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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
Laurel Symonds is a literary agent with KT Literary. She began her publishing career in the editorial department of HarperCollins ChildrenÕs Books. She also worked in the marketing department at a small publishing house, in a library, and as a bookseller at one of the nationÕs best independent bookstores. She began agenting in 2018 and joined KT Literary in 2022, representing picture books, middle grade and young adult novels, graphic novels, and select nonfiction for children and teens. When Laurel is not reading, she enjoys baking, hiking, and spending time with her dog, Sherlock. Raised in rural New England and having spent a decade in New York City, London, and Chicago, sheÕs thrilled to have settled in the Pacific Northwest.
Laurel is seeking middle grade and young adult fiction, picture books and graphic novels from author-illustrators, and select nonfiction for kids and teens.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Authors and Illustrators Only | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Graphic Novel |Biography | History | Illustrated |
Biography
Stephanie Tade is the President and Principal Agent with the Stephanie Tade Agency. Books have been at the center of Stephanie TadeÕs life since she was a little kid reading under the covers, with a flashlight, way past bedtime. It was no surprise to anyone that she went directly into publishing after graduating Cornell University with a degree in psychology. ÒThe degree will help with authors!Ó she heard, and having come from a family of artists, musicians and writers, she knew there was truth in that.
She started her career in publicity and subsidiary rights at Bantam Books, learning how to negotiate rights, promote books, and becoming deeply familiar with all the moving parts of a publishing company. Her next chapter was a nearly two-decade stint at one of the most successful literary agencies in the world, the Jane Rotrosen Agency. There she managed her own list of authors while growing the agencyÕs international department tenfold as Director of film and international rights. From there, she answered the siren song of Rodale Books, and accepted the challenge of running the newly formed editorial book group, where she published such authors as Master Yogi BKS Iyengar, bestselling diet & fitness author Jorge Cruise, and many more. Rodale was boot camp in learning what would make a book profitable, and what levers needed to be pulled in order to make a publisher, and a general market, sit up and take notice.
But the entrepreneur in Stephanie kept her up at night, and the ambition to form her own agency won out in March 2005, when she established the Stephanie Tade Agency, LLC. These days, Stephanie combines her strong business savvy with that childhood love of reading. She excels at strategic career and book planning as well as thoughtful and competitive negotiating. As the years have gone by, the list at STA has been marked by many intelligent, creative authors and experts with something fresh to say to the world. Motivated by an earnest desire to work with books that will benefit individuals, communities, and the world, she has been fortunate to represent and help to build many NYT bestselling authors, including Judith Beck, PhD, Will Bulsiewicz, MD, Frank Lipman, MD, Amy Myers, MD, Chade Meng Tan, and others. Currently, she is on the lookout for major authors on a mission to make the world happier, healthier, and more whole.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA | General Nonfiction | Biography | Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Diet Nutrition | Environment | Family | Food Drink | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Inspirational Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Money Finance | Narrative Nonfiction | Nature | Parenting | Politics | Pop Culture | Religion | Science | Self-Help | Spirituality | Technology |
Biography
Sabrina Taitz is a literary agent with WME Books. Sabrina Taitz joined WME in 2015. She represents upmarket and commercial fiction, as well as a broad swath of nonfiction, ranging from memoir to lifestyle to cookbooks. Her list includes New York Times bestsellers, B&N Book Club selections, Amazon Book of the Month selections, an ALA Award winner, a William C. Morris Award winner, and a Best American Writing selectee. Sabrina is looking for propulsive and dynamic writing that keeps her turning the pages. She lives in Manhattan with her husband and daughter.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |General Nonfiction | Cookbook Cooking | Food Drink | Humor Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction |
Biography
Marin Takikawa is a literary agent with The Friedrich Agency. Before joining TFA in early 2021, I got my start as an assistant to three agents at Foundry Literary + Media, following internships at The Book Group, Folio Literary Management, and Triada U.S. Born in Tokyo and raised in Singapore and NYC, I graduated from the University of Rochester with degrees in English and Business. In addition to building my own list, I support Molly Friedrich and Lucy Carson, and handle audio rights for the agency. IÕm an eclectic reader, and hope that my list will showcase this range as wellÑin addition to adult fiction and nonfiction, I also am looking to represent select YA.
For adult fiction, IÕm always seeking innovativeÑboth in idea and structureÑliterary/upmarket fiction thatÕs lush, evocative, and full of heart(break). IÕm also looking for family sagas, novels that subvert forms of power, specifically relating to colonialism/imperialism, and engages with social and environmental issues. IÕm also particularly enamored by genre-bending works: speculative concepts, ghost stories, magical realism, and anything that plays with myth and folklore will always catch my eye!
For YA, IÕm looking for voice-driven and literary-leaning novels with the emotional breadth and depth in the tradition of authors like Emily X. R. Pan and Kelly Loy GilbertÑalthough I wonÕt say no to sweeter contemporary YA (my comfort reads are Anna & the French Kiss, Love & Gelato, and Better Than the Movies)! IÕm also excited by speculative concepts and am not afraid of going dark. Give me all your gothic, atmospheric, haunting books (especially with a sense of mystery and adventure)! Some of my recent favorite YA books are If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang, Anatomy by Dana Schwartz, and FirekeeperÕs Daughter by Angeline Boulley.
In adult nonfiction, I gravitate toward community-oriented narrative nonfiction with engaging and insightful research, reportage, or cultural analysis. IÕm also looking for narrative nonfiction that is intersectional, resistant, and radical in nature, that questions why we have the institutions, ideas, and systems we have in place. I often think about the legacies of colonialism, how it haunts and perpetuates in various forms in the modern age (such as the environment and in capitalism), but also about collective action/liberation and its sense of possibilities and what an equitable future could look like. IÕd love to hear from you if your work is in this space. *Please note that IÕm not looking for memoir at this time, although IÕll be open to considering memoirs written by BIPOC.
Regardless of category, IÕm looking for a singular voice that will guide me through any literary terrain and is not afraid of pushing against the status quo. And above all, itÕs of utmost importance to me that my list is filled with writers from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities, as well as diasporic voices.
In my spare time, you can find me dancing, watching anime, or hiking. IÕm fluent in Japanese, and you also probably donÕt want to bad-mouth me in Mandarin 😉
Five non-agency books I loved: HOW HIGH WE GO IN THE DARK; SHARKS IN THE TIME OF SAVIORS; HEADS OF THE COLORED PEOPLE; GOODBYE, VITAMIN; THE SUBTLE KNIFE. P.S.: pronounced marine
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |Juvenile Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | BIPOC Fiction | Family Saga | General Fiction | Gothic Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Paranormal Fiction | Speculative Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Upmarket Fiction |General Nonfiction | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Economics | Environment | History | Journalism | Memoir | Money Finance | Multicultural Nonfiction | Narrative Nonfiction | Nature | Science | Women’s Issues |
Biography
John Talbot is a literary agent with the Talbot Fortune Agency. John has over twenty-five years of book publishing experience as an editor and literary agent. As an agent, he has placed books at all of the major publishers and their imprints. His clients include New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and ABA Indiebound bestsellers, as well as several winners of national literary awards. He is a member of the AALA.
Prior to becoming an agent John spent over a decade with Pocket Books and Putnam Berkley. At Putnam Berkley he was named Senior Editor and had the honor of working with such global bestsellers as Tom Clancy, W.E.B. Griffin, and Jack Higgins, as well as then-rising literary stars such as Tom Perrotta. He edited dozens of national bestsellers and several New York Times Notable Books. He began his editorial career at Simon & Schuster.
John received his B.A. in English Composition from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, and spent semesters at Washington University in St. Louis and Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan. After graduating from college he lived in Japan and traveled the Pacific Rim before settling in New York to work in book publishing.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |Crime Fiction | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horror | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Biography | Current Events Affairs | History | Journalism | Narrative Nonfiction | Politics | Sports | True Crime |
Biography
Bailey Tamayo is a literary agent with Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. She is seeking middle grade, YA, and adult speculative fiction, fantasy, sci fi, horror, and anything in betweenÑespecially when the genre is a unique setting for the deeply human stories underneath. She is drawn to poignant coming of age narratives like The Graveyard Book, I Am Not Okay With This, and any given Ghibli film. Her favorite stories are those that are gently heartbreaking, hopeful, or (ideally) both. She enjoys sharp humor, lyrical prose, lovable and complex characters, and rich worldbuilding. She is eager to advocate for underrepresented authors, and especially to explore these viewpoints through horror, such as Welcome to Night Vale, The Magnus Archives, and Mexican Gothic. Some of her favorite authors/creators are Neil Gaiman, Emily St. John Mandel, Taika Waititi, Noelle Stevenson, Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples, and ONE.
Bailey joined Greenburger Associates after internships with Writers House and the Carol Mann Agency. She is now an associate agent and the assistant to Matt Bialer, aiding him with his talented list of fantasy, sci-fi, thriller, literary, and nonfiction authors. She graduated from Emerson College with a degree in Writing, Literature & Publishing and Communication Sciences & Disorders.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Horror | Humor Fiction | Science Fiction |
Biography
Ann Tanenbaum is a literary agent with Tanenbaum International. She has been in book publishing for over 50 years, working for Viking Press, Random House, ABRAMS, Doubleday International, and Newsweek Books. SheÕs held executive positions in marketing, editorial, and management. Her career highlights include planning and escorting Norman and Molly Rockwell on the publicity tour for what became the best-selling ABRAMS book, Norman Rockwell: Artist and Illustrator. Ann published the first American book on Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Madame Prime Minister by Allan J. Mayer at Newsweek.
In 1980, Ann established Tanenbaum International Publishing Services (TIPS), an agenting and consulting practice that created alliances between art, illustrated, and reference book publishers worldwide. In 2000, Ann founded with two partners LTD Editions LLC, a visual book agenting and packaging company. In 2010, Ann folded TIPS and LTD Editions into what is now Tanenbaum International Literary Agency. In addition to representing books on the arts and illustrated childrenÕs books, Ann has a commitment to nurturing non-fiction projects on current affairs and humanitarian concerns.
Ann serves on the boards of The Rose Art Museum at Brandeis University, the Jewish Foundation for the Education of Women, and the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | General Fiction | Upmarket Fiction |General Nonfiction | Art | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Environment | Film Entertainment | History | Narrative Nonfiction | Photography | Politics | Reference |
Biography
Amy Tannenbaum is a literary agent with the Jane Rotrosen Agency. She is a passionate author advocate with over 20 years of book industry experience. Amy represents clients who write across a variety of genres including womenÕs fiction, contemporary romance, thriller and psychological suspense. She is particularly interested in those categories, as well as fiction that falls into the sweet spot between literary and commercial and works by marginalized voices. After graduating from Wesleyan University, Amy worked at Harlequin then Simon & Schuster where she edited a diverse list of bestselling fiction and nonfiction projects. Given AmyÕs background, she is able to provide valuable insight into both sides of the business, as well as editorial support to her clients. While Amy represents many bestselling and prolific authors, she prides herself on her ability to find talented debut authors and help them launch successful careers. She also selectively takes on established self-published authors and enjoys adding value to the creation, release, and promotion of their works.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Narrative Nonfiction | True Crime |
Biography
Alice Tasman is a literary agent with the Jean Naggar Literary Agency. Alice Tasman has been agenting for over 20 years. Alice represents a wide variety of writers with an emphasis on fiction. Her writers have earned numerous awards, honors, and fellowships, including the Calvino Prize, the C. Hugh Holman Award, the Henfield/Transatlantic Review Award, the Mary Roberts Rinehart Award, the O. Henry Prize, the Saint Francis College Literary Prize, the Willie Morris Award, and a Guggenheim Fellowship. Her clients’ writing has appeared in The New York Times, Best American Short Stories, McSweeney’s, One Story, Oxford American, Prairie Schooner, The Normal School, and A Public Space. Awards and honors for her children’s writers include a Caldecott Honors Winner, an ABA Indie Choice E.B. White Read Aloud Honor Award, Midwestern Booksellers Association Award, The Monarch Award, Texas Bluebonnet Award, Newbery Award nominee, Cybils Award nominee.
She loves finding debut writers and is committed to working with authors over the long term. She is very hands-on in every stage of the publishing processÑfrom editing manuscripts and refining proposals, to amassing the perfect list of editors for the project and negotiating contracts, to actively working with publishers on the publicity and marketing of the books.
Alice earned her BA from Brown University and her MFA from Sarah Lawrence College.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller |General Nonfiction | Biography | Memoir | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Pop Culture | Science | Technology |
Biography
Kim Tatum is a literary agent with SBR Media. She is a Director of a child care facility and has been for 20 years. She has been in the book community for 9 years as a reader, beta reader for several authors and blogger for StephanieÕs Book Reports also assisted in AITC book convention. She has attend many book conventions as Golden CzermakÕs PA.
Kim likes nothing more than getting lost in a good story which isnÕt anything new it all started with The Nancy Drew Mysteries as a child. She is very excited to have this opportunity given to her by Stephanie Phillips to join SBR Media to help authors get their stories out all over the world.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Black Literary Agents | New Literary Agents |Picture Book |Christian Fiction |Action Adventure | Chick Lit | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Erotic Fiction | Graphic Novel | LGBTQ Fiction | Paranormal Fiction | Religious Fiction | Romance | Short Story Collection | Suspense Fiction |
Biography
Mark Tavani is a literary agent with the David Black Agency. He started his publishing career in 2000 with Ballantine Books and spent over 23 years with Penguin Random House, Bantam, Del Rey, and G.P. Putnam’s Sons. He edited bestsellers and award-winners across numerous categories of fiction and nonfiction, including books by Jim Abbott, Steve Berry, C.J. Box, Robert Crais, Justin Cronin, Clive and Dirk Cussler, Jeffery Deaver, George Dohrmann, Lisa Gardner, Jack McCallum, Lisa Scottoline, Bill Simmons, and R.L. Stine. He is now thrilled to have joined the David Black Literary Agency, where he represents both fiction and nonfiction. _
Mark is interested in a wide range of literary and commercial fiction, including book club novels, thrillers, mysteries, speculative fiction, and historical fiction. He is looking for fiction that entertains and enriches the lives of readers.
He is keen to discover nonfiction that illuminates or inspires. He looks forward to working with experts, journalists, and memoirists, especially those in the spaces of sports, history, wellness, narrative nonfiction, and big ideas. Mark also represents collaborative writers who partner with authors in such spaces.
Mark has a degree in Creative Writing from the University of Pittsburgh. He circumnavigated the globe as a student on Semester at Sea and later worked as a forestry aid in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. He is an adjunct professor with NYU’s School of Professional Studies and lives with his wife, his daughters, and a headstrong dog in Rutherford, New Jersey.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents | Member of the AALA |Commercial Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |Health Wellness | Journalism | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction | Sports | Upmarket Nonfiction |
Biography
Mark Tavani is a literary agent with the David Black Agency. He started his publishing career in 2000 with Ballantine Books and spent over 23 years with Penguin Random House, Bantam, Del Rey, and G.P. Putnam’s Sons. He edited bestsellers and award-winners across numerous categories of fiction and nonfiction, including books by Jim Abbott, Steve Berry, C.J. Box, Robert Crais, Justin Cronin, Clive and Dirk Cussler, Jeffery Deaver, George Dohrmann, Lisa Gardner, Jack McCallum, Lisa Scottoline, Bill Simmons, and R.L. Stine. He is now thrilled to have joined the David Black Literary Agency, where he represents both fiction and nonfiction.
Mark is interested in a wide range of literary and commercial fiction, including book club novels, thrillers, mysteries, speculative fiction, and historical fiction. He is looking for fiction that entertains and enriches the lives of readers.
He is keen to discover nonfiction that illuminates or inspires. He looks forward to working with experts, journalists, and memoirists, especially those in the spaces of sports, history, wellness, narrative nonfiction, and big ideas. Mark also represents collaborative writers who partner with authors in such spaces.
Mark has a degree in Creative Writing from the University of Pittsburgh. He circumnavigated the globe as a student on Semester at Sea and later worked as a forestry aid in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. He is an adjunct professor with NYU’s School of Professional Studies and lives with his wife, his daughters, and a headstrong dog in Rutherford, New Jersey.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents | Member of the AALA |Commercial Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |Health Wellness | Journalism | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction | Sports | Upmarket Nonfiction |
Biography
Brent Taylor is a literary agent with Triada U.S. Literary Agency. His tastes can best be described as upmarket: stories that are extremely well-written, robust with emotion, and appeal to a wide, commercial audience.
He is seeking new clients in the following categories: picture book (author-illustrators only; text-only manuscripts will not be considered); middle grade; young adult; graphic novels; and adult fiction (fantasy; romance; beach reads; thrillers; LGBTQ fiction).
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Authors and Illustrators Only | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Chapter Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Action Adventure | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | Graphic Novel | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Romance | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |Biography | Cookbook Cooking | Crafts | History | Humor Nonfiction | Illustrated | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Memoir | Pop Culture | Psychology | Science | Sports | Travel | True Crime |
Biography
Maura Teitelbaum is a literary agent with Maura Teitelbaum Literary & Consulting. She has maintained an expansive and varied career, but has always been focused on one goal- the branding and success of her clients. With a range of celebrities, reality stars, politicians, business leaders, and even the occasional stay at home mom with an incredible life story; for each sheÕs identified what is required to meet their personal goals. Ready to impart the six keys to success, have something to say about how to make America stronger, need to develop and place a work of literature? You can have someone by your side to provide you with personal attention to critical details, to guide you through the maze of public recognition and to protect you with a well negotiated contract.
Maura has spent her career leading. She launched the book division at Abrams Artists Agency, one of the top ten premiere talent agencies in the industry. She is a strong cross promoter, intense marketer, and phenomenal at strategizing careers. Maura also had the fortitude to lead the social media pack and is now an expert on author platforms, and how the system works to benefit a client, as well as their brand, to maximize exposure.
Maura attained her CPA license in New York State, after acquiring her undergraduate degree at Binghamton University. She then took a position at Goldstein, Golub & Kessler in New York City where she achieved a solid business base. She moved on to American Express, becoming Director of Human Resources, which allowed her to sharpen her personnel management skills. She then left her beloved New York City for work in the talent agencies of Los Angeles that included a stint at William Morris.
Having sharpened her skills in the area of representation, with a focus on film and television, she returned to New York in 2000. Recruited by the Abrams Artists Agency, she expanded on her film/television experience by working with playwrights and book authors. This led her to spearhead the creation of AbramsÕ book division.
To further her growth, she became a certified life coach in 2011 through the Life Purpose Institute, specializing in business and relationship coaching. Maura now handles a wide variety of writers and personalities, as well as coaching clients on branding, platform building, and navigating professional relations. Maura is a firm believer that relationships build a career, and a career builds relationships. Her philosophy is one of learning through doing, as you never can replace a real life experience with that of a book or classroom.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Picture Book | Crime Fiction | General Fiction | Inspirational Fiction | Mystery |General Nonfiction | Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Food Drink | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Medical Medicine | Memoir | Money Finance | Parenting | Politics | Reference | Self-Help |
Biography
Stuti Telidevara is a literary agent with Park & Fine Literary and Media. She works on sharp, commercial adult, young adult, and middle grade fiction. She is looking for diverse storytellers and vivid, detailed worldbuilding across genre, and fiction with a strong, high-concept hook. She is especially interested in fantasy and speculative fiction and is actively building her list.
Prior to joining Park & Fine in 2021, she held positions at Raven Quill Literary, Orbit Books, and Transatlantic Literary. She holds a B.A. in English from Harvard University and spends her free time watching ice hockey, listening to history podcasts, and brewing perfect cups of tea.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Speculative Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |
Biography
Nephele Tempest is a literary agent with The Knight Agency. Nephelejoined The Knight Agency in January, 2005, opening the Los Angeles-area office. As an agent, she loves to help her clients hone their skills and build their careers. Nephele initially worked on the editorial side of the publishing business before leaving to try other industries, including sales and finance. She spent a number of years at several major New York investment firms, first as a financial advisor and later a marketing and communications writer. This broad experience provided her with insight into multiple aspects of the publishing industry.
Nephele continues to actively build her client list and looks for fiction with both strong, well-developed characters and a story that pulls her in and wonÕt let go. She primarily represents womenÕs contemporary or historical fiction; contemporary, paranormal, and historical single-title romance; and adult fantasy and science fiction. More generally, Nephele always looks for work with diverse cultural influences, #ownvoices projects, and stories that inspire and/or make her think.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |BIPOC Fiction | Chick Lit | Contemporary Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Paranormal Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Women’s Fiction |
Biography
Paige Terlip is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. She represents all categories of childrenÕs books from picture books to young adult, as well as select adult fiction and nonfiction. She is also actively building her list of illustrators and is especially looking for author-illustrators and graphic novel illustrators.
Across age categories, Paige is drawn to high concept novels with captivating hooks, snarky characters with hearts of gold, creative magic systems, complicated relationships, and found families. She loves well-plotted twists, being a little bit scared, and stories that explore the fluidity of gender and bring queer experiences to light. Regardless of genre, she is seeking inclusive, intersectional voices and gorgeous line-level writing with emotionally compelling narratives.
On the adult side she is open to thrillers/psychological suspense, fantasy/sci-fi, upmarket fiction, cozy mysteries, as well as narrative nonfiction and self-help that centers the mind, body, and spirit. She loves stories that make her feel a range of emotions, even if that means she ugly cries while reading. She wants a narrative that will stick with her long after reading.
Prior to becoming an Associate Agent, Paige was a Senior Assistant for Executive Agent Laura Rennert, and has been with ABLA for over three years. She comes to agenting with a background in marketing, design, and freelance editorial. SheÕs worked at Charlesbridge Publishing, The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and a ranch in the Rockies. She has an MA in Children’s Literature and an MFA in Writing for Children from Simmons University. If sheÕs not reading, you’ll find her practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, re-watching the Great British Baking Show, or hiking with her Husky-Shepherd mix.
You can find her on Twitter @pterlip and Instagram @pterlip. For more wishlist information visit: http://www.paigeterlip.com
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | New Literary Agents | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Horror | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Fitness | Health Wellness | Illustrated | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Spirituality | True Adventure | True Crime |
Biography
Nikki Terpilowski is a literary agent with Holloway Literary. After achieving a B.A. in English and Marketing, with a minor in creative writing and a graduate degree in nternational relations, Nikki who has been a bookworm from way back decided she wanted to learn more about the publishing industry.
She interned in the industry while working in marketing communications and then established Holloway Literary in 2011. You can find her @AWomanReading on Twitter and Instagram discussing her favorite topics: books, wine, beer & whiskey, history, travel and southern living.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Black Literary Agents |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | BIPOC Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | Historical Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Western Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Art | BIPOC Nonfiction | Cookbook Cooking | Crafts | Environment | Food Drink | Gardening | History | Lifestyle | Mind Body Spirit | Multicultural Nonfiction | Nature | New Age | Travel |
Biography
Kristen Terrette is a literary agent with Martin Literary Management. She is a literary manager excited to build her list featuring titles in middle grade, young adult, female-driven crime thrillers, faith-based books, and the occasional picture book with an author/illustrator.
She has a BA in Early Childhood Education and MA in Theology and Religious Studies which led her into childrenÕs ministry for many years. Eventually, her lifelong love of books and authors drew her back to her original dream of entering the publishing world. Kristen is a multi-published author and freelance writer. SheÕs held such positions as the Blog Manager for a national womenÕs ministry and the Social Media Manager for a publishing house. All these components landed her a spot in the coveted Writers House Intern Program. There, she received valuable hands-on agenting and publishing experience which she brings into her new position.
Kristen has long been a voice for diversity. SheÕs written extensively on topics of racial reconciliation and unity and is a facilitator of groups around these topics in her church. In all her focused genres, she welcomes books with BIPOC or disabled main characters and diverse friendships. She believes books change people in all the best ways and that every child should see themselves in the pages.
Middle Grade (All subgenres except Sci-fi): Kristen hearts Middle Grade. She would love to see books tackling themes like abandonment, bullying, loneliness, comparison, divorce, and body image but done so by instilling hope, growth, and healing. Send her the creepy, horrifying, supernatural, fantastical, historical, and contemporary. She is ready to see it all.
Young Adult (All subgenres except Sci-fi): KristenÕs background in writing YA and her extensive reading in this genre has given her a great love and understanding of it. Grab her attention within the first couple of pages. Send her books with first loves, unique friendships, interesting and/or challenging family dynamics, and hard-hitting subject matter (race relations, suicide, abuse, divorce, etc.) but leave her with a satisfying (not necessarily happy!) ending.
WomenÕs Crime Thriller: Kristen loves a good thriller with a woman main character, so send her the smart, tough, and brave lady crime solvers. If she canÕt figure out whatÕs going to happen next or what the ending will be, youÕve gotten her attention.
Faith-Based Fiction and Memoirs: Kristen loves a good redemption or forgiveness story, a historically accurate saga, a clean and beautiful, yet realistic love story, or a memoir that has her crying and laughing within the span of a few pages. Surprise her with the beauty of GodÕs grace.
Picture Books with Authors/Illustrators: Picture books are an important part of establishing a love for literature at an early age, though, at this time, Kristen is only looking for authors who are also illustrators. If your work fits these criteria, sheÕd love to see it.
Kristen is not a good fit for Science Fiction (even in MG or YA), books with any political agenda, extremely foul-mouthed characters, or gratuitous sex scenes.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction |Christian Fiction | Christian Nonfiction |Action Adventure | BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horror | Inspirational Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Religious Fiction | Romance | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Biography | Celebrity | Cultural Social Issues | History | Memoir | Multicultural Nonfiction | Parenting | Religion | Spirituality | True Crime |
Biography
Michelle Tessler is a literary agent with the Tessler Literary Agency. Before forming the agency, Michelle Tessler worked at William Morris and the prestigious literary agency Carlisle & Company (now Inkwell Management). She also spent seven years working in content and business development in the Internet industry, beginning in 1994 when she was hired by best-selling author James Gleick to help launch The Pipeline. In light of the digital opportunities that are transforming publishing, Michelle’s experience in the Internet world is of great benefit to her authors, both as they navigate ebook and audio opportunities, and as they look for creative and effective ways to market their books to niche communities that can be targeted online.
Michelle is a member of AALA (Association of American Literary Agents), and Women’s Media Group. She regularly attends writing conferences including The Muse & the Marketplace (GrubStreet), Aspen Words, the Kauai Writers Conference, and the Faulkner Festival. She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature.
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Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |Commercial Fiction | General Fiction | Literary Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Art | Biography | Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Diet Nutrition | Food Drink | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | Lifestyle | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Money Finance | Narrative Nonfiction | Parenting | Photography | Politics | Pop Culture | Psychology | Religion | Science | Spirituality | Sports | Technology | Travel |
Biography
Stacy Testa is a literary agent with Writers House. She says: “I joined Writers House in 2011 as the assistant to a senior literary agent, and have been building my own client list since 2013. I like to think, though, that my publishing career began as a wee bookworm, when I used to stay up late reading under the covers with a flashlight because I simply couldn’t part ways with a book, even to sleep. In many ways, I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since. There’s truly nothing quite as magical as losing yourself in a great story – when your own wants and needs become entirely secondary to those of the characters and voices on the page. As an agent, I am drawn to projects that do just that: pull me in and refuse to let go. If you think your book fits that bill, I’d love to hear from you.
To be more specific, I am seeking literary fiction and upmarket womenÕs fiction, particularly stories with international settings, unique subcultures, historical hooks, magical realism, unusual narrators, and/or strong, empowered women. At the moment, I am particularly (but not exclusively!) looking for uplifting stories that can inspire readers, and serve as an antidote to these troubled times. I think we could all use an escape right now, and what better way to transport yourself to another world, another time, another place, another reality than through a brilliant novel? On the nonfiction side, I am interested in representing memoir, popular science, humor writing, essay collections, narrative nonfiction, history, investigative journalism, true crime, and prescriptive titles with strong platforms. I especially love working with authors who are experts in their fields and helping them to translate that expertise to a trade audience. Broadly speaking, I am drawn to anything with vivid characters, an interest in social justice, an ability to change the way the reader sees the world or to shed light on the human experience, a compelling narrative voice, and/or a great sense of humor. I do not represent children’s books, including YA.
As a young(ish) agent with decades of agenting ahead of me, I am looking to develop long-term partnerships with new authors. I intend to work with all of my clients for many, many books to come, and to advocate for and advise them every step of the way. Please know that I am a highly editorial agent, so if you aren’t interested in collaborating on that level, we might not be the best fit. I respect creative autonomy, of course, but I believe it’s important to have an open mind when it comes to editorial feedback.”
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Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Cultural Social Issues | History | Humor Nonfiction | Investigative | Journalism | Lifestyle | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Narrative Nonfiction | Pop Culture | Science | True Crime |
Biography
Kate Schafer Testerman is a literary agent with KT Literary Agency. After a dozen years working in publishing in New York City, Kate moved to Colorado and formed kt literary in early 2008, where she concentrates on middle grade and young adult fiction. Bringing to bear the experience of being part of a large agency, she enjoys all aspects of working with her authors, offering hands-on experience, personal service, and a surfeit of optimism.
Her clients include Maureen Johnson, Ellen Booraem, Stephanie Perkins, Carrie Harris, Trish Doller, and Matthew Cody, among other exciting and acclaimed authors. Kate is a graduate of the University of DelawareÕs Honors Program, a former cast member of the New York Renaissance Faire, and an avid collector of shoes, bags, children, and dogs. Her interests cover a broad range including contemporary drama, urban fantasy and magical realism, adventure stories, and romantic comedies. She is an active member of the SCBWI and AAR.
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CLOSED to Submissions | Member of the AALA |Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Action Adventure | Contemporary Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Humor Fiction | Magical Realism | Romance | Science Fiction |Mind Body Spirit | True Adventure |
Biography
Henry Thayer is a literary agent with Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents. He represents non-fiction on a wide variety of subjects and fiction that inclines toward the literary. He is looking for new, engaging voices and compelling narratives. His wide-ranging interests include American history, popular music, and sports, among others. Query by email preferred.
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Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |General Fiction |General Nonfiction | Biography | Current Events Affairs | History | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Politics | Sports |
Biography
Robert Thixton is a literary agent and the co-founder of Pinder Lane & Garon-Brooke Associates.
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Accepting Submissions |Juvenile Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | BIPOC Fiction | Erotic Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horror | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Biography | Current Events Affairs | Film Entertainment | History | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Politics | Pop Culture | Sports | True Crime |
Biography
Kelly Thomas is an Associate Literary Agent with Serendipity Literary Agency and a Certified Copy Editor with a bachelorÕs degree in English from Pace University. She is an associate member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA), a member of the New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT), Women in Film (WIF), and a member of the Editorial Freelance Association. She co-runs the monthly Ò8 Simple Steps to Writing a Successful Synopsis WebinarÓ and the ÒMake Your Synopsis Stand Out WorkshopÓ alongside Jennifer S. Wilkov through the publishing consulting company Your Book Is Your Hook. Kelly is also a screenwriter with a feature-length film in development. Prior to joining Serendipity Literary Agency, she provided part-time manuscript analysis for the D4EO Literary Agency. She is a panelist for the New York Women in Film & TelevisionÕs (NYWIFT) ÔThe Business of Adaptations PanelÕ program and a trainer for the ÔNext Bestseller Workshops.Õ Kelly has participated in Pitch Slams for writing conferences, including ThrillerFest, Crimebake, Writing Day Workshops, and The WriterÕs Digest Conference. She has sat on ÔAsk the AgentÕ panels for the AWP Conference and Writing BarnÕs ÔCourage to CreateÕ program, and she has participated in the ÔFirst Pages CritiqueÕ panel for the Carnegie Center for Literary, LearningÕs Books-in-Progress Conference and for the Women in Publishing Summit. Kelly has participated in the ÒFirst Ten Lines CritiqueÓ panel for The Hampton Roads WriterÕs Conference where she also taught classes on synopsis writing and character development. Kelly is a published poet with publications in Tales for the Disenchanted (2008) and Penumbra Art & Literature (2015). She has served as an editor for the literary arts magazine Pen & Brush and as a writing coach for the academic consulting company Brattlestreet.
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CLOSED to Submissions | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Chapter Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Crime Fiction | General Fiction | Horror | Humor Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Paranormal Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller |General Nonfiction | Art | Biography | Business Book | Celebrity | Cookbook Cooking | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Diet Nutrition | Education | Fitness | Food Drink | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Lifestyle | Medical Medicine | Memoir | Money Finance | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Photography | Politics | Pop Culture | Psychology | Reference | Science | Self-Help | Sports | Travel | True Crime |
Biography
Jennifer Thompson is a literary agent and a partner with the Nordlyset Literary Agency. Jennifer Thompson has been in book publishing since 1998 and has deep expertise in global publishing through her work with some of the most respected names in the industry including Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Maria Campbell Associates, and Perseus Books. Jennifer aims to provide opportunities for voices that need amplification. She looks for books that explore a deeper understanding of human psychology, societal structures, world history, and human interactions and motivations whether by academics writing for a trade audience, experts writing sophisticated self-help, or literary novelists and essayists using art and deep insight to explore the human condition.
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Accepting Submissions |General Fiction | Literary Fiction |General Nonfiction | Business Book | Dating Relationships Sex | Education | History | Memoir | Psychology | Self-Help |
Biography
Meg Thompson is the founder of the Thompson Literary Agency. She grew up in Lubbock, TX and moved to NY to attend New York University, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude with a degree in British and American Literature. She started in publishing in 2002, working closely with President Bill Clinton in his Harlem office as a researcher and fact checker on his memoirs, My Life. She then joined LJK Literary Management, LLC in 2005. She worked at LJK for six years, before founding her own agency with Susanna Einstein, the Einstein Thompson Agency. After three successful years at ETA, Meg decided to launch her own agency, Thompson Literary LLC. Her clients include NY Times bestselling authors Lisa Leake, Ken Denmead, Kelle Hampton, Tom Hart, Gabrielle Blair, and Jeremy Rifkin, NY Times and New Yorker essayist Tim Kreider, Daily Rituals author Mason Currey, memoirists Anna Marie Tendler, Banning Lyon, and Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, author of the Gypset series and NY Times Style reporter Julia Chaplin, New Yorker cartoonist and essayist Emily Flake, designer Ayse Birsel, Octopus! author, NPR, and Scientific America journalist Katherine Harmon Courage, NPR Science reporter Nell Greenfieldboyce, Missy LeHand biographer Kathryn Smith, Global Managing Director, Strategic Partnerships and Lead Benefit Auctioneer at ChristieÕs Auction House, Lydia Fenet, womenÕs rights activists Maria Toorpakai, Tanya Selvaratnam, and former President of Planned Parenthood Cecile Richards, LGBTQ+ activists Ash&Chess and Bunny Michael, among others. She is interested in biography, memoir, music, popular science, politics, social justice, cookbooks, sports, health and wellness, spirituality, fashion, art, design, adult art books, popular culture, and anything that advances our cultural and social dialogue to a more elevated level. Meg is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA).
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Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA | Animals | Art | Beauty Fashion Style | Biography | Business Book | Celebrity | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Design | Environment | Film Entertainment | Fitness | Food Drink | Gardening | Gift Novelty | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Medical Medicine | Memoir | Money Finance | Multicultural Nonfiction | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Nature | Parenting | Photography | Politics | Pop Culture | Psychology | Religion | Science | Self-Help | Spirituality | Sports | Technology |