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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.
- You are searching within category(ies): Science Fiction
Biography
Stacey Graham is a literary agent with 3 Seas Literary Agency. She has worked both sides of the literary door as a humor writer with the wickedly funny Zombie Tarot, screenwriter, ghostwriter, and short story writer, and formerly as an agent with Red Sofa Literary. She loves working with writers at all stages of their careers and uses her experience in authorship to help navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of publishing for her clients. She is currently looking to expand her list with snappy Rom-Coms, hilarious/spooky middle grade, and weird nonfiction.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Cookbook Cooking, Crafts, Gift Novelty, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Spirituality CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Susan Graham is a literary agent with the Dunow, Carlson, and Lerner Literary Agency. She joined Dunow, Carlson, and Lerner Agency in January 2025 after nearly a decade as an agent at Einstein Literary Management. They hold a MasterÕs Degree in ChildrenÕs Literature and a MasterÕs Degree in English from Simmons College. They represent illustrators across format and age categories, children’s and young adult prose, genre and speculative fiction, and select non-fiction.
Notes
FICTION: Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Art, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Alexandra Grana is a literary agent with the Corvisiero Literary Agency. She is a recent graduate of the University of Toledo College of Law. She has always loved writing and literature, having completed her B.A. in Professional Writing at Miami University, and is excited to dedicate herself to helping fellow writers pursue publication. When she isnÕt reading, she can be found trying a new recipe in the kitchen or prepping for her next DnD session. AlexÕs favorite genres are fantasy and horror. She is a sucker for a good magic system, reimagined fairy tales, and poetic prose. Stories by marginalized writers are of particular interest to her.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Religion CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Ben Grange is a literary agent with the L. Perkins Agency. He started out at a small publishing company in Salt Lake City, UT and proceeded to do internships at three literary agencies before working as the assistant at the JABberwocky Literary Agency. He decided he wanted to be an agent sometime along the line, and is happily growing an amazing list of clients. His tastes gravitate towards middle grade fiction, and he is particularly on the lookout for exceptional author-illustrators who write middle grade or young adult. He sometimes gets the inkling to read a great YA sci-fi or fantasy, particularly weird or slightly dark stories (ˆ la The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater). Thanks to his time at JABberwocky, he also loves epic fantasy and science fiction, and although his focus is on middle grade and young adult, he won’t say no to a great fantasy or sci-fi. He is also interested in pop culture non-fiction for authors with established platforms.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Science Fiction NONFICTION: Nonfiction, Pop Culture CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Evan Gregory is a literary agent with the Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency. Evan Gregory began at the agency in 2008 as an Assistant. He has been a Senior Agent since 2014, specializing in genre fiction and commercial non-fiction, especially the areas of SFF and pop-culture. Previously he worked as subsidiary rights manager for the agency as well as an assistant to Ethan.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Science, Technology, Travel
Biography
Jill Grinberg is a literary agent with Jill Grinberg Literary Management. Jill is also the Founder and President. She has worked in New York publishing for the past two decades. She completed her B.A. in English Literature at Tufts University and Oxford University, UK, interning at Boston Magazine and the Boston Review before moving to Manhattan to enter book publishing. She started in the publicity department at HarperCollins, where she worked with high-profile authors and books like Amy BloomÕs National Book Award finalist Come to Me, and Thomas MooreÕs #1 New York Times bestseller Care of The Soul. Realizing, thanks to Amy BloomÕs wise counseling, that she had a passion for author advocacy and book development from the ground up, she then moved to the agenting side of the business. She was a founding partner of Anderson Grinberg Literary Management, and went on to form her own firm, Jill Grinberg Literary Management. Jill feels a strong kinship with her great-grandparents who founded the historic Cafe Royal, a mecca for Jewish intellectuals and artists in New York City in the 1920s, 30s and 40s, and she continues their tradition of hosting tea and conversation with visiting writers and illustrators.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, General Nonfiction, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Reference, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Technology, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Nikki Groom is a literary agent with SBR Media. She has been a part of the romance industry for over ten years. It started with a busy blog, which then led to turning her hand to writing and self-publishing her own passion projects, and an editing career quickly followed. She feels that she found her place in the world when she discovered all things literary, and the enthusiasm has only grown over the years. Nikki likes nothing better than to get lost in fictional worlds, and discovering new, talented authors. She is excited to have the opportunity to help authors spread their wonderful books around the world for readers to enjoy. ÔBelieve in yourself and anything is possible.Õ Nikki lives just outside of London in the UK with her husband and their herd of alpacas!
Notes
FICTION: Erotic Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction
Biography
Laura Gross is a literary agent with the Laura Gross Literary Agency. She says: “Born and raised in London, I worked for a prominent literary agent, as well as for three Members of Parliament (allowing me a fascinating view of the British governmentÕs innards before security was tight) before heading to the East Coast for college. With a B.A. in Comparative Literature, I began working in New York publishing as an assistant at two leading New York literary agencies, then I moved on to become the youngest editor at one of New YorkÕs oldest publishing houses. I have now been a literary agent for decades and am extremely lucky to love what I do. IÕm also fortunate that I represent a broad range of both fiction and non-fiction writers. These days, I am particularly interested in politics, current affairs, and espionage from a broad range of voices and perspectives.”
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Current Events Affairs, Environment, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Investigative, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Pam Gruber is a literary agent with the High Line Literary Collective. She became a literary agent when she realized her favorite part of the publishing business was working closely with authors and artists, helping them to shape not only their stories, but also their careers. She got her start in publishing as an editor, working for over a decade at Hachette Book Group and went on to serve as the Editorial Director at childrenÕs media startup Rebel Girls before shifting gears. As an agent, Pam aims to sign authors, not just individual books, and she believes in collaboration, communication, creativity, and mutual respect. Her clients write in all categories, from childrenÕs and YA, to adult SFF and contemporary rom-com. She looks for work that is gripping from page one, whether thatÕs due to the voice, world building, or premise. She loves messy female protagonists, innovative twists on classic tropes, and getting swept away by fully realized worldsÑbe it the next town over or an imagined land unlike our own. She brings an inscrutable eye for detail to every book she gets her hands on, and her prior experience gives her insight into how editors think, and what theyÕre looking for. In her life outside of books (as if!), Pam is an aspiring art collector, avid window shopper, experimental baker, and Pilates enthusiast slowly fixing up the antique house she lives in with her husband, son, and feline familiars.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Beauty Fashion Style, History, Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, True Crime, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Taylor Haggerty is a literary agent with Root Literary. She says: ÒEveryone in this business is in it because they love to read, but agenting gives me a professionally sanctioned opportunity to shout from the rooftops about the books I love. Sharing my authors’ work with editors, and then readers, is a joy, and I’m always looking for the next project to champion.”
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Serene Hakim is a literary agent with Ayesha Pande Literary. Prior to joining Ayesha Pande Literary in 2015, Serene Hakim worked at Laura Gross Literary Agency in Boston. Serene holds an M.A. in French to English translation from NYU and a B.A. in French and WomenÕs Studies from the University of Kansas. Born to Lebanese immigrants in the Midwest, she grew up straddling cultures and languages and still feels like a third culture kid. Serene loves to read a variety of genres but is particularly drawn to fiction with strong female voices, both YA and adult fiction and non-fiction with international themes, and LGBTQ and feminist issues. She is always on the lookout for great YA sci-fi and fantasy, realistic YA, and anything that gives voice to those whose voices are underrepresented and/or marginalized. She is especially interested in stories dealing with the Middle East and the variety of immigrant experiences out there. Specifically, sheÕs looking for writing that explores the different meanings of identity, home, family and parenthood/motherhood. When sheÕs not reading, she can usually be found trying a new recipe while simultaneously balancing a toddler on her hip.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Science Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Family, Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Travel, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
David Hale Smith is a literary agent with InkWell Management. David joined InkWell in 2011. He is looking for mind-blowing commercial fiction and compelling nonfiction. Prior to joining InkWell in 2011, he operated his eponymous literary agency in Texas, which he started just a few years after graduating from Kenyon College. His fiction list includes thriller phenom Matthew FitzSimmons, and The New York Times Bestselling novelists Michael Koryta, Greg Rucka and Blake Crouch, author of the smash genre-bending hit Dark Matter and the multi-million selling Wayward Pines trilogy (adapted into the FOX television show of the same name, with Crouch is Executive Producing). In nonfiction, Smith represents acclaimed culinary authors Jordan Mackay, Daniel Vaughn and Robert Sietsema; Top Chef stars John Tesar and Isaac Toups; and New York Times Bestsellers Skip Hollandsworth and barbecue superstar Aaron Franklin. Smith enjoys developing projects from concept to finished book, and is active in selling film and television rights for his clients, making numerous annual trips to the West Coast to pitch projects to managers, agents and producers. He lives in Dallas, Texas and commutes to New York.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Diet Nutrition, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Reference, Science, Self-Help, Sports
Biography
Jolene Haley is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. She joined the Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2022. She has been in the publishing industry since 2012 on both the publisher and agency sides in editorial, marketing, publicity, contracts, and agent positions. She has worked for literary agencies such as Marsal Lyon Literary Agency and The Bent Agency. Her well-rounded experience and extensive background in PR and marketing provides a unique perspective and a solid foundation to support authors as they build their careers. She graduated with accolades from Cal State Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Composition. She runs a global horror writerÕs resource site The Midnight Society and is a member of ALA, HWA, and SCBWI.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Health Wellness, How-To, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Self-Help, Spirituality, True Adventure, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Reeves Hamilton is a literary agent with the Vertical Ink Agency. In 2020, Vertical Ink added Reeves, a twenty-plus year veteran of the publishing industry, to specialize in science fiction, broadly defined as hard Sci-Fi and space opera, but also as Sci-Fi-adjacent and genre-bending upmarket commercial fiction.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Satire, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction
Biography
Erik Hane is a literary agent with and the co-founder of Headwater Literary Management. After graduating with a B.A. from Knox College and obtaining a publishing certificate from the Denver Publishing Institute, Erik Hane began his career on the editorial staff at Oxford University Press and then as an editor at The Overlook Press. Along with Laura, he is a host of Print Run Podcast. As an agent at Red Sofa Literary, he built a client list that featured political columnists, culture critics, sports journalists, neuroscientists, historians, and literary writers of both fiction and essays. Now at Headwater, Erik is looking for writers who bring a clear-eyed sense of the stakes of this political and historical moment to their writing, no matter what kind of project their expertise draws them toward. He loves tennis, video games, and novels about sad people in cold places. HeÕs probably tweeting from his account @erikhane as you read this.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Science Fiction, Short Story Collection, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, Environment, Film Entertainment, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Medical Medicine, Military War Nonfiction, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Sports, Technology, Upmarket Nonfiction, Women’s Issues
Biography
Judith Hansen, the founder of the Hansen Literary Agency, is the former deputy publisher of Kitchen Sink Press. An attorney, she had a twenty year career with major trade book publishers including Simon & Schuster, NAL, and the Crown and Doubleday divisions of Random House.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Science Fiction NONFICTION: Architecture, Art, Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Economics, Fitness, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Photography, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Gabrielle Harbowy is a literary agent with the Corvisiero Literary Agency. She has more than 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, from her entry into the field as a pricing analyst at Scholastic, to becoming a full-time editor and part-time writer. A third-generation reader of fantasy and science fiction, a love for the speculative is in her blood. Gabrielle was Managing Editor at Dragon Moon Press for a decade, has worked with award winners and international bestsellers, and is passionate about elevating the authors around her. A three-time published novelist, short story author, and award-nominated anthologist, Gabrielle has spoken, given workshops, and run D&D and Pathfinder games at numerous conventions. She is a member of SFWA, IAMTW, and the LGBTQ+ Editors Association. Gabrielle is seeking science fiction, fantasy, paranormal mysteries, queer romance, and genre-bending speculative fiction. She loves reading diverse books, characters that come alive and immersive worlds, and tropes turned on their heads. She would like to see queerness, neurodiversity, and disability represented and normalized, both in the world and on the page. Her passions include music, travel, tabletop roleplaying games, crocheting and needlepoint, tattoo art, everything Finnish (except lutefisk), outer space, and the Oxford comma.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Michael Harriot is a literary agent with Folio Literary Management. Over the past 15 years, MichaelÕs client list has featured a variety of high-profile authors such as Yankee great Yogi Berra, Black Francis of the Pixies, Peter Criss of KISS, NBA Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, Sopranos star Steve Schirripa, and former NAACP president Ben Jealous. Other notable authors Michael has represented include Tony Fletcher (A LIGHT THAT NEVER GOES OUT), Josh Frank (FOOL THE WORLD), Zachary Jernigan (NO RETURN), Benjamin Lorr (HELL-BENT), and Jeff Salyards (SCOURGE OF THE BETRAYER). Overall, Michael has represented or co-represented more than a dozen New York Times bestsellers. A graduate of Dartmouth College, he holds a BA in Film Studies. The first thing I look for in an author is something valuable, thought-provoking, or entertaining to sayÑa compelling story or message weÕve never heard before or told from a completely new perspective. I like an author with a distinctive voice and a command of the craft, or someone committed to working with a quality co-writer to get his or her vision onto the page. Extra points for fearlessness, genuine quirkiness, or a dark sense of humor. While IÕm open to just about anything smart, well written, and engaging, my primary areas of interest are commercial non-fiction (both narrative and prescriptive) and fantasy/science fiction. On the non-fiction side, I love anything that helps people improve their lives, intelligent takes on pop culture (music, sports, film, comic books), and books that examine unique subcultures. The fantasy and science fiction that grabs me is superbly crafted and avoids the usual tropes or turns them upside-down. I look for strong, memorable characters that are psychologically realistic and emotionally relatable at their core, no matter how fantastic the worlds and events around them may be.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Humor Fiction, Satire, Science Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Economics, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Self-Help, Sports
Biography
Erin Harris is a literary agent with Folio Literary Management. Erin has worked in publishing for over a decade and serves as a Senior Vice President and literary agent at Folio Literary Management, where she focuses on book club and literary fiction, as well as narrative non-fiction. (She also selectively represents Young Adult and poetry projects.) Her clients include New York Times Bestsellers, National Book Award, Pulitzer Prize, and PEN/Faulkner Award finalists; winners of the Lambda Literary Award, Stonewall Book Award, and Pushcart Prize; Indie Next Pick and NYT Editor’s Choice authors; and authors selected for the national book clubs Reese WitherspoonÕs ÒHello Sunshine,Ó Good Morning America, Barnes & Noble, and Target. Her clients have received support from MacDowell, Bread Loaf, Sewanee, Tin House, Yaddo, The Vermont Studio Center, The Rona Jaffe Foundation, and the Elizabeth George Foundation. Erin collaborates with debut and seasoned authors alike and is honored to champion the careers of: Emiko Jean, Allegra Hyde, SJ Sindu, John Manuel Arias, Michelle Min Sterling, Allie Rowbottom, Adam Wilson, Daniel Levine, Erica Ferencik, Tanen Jones, Laura Maylene Walter, Carla Power, Daniel Pe–a, Curtis Chin, Linda Scott, Jen St. Jude, Kit Frick, Marie Marquardt (and Mayra Cuevas by association!), Jasmine Mans, and Melania Luisa Marte, among many others. Erin is passionate about books that interrogate our collective and personal histories with heart and intelligence; characters that make us feel and stories that make us think, even as they keep us feverishly turning pages; and book club and literary fiction that is high concept, whether it be contemporary, historical, or genre-bending (i.e. an accessible, elevated dash of fabulism, sci-fi, horror, suspense, alt. history, etc.) Erin is a member of the AALA (Association of American Literary Agents) and received her MFA in Creative Writing from the New School. She lives in Brooklyn, NY and is a co-curator of the literary event series HIP Lit.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Current Events Affairs, Education, General Nonfiction, History, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Politics, Religion, Spirituality, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Diego Harrison, a literary agent at SBR Media, has 15 years experience in the publishing industry and a deep love for books across many genres. He is looking for unique voices and storytellers who he can help reach unlimited success. He is resolute in connecting his clients with the top publishers in the world, both big and small, as well as maximizing returns on works. This includes strategic partnerships and opportunities to elevate his clients to the highest financial and career gains.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Crime Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Nonfiction
Biography
Cate Hart is a literary agent with Harvey Klinger. Cate joined Harvey Klinger Literary Agency in 2019 after 5 years with a New York agency where she represented Middle Grade to Adult fiction. She specializes in Historical, whether in Young Adult, WomenÕs Fiction and Romance, or narrative nonfiction. She is particularly drawn to oft forgotten stories of the past and underrepresented voices, and especially personal to her is unexplored Southern history and culture. She also loves high-concept fantasy in YA and Adult fiction. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, studying Theatre and History, Cate currently lives in Nashville with her children.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Celebrity, Cultural Social Issues, Design, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, Gardening, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Michelle Hauck is a literary agent with the Storm Literary Agency. She devoured the classics at an early age, falling in love with heroic stories like The Three Musketeers, Ivanhoe, and The Scarlet Pimpernel. It wasnÕt until her teens that she got her hands on The Sword of Shannara and discovered a new heroic level in SFF. Now sheÕd like to advocate for stories that take the reader beyond the traditional heroÕs journey. After graduating with a business degree, with a concentration in finance, Michelle worked as a cost accountant for several years before a short stint as a stay-at-home mom. Then she switched gears for twenty years working in an elementary school, where sheÕs learned a lot about what kids like to read and applied that to her own stories, publishing a historic fantasy series with Harper Voyager. SheÕs been helping writers long before taking the step to become an agent. Her Midwest roots taught her to pay things forward, and along with several co-hosts, she ran an impressive collection of contests for writers, including Query Kombat, Nightmare on Query Street, and Picture Book Party. She also learned much from six years as a successful Pitch Wars mentor in adult SFF. Currently, Michelle is taking submissions for middle grade, young adult, and some limited adult genres. Drawn to all sorts of stories from the heroic to the humorous, she loves big worlds, inventive magic systems, and a rich sense of history. Characters with lots of back-story and villains with shades of gray make her day. SheÕs not the best fit for contemporary with dark themes, but she loves contemporary that can be described as quirky, fun, and light. She wants to look at all things SFF or historical, and wonÕt pass up a cozy mystery, page-turner thriller, or a sweet romance. A dash of politics is a great added ingredient. She is not interested in nonfiction or picture books/chapter books at this time. Some books IÕve read recently and enjoyed are: Where Darkness Blooms, The Space Between Worlds, The Once and Future Witches, Station Eternity, The Swifts, Tilly in Technicolor, Where Darkness Blooms, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, The Space Between Worlds, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, This Time ItÕs Real, Legends and Lattes, The Seventh Bride, There Goes the Neighborhood, The Locked Tomb series, the Murderbot series, The Priory of the Orange Tree, Wings of Ebony, Mexican Gothic, Cemetery Boys, Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, How to Trap a Tiger, New Kid, Project Hail Mary, and The City We Became. Old favorites include The Hunger Games series, The Wheel of Time Series, Anne of Green Gables series, The Legend of Eli Monpress, Ready Player One, and The Questionable Behavior of Dalia Moss.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Samantha Haywood is a literary agent at the Transatlantic Agency. After 20 years of literary agenting in international publishing and nearly 10 years of running the Transatlantic Agency as owner and President, Samantha specializes in managing authorÕs careers across the spectrum of Book and Film/TV, with a global mandate. Some of her notable clients include Khaled Hosseini, Iain Reid, Canisia Lubrin, Jesse Thistle, Emma Knight and Marissa Stapley [see further client list highlights below]. Samantha Haywood has been the President of the Transatlantic Agency since 2017. She has extensive experience selling authors in North America for publication and TV/film representation. She launched her client list with Transatlantic Agency in 2004 after working in the International Rights departments of Random House of Canada and Westwood Creative Artists. Samantha represents a vibrant client list of novelists, memoirists, investigative journalists, graphic novelists and thought leaders. Samantha represents international rights for the renowned publisher, Drawn & Quarterly. She is also a founding member and former President of PACLA, the Professional Association of Canadian Literary Agents.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Cultural Social Issues, History, Illustrated, Inspirational Nonfiction, Investigative, Journalism, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, True Crime, Women’s Issues
Biography
Gary Heidt is a literary agent with Signature Literary Agency. represents authors of nonfiction and fiction. In nonfiction he is interested in history, science, popular culture, narrative nonfiction, psychology, religion, and spirituality. Fiction IÕm looking for now: High-quality literary fiction, science fiction and the occasional thriller. No historical fiction, mysteries, fantasy, cozies or romance. Not that I don’t like them, I just don’t represent them. In non-fiction, IÕd like to find the following: ¥ History and biography. I am looking for authors with credentials as academics, journalists or independent scholars with some publication credits. ¥ Science. I am actively looking for scientists with writing skills who can explain new developments in science to a popular audience, as well as journalists who write about new developments in science and technology. I am also interested in exceptional nonfiction proposals in the following areas: reference, pop culture, memoir, politics, cultural criticism and Fortean/High Strangeness/paranormal, or deep politics.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Education, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Technology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Merrilee Heifetz is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. Merrilee has been at Writers House for over 20 years and was one of the first agents to handle comic books/graphic novels when asked by a very young Neil Gaiman to represent his work with DC Comics (he did promise to write bestselling novels one day and she is very glad she took him at his word.) She is one of the few agents who is well known for representing both adult and children’s books and she finds she has been very successful with authors who don’t fall into categories and who can benefit from overall career management. Her New York Times Bestsellers include Gaiman, Laurell K. Hamilton, Melissa Marr and Beth Revis, whose 2011 debut novel ACROSS THE UNIVERSE she placed in a major deal. Her award winners include three Newbery Medals (Cynthia Voigt, Robin McKinley and Neil Gaiman) a MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient (the late Octavia E Butler) and many best of the year awards such as the Hugo, the Nebula and the World Fantasy Award. For five years she chaired the Contracts Committee for the Association of Authors Representatives (AAR).
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Literary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Celebrity, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Reference CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Allison Hellegers is a literary agent with Stimola Literary Studio. As both Foreign Rights Director and Literary Agent, Allison’s tastes lean towards books that have emotional hooks mixed with strong plot, film/TV and/or translation appeal, and take the reader on a journey. Her adult co-agent clients include New York Times bestselling author Lucy Adlington (The Dressmakers of Auschwitz) and Reese Book Club pick Holly Smale (Cassandra in Reverse). SheÕs looking to take on more fiction and non-fiction clients, and is interested in pop culture, music comedy, science, journalism, history, and health/wellness. Her young adult clients include award winning authors Colby Cedar Smith (Call Me Athena) and Rebecca Caprara (Spin) and as well as graphic novel clients Teo Duvall (Brooms) and Mari Costa (Belle of the Ball). In YA, she loves a big hook and bold characters that sweep her off her feet. Middle grade will always be a favorite area, and she enjoys a classic, literary voice with humor and heart, and/or a touch of magical realism. Her middle-grade clients include ALA Notable Elaine Dimopolous (The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow) and beloved Australian author Nova Weetman (It All Begins With Jellybeans), who also has her first adult memoir coming out this year (Love, Death & Other Scenes). She represents a select few picture book clients, including Horn Book award winner Dinah Johnson (H is for Harlem) and Ezra Jack Keats honor winner and beloved Slovenian artist Marta Bartolj (Every Little Kindness). Allison attends the book fairs in Frankfurt and Bologna each year and has been an industry speaker and on staff at numerous conferences and events; this year sheÕs honored to have been chosen to participate in the Creative Australian VIP Publisher Program. Aside from working, sheÕs happiest when hiking with her rescue mutt in Brooklyn, reading alongside her son near a body of water, listening to music on a road trip, or looking at the sky from inside an airplane or train.
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FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Poetry, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Chelsea Hensley is an agent at Mad Woman Literary Agency representing a varied list of clients writing across ages and genres and a few who are also illustrating. She began her agenting career in 2020 and continues to build a list that reflects her own diverse tastes, from the lushest of fantasies to the tensest thrillers, steamy, hilarious romcoms to smart sci-fi, lyrical picture books to plucky middle grade, and imaginative, innovative horror to intelligent, deeply researched nonfiction. In all areas, Chelsea enjoys bold work from ambitious creators who share her unrelenting drive to succeed in a challenging industry. Chelsea is a Capricorn from St. Louis, where she lives with a pair of very cute, though very chaotic, dogs. She enjoys D&D, Golden Girls, womenÕs soccer, chocolate chip cookies, and Airtable. She is a member of the AALA.
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FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Sports, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction