders & Associates. She says: “I founded Victoria Sanders & Associates in 1992, following law school graduation, and after working in the legal/contracts department of Simon & Schuster, and at two literary agencies. I represent a multi-cultural roster of internationally bestselling and award-winning authors, I endeavor to seek out and champion new and diverse voices and viewpoints. As a literary agent for these 25 years, I’ve taken great pride in having represented many of my clients for their entire careers. I am honored to work with the extraordinary group of visionary writers and thinkers who grace this agency, the publishing marketplace, and their devoted readers.”
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, General Nonfiction, History, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Katharine Sands is a literary agent with the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency. Katharine has worked with a varied list of authors who publish a diverse array of books. Highlights include Sell Your Story in a Single Sentence: Advice From the Frontlines of Hollywood by Lane Shefter Bishop of Vast Entertainment; Spiritual Pregnancy: Nine Months that Change Your Life Before You Give Birth by Dr. Shawn Tassone and Dr. Kathryn Landherr; Talk to Strangers: How Everyday Random Encounters Can Expand Your Business, Career, Income and Life by David Topus; The New Rules of Attraction: How to Get Him, Keep Him and Make Him Beg for More by Arden Leigh; Stand Up for Yourself: Resolve Workplace Crises Before You Quit, Get Axed or Sue the Bastards by Donna Ballman; Dating the Devil ( by Lia Romeo; XTC: SongStories; Chasing Zebras: THE Unofficial Guide to House, MD by Barbara Barnett of LetÕs Talk TV; CityTripping: a Guide for Foodies, Fashionistas and the Generally Style-Obsessed; Writers on Directors; The Apothecary’s Curse: Girl Walks Out of a Bar; Ford model Helen LeeÕs The Tao of Beauty; Elvis and You: Your Guide to the Pleasures of Being an Elvis Fan; New York: Songs of the City; Taxpertise: Dirty Little Secrets the IRS DoesnÕt Want You to Know; The SAT Word Slam, Divorce After 50; Trust Your Gut; The Little Book of Healthy Beauty: Simple Daily Steps to Get Your Glowing by Dr. Oz guest, Dr. Pina LoGuidice; Make Up, DonÕt Break Up with Oprah guest Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil to name a few. She is the agent provocateur of Making the Perfect Pitch: How to Catch a Literary AgentÕs Eye, a collection of pitching wisdom from leading literary agents. Recently contributed ÒGrey is the New BlackÓ to Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey, a nonfiction look at the cultural phenom of the bestselling novel. Actively building her client list, she likes books that have a clear benefit for readersÕ lives in categories of food, travel, lifestyle, home arts, beauty, wisdom, relationships, parenting, and fresh looks, which might be at issues, life challenges or popular culture. When reading fiction she wants to be compelled and propelled by urgent storytelling, and hooked by characters. For memoir and femoir, she likes to be transported to a world rarely or newly observed.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Beauty Fashion Style, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Science, Travel
Biography
Elisa Saphier is a literary agent with MacGregor & Luedeke. From her first job in a library, to being the editor-in-chief of her high school literary magazine, to working in four bookstores (and owning one), Elisa has always managed to surround herself with books and writers. Elisa long dreamed of opening her own bookstore and in 2012, after her wife decreed that no more bookshelves were allowed in their house, she took the leap. Elisa and her bookstore, Another Read Through, quickly became known as champions of local writers and local small publishers, and as community builders. She works toward equity in publishing and in writersÕ career development with the nonprofit she is co-launching in 2022, Amplify Writers. She believes that books and writers have important things to say, and she wants to help writers get their work out there, and for readers to find them. As a reader and as an agent, she is open to most genres, as long as the novel or memoir is well-written, but she is partial to character-heavy stories that tell her something about herself or the world around her. She is hoping specifically to represent marginalized writers and their stories, doing her small part toward equalizing the publishing playing field. She is almost never interested in religious or experimental writing, but is otherwise open to being won over by just about any piece of excellent writing.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Travel, Upmarket Nonfiction, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction