Welcome message…
7 Insider Secrets to Get a Top Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal
Press the play button below to listen.
Click here to view and/or download a free PDF transcript
of this audio program
* * *
Literary Agent Directory
Important: Visit each agent’s website (links in their listings below) to see if they’re open to submissions before querying.
Tara (Lady Ambrosia) Severance
The Ambrosia Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Online FormBiography
Tara Severance is a literary agent with and the President of The Amrosia Literary Agency. She embodies the spirit of the Renaissance woman. She has a degree in Studio Art, Biology minor, and studied abroad in Italy. She earned a Certificate in Publishing from the University of Denver Publishing Institute.She is creative and imaginative, drawn to the mystical and whimsical, fantastical and supernatural. You will often find her sipping tea and lost in her own musings; reading, painting, gazing at the stars and moon, or dreaming of places where magic exists.Her favorite novels include Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and anything she can find about Alchemy. She is also a Potterhead. She finds Edward Gorey’s macabre illustrations delightful.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Paranormal Fiction, Suspense FictionNONFICTION: Mind Body Spirit, New Age, Nonfiction, Psychology, Spirituality
Biography
Tessa Shaffer is a literary agent with the Corvisiero Literary Agency. She is a Literary Manager for screenwriters, a Sr. Literary Agent for authors, and the Vice President of the agency, supporting the staff and clients agency-wide. Heading Corvisiero’s Film & TV department, she’s heavily involved in the development of book adaptations whether it be book to screen, book to TV, or book to streamers. In writing, she searches for universal truths that bleed through any genre. Whether itÕs finding the humor in the hurt, the evil in the good, or the strange in the familiarÑshe searches for the stories that leaves audiences with a changed perspective. Recognized as an Indie Excellence Book Awards Finalist, Journey Awards Finalist, and by the WriterÕs Digest Awards in 2019, 2018, and 2016, her own work has also appeared in GirlsLIFE magazine, Authors Publish, and Indie Chicks magazine.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, ScienceCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books
Biography
Sara Shandler is a senior agent at The Book Group. She joined The Book Group in 2025 after twenty-six years in publishing, most recently as the Editor-in-Chief of Alloy Entertainment, where she collaborated with authors from the inception of their stories through publication. SaraÕs introduction to publishing began around the dinner table with her can-do-anything hippie parents who encouraged her to write the bestselling book Ophelia Speaks, which gave voice to the experience of teenage girls and was published when she was just eighteen-years-old. This early success inspired SaraÕs lifelong passion for connecting the dots between a blue sky idea and a best seller.Sara is proud to have worked on many New York Times best sellers, Book Club selections, and award winning novels, including two National Book Award finalists, a Printz Honor, Walter Dean Myers Award Honors, the Waterstones ChildrenÕs Book Prize, the Carnegie Medal, the William C. Morris Award, the Stonewall Award for Teens, the Lambda Literary Award and the Coretta Scott King-Steptoe Award for New Talent. Many of the novels Sara developed and edited have been successfully adapted to TV and film. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband, three children and dog, and spends summers in Fire Island. Sara is interested in working with authors across a range of genres, especially upmarket and book club fiction, plot-driven and emotionally resonant YA and middle grade, narrative non-fiction, topical personal development, social psychology and parenting non-fiction and author-illustrators telling stories in unconventional ways. She is compelled by narratives that connect with readers and contribute to cultural conversations. A few books I loved reading in my free time… Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger, Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera, The Guest by Emma Cline, Nobody Will Tell You This But Me by Bess Kalb, Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam, Wintering by Katherine May, This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub, Untangled by Lisa Damour, Ph.D., Essentialism by Greg McKeown, None of This is True by Lisa Jewell, You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, Illustrated, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Psychology, Self-HelpCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Alec Shane is a literary agent at Writers House. He says: “I began my career at Writers House as an intern in September of 2008 and simply refused to leave, so I was given the wonderful job of Assistant to Jodi Reamer. I am now also in the process of actively building my own list and currently represent a fairly eclectic mix of Children’s and Adult fiction and nonfiction. I’m eagerly looking for both.On the fiction side, I love mysteries, thrillers (although I’m experiencing a bit of terrorist fatigue at the moment), bad-ass protagonists with a chip on their shoulders, beautifully told historical fiction (The Vietnam War, the Maccabees, and The American Revolution fascinate me in particular),well-researched adventure stories, and great horror – I haven’t been scared to turn off the light in far too long and something needs to be done about it. In terms of children’s books, getting boys to read again is especially important to me, and thus I’m particularly on the lookout for a fun middle-grade adventure series, ghost story, or anything else geared toward younger male readers.On the nonfiction side, I’m attracted to odd, quirky histories, military history, biographies of people I didn’t even know existed (but definitely should have), “guy” reads, humor, narrative nonfiction that sheds light on under-the-radar events and lifestyles, and all things sports. I’m also currently up in the air as to whether or not I believe in ghosts, hauntings, and the supernatural, so if you have something that can convince me one way or the other, I’d love to see it.”
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Biography, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Military War Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Sports, True CrimeCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Denise Shannon
Denise Shannon Literary AgencyCLOSED to SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email or Postal MailBiography
Denise Shannon is a literary agent with the Denise Shannon Literary Agency. Denise formed her own agency in 2002 after sixteen years representing authors at Georges Borchardt, Inc. and International Creative Management (ICM). She is a frequent guest at writers’ conferences and publishing institutes, delivering talks and conducting workshops.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, ThrillerNONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Pop CultureCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Lauren Sharp is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. She represents award-winning journalists, historians, and academics from the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. House of Representatives, Georgetown University, Slate, VICE, Stanford University, the New America Foundation, and elsewhere.Sharp graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelors in English, and from the University of Cincinnati with a Masters in English, Creative Writing. Prior to joining Aevitas, she worked as an agent and rights director at ICM/Sagalyn, and interned with the Ross Yoon Agency.Sharp is based in Washington, DC, and represents nonfiction in the areas of politics, history, current affairs, narrative nonfiction, and science.
Notes
NONFICTION: Art, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, History, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Technology, True Crime
Biography
Tori Sharp is a literary agent with the Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency. She joined The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency as an Associate Literary Agent in 2020 after interning for two years. Tori has a BFA in Sequential Art from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and her graphic memoir, JUST PRETEND, is forthcoming from Little, Brown in spring 2021. When sheÕs not reading, writing, or making comics, she can be found swing and blues dancing, playing tabletop games, or exploring coffee shops in beautiful Seattle, WA. Tori represents all manner of childrenÕs literature.
Notes
CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Samantha Shea is a literary agent with the Georges Borchardt Literary Agency. After graduating from Colgate University, Samantha Shea joined Georges Borchardt, Inc. in 2010 and was made a Vice President in 2016. Her list includes literary fiction, memoir/narrative nonfiction, journalism, popular culture, essays, cultural criticism, and history. SamanthaÕs authors are regularly named for numerous awards and honors, including the Ò5 Under 35Ó honor from the National Book Foundation, the ÒBest of Young American NovelistsÓ honor from Granta Magazine, the Kirkus Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Awards, the PEN/ Robert W. Bingham Prize, and others.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Environment, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, History, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Technology, True Crime
Biography
Katie Shea Boutillier is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. Katie Shea Boutillier joined the Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2011. She is the Rights Director handling the agencyÕs translation and audio rights, and selected film/TV and electronic rights. In addition, Katie is focusing her list on womenÕs fiction and YA: realistic, contemporary, upmarket, historical (1920s +), domestic suspense, psychological suspense/thrillers, magical realism, light fantasy, light sci-fi. Memoir and narrative non-fiction only on referral. She loves books with big voices and strong hooks. She is a cum laude graduate of Marist College.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Charlotte Sheedy is a literary agent with and the founder of Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency. After working at the Dial Press for thirteen years, Charlotte established the Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency in 1974. In 1995, she joined Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc., as an affiliate agency.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Literary Fiction, MysteryNONFICTION: Art, Autobiography, Biography, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, History, Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, PoliticsCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Daniel S. Shepherd is a literary agent with The DRS Agency. Daniel works with authors publishing within the ABA market as well as the CBA market.
Notes
NONFICTION: Nonfiction, Religion, SpiritualityNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
David R. Shepherd is a literary agent with The DRS Agency. The DRS Agency was founded by publishing veteran David R. Shepherd in 2009 after serving in a Nashville publishing house for 15 years, 10 of those years as Publisher. During that time he acquired and/or worked with such authors as Oliver North, Mike Huckabee, Chuck Norris, Beth Moore, Michael Reagan, Henry Blackaby, Vicki Courtney, Marian Jordan, Tom Doyle, and Calvin Miller. He also served as executive editor for the Holman Christian Standard Bible translation project.
Notes
NONFICTION: Inspirational Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Religion, SpiritualityNONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Ken Sherman is a literary agent with Ken Sherman & Associates. Ken is also President of Ken Sherman & Associates. The company was established in 1989, and handles film, television, and book writers, as well as selling film and television rights for books and life-rights.An agent for more than twenty years, Ken is also a popular and accomplished speaker, having taught and lectured extensively at venues including UCLA, USC, Loyola Marymount University, both in New Orleans and Los Angeles, The Santa Barbara WritersÕ conference, the American Film Institute, The San Francisco Writers Conference, The Maui Writers Conference, The University of Oklahoma, Sherwood Oaks Experiment College, The Santa Fe Writers Conference, The Novelists, Inc. Conference in San Diego, The Aspen Institute, the Aspen Summers Words Writers Conference and The Eugene International Film Festival where he just received a lifetime achievement award.Since graduating from the University of California-Berkeley with a major in psychology, Ken has returned numerous times to the classroom to teach his course, ÒThe Business of Writing for Screen, Television and the Publishing Worlds,Ó at both USC and UCLA. He also co-taught a screenwriting class for many years at the Eugene International Film Festival.Ken maintains strong community involvement as well, serving as an Arts and Cultural Affairs Commissioner for the City of West Hollywood, is a founding member of the British Academy of Film and Television/Los Angeles (BAFTA), and is a member of both the Academy of Television Arts and Science and the International Advisory Board of the Christopher Isherwood Foundation.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Art, Autobiography, Biography, Celebrity, Film Entertainment, Fitness, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Pop Culture
Biography
Rebecca Sherman is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. She says: “Writers House is a leading full-service literary agency that offers the many resources of a large company and the personal attention of a small agency. It has been my home for over fourteen years now, where IÕve built a list of dynamic and award-winning picture book illustrators and author/illustrators, as well as middle grade and young adult novelists. Further information about clientsÕ work can be found below (sorry if it sounds like IÕm braggingÉ#ProudAgentMama).I have taken on clients who came to me as childrenÕs book veterans and others for whom IÕve sold their debut works. Now, I am actively seeking additions to my client list again. In general, I am looking for stories that meet kids where they are (not those that talk down to them or go over their heads) and that genuinely can get them laughing.
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
Wendy Sherman is a literary agent with Wendy Sherman Associates. Wendy has been in publishing more years than she cares to admit. She has held senior, executive positions at Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, and Henry Holt where she was Associate Publisher. During her time at these major publishing houses, she worked in the areas of subsidiary rights, marketing, sales, and editorial. She left to pursue her dream of becoming a literary agent and founded Wendy Sherman Associates Literary Management in 1999.Wendy loves voice and story-driven fiction that hits that sweet spot between literary and mainstream. She has a passion for Southern voices, suspense with a well-developed protagonist, and has a weakness for family secrets, mother-daughter relationships, and realistic love stories.She is also interested in non-fiction with a unique twist by authors with a strong, well-developed media platform. Areas of interest include memoir, narrative non-fiction, practical and prescriptive, self-help and popular psychology, parenting, lifestyle, pop-culture, health, wellness, and spirituality, and and just about anything to do with food or dogs.Wendy is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA) and the WomenÕs Media Group.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Romance, Short Story Collection, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s FictionNONFICTION: Animals, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, How-To, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Psychology, Self-Help, Spirituality
Biography
Sophie Sheumaker is the Global Rights assistant and literary assistant to Naomi Davis at the BookEnds Literary Agency. She studied writing, literature, and publishing at Emerson College, graduating in the spring of 2023 and has recently begun building her list of authors and illustrators. She can be found at the library checking out more books than she could ever possibly read, crocheting like it’s a full-time job, or taking her anxiety-ridden dog for a walk through the streets of Boston. She is a firm believer that everyone should read children’s books, walnuts should never be in banana bread, and the 2005 Pride and Prejudice is better than the BBC version.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Adrian Shirk is a literary agent with Drift(less) Literary. She brings over ten years of experience as an author, editor and career mentor to dozens of emerging writers. She has two books of creative nonfiction, And Your Daughters Shall Prophesy: Stories from the Byways of American Women and Religion and Heaven is a Place on Earth: Searching for an American Utopia, both from Counterpoint Press. Her essays have otherwise appeared in The Atlantic, Lit Hub, and others, as well as Catapult, where she was previously a columnist and regular contributor. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Wyoming, and worked as an editor at Wilder Quarterly, as well as the erstwhile small press The Corresponding Society and its biannual journal Correspondence. Most recently, in addition to working with clients and developing manuscripts for Drift(less), she teaches in the BFA Creative Writing Program at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, serving as the Writing Lives Advisor and Internship Coordinator. She lives in the Catskills, where she helps run a cooperative artistsÕ residency called The Mutual Aid Society.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Short Story CollectionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Poetry
Biography
Victoria Shoemaker is a literary agent with The Spieler Agency. Victoria joined The Spieler Agency in 1994 as the West Coast representative. Her areas of interest include environment and natural history, popular culture, memoir, photography and film, literary fiction and poetry, and books on food and cooking. With over 35 years in bookselling and publishing, her experience includes retail bookselling, book development, editing, promotion and publicity. Among her authors are Kate Horsley (The Confessions of a Pagan Nun, A Killing in a New Town, Careless Love), William Fox (Aereality: Essays on the World, Terra Antarctica: Looking into the Emptiest Continent), Kazuaki Tanahashi (The Heart of the Brush: Exploring East Asian Calligraphy, Selected Zen Chants, The Heart SutraÑExploring Wisdom Beyond Wisdom), Peter Dale Scott (The Road to 9/11: Wealth, Empire, and the Future of America, American War Machine: Deep Politics, the CIA Global Drug Connection), Taigen Daniel Leighton (Cultivating the Empty Field: The Silent Illuminations of Zen Master Hongzhi). Forthcoming books include Mary Street Alinder (Group f.64: Ansel Adams, Imogen CunninghamÉ, Ansel Adams: A Biography, revised edition)
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Literary FictionNONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Environment, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, History, Memoir, Nature, Nonfiction, Photography, Poetry, Pop Culture
Biography
Eric Showers is a literary anget with the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. He is an agent at HMLA representing adult speculative fiction and nonfiction. HeÕs most drawn, in speculative fiction, to narratives that explore hierarchies of power, novel world-building in secondary world fantasy, and protagonists with unique voices. THE TRAITOR BARU CORMORANT by Seth Dickinson, THE UNSPOKEN NAME by A. K. Larkwood, and GIDEON THE NINTH by Tamsyn Muir are books that have hit some of these notes most recently. HeÕs also looking for stories on the cozier side of speculative fiction, along the lines of Becky ChambersÕs THE LONG WAY TO A SMALL ANGRY PLANET or Travis BaldreeÕs LEGENDS AND LATTES.In nonfiction, heÕs most interested in history and philosophy.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative FictionNONFICTION: General Nonfiction, History, Nonfiction, Philosophy
Biography
Ella Marie Shupe is a literary agent with the Belcastro Agency. Ella Marie has been a literary agent since 2008. She was drawn to helping authors achieve their dreams after she studied English at Youngstown State University. She realized her biggest joy was recommending new books to fellow college students. She turned her dream into a career when she became a junior agent with the Belcastro Agency. As an agent, Ella Marie has discovered many new authors and she soon became a senior agent. She continues her hunt for new manuscripts with a voice that jumps off the page and a colorful plot. Her main goal is nurturing a collaborative relationship that will lead to publication and long lasting writing careers.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s FictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Todd Shuster is a literary agent and partner with Aevitas Creative Management. He represents such authors as journalist Liza Mundy, author of the New York Times bestselling Code Girls; actress Grace Byers, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling picture book I Am Enough; Andrew McCabe, former Deputy Director of the FBI and author of the #1 New York Times bestselling The Threat; Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa, authors of His Name Is George Floyd, a Finalist for the 2022 National Book Award; Cody Keenan, Chief White House Speechwriter for President Obama and author of the New York Times bestselling Grace; Marisa Franco, author of the New York Times bestselling psychology book Platonic; and Martin ÒMartyÓ Baron, former Executive Editor of The Washington Post and author of the forthcoming investigative narrative Collision of Power (Fall, 2023).Todd has also represented major national newspapers in connection with group-reported books, including The Boston Globe on such titles as Last Lion, Whitey, and Long Mile Home and The Washington Post on such titles as the #1 New York Times bestselling The Mueller Report, the #1 NewYork Times bestselling The Afghanistan Papers, and Trump on Trial.As an agent, Todd has helped shepherd films to the big screen including Wild, starring Reese Witherspoon, and The Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith. Todd recently served as Executive Producer of the Netflix-released feature film The Midnight Sky, directed by and starring George Clooney.Following college at Yale and law school at Northeastern University, Shuster practiced publishing and entertainment law at the law firms of Palmer & Dodge and Ropes & Gray. He co-founded the literary agency Zachary Shuster Harmsworth, which merged with Kuhn Projects to form Aevitas in 2016.Based in New York, Shuster represents both fiction and nonfiction. His nonfiction list primarily focuses on current affairs, politics and civil rights, health and wellness, memoir, business, and history. His fiction list includes both literary and commercial novels, including mysteries and thrillers.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, ThrillerNONFICTION: Art, Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Fitness, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Law Legal, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Psychology, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, True Adventure, True Crime
Biography
Anne Sibbald is a literary agent with Janklow & Nesbit Associates. She found her professional home as an agent. AnneÕs interests are broad, but quintessentially encompass the classic Ògood readÓ and anything, be it fiction or nonfiction, that illuminates the world in a fresh way. She believes that we tell stories to understand ourselves and the world we live in, and that those stories can transport us to different worlds, times and places; as well as revealing the mysteries of nature and the truths and complexities of the human heart and mind.Anne grew up in the United Kingdom and lived in Germany and Belgium before moving to the United States. She worked in the investment banking and fashion industries before joining the agency in 1979. She received a B.A. in Economics, with a specialization in international and development economics, from Fordham University. Morton Janklow talked her out of going to law school, for which she is profoundly grateful.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Current Events Affairs, Economics, Environment, General Nonfiction, History, Mind Body Spirit, Nature, Nonfiction, Politics, Science, Technology
Biography
Arianna Siddiqui is an Agent at FinePrint Literary Management. She earned dual degrees in political science and economics from Trinity University and completed the Columbia Publishing Course at the University of Oxford. She also started her professional career selling used Mercedes before transitioning into a career in publishing. With experience as an assistant at Lucinda Literary and William Morris Endeavor, and as a mentee with the Writers House Mentor Initiative, she has a strong eye for engaging stories and market trends. Arianna is currently pursuing a part-time masterÕs in creative writing at the University of Cambridge. In her free time, Arianna writes speculative romance and fosters litters of kittens.At this time, Arianna is particularly drawn to mysteries, romance, and speculative fiction across young adult and adult audiences. SheÕs also open to adult nonfiction that explores unique narratives or perspectives.In mysteries, Arianna is captivated by stories that subvert traditional tropes and bring fresh perspectives to the genre, especially those told by voices that have historically been underrepresented. SheÕs particularly intrigued by locked-room mysteries, non-linear narratives, and stories infused with a ticking clock or ever-present sense of urgency. What excites her most are unconventional sleuthsÑamateurs or experts in adjacent fields such as historians, librarians, art restorers, or forensic accountantsÑrather than traditional law enforcement or military protagonists. In romance, Arianna delights in stories that blur genre lines and deliver the unexpected. She loves narratives that combine romance with horror, paranormal elements, or a mystery. Romantic comedies with sharp wit and distinctive voices also hold a special place in her heart. While romantasy can be a tougher sell for her, sheÕs open to it if the story brings a truly fresh perspective or a bold, innovative world. AriannaÕs tastes in speculative fiction lean toward grounded and intimate storytelling. She has a particular fondness for low fantasy and magical realism, especially narratives inspired by non-Western cultures, mythologies, and traditions. Speculative fiction that focuses on relationships, identity, and emotional journeys resonates strongly with her. SheÕs not currently interested in science fiction.Though more selective about nonfiction, Arianna seeks projects with strong, distinctive voices that offer new insights or perspectives. SheÕs particularly drawn to narrative-driven works that blend memoir, cultural commentary, or history in compelling and original ways.Arianna, above all, seeks to champion historically marginalized voices, including disabled, BIPOC, and queer writers.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Fantasy, Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Romance, Speculative FictionNONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, NonfictionCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Britt Siess is a literary agent with and the founder of Britt Siess Creative Management. Britt focuses primarily on graphic novels and illustrated works. She also represents select middle grade fiction and Adult science fiction and fantasy. Prior to founding BSCM, Britt earned her English Literature degree at the University of Washington and trained with the Taryn Fagerness Agency, the Wales Literary Agency, and Martin Literary & Media Management. She also worked in the sales division of the UK based publisher, The Quarto Group, selling both foreign and domestic rights. Britt has a passion for comics and sequential art, as well as a keen editorial eye that she brings to every project.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Graphic NovelCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Michael Signorelli is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. He represents literary and commercial fiction as well as nonfiction in cultural history, current affairs, memoir, politics, science, sports, and technology. He joined the agency after working as an editor at HarperCollins Publishers and a senior editor at Henry Holt & Company.He has published New York Times bestsellers and winners or finalists of the Booker Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Phi Beta Kappa Science Award, the Commonwealth Book Prize, the Lambda Literary Award, and the Barnes & Noble Discover Prize. He has worked with authors such as Nicola Barker, Christopher Bonanos, Philip Caputo, Brandi Collins-Dexter, Dennis Cooper, Dan Chaon, Joan Donovan, Jack Devine, Woody Guthrie, Catherine Ryan Howard, Oksana Masters, Ian McGuire, Hannah Nordhaus, Lisa O’Donnell, Justin Taylor, Simon Van Booy, Marilyn Yalom, and many others.Signorelli graduated from Hamilton College with a BA in English Literature and lives with his family in Scarsdale, New York.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Western FictionNONFICTION: Biography, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Environment, Film Entertainment, Gardening, History, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Sports, Technology, True Adventure, True Crime
Biography
Jeff Silberman is a literary agent with Folio Literary Management. He says: “IÕm a new horizon hunter. My interests are wide, my passions run deep, and the books I represent cut a wide swath. A videogame impresario who has explored new technology, outer space, and the oceanÕs depths with equal passion. A neuroscientist who created ground breaking technology for studying the brain, and whose prose is utterly stunning. A rock and roll legend who bares his soul. A scholar in Timbuktu who risked his life to save ancient Egyptian and African manuscripts that helped pave the way for Western civilization. A biomedical engineer bridging the gap between art and science, and creating things that matter. An ingŽnue who left rural North Carolina and found womanhood as she became a part of the cultural explosion of FelliniÕs Rome and the French New Wave. A Hall of Famer the players nicknamed God.ThereÕs nothing quite like rich narrative non-fiction or a daring memoir. Making science and technology sing. Savoring food, diving deep into important social issues Ð or the animal kingdomÉ I havenÕt done a math book yet, but IÕd love to. History? IÕm in. Humor, health, pop culture – thereÕs pretty much no category of non-fiction that doesnÕt intrigue me and for which I wouldnÕt happily accept an invitation to take a ride.Fiction: I am currently representing a number of novelists working on their debuts, and their work runs the gamut from book club / commercial to literary, and in one case, literary hilarious. IÕd love more.I seek books that in some way leave us different than we were before. It could be because a new world was opened up to us, or our relationship to the one we thought we knew was changed, because we learned something, or had our hearts opened wide, or simply guffawed nonstop.I work closely with everyone I represent, from editorial input to deal making to marketing, and all points in between. Heart and soul.Ó
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket FictionNONFICTION: Animals, Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Design, Economics, Environment, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel, True Adventure, True Crime, Women’s IssuesCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
John Silbersack is a literary agent with The Bent Agency. He says: ÒI am a publishing professional with a deep experience as editor, publisher and agent. Prior to joining The Bent Agency, I spent 17 years at Trident Media Group as Executive Vice President and represented bestsellers by a host of fiction and non-fiction authors. Prior to that I built a solid publishing background at companies such as HarperCollins, Warner Books, and Penguin Putnam. I founded six imprints and have worked with writers and media properties including Governor John Kasich, General Wesley Clark, Chuck Close, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Philip K. Dick, the Frank Herbert Estate, Dean Koontz, Ursula K. LeGuin, Major League Baseball, NASCAR, the NBA, the Obama Inaugural Committee, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, the Ellen Raskin Estate, Charles Schulz, and Denzel Washington.As a literary agent, I have enjoyed success with a diverse roster of clients. Drawing on my more than twenty years as an editor, I work closely with my clients to develop and refine their proposals and manuscripts, many of which have gone on to become New York Times and international bestsellers. This attention to detail and strong sense of the agentÕs role in the publishing process are the defining aspects of my success as a literary agent.I have an A.B. from Brown University and am the author of several books. I am married and have three children.Ó
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, ThrillerNONFICTION: Biography, Current Events Affairs, History, Memoir, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, ScienceCHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction