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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): Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Alyssa Eisner Henkin is a literary agent with Birch Path Literary. She says: “Upon earning my bachelorÕs degree in English from the University of Pennsylvania, I fulfilled a childhood dream – to move to New York and work with books. I was fortunate to land a job in editorial at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. At S&S, the time spent learning about the rapidly flourishing kidlit market from the wisest of colleagues was invaluable to my career. Ultimately my entrepreneurial drive led me to become a literary agent at Trident Media Group. At TMG, I cultivated a stable of bestselling and multi-award-winning childrenÕs book authors. A plethora of ancillary deals for audio, film, theatrical, merchandising, and international editions has made me an ardent advocate for the rights of creators. With the founding of Birch Path Literary, I have the privilege of ÒsoulÓ proprietorship. I come from a long line of business owners who have always valued professional integrity, optimism, and passion. Just as enterprising Anne Shirley strode down her Birch Path, I thrive on navigating intricate labyrinths with each author and illustrator. We plot and strategize the best long-term opportunities across genre, format, and territory amidst an everchanging but verdant landscape for stories. Timeless telling styles always entice me as a bicentennial baby fed on Bemelmans, Betsy-Tacy, Burnett, and the Bront‘s. Yet I am especially hungry for bold, change-making projects that promote underrepresented perspectives and foster inclusion. Certainly, the two categories are not mutually exclusive. My favorite books are character-driven, quirky, heartfelt, slyly humorous, and ultimately hopeful.”
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Rachel Ekstrom Courage is the founder and a literary agent at Courage Literary. She is also an author. Before becoming a literary agent, Rachel spent over a decade as a NYC-based book publicist, first working on mysteries and thrillers for Minotaur in the historic Flatiron building, then assuming a directorial role for PenguinÕs Dutton and Gotham imprints, and finally working on blockbuster commercial fiction (both Adult and YA) for St. MartinÕs Press. Over the course of her career as a publicist, she developed relationships with local and national media, securing reviews, features, radio and television interviews, online placement, bookstore and Òoutside the boxÓ author events, in outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, NPR, C-SPAN, Fox Business, People, Entertainment Weekly, O Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, The Huffington Post, CNN, The Associated Press, Christian Science Monitor, The Washington Post, The Economist, The New Republic, Salon, Playboy, Time, and Wired. A few of the bestselling and award-winning authors Rachel advocated for as a publicist include Grammar Girlª Mignon Fogarty, Russell Simmons, Timothy Keller, P.C. and Kristin Cast, T. Jefferson Parker, Randy Susan Meyers, Louise Penny, Tyler Cowen, Hari Kunzru, Susan Shapiro Barash, and Michael Palmer. Rachel has presented, led workshops, and met one-on-one with authors at Grub Street, WriterÕs Digest, Seton Hill University, LWC}NYC, Jambalaya Writers Conference, South Carolina WritersÕ Workshop, New England Crime Bake, PNWA, RWA, New York Writers Workshop, Unicorn Writers Conference, Digital Hollywood, and more.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Matthew Elblonk is a literary agent with DeFiore and Company. Matthew Elblonk joined DeFiore and Company in 2010. He currently represents writers in the world of pop culture, music, food, young adult, narrative non-fiction, literary fiction and humor. Interests also include science and any authors with great ideas and an equally strong platform. He tends to have a soft spot for all Beatle related projects. He is currently not considering any poetry or genre fiction.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Diet Nutrition, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Reference, Science, Self-Help, Technology CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Lauren Eldridge is a literary agent at Lucinda Literary. Lauren first joined Lucinda Literary as an agent in 2022. Authors sheÕs represented reflect her genre-diverse interests including memoirist Julie Fingersh (STAY), novelist Olivia Swindler (BREAK THE GLASS), and YA novelist Michelle Kulwicki (AT THE END OF THE RIVER STYX). SheÕs passionate about elevating voices and stories that start important cultural conversations and is particularly interested in YA and childrenÕs literature, upmarket fiction, and projects on religion and spirituality. Prior to Lucinda Literary, Lauren was on the editorial team at Flatiron Books, where she focused on nonfiction and worked on bestselling and award-winning titles from authors including Leigh Bardugo, Oprah Winfrey, and Brad Meltzer. Most recently, she worked as a freelance editorial consultant with a slate of clients including corporations, nonprofits, and writers. Lauren holds a BA from Kenyon College with an emphasis in creative writing and is a graduate of the Columbia Publishing Course. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with her family.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality 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
Ethan Ellenberg is a literary agent with the Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency. Ethan opened his literary agency in late, 1984 after holding jobs at both Bantam and Berkley/Jove. At Berkley/Jove he was manager of the Contracts Department. At Bantam he was Associate Contracts Manager. He says: ÒI remain excited and committed to assisting Authors at different stages of their careers. I work with a number of talented people writing and illustrating many different kinds of books and thatÕs what I like. If you have something special in any of the commercial fiction genres I would be interested in hearing about it. For childrenÕs books works of the imagination and beauty will always interest me. If I canÕt help you, I will share your work with a colleague. The business of book publishing has changed almost beyond recognition since I joined the industry. ItÕs as complex as any business I know and that makes it daunting for everyone involved. Our goal is to assist Authors where they need it most, passionate dedication to help them earn a living, and honest feedback about their work.Ó
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Military War Nonfiction, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, New Age, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Reference, Science, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, True Adventure, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Claire Elliot is a Junior Agent at FinePrint Literary Management and an assistant to Lauren Bieker and Peter Rubie. Before coming to FinePrint in 2024, she interned at Folio Literary Management. Claire is also working towards her Ph.D. in Religious Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, studying modern Theravada Buddhist practice in Thailand and Sri Lanka. While growing up, Claire lived in the U.S., France, and Thailand, and now speaks five languages and reads a sixth. Claire is a habitual rereader and never falls asleep without an audiobook on. Her favorite books growing up were Tamora Pierce’s Trickster’s Choice series. She still enjoys books about girls who are generally up to no good. In fiction, Claire reads YA, NA, and Adult, and is interested in fantasy, historical, thriller, and mystery. She loves a romantic or political subplot (even if the subplot is very small) and an immersive and messed-up setting. Claire is interested in characters who were not born heroes but chose to be and in stories with symbolic resonance. Claire is also interested in fantasy set in non-western inspired worlds (especially Southeast Asia!) and historical fiction set in these areas about real or made-up figures. She dreams of seeing a novel about Anagarika Dharmapala, Mary Foster, and Maria Banta, “The Countess.” In nonfiction, Claire is interested in pop-science books that use data to tell clear stories (if you can compare your book to Emily Negoski, she wants to see it!) Claire is also interested in narrative nonfiction that walks the line between long-form journalism and ethnography; she’s looking for the next Still Life With Bones, Friday Night Lights, or The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. Finally, Claire is looking for new and unexpected histories that are timeless but touch on present issues (e.g., a global history of student protest movements and activism, a medical and social history of STIs (STDs), or a book on religious pluralism and inter-religious cooperation). She’s also keen to discuss dissertation-to-book projects. While Claire is interested in books that touch on religion and politics, she is not interested in theology or manifestos.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Health Wellness, History, Journalism, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Barbara Ellis is a literary agent with Black Hawk Literary Agency. She worked for Knight Ridder Newspapers as a feature writer, interviewing notable people and writing a sailing column. She became an editor and then editor-in-chief. She works with writers, doing everything from basic line-editing to plot and character development to complete manuscript evaluation. She can help you produce a dynamite query letter, do a book summary, or expertly guide you through the process of writing a non-fiction book proposal. And if you need it, she is a writing coach, or can even ghost write your book. Besides enjoying what Miamians call Paradise, Barbara and her kids are dog and cat lovers and rescuers.
Notes
FICTION: Fiction, General Fiction NONFICTION: Diet Nutrition, General Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Self-Help CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Zabé Ellor is a literary agent with the Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency. He joined The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency in August 2018, after previously interning at the agency and at Inklings Literary, and serving as a publications assistant at IOP Publishing. He graduated from Cornell University in 2016 with a dual degree in biology and English. An avid reader and writer, his non-literary interests include running, travel, and finding the perfect dim sum in his home city of Washington D. C.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Politics, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Tessa Emily Hall is a assosicate agent with the Cyle Young Literary Elite. She is an award-winning author who wrote her debut novel when she was sixteen. She is now a multi-published author of both fiction and non-fiction inspirational yet authentic books for teens, including her latest release, LOVE YOUR SELFIE. TessaÕs passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as a Literary Agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite and a YA Acquisitions Editor for Iron Stream Media. She is a regular writer for Crosswalk.com and her works have been published in multiple publications, including Devozine, Guide Magazine, Broken But Priceless Magazine, Fervr.net, and more. When TessaÕs fingers arenÕt flying 128 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, teaching at writing conferences across the country, and acting in inspirational films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is to connect with readers is on her mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: http://www.tessaemilyhall.com.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction NONFICTION: Inspirational Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Self-Help CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Brenna English-Loeb is an literary agent for adult authors, childrenÕs authors and/or illustrators with the Transatlantic Agency. She joined Transatlantic in 2019 after working for several years at Janklow & Nesbit Associates and Writers House, where she had the pleasure of working with New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors across multiple genres. Brenna grew up in beautiful Upstate New York and studied English and Theatre at Bucknell University. Brenna is also the owner of BEL Tower Editorial, where she works with authors as a developmental editor on such big-picture issues as world-building, plot and character development, pacing and theme, among other areas of concern, such as query and synopsis critiques.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, History, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Linda Epstein is a literary agent with Emerald City Literary Agency. She’s at the helm of the Emerald City Literary Agency east coast office. In addition to being an agent, Linda writes books for children and teens, poetry for adults, and teaches creative writing. Representing picture books, middle grade and young adult fiction, as well as select childrenÕs nonfiction, Linda does not represent adult literature. She is also responsible for film and television rights for the agency.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Katie Erickson is a literary agent with the Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency. She joined The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency in 2024, after previously interning at the agency, and after over a decade working as a freelance illustrator for clients such as Humpty Dumpty magazine. She is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Creative Writing and Illustration. When she’s not reading, writing, or illustrating, she can be found playing board games or taking long walks with her family. She represents picture books, as well as middle-grade and young-adult literature.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Mystery, Science Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Illustrated, Nonfiction, Photography, Reference CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jessica Errera is a literary agent with the Jane Rotrosen Agency. She has been with JRA since 2014. She is looking for commercial womenÕs fiction with a fresh and fun hook, all genres of YA (especially diverse stories), contemporary romance, mysteries and suspense, the occasional historical fiction, and anything that might be read in a day on the beach. Jessica is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she spent four years cheering on the Tar Heels and a few fantastic months interning with Algonquin Books.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Dating Relationships Sex, Nonfiction, Self-Help CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Annalise Errico is a literary agent with Ladderbird. Annalise is a graduate of Lesley University where she earned a B.A. in Creative writing with a double minor in Literature and WomenÕs, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. She is excited about uplifting stories by authors with marginalized voices and intersectional identities, ultimately making room for the diverse voices that have long since been ignored and suppressed in the literary world and beyond. When she isnÕt agenting, Annalise spends an excessive amount of time snuggling with her cat, Mittens, and writing romance novels that are more swoony than strictly necessary.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Thriller, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Rebecca Eskildsen is a literary agent with Writers House. She says: “I joined Writers House in 2017, supporting Merrilee Heifetz with all her clients’ needs. Under Merrilee’s guidance, I’ve worked closely with a range of incredible authors, including Neil Gaiman, the Estate of Octavia E. Butler, Alexandra Bracken, Beth Revis, Melissa Marr, Ellen Datlow, Kristen Orlando, Amanda Panitch, Allyson Dahlin, and Robin McKinley. Prior to my time at Writers House, I was part of the foreign rights department at JABberwocky Literary Agency, and before that, I spent two years as a bookseller.”
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Suzy Evans is a literary agent with and the founder of Suzy Evans Literary Agency. She says: “IÕm a literary agent, attorney, and author who holds a Ph.D. in history from UC Berkeley. My books include Machiavelli for Moms (Simon & Schuster) and Forgotten Crimes: The Holocaust and People with Disabilities. IÕm also a former ghostwriter for a #1 New York Times bestselling author with 30 million copies sold and my work has appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, and other publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Parade, McSweeneys, and The London Times.” In the adult market, IÕm on the hunt for great serious nonfiction, especially by historians looking to make a transition from an academic to trade audience and journalists who have something unique and significant to say. IÕm also on the lookout for smart parenting books with useful, original hooks (bonus points for humor!); food, health, and wellness titles, sports books with smart crossover appeal in other genres, especially history and philosophy (IÕd LOVE to find the next Golf in the Kingdom or Zen and the Art of Archery); self-help by experts with established platforms and riveting, elegantly-rendered memoir (favorites include William FinneganÕs Barbarian Days and Paul KalanithiÕs When Breath Becomes Air), as well as science and nature, pop culture, Òbig ideaÓ books about controversial issues, and small, quirky books that make me smile or think about the world in entirely new and surprising ways. IÕd also love to find a great legal thriller and IÕm ALWAYS on the hunt for timely and important books by and about smart, strong, badass women! On the childrenÕs front, I have a great love of middle grade and am on the hunt for lively, engaging nonfiction that pops off the page and makes kids excited about reading and learning; wacky/hilarious commercial MG fiction with series potential; and graphic novels that bring history, great works of literature, and fascinating historical figures (think Socrates! Machiavelli! Hamilton!) to life. I also have a soft spot for coming-of-age MG works, YA fiction that tackles difficult issues in bold, daring ways and with inventive formats that can be brought into the classroom to stimulate meaningful discussion and debate, and sweet, lyrical picture books that capture the imagination and call for multiple readings (classic and recent favorites include Stellaluna, Finding Winnie, Sarah and the Big Wave and The Cat Who Walked Across France). IÕd also love to find contemporary MG/YA fiction that explores diversity in all its glorious manifestations and a smart, high-concept thriller that has ÒMOVIE!Ó written all over it. Now for three random things about me: I donÕt have a sense of smell, I have a serious fear of boredom, butterflies, and Great White Sharks, and I drive my kids crazy with my REALLY bad jokes, like my all-time favorite: Why donÕt lobsters like to share? Because theyÕre shellfish!!! Ha!! And three of my favorite quotes include: ÒFind a job you enjoy doing and you will never have to work a day in your life.Ó Ð Mark Twain ÒThree things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.Ó Ð Henry James And: ÒFollow your bliss.Ó Ð Joseph Campbell
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Diet Nutrition, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nature, Nonfiction, Parenting, Philosophy, Pop Culture, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Samantha Fabien is a literary agent with Root Literary. She says: ÒI live for the rollercoaster of emotions that characters and stories can take me on. Whether IÕm swooning or gasping, I want to feel strongly enough about a project that I desperately need to share it with the world.Ó
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Lifestyle, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Cheyenne Faircloth is a literary agent with Handspun Literary. She joined Handspun Literary Agency as an agency assistant in 2021, after graduating with a B.F.A. in Creative Writing, and a certification in Publishing from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Before Handspun, Cheyenne interned as an editorial assistant at Howland Literary, and was a member of the editorial and acquisition teams at Lookout Books, an independent publisher that is home to National Book Award Finalist Edith Pearlman. Cheyenne also independently managed a book blog where she collaborated with both major and indie publishers to promote upcoming titles and participated in various promotional activities centered around supporting debut authors. Cheyenne is most interested in manuscripts from underrepresented communities, i.e. queer, BIPOC, AAPI, neurodivergent, and disabled voices. Her interests include YA, Southern Gothic, folkloric elements, gothic romances, fantasy stories with political elements and well-grounded world building, non-western mythology, sports romances in conversation with institutional issues/sexism/gender, and creatures from myth told through a queer allegorical lens. She is not currently accepting middle grade, picture books, or nonfiction.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Sports Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Mark Falkin is a literary agent with Falkin Literary Agency. Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mark Falkin graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and then the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He has lived in Texas for the last twenty years, where he is a literary agent and recovering music attorney, having represented platinum sellers and Grammy winners alike. His 2006 self-published novel, Days of Grace, was optioned for a film and nominated for a literary award, The Needle Award, at POD-dy Mouth blog, where the reviewer said, ÒThis is literature at its best . . . Falkin could easily be likened to the aforementioned Lethem or to Augusten Burroughs or even J.D. Salinger,Ó and Bookpeople in Austin noted, ÒHereÕs more proof that Austin is home to some of the best new writers around . . . FalkinÕs novel is reminiscent of the writing style found in Lethem, Sedaris, Coupland, and Kerouac, with his sharp wit and journalistic style.Ó Working on his next book, he lives with his wife and family in Austin, where he reads, coaches recreational soccer, tries to find time to paddle Texas waters, and keeps a sharp eye on his young daughters, snatching hugs here and there.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Satire, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Western Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Biography, Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Dating Relationships Sex, Family, Film Entertainment, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Illustrated, Journalism, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Photography, Pop Culture, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Travel, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Alison Fargis is a literary agent with Stonesong Literary Agency. She is a partner in Stonesong. With more than 25 years in publishing, Alison has cultivated a wide-ranging list of commercially successful and critically acclaimed writers, from New York Times bestselling cookbook authors to award-winning novelists and childrenÕs authors. She represents literary and commercial fiction, narrative and prescriptive nonfiction, business, pop culture and a handful of middle grade and young adult titles. Prior to joining Stonesong in 1995, she taught English to President V‡clav HavelÕs staff at the Prague Castle and taught high school English in P ’bram, Czech Republic. Alison was the recipient of a Dana Foundation Grant and a Foundation for a Civil Society (Soros Foundation) Fellowship. She graduated Vassar College with a B.A. in Art. Alison is looking for upmarket womenÕs fiction, book club fiction, and middle grade fiction that blurs the line between literary and commercial. Please no romance, high fantasy, true crime, poetry, or childrenÕs picture books.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Religious Fiction, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Sports, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Sam Farkas is a literary agent and foreign rights manager with Jill Grinberg Literary Management. She grew up in South Jersey and attended the College of William & Mary, where she received her B.A. in History and English. Upon graduation, she moved to New York to intern with Maria B. Campbell Associates, where she discovered her love for collaborating with agents and publishers around the world. She worked in the subsidiary rights department at Penguin before she joined the JGLM team in 2018. She handles foreign rights for all JGLM authors. An avid traveler, Sam has been to 14 countries spanning 4 continents, and dreams of visiting them all. She speaks Spanish, and can often be found on language-learning apps. Above all, Sam is drawn to exemplary writing. In Adult, Sam is looking for upmarket fiction of all stripes, but especially historical; fast-paced, high-concept speculative thrillers that make her heart race; lyrical and immersive fantasy; and single-title romance that simmers. Sam is also open to Young Adult and Middle Grade of all genres, but she has a special fondness for thoughtful contemporary, often with a speculative twist; historical with modern sensibilities; fantasy with morally gray protagonists and complicated character dynamics; the very strange, and the very funny. In all categories and genres, she is looking for diverse and underrepresented voices.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, 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, Food Drink, Health Wellness, History, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, 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
Katherine Fausset is a literary agent with the Curtis Brown Literary Agency. Katherine Fausset has worked in book publishing since 1998, starting at the Watkins/Loomis Agency. She joined Curtis Brown, Ltd. as an agent in 2006. She represents literary and commercial fiction, and select non-fiction, including multiple award-winning and national bestselling authors.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Thriller NONFICTION: Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Jessica Faust is a literary agent with the BookEnds Literary Agency. As owner and literary agent at BookEnds, she is honored to spend every day with some of the most talented authors and agents in the business. From BookEndsÕ inception in 1999, Jessica has always believed that her number one job is to be an author advocate. As BookEnds has grown, she now adds agent advocate to that responsibility. In addition to constantly growing BookEnds in new and innovative directions, Jessica represents many bestselling and award-winning authors. Her focus is on bringing more underrepresented and marginalized voices into publishing and her areas of expertise include mystery, suspense, upmarket, literary, and women’s fiction. In nonfiction, sheÕs seeking books and authors who will make her a better person and a better leader. Jessica began her career as an acquisitions editor at Berkley Publishing, Macmillan, and Wiley. In addition to nearly 15 years of blogging, Jessica has a regular role on the BookEnds YouTube channel, has taught at New York University’s Continuing Education Program, written a publishing column, and has been honored by a number of different publishing organizations. Jessica hosts workshops and speaking engagements throughout the world and is a member of AALA. While her heart will always be in Minnesota, Jessica now lives in New Jersey with her family. Outside of BookEnds, JessicaÕs passions include kettlebell lifting, walking Olive, skiing, paddle boarding, cooking, baking, reading other people’s books, and generally laughing with friends and family.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Psychology, Self-Help, Spirituality, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Hillary Fazzari is a literary agent with the Bradford Literary Agency. She joined the Bradford Literary Agency as the agencyÕs assistant in 2022 before moving into agenting in 2023. Prior to that, she served as a long-term reader and editor for another literary agency, interned at Writers House, and worked for Scholastic. She is a highly editorial agent and is looking for high concept, high stakes stories with deep character development and gorgeous, commercial prose. Overall, she acquires primarily Middle Grade and YA, and is open to any genre in those areas, including graphic novels. In New Adult and Adult, she acquires more selectively and is open to: Rom-coms; Romantasy; SFF with strong romantic elements; important female, queer, and/or nonbinary characters; and emotive plotlines; and Very select narrative nonfiction that focuses on history. For more details on what she is looking for in each category, please visit her Manuscript Wishlist Page. Overall, she is eager to see submissions from BIPOC and queer authors, loves magic systems and worldbuilding rooted in non-Western cultures, and appreciates the deep trauma, high emotion, and high stakes of K-dramas, C-dramas, J-dramas, etc., which means that she is eager to see stories in any genre or area she represents that contain similar vibes. One of the best ways to catch HillaryÕs attention is to have your story feature a strong romance and also be fun, highly emotive, deeply staked, and exciting all at the same time! Glitz, political/court intrigue, interesting settings, A-spec characters, Black joy, and diaspora, immigrant, and refugee experiences are all things she is very open to and not just in rom-com or contemporary; she would also love to see more of these elements featured or centered in SFF as well.
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FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Art, History, Multicultural Nonfiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Esther Fedorkevich is the founder of The Fedd Agency. She launched her career in 1997 as a salesperson for a major book publisher. Within six months, Esther sold a million dollars in products. From there she went to work for Dave Ramsey, a New York Times bestselling author and television host with a nationally syndicated radio program. She worked in the publishing department, selling and marketing DaveÕs books and other projects, and fell in love with book publishing. When Esther was pregnant with her first child, her entrepreneurial spirit was charged and decided to venture out on her own, selling books and ideas as a literary agent. Esther founded The Fedd Agency in 2003 and began investing in authors. Her first client came to her for help when William Morris could not secure a book deal, even after pitching it for two years. With her innovative intervention and her acute business sense and selling skills, Esther got the author a three-book deal within two months. Esther continues to hone her innate marketing and sales talents, coupling that with a passion for selling life-changing books. Esther firmly believes she doesnÕt just represent authors, she represents and builds futures. Using her natural entrepreneurial sensibilities, Esther also negotiates deals for film, television, and other derivative products. Additionally, The Fedd Agency offers agency guided publishing and audio book production services. Esther lives in Austin, TX and has and two rockstar kids, Alexi Jane and Paul Gregory. In her spare time, you can find Esther shooting hoops, swinging a golf club or tennis racket, reading, or cooking gourmet meals for her family and friends. Her favorite book is How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
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FICTION: Fiction, Religious Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Business Book, Celebrity, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, General Nonfiction, Inspirational Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Don Fehr is the Senior Vice President and a literary agent with Trident Media Group. After a twenty-year career in senior-level editorial jobs (Atheneum, Addison-Wesley, Viking Penguin, and Basic Books) and as a publisher (Smithsonian/Harper Collins), Don Fehr joined the Trident literary agency in 2010. His industry reputation is that of an editorÕs editor, intensely loyal, author-centered, and entrepreneurial in the publishing and marketing of his writers. And his experience in working with authors in many genres and subject areas, ranging from bestsellers to award winners, has given him a sense of what works in the marketplace. Don has published over a dozen New York Times bestsellers, and his authors and books have won numerous awards, including The Nobel Prize for Literature, the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the P.E.N. Faulkner Award, the Los Angeles Times Book Award, the Bancroft Prize, among others. Prominent authors he has worked with over the years have included political and legal commentators Jeffrey Toobin and Alan Dershowitz, medical writers, Dr. Sherwin B. Nuland, Dr. Pauline Chen and Dr. Haider Warraich, psychiatrist Peter D. Kramer, historians Niall Ferguson, Charles Maier, Sven Beckert, Jeremy Adelman, Eliga Gould, David Oshinsky, Sunil Amrith, Patricia Limerick, Christopher Andrew, W. Bruce Lincoln, Walter McDougall, Thomas Fleming, Robert Cowley, David Reynolds, Lonnie Bunch, Leslie Harris, Willard Sterne Randall, John Jeffries Martin, Robert Harms, Omer Bartov, Amir Weiner, Tara Zahra, Dagmar Herzog, Edith Sheffer, Jeffrey Veidlinger, James Loeffler, Hasia Diner, Jochen Hellbeck, Nancy Sinkoff, Peter Baldwin, Priya Satia, Jennifer Mittelstadt, Bathsheba Demuth, Nile Green, and Richard Evans, novelists Peter Handke, Charles Johnson, Ishmael Reed, Kathryn Harrison, and Kenneth Bonert, poets Patrick Phillips and Kathleen Spivack, scientists and science writers Carl Zimmer, Franz De Waal, Daniela Schiller, Ian Tattersall, Robert DeSalle, and Melvin Konner, theologians Harvey Cox, Richard John Neuhaus, Mark C. Taylor, Timothy Beal, Thomas Tweed, and Gary Dorrien, actors Simon Callow and Klaus Kinski, pianist Andras Schiff, and other authors including Christopher Hitchens, Paul Berman, Thomas Sowell, Gerald Early, Richard Rhodes, Richard Reeves, Bruce Chatwin, Kevin Philips, John Yoo, Randy Barnett, Fred Waitzkin, Maura Spiegel, Jean Pfaelzer, Tony Platt, Brent Edwards, Ted Genoways, Nathaniel Comfort, and Caroline Fraser. ÒNow I am using my experience and insights as a book agent to help my authors navigate the internal and changing dynamics of the publishing processes to maximize the upside while still protecting their long-term interests,Ó says Don. ÒI roam widely in terms of subject areas and categories that interest me, but what always catches my attention first is the authorÕs voice. Just about everything flows from that. I must be pulled in by the authorÕs voice before I get interested in the story or subject.Ó says Don.
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FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Autobiography, Biography, Business Book, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Fitness, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Law Legal, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Leigh Feldman is a literary agent with and the founder of Leigh Feldman Literary. She says: “During her thirty years in the publishing industry, Leigh Feldman has represented authors of literary and commercial adult fiction, young-adult fiction, short stories, middle-grade series, narrative non-fiction, and memoirs. Leigh began her career with Darhansoff & Verrill, where she represented National Book Award winner Cold Mountain and best-selling Memoirs of a Geisha. Leigh’s identification with the teens, in Sarah Dessen’s first novel, That Summer (1996), was the beginning of an Author/Agent relationship spanning 25+ years and 14 best-selling novels. Leigh moved to Writers House in 2011 and subsequently started her eponymous agency; Leigh Feldman Literary. Leigh Feldman LiteraryÕs list of clients has always been extremely selective; allowing the attention and support services they deserve. Though discriminating, the agency is open to considering talented writers who have been honing their craft for years. Whatever the genre, LFL is drawn to books with complex, believable, sympathetic characters, that transport the reader into a world both new and unexpected, and stories that compel readers to put aside all daily cares and turn the page. If your work fits this description (AND, you consider yourself “a writer”–rather than someone who has a “great idea for a book”) — please follow the submission guidelines below. Watch Leigh in conversation with Priyanka Champaneri and Restless Books editor and marketing director, Nathan Rostron, for AuthorÕs Guild.”
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FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Short Story Collection NONFICTION: Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction