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The Directory of Literary Agents
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Literary Agent Directory
Important: Visit each agent’s website (links in their listings below) to see if they’re open to submissions before querying.
- The results are being filtered by the character: M
Biography
Mary C. Moore is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. She has represented the Nebula-nominated The Unbroken by C.L. Clark (Orbit,2021); and Indie Next and Book of the Month pick The Keeper of Night by Kylie Lee Baker (Inkyard, 2021).
MaryÕs first career was in field biology, which took her around the world, from Ghana to Costa Rica to Maui, before settling at the San Francisco Zoo. But her love of books proved to be just as strong as her love of animals. While working at the zoo she earned her MFA in Creative Writing and English at Mills College, Oakland. She worked as a literary agent at Kimberley Cameron & Associates before moving to Aevitas.
Mary represents a wide range of fiction as an Aevitas agent based in the Bay Area. She likes to work with clients long-term, and is comfortable representing multiple genres/age-ranges that an author is interested in, although prefers to begin a partnership in one genre before jumping to another. She is currently hoping to find layered and deeply satisfying upmarket fiction, bookclub fiction with light speculative elements, and smart female sleuth stories.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Member of the AALA |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Western Fiction | Women’s Fiction |History | Humor Nonfiction | Pop Culture | Psychology | Science |
Biography
Penny Moore is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. She is a Senior Agent at who represents childrenÕs literature, mainly middle grade, chapter books, young adult, and select picture books. Her standout authors include: Shawn Amos, Akemi Dawn Bowman, Waka T. Brown, Auriane Desombre, Lyla Lee, Sangu Mandanna, Nicki Pau Preto, Maya Prasad, Jenna Yoon, and Katie Zhao.
Though sheÕs interested in all genres, sheÕs specifically seeking inventive works featuring breakout voices and compelling plot lines that will make young readers feel seen and heard for the first time.
Moore graduated from the University of Georgia with a double degree in Linguistics and Japanese Language & Literature. During her time as an undergraduate, she also studied comparative literature at top universities in Japan and South Korea. Penny joined Aevitas in 2018, starting in the industry as an assistant/associate agent at FinePrint Literary Management in 2014, then joining Empire Literary as an agent two years later, where she built out the childrenÕs portion of the agencyÕs list.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Picture Book | Chapter Book | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Fantasy | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Magical Realism | Romance | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |
Biography
Max Moorhead is a literary agent with Massie & McQuilkin. Max began his publishing career at The New Republic as an editorial fellow before joining Massie & McQuilkin in 2019 in a junior role. Over the years he has cultivated a client list while also managing backlist titles by Russell & Volkening clients including Annie Dillard, Eudora Welty, Bernard Malamud, Barbara Tuchman, and Marian Engel. Raised in New Hampshire, he graduated with honors from The New School earning a B.A. in Creative Writing. As an agent he specializes in literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, biography, cultural history, and memoir.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |General Fiction | Literary Fiction |Biography | Cultural Social Issues | History | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction | Politics | Pop Culture |
Biography
Max Moorhead is a literary agent with Massie & McQuilkin. Max began his publishing career at The New Republic as an editorial fellow before joining Massie & McQuilkin in 2019 in a junior role. Over the years he has cultivated a client list while also managing backlist titles by Russell & Volkening clients including Annie Dillard, Eudora Welty, Bernard Malamud, Barbara Tuchman, and Marian Engel. Raised in New Hampshire, he graduated with honors from The New School earning a B.A. in Creative Writing. As an agent he specializes in literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, biography, cultural history, and memoir.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents |General Fiction | Literary Fiction |Biography | Cultural Social Issues | History | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction | Politics | Pop Culture |
Patricia Moosbrugger
Patricia Moosbrugger Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email >Biography
Patricia Moosbrugger is a literary agent with the Patricia Moosbrugger Literary Agency. Patricia is an independent literary agent based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her client list includes several national bestsellers in both fiction and narrative nonfiction. She spent 15 years in the New York publishing world where she was director of subsidiary rights at Walker Books and Golden Books and acted as agent and rights director at the Stuart Krichevsky Literary Agency.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | General Fiction |General Nonfiction |
Biography
Claire (Easton) Morance is a literary agent with Painted Words. She began her publishing career at Painted Words in 2012. She is currently seeking picture book submissions from author-illustrators. She loves stories with humor and heart, relatable characters, unpredictable endings, and books that reflect the diversity of childrenÕs experiences. Her favorite stories inspire compassion, curiosity, and a fresh way of looking at the world.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Authors and Illustrators Only |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction |
Biography
Alan Morell is a literary agent with Creative Management Partners. He is an American uber agent in the disciplines of Literary, Talent, Business Management, Branding Media Strategy, IP and Commercial Products Licensing. He is the Chairman and CEO of THE CREATIVE MANAGEMENT AGENCY: Creative Management Partners LLC, headquartered in Beverly Hills, CA, with partner offices in New York, Toronto, and London.
Mr. Morell has had a long and successful career. Clients under his management have gone on to win prestigious awards: Grammy, Tony, Emmy, ESPY, Victors and NY Times Best Seller Author.
In over 30 years in the industry, he has managed more than 2,500 campaigns serving disciplines in Literary, Television, Film, Consulting, Advisory, as well as live events for the sectors of Entertainment, Sports, Arts and Corporate America.
Mr. Morell also has experience in developing growth strategy and market positioning for clients within the fashion, beauty, health, and lifestyle sectors. This includes identifying celebrity associations for media campaigns with video news releases, social media, and print and online publications, as well as coordinating with hundreds of news affiliates including Fox, MSNBC, and CNBC for live appearances and taped interviews.
Alan Morell supports several humanitarian efforts, including relief efforts in Darfur, the Clinton Foundation, and Haiti Relief, and serves on the Board of Leadership of Mass General Hospital.
Mr. Morell began his career at International Management Group, where he served in numerous executive capacities, including Corporate Vice President. He holds a degree from the University of Florida. His book, Social Media: Rebranding Outside the Clutter, will be released in fall of 2017 by iBooks.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents | General Nonfiction | Beauty Fashion Style | Cookbook Cooking | Current Events Affairs | Food Drink | Health Wellness | Lifestyle | Medical Medicine | Politics |
Susan Morgan Farris
Farris Literary AgencyCLOSED to SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Email > Postal Mail >Biography
Susan Morgan Farris is a literary agent with the Farris Literary Agency. She earned a cum laude English degree, with a Communications minor, from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. She also served as an editor and staff writer on the campus newspaper. She then obtained a law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1983. In addition to practicing law, Susan has edited several non-fiction publications and consulted to screenwriters, novelists, and non-fiction authors. She has also taught college-level English and served as judge for screenwriting competitions. As an attorney, she has submitted manuscripts to publishers and screenplays to production companies. These submissions are the genesis of Farris Literary Agency, Inc.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Christian Fiction | Christian Nonfiction |Action Adventure | General Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mainstream Fiction | Mystery | Suspense Fiction | Thriller |General Nonfiction | Biography | Current Events Affairs | Film Entertainment | History | How-To | Inspirational Nonfiction | Law Legal | Politics | Pop Culture | Self-Help | Spirituality | Sports | Travel | True Crime | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Emmanuelle Morgen is a literary agent with Stonesong Literary Agency. She represents childrenÕs books for all ages, from picture book to YA, as well as adult commercial fiction and nonfiction. In fiction, she particularly enjoys science fiction and fantasy, womenÕs fiction and romance, historical fiction, and novels that give voice to the experiences of marginalized voices. She has a soft spot for journey stories and well-developed villains. In nonfiction, she works with psychology, sociology, self-help, and memoir. Emmanuelle has worked in book publishing her entire career, beginning at Fodor’s, the travel division of Random House in 1999. In 2006, she joined Wendy Sherman Associates as an agent, and in 2011 she moved to Stonesong. Prior to starting a career in book publishing, she worked briefly as a teacher, baker, server, and library shelver at various times during high school, college, and a gap year after college. As bi-cultural American, she is particularly interested in outsider stories and perspectives.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Picture Book | Chapter Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Biography | BIPOC Nonfiction | Cultural Social Issues | History | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Multicultural Nonfiction | Psychology | Science | Self-Help |
Biography
Howard Morhaim is a literary agent with the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. Howard Morhaim’s publishing career has included time as a line editor, as a book doctor, and as an acquisitions editor in a variety of publishing houses in New York. In 1979, he established his eponymous literary agency, making use of his editing background to foster close relationships with his clients and their work. He represents renowned authorities in history, biography, art, architecture, science, and religion, as well as canonical authors in literary fiction, thrillers, mystery, science fiction, and fantasy.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Member of the AALA |Crime Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Horror | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Thriller |General Nonfiction | Architecture | Art | Biography | Business Book | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Economics | Health Wellness | History | Lifestyle | Memoir | Money Finance | Narrative Nonfiction | Parenting | Photography | Politics | Reference | Religion | Science | Sports | Travel | True Crime |
Biography
Will Morningstar is a literary agent with the Laura Gross Literary Agency. He says: “A Boston-area native, I studied the anthropology of religion before turning to publishing. I began my editorial career with two magazines at Harvard University and later as an assistant at LGLA. I have several years of experience as a freelance editor for academic and trade publishers, and have also worked as an indie bookseller and film producer. I now spend much of my time as a freelance Spanish-to-English translator. My translations can be found in the Massachusetts Review and Latin American Literature Today.
As an affiliate agent, I will focus mainly on bringing Spanish-language books into Anglophone markets, but I am also building a small list of authors who write in English. I work with literature for both children and adults and am committed to amplifying underrepresented voices.”
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |BIPOC Fiction | General Fiction | Multicultural Fiction |General Nonfiction | BIPOC Nonfiction | Multicultural Nonfiction |
Biography
Gary Morris is a literary agent with the David Black Agency. Gary started working as a literary agent in 1996 after a brief period in graduate school studying literature. These facts are almost entirely unrelated. Since then he has represented New York Times and national best sellers, award-winning non-fiction and fiction. He has worked on books in many categories, including politics and current events, biography, memoir, practical non-fiction, and impractical fiction. He works very closely with his clients to ensure that what is presented to publishers is the best and most marketable expression of their work.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Commercial Fiction | General Fiction | Literary Fiction |General Nonfiction | Biography | Current Events Affairs | Memoir | Politics |
Biography
Natascha Morris is a literary agent with The Tobias Literary Agency. She joined The Tobias Agency in 2020 after previously working at BookEnds Literary. With a B.A. in English Literary Studies and a M.S. in Publishing, Natascha is a self-described Òpublishing nerd.Ó She spent most of her childhood in a leather chair, with her nose in a book, and her passion for books across genres, coupled with her desire to find amazing talent, drove her to make the transition from editorial to literary agent.
NataschaÕs editorial philosophy stems from the idea that all books should be well written and entertaining, and that all children should see themselves and their lives in books. Some of her books include ALA award winning Queen of Physics by Teresa Robeson, Grandpa Grumps by Katrina Moore, JLG selected We Wait for the Sun and Oona illustrated by Raissa Figueroa, and The Library of Lost Things and A Cuban GirlÕs Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey.
SheÕs is primarily looking for picture books, middle grade graphic novels, and young adult across most genres, including graphic novels. She is also open to illustrator submissions.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Authors and Illustrators Only |Picture Book | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction |
Biography
Richard Morris is a literary agent with Janklow & Nesbitt Associates. Richard Morris has been with Janklow & Nesbit Associates since 1998 representing narrative nonfiction and literary fiction. He is particularly interested in books that challenge our common assumptions, be it in the fields of cultural history, business, food, sports, science or faith.
Richard grew up in Philadelphia and received a B.A. in English Literature from Hobart College in 1992 and an M.F.A. from Emerson College in 1997. He studied abroad through Advanced Studies in England in Bath and Trinity College in Rome.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |General Fiction | Literary Fiction |General Nonfiction | Business Book | Cultural Social Issues | Food Drink | History | Money Finance | Narrative Nonfiction | Religion | Science | Spirituality | Sports |
Biography
Andrea Morrison is a literary agent with Writers House. She says: “I’ve worked in both the California and New York offices of Writers House, having started as an intern, and worked my way up to agent. I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with a variety of award-winning authors and illustrators, in genres ranging from picture books to middle grade and YA, to adult literary and upmarket fiction.
I studied Literature & Writing at University of California, San Diego and earned my MFA in Fiction from Columbia University Ñ not only do I understand the revision process from an agentÕs point of view, I also understand it from a writerÕs perspective. I truly love editorial work, and am hands-on when it comes to helping authors revise and build projects.”
Notes
Accepting 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 | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Family Saga | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Film Entertainment | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction | Pop Culture | Upmarket Nonfiction |
Biography
Michele Mortimer is a literary agent with Darhansoff & Verrill Literary Agents. She started with the agency as a freelance reader and joined full-time in 2003. In addition to representing select clients, she is our In-House Editor and Rights Director, covering serial sales and permissions. She currently considers literary fiction, sophisticated crime and mystery, young adult fiction, and fully-illustrated picture books. Nonfiction interests include music, sports, yoga & mindfulness, animal welfare, feminism, and crime.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Juvenile Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | BIPOC Fiction | Crime Fiction | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Animals | Biography | BIPOC Nonfiction | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Health Wellness | History | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Multicultural Nonfiction | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Nature | Pop Culture | Sports | True Crime | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Leah Moss is an associate agent at Steven Literary. She graduated from Lake Forest College in 2020, where she studied Creative Writing, Publishing, and Digital Media Design. A lifelong reader, she’s spent the past few years working at libraries and has always dreamed of working in the book publishing industry. When she isn’t being a professional bookworm, Leah can probably be found playing her harp or tending to her Stardew Valley farm.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Black Literary Agents | New Literary Agents |Picture Book | Young Adult Fiction | BIPOC Fiction | Fantasy | Gothic Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | New Adult Fiction | Romance |
Biography
Tasneem Motala is an assistant agent with The Rights Factory. An Assistant Agent since 2021 under The Rights Factory, Tasneem’s literary journey traverses various realms, with picture books, graphic novels, young adult, and adult fiction on her short but talented list. She might be picky, but when sheÕs in love with a story, everyone will know it!
She has an English and Classics degree from Brock University, followed by a post-grad certification in Publishing from Centennial College, but her education in writing and editing stems from a love of reading and writing fanfiction since her teenage years. Tasneem believes fanfiction is a perfect arena to train hard, experiment, and better oneself as a writer and editor, especially if becoming a part of the publishing industry is someoneÕs end goal! It was on sites like FanFiction.net and Ao3 that she honed those skills and her love for helping others create the best versions of their stories as a beta-reader.
With a keen eye for stories that resonate on deeper levels, Tasneem’s literary pursuits extend beyond the boundaries of genre and tropes, embracing narratives that provoke emotions and challenge perceptions regardless of the settings and tools they use to do so. Her passion lies in representing diverse voices and narratives that leave an indelible mark on readers’ hearts and minds, no matter the age group.
TasneemÕs QueryManager is a safe space for marginalized writers who want to share their stories, but she does take queries from those who donÕt identify under that umbrella as well.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | New Literary Agents |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Fantasy | Graphic Novel | Magical Realism | Science Fiction |
Biography
Adam Muhlig is a literary agent with the McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency. He is the latest addition to M&O. As an agent, AdamÕs current interests include popular culture, natural history, travel and adventure, and sports. Adam is pursuing books that offer fresh a perspective or new analysis by or about mavericks in these fields. Keeping with McIntosh and OtisÕ great tradition, he is seeking works that will have classic value and long-term strength like the volumes of so many authors represented by M&O. His editorial work includes research, organization and indexing of Karl ShapiroÕs provocative essay collection Creative Glut: Selected Essays. He also assisted Alan Tennant on his now classic On the Wing a New York Times bestseller. As an archival appraiser for more than fifteen years Adam Muhlig has worked on collections by many noted musicians and entertainment industry figures, naturalists, historians, and poets and writers, including several United States Poets Laureate and Pulitzer Prize winners.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Cultural Social Issues | Film Entertainment | History | Music | Nature | Pop Culture | Sports | Travel | True Adventure |
Biography
Deirdre Mullane is a literary agent with Mullane Literary Associates, which she founded in 2007. Deirdre is a publishing executive with more than two decades in the industry as a publicist, editor, publisher, editor, agent, and author.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Commercial Fiction | Literary Fiction |General Nonfiction | Biography | BIPOC Nonfiction | Business Book | Current Events Affairs | Environment | Health Wellness | History | Mind Body Spirit | Money Finance | Multicultural Nonfiction | Narrative Nonfiction | Nature | Politics | Pop Culture | Psychology | Reference | Religion | Science | Spirituality | Sports |
Biography
Nick Mullendore is a literary agent with the Vertical Ink Agency. Nick Mullendore is the Founder & President of the Vertical Ink Agency, which he established in January 2016 after having worked with the Loretta Barrett Books, Inc. literary agency since March of 1998. He remains the Managing Partner of Loretta Barrett Books – which continues to serve its existing projects and clients – while building his own Vertical Ink list by working with existing Barrett Books clients as well as new clients on their original book projects.
Nick began his publishing career in publicity at HarperBusiness, the trade business books imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. There he learned in-depth the world of major publishing before making the leap to agenting. Over the years heÕs worked with authors such as Ray Kurzweil, Mariah Stewart, Mark Nepo, Jessica Bird, George Weigel, Betty White, Christopher Kennedy Lawford, Chaz Bono, Phil Plait, Harold Schechter, MJ Rose, Carol Goodman, Jack Kelly, Noah Levine, Dr. James Martin, Wayne Muller, Bill OÕHanlon, Melvin Urofsky, Theresa Rebeck, and many others on a variety of bestselling fiction and nonfiction books.
Nick has a wealth of experience selling US, foreign, audio, and television and film rights for a wide range of fiction and nonfiction books. He specializes in nonfiction, particularly in the genres of Mind/Body/Spirit, Health & Wellness, Business & Leadership, Inspiration & Motivation, Current Events & Politics, Popular Science & Psychology, Pop Culture, Memoir, Humor, History, and Sports, and is willing to consider proposals in other nonfiction genres as well. Nick is more selective when it comes to the fiction he takes on, but itÕs fair to say that he loves fiction that successfully rides the line between ÒliteraryÓ and ÒliterateÓ, while still maintaining something of a commercial sensibility.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | General Fiction | Literary Fiction | Multicultural Fiction |General Nonfiction | Biography | BIPOC Nonfiction | Business Book | Current Events Affairs | Health Wellness | History | Humor Nonfiction | Inspirational Nonfiction | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Money Finance | Multicultural Nonfiction | Politics | Pop Culture | Psychology | Science | Self-Help | Sports | Travel |
Biography
Michael Mungiello is a literary agent with InkWell Management. He graduated from Georgetown University, where he studied Government and English. In the intern years, he worked for Lippincott Massie McQuilkin and Dzanc Books. He also spent a semester working in his collegeÕs English Department as a teaching assistant for a course on Jewish American Literature. His interests include intellectual histories, counterintuitive social science, literary criticism, and jazz.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Historical Fiction | Literary Fiction |General Nonfiction | Cultural Social Issues | History | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Psychology | Science | Upmarket Nonfiction |
Biography
Paula Munier is a literary agent with and Content Strategist for Talcott Notch Literary Services. She says: “For nearly twenty years, this framed quotation has graced my office:
ÒAprs les choses qui sont de premire nŽcessitŽ pour la vie,
rien nÕest plus prŽcieux que les livres.Ó
ItÕs from Pierre Simon FournierÕs 1764 typography manual, and it means: ÒAfter all the basic necessities of life, there is nothing more precious than books.Ó
ThatÕs how IÕve felt about books since my mother started reading to me as a baby. As soon as I could read my favorite stories on my own, my literary fate was sealed. IÕve lived in the world of words ever sinceÑas a reader, a writer, an editor, and now as an agent.
The only thing I love more than books are the writers who write them. IÕve had the privilege of working with talented wordsmiths of every stripeÑfrom reporters, nonfiction authors, content creators, and memoirists to novelists, screenwriters, graphic novelists, cartoonists, comic book writers, short story writers, and poets.
Writers are my tribe. I began as a journalist, and over the years IÕve penned countless new stories, articles, essays, collateral, and blogs, as well as authored/co-authored more than a dozen books, most recently Fixing Freddie, 5-Minute Mindfulness, and A Miscellany of Murder. Along the way, IÕve added editor, acquisitions specialist, digital content manager, and publishing executive to my repertoireÑthe common denominator being my commitment to writers and writing, no matter what my title. From Gannett, Greenspun, and Prima Games to Disney, Quayside, and F+W Media, IÕve fought the good fight for good writing and good writers. And IÕve loved every minute of it.
But now, as an agent, I have the opportunity to support talented writers in the most direct manner possible, helping my clients do good work, land great publishing deals, and build successful writing careers. So if youÕre a writer as obsessed with words and stories as I am, and youÕre in it for the long haul, consider working with me. My specialties include mystery/thriller, SF/fantasy, romance, YA, memoir, humor, pop culture, health & wellness, cooking, self-help, pop psych, New Age, inspirational, technology, science, and writing.
P.S. If you write crime fictionÉyou should know that IÕm very involved with the mystery community, having served four terms as President of the New England chapter of Mystery Writers of America as well as on the MWA board. (IÕm currently VP of that organization.) IÕve also served as both co-chair and Agents and Editors chair on the New England Crime Bake committee for seven years and counting. And IÕm an active member of Sisters in Crime.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Young Adult Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Humor Fiction | Inspirational Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Thriller |General Nonfiction | Biography | Computers | Cookbook Cooking | Health Wellness | History | Humor Nonfiction | Inspirational Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | New Age | Pop Culture | Psychology | Reference | Science | Self-Help | Technology |
Biography
Dee Mura is a literary agent with and the founder of Dee Mura Literary. Dee began her career in the editorial and marketing departments of Newsweek Magazine, and in the trading and futures departments of Goldman Sachs. With an offer from the Brazilian government to produce sporting and concert events in Rio de Janeiro and S‹o Paulo, Brazil, Dee launched her own production company and public relations division representing artists from around the globe. A close relationship with several of these artists led to the development of Dee Mura Enterprises, a talent and literary personal management company with a hands-on approach to developing performing artists and writers for film, television, personal appearances, and corporate events. When several of her film and TV writers expressed the desire to write for publication, Dee Mura Literary was born. The company now flourishes under the direction of DeeÕs diverse experience in media, marketing, editorial, finance, and personal management, with the goal of contributing quality, innovative literature to the publishing world.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Action Adventure | BIPOC Fiction | Chick Lit | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Erotic Fiction | Espionage Military Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Humor Fiction | Inspirational Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Paranormal Fiction | Religious Fiction | Romance | Satire | Science Fiction | Sports Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Animals | Art | Biography | BIPOC Nonfiction | Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Current Events Affairs | Environment | Family | Film Entertainment | Gardening | Government | Health Wellness | History | Humor Nonfiction | Inspirational Nonfiction | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Medical Medicine | Memoir | Military War Nonfiction | Mind Body Spirit | Money Finance | Multicultural Nonfiction | Narrative Nonfiction | Nature | New Age | Parenting | Photography | Politics | Pop Culture | Psychology | Religion | Science | Self-Help | Spirituality | Sports | Travel | True Adventure |
Biography
Karen Murgolo is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. She has over 25 years of experience as an editor and agent. She has edited New York Times bestselling books like Nobel Prize Winner Elizabeth BlackburnÕs and Elissa EpelÕs The Telomere Effect; Ballerina Body by Misty Copeland; Eat to Beat Disease by Dr. William Li; Enough Already by Valerie Bertinelli; and cookbooks by Gwyneth Paltrow, Daniel Boulud, and others. As an agent sheÕs represented authors from award-winning psychologists to food writers to a shaman.
Before coming to Aevitas, Karen was Editorial Director, Lifestyle and Culinary, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, as well as Editorial Director, Grand Central Life & Style. She graduated from Wesleyan University with honors and attended the Radcliffe Publishing Program (now Columbia). She is an IACP Digital Media Judge.
Based in New York, Karen is interested in authoritative health, wellness, science and psychology, spirituality, inspirational (or just really fun) memoirs; original cookbooks, and narratives that illuminate a compelling subject or start a conversation.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Animals | Celebrity | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Design | Fitness | Food Drink | Gardening | Gift Novelty | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Medical Medicine | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction | Parenting | Photography | Pop Culture | Psychology | Science | Self-Help | Spirituality | Technology | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Dana Murphy is a literary agent with Trellis Literary Management. She joined Trellis Literary Management in 2022, after a decade building her list at The Book Group. She represents a wide range of fiction and nonfiction for both adult and teen readers. Books by her clients have been New York Times and international bestsellers and chosen as Barnes & Noble Discover, Book of the Month, Read with Jenna, Indie Next and NYT Editors’ Choice picks.
Across genre, Dana falls in love at the story and line-level simultaneously. She’s always searching for language and plot that move in equal measure, one in constant support of the other. She believes this symbiosis can exist anywhere on the commercial-to-literary spectrum and is most drawn to writing that aims to transform the reader, disrupt hegemony, and center community Ñ particularly by marginalized writers who have historically been boxed out of traditional publishing spaces.
In fiction, Dana looks for books (and authors!) with a soft heart, a sense of humor, and a deep earnest affection for their characters and story. Her forever favorites are genuinely hilarious romantic-comedies that read like the best kind of fan fiction, coming-of-age that captures the specificity of being young today, high-concept and/or speculative novels that press on our shared cultural bruises, and anything that celebrates found families and friendships as their own glorious love stories.
Dana’s nonfiction taste trends towards narrative nonfiction and essay collections about pop culture, class, gender, race, science, food and so on. She will always reach for well-researched cultural criticism that interrogates the power structures shaping our collective understanding of “good” taste or reckons with “low” and “unworthy” pop culture in a smart, serious way.
Born and raised on Long Island, Dana moved to New York City to study Critical Film Theory and Sociology at NYU, lived there for ten years, and now calls Philadelphia home. If she’s not answering your emails, she’s probably snuck off to one of her favorite places: a campsite in the woods, the beach in her hometown, or a quiet dive bar to drink their cheapest beer and read a book she isn’t working on.
Dana’s favorite non-client authors (if your work is similar, please get in touch!): Hanif Abdurraqib, Emily Henry, Casey McQuiston, Shea Serrano, Mary HK Choi, Kate Racculia, Kristen Arnett, Morgan Rogers, Anna Weiner, Megan Stielstra.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Member of the AALA |Juvenile Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | BIPOC Fiction | Family Saga | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Romance | Upmarket Fiction |General Nonfiction | Art | BIPOC Nonfiction | Cultural Social Issues | Food Drink | History | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Multicultural Nonfiction | Narrative Nonfiction | Pop Culture | Psychology | Science | Sports |
Biography
Erin Murphy is a literary agent with Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Erin was born and raised in Arizona, and founded EMLA in Flagstaff in 1999 after a 7-year career as an editor at a regional publishing house. As founder of EMLA she has focused not just on helping authors and illustrators to publish books for children and teens, but on building careers. In 2016, she relocated the agency headquarters to southern Maine. Her clientsÕ notices in addition to hitting bestseller lists include a Caldecott Honor (plus writer clients seeing their books get Caldecott silver and gold), a Newbery Honor, a Sibert Medal, Stonewall Medals, APALA silver and gold, an American Indian Youth Literature Honor, a National Jewish Book Award finalist, a Schneider Award, and multiple Edgar, Sydney Taylor, AmŽricas, Golden Kite, Jane Addams, and Orbis Pictus awards or honors, among others.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Authors and Illustrators Only | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction |
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About Mark Malatesta
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company Literary Agent Undercover and The Bestselling Author. Mark’s authors have gotten six-figure book deals, been on the NYT bestseller list, and published with houses such as Random House, Scholastic, and Thomas Nelson. Click here to learn more about Mark Malatesta and click here for Reviews of Mark Malatesta.
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Author Coaching Testimonials
“Mark, finding you has been both a treat and a treasure—I just signed a contract with my new literary agent!
My career has spanned publishing, TV, and feature film. I’ve served as Creative Dir. for the Magazine Group, TIME Inc.; Dir. of Time World News Service, a Founding Dir. of TIME-Life Films; Exec. Prod. for both the CBS and NBC TV Networks; Prod./Dir.: Movies of the Week: CBS Cinema Center Films and Universal MCA.
In today’s publishing marketplace, agents come and go. They also very often seem to just want an easy pathway to make a buck. Many authors are let go by their agents because their last book didn’t do well enough and the agent doesn’t want to devote the time to help the author. That’s not what you’re about Mark. Even established authors need this type of support in today’s marketplace.”
Author of ten fiction and nonfiction books
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“I’m psyched to have this be official. After getting five different offers for representation from top literary agents, I signed with Stephanie Tade who got me a 6-figure book deal with Penguin!
Getting multiple agents interested in my work was really important to me. I’ve dealt with agents before and gotten screwed on things contractually so I wanted to do it differently this time. I wanted choices.
Having you help me create that, and navigate my options, was really helpful. I heard other authors talk about their great relationships with their agents and it made me want the same thing. Now I have that.”
Author of Woman on Fire
(Penguin Books)
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“After sending out the query Mark revised for me, I had the opportunity to speak with literary agents from top agencies such as Janklow & Nesbit, Trident Media, Anderson Lit, and Folio. I signed with Don Fehr at Trident and, a short time later I had a publishing contract with Berkley Books, which recently published my book in hardcover.
Before that, I sent my query letter out on my own to 30 or 40 agents and got a lot of rejections. I then found Mark online while I was researching agents. I was surprised that he offered so much during his initial consultation—for a very modest amount of money.
I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t worked with Mark. I can’t even imagine that now though, because of the grief and detours I experienced before we worked together. It was a time-consuming pain in the neck. If you want to get the attention of top literary agents and publishers, there is no substitute for working with an insider. You can’t beat experience. And having Mark on your side is incredibly valuable.”
Author of Single Handed
(Berkley Books, a Division of Penguin Random House)
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“AHHH! OMG, it happened! I got three offers of representation for my children’s picture book in the United States, even though I live abroad! When I woke up and found the first offer for representation in my email in box, I wanted to scream. But my family was still asleep so I couldn’t. 🙂
Just 8 minutes after I sent a query letter to one of my favorite agents, she replied and asked to see my manuscript. A short time later we had a lovely conversation. She was interested in representing me and sounded very positive and enthusiastic about my book. Since I also got offers from two other agents, I had to turn two of them down. One of them was upset and it felt like I was breaking her heart, but you just have to do it. I kept reminding myself that this is a good problem to have!”
Author/Illustrator of Lon-Lon’s Big Night
and many other children’s books
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“Mark, after you helped me land a top literary agent, I got publishing offers from THREE well-known publishers: Amacom, Palgrave Macmillan, and McGraw-Hill (they’re publishing my book in hardcover)!
I was at Disneyworld with my family, in the Haunted Mansion, when I got the call. I went outside and listened to the voicemail message from my agent. A huge smile came over my face. It was a fantastic feeling. For a moment I felt like life was perfect and the angels were singing.
You’re filling an important need so I’ll say this to every other author reading this testimonial. Mark showed me that getting a top literary agent is a science. If you’ve written a book, or you’re in the process, you’ve already invested a lot—a lot more than money. Don’t stop yourself from getting out there to fulfill your purpose and dreams. Thank you so, so much, Mark!!!”
Author of Customer Focused Process Innovation (McGraw Hill)
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“I got a book deal! After I started sending out my new query letter I had 6 literary agents request my manuscript in a short amount of time, which is awesome. Then, within 2 weeks of my agent starting to pitch my story to publishers, we had an offer. I signed a book contract yesterday. A little while later my agent told me that a TV co-producer asked for more info about my book.
By the way, the acquiring editor that fell in love with the manuscript jumped in with both feet and we just worked out our timeline for publication. She’s as passionate about getting my book out as I am, and that means everything. She read the manuscript in two days and said she couldn’t put it down. And the book is going to be published as a hardcover!”
Author of A Chick in the Cockpit
(Behler Publications)
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“Thank you Mark! After you helped me get a well-known agent with Hartline Literary Agency (for my previously self-published murder mystery), he got me a deal with an American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) approved publisher. I’m hard-pressed to find anything that I had an expectation for that you didn’t deliver on.
Before I worked with you I sent out queries, but no one ever requested my complete manuscript. Comparing your new version of my query to the one I wrote before, I can see a vast difference.
I’ve been in business for 35 years so I’m not just saying this… what you’re doing is phenomenal. There are other people offering similar services, but the difference is your success. Others might say they do similar things but, if you research them, they don’t have your background or track record.”
Author of The Rector
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“Mark, you’re a miracle worker. Thanks to your help with my book, query letter, and synopsis… I now have a legitimate publisher who described my book as ‘Powerful Magic’ and it’s now available in bookstores and online!
I’m a lifelong academic writer who one day found myself writing inspired short stories that came to me in dreams and I began thinking of them as novels. That’s when I had a momentous conversation, an introductory coaching call with Mark Malatesta, the American creative writing coach, or rather, to be precise, a how-to-sell-yourself-and-your-work adviser. It was the best-spent money of my life apart (possibly) for my wedding ring.”
Author of The Black Inked Pearl
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“Within 4 minutes of sending out my query letter, a top literary called me on the phone (the #1 agent on my wish list). Less than 30 days later I had three major publishers making offers. A few days after that, I signed a deal with Random House. Mark, your query letter did that.
My agent talked about the query letter you helped me create for a long, long time. When he first called me on the phone, he hadn’t seen any of my sample chapters. It was just the query letter that did it. Communicating the right thing is so important. You are a wonderful medium helping authors find their voice and elevate their writing from just a hobby to a real business… a source from which they can both learn and earn.”
Author of Lights Out
(Random House)
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“MARK, MARK, MARK!!!!!!! Holy smokes… I just signed my book deal. First, two well-known literary agents asked to represent me. One of them responded to my query letter in less than 4 minutes!!
Then THREE different publishers wanted my book and started talking about making offers. The publisher I chose is perfect for me because they produce titles for the trade, educational, and scientific markets. And they agreed to publish my book as a hardcover!!!
When I met you, Mark, it was a pivotal time. I was under the belief that I could self-publish my book with a vanity press and then seek a publisher. I didn’t know what a literary agent was, why I needed one, or how to get one. I was wandering in the dark. You guided me in the right direction and gave me a solid plan.”
Author of Intestinal Health
(Rowman & Littlefield)
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“Boom!!! I just signed a contract with Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins for (what I’ve been told by several people) is a very large advance for a first-time author.
Before working with Mark I submitted my book to agents but didn’t get any interest. This time around I got a top NY literary agency (Fine Print Lit). What cloud is higher than 9?
I had several agencies interested before deciding to go with Fine Print. And, to be honest, all of the attention didn’t surprise me. The query letter and proposal that Mark helped me develop were incredible. Agents actually said things to me like: ‘Scott, I read your proposal and I’m just blown away by it!’ Mark is extremely talented at what he does. If you have the opportunity to work with him, take advantage of it.”
Author of The Unbreakable Boy
(Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson)