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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
Isabel Kaufman is a literary agent with Fox Literary. She is actively looking to build her list in fantasy & science fiction, adult literary fiction, horror, historical fiction, contemporary commercial fiction, and upper-level young adult literature. She is looking for smart, inventive, ambitious storytelling and welcomes speculative elements across all genres. She is also interested in creative nonfiction and microhistories particularly related to travel, food, and incisive cultural perspectives on luxury and beauty. Her taste is varied, but she is consistently drawn to dynamic, thoughtful prose and vibrant character voice. She is actively seeking work from historically underrepresented and marginalized perspectives. She appreciates fresh takes on familiar archetypes, new perspectives on well-known myths and fairytales, and crossover rehabilitations of “archaic” genres such as noir, gothic, and classical revenge tragedy (she has a master’s in revenge tragedy and is willing to get bloody!). Recent books she has loved include THE GLASS HOTEL, by Emily St. John Mandel; SEVERANCE, by Ling Ma; the LOCKED TOMB trilogy, by Tamsyn Muir; PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE, by Samantha Shannon; THE IDIOT, by Elif Batuman; LUSTER, by Raven Leilani; PLAIN BAD HEROINES, by Emily Danforth; FRESHWATER, by Akwaeke Emezi. Nonfiction favorites include PRIESTDADDY, by Patricia Lockwood; SECONDHAND TIME, by Svetlana Alexievich; BLOOD, BONES, AND BUTTER, by Gabrielle Hamilton; and THE EMPEROR OF SCENT, by Luca Turin. Permanent must-read authors include Helen Oyeyemi and Megan Abbott.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Beauty Fashion Style, Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Lifestyle, Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Tamara Kawar is a literary agent with DeFiore and Company. Tamara joined DeFiore and Company in 2022. She started her career with internships at Macmillan and Writers House, then worked at ICM for five years. Tamara represents writer and illustrator clients in both the childrenÕs and adult markets, with a particular focus on talented LGBTQ+ and BIPOC storytellers. She holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature from Princeton University and an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from Columbia University. She also serves on the AALAÕs Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, where she co-directs a mentorship program for early career agents from underrepresented backgrounds. Tamara is actively seeking graphic novels for all ages and across genres; science fiction, fantasy, horror, and historical fiction for middle grade, YA, and adult readers; upmarket and book club fiction, especially genre-bending stories, and those with an international bent; and adult & YA rom-coms and romance featuring LGBTQ+ characters. She also represents select nonfiction for young readers, including illustrated projects. Across all categories, she is passionate about championing marginalized voices and perspectives.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, Cultural Social Issues, Illustrated, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Photography, Pop Culture CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Board Book, Chapter Book Nonfiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Rachel Kent is a literary agent with Books & Such Literary Agency. Rachel Kent has been an agent with Books & Such since 2007. Rachel started at Books & Such as a summer intern while she was attending U.C. Davis and then, after graduating, worked part-time at the agency as an assistant. Her favorite part of the job was reading a manuscript and providing an author with feedback to help him or her to improve the project. She graduated from Davis in three years with a bachelorÕs degree in English and minors in both religious studies and psychology. Rachel has more than eight years of experience and training working closely with Janet Kobobel Grant and Wendy Lawton, as well as part-time with author Robin Jones Gunn in creating marketing materials and promotional ideas to keep Robin connected with her readers. Through RachelÕs work at the agency and with authors, she has gained an understanding of the publishing process, contract negotiation, and what it takes to successfully write and market a book. RachelÕs goal is to develop strong relationships with her authors and to help them to develop lasting relationships with their editors and publishers. Good relationships have always been important to her. She likes to stick by people. She believes that as long as two people are dedicated toward working together, the relationship can work, and they can accomplish the task at hand. Rachel acquires fiction and nonfiction projects with a special interest in YA, 20-something and 30-something projects. She lives with her husband and family in Northern California.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: General Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction NONFICTION: Christian Books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction
Biography
Chris Kepner is a literary agent with and the founder of The Kepner Agency. He says: “I’ve been working in the publishing industry since 2008, both as a literary agent and director of international rights. I have negotiated hundreds of book licenses all over the world, and I couldn’t be more excited about establishing this agency. Discovering authors is my passion, and building a new list is an absolute thrill. If you’re an author seeking representation, please review my query guidelines. I live with my amazing wife and daughter in New Jersey, a half-hour west of Manhattan. I’m originally from the lovely Buffalo area and still visit family and friends there at least twice a year. I studied English and business at Notre Dame, and I never thought IÕd find a profession that so perfectly utilizes these two disciplines. IÕm a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan. I’ve been in love with music and skiing for as long as I can remember, and I try to get out on the golf course or ropes course whenever I can. By the way, if anyone knows where you can ride devil karts in the U.S., let me know! I did this once at Bromley Mountain in Vermont, but they’ve since shut it down for what I can only assume were insane liability considerations. Our lives may seem meaningless when you take a broad space-time perspective, but this world we all share… it’s pretty special. Let’s cherish it, and one another, while we can. Be at ease. Be confident in who you are. Be mindful that everyone else is their own universe of thought and feeling, and be forgiving.”
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Computers, Cookbook Cooking, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Science, Sports, Technology, Travel
Biography
Kat Kerr is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. She graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelors in English in 2009. Kat feels strongly about supporting programs like We Need Diverse Books and is passionate about creating space in this industry for those from historically marginalized communities.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Food Drink, Journalism, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Memoir, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Psychology, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Emily S. Keyes is a literary agent with and the founder of Keyes Agency. She has represented many award-winning titles mainly (but not exclusively) in the realm of childrenÕs literature. She loves finding and nurturing new talent, as well as reading and representing projects that will get readers excited to go to the bookstore. Emily is actively searching for all kinds of childrenÕs literature, as well as select adult projects in genre fictionÑso long as itÕs not ÒseriousÓ literature. She is searching for authors and illustrators who will be her coworker for a long career. Previously she worked at the L. Perkins Agency as a contracts manager and associate agent. Before that, she was a Contracts Administrator at Simon & Schuster for five years. In 2008, she graduated from New York UniversityÕs Center for Publishing. Emily lives in Brooklyn but she can usually be found spending too much time on the internet. For a better idea of who she is and what she represents, follow her on Twitter and Tumblr.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Humor Nonfiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Women’s Issues 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
Kirby Kim is a literary agent with Janklow & Nesbit Associates. A native of Los Angeles, California, Kirby attended Harvard-Westlake high school then went to Pomona College where he was a PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) major. He spent the year after graduation teaching English in South Korea and when he returned moved to San Francisco to get his JD at UC Hastings College of the Law. Kirby moved out to New York in the spring of 2004 and got his first job in publishing working for Charlotte Sheedy Literary, at that time an affiliate of Sterling Lord Literistic. He then moved to Vigliano Associates where he gradually started representing his own projects. In 2008, he joined Endeavor which the following year merged with William Morris. He stayed at WME for five years before joining Janklow & Nesbit. Kirby represents both literary and commercial authors. When it comes to literary work, heÕs alternatively drawn to rich, sweeping stories that try to encompass a time or a place or tightly written, narratively innovative stories that bridge genres. His commercial interests include thriller, horror, speculative and science fiction, young adult, and middle grade. He also represents a range of nonfiction working with leaders and journalists in the areas of science, culture and current affairs. HeÕs also known for representing pop culture, in particular music and comedy. Kirby is currently a board member of the Asian American Writers Workshop. He lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife and two kids.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Horror, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction NONFICTION: Business Book, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Economics, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, How-To, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Reference, Science, Self-Help, Sports, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Natalie Kimber is a literary agent with The Rights Factory. She has worked with The Rights Factory since 2014, and is based in the New York area. She previously worked with the Georgetown University Booklab, and Literary and Creative Artists in Washington, DC. She is an associate editor for Monologging.org, organizer of the NYC Writers Circle, and founder of the Weehawken Writers and Artists Studio. She takes pride in guiding authors through the strategy and practical process of publishing, and yet she acknowledges that a wondrous magic is at work when books come into form.
As an aesthete and theologian at heart, she aspires to a Òpost-mystic modernÓ philosophy, which attempts to reintegrate our mystic roots and intuition with contemporary thought. Nat hails from the WestÑspecifically Colorado and New MexicoÑand cherishes art and books that capture that region. She is an avid cook and gardener, and credits her encyclopedic knowledge of food, wine and spirits to 20+ years of work in the restaurant industry. She canÕt live without chiles, cheese, potatoes, and wine. She discovered a love of classic and pre-code cinema when she joined a film club during the early days of the pandemic. She lives with her partner, two snuggly cats, and a rambunctious bunny in Weehawken, NJ.
In fiction she is looking for: literary, commercial, and upmarket womenÕs and LGBTQ+ fiction, romance, comedies, international or transnational stories, action/adventure, animal stories, modern mythology, nostalgic and historical fiction, and short fiction collections with a strong theme. It is most important that authors understand the WHY of their story and methods of storytelling. Novels and fiction need to have a great hook, while also showcasing craft. Within speculative fiction she likes magical realism, occult, and horror, but is not looking for traditional science fiction or fantasy.
She will consider the following YA categories: realistic/contemporary, rebellious teen fiction, boy books, horror, suspense/thriller, and some nonfiction for teens, especially if the book is related to activism, sustainability, empowerment, creative arts or personal growth. She is not looking for YA sci-fi or fantasy.
For nonfiction she is looking for: humor, memoir, biography, lifestyle, art, health, environment/climate, animal/pets, healing, spiritual/occult, history (especially ancient), peace studies, music, food/cooking/cocktails, pop culture, relationship, regional and international studies, writing craft, essay collections and literary criticism. She requests that authors use appropriate content warnings when querying with sensitive material.
Follow Nat on Twitter @Nat_TRF and Instagram @Zsunita.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | New Literary Agents |Juvenile Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Action Adventure | Commercial Fiction | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Animals | Art | Biography | Cookbook Cooking | Dating Relationships Sex | Environment | Food Drink | Gardening | Health Wellness | History | Humor Nonfiction | Memoir | Music | Nature | Pop Culture | Science | Spirituality |
Biography
Kim-Mei Kirtland is a literary agent with the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. She is actively taking on clients who write speculative fiction, literary fiction, and nonfiction. Her primary focus is work for adult and YA audiences, but she is open to select middle grade projects. In fiction, she is particularly interested in hard science fiction, secondary world fantasy, space opera, magical realism, fabulism, and urban fantasy; in nonfiction, she is primarily open to history, biography, popular science, and food and travel writing with a strong voice. Books that have resonated with her recently include the Imperial Radch novels by Ann Leckie, PRIVATE CITIZENS by Tony Tulathimutte, HOW TO BE BOTH by Ali Smith, and THE FOUR THOUSAND, THE EIGHT HUNDRED by Greg Egan. She is not the best audience for work in the thriller or romance genres without speculative elements.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, History, Nonfiction, Science, Travel, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Ian Kleinert is a literary agent with Paradigm Literary and Talent Agency. Kleinert was most recently the CEO and founding partner of Projector Media, which focused on literary management and investor-backed digital platforms for groups like SALT Events, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Propagate Content, and sports legends Joe Namath and Cal Ripken Jr. Kleinert was also the founder of the full service literary management company Objective Entertainment. During his time there, he represented and packaged book and subsidiary deals for writers and artists like Pulitzer Prize winner Quiara Alegr’a Hudes, Wendy Williams, Margaret Hoover, Kanye West and Donda West, Voletta Wallace and The Estate of The Notorious B.I.G., and many more. Over his nearly three decades in entertainment, Kleinert has secured publishing deals for more than 300 books, He began his career in 1994 at Fifi Oscard Agency. He later became a lit agent at William Morris Agency, where he represented novelists including ÒGame Of ThronesÓ co-creator D.B. Weiss.
Notes
FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, Business Book, Cookbook Cooking, Current Events Affairs, Dating Relationships Sex, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Journalism, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Sports, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Peter Knapp is a literary agent and partner with Park, Fine & Brower Literary Management. First joining Park Literary in 2011, Peter Knapp represents authors of middle grade and young adult fiction. His clients include New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors, such as Soman Chainani, Lindsay Cummings, Sara Holland, Will Walton, Emily Bain Murphy, and more. Before joining Park Literary (now PFLM), he was at Floren Shieh Productions, a book-scouting agency working with film clients, and he continues to actively look for cinematic manuscripts with great hooks, as well as literary stories with awards-potential. A graduate of New York University, Pete now lives in Brooklyn with his husband.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Sheyla Knigge is a literary agent with High Line Literary Collective. After several years spent sleuthing through the submissions in Victoria MariniÕs query inbox, Sheyla Knigge (SHAY-luh KUH-nig-gee) is now actively using the skills she sharpened in that capacity to build her own dynamic bookshelf filled with the talented authors she currently represents. Sheyla is an expert at discovering fresh voices and relentlessly advocating for the successful publication of the stories she loves. Her unwavering enthusiasm for her authors is contagious, and she possesses an unrivaled ability to match authors with ideal homes for their books. Sheyla is an active member of the AALA and a mentee for the Literary Agents of Change 2024-2025 Cohort. She can be found at various writers conferences across the country from the Writers’ League of Texas Conference in Austin to the Atlanta Writers Conference, fulfilling her love of getting to work with authors one-on-one. Sheyla is also known for spotting universal book concepts with robust foreign potential, with major titles earning out their advances from global sales even before their domestic debuts. When sheÕs not working, you can find Sheyla tucked away writing, getting more tattoos, or spending time with her family in the Appalachian Mountains.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Erotic Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Deidre Knight is a literary agent with The Knight Agency. Deidre established The Knight Agency in 1996 after working in film and television. In the years since that time, she has built a dynamic, bestselling client list, placing over a thousand titles in a broad range of categories, including womenÕs fiction, commercial fiction, fantasy, young adult, romance, LGBT, middle grade, memoir and nonfiction narrative, personal finance, business, true crime, sports, popular culture, self-help, religion, health, and parenting. Her recent sales include books placed with Penguin Putnam, Random House, St. MartinÕs, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, HarperCollins, Harlequin, Thomas Nelson, and Avon. DeidreÕs clients have appeared on every major bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, PublisherÕs Weekly, Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times Bestseller Lists. Her authors have won countless awards, including the coveted RITA, the Gold Medallion, the Walden Books Award for Best New Author, and many others. SheÕs also a knitter, an amateur photographer, and an author who loves to spend time with her family.
Notes
FICTION: Chick Lit, Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Business Book, Celebrity, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Design, Film Entertainment, Fitness, Food Drink, Gardening, Health Wellness, History, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Money Finance, Music, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Politics, Pop Culture, Psychology, Religion, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Technology, Travel, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Stacey Kondla is a literary agent with The Rights Factory. She is a life-long bibliophile, StaceyÕs experience includes working as a Field Representative for Scholastic Book Fairs, managing at Chapters/Indigo stores, freelance editing, and serving on the organizing committee of When Words Collide (A Festival for Readers and Writers). She joined The Rights Factory in 2018 and represents fiction and nonfiction authors across age categories and across genres. Stacey is drawn to strong narrative voices, innovative storytelling, feeling all the feels, laughing all the laughs, and also the dark and the weird.
Not looking for:
Erotica, Self-help, Inspirational, Politics, Trauma Memoirs
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | New Literary Agents |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | Historical Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mainstream Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Biography | History | Pop Culture | Science | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Sara Kornienko is a literary agent with the Barbara Bova Literary Agency. She holds a M.A. in English and a B.A. in English with minors in Creative Writing and Journalism from Florida Gulf Coast University. During her MasterÕs program, she was the Co-Editor-in-Chief of Florida Gulf Coast UniversityÕs literary journal, Mangrove Review. Currently, Sara teaches writing courses at her alma mater. As an educator and avid reader, she believes stories have the power to connect us, forge understanding, and foster healing. She is passionate about sharing her love of writing and helping others find their unique voice so they can tell their own stories. In 2023, she joined Barbara Bova Literary Agency, and as a literary agent, she is excited to help authors along their writing journey and champion their amazing books. Sara was born and raised in Kansas City, but after more than 10 years in Southwest Florida, sheÕs officially a FloridianÑpulling her winter clothes out of the closet any time the temperature hits the 60s. When sheÕs not reading, she can be found at a local coffee shop, walking the beach, or playing tennis with her husband.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Elizabeth Kracht is a literary agent with Kimberley Cameron & Associates. Elizabethjoined Kimberley Cameron & Associates in the fall of 2010 and is the author of The AuthorÕs Checklist: An AgentÕs Guide to Developing and Editing Your Manuscript. She represents both literary and commercial fiction as well as nonfiction, and brings to the agency experience as a former acquisitions editor, freelance publicist, and writer. ElizabethÕs career in publishing took root in Puerto Rico where she completed her BA in English and worked as a copyeditor and proofreader for an English-language newspaper. When she returned to the mainland, she found her Òvein of goldÓ in book publishing. She thrives on working closely with authors to build their careers, and is currently in graduate school earning her MFA in creative writing at San Jose State University. ElizabethÕs eclectic life experience drives her interests. She appreciates writing that has depth, an introspective voice, and is thematically layered. Having lived in cities such as New York, San Francisco, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, she is compelled by multicultural themes and characters and is drawn toward strong settings. In fiction, she represents literary, commercial, womenÕs, thrillers, mysteries, historical, and crossover YA. In nonfiction, she is interested in high concept, health, science, environment, prescriptive, investigative, true crime, voice- or adventure-driven memoir, sexuality, spirituality, and animal/pet stories.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Crime Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Animals, Biography, Dating Relationships Sex, Environment, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Gift Novelty, Health Wellness, Humor Nonfiction, Investigative, LGBTQ Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Parenting, Pop Culture, Reference, Science, Self-Help, Spirituality, True Adventure, True Crime, Upmarket Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Lexie Krauss is a literary agent at the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. She joined Marsal Lyon in 2022 after interning at Laura Dail Literary Agency. She was born and raised in the wilds of Northern California and graduated from Mills College with a degree in English/Creative Writing. When she isnÕt reading manuscripts, sheÕs keeping her finger on the pulse of the market as a bookseller.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, General Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Biography
Miriam Kriss is a literary agent with the and the founder of Codex Literary Agency. She launched the Codex Literary Agency in 2024, after nearly two decades at the Irene Goodman Literary Agency, where she served as Vice-President. She is excited to grow Codex Literary, a boutique agency with a full service reach. She represents everything from hardcover historical mysteries to all subgenres of romance, from thrillers to science fiction, from young adult fiction to fantasies, and everything in between. If it’s fun to read she probably represents it. She doesn’t look for specific stories, focusing instead on finding a voice she can fall in love with and champion. This strategy of taking on only clients she’s passionate about has led to six-figure deals for first-time authors and numerous client appearances on the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists. She’s confident that if someone has the narrative drive to keep her up late turning pages, she can help them do the same. Her passion is helping writers hone their voices and discover their strengths.
Notes
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Dean Krystek is a literary agent with WordLink, Incorporated. Dean, a Pittsburgh native, holds a BA in English from the University of South Carolina. After a successful career in the Army that took him from the sizzling heat of Vietnam to the cool interior of Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado, Dean retired as a Sergeant Major. Afterward, he held numerous positions in the private sector and state & federal government, including participating in Operation Enduring Freedom as a Department of Defense subject matter expert training the Afghanistan national army for several years. When he finally turned his attention from wars to words, he brought WordLink, an agency begun in New Zealand by a college friend, to Pennsylvania. Dean is looking for authors with distinctive voices whose narratives invoke a strong sense of time and place and whose stories create a memorable reading experience. HeÕd like to see mysteries (whodunit, cozy); sci-fi (space opera, dystopian, alternate history, time travel); psychological suspense; thrillers; military fiction (character-driven pieces; favoring post-WWII. **Vietnam**). In YA he would like to see mysteries, paranormal, sci-fi, coming-of-age, and suspense with writing that stirs the imagination and caters to the young readerÕs sense of wonder and adventure.
Notes
FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Espionage Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Satire, Science Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Current Events Affairs, Health Wellness, History, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
David Kuhn is a literary agent and partner with Aevitas Creative Management. He has represented Amy SchumerÕs #1 New York Times bestseller The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo; Liaquat AhamedÕs Pulitzer Prize winning bestseller Lords of Finance; New York Times columnist Charles BlowÕs Fire Shut Up in My Bones; Jessi KleinÕs bestseller YouÕll Grow Out of It; New Yorker editor Mary NorrisÕs bestseller Between You and Me; Marina AbramovicÕs Walk Through Walls; Linda HirshamnsÕ bestselling Sisters in Law; and Jessye NormanÕs Stand Up Straight and Sing! Kuhn graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College and worked for many years as a magazine editor (Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, BrillÕs Content) before founding, in 2002, Kuhn Projects, which merged with Zachary Shuster Harmsworth in 2016 to form Aevitas. Kuhn, based in New York, represents nonfiction books that will educate, entertain, and enlighten in the areas of memoir, current events, history, politics, culture, style, food, music, and entertainment.
Notes
FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Sports Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Biography, BIPOC Nonfiction, Business Book, Computers, Cookbook Cooking, Cultural Social Issues, Current Events Affairs, Film Entertainment, Food Drink, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Humor Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Money Finance, Multicultural Nonfiction, Music, Nonfiction, Politics, Pop Culture, Religion, Science, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books
Biography
Alex Brown is a literary agent with the Mad Woman Literary Agency. She is a Locus Award finalist who loves rooting for the Final GirlÑespecially if sheÕs a monster. AlexÕs YA Horror Comedy debut, Damned If You Do, was a Junior Library Gold Standard Selection and was also placed on TayshaÕs Reading List. Alex is the co-editor of Night of the Living Queers and the editor of The House Where Death Lives, a YA Horror anthology that also received the JLG Gold Standard distinction. Alex served as a mentor in Pitch Wars and Author Mentor Match and is passionate about working with writers to amplify the heart of their stories. Alex loves collaboration and is excited about working with her clients to form sustainable, long-term careers in publishing. Alex has worked with New York Times Bestselling authors, Stonewall Honors recipients, and many other critically acclaimed authors on various projects. SheÕs aways ready to root for and brag about all of her clients.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Chick Lit, Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Sarah Landis is a literary agent with Sterling Lord Literistic. She represents a wide range of fiction from middle grade to adult. Sarah is particularly drawn to high-concept plots, big hooks, speculative fiction, twisty thrillers, novels with a strong emotional core, and sweeping fantasy. She is always on the lookout for new talent and narrative risk-takers. Her clientsÕ novels have received a variety of accolades, including Barnes and Noble book club selections and ReeseÕs Book Club, and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists as well as international bestseller lists around the globe. Before joining Sterling Lord Literistic in 2017, Sarah worked as an editor for fifteen years, holding roles at G.P. PutnamÕs Sons, Hyperion Books, HarperCollins ChildrenÕs Books, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers. Sarah graduated with a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia.
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FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, New Adult Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: How-To, Nonfiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Mira Landry is a literary agent with the Corvisiero Literary Agency. She is an associate literary agent at Corvisiero Literary Agency. Born and raised in British Columbia, she has lived on four continents, traveled to over eighty countries, and now resides in Colorado with her husband where she still seeks adventure in both real life and on the page. She has a bachelorÕs degree from the University of British Columbia and a Certificate of Creative Writing from Simon Fraser University. After a decade building her own business as a photographer, sheÕs eager to help authors turn their art into a career. As a Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers board member and past co-chair for their Colorado Gold Conference, sheÕs dedicated to building writing and literary communities through events and educational programming. This has extended to her co-hosting a new podcast, Writers Who Read, analyzing recently published novels using Literary Forensics. Mira is seeking literary and upmarket adult fiction, ideally character-driven literary explorations with efficient, stunning prose and commercially appealing plots. SheÕd love to see experimental, artful writing that reels her in with continuously building tension and curiosity. She likes when speculative aspects are well-woven amid the protagonistÕs journey and mostly set within our current reality without too many dragons, vampires, or aliens. She prefers romance that is embedded in womenÕs fiction, and mysteries rich in visceral settings and complex characters. Mira would specifically love to see more work from Indigenous/First Nations authors, as well other historically marginalized and underrepresented voices.
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FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Art, BIPOC Nonfiction, Cultural Social Issues, Economics, Environment, Fitness, Health Wellness, Journalism, Medical Medicine, Memoir, Mind Body Spirit, Narrative Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Politics, Psychology, Science, Self-Help, Sports, Women’s Issues CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Gabriela Laracuente Sanchez is a literary agent with Howland Literary. She had the opportunity to join the Howland team as an intern while completing a BA in English: Editing, Writing, and Media with a minor in WomenÕs Studies from Florida State University. During this time, she was also the Editor in Chief of The Experience and Editorial Assistant of the Kudzu Review. These experiences led her to help authors navigate the publishing process as a Publications Project Manager. She lives in Dickinson, Texas. Gabriela has since rejoined the Howland team and represents adult fiction and nonfiction. In adult fiction, she is looking for literary and upmarket works that have strong cultural influencesÑespecially from Hispanic and Latine backgrounds. She wants to see works that explore topics of cultural identity, complex family dynamics, womanhood, and characters adapting to new spaces. She is also interested in projects that are multilingual and utilize code-switching, incorporate elements of magical realism and speculative fiction, and incorporate elements of food writing. In adult nonfiction, she is looking for cookbooks of Latin-American and Caribbean cuisine.
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FICTION: BIPOC Fiction, Family Saga, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense Fiction, Thriller, Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Diet Nutrition, Food Drink, Health Wellness, Nonfiction, Pop Culture
Biography
Oliver Latsch is a literary agent with and the founder of LatschLit Literary Agency and Translation. He says: “I am a literary agent, representing literature and non-fiction for children, young adults and grown-ups worldwide. I also translate German to and from English for fiction, non-fiction, as well as commercial and academic texts.”
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FICTION: Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Science Fiction NONFICTION: Biography, Cookbook Cooking, General Nonfiction, Health Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Nonfiction, Science CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Chapter Book Fiction, Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Picture Book, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Biography
Rebecca Lawrence is a literary agent with The Booker Albert Literary Agency. After graduating with a B.A. in Professional Writing, Rebecca completed internships with Christian Indie Publishing Association and ArtHouse Literary Agency before moving to Booker Albert Literary Agency. From a young age, she has been fascinated with epic worlds like LOTR and The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. Books with romantic elements like Ella Enchanted, The Goose Girl, and The Cruel Prince all have places in her top ten. She also adores historical fiction like The Wednesday Wars and iconic masterpieces like Monica Hesse’s They Went Left, but her all-time favorite novel has to be the grounded fantasy The Scorpio Races. Her favorite tropes are houses-with-personality (think House of Leaves or The Haunting of Hill House), zombie apocalypses like in the book World War Z, and underwater worlds. Regardless of genre, Rebecca is looking for stories that have good pacing, grounded worlds, and believable characters. She is interested in fantasy of all kinds and anything that has a good hook. She would love to see more scary YA and MG historical fiction.
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FICTION: Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, Humor Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Thriller NONFICTION: Cookbook Cooking, Dating Relationships Sex, History, Humor Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Self-Help, True Crime CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Thao Le is a literary agent at the Dijkstra Agency since 2011. Sherepresents children’s, YA, Romance, and Sci-fi/Fantasy. She enjoys lever, heartfelt, and commercial middle grade and YA in prose or graphic novel format and across genres. In the Adult SFF realm, sheÕs a fan of contemporary fantasy, near future science fiction, and romantic fantasy. In romance, her favorite tropes are: hate-to-love/enemies-to-lovers, slow burn, forbidden/doomed romance, fake dating/marriage of convenience, grumpy/sunshine, mistaken identities, and she is a sucker for beta second male leads who steal the show (and hopefully the heroineÕs heart!). If you can make her think of her favorite Asian Dramas then youÕre on the right track! In general, sheÕs a fan of high concepts that feel fresh and exciting. SheÕs especially drawn to character driven stories about family and friendships from the POV of diverse protagonists. SheÕs a fan of characters who are passionate about the arts, STEM, activism, and geeky fandoms. SheÕs a big reader of fanfiction and love that style of bingeable writing. She adores stories with a touch of magic and whimsy, and is a lifelong fan of mythology and fairytales. SheÕs interested in all things gothic, cottagecore, and dark academia. Though she has represented them in the past, she is currently NOT looking for picture book writers at the moment. ThaoÕs clients include New York Times and Indie bestselling authors such as Ali Hazelwood, Thea Guanzon, Sandhya Menon, Evelyn Skye, Jessie Sima, Jessica Kim, and moreÉ Thao is NOT looking for: non-fiction, adult literary fiction, adult general fiction, mystery/thriller/suspense, memoirs, poetry, religious/spiritual books, screenplays, or short stories. My Current MSWLs are: I am keen to find high concept romances (either YA or Adult) with a touch of speculative similar to popular Webtoons like: See You in My 19th Life, Operation True Love. IÕm a big fan of board games and escape rooms, so IÕm usually drawn to MG and YA stories that are a little puzzle-y and wraps up logically and cleverly. Think The Westing Game and The Mysterious Benedict Society. I love murder mysteries like Knives Out, but not mystery as the main genre/market. I particularly like mystery in Middle Grade like books such as Lockwood & Co. IÕm a huge fan of The Bear (Hulu) and would love to see an Adult romance featuring a sensitive yet tough and tatted Chef hero or other similar type of sensitive hero/love interest who is in a demanding career. I am a Jane Austen fan and my favorite is Emma. IÕm always a sucker for a unique take on Austen such as a retelling through the POV of an unexpected character or a new setting. IÕm also a fan of ships that have the vibe of the Princess Mononoke knife scene. My favorite fanfic AUs are: Coffeeshop, Flower Shop, and Soulmates/Fated Mates. Some of my favorite mythologies and fairytales include, but arenÕt limited to: ChangÕEr & Hou Yi, Yuki-onna, Swan Lake, Orpheus & Eurydice, Bluebeard, Tam Lin, Donkeyskin While I enjoy GRRM and Tolkien, IÕm not the best agent for adult epic fantasies unless itÕs particularly character driven. IÕm also not the best fit for any military, alien invasion stories, or hard science fiction. IÕm also not the best person for most action thriller stories involving cops, spies, or corporate espionage.
Notes
FICTION: Action Adventure, BIPOC Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Family Saga, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ Fiction, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Mystery, New Adult Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction CHILDRENÕS BOOKS: Children’s Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction