Guide to Literary Agents: The Most Trusted Guide to Getting Published (Market) (2015)
LITERARY AGENTS
Literary Agents generate 98-100 percent of their income from commission on sales. They do not charge for reading, critiquing or editing your manuscript or book proposal. It’s the goal of an agent to find salable manuscripts: Her income depends on finding the best publisher for your manuscript.
Since an agent’s time is better spent meeting with editors, she will have little or no time to critique your writing. Agents who don’t charge fees must be selective and often prefer to work with established authors, celebrities or those with professional credentials in a particular field.
Some agents in this section may charge clients for office expenses such as photocopying, foreign postage, long-distance phone calls or express mail services. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what these expenses are before signing any agency agreement.
SUBHEADS
Each agency listing is broken down into subheads to make locating specific information easier. In the first section, you’ll find contact information for each agency. You’ll also learn if the agents within the agency belong to any professional organizations; membership in these organizations can tell you a lot about an agency. For example, members of the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR) are prohibited from charging reading or evaluating fees. Additional information in this section includes the size of each agency, its willingness to work with new or unpublished writers, and its general areas of interest.
Member Agents: Agencies comprised of more than one agent list member agents and their individual specialties. This information will help you determine the appropriate person to whom you should send your query letter.
Represents: This section allows agencies to specify what nonfiction and fiction subjects they represent. Make sure you query only those agents who represent the type of material you write.
Look for the key icon to quickly learn an agent’s areas of specialization. In this portion of the listing, agents mention the specific subject areas they’re currently seeking, as well as those subject areas they do not consider.
How to Contact: Most agents open to submissions prefer an initial query letter that briefly describes your work. While some agents may ask for an outline and a specific number of sample chapters, most don’t. You should send these items only if the agent requests them. In this section, agents also mention if they accept queries by fax or e-mail, if they consider simultaneous submissions, and how they prefer to obtain new clients.
Recent Sales: To give you a sense of the types of material they represent, the agents list specific titles they’ve sold, as well as a sampling of clients’ names. Note that some agents consider their client list confidential and may only share client names once they agree to represent you.
Terms: Provided here are details of an agent’s commission, whether a contract is offered and for how long, and what additional office expenses you might have to pay if the agent agrees to represent you. Standard commissions range from 10-15 percent for domestic sales and 15-20 percent for foreign or dramatic sales (with the difference going to the co-agent who places the work).
Writers’ Conferences: A great way to meet an agent is at a writers’ conference. Here agents list the conferences they usually attend. For more information about a specific conference, check the Conferences section starting on page 297.
Tips: In this section, agents offer advice and additional instructions for writers.
SPECIAL INDEXES
Literary Agents Specialties Index: This index (page 338) organizes agencies according to the subjects they are interested in receiving. This index should help you compose a list of agents specializing in your areas. Cross-referencing categories and concentrating on agents interested in two or more aspects of your manuscript might increase your chances of success.
Agents Index: This index (page 332) provides a list of agents’ names in alphabetical order, along with the name of the agency for which they work. Find the name of the person you would like to contact, and then check the agency listing.
At the beginning of some listings, you will find one or more of the following symbols:
agency new to this addition
agency not currently seeking new clients
Canadian agency
agency located outside of the U.S. and Canada
comment from the editor of Guide to Literary Agents
newer agency actively seeking clients
agency seeking both new and established writers
agency seeking mostly established writers through referrals
agency has a specialized focus
tips on agency’s specializations
Find a pull-out bookmark with a key to symbols on the inside cover of this book.
A+B WORKS
E-mail: query@aplusbworks.com. Website: aplusbworks.com. Contact: Amy Jameson, Brandon Jameson. Estab. 2004.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Jameson worked at Janklow & Nesbit Associates.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction. Considers these fiction areas: middle grade, women’s, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail only. “Please review our submissions policies first. Send queries to query@aplusbworks.com.”
DOMINICK ABEL LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
146 W. 82nd St., #1A, New York NY 10024. (212)877-0710. E-mail: agency@dalainc.com. Website: dalainc.com/. Estab. 1975. Member AAR. Represents 100 clients. Currently handles: adult fiction and nonfiction.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: business, creative nonfiction. Considers these fiction areas: mystery, suspense.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail. Check website to learn when this agency reopens to new submissions.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
ABOUT WORDS AGENCY
E-mail: query@aboutwords.org. Website: aboutwords.org. Contact: Felice Gums. Currently handles: nonfiction books 40%, novels 60%.
MEMBER AGENTS Felice Gums (multicultural, African American, chick lit, commercial, literary, suspense/thrillers, women’s fiction, urban fiction, memoir); Idaliz Seymour (adventure, mystery/thrillers, suspense, romance, and paranormal).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: memoirs. Considers these fiction areas: adventure, commercial, ethnic, literary, multicultural, paranormal, romance, suspense, thriller, urban fantasy, women’s.
About Words Agency is looking for commercial fiction and nonfiction. Does not want poetry, religious/Christian, true crime, screenplays or children’s fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Only accepts e-mail queries. This agency has very specific guidelines on how to submit your work, so check the agency’s submission page on their website.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
ADAMS LITERARY
7845 Colony Rd., C4 #215, Charlotte NC 28226. (704)542-1440. Fax: (704)542-1450. E-mail: info@adamsliterary.com. E-mail: submissions@adamsliterary.com. Website: www.adamsliterary.com. Contact: Tracey Adams, Josh Adams, Quinlan Lee. Member of AAR. Other memberships include SCBWI and WNBA. Currently handles: juvenile books.
MEMBER AGENTS Tracey Adams, Josh Adams, Quinlan Lee.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: middle grade, picture books, young adult.
Represents “the finest children’s book authors and artists.”
HOW TO CONTACT Contact through online form on website only. Send e-mail if that is not operating correctly. All submissions and queries should first be made through the online form on website. Will not review—and will promptly recycle—any unsolicited submissions or queries received by mail. Before submitting work for consideration, review complete guidelines. Responds in 6 weeks. “While we have an established client list, we do seek new talent—and we accept submissions from both published and aspiring authors and artists.”
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
RECENT SALES Exposed, by Kimberly Marcus (Random House); The Lemonade Crime, by Jacqueline Davies (Houghton Mifflin); Jane Jones: Worst Vampire Ever, by Caissie St. Onge (Random House).
TIPS “Guidelines are posted (and frequently updated) on our website.”
THE AGENCY GROUP, LLC
142 W 57th St., 6th Floor, New York NY 10019. (212)581-3100. Website: www.theagencygroup.com. Contact: Marc Gerald, agent.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Gerald owned and ran an independent publishing and entertainment agency.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: anthropology, archeology, architecture, art, autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, cultural interests, dance, decorating, design, economics, environment, ethnic, finance, foods, government, health, history, how-to, humor, interior design, investigative, law, medicine, memoirs, money, nature, nutrition, parenting, personal improvement, popular culture, politics, psychology, satire, self-help, sports, true crime. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, cartoon, comic books, commercial, confession, contemporary issues, crime, detective, erotica, ethnic, experimental, family saga, feminist, frontier, gay, glitz, hi-lo, historical, horror, humor, inspirational, juvenile, lesbian, literary, mainstream, metaphysical, military, multicultural, multimedia, mystery, New Age, occult, picture books, plays, poetry, poetry in translation, police, psychic, regional, religious, romance, satire, short story collections, spiritual, sports, supernatural, suspense, thriller, translation, war, Westerns, women’s, young adult.
This agency is only taking on new clients through referrals.
HOW TO CONTACT “We are currently not accepting submissions except by referral.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
THE AHEARN AGENCY, INC.
2021 Pine St., New Orleans LA 70118. (504)861-8395. Fax: (504)866-6434. E-mail: pahearn@aol.com. Website: www.ahearnagency.com. Contact: Pamela G. Ahearn. Other memberships include MWA, RWA, ITW. Represents 35 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Ahearn was an agent for 8 years and an editor with Bantam Books.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: romance, suspense, thriller, women’s.
Handles women's fiction and suspense fiction only. Does not want to receive category romance, science fiction or fantasy.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE or via e-mail. Please send a one page query letter stating the type of book you’re writing, word length, where you feel your book fits into the current market, and any writing credentials you may possess. Please do not send manuscript pages or synopses if they haven’t been previously requested. If you’re querying via e-mail, send no attachments. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2-3 months to queries & mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year; renewable by mutual consent.
RECENT SALES To the Grave, by Carlene Thompson; The Spanish Revenge, by Allan Topol; Final Crossing, by Carter Wilson; The Incense Game, by Laura Joh Rowland.
TIPS “Be professional! Always send in exactly what an agent/editor asks for—no more, no less. Keep query letters brief and to the point, giving your writing credentials and a very brief summary of your book. If 1 agent rejects you, keep trying—there are a lot of us out there!”
ALIVE LITERARY AGENCY
7680 Goddard St., Suite 200, Colorado Springs CO 80920. (719)260-7080. Established: 1989. Fax: (719)260-8223. E-mail: bhaugh@aliveliterary.com [for general purposes]; submissions@aliveliterary.com [for submissions]. Website: www.aliveliterary.com. Member of AAR. Other memberships include Authors Guild. Represents 125+ clients. This agency’s total book sales top 200 million. The agency serces an elite group of authors who are critically acclaimed and commercially successful in both Christian and general markets.
MEMBER AGENTS Rick Christian, president (blockbusters, bestsellers); Andrea Heinecke (adult fiction and nonfiction, particularly memoir, religion/spirituality, practical advice, social issues); Joel Kneedler (nonfiction narrative, memoir, Christian living, leadership); Bryan Norman (spiritual growth, Christian living, biography and autobiography).
This agency specializes in fiction, Christian living, how-to and commercial nonfiction. Actively seeking inspirational, literary and mainstream fiction, and work from authors with established track records and platforms. Does not want to receive poetry, scripts or dark themes.
HOW TO CONTACT “Query via e-mail. “Be advised that this agency works primarily with well-established, best-selling, and career authors. Always looking for a breakout, blockbuster author with genuine talent.”
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Offers written contract; 2-month notice must be given to terminate contract.
RECENT SALES Sold 100 titles in the last year. Alive’s bestselling titles include: Heaven is for Real, by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Nelson); Everyman’s Battle, by Steve Arterburn (WaterBrook/Multnomah); The Message Bible, translated by Eugene Peterson; A Hole in our Gospel, by Rich Stearns (Nelson); 15 Minutes, by Karen Kingsbury (Howard); The Ragamuffin Gospel, by Brennan Manning (WaterBrook/Multnomah); Blue Like Jazz, by Donald Miller; The Pastor: A Memoir, by Eugene Peterson (Harper One); Life Recovery Bible by Steve Arterburn and Dave Stoop (Tyndale); 7, by Jen Hatmaker (B&H); C.S. Lewis: A Life, by Alister McGrath (Tyndale); Successful Women Think Differently, by Valorie Burton (Harvest House); Same Kind of Different as Me, by Ron Hall and Denver Moore (Nelson); Living in God’s Love: The New York Crusade, by Billy Graham (Penguin); Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins (Tyndale).
TIPS “Rewrite and polish until the words on the page shine. Endorsements and great connections may help, provided you can write with power and passion. Network with publishing professionals by making contacts, joining critique groups, and attending writers’ conferences in order to make personal connections and to get feedback.”
ALLEN O'SHEA LITERARY AGENCY
615 Westover Rd., Stamford CT 06902. (203)359-9965. Fax: (203)357-9909. E-mail: marilyn@allenoshea.com; coleen@allenoshea.com. Website: www.allenoshea.com. Contact: Marilyn Allen. Represents 100 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 99%.
Prior to becoming agents, both Ms. Allen and Ms. O'Shea held senior positions in publishing.
MEMBER AGENTS Marilyn Allen; Coleen O’Shea.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, cooking, crafts, current affairs, health, history, how-to, humor, military, money, popular culture, psychology, science, interior design/decorating.
"This agency specializes in practical nonfiction including health, cooking, business, pop culture, etc. We look for clients with strong marketing platforms and new ideas coupled with strong writing ability." Actively seeking narrative nonfiction, health, popular science, cookbooks, and history writers; very interested in writers who have large media platforms following and interesting topics. Does not want to receive fiction, memoirs, poetry, textbooks or children's.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail or mail with SASE. Submit book proposal with sample chapters, competitive analysis, outline, author bio, marketing page. No phone or fax queries. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 week to queries; 1-2 months to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Offers written contract, binding for 2 years; 1-month notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges for photocopying large mss, and overseas postage—“typically minimal costs.”
RECENT SALES Sold 90 titles in the last year. “This agency prefers not to share information about specific sales, but see our website.”
WRITERS CONFERENCES ASJA, Publicity Submit for Writers, Meet the Agents, PNWA Conference, Cape Cod Writer’s Conference, Willamette Writer’s Conference, Connecticut Authors and Publishers, Mark Victor Hansen Mega Book Conference.
TIPS “Prepare a strong overview, with competition, marketing and bio. We will consider when your proposal is ready.”
MIRIAM ALTSHULER LITERARY AGENCY
53 Old Post Rd. N, Red Hook NY 12571. (845)758-9408. E-mail: query@maliterary.com. Website: www.miriamaltshulerliteraryagency.com. Contact: Miriam Altshuler. Estab. 1994. Member of AAR. Represents 40 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 45%, novels 45%, story collections 5%, juvenile books 5%.
Ms. Altshuler has been an agent since 1982.
MEMBER AGENTS Miriam Altshuler (literary and commercial fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books); Reiko Davis (literary fiction, well-told commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, and young adult).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, short story collections, juvenile. Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, how-to, memoirs, self-help, spirituality, women’s issues. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, middle grade, picture books, young adult.
Literary commercial fiction and general nonfiction. Does not want mystery, romance, horror, spiritual, fantasy, poetry, screenplays, science fiction or techno-thriller, western.
HOW TO CONTACT Query through e-mail or snail mail. “A query should include a brief author bio, a synopsis of the work, and the first chapter pasted within the body of the e-mail only. (For security purposes, we do not open attachments.)” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Charges clients for overseas mailing, photocopies, overnight mail when requested by author.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference; Washington Independent Writers Conference; North Carolina Writers’ Network Conference.
TIPS See the website for specific submission details.
AMBASSADOR LITERARY AGENCY & SPEAKERS BUREAU
P.O. Box 50358, Nashville TN 37205. (615)370-4700. Website: www.ambassadoragency.com. Contact: Wes Yoder. Represents 25-30 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 95%, novels 5%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Yoder founded a music artist agency in 1973; he established a speakers bureau division of the company in 1984.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, current affairs, ethnic, government, history, inspirational, memoirs, popular culture.
"This agency specializes in religious market publishing dealing primarily with A-level publishers." Actively seeking popular nonfiction themes, including the following: practical living; Christian spirituality; literary fiction. Does not want to receive short stories, children's books, screenplays, or poetry.
HOW TO CONTACT Authors should e-mail a short description of their manuscript with a request to submit their work for review. Official submission guidelines will be sent if we agree to review a manuscript. Speakers should submit a bio, headshot, and speaking demo. Direct all inquiries and submissions to info@ambassadorspeakers.com. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
MARCIA AMSTERDAM AGENCY
41 W. 82nd St., Suite 9A, New York NY 10024-5613. (212)873-4945. Contact: Marcia Amsterdam. Signatory of WGA. Currently handles: nonfiction books 15%, novels 70%, movie scripts 5%, TV scripts 10%.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Amsterdam was an editor.
REPRESENTS novels, movie scripts, feature film, sitcom. Considers these fiction areas: adventure, detective, horror, mainstream, mystery, romance (contemporary, historical), science, thriller, young adult. Considers these script areas: comedy, romantic comedy.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Responds in 1 month to queries.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Agent receives 10% commission on film sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year. Charges clients for extra office expenses, foreign postage, copying, legal fees (when agreed upon).
RECENT SALES Hidden Child by Isaac Millman (FSG); Lucky Leonardo, by Jonathan Canter (Sourcebooks).
TIPS “We are always looking for interesting literary voices.”
BETSY AMSTER LITERARY ENTERPRISES
6312 SW Capitol Hwy #503, Portland OR 97239. Website: www.amsterlit.com. Contact: Betsy Amster (adult); Mary Cummings (children’s and YA). Estab. 1992. Member of AAR. Represents more than 65 clients. 35% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 65%, novels 35%.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Amster was an editor at Pantheon and Vintage for 10 years, and served as editorial director for the Globe Pequot Press for 2 years.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: art & design, biography, business, child guidance, cooking/nutrition, current affairs, ethnic, gardening, health/medicine, history, memoirs, money, parenting, popular culture, psychology, science/technology, self-help, sociology, travelogues, social issues, women’s issues. Considers these fiction areas: ethnic, literary, women’s, high quality.
NEW AGENT SPOTLIGHT
ALLISON HUNTER
(INKWELL MANAGEMENT)
inkwellmanagement.com
@AllisonSHunter
ABOUT ALLISON: Allison Hunter, a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, began her publishing career in 2005 working for the Los Angeles-based literary publicity firm, Kim-from-L.A. She joined the InkWell Management team in New York City in 2010. She has a B.A. in American Studies and Creative Writing from Stanford University and a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School.
SHE IS SEEKING: literary and commercial fiction (including romance), memoir, narrative nonfiction, cultural studies, pop culture and prescriptive titles, including cookbooks. She is always looking for funny female authors, great love stories and family epics, and for nonfiction projects that speak to the current cultural climate.
HOW TO QUERY: submissions@inkwellmanagement.com. Put “Query for Allison: (Title)” in the subject line. In the body of your email, please also include a short writing sample (1-2 chapters). Due to the volume of queries we receive, response times may take up to two months.”
"Actively seeking strong narrative nonfiction, particularly by journalists; outstanding literary fiction (the next Jennifer Haigh or Jess Walter); witty, intelligent commerical women's fiction (the next Elinor Lipman); mysteries that open new worlds to us; and high-profile self-help and psychology, preferably research based." Does not want to receive poetry, children's books, romances, western, science fiction, action/adventure, screenplays, fantasy, techno-thrillers, spy capers, apocalyptic scenarios, or political or religious arguments.
HOW TO CONTACT For adult titles: b.amster.assistant@gmail.com. “For fiction or memoirs, please embed the first three pages in the body of your e-mail. For nonfiction, please embed your proposal.” For children’s and YA: b.amster.kidsbooks@gmail.com. See submission requirements online at website. “For picture books, please embed the entire text in the body of your e-mail. For novels, please embed the first three pages.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries. Responds in 2 months to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year; 3-month notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges for photocopying, postage, messengers, galleys/books used in submissions to foreign and film agents and to magazines for first serial rights.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Los Angeles Times Festival of Books; USC Masters in Professional Writing; San Diego State University Writers’ Conference; UCLA Extension Writers’ Program; The Loft Literary Center; Willamette Writers Conference.
THE ANDERSON LITERARY AGENCY
435 Convent Ave., Suite 5, New York NY 10031. (646)783-9736. E-mail: contact@andersonliteraryagency.com. Website: www.andersonliteraryagency.com. Contact: Giles Anderson.
Owner and founder Giles Anderson started the agency in 2000 after working several years at The Waxman Literary Agency, Zephyr Press, and The Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs.
MEMBER AGENTS Kathleen Anderson.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: business, education, history, psychology, religious, self-help, spirituality.
Biography, business/investing/finance, history, religious, mind/body/spirit, science.
HOW TO CONTACT Send brief query via e-mail. No attachments.
RECENT SALES The Myths of Creativity, by David Burkus; 9 Things Successful People Do Differently, by Heidi Grant Halverson; Own the Room, by Amy Jen Su and Muriel Maignan Wilkins.
ANNE EDELSTEIN LITERARY AGENCY
404 Riverside Dr., #12D, New York NY 10025. (212)414-4923. Fax: (212)414-2930. E-mail: submissions@aeliterary.com. Website: www.aeliterary.com. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Anne Edelstein.
REPRESENTS nonfiction, fiction. Considers these nonfiction areas: history, memoirs, psychology, religious, cultural history. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary.
This agency specializes in fiction and narrative nonfiction.
HOW TO CONTACT E-mail queries only; consult website for submission guidelines.
RECENT SALES Amsterdam, by Russell Shorto (Doubleday); The Story of Beautiful Girl, by Rachel Simon (Grand Central).
ARCADIA
31 Lake Place N., Danbury CT 06810. E-mail: arcadialit@sbcglobal.net. Contact: Victoria Gould Pryor. Member of AAR.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, current affairs, health, history, psychology, science, investigative journalism, culture, classical music, life transforming self-help.
"I'm a very hands-on agent, which is necessary in this competitive marketplace. I work with authors on revisions until whatever we present to publishers is as strong as possible. Arcadia represents talented, dedicated, intelligent and ambitious writers who are looking for a long-term relationship based on professional success and mutual respect." Does not want to receive fiction, true crime, business science fiction/fantasy, horror, memoirs about addiction or abuse, humor or children's/YA.
HOW TO CONTACT No unsolicited submissions. Query with SASE. This agency accepts e-queries (no attachments).
THE AXELROD AGENCY
55 Main St., P.O. Box 357, Chatham NY 12037. (518)392-2100. E-mail: steve@axelrodagency.com. Website: www.axelrodagency.com. Contact: Steven Axelrod. Member of AAR. Represents 15-20 clients. Currently handles: novels 95%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Axelrod was a book club editor.
REPRESENTS novels. Considers these fiction areas: crime, mystery, new adult, romance, women’s.
This agency specializes in women's fiction and romance.
HOW TO CONTACT Query. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. No written contract.
WRITERS CONFERENCES RWA National Conference.
JENNIFER AZANTIAN LITERARY AGENCY
E-mail: queries@azantianlitagency.com. Website: www.azantianlitagency.com. Estab. 2013.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Azantian was with Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: fantasy, horror, middle grade, new adult, science fiction, young adult. She seeks all subgenres of fantasy and science fiction. She particularly likes horror, and it is horror submissions she wants to see in young adult, middle grade and new adult submissions.
Horror. Does not want picture books.
HOW TO CONTACT To submit, send your query letter and 1-2 page synopsis, and first 10-15 pages all pasted in an e-mail (no attachments). Please note in the e-mail subject line if your work was requested at a conference, is an exclusive submission, or if your work was referred from a current client. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds within 6 weeks. Feel free to follow up if you have heard nothing by then.
BARER LITERARY, LLC
20 W. 20th St., Suite 601, New York NY 10011. (212)691-3513. E-mail: submissions@barerliterary.com. Website: www.barerliterary.com. Contact: Julie Barer. Estab. 2004. Member of AAR.
Before becoming an agent, Julie worked at Shakespeare & Co. Booksellers in New York City. She is a graduate of Vassar College.
MEMBER AGENTS Julie Barer, Anna Geller, William Boggess (literary fiction and narrative nonfiction).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, short story collections. Julie Barer is especially interested in working with emerging writers and developing long-term relationships with new clients. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, ethnic, history, memoirs, popular culture, women’s. Considers these fiction areas: contemporary issues, ethnic, historical, literary, mainstream.
This agency actively seeks most genres of fiction and nonfiction. This agency no longer accepts young adult submissions. No health/fitness, business/investing/finance, sports, mind/body/spirit, reference, thrillers/suspense, military, romance, children's books/picture books, screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT Query; no attachments if query by e-mail. “We do not respond to queries via phone or fax.”
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges for photocopying and books ordered.
RECENT SALES The Unnamed, by Joshua Ferris (Reagan Arthur Books); Tunneling to the Center of the Earth, by Kevin Wilson (Ecco Press); A Disobedient Girl, by Ru Freeman (Atria Books); A Friend of the Family, by Lauren Grodstein (Algonquin); City of Veils, by Zoe Ferraris (Little, Brown).
LORETTA BARRETT BOOKS, INC.
220 E. 23rd St., 11th Floor, New York NY 10010. (212)242-3420. E-mail: query@lorettabarrettbooks.com. Website: www.lorettabarrettbooks.com. Contact: Loretta A. Barrett; Nick Mullendore; Gabriel Davis. Estab. 1990. Member of AAR. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 50%.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Barrett was vice president and executive editor at Doubleday and editor-in-chief of Anchor Books.
MEMBER AGENTS Loretta A. Barrett; Nick Mullendore.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, cooking, creative nonfiction, current affairs, gardening, health, history, humor, memoirs, politics, psychology, science, spirituality, sports, true crime, women’s issues. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, mainstream, metaphysical, mystery, romance, thriller, women’s.
"Loretta Barrett Books, Inc. represents a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction for general audiences."
HOW TO CONTACT Query via snail mail or e-mail. No e-mail attachments. Paste all materials into the e-mail. “For hard-copy fiction queries, please send a 1-2 page query letter and a synopsis or chapter outline for your project. For hard-copy nonfiction queries, please send a 1-2 page query letter and a brief overview or chapter outline for your project.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3-6 weeks to queries.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges clients for shipping and photocopying.
BARRON'S LITERARY MANAGEMENT
4615 Rockland Dr., Arlington TX 76016. E-mail: barronsliterary@sbcglobal.net. Contact: Adele Brooks, president.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: business, cooking, health, money, psychology, true crime. Considers these fiction areas: crime, detective, historical, horror, mystery, paranormal, police, romance, suspense, thriller.
Barron's Literary Management is a small Dallas/Fort Worth-based agency with good publishing contacts. Seeks tightly written, fast moving fiction, and nonfiction authors with a significant platform or subject area expertise.
HOW TO CONTACT Contact by e-mail initially. Send bio and a brief synopsis of story (fiction) or a nonfiction book proposal. Obtains most new clients through e-mail submissions.
TIPS “Have your book tightly edited, polished, and ready to be seen before contacting agents. I respond quickly and if interested may request an electronic or hard copy mailing.”
FAYE BENDER LITERARY AGENCY
19 Cheever Place, Brooklyn NY 11231. E-mail: info@fbliterary.com. Website: www.fbliterary.com. Contact: Faye Bender. Estab. 2004. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Faye Bender.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, juvenile. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, memoirs, popular culture, women’s issues, women’s studies, young adult, narrative, health, popular science. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, middle grade, women’s, young adult.
“I choose books based on the narrative voice and strength of writing. I work with previously published and first-time authors.” Faye does not represent picture books, genre fiction for adults (western, romance, horror, science fiction, fantasy), business books, spirituality, or screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT Please submit a query letter and ten sample pages to info@fbliterary.com (no attachments). “Due to the volume of e-mails, we can’t respond to everything. If we are interested, we will be in touch as soon as we possibly can. Otherwise, please consider it a pass.”
RECENT SALES Liane Moriarty’s The Husband’s Secret (Amy Einhorn Books); Rebecca Stead’s Liar & Spy (Wendy Lamb Books); Kristin Cashore’s Bitterblue (Dial); Dayna Lorentz’s No Safety in Numbers series (Dial).
TIPS “Please keep your letters to the point, include all relevant information, and have a bit of patience.”
THE BENT AGENCY
Bent Agency, The, 159 20th St., #2B, Brooklyn NY 11232. E-mail: info@thebentagency.com. Website: www.thebentagency.com. Contact: Jenny Bent; Susan Hawk; Molly Ker Hawn; Gemma Cooper; Louise Fury; Brooks Sherman; Beth Phelan; Victoria Lowes. Estab. 2009.
Prior to forming her own agency, Ms. Bent was an agent and vice president at Trident Media.
MEMBER AGENTS Jenny Bent (adult fiction including women’s fiction, romance and crime/suspense, she particularly likes novels with magical or fantasy elements that fall outside of genre fiction; young adult and middle grade fiction; memoir; humor); Susan Hawk (young adult and middle grade and picture books; within the realm of kids stories, she likes contemporary, mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction); Molly Ker Hawn (young adult and middle grade books, including contemporary, historical science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, mystery); Gemma Cooper (all ages of children’s and young adult books, including picture books, likes historical, contemporary, thrillers, mystery, humor, and science fiction); Louise Fury (picture books, literary middle grade, all young adult, speculative fiction, suspense/thriller, commercial fiction, all subgenres of romance including erotic, nonfiction: cookbooks, pop culture); Brooks Sherman (speculative and literary adult fiction, select narrative nonfiction; all ages of children’s and young adult books, including picture books; likes historical, contemporary, thrillers, humor, fantasy, and horror); Beth Phelan (young adult, thrillers, suspense and mystery, romance and women’s fiction, literary and general fiction, cookbooks, lifestyle and pets/animals); Victoria Lowes (romance and women’s fiction, thrillers and mystery, and young adult).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, cooking, creative nonfiction, popular culture. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, crime, fantasy, historical, horror, literary, mystery, picture books, romance, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT For Jenny Bent, E-mail: queries@thebentagency.com; for Susan Hawk, E-mail: kidsqueries@thebentagency.com; for Molly Ker Hawn, E-mail: hawnqueries@thebentagency.com; for Gemma Cooper, e-mail: cooperqueries@thebentagency.com; for Louise Fury, e-mail: furyqueries@thebentagency.com; for Brooks Sherman, e-mail: shermanqueries@thebentagency.com; for Beth Phelan, e-mail:phelanagencies@thebentagency.com; for Victoria Lowes, e-mail: lowesqueries@thebentagency.com. “Tell us briefly who you are, what your book is, and why you’re the one to write it. Then include the first 10 pages of your material in the body of your e-mail. We respond to all queries; please resend your query if you haven’t had a response within 4 weeks.” Accepts simultaneous submissions.
RECENT SALES The Pocket Wife, by Susan Crawford (Morrow); The Smell of Other People’s Houses, by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock (Wendy Lamb Books); The Graham Cracker Plot, by Shelley Tougas (Roaring Brook); Murder Is Bad Manners, by Robin Stevens (Simon & Schuster); The Inside Out Series, by Lisa Renee Jones (Simon & Schuster); True North, by Liora Blake (Pocket Star).
BIDNICK & COMPANY
E-mail: bidnick@comcast.net. Website: www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/bidnick/. Currently handles: 100% nonfiction books.
Founding member of Collins Publishers. Vice president of HarperCollins, San Francisco.
MEMBER AGENTS Carole Bidnick.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: cooking, creative nonfiction.
This agency specializes in cookbooks and narrative nonfiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Send queries via e-mail only.
RECENT SALES The Mexican Slow Cooker, by Deborah Schneider (Ten Speed); Around the Southern Table, by Rebecca Lang (Oxmoor House); Mac & Cheese Please, by Laura Werlin (Andrews McMeel).
DAVID BLACK LITERARY AGENCY
335 Adams St., Suite 2707, Brooklyn NY 11201. (718)852-5500. Fax: (718)852-5539. Website: www.davidblackagency.com. Contact: David Black, owner. Member of AAR. Represents 150 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 90%, novels 10%.
MEMBER AGENTS David Black; Susan Raihofer; Gary Morris; Joy E. Tutela (general nonfiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction, YA, MG); Linda Loewenthal; Antonella Iannarino; David M. Larabell; Susan Raihofer; Sarah Smith; Gary Morris; Luke Thomas.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, creative nonfiction, current affairs, gay/lesbian, health, history, humor, memoirs, money, parenting, politics, self-help, women’s issues. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, middle grade, thriller, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT “To query an individual agent, please follow the specific query guidelines outlined in the agent’s profile on our website. Not all agents are currently accepting unsolicited queries. To query the agency, please send a 1-2 page query letter describing your book, and include information about any previously published works, your audience, and your platform.” Note that some agents prefer e-queries whereas some prefer snail mail queries. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 months to queries.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Charges clients for photocopying and books purchased for sale of foreign rights.
RECENT SALES Some of the agency’s best-selling authors include: Mitch Albom, Erik Larson, Ken Davis, Bruce Feiler, Dan Coyle, Jane Leavy, Randy Pausch, Steve Lopez, Jenny Sanford, David Kidder and Noah Oppenheim.
BLEECKER STREET ASSOCIATES, INC.
217 Thompson St., #519, New York NY 10012. (212)677-4492. Fax: (212)388-0001. E-mail: bleeckerst@hotmail.com. Contact: Agnes Birnbaum. Member of AAR. Other memberships include RWA, MWA. Represents 60 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 75%, novels 25%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Birnbaum was a senior editor at Simon & Schuster, Dutton/Signet, and other publishing houses.
Does not want to receive science fiction, westerns, poetry, children's books, academic/scholarly/professional books, plays, scripts, or short stories.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by referral only. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Responds in 1 month to mss. “Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.”
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 1-month notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges for postage, long distance, fax, messengers, photocopies (not to exceed $200).
RECENT SALES Sold 14 titles in the last year. Following Sarah, by Daniel Brown (Morrow); Biology of the Brain, by Paul Swingle (Rutgers University Press); Santa Miracles, by Brad and Sherry Steiger (Adams); Surviving the College Search, by Jennifer Delahunt (St. Martin’s).
TIPS “Keep query letters short and to the point; include only information pertaining to the book or background as a writer. Try to avoid superlatives in description. Work needs to stand on its own, so how much editing it may have received has no place in a query letter.”
JUDY BOALS, INC.
307 W. 38th St., #812, New York NY 10018. (212)500-1424. Fax: (212)500-1426. E-mail: info@judyboals.com. Website: www.judyboals.com. Contact: Judy Boals.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by referral or invitation only.
REID BOATES LITERARY AGENCY
69 Cooks Crossroad, Pittstown NJ 08867. (908)797-8087. Fax: (908)788-3667. E-mail: reid.boates@gmail.com; boatesliterary@att.net. Contact: Reid Boates. Represents 45 clients.
HOW TO CONTACT No unsolicited queries of any kind. Obtains new clients by personal referral only. This agency, at the current time, is handling 100% nonfiction.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
RECENT SALES New sales include placements at HarperCollins, Wiley, Random House, and other major general-interest publishers.
BOND LITERARY AGENCY
4340 E. Kentucky Ave., Suite 471, Denver CO 80246. (303)781-9305. E-mail: queries@bondliteraryagency.com. Website: www.bondliteraryagency.com. Contact: Sandra Bond.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Bond worked with agent Jody Rein.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, creative nonfiction, health, memoirs, science. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, mystery, women’s, young adult.
Does not represent romance, adult fantasy, poetry, and children's picture books.
HOW TO CONTACT Submit query by mail or e-mail (no attachments). “She will let you know if she is interested in seeing more material. No unsolicited mss. No phone calls, please.” Accepts simultaneous submissions.
RECENT SALES Claws of the Cat, by Susan Spann (a mystery); Fatal Descent, by Beth Groundwater; Death in the 12th House, by Mitch Lewis.
BOOK CENTS LITERARY AGENCY, LLC
P.O. Box 11826, Charleston WV 25339. E-mail: cw@bookcentsliteraryagency.com. Website: www.bookcentsliteraryagency.com. Contact: Christine Witthohn. Member of AAR, RWA, MWA, SinC, KOD.
MEMBER AGENTS Christine Witthohn (represents both published and unpublished authors); Kristina Smith.
"Single-title romance (contemporary, romantic comedy, paranormal, mystery/suspense), women's lit (must have a strong hook), mainstream mystery/suspense, thrillers (high octane, psychological), literary fiction and new adult. For nonfiction, seeking women's issues/experiences, fun/quirky topics (particularly those of interest to women), cookbooks (fun, ethnic, etc.), gardening (herbs, plants, flowers, etc.), books with a "save-the-planet" theme, how-to books, travel and outdoor adventure." Does not want to receive category romance, erotica, inspirational, historical, sci-fi/fantasy, horror/dark thrillers (serial killers), short stories/novella, children's picture books, poetry, screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT E-queries only. You can submit via this agency’s online form.
TIPS “Sponsors International Women’s Fiction Festival in Matera, Italy. See: www.womensfictionfestival.com for more information. Christine is also the U.S. rights and licensing agent for leading French publisher, Bragelonne, Egmont-Germany. For a list of upcoming publications, leading clients and sales, visit: www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/BookCents.”
BOOKENDS, LLC
136 Long Hill Rd., Gillette NJ 07933. Website: www.bookends-inc.com. Contact: Kim Lionetti, Jessica Alvarez, Beth Campbell. Member of AAR, RWA, MWA. Represents 50+ clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 50%.
MEMBER AGENTS Jessica Faust (no longer accepting unsolicited material); Kim Lionetti (only currently considering romance, women’s fiction, cozies, and contemporary young adult queries. “If your book is in any of these 3 categories, please be sure to specify ‘Romance,’ ‘Women’s Fiction,’ or ‘Young Adult’ in your e-mail subject line. Any queries that do not follow these guidelines will not be considered.”); Jessica Alvarez (romance, cozies, women’s fiction, erotica, romantic suspense); Beth Campbell.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: business, ethnic, how-to, money, sex, true crime. Considers these fiction areas: detective, cozies, mainstream, mystery, romance, thrillers, women’s.
"BookEnds is currently accepting queries from published and unpublished writers in the areas of romance (and all its subgenres), erotica, mystery, suspense, women's fiction, and literary fiction." BookEnds does not want to receive children's books, screenplays, science fiction, poetry, or technical/military thrillers.
HOW TO CONTACT Review website for guidelines, as they change. BookEnds is no longer accepting unsolicited proposal packages or snail mail queries. Send query in the body of e-mail to only 1 agent.
BOOKS & SUCH LITERARY AGENCY
52 Mission Circle, Suite 122, PMB 170, Santa Rosa CA 95409. E-mail: representation@booksandsuch.com. Website: www.booksandsuch.biz. Contact: Janet Kobobel Grant, Wendy Lawton, Rachel Kent, Mary Keeley, Rachelle Gardner. Member of AAR. Member of CBA (associate), American Christian Fiction Writers. Represents 150 clients. 5% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 50%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Grant was an editor for Zondervan and managing editor for Focus on the Family; Ms. Lawton was an author, sculptor, and designer of porcelein dolls. Ms. Keeley accepts both nonfiction and adult fiction. She previously was an acquisition editor for Tyndale publishers.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: humor, religion, self-help, women’s. Considers these fiction areas: historical, literary, mainstream, new adult, religious, romance, young adult.
This agency specializes in general and inspirational fiction, romance, and in the Christian booksellers market. Actively seeking well-crafted material that presents Judeo-Christian values, if only subtly.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail only; no attachments. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries. “If you don’t hear from us asking to see more of your writing within 30 days after you have sent your e-mail, please know that we have read and considered your submission but determined that it would not be a good fit for us.” Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 2-month notice must be given to terminate contract. No additional charges.
RECENT SALES One Perfect Gift, by Debbie Macomber (Howard Books); Greetings from the Flipside, by Rene Gutteridge and Cheryl Mckay (B&H Publishing); Key on the Quilt, by Stephanie Grace Whitson (Barbour Publishing); Annotated Screwtape Letters, Annotations, by Paul Mccusker (Harper One). Other clients include: Lauraine Snelling, Lori Copeland, Rene Gutteridge, Dale Cramer, BJ Hoff, Diann Mills. A full list of this agency’s clients (and the awards they have won) is on the agency website.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Mount Hermon Christian Writers’ Conference; Writing for the Soul; American Christian Fiction Writers’ Conference; San Francisco Writers’ Conference.
TIPS “The heart of our agency’s motivation is to develop relationships with the authors we serve, to do what we can to shine the light of success on them, and to help be a caretaker of their gifts and time.”
BOOKSTOP LITERARY AGENCY
67 Meadow View Rd., Orinda CA 94563. (925)254-2664. Fax: (925)254-2668. E-mail: kendra@bookstopliterary.com; info@bookstopliterary.com. Website: www.bookstopliterary.com. Estab. 1983.
"Special interest in Hispanic, Asian American, and African American writers; quirky picture books; clever adventure/mystery novels; and authentic and emotional young adult voices."
HOW TO CONTACT Send: cover letter, entire ms for picture books; first 30 pages of novels; proposal and sample chapters OK for nonfiction. E-mail submissions: Paste cover letter and first 10 pages of ms into body of e-mail, send to info@bookstopliterary.com. Send sample illustrations only if you are an illustrator.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year.
THE BARBARA BOVA LITERARY AGENCY
3951 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Unit PH 1-B, Naples FL 34103. (239)649-7263. Fax: (239)649-7263. E-mail: michaelburke@barbarabovaliteraryagency.com. Website: www.barbarabovaliteraryagency.com. Contact: Ken Bova, Michael Burke. Represents 30 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 20%, fiction 80%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, history, science, self-help, true crime, women’s, social sciences. Considers these fiction areas: adventure, crime, detective, mystery, police, science fiction, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult, teen lit.
This agency specializes in fiction and nonfiction, hard and soft science. "We also handle foreign, movie, television, and audio rights." No scripts, poetry, or children's books.
HOW TO CONTACT Query through website. No attachments. “We accept short (3-5 pages) e-mail queries. All queries should have the word ‘Query’ in the subject line. Include all information as you would in a standard, snail mail query letter, such as pertinent credentials, publishing history, and an overview of the book. Include a word count of your project. You may include a short synopsis. We’re looking for quality fiction and nonfiction.” Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Charges clients for overseas postage, overseas calls, photocopying, shipping.
BRADFORD LITERARY AGENCY
5694 Mission Center Rd., #347, San Diego CA 92108. (619)521-1201. E-mail: queries@bradfordlit.com. Website: www.bradfordlit.com. Contact: Laura Bradford, Natalie Lakosil, Sarah LaPolla. Estab. 2001. Member of AAR, RWA, SCBWI, ALA. Represents 50 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 5%, novels 95%.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, creative nonfiction, humor, memoirs, parenting, self-help. Considers these fiction areas: erotica, middle grade, mystery, paranormal, picture books, romance, thriller, women’s, young adult.
Actively seeking many types of romance (historical, romantic suspense, paranormal, category, contemporary, erotic). Does not want to receive poetry, screenplays, short stories, westerns, horror, new age, religion, crafts, cookbooks, gift books.
HOW TO CONTACT Accepts e-mail queries only; send to queries@bradfordlit.com (or sarah@bradfordlit if contacting Sarah LaPolla). The entire submission must appear in the body of the e-mail and not as an attachment. The subject line should begin as follows: QUERY: (the title of the ms or any short message that is important should follow). For fiction: e-mail a query letter along with the first chapter of ms and a synopsis. Include the genre and word count in cover letter. Nonfiction: e-mail full nonfiction proposal including a query letter and a sample chapter. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2-4 weeks to queries. Responds in 10 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, non-binding for 2 years; 45-day notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges for extra copies of books for foreign submissions.
RECENT SALES Sold 68 titles in the last year. All Fall Down, by Megan Hart (Mira Books); Body and Soul, by Stacey Kade (Hyperion Children’s); All Things Wicked, by Karina Cooper (Avon); Circle Eight: Matthew, by Emma Lang (Kensington Brava); Midnight Enchantment, by Anya Bast (Berkley Sensation); Outpost, by Ann Aguirre (Feiwel and Friends); The One That I Want, by Jennifer Echols (Simon Pulse); Catch Me a Cowboy, by Katie Lane (Grand Central); Back in a Soldier’s Arms, by Soraya Lane (Harlequin); Enraptured, by Elisabeth Naughton (Sourcebooks); Wicked Road to Hell, by Juliana Stone (Avon); Master of Sin, by Maggie Robinson (Kensington Brava); Chaos Burning, by Lauren Dane (Berkley Sensation); If I Lie, by Corrine Jackson (Simon Pulse); Renegade, by J.A. Souders (Tor).
NEW AGENT SPOTLIGHT
REBECCA PODOS
(REES LITERARY AGENCY)
reesagency.com
@RebeccaPodos
ABOUT REBECCA: Rebecca Podos (Rees Literary Agency) is a graduate of the MFA Writing, Literature and Publishing program at Emerson College, whose own fiction has appeared in Glimmer Train, Glyph, CAJE, Bellows American Review, Paper Darts, and SmokeLong Quarterly.
SHE IS SEEKING: young adult fiction of all kinds, including contemporary, emotionally driven stories, mystery, romance, urban and historical fantasy, horror, and sci-fi. Occasionally, she also considers literary and commercial adult fiction, new adult, and narrative nonfiction.
HOW TO QUERY: Send a query letter and the first few chapters (pasted in the e-mail) to Rebecca@reesagency.com.
WRITERS CONFERENCES RWA National Conference; Romantic Times Booklovers Convention.
BRANDT & HOCHMAN LITERARY AGENTS, INC.
1501 Broadway, Suite 2310, New York NY 10036. (212)840-5760. Fax: (212)840-5776. Website: brandthochman.com. Contact: Gail Hochman. Member of AAR. Represents 200 clients.
MEMBER AGENTS Gail Hochman; Marianne Merola; Charles Schlessiger; Bill Contardi; Emily Forland (graphic novels); Emma Patterson (anything about the Yankees, stories set in Brooklyn); Jody Klein; Henry Thayer. The e-mail addresses and specific likes of each of these agents is listed on the agency website.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, cooking, creative nonfiction, foods, history, memoirs, music, sports, young adult. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, crime, family saga, fantasy, historical, literary, middle grade, mystery, suspense, thriller, women’s.
No screenplays or textbooks.
HOW TO CONTACT “We accept queries by e-mail and regular mail; however, we cannot guarantee a response to e-mailed queries. For queries via regular mail, be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope for our reply. Query letters should be no more than two pages and should include a convincing overview of the book project and information about the author and his or her writing credits. Address queries to the specific Brandt & Hochman agent whom you would like to consider your work. Agent e-mail addresses and query preferences may be found at the end of each agent profile on the AGENTS page of our website.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
RECENT SALES This agency sells 40-50 new titles each year. A full list of their hundreds of clients is on the agency website.
TIPS “Write a letter which will give the agent a sense of you as a professional writer—your long-term interests as well as a short description of the work at hand.”
THE JOAN BRANDT AGENCY
788 Wesley Dr., Atlanta GA 30305. (404)351-8877. Contact: Joan Brandt.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Brandt was with Sterling Lord Literistic.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, short story collections. Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, investigative, popular culture, true crime. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, crime, family saga, historical, literary, mystery, suspense, thriller, women’s.
HOW TO CONTACT Query letter with SASE. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. No written contract.
THE HELEN BRANN AGENCY, INC.
94 Curtis Rd., Bridgewater CT 06752. Fax: (860)355-2572. Member of AAR.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE.
THE BRATTLE AGENCY
P.O. Box 380537, Cambridge MA 02238. (617)721-5375. E-mail: christopher.vyce@thebrattleagency.com. E-mail: submissions@thebrattleagency.com. Website: thebrattleagency.com/. Contact: Christopher Vyce.
Prior to being an agent Mr. Vyce worked for the Beacon Press in Boston as an acquisitions editor.
MEMBER AGENTS Christopher Vyce.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by e-mail. Include cover letter, brief synopsis, brief CV. Responds in 2 days. If asked to see mss, responds in 6-8 weeks.
BARBARA BRAUN ASSOCIATES, INC.
7 E. 14th St., Suite 19F, New York NY 10003. Fax: (212)604-9023. Website: www.barbarabraunagency.com. Contact: Barbara Braun. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Barbara Braun; John F. Baker.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: architecture, art, biography, design, film, history, photography, psychology, women’s issues. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary.
"Our fiction is strong on women's stories, historical and multicultural stories, as well as mysteries and thrillers. We're interested in narrative nonfiction and books by journalists. Look online for more details." We do not represent poetry, science fiction, fantasy, horror, or screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT “We no longer accept submissions by regular mail. Please send all queries to bbasubmissions@gmail.com, marked ‘Query’ in the subject line. Your query should include: a brief summary of your book, word count, genre, any relevant publishing experience, and the first 5 pages of your manuscript pasted into the body of the e-mail. (NO attachments—we will not open these.)”
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
RECENT SALES Clara and Mr. Tiffany, by Susan Vreeland.
TIPS “Our clients’ books are represented throughout Europe, Asia, and Latin America by various sub-agents. We are also active in selling motion picture rights to the books we represent, and work with various Hollywood agencies.”
BRESNICK WEIL LITERARY AGENCY
115 W. 29th St., Third Floor, New York NY 10001. (212)239-3166. Fax: (212)239-3165. E-mail: paul@bresnickagency.com. Website: bresnickagency.com. Contact: Paul Bresnick, Polly Bresnick.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Bresnick spent 25 years as a trade book editor.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography/memoir, biography, health, history, humor, memoirs, multicultural, popular culture, sports, travel, true crime, celebrity-branded books, narrative nonfiction, pop psychology, relationship issues. Considers these fiction areas: general fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT For fiction, submit query and 2 chapters. For nonfiction, submit query with proposal. Electronic submissions only (for both).
RECENT SALES Sales include Heads: A Subcultural Biography Of Psychedelic America, by Jesse Jarnow (Da Capo Press, 2014); Mafia Summit: J. Edgar Hoover, The Kennedy Brothers, And The Meeting That Unmasked The Mob, by Gil Reavill (Thomas Dunne Books, 2013); Crossroads: How The Blues Shaped Rock ‘N’ Roll (And Rock Saved The Blues), by John Milward (University Press of New England, 2013). A complete list of sales is available on agency website.
BRET ADAMS LTD. AGENCY
448 W. 44th St., New York NY 10036. (212)765-5630. E-mail: literary@bretadamsltd.net. Website: bretadamsltd.net. Contact: Colin Hunt, Mark Orsini. Member of AAR. Currently handles: movie scripts, TV scripts, stage plays.
MEMBER AGENTS Bruce Ostler, Mark Orsini, Alexis Williams.
REPRESENTS movie scripts, TV scripts, TV movie of the week, theatrical stage play.
Handles theatre/film and TV projects. No books. Cannot accept unsolicited material.
HOW TO CONTACT Use the online submission form. Because of this agency’s submission policy and interests, it’s best to approach with a professional recommendation from a client.
M. COURTNEY BRIGGS
Derrick & Briggs, LLP, 100 N. Broadway Ave., 28th Floor, Oklahoma City OK 73102-8806. (405)235-1900. Fax: (405)235-1995. Website: www.derrickandbriggs.com.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Briggs was in subsidiary rights at Random House for 3 years; an associate agent and film rights associate with Curtis Brown, Ltd.; and an attorney for 16 years.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, juvenile. Considers these nonfiction areas: young adult.
"I work primarily, but not exclusively, with children's book authors and illustrators. I will also consult or review a contract on an hourly basis." Actively seeking children's fiction, children's picture books (illustrations and text), young adult novels, fiction, nonfiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Only published authors should submit queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 60-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
WRITERS CONFERENCES SCBWI Annual Winter Conference.
CURTIS BROWN (AUST) PTY LTD
P.O. Box 19, Paddington NSW 2021 Australia. (+61)(2)9361-6161. Fax: (+61)(2)9360-3935. E-mail: reception@curtisbrown.com.au. Website: www.curtisbrown.com.au. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 30%, novels 30%, juvenile books 25%, other 15%.
"Prior to joining Curtis Brown, most of our agents worked in publishing or the film/theatre industries in Australia and the United Kingdom."
MEMBER AGENTS Fiona Inglis (managing director/agent); Fran Moore (deputy managing director /agent); Tara Wynne (agent); Pippa Masson (agent); Clare Forster (agent).
"We are Australia’s oldest and largest literary agency representing a diverse range of Australian and New Zealand writers and Estates."
HOW TO CONTACT “Please refer to our website for information regarding ms submissions, permissions, theatre rights requests, and the clients and Estates we represent. We are not currently looking to represent poetry, short stories, stage/screenplays, picture books, or translations. We do not accept e-mailed or faxed submissions. No responsibility is taken for the receipt or loss of mss.”
ANDREA BROWN LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
1076 Eagle Dr., Salinas CA 93905. (831)422-5925. E-mail: andrea@andreabrownlit.com; caryn@andreabrownlit.com; lauraqueries@gmail.com; jennifer@andreabrownlit.com; kelly@andreabrownlit.com; jennL@andreabrownlit.com; jamie@andreabrownlit.com; jmatt@andreabrownlit.com; lara@andreabrownlit.com. Website: www.andreabrownlit.com. Contact: Andrea Brown, president. Member of AAR. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Brown served as an editorial assistant at Random House and Dell Publishing and as an editor with Knopf.
MEMBER AGENTS Andrea Brown (President); Laura Rennert (Senior Agent); Caryn Wiseman (Senior Agent); Kelly Sonnack (Agent); Jennifer Rofé (Agent); Jennifer Laughran (Agent); Jamie Weiss Chilton (Agent); Jennifer Mattson (Associate Agent); Lara Perkins (Associate Agent, Digital Manager).
REPRESENTS nonfiction, fiction, juvenile books. Considers these nonfiction areas: juvenile nonfiction, memoirs, young adult, narrative. Considers these fiction areas: juvenile, literary, picture books, women’s, young adult, middle grade, all juvenile genres.
Specializes in "all kinds of children's books—illustrators and authors." 98% juvenile books. Considers: nonfiction, fiction, picture books, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT For picture books, submit complete ms. For fiction, submit query letter, first 10 pages. For nonfiction, submit proposal, first 10 pages. Illustrators: submit a query letter and 2-3 illustration samples (in jpeg format), link to online portfolio, and text of picture book, if applicable. “We only accept queries via e-mail. No attachments, with the exception of jpeg illustrations from illustrators.” Visit the agents’ bios on our website and choose only one agent to whom you will submit your e-query. Send a short e-mail query letter to that agent with QUERY in the subject field. Accepts simultaneous submissions. If we are interested in your work, we will certainly follow up by e-mail or by phone. However, if you haven’t heard from us within 6 to 8 weeks, please assume that we are passing on your project. Obtains most new clients through referrals from editors, clients and agents. Check website for guidelines and information.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
RECENT SALES The Scorpio Races, by Maggie Stiefvater (Scholastic); The Raven Boys, by Maggie Stiefvater (Scholastic); Wolves of Mercy Falls series, by Maggie Stiefvater (Scholastic); The Future of Us, by Jay Asher; Triangles, by Ellen Hopkins (Atria); Crank, by Ellen Hopkins (McElderry/S&S); Burned, by Ellen Hopkins (McElderry/S&S); Impulse, by Ellen Hopkins (McElderry/S&S); Glass, by Ellen Hopkins (McElderry/S&S); Tricks, by Ellen Hopkins (McElderry/S&S); Fallout, by Ellen Hopkins (McElderry/S&S); Perfect, by Ellen Hopkins (McElderry/S&S); The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, by Tom Angleberger (Amulet/Abrams); Darth Paper Strikes Back, by Tom Angleberger (Amulet/Abrams); Becoming Chloe, by Catherine Ryan Hyde (Knopf); Sasha Cohen autobiography (HarperCollins); The Five Ancestors, by Jeff Stone (Random House); Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher (Penguin); Identical, by Ellen Hopkins (S&S).
WRITERS CONFERENCES SCBWI; Asilomar; Maui Writers’ Conference; Southwest Writers’ Conference; San Diego State University Writers’ Conference; Big Sur Children’s Writing Workshop; William Saroyan Writers’ Conference; Columbus Writers’ Conference; Willamette Writers’ Conference; La Jolla Writers’ Conference; San Francisco Writers’ Conference; Hilton Head Writers’ Conference; Pacific Northwest Conference; Pikes Peak Conference.
TIPS “ABLA is consistently ranked #1 in juvenile sales in Publishers Marketplace. Several clients have placed in the top 10 of the NY Times Bestseller List in the last year, including Tom Angleberger, Jay Asher, Ellen Hopkins, and Maggie Stiefvater. Awards recently won by ABLA clients include the Michael L. Printz Honor, the APALA Asian/Pacific Award and Honor, Charlotte Zolotow Honor, Cybils Award, EB White Read Aloud Award and Honor, Edgar Award Nominee, Indies Choice Honor Award, Jack Ezra Keats New Writer Award, Odyssey Honor Audiobook, Orbis Pictus Honor, Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book; SCBWI Golden Kite Award; Stonewall Honor; Texas Bluebonnet Award; Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor; William C. Morris YA Debut Award.”
MARIE BROWN ASSOCIATES, INC.
412 W. 154th St., New York NY 10032. (212)939-9725. Fax: (212)939-9728. E-mail: mbrownlit@aol.com. Contact: Marie Brown. Estab. 1984. Represents 60 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 75%, juvenile books 10%, other 15%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, juvenile. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, ethnic, history, music, religious, women’s issues. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, ethnic, juvenile, literary, mainstream, middle grade, multicultural, young adult.
This agency specializes in multicultural and African-American writers.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Prefers to read materials exclusively. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
MARSAL LYON LITERARY AGENCY, LLC
PMB 121, 665 San Rodolfo Dr. 124, Solana Beach CA 92075. E-mail: Kevan@MarsalLyonLiteraryAgency.com; Jill@MarsalLyonLiteraryAgency.com; Website: www.marsallyonliteraryagency.com. Contact: Kevan Lyon, Jill Marsal.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, biography, business, cooking, current affairs, diet/nutrition, foods, health, history, investigative, memoirs, music, parenting, popular culture, politics, psychology, science, self-help, sports, women’s issues, relationships, advice. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, mainstream, multicultural, mystery, romance, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by e-mail to either Jill Marsal at jill@marsallyonliteraryagency.com, Kevan Lyon at kevan@marsallyonliteraryagency.com, Kathleen Rushall at Kathleen@marsallyonliteraryagency.com, Shannon Hassan at shannon@marsallyonliteraryagency.com. “Please visit our website to determine who is best suited for your work. Write ‘query’ in the subject line of your e-mail. Please allow up to several weeks to hear back on your query.”
TIPS “Our agency’s mission is to help writers achieve their publishing dreams. We want to work with authors not just for a book but for a career; we are dedicated to building long-term relationships with our authors and publishing partners. Our goal is to help find homes for books that engage, entertain, and make a difference.”
THE BUKOWSKI AGENCY
14 Prince Arthur Ave., Suite 202, Toronto Ontario M5R 1A9 Canada. (416)928-6728. Fax: (416)963-9978. E-mail: assistant@thebukowskiagency.com; info@thebukowskiagency.com. Website: www.thebukowskiagency.com. Contact: Denise Bukowski. Estab. 1986.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Bukowski was a book editor.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels.
"The Bukowski Agency specializes in international literary fiction and upmarket nonfiction for adults. Bukowski looks for Canadian writers whose work can be marketed in many media and territories, and who have the potential to make a living from their work." Actively seeking nonfiction and fiction works from Canadian writers. Does not want submissions from American authors, nor genre fiction, poetry, children's literature, picture books, film scripts, or TV scripts.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. (No e-queries.) See online guidelines for nonfiction and fiction specifics. No unsolicited fiction. “The Bukowski Agency is currently accepting nonfiction submissions from prospective authors who are residents in Canada. We ask for exclusivity for 6 weeks after receipt to allow time for proper consideration. Please see our nonfiction submission guidelines on our agency website for more details on submitting proposals for nonfiction. Submissions should be sent by mail, in hard copy only. We also consider fiction submissions, by mail only, from prospective authors who are residents in Canada. Please send the first 50 pages of your novel (double-spaced in 12-point type, printed on one side of the sheet only) with a BRIEF synopsis and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). Note that if you do not include an SASE, a response to your submission will not be possible.” Responds in 6 weeks to queries.
SHEREE BYKOFSKY ASSOCIATES, INC.
PO Box 706, Brigantine NJ 08203. E-mail: shereebee@aol.com. E-mail: submitbee@aol.com. Website: www.shereebee.com. Contact: Sheree Bykofsky. Member of AAR. Memberships include Author’s Guild, Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, WNBA. Currently handles: nonfiction books 80%, novels 20%.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Bykofsky served as executive editor of the Stonesong Press and managing editor of Chiron Press. She is also the author or coauthor of more than 20 books, including The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Getting Published. As an adjunct professor, Ms. Bykofsky teaches publishing at Rosemont College, NYU, and SEAK, Inc.
MEMBER AGENTS Janet Rosen, associate; Thomas V. Hartmann, associate.
REPRESENTS nonfiction, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: Americana, animals, architecture, art, autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, crafts, creative nonfiction, cultural interests, current affairs, dance, design, economics, education, environment, ethnic, film, finance, foods, gardening, gay, government, health, history, hobbies, humor, language, law, lesbian, memoirs, metaphysics, military, money, multicultural, music, nature, New Age, nutrition, parenting, philosophy, photography, popular culture, politics, psychology, recreation, regional, religious, science, sex, sociology, spirituality, sports, translation, travel, true crime, war, anthropology; creative nonfiction. Considers these fiction areas: contemporary issues, literary, mainstream, mystery, suspense.
This agency specializes in popular reference nonfiction, commercial fiction with a literary quality, and mysteries. “I have wide-ranging interests, but it really depends on quality of writing, originality, and how a particular project appeals to me (or not). I take on fiction when I completely love it—it doesn’t matter what area or genre.” Does not want to receive poetry, material for children, screenplays, westerns, horror, science fiction, or fantasy.
HOW TO CONTACT “We only accept e-queries now and will only respond to those in which we are interested. E-mail short queries to submitbee@aol.com. Please, no attachments, snail mail, or phone calls. One-page query, one-page synopsis, and first page of ms in the body of the e-mail. Nonfiction: One-page query in the body of the e-mail. We cannot open attached Word files or any other types of attached files. These will be deleted.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to requested mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year. Charges for postage, photocopying, fax.
RECENT SALES ADHD Does Not Exist, by Dr. Richard Saul (Harper Collins); Be Bold and Win the Sale, by Jeff Shore (McGraw-Hill); Idea to Invention, by Patricia Nolan-Brown (Amacom); The Hour of Lead, by Bruce Holbert (Counterpoint); Slimed! An Oral History of Nickelodeon’s Golden Age, by Matthew Klickstein (Plume); Bang the Keys: Four Steps to a Lifelong Writing Practice, by Jill Dearman (Alpha, Penguin); Signed, Your Student: Celebrities on the Teachers Who Made Them Who They Are Today, by Holly Holbert (Kaplan); The Five Ways We Grieve, by Susan Berger (Trumpeter/Shambhala).
WRITERS CONFERENCES Truckee Meadow Community College, Keynote; ASJA Writers Conference; Asilomar; Florida Suncoast Writers’ Conference; Whidbey Island Writers’ Conference; Florida First Coast Writers’ Festival; Agents and Editors Conference; Columbus Writers’ Conference; Southwest Writers’ Conference; Willamette Writers’ Conference; Dorothy Canfield Fisher Conference; Maui Writers’ Conference; Pacific Northwest Writers’ Conference; IWWG.
TIPS “Read the agent listing carefully and comply with guidelines.”
KIMBERLEY CAMERON & ASSOCIATES
1550 Tiburon Blvd., #704, Tiburon CA 94920. Fax: (415)789-9191. E-mail: info@kimberleycameron.com. Website: www.kimberleycameron.com. Contact: Kimberley Cameron. Member of AAR. 30% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Kimberley Cameron & Associates (formerly The Reece Halsey Agency) has had an illustrious client list of established writers, including the estate of Aldous Huxley, and has represented Upton Sinclair, William Faulkner, and Henry Miller.
MEMBER AGENTS Kimberley Cameron; Elizabeth Kracht, liz@kimberleycameron.com (literary, commercial, women’s, thrillers, mysteries, and YA with crossover appeal); Pooja Menon, pooja@kimberleycameron.com (international stories, literary, historical, commercial, fantasy and high-end women’s fiction; in nonfiction, she’s looking for adventure & travel memoirs, journalism & human-interest stories, and self-help books addressing relationships and the human psychology from a fresh perspective); Amy Cloughley, amyc@kimberleycameron.com (literary and upmarket fiction, women’s, mystery, narrative nonfiction); Mary C. Moore (literary fiction; she also loves a good commercial book; commercially she is looking for unusual fantasy, grounded science fiction, and atypical romance; strong female characters and unique cultures especially catch her eye); Ethan Vaughan (no submissions).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, psychology, self-help, travel. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, fantasy, historical, literary, mystery, romance, science fiction, thriller, women’s, young adult.
"We are looking for a unique and heartfelt voice that conveys a universal truth."
HOW TO CONTACT We accept e-mail queries only. Please address all queries to one agent only. Please send a query letter in the body of the e-mail, written in a professional manner and clearly addressed to the agent of your choice. Attach a one-page synopsis and the first fifty pages of your manuscript as separate Word or PDF documents. We have difficulties opening other file formats. Include “Author Submission” in the subject line. If submitting nonfiction, attach a nonfiction proposal. Obtains new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 15% on domestic sales; 10% on film sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Texas Writing Retreat; Pacific Northwest Writers Association Conference; Women’s Fiction Festival in Matera, Italy; Willamette Writers Conference; San Francisco Writers Conference; Book Passage Mystery and Travel Writers Conferences; Chuckanut Writers Conference; many others.
TIPS “Please consult our submission guidelines and send a polite, well-written query to our e-mail address.”
CYNTHIA CANNELL LITERARY AGENCY
833 Madison Ave., New York NY 10021. (212)396-9595. Website: www.cannellagency.com. Contact: Cynthia Cannell. Estab. 1997. Member of AAR. Other memberships include the Women’s Media Group.
Prior to forming the Cynthia Cannell Literary Agency, Ms. Cannell was, for 12 years, vice president of Janklow & Nesbit Associates.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, history, memoirs, science, self-help, spirituality. Considers these fiction areas: literary.
Does not represent screenplays, children’s books, illustrated books, cookbooks, romance, category mystery, or science fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT “Please query us with an e-mail or letter. If querying by e-mail, send a brief description of your project with relevant biographical information including publishing credits (if any) to info@cannellagency.com. Do not send attachments. If querying by conventional mail, enclose an SASE.” Responds if interested.
RECENT SALES Song of the Shank, by Jeffery Renard Allen (Graywolf Press); 100 Places That Can Change Your Child’s Life, by Keith Bellows (Nat. Geo Books); Brilliant: The Evolution of Artificial Light, by Jane Brox (HMH).
MARIA CARVAINIS AGENCY, INC.
Rockefeller Center, 1270 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2320, New York NY 10020. (212)245-6365. Fax: (212)245-7196. E-mail: mca@mariacarvainisagency.com. Website: mariacarvainisagency.com. Contact: Maria Carvainis. Estab. 1977. Member of AAR. Signatory of WGA. Other memberships include Authors Guild, Women’s Media Group, ABA, MWA, RWA. Represents 75 clients.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Carvainis spent more than 10 years in the publishing industry as a senior editor with Macmillan Publishing, Basic Books, Avon Books, and Crown Publishers. Ms. Carvainis has served as a member of the AAR Board of Directors and AAR Treasurer, as well as serving as chair of the AAR Contracts Committee. She presently serves on the AAR Royalty Committee.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, history, memoirs, popular culture, psychology, science. Considers these fiction areas: historical, literary, mainstream, middle grade, mystery, suspense, thriller, women’s.
The agency does not represent screenplays, children’s picture books, science fiction, or poetry.
HOW TO CONTACT You can query via e-mail or snail mail. If by snail mail, send your submission “ATTN: Query Department.” Please send a query letter, a synopsis of the work, two sample chapters, and note any writing credentials. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, conferences, query letters.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges clients for foreign postage and bulk copying.
RECENT SALES A Secret Affair, by Mary Balogh (Delacorte); Tough Customer, by Sandra Brown (Simon & Schuster); A Lady Never Tells, by Candace Camp (Pocket Books); The King James Conspiracy, by Phillip Depoy (St. Martin’s Press).
WRITERS CONFERENCES BookExpo America; Frankfurt Book Fair; London Book Fair; Mystery Writers of America; Thrillerfest; Romance Writers of America.
CASTIGLIA LITERARY AGENCY
1155 Camino Del Mar, Suite 510, Del Mar CA 92014. E-mail: castigliaagency-query@yahoo.com. Website: www.castigliaagency.com. Member of AAR. Other memberships include PEN. Represents 65 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 55%, novels 45%.
MEMBER AGENTS Julie Castiglia (not accepting queries at this time); Win Golden (fiction: thrillers, mystery, crime, science fiction, YA, commercial/literary fiction; nonfiction: narrative nonfiction, current events, science, journalism).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, current affairs, investigative, science. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, crime, literary, mystery, science fiction, thriller, young adult.
"We'd particularly like to hear from you if you are a journalist or published writer in magazines and newspapers, have expertise on the subject you're writing, together with media exposure and/or a speaking schedule. We'd like to hear from anyone who has had success with a previous novel. We do look at debut novels and it helps if you've been published in literary anthologies or magazines, if you have studied under well-known authors, or have an MFA. It's all about the writing of course but if great writing is accompanied by a marketing hook, that's a seductive combination." Does not want to receive horror, screenplays, poetry, or academic nonfiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail to CastigliaAgency-query@yahoo.com. Send no materials at first contact besides a one-page query. No snail mail submissions accepted. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 6-week notice must be given to terminate contract.
RECENT SALES Germs Gone Wild, by Kenneth King (Pegasus); The Insider, by Reece Hirsch (Berkley/Penguin); The Leisure Seeker, by Michael Zadoorian (Morrow/HarperCollins); Beautiful: The Life of Hedy Lamarr, by Stephen Shearer (St. Martin’s Press); American Libre, by Raul Ramos y Sanchez (Grand Central); The Two Krishnas, by Ghalib Shiraz Dhalla (Alyson Books).
WRITERS CONFERENCES Santa Barbara Writers’ Conference; Southern California Writers’ Conference; Surrey International Writers’ Conference; San Diego State University Writers’ Conference; Willamette Writers’ Conference.
TIPS “Be professional with submissions. Attend workshops and conferences before you approach an agent.”
CHALBERG & SUSSMAN
115 West 29th St, Third Floor, New York NY 10001. (917)261-7550. Website: www.chalbergsussman.com.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Chalberg held a variety of editorial positions, and was an agent with The Susan Golomb Literary Agency. Ms. Sussman was an agent with Zachary Shuster Harmsworth. Ms. James was with The Aaron Priest Literary Agency.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: history, how-to, humor, memoirs, popular culture, psychology, self-help. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, thriller, women’s, young adult.
"Rachel Sussman represents a wide range of voice- and idea-driven nonfiction and a select list of literary fiction. Her nonfiction list spans both serious and ‘unserious’ subject matter, from history, psychology, and memoir to humor and pop culture. Nicole James is looking for novels celebrated in other countries but unknown here in the U.S. as well as literary and commercial fiction, including action-packed thrillers with great heroes. She is eager to find a female-driven thriller; a fantastic beach read for women; and a smart and thoughtfully written young adult series. On the nonfiction side, Nicole is looking out for a book about weddings (‘how-to’ or memoir); a hip and intelligent ‘self-help’ book; and anything topical that calls to her."
HOW TO CONTACT To query by e-mail, please contact one of the following: terra@chalbergsussman.com, rachel@chalbergsussman.com, nicole@chalbergsussman.com. To query by regular mail, please address your letter to one agent and include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
RECENT SALES The agents’ sales and clients are listed on their website.
CHASE LITERARY AGENCY
236 W. 26th St., Suite 801, New York NY 10001. (212)477-5100. E-mail: farley@chaseliterary.com. Website: www.chaseliterary.com. Contact: Farley Chase.
MEMBER AGENTS Farley Chase.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: commercial, historical, literary.
NEW AGENT SPOTLIGHT
ALLISON DEVEREUX
(WOLF LITERARY SERVICES)
wolflit.com
@AllisonDevereux
ABOUT ALLISON: A Texas native, Allison earned her B.A. at the University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated from the Plan II Honors Program. Before coming to WLS, Allison worked at Macmillan in Tor Books’ managing editorial department; prior to that, she was an editorial and design assistant at the Institute of Classical Archaeology in Austin, as well as an intern at the Harry Ransom Center.
SHE IS SEEKING: literary and upmarket commercial fiction with fresh, unique voices and tight prose. She is also passionate about magical realism (more real than magic), and idiosyncratic, picaresque characters. For nonfiction: narrative nonfiction, compelling memoir, and books on popular and contemporary culture with a strong, original premise. She is looking for illustrated/graphic books for adults (both fiction and non), as well as blog-to-book projects. She also loves a good humor book.
HOW TO QUERY: Send a query letter addressed to Allison along with a 50-page writing sample (for fiction) or a detailed proposal (for nonfiction) to queries@wolflit.com. Samples may be submitted as an attachment or embedded in the e-mail.
Wants: General fiction, reference, biography, business/investing/finance, history, health, travel, lifestyle, cookbooks, sports, African-American, science, humor, pop-culture, popular science, natural history, military history, memoir. "I'm interested in humor books and pop culture projects, photo, graphic, and otherwise illustrated books; books that can be adapted out of blogs or websites." No romance, science fiction, supernatural or young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Query. Include first few pages of ms with query.
RECENT SALES Loopers, by John Dunn; The Afrika Reich, by Guy Saville; Top of the First: The End of Word War II, by Robert Weintraub; Heads in Beds, by Jacob Tomsky; A Bintel Brief, by Liana Finck; and Devil in the Grove, by Gilbert King.
JANE CHELIUS LITERARY AGENCY
548 Second St., Brooklyn NY 11215. (718)499-0236. Fax: (718)832-7335. E-mail: queries@janechelius.com. Website: www.janechelius.com. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Jane Chelius, Mark Chelius.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, humor, medicine, parenting, popular culture, satire, women’s issues, women’s studies, natural history; narrative. Considers these fiction areas: literary, mystery, suspense, women’s.
Does not want to receive children's books, fantasy, science fiction, stage plays, screenplays, or poetry.
HOW TO CONTACT E-query. Does not consider e-mail queries with attachments. No unsolicited sample chapters or mss. Responds if interested. Responds in 3-4 weeks usually.
ELYSE CHENEY LITERARY ASSOCIATES, LLC
78 Fifth Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York NY 10011. (212)277-8007. Fax: (212)614-0728. E-mail: submissions@cheneyliterary.com. Website: www.cheneyliterary.com. Contact: Elyse Cheney; Adam Eaglin; Alex Jacobs.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Cheney was an agent with Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.
REPRESENTS nonfiction, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, creative nonfiction, current affairs, economics, memoirs, politics, science, journalism. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, family saga, historical, literary, short story collections, suspense, women’s.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by e-mail or snail mail. For a snail mail responses, include an SASE. If you e-query, feel free to paste up to 25 pages of your work in the e-mail below your query.
RECENT SALES Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything, by Joshua Foer; The Possessed: Adventures with Russian Books and the People Who Read Them, by Elif Batuman (Farrar, Strauss & Giroux); The Coldest Winter Ever, by Sister Souljah (Atria); A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, by Dave Eggers (Simon and Schuster); No Easy Day, by Mark Owen; Malcom X: A Life of Reinvention, by Manning Marable.
THE CHUDNEY AGENCY
72 North State Rd., Suite 501, Briarcliff Manor NY 10510. (201)758-8739. E-mail: steven@thechudneyagency.com. Website: www.thechudneyagency.com. Contact: Steven Chudney. Estab. 2001. Memberships include SCBWI. 90% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Chudney held various sales positions with major publishers.
REPRESENTS novels, juvenile. Considers these nonfiction areas: juvenile. Considers these fiction areas: historical, juvenile, literary, mystery, suspense, young adult.
This agency specializes in children's and teens’ books, and wants to find authors who are illustrators as well. "At this time, the agency is only looking for author/illustrators (one individual), who can both write and illustrate wonderful picture books. The author/illustrator must really know and understand the needs and wants of the child reader! Storylines should be engaging, fun, with a hint of a life lesson and cannot be longer than 800 words. With chapter books, middle grade and teen novels, I'm primarily looking for quality, contemporary literary fiction: novels that are exceedingly well-written, with wonderful settings and developed, unforgettable characters. I'm looking for historical fiction that will excite me, young readers, editors, and reviewers, and will introduce us to unique characters in settings and situations, countries, and eras we haven't encountered too often yet in children's and teen literature." Does not want to receive any fantasy or science fiction; board books or lift-the-flap books; fables; folklore or traditional fairytales; poetry or mood pieces; stories for all ages (as these ultimately are too adult oriented); message-driven stories that are heavy-handed; and didactic or pedantic writing.
HOW TO CONTACT No snail-mail submissions. Queries only. Submit proposal package, 4-6 sample chapters. For children’s, submit full text and 3-5 illustrations. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2-3 weeks to queries. Responds in 3-4 weeks to mss.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
TIPS “If an agent has a website, review it carefully to make sure your material is appropriate for that agent. Read lots of books within the genre you are writing; work hard on your writing; don’t follow trends—most likely, you’ll be too late.”
CINE/LIT REPRESENTATION
P.O. Box 802918, Santa Clarita CA 91380-2918. (661)513-0268. Fax: (661)513-0915. Contact: Mary Alice Kier. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Mary Alice Kier; Anna Cottle.
HOW TO CONTACT Send query letter with SASE. Or e-query to cinelit@att.net. Note this agency’s specialized nature.
EDWARD B. CLAFLIN LITERARY AGENCY, LLC
128 High Ave., Suite #2, Nyack NY 10960. (845)358-1084. E-mail: edclaflin@aol.com. Contact: Edward Claflin. Represents 30 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to opening his agency, Mr. Claflin worked at Banbury Books, Rodale, and Prentice Hall Press. He is the co-author of 13 books.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: business, cooking, current affairs, economics, finance, food, health, history, how-to, medicine, military, money, nutrition, psychology, sports, war.
This agency specializes in consumer health, narrative history, psychology/self-help, and business. Actively seeking compelling and authoritative nonfiction for specific readers. Does not want to receive fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with synopsis, bio, SASE or e-mail attachment in Word. Responds in 1 month to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales.
FRANCES COLLIN, LITERARY AGENT
P.O. Box 33, Wayne PA 19087-0033. E-mail: queries@francescollin.com. Website: www.francescollin.com. Contact: Sarah Yake, associate agent. Member of AAR. Represents 90 clients. 1% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, fiction 50%.
Does not want to receive cookbooks, craft books, poetry, screenplays, or books for young children.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail describing project (text in the body of the e-mail only, no attachments) to queries@francescollin.com. “Please note that all queries are reviewed by both agents.” No phone or fax queries. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
COMPASS TALENT
6 East 32nd Street, 6th Floor, New York NY 10016. (646)376-7718. E-mail: query@compasstalent.com. Website: www.compasstalent.com. Contact: Heather Schroder.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: cooking, creative nonfiction, foods, history, memoirs, science. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, juvenile, literary, mainstream.
HOW TO CONTACT Please send a query describing your project, along with a sample chapter and some information about yourself to query@compasstalent.com. Allow eight weeks for a response. Please do not send your material to us through the mail.
RECENT SALES A full list of agency clients is available on the website.
DON CONGDON ASSOCIATES INC.
110 William St., Suite 2202, New York NY 10038. (212)645-1229. Fax: (212)727-2688. E-mail: dca@doncongdon.com. Website: doncongdon.com. Contact: Michael Congdon, Susan Ramer, Cristina Concepcion, Maura Kye Casella, Katie Kotchman, Katie Grimm. Member of AAR. Represents 100 clients.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: anthropology, archeology, autobiography, biography, child guidance, cooking, creative nonfiction, current affairs, dance, environment, film, foods, government, health, history, humor, language, law, literature, medicine, memoirs, military, music, parenting, popular culture, politics, psychology, satire, science, technology, theater, travel, true crime, war, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, contemporary issues, crime, detective, literary, mainstream, middle grade, mystery, police, short story collections, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult.
Especially interested in narrative nonfiction and literary fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT “For queries via e-mail, you must include the word ‘Query’ and the agent’s full name in your subject heading. Please also include your query and sample chapter in the body of the e-mail, as we do not open attachments for security reasons. Please query only one agent within the agency at a time.” Responds in 3 weeks to queries. Responds in 1 month to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from other authors.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 19% commission on foreign sales. Charges client for extra shipping costs, photocopying, copyright fees, book purchases.
RECENT SALES This agency represents many best-selling clients such as David Sedaris and Kathryn Stockett.
TIPS “Writing a query letter with an SASE is a must. We cannot guarantee replies to foreign queries via standard mail. No phone calls. We never download attachments to e-mail queries for security reasons, so please copy and paste material into your e-mail.”
CONNOR LITERARY AGENCY
2911 W. 71st St., Minneapolis MN 55423. (612)866-1486. E-mail: connoragency@aol.com; coolmkc@aol.com. Website: www.connorliteraryagency.webs.com. Contact: Marlene Connor Lynch; Deborah Connor Coker. Represents 50 clients. 30% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Connor served at the Literary Guild of America, Simon & Schuster, and Random House. She is author of Welcome to the Family: Memories of the Past for a Bright Future (Broadway Books) and What is Cool: Understanding Black Manhood in America (Crown).
MEMBER AGENTS Marlene Connor Lynch (all categories of mainstream nonfiction and fiction); Deborah Coker (young adult and mainstream fiction and nonfiction, suspense, historical fiction, humor, illustrated books, children’s books).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these fiction areas: historical, literary, mainstream, picture books, suspense, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with 1 page and synopsis; include SASE. All unsolicited mss returned unopened. There is also an online submission form on the agency website. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, conferences, grapevine.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year.
RECENT SALES Beautiful Hair at Any Age, by Lisa Akbari; 12 Months of Knitting, by Joanne Yordanou; The Warrior Path: Confessions of a Young Lord, by Felipe Luciano.
WRITERS CONFERENCES National Writers Union, Midwest Chapter; Agents, Agents, Agents; Texas Writers’ Conference; Detroit Writers’ Conference; Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Writers’ Conference for Literature and Creative Writing; Wisconsin Writers’ Festival.
TIPS “Previously published writers are preferred; new writers with national exposure or potential to have national exposure from their own efforts preferred.”
THE DOE COOVER AGENCY
P.O. Box 668, Winchester MA 01890. (781)721-6000. E-mail: info@doecooveragency.com. Website: www.doecooveragency.com. Represents 150+ clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 80%, novels 20%.
MEMBER AGENTS Doe Coover (general nonfiction, including business, cooking/food writing, health and science); Colleen Mohyde (literary and commercial fiction, general nonfiction); Associate: Frances Kennedy.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, business, cooking, economics, foods, gardening, health, history, nutrition, science, technology, social issues, narrative nonfiction. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary.
The agency specializes in narrative nonfiction, particularly biography, business, cooking and food writing, health, history, popular science, social issues, gardening, and humor; literary and commercial fiction. The agency does not represent poetry, screenplays, romance, fantasy, science fiction or unsolicited children's books.
HOW TO CONTACT Accepts queries by e-mail only. Check website for submission guidelines. No unsolicited mss. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds within 4-6 weeks, only if additional material is required. Obtains most new clients through solicitation and recommendation.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales, 10% of original advance commission on foreign sales. No reading fees.
RECENT SALES Vegetable Literacy, by Deborah Madison (Ten Speed Press); L.A. Son: My Life, My City, My Food, by Roy Choi (Anthony Bourdain/Ecco); The Big-Flavor Grill, by Chris Schlesinger and John Willoughby (Ten Speed Press); The Shape Of The Eye: A Memoir, by George Estreich (Tarcher). Frontera: Margaritas, Guacamoles, and Snacks, by Rick Bayless and Deann Groen Bayless (W.W. Norton); The Essay, by Robin Yocum (Arcade Publishing); The Flower of Empire, by Tatiana Holway (Oxford University Press); Dulcie Schwartz mystery series, by Clea Simon (Severn House UK). Other clients include: WGBH, New England Aquarium, Duke University, Cheryl & Bill Jamison, Blue Balliett, David Allen, Jacques Pepin, Cindy Pawlcyn, Joann Weir, Suzanne Berne, Paula Poundstone, Anita Silvey, Marjorie Sandor, Tracy Daugherty, Carl Rollyson, and Joel Magnuson.
CORNERSTONE LITERARY, INC.
4525 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 208, Los Angeles CA 90010. (323)930-6039. Fax: (323)930-0407. E-mail: info@cornerstoneliterary.com. Website: www.cornerstoneliterary.com. Contact: Helen Breitwieser. Member of AAR. Other memberships include Author’s Guild, MWA, RWA, PEN, Poets & Writers. Represents 40 clients. 30% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to founding her own boutique agency, Ms. Breitwieser was a literary agent at The William Morris Agency.
REPRESENTS novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary.
"We do not respond to unsolicited e-mail inquiries. All unsolicited snail mail mss will be returned unopened." Does not want to receive how-to, photography books, science fiction, Western, poetry, screenplays, fantasy, gay/lesbian, horror, self-help, psychology, business, or diet.
HOW TO CONTACT “Submissions should consist of a one-page query letter detailing the book as well as the qualifications of the author. For fiction, submissions may also include the first ten pages of the novel pasted in the e-mail or one short story from a collection. We receive hundreds of queries each month, and make every effort to give each one careful consideration. We cannot guarantee a response to queries submitted electronically due to the volume of queries received.” Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year; 2-month notice must be given to terminate contract.
CORVISIERO LITERARY AGENCY
275 Madison Ave., 14th Floor, New York NY 10016. (646)942-8396. Fax: (646)217-3758. E-mail: contact@corvisieroagency.com. E-mail: query@corvisieroagency.com. Website: www.corvisieroagency.com. Contact: Marisa A. Corvisiero, senior agent and literary attorney.
MEMBER AGENTS Marisa A. Corvisiero, senior agent and literary attorney; Saritza Hernandez, senior agent; Sarah Negovetich, junior agent; Doreen McDonald, junior agent; Rebecca Simas, junior agent; Cate Hart, junior agent.
HOW TO CONTACT Accepts submissions via e-mail only. Include 5 pages of complete and polished ms pasted into the body of an e-mail, and a 1-2 page synopsis. For nonfiction, include a proposal instead of the synopsis. All sample pages must be properly formatted into 1 inch margins, double-spaced lines, Times New Roman black font size 12.
TIPS “For tips and discussions on what we look for in query letters and submissions, please take a look at Marisa A. Corvisiero’s blog: Thoughts From A Literary Agent.”
CRAWFORD LITERARY AGENCY
92 Evans Rd., Barnstead NH 03218. (603)269-5851. E-mail: crawfordlit@att.net. Contact: Susan Crawford. Winter Office: 3920 Bayside Rd., Fort Myers Beach FL 33931. (239)463-4651. Fax: (239)463-0125.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, commercial fiction.
Actively seeking action/adventure stories; medical, legal, and psychological thrillers; true crime; romance and romantic suspense; self-help; inspirational; how-to; women's issues. No short stories, or poetry.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with cover letter, SASE. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3-6 weeks. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others and conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
RECENT SALES Sexy Star Cooking: An Astrology Cookbook for Lovers, by Sabra Ricci; Date with the Devil, by Don Lasseter; Petals from the Sky, by Mingmei Yip.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Hawaii Spellbinders Conference; Love is Murder Mystery Conference; Puerto Villarta Writers Conference; International Film & Television Workshops; Maui Writers Conference; Emerson College Conference; Suncoast Writers Conference; San Diego Writers Conference; Simmons College Writers Conference; Cape Cod Writers Conference; Maui-Writers Alaskan Cruise; Western Caribbean Cruise and Fiji Island Writers Retreat.
TIPS “Keep learning to improve your craft. Attend conferences and network.”
THE CREATIVE CULTURE, INC.
47 E. 19th St., 3rd Floor, New York NY 10003. (212)680-3510. Fax: (212)680-3509. E-mail: submissions@thecreativeculture.com. Website: www.thecreativeculture.com. Contact: Debra Goldstein. Estab. 1998. Member of AAR.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Goldstein and Ms. Gerwin were agents at the William Morris Agency; Ms. Naples was a senior editor at Simon & Schuster.
MEMBER AGENTS Debra Goldstein (self-help, creativity, fitness, inspiration, lifestyle); Mary Ann Naples (health/nutrition, lifestyle, narrative nonfiction, practical nonfiction, literary fiction, animals/vegetarianism); Laura Nolan (literary fiction, parenting, self-help, psychology, women’s studies, current affairs, science); Karen Gerwin (pop culture, lifestyle, parenting, humor, memoir/narrative nonfiction, women’s interests, and a very limited selection of fiction [no genre categories, i.e. thrillers, romance, sci-fi/fantasy, etc.]); Matthew Elblonk (literary fiction, humor, pop culture, music and young adult; interests also include commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, science, and he is always on the lookout for something slightly quirky or absurd).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, creative nonfiction, health, humor, inspirational, memoirs, music, parenting, popular culture, self-help, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: humor, literary, young adult.
"We are known for our emphasis on lifestyle books that enhance readers’ overall well-being—be it through health, inspiration, entertainment, thought-provoking ideas, life management skills, beauty and fashion, or food." Does not want to receive children's books, poetry, screenplays, or science fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by e-mail or snail mail. “If you are submitting fiction, please send four to seven pages of the novel with the query. If you are submitting by mail, be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. All submissions will be read; however, because of the volume received, we will reply to e-mail submissions only if we are interested in seeing more material.”
RECENT SALES Not That Kind of Girl, by Carlene Bauer (Harper); Kiss My Math, by Danica McKellar (Hudson Street Press); The Wow Factor, by Frances Cole Jones (Ballantine).
CREATIVE TRUST, INC.
5141 Virginia Way, Suite 320, Brentwood TN 37027. (615)297-5010. Fax: (615)297-5020. E-mail: info@creativetrust.com. Website: www.creativetrust.com. New York Office: 39 Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York NY 10006. Currently handles: novella graphic novels, movie scripts, multimedia, other video scripts.
HOW TO CONTACT “Creative Trust Literary Group does not accept unsolicited mss or book proposals from unpublished authors. We do accept unsolicited inquiries from previously published authors under the following requisites: e-mail inquiries only, which must not be accompanied by attachments of any kind. If we’re interested, we’ll e-mail you an invitation to submit additional materials and instructions on how to do so.”
CRICHTON & ASSOCIATES
6940 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park MD 20912. (301)495-9663. Fax: (202)318-0050. E-mail: query@crichton-associates.com. Website: www.crichton-associates.com. Contact: Sha-Shana Crichton. 90% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, fiction 50%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Crichton did commercial litigation for a major law firm.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: child guidance, cultural interests, ethnic, gay, government, investigative, law, lesbian, parenting, politics, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies, African-American studies. Considers these fiction areas: ethnic, feminist, inspirational, literary, mainstream, mystery, religious, romance, suspense, chick lit.
Actively seeking women's fiction, romance, and chick lit. Looking also for multicultural fiction and nonfiction. Does not want to receive poetry, children's, YA, science fiction, or screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT “In the subject line of e-mail, please indicate whether your project is fiction or nonfiction. Please do not send attachments. Your query letter should include a description of the project and your biography. If you wish to send your query via snail mail, please include your telephone number and e-mail address. We will respond to you via e-mail. For fiction, include short synopsis and first 3 chapters with query. For nonfiction, send a book proposal.” Responds in 3-5 weeks to queries.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 45 days. Only charges fees for postage and photocopying.
RECENT SALES The African American Entrepreneur, by W. Sherman Rogers (Praeger); The Diversity Code, by Michelle Johnson (Amacom); Secret & Lies, by Rhonda McKnight (Urban Books); Love on the Rocks, by Pamela Yaye (Harlequin). Other clients include Kimberley White, Beverley Long, Jessica Trap, Altonya Washington, Cheris Hodges.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Silicon Valley RWA; BookExpo America.
RICHARD CURTIS ASSOCIATES, INC.
171 E. 74th St., New York NY 10021. (212)772-7363. Fax: (212)772-7393. Website: www.curtisagency.com. Memberships include RWA, MWA, ITW, SFWA. Represents 100 clients. 1% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to being an agent, Mr. Curtis authored blogs, articles and books on the publishing business and help for authors.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: commercial, fantasy, romance, science fiction, thriller, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Considers only authors published by national houses.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges for photocopying, express mail, international freight, book orders.
RECENT SALES Sold 100 titles in the last year: Sylo, by DJ MacHale; War Dogs, by Greg Bear; Ever After, by Kim Harrison.
WRITERS CONFERENCES RWA National Conference.
CURTIS BROWN, LTD.
10 Astor Place, New York NY 10003-6935. (212)473-5400. E-mail: gknowlton@cbltd.com. Website: www.curtisbrown.com. Contact: Ginger Knowlton. Alternate address: Peter Ginsberg, president at CBSF, 1750 Montgomery St., San Francisco CA 94111; (415)954-8566. Member of AAR. Signatory of WGA.
MEMBER AGENTS Ginger Clark (science fiction, fantasy, paranormal romance, literary horror, and young adult and middle grade fiction); Katherine Fausset (adult fiction and nonfiction, including literary and commercial fiction, journalism, memoir, lifestyle, prescriptive and narrative nonfiction); Holly Frederick; Peter Ginsberg, President; Elizabeth Harding, Vice President (represents authors and illustrators of juvenile, middle grade and young adult fiction); Steve Kasdin (commercial fiction, including mysteries/thrillers, romantic suspense—emphasis on the suspense, and historical fiction; narrative nonfiction, including biography, history and current affairs; and young adult fiction, particularly if it has adult crossover appeal); Ginger Knowlton, Executive Vice President (authors and illustrators of children’s books in all genres); Timothy Knowlton, Chief Executive Officer; Jonathan Lyons (biographies, history, science, pop culture, sports, general narrative nonfiction, mysteries, thrillers, science fiction and fantasy, and young adult fiction); Laura Blake Peterson, Vice President (memoir and biography, natural history, literary fiction, mystery, suspense, women’s fiction, health and fitness, children’s and young adult, faith issues and popular culture); Maureen Walters, Senior Vice President (working primarily in women’s fiction and nonfiction projects on subjects as eclectic as parenting & child care, popular psychology, inspirational/motivational volumes as well as a few medical/nutritional books); Mitchell Waters (literary and commercial fiction and nonfiction, including mystery, history, biography, memoir, young adult, cookbooks, self-help and popular culture).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, short story collections, juvenile. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, anthropology, art, biography, business, computers, cooking, crafts, creative nonfiction, current affairs, education, ethnic, film, gardening, government, health, history, how-to, humor, language, memoirs, military, money, multicultural, music, New Age, philosophy, photography, popular culture, psychology, recreation, regional, science, self-help, sex, sociology, software, spirituality, sports, translation, travel, true crime. Considers these fiction areas: adventure, confession, detective, erotica, ethnic, experimental, fantasy, feminist, gay, historical, horror, humor, juvenile, literary, mainstream, middle grade, military, multicultural, multimedia, mystery, New Age, occult, picture books, regional, religious, romance, spiritual, sports, thriller, translation, women’s, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT “Send us a query letter, a synopsis of the work, a sample chapter and a brief resume. Illustrators should send 1-2 samples of published work, along with 6-8 color copies (no original art). Please send all book queries to our address, Attn: Query Department. Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope for our response and return postage if you wish to have your materials returned to you. We typically respond to queries within 6 to 8 weeks.” Note that some agents list their e-mail on the agency website and are fine with e-mail submissions. Note if the submission/query is being considered elsewhere. Responds in 3 weeks to queries; 5 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% on foreign sales. Offers written contract. 75-day notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges for some postage (overseas, etc.).
RECENT SALES This agency prefers not to share information on specific sales.
D4EO LITERARY AGENCY
7 Indian Valley Rd., Weston CT 06883. (203)544-7180. Fax: (203)544-7160. Website: www.d4eoliteraryagency.com. Contact: Bob Diforio. Represents 100+ clients. 50% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 70%, novels 25%, juvenile books 5%.
Prior to opening his agency, Mr. Diforio was a publisher.
MEMBER AGENTS Bob Diforio (referrals only); Mandy Hubbard (middle grade, young adult, and genre romance); Kristin Miller-Vincent (closed to queries); Bree Odgen (children’s, young adult, juvenile nonfiction, graphic novels, pop culture, art books, genre horror, noir, genre romance, historical, hard sci-fi); Samantha Dighton (closed to queries); Joyce Holland (currently closed to submissions).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: juvenile, art, biography, business, child, current affairs, gay, health, history, how-to, humor, memoirs, military, money, psychology, religion, science, self-help, sports, true crime, women’s. Considers these fiction areas: adventure, detective, erotica, historical, horror, humor, juvenile, literary, mainstream, middle grade, mystery, picture books, romance, sports, thriller.
HOW TO CONTACT Each of these agents has a different submission e-mail and different tastes regarding how they review material. See all on their individual agent pages on the agency website. Responds in 1 week to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 2 years; 60-day notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges for photocopying and submission postage.
LAURA DAIL LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
350 Seventh Ave., Suite 2003, New York NY 10001. (212)239-7477. Fax: (212)947-0460. E-mail: queries@ldlainc.com. Website: www.ldlainc.com. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Laura Dail; Tamar Rydzinski.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: humor. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, historical, young adult.
Specializes in historical, literary and some young adult fiction, as well as both practical and idea-driven nonfiction. “Tamar is not interested in prescriptive or practical nonfiction, humor, coffee table books or children’s books (meaning anything younger than middle grade). She is interested in everything else that is well-written and has great characters, including graphic novels.” “Due to the volume of queries and mss received, we apologize for not answering every e-mail and letter. None of us handles children’s picture books or chapter books. No New Age. We do not handle screenplays or poetry.”
HOW TO CONTACT “If you would like, you may include a synopsis and no more than 10 pages. If you are mailing your query, please be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope; without it, you may not hear back from us. To save money, time and trees, we prefer queries by e-mail (queries@ldlainc.com).We get a lot of spam and are wary of computer viruses, so please use the word ‘Query’ in the subject line and include your detailed materials in the body of your message, not as an attachment.”
DANIEL LITERARY GROUP
1701 Kingsbury Dr., Suite 100, Nashville TN 37215. (615)730-8207. E-mail: submissions@danielliterarygroup.com. Website: www.danielliterarygroup.com. Contact: Greg Daniel. Represents 45 clients. 30% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Daniel spent 10 years in publishing—6 at the executive level at Thomas Nelson Publishers.
REPRESENTS nonfiction. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, current affairs, economics, environment, film, health, history, how-to, humor, inspirational, medicine, memoirs, nature, parenting, personal improvement, popular culture, religious, satire, self-help, sports, theater, women’s issues, women’s studies.
"We take pride in our ability to come alongside our authors and help strategize about where they want their writing to take them in both the near and long term. Forging close relationships with our authors, we help them with such critical factors as editorial refinement, branding, audience, and marketing." The agency is open to submissions in almost every popular category of nonfiction, especially if authors are recognized experts in their fields. No fiction, screenplays, poetry, science fiction/fantasy, romance, children's, or short stories.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail only. Submit publishing history, author bio, key selling points; no attachments. Check Submissions Guidelines before querying or submitting. Please do not query via telephone. Responds in 2-3 weeks to queries.
DARHANSOFF & VERRILL LITERARY AGENTS
236 W. 26th St., Suite 802, New York NY 10001. (917)305-1300. Fax: (917)305-1400. E-mail: submissions@dvagency.com. Website: www.dvagency.com. Member of AAR. Represents 120 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 25%, novels 60%, story collections 15%.
MEMBER AGENTS Liz Darhansoff; Chuck Verrill; Michele Mortimer; Catherine Luttinger (science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, YA, thrillers, mysteries).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, memoirs. Considers these fiction areas: fantasy, historical, literary, mystery, science fiction, suspense, thriller, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Send queries via e-mail (submissions@dvagency.com) or by snail mail with SASE. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
RECENT SALES A full list of clients is available on their website.
CAROLINE DAVIDSON LITERARY AGENCY
5 Queen Anne’s Gardens, London England W4 ITU United Kingdom. (44)(208)995-5768. Fax: (44)(208)994-2770. E-mail: enquiries@cdla.co.uk. Website: www.cdla.co.uk. Contact: Ms. Caroline Davidson.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, serious material only, novels.
Does not consider autobiographies, chick lit, children’s, crime, erotica, fantasy, horror, local history, murder mysteries, occult, self-help, short stories, sci-fi, thrillers, individual short stories, or memoir.
HOW TO CONTACT Handles novels and nonfiction of originality and high quality (12.5%). Send preliminary letter with CV and detailed, well-thought-out book proposal/synopsis and/or first 50pp of novel in hard copy only. No e-mail submissions will be accepted or replied to. No reply without large SAE with correct return postage/IRC. No reading fee. CDLA does not consider plays, films, scripts, poetry, children’s/YA, thrillers, fantasy, horror, crime, erotica, occult or sci-fi. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others. Please refer to website for further information. CDLA does not acknowledge or reply to e-mail enquiries. No telephone enquiries. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
TIPS “Please visit our website before submitting any work to us.”
LIZA DAWSON ASSOCIATES
350 Seventh Ave., Suite 2003, New York NY 10001. (212)465-9071. Website: www.lizadawsonassociates.com. Contact: Anna Olswanger. Member of AAR. Other memberships include MWA, Women’s Media Group. Represents 50+ clients. 30% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Dawson was an editor for 20 years, spending 11 years at William Morrow as vice president and 2 years at Putnam as executive editor. Ms. Blasdell was a senior editor at HarperCollins and Avon. Ms. Olswanger is an author.
MEMBER AGENTS Liza Dawson (plot-driven literary fiction, historicals, thrillers, suspense, parenting books, history, psychology [both popular and clinical], politics, narrative nonfiction and memoirs); Caitlin Blasdell (science fiction, fantasy (both adult and young adult), parenting, business, thrillers and women’s fiction); Anna Olswanger (gift books for adults, young adult fiction and nonfiction, children’s illustrated books, and Judaica); Havis Dawson (business books, how-to and practical books, spirituality, fantasy, Southern-culture fiction and military memoirs); Hannah Bowman (commercial fiction, especially science fiction and fantasy; women’s fiction; cozy mysteries; romance; young adult; also nonfiction in the areas of mathematics, science, and spirituality); Monica Odom (literary fiction, women’s fiction, voice-driven memoir, nonfiction in the areas of pop culture, food and cooking, history, politics, and current affairs).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels and gift books (Olswanger only). Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, business, cooking, current affairs, health, history, medicine, memoirs, parenting, popular culture, politics, psychology, sociology, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, fantasy, historical, literary, mystery, regional, romance, science fiction, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult, fantasy and science fiction (Blasdell only).
This agency specializes in readable literary fiction, thrillers, mainstream historicals, women’s fiction, academics, historians, business, journalists, and psychology.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by e-mail only. No phone calls. Each of these agents has their own specific submission requirements, which you can find online at their website. querymonica@LizaDawsonAssociates.com; queryHannah@LizaDawsonAssociates.com; queryhavis@LizaDawsonAssociates.com; queryanna@LizaDawsonAssociates.com; queryCaitlin@LizaDawsonAssociates.com; queryliza@LizaDawsonAssociates.com. Responds in 4 weeks to queries; 8 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
THE JENNIFER DECHIARA LITERARY AGENCY
31 East 32nd St., Suite 300, New York NY 10016. (212)481-8484. Fax: (212)481-9582. Website: www.jdlit.com.
MEMBER AGENTS Jennifer DeChiara, jenndec@aol.com (literary, commercial, women’s fiction [no bodice-rippers, please], chick-lit, mysteries, suspense, thrillers; for nonfiction: LGBTQ, memoirs, books about the arts and performing arts, behind-the-scenes-type books, and books about popular culture); Stephen Fraser, stephenafraser@verizon.net (one-of-a-kind picture books; strong chapter book series; whimsical, dramatic, or humorous middle grade; dramatic or high-concept young adult; powerful and unusual nonfiction; nonfiction with a broad audience on topics as far-reaching as art history, theater, film, literature, and travel); Marie Lamba, marie.jdlit@gmail.com (young adult and middle grade fiction, along with general and women’s fiction and some memoir); Linda Epstein, linda.p.epstein@gmail.com (young adult, middle grade, literary fiction, quality upscale commercial fiction, vibrant narrative nonfiction, compelling memoirs, health and parenting books, cookbooks); Roseanne Wells, queryroseanne@gmail.com (literary fiction, YA, middle grade, narrative nonfiction, select memoir, science [popular or trade, not academic], history, religion [not inspirational], travel, humor, food/cooking, and similar subjects).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, juvenile. Considers these nonfiction areas: art, cooking, creative nonfiction, film, foods, gay/lesbian, health, history, humor, literature, memoirs, parenting, popular culture, religious, science, theater, travel. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, middle grade, mystery, picture books, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Each agent has their own e-mail submission address and submission instructions. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, conferences, query letters.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
DEFIORE & CO.
47 E. 19th St., 3rd Floor, New York NY 10003. (212)925-7744. Fax: (212)925-9803. E-mail: info@defioreandco.com; submissions@defioreandco.com. Website: www.defioreandco.com. Member of AAR.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. DeFiore was publisher of Villard Books (1997-1998), editor-in-chief of Hyperion (1992-1997), and editorial director of Delacorte Press (1988-1992).
MEMBER AGENTS Brian DeFiore (popular nonfiction, business, pop culture, parenting, commercial fiction); Laurie Abkemeier (memoir, parenting, business, how-to/self-help, popular science); Kate Garrick (literary fiction, memoir, popular nonfiction); Matthew Elblonk (young adult, popular culture, narrative nonfiction); Caryn Karmatz-Rudy (popular fiction, self-help, narrative nonfiction); Adam Schear (commercial fiction, humor, YA, smart thrillers, historical fiction, and quirky debut literary novels. For nonfiction: popular science, politics, popular culture, and current events); Meredith Kaffel (smart upmarket women’s fiction, literary fiction [especially debut] and literary thrillers, narrative nonfiction, nonfiction about science and tech, sophisticated pop culture/humor books); Rebecca Strauss (literary and commercial fiction, women’s fiction, urban fantasy, romance, mystery, YA, memoir, pop culture, and select nonfiction); Debra Goldstein (nonfiction books on how to live better).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, economics, foods, how-to, inspirational, money, multicultural, parenting, popular culture, politics, psychology, religious, science, self-help, sports, young adult. Considers these fiction areas: ethnic, literary, mainstream, middle grade, mystery, paranormal, romance, short story collections, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult.
"Please be advised that we are not considering children's picture books, poetry, adult science fiction and fantasy, romance, or dramatic projects at this time."
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE or e-mail to submissions@defioreandco.com. “Please include the word ‘Query’ in the subject line. All attachments will be deleted; please insert all text in the body of the e-mail. For more information about our agents, their individual interests, and their query guidelines, please visit our ‘About Us’ page on our website.” There is more information (details, sales) for each agent on the agency website. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 10-day notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges clients for photocopying and overnight delivery (deducted only after a sale is made).
WRITERS CONFERENCES Maui Writers Conference; Pacific Northwest Writers Conference; North Carolina Writers’ Network Fall Conference.
JOELLE DELBOURGO ASSOCIATES, INC.
101 Park St., 3rd Floor, Montclair NJ 07042. (973)773-0836. Fax: (973)783-6802. E-mail: submissions@delbourgo.com. Website: www.delbourgo.com. Represents more than 100 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 75%, novels 25%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Delbourgo was an editor and senior publishing executive at HarperCollins and Random House.
MEMBER AGENTS Joelle Delbourgo, joelle@delbourgo.com (broad range of adult nonfiction and fiction, as well as a select and growing list of young adult and middle grade fiction and nonfiction); Jacqueline Flynn, jacqueline@delbourgo.com (thought-provoking nonfiction in business, history, self-help, memoir, current events, science, and more as well as very select fiction and children’s titles); Carrie Cantor, carrie@delbourgo.com (current events, politics, history, popular science and psychology, memoir, and narrative nonfiction).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, current affairs, history, memoirs, politics, psychology, science, self-help. Considers these fiction areas: literary, mainstream, middle grade, young adult.
“We are former publishers and editors with deep knowledge and an insider perspective. We have a reputation for individualized attention to clients, strategic management of authors’ careers, and creating strong partnerships with publishers for our clients.”
HOW TO CONTACT It’s preferable if you submit via e-mail to a specific agent. Query one agent only. No attachments. More submission tips on agency website. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges clients for postage and photocopying.
RECENT SALES Alexander the Great, by Philip Freeman; The Big Book of Parenting Solutions, by Dr. Michele Borba; The Secret Life of Ms. Finkelman, by Ben H. Wintners; Not Quite Adults, by Richard Settersten Jr. and Barbara Ray; Tabloid Medicine, by Robert Goldberg, PhD; Table of Contents, by Judy Gerlman and Vicky Levi Krupp.
TIPS “Do your homework. Do not cold call. Read and follow submission guidelines before contacting us. Do not call to find out if we received your material. No e-mail queries. Treat agents with respect, as you would any other professional, such as a doctor, lawyer or financial advisor.”
SANDRA DIJKSTRA LITERARY AGENCY
1155 Camino del Mar, PMB 515, Del Mar CA 92014. (858)755-3115. Fax: (858)794-2822. E-mail: elise@dijkstraagency.com. Website: www.dijkstraagency.com. Member of AAR. Other memberships include Authors Guild, PEN West, PEN USA, Organization of American Historians, Poets and Editors, MWA. Represents 100+ clients. 30% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
MEMBER AGENTS Sandra Dijkstra, president (adult only). Other acquiring agents: Elise Capron (adult only), Jill Marr (adult only), Thao Le (adult and YA), Roz Foster (adult and YA), Jessica Watterson (adult and YA).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, creative nonfiction, design, history, memoirs, psychology, science, self-help, narrative. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, horror, literary, middle grade, science fiction, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT “Please see guidelines on our website, and note that we only accept e-mail submissions. Due to the large number of unsolicited submissions we receive, we are only able to respond to those submissions in which we are interested.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds to queries of interest within 6 weeks.
TERMS Works in conjunction with foreign and film agents. Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales and 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. No reading fee.
TIPS “Remember that publishing is a business. Do your research and present your project in as professional a way as possible. Only submit your work when you are confident that it is polished and ready for prime-time. Make yourself a part of the active writing community by getting stories and articles published, networking with other writers, and getting a good sense of where your work fits in the market.”
DONADIO & OLSON, INC.
121 W. 27th St., Suite 704, New York NY 10001. (212)691-8077. Fax: (212)633-2837. E-mail: mail@donadio.com. Website: donadio.com. Contact: Neil Olson. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Neil Olson (no queries); Edward Hibbert (no queries); Carrie Howland (represents literary fiction and nonfiction as well as young adult fiction. She can be reached at carrie@donadio.com.).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these fiction areas: literary, young adult.
This agency represents mostly fiction, and is very selective.
HOW TO CONTACT Please send a query letter, full synopsis, and the first three chapters/first 25 pages of the manuscript to mail@donadio.com. Please allow a few weeks for a reply. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
JANIS A. DONNAUD & ASSOCIATES, INC.
525 Broadway, Second Floor, New York NY 10012. (212)431-2664. Fax: (212)431-2667. E-mail: jdonnaud@aol.com; donnaudassociate@aol.com. Website: www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/JanisDonnaud/. Contact: Janis A. Donnaud. Member of AAR. Signatory of WGA. Represents 40 clients. 5% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
NEW AGENT SPOTLIGHT
MARIA VICENTE
(P.S. LITERARY AGENCY)
psliterary.com
@MsMariaVicente
ABOUT MARIA: Maria has a B.A. in English Literature from Carleton University and a B.Ed. from The University of Western Ontario.
SHE IS SEEKING: literary and commercial fiction, new adult, young adult, middle grade, high-concept picture books, and nonfiction proposals in the pop culture, pop psychology, design, and lifestyle categories. She has a particular interest in magical realism, fiction with visual components, and nonfiction inspired by online culture.
HOW TO QUERY: query@psliterary.com. Limit your query to one page and include the following: an introduction (the title and category of your work and an estimated word count), a brief overview (similar to back-cover copy), and a writer’s bio (a little bit about yourself and your background). Do not send attachments or submit a full-length manuscript/proposal unless requested. In your e-mail subject line, have it read “Query for Maria: [Book Title].”
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Donnaud was vice president and associate publisher of Random House Adult Trade Group.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, cooking, creative nonfiction, ethnic, health, history, money, sports.
Does not want to receive "fiction, poetry, mysteries, juvenile books, romances, science fiction, young adult, religious or fantasy."
HOW TO CONTACT Query. For nonfiction, send a proposal. Prefers exclusive submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries and mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic and film sales; 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 1-month notice must be given to terminate contract.
RECENT SALES Stephane Stiavetti and Garrett McCord for Melt, their book on mac and cheese; Jennifer Klinec for her memoir, The Temporary Bride; Amy Thielen for 2 books including The New Midwestern Table; Jacquy Pfeiffer, for The French Pastry Primer; Catherine Crawford for her book Why French Children Don’t Talk Back; Jaden Hair’s Steamy Kitchen book; Also: Paula Deen’s books, Pat and Gina Neely’s books, Anne Burrell’s books, Suzanne Goin’s books.
JIM DONOVAN LITERARY
5635 SMU Blvd., Suite 201, Dallas TX 75206. E-mail: jdliterary@sbcglobal.net. Contact: Melissa Shultz, agent. Represents 30 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 75%, novels 25%.
MEMBER AGENTS Jim Donovan (history—particularly American, military and Western; biography; sports; popular reference; popular culture; fiction—literary, thrillers and mystery); Melissa Shultz (parenting, women’s issues, memoir).
This agency specializes in commercial fiction and nonfiction. "Does not want to receive poetry, children's, sci-fi, fantasy, short stories, inspirational or anything else not listed above."
HOW TO CONTACT “For nonfiction, I need a well thought out query letter telling me about the book: What it does, how it does it, why it’s needed now, why it’s better or different than what’s out there on the subject, and why the author is the perfect writer for it. For fiction, the novel has to be finished, of course; a short (2 to 5 page) synopsis—not a teaser, but a summary of all the action, from first page to last—and the first 30-50 pages is enough. This material should be polished to as close to perfection as possible.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Responds in 1 month to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract. This agency charges for things such as overnight delivery and manuscript copying. Charges are discussed beforehand.
RECENT SALES Below, by Ryan Lockwood (Kensington); The Dead Lands, by Joe McKinney (Kensington); Perfect: Don Larsen’s Miraculous World Series Game and the Men Who Made It Happen, by Lew Paper (NAL); Untouchable: The Life and Times of Elliott Ness, America’s Greatest Crime Fighter (Viking); Last Stand at Khe Sanh, by Gregg Jones (DaCapo); Soldier of Misfortune, by Richard Bak; Powerless by Tim Washburn.
TIPS “Get published in short form—magazine reviews, journals, etc.—first. This will increase your credibility considerably, and make it much easier to sell a full-length book.”
DOYEN LITERARY SERVICES, INC.
1931-660th St., Newell IA 50568-7613. Website: www.barbaradoyen.com. Contact: (Ms.) B.J. Doyen, president. Represents over 100 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Doyen worked as a published author, teacher, and guest speaker, and wrote and appeared in her own weekly TV show airing in 7 states. She is also the coauthor of The Everything Guide to Writing a Book Proposal (Adams 2005) and The Everything Guide to Getting Published (Adams 2006).
REPRESENTS nonfiction for adults, no children’s. Considers these nonfiction areas: agriculture, Americana, animals, anthropology, archeology, architecture, art, autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, computers, cooking, crafts, cultural interests, current affairs, diet/nutrition, design, economics, education, environment, ethnic, film, foods, gardening, government, health, history, hobbies, horticulture, language, law, medicine, memoirs, metaphysics, military, money, multicultural, music, parenting, photography, popular culture, politics, psychology, recreation, regional, science, self-help, sex, sociology, software, technology, theater, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies, creative nonfiction, computers, electronics.
This agency specializes in nonfiction. Actively seeking business, health, science, how-to, self-help—all kinds of adult nonfiction suitable for the major trade publishers. Does not want to receive pornography, screenplays, children's books, fiction, or poetry.
HOW TO CONTACT Send a query letter initially. “Do not send us any attachments. Your text must be in the body of the e-mail. Please read the website before submitting a query. Include your background information in a bio. Send no unsolicited attachments.” Reach this agency through its current e-mail, which is posted on the agency website. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds immediately to queries. Responds in 3 weeks to mss.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 2 years.
RECENT SALES Stem Cells for Dummies, by Lawrence S.B. Goldstein and Meg Schneider; The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Country Living, by Kimberly Willis; The Complete Illustrated Pregnancy Companion, by Robin Elise Weiss; The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Playing the Fiddle, by Ellery Klein; Healthy Aging for Dummies, by Brent Agin, MD and Sharon Perkins, RN.
TIPS “Our authors receive personalized attention. We market aggressively, undeterred by rejection. We get the best possible publishing contracts. We are very interested in nonfiction book ideas at this time and will consider most topics. Many writers come to us from referrals, but we also get quite a few who initially approach us with query letters. Do not call us regarding queries. It is best if you do not collect editorial rejections prior to seeking an agent, but if you do, be upfront and honest about it. Do not submit your manuscript to more than 1 agent at a time—querying first can save you (and us) much time. We’re open to established or beginning writers—just send us a terrific letter!”
DREISBACH LITERARY MANAGEMENT
PO Box 5379, El Dorado Hills CA 95762. (916)804-5016. E-mail: verna@dreisbachliterary.com. Website: www.dreisbachliterary.com. Contact: Verna Dreisbach. Estab. 2007.
Prior to opening her own agency, Ms. Dreisbach was with Andrea Hurst Literary.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, biography, business, health, memoirs, multicultural, parenting, travel, true crime, women’s issues. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, mystery, thriller, young adult.
The agency has a particular interest in books with a political, economic, or social context. Open to most types of nonfiction. Fiction interests include literary, commercial, and YA. Verna's first career as a law enforcement officer gives her a genuine interest and expertise in the genres of mystery, thriller, and true crime. Does not want to receive sci-fi, fantasy, horror, poetry, screenplay, Christian, or children's books.
HOW TO CONTACT E-mail queries only. No attachments in the query; they will not be opened. No unsolicited mss. Accepting new nonfiction clients only through a writers conference or a personal referral. Not accepting fiction.
RECENT SALES How to Blog a Book (Writer’s Digest Books); Quest for Justice (New Horizon Press); Walnut Wine and Truffle Groves (Running Press); Coming to the Fire (BenBella Books); Off the Street (Behler Publications); Lowcountry Bribe (Bell Bridge Books).
DUNHAM LITERARY, INC.
110 William St., Suite 2202, New York NY 10038. (212)929-0994. E-mail: dunhamlit@yahoo.com. E-mail: query@dunhamlit.com. Website: www.dunhamlit.com. Contact: Jennie Dunham. Member of AAR. SCBWI Represents 50 clients. 15% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 25%, novels 25%, juvenile books 50%.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Dunham worked as a literary agent for Russell & Volkening. The Rhoda Weyr Agency is now a division of Dunham Literary, Inc.
REPRESENTS nonfiction, fiction, novels, juvenile books. Considers these nonfiction areas: anthropology, archeology, biography, cultural interests, environment, ethnic, health, history, language, literature, medicine, popular culture, politics, psychology, science, technology, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: ethnic, juvenile, literary, mainstream, picture books, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Responds in 3 weeks to queries; 2 months to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
RECENT SALES Sales include The Bad Kitty Series, by Nick Bruel (Macmillan); The Little Mermaid, by Robert Sabuda (Simon & Schuster); Transformers, by Matthew Reinhart (Little, Brown); The Gollywhopper Games and Sequels, by Jody Feldman (HarperCollins); Learning Not to Drown, by Anna Shinoda (Simon & Schuster); The Things You Kiss Goodbye, by Leslie Connor (HarperCollins); Gangsterland, by Tod Goldberg (Counterpoint); Ancestors and Others, by Fred Chappell (Macmillan), Forward From Here, by Reeve Lindbergh (Simon & Schuster).
DUNOW, CARLSON, & LERNER AGENCY
27 W. 20th St., Suite 1107, New York NY 10011. (212)645-7606. E-mail: mail@dclagency.com. Website: www.dclagency.com. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Jennifer Carlson (narrative nonfiction writers and journalists covering current events and ideas and cultural history, as well as literary and upmarket commercial novelists); Henry Dunow (quality fiction—literary, historical, strongly written commercial—and voice-driven nonfiction across a range of areas—narrative history, biography, memoir, current affairs, cultural trends and criticism, science, sports); Erin Hosier (nonfiction: popular culture, music, sociology and memoir); Betsy Lerner (nonfiction writers in the areas of psychology, history, cultural studies, biography, current events, business; fiction: literary, dark, funny, voice driven); Yishai Seidman (broad range of fiction: literary, postmodern, and thrillers; nonfiction: sports, music, and pop culture); Amy Hughes (nonfiction in the areas of history, cultural studies, memoir, current events, wellness, health, food, pop culture, and biography; also literary fiction); Eleanor Jackson (literary, commercial, memoir, art, food, science and history); Julia Kenny (fiction—adult, middle grade and YA—and is especially interested in dark, literary thrillers and suspense).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, juvenile. Considers these nonfiction areas: art, biography, creative nonfiction, cultural interests, current affairs, foods, health, history, memoirs, music, popular culture, psychology, science, sociology, sports. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, mainstream, middle grade, mystery, picture books, thriller, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via snail mail with SASE, or by e-mail. No attachments. Responds if interested.
RECENT SALES A full list of agency clients is on the website.
DYSTEL & GODERICH LITERARY MANAGEMENT
1 Union Square W., Suite 904, New York NY 10003. (212)627-9100. Fax: (212)627-9313. Website: www.dystel.com. Estab. 1994. Member of AAR. Other membership includes SCBWI. Represents 600+ clients.
MEMBER AGENTS Jane Dystel; Miriam Goderich (literary and commercial fiction as well as some genre fiction, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, psychology, history, science, art, business books, and biography/memoir); Stacey Kendall Glick (narrative nonfiction including memoir, parenting, cooking and food, psychology, science, health and wellness, lifestyle, current events, pop culture, YA, middle grade, and select adult contemporary fiction); Michael Bourret (middle grade and young adult fiction, commercial adult fiction, and all sorts of nonfiction, from practical to narrative; he’s especially interested in food- and cocktail-related books, memoir, popular history, politics, religion [though not spirituality], popular science, and current events); Jim McCarthy (literary women’s fiction, underrepresented voices, mysteries, romance, paranormal fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and paranormal nonfiction); Jessica Papin (literary and smart commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, history with a thesis, medicine, science and religion, health, psychology, women’s issues); Lauren E. Abramo (smart commercial fiction and well-paced literary fiction with a unique voice, including middle grade, YA, and adult and a wide variety of narrative nonfiction including science, interdisciplinary cultural studies, pop culture, psychology, reportage, media, contemporary culture, and history); John Rudolph (picture book author/illustrators, middle grade, YA, commercial fiction for men, nonfiction); Rachel Stout (literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, and believable and thought-provoking YA as well as magical realism); Sharon Pelletier (witty literary fiction and smart commercial fiction featuring female characters, narrative nonfiction).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, cookbooks. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, anthropology, archeology, autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cultural interests, current affairs, economics, ethnic, gay/lesbian, health, history, humor, inspirational, investigative, medicine, metaphysics, military, New Age, parenting, popular culture, psychology, religious, science, technology, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, commercial, crime, detective, ethnic, family saga, gay, lesbian, literary, mainstream, middle grade, mystery, picture books, police, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult.
"We are actively seeking fiction for all ages, in all genres." No plays, screenplays, or poetry.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail. The varying e-mail addresses for each agent are on the agency website under “Who We Are and What We’re Looking For.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 6 to 8 weeks to queries; within 8 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 19% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Backspace Writers’ Conference; Pacific Northwest Writers’ Association; Pike’s Peak Writers’ Conference; Writers League of Texas; Love Is Murder; Surrey International Writers Conference; Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators; International Thriller Writers; Willamette Writers Conference; The South Carolina Writers Workshop Conference; Las Vegas Writers Conference; Writer’s Digest; Seton Hill Popular Fiction; Romance Writers of America; Geneva Writers Conference.
TIPS “DGLM prides itself on being a full-service agency. We’re involved in every stage of the publishing process, from offering substantial editing on mss and proposals, to coming up with book ideas for authors looking for their next project, negotiating contracts and collecting monies for our clients. We follow a book from its inception through its sale to a publisher, its publication, and beyond. Our commitment to our writers does not, by any means, end when we have collected our commission. This is one of the many things that makes us unique in a very competitive business.”
EAST/WEST LITERARY AGENCY, LLC
1158 26th St., Suite 462, Santa Monica CA 90403. (310)573-9303. Fax: (310)453-9008. E-mail: dwarren@eastwestliteraryagency.com. Contact: Deborah Warren. Estab. 2000. Currently handles: juvenile books 90%, adult books 10%.
MEMBER AGENTS Deborah Warren, founder.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: middle grade, picture books, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT By referral only. Submit proposal and first 3 sample chapters, table of contents (2 pages or fewer), synopsis (1 page). For picture books, submit entire ms. Requested submissions should be sent by mail as a Word document in Courier, 12-pt., double-spaced with 1.20-inch margin on left, ragged right text, 25 lines per page, continuously paginated, with all your contact info on the first page. Only responds if interested, no need for SASE. Responds in 60 days. Obtains new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges for out-of-pocket expenses, such as postage and copying.
EBELING & ASSOCIATES
P.O. Box 2529, Lyons CO 80540. (303)823-6963. E-mail: ebothat@yahoo.com. Website: www.ebelingagency.com. Contact: Michael Ebeling. Represents 6 clients. 50% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Ebeling established a career in the publishing industry through long-term author management. He has expertise in sales, platforms, publicity and marketing.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, business, cooking, diet/nutrition, environment, foods, history, how-to, humor, inspirational, medicine, money, music, parenting, psychology, religious, satire, self-help, spirituality, sports.
"We accept very few clients for representation. To be considered, an author needs a very strong platform and a unique book concept. We represent nonfiction authors, most predominantly in the areas of business and self-help. We are very committed to our authors and their messages, which is a main reason we have such a high placement rate. We are always looking at new ways to help our authors gain the exposure they need to not only get published, but develop a successful literary career." Actively seeking well-written nonfiction material with fresh perspectives written by writers with established platforms. Does not want to receive fiction, poetry or children's lit.
HOW TO CONTACT We accept queries and proposals by e-mail only. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 4-6 weeks to queries. Obtains most new clients through referrals and queries.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 60-day notice must be given to terminate contract. There is a charge for normal out-of-pocket fees, not to exceed $200 without client approval.
RECENT SALES Naked: How to Find Your Perfect Partner by Revealing Your True Self by David Wygant (Hay House 2012); The One Command: Command Your Wealth by Asara Lovejoy (Berkley/Penguin 2012); Growing Happy Kids by Maureen Healy (Health Communications, Inc. 2012).
WRITERS CONFERENCES BookExpo America; San Francisco Writers’ Conference.
TIPS “Approach agents when you’re already building your platform, you have a well-written book, you have a firm understanding of the publishing process, and you have come up with a complete competitive proposal. Know the name of the agent you are contacting. You’re essentially selling a business plan to the publisher. Make sure you’ve made a convincing pitch throughout your proposal, as ultimately, publishers are taking a financial risk by investing in your project.”
ANNE EDELSTEIN LITERARY AGENCY
404 Riverside Dr., #12D, New York NY 10025. (212)414-4923. Fax: (212)414-2930. E-mail: submissions@aeliterary.com. Website: www.aeliterary.com. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Anne Edelstein.
REPRESENTS nonfiction, fiction. Considers these nonfiction areas: history, memoirs, psychology, religious, cultural history. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary.
This agency specializes in fiction and narrative nonfiction.
HOW TO CONTACT E-mail queries only; consult website for submission guidelines.
RECENT SALES Amsterdam, by Russell Shorto (Doubleday); The Story of Beautiful Girl, by Rachel Simon (Grand Central).
EDUCATIONAL DESIGN SERVICES LLC
5750 Bou Ave, Suite 1508, N. Bethesda MD 20852. E-mail: blinder@educationaldesignservices.com. Website: www.educationaldesignservices.com. Contact: B. Linder. Estab. 1981. 80% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
"We specialize in educational materials to be used in classrooms (in class sets), for staff development or in teacher education classes." Actively seeking educational, text materials. Not looking for picture books, story books, fiction; no illustrators.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by e-mail or with SASE or send outline and 1 sample chapter. Considers simultaneous queries and submissions if so indicated. Returns material only with SASE. Responds in 6-8 weeks to queries/mss. Obtains clients through recommendations from others, queries/solicitations, or through conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 25% on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding until any party opts out. Terminate contract through certified letter.
RECENT SALES How to Solve Word Problems in Mathematics, by Wayne (McGraw-Hill); Preparing for the 8th Grade Test in Social Studies, by Farran-Paci (Amsco); Minority Report, by Gunn-Singh (Scarecrow Education); No Parent Left Behind, by Petrosino & Spiegel (Rowman & Littlefield); Teaching Test-taking Skills (R&L Education); 10 Languages You’ll Need Most in the Classroom, by Sundem, Krieger, Pickiewicz (Corwin Press); Kids, Classrooms & Capital Hill, by Flynn (R&L Education); Bully Nation, by Susan Eva Porter (Paragon House).
JUDITH EHRLICH LITERARY MANAGEMENT, LLC
880 Third Ave., 8th Floor, New York NY 10022. (646)505-1570. Fax: (646)505-1570. E-mail: jehrlich@judithehrlichliterary.com. Website: www.judithehrlichliterary.com. Member of the Author’s Guild and the American Society of Journalists and Authors.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Ehrlich was a senior associate at the Linda Chester Agency and is an award-winning journalist; she is the co-author of The New Crowd: The Changing of the Jewish Guard on Wall Street (Little, Brown).
MEMBER AGENTS Judith Ehrlich; Sophia Seidner: sseidner@judithehrlichliterary.com (strong literary fiction and nonfiction including self-help, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and biography. Areas of special interest include medical and health-related topics, science [popular, political and social], animal welfare, current events, politics, law, history, ethics, parody and humor, sports, art and business self-help).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, creative nonfiction, cultural interests, current affairs, health, history, memoirs, parenting, psychology, science, women’s issues. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary.
Does not want to receive novellas, poetry, textbooks, plays, or screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT Queries should include a synopsis and some sample pages. Send e-queries to jehrlich@judithehrlichliterary.com. The agency will respond only if interested.
RECENT SALES Power Branding: Leveraging the Success of the World’s Best Brands by Steve McKee (Palgrave Macmillan); What Was the Underground Railroad? by Yona Zeldis McDonough (Grosset & Dunlap); Confessions of a Sociopath: A Life Spent Hiding in Plain Sight by M.E. Thomas (Crown); The Last Kiss by Leslie Brody (TitleTown); Love, Loss, and Laughter: Seeing Alzheimer’s Differently (Lyons Press); Luck and Circumstance: A Coming of Age in New York, Hollywood, and Points Beyond by Michael Lindsay-Hogg (Knopf); Paris Under Water: How the City of Light Survived the Great Flood of 1910 by Jeffrey H. Jackson (Palgrave Macmillan). Fiction titles: Two of a Kind by Yona Zeldis McDonough (NAL, September 2013); Once We Were by Kat Zhang (HarperCollins, September 2013).
EINSTEIN THOMPSON AGENCY
27 West 20th Street, Suite 1003, New York NY 10011. (212)221-8797. E-mail: submissions@einsteinthompson.com. Estab. 2011. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Susanna Einstein, Meg Thompson, Molly Reese Lerner (associate agent).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: cooking, creative nonfiction, history, memoirs, popular culture, politics, science, sports. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, crime, historical, literary, middle grade, women’s, young adult.
No picture books.
HOW TO CONTACT For fiction, send a query letter and the first 25 pages pasted into an e-mail. Address your query to your targeted agent. Please send a query and full proposal for nonfiction. Submit to submissions@einsteinthompson.com.
RECENT SALES A full list of agency clients is available on the website.
E.J. MCCARTHY AGENCY
(415)383-6639. E-mail: ejmagency@gmail.com. Website: www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/ejmccarthy/.
Prior to his current position, Mr. McCarthy was a former executive editor with more than twenty years book-publishing experience (Bantam Doubleday Dell, Presidio Press, Ballantine/Random House).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, history, memoirs, military, sports.
This agency specializes in nonfiction. No fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Query first by e-mail.
RECENT SALES One Bullet Away by Nathaniel Fick; The Unforgiving Minute by Craig Mullaney; The Sling And the Stone by Thomas X. Hammes; Arms Of Little Value by G. L. Lamborn (Casemate). Leading clients include Nathaniel Fick, Craig Mullaney, Eric Greitens, Thomas X. Hammes, Daniel P. Bolger, John S. D. Eisenhower, Jay Stout, Ryan A. Conklin, Benjamin Runkle, Brian Steed.
THE LISA EKUS GROUP, LLC
57 North St., Hatfield MA 01038. (413)247-9325. Fax: (413)247-9873. E-mail: lisaekus@lisaekus.com. Website: www.lisaekus.com. Contact: Lisa Ekus-Saffer. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Lisa Ekus; Sally Ekus.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: cooking, diet/nutrition, foods, occasionally health/well-being and women’s issues.
HOW TO CONTACT Submit a one-page query via e-mail or submit complete hard copy proposal with title page, proposal contents, concept, bio, marketing, TOC, etc. Include SASE for the return of materials.
RECENT SALES “Please see the regularly updated client listing on our website.”
TIPS “Please do not call. No phone queries.”
ETHAN ELLENBERG LITERARY AGENCY
548 Broadway, #5-E, New York NY 10012. (212)431-4554. Fax: (212)941-4652. E-mail: agent@ethanellenberg.com. Website: ethanellenberg.com. Contact: Ethan Ellenberg. Estab. 1984. Represents 80 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 25%, novels 75%.
Prior to opening his agency, Mr. Ellenberg was contracts manager of Berkley/Jove and associate contracts manager for Bantam.
MEMBER AGENTS Denise Little: deniselitt@aol.com. (accepts romance, paranormal, YA, science fiction, fantasy, Christian fiction, and commercial nonfiction. Send a short query letter telling about your writing history, and including the first 15 pages of the work you want her to represent. If she is interested in your work, she’ll reply to you within four weeks); Evan Gregory (accepting clients).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, children’s books. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, current affairs, health, history, medicine, military, science, technology, war, narrative. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, fantasy, literary, mystery, romance, science fiction, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult, children’s (all types).
"This agency specializes in commercial fiction—especially thrillers, romance/women's, and specialized nonfiction. We also do a lot of children's books." "Actively seeking commercial fiction as noted above—romance/fiction for women, science fiction and fantasy, thrillers, suspense and mysteries. Our other two main areas of interest are children's books and narrative nonfiction. We are actively seeking clients, follow the directions on our website." Does not want to receive poetry, short stories, or screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by e-mail. Paste the query, synopsis and first 50 pages into the e-mail. For nonfiction, paste the proposal. For picture books, paste the entire text. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 weeks to queries (no attachments); 4-6 weeks to mss.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 10% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges clients (with their consent) for direct expenses limited to photocopying and postage.
WRITERS CONFERENCES RWA National Conference; Novelists, Inc.; and other regional conferences.
TIPS We do consider new material from unsolicited authors. Write a good, clear letter with a succinct description of your book. We prefer the first 3 chapters when we consider fiction. For all submissions, you must include an SASE or the material will be discarded. It’s always hard to break in, but talent will find a home. Check our website for complete submission guidelines. We continue to see natural storytellers and nonfiction writers with important books.
EMPIRE LITERARY
50 Davis Lane, Roslyn NY 11576. (917)213-7082. E-mail: abarzvi@empireliterary.com. Website: www.empireliterary.com. Estab. 2013.
Prior to opening her own agency, Ms. Barzvi was an agent at ICM Partners for 13 years.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: cooking, creative nonfiction, diet/nutrition, health, how-to, memoirs, parenting. Considers these fiction areas: women’s.
This agency specializes in commercial nonfiction, and women's fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT E-query. No attachments,. Put “Query” in the subject line.
THE ELAINE P. ENGLISH LITERARY AGENCY
4710 41st St. NW, Suite D, Washington DC 20016. (202)362-5190. Fax: (202)362-5192. E-mail: queries@elaineenglish.com. E-mail: elaine@elaineenglish.com. Website: www.elaineenglish.com/literary.php. Contact: Elaine English, Lindsey Skouras. Member of AAR. Represents 20 clients. 25% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: novels 100%.
Ms. English has been working in publishing for more than 20 years. She is also an attorney specializing in media and publishing law.
MEMBER AGENTS Elaine English (novels).
REPRESENTS novels. Considers these fiction areas: historical, multicultural, mystery, suspense, thriller, women’s, romance (single title, historical, contemporary, romantic, suspense, chick lit, erotic), general women’s fiction. The agency is slowly but steadily acquiring in all mentioned areas.
Actively seeking women's fiction, including single-title romances. Does not want to receive any science fiction, time travel, or picture books.
HOW TO CONTACT Not accepting queries as of 2014. Keep checking the website for further information and updates. Responds in 4-8 weeks to queries; 3 months to requested submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, conferences, submissions.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges only for shipping expenses; generally taken from proceeds.
RECENT SALES Have been to Sourcebooks, Tor, Harlequin.
WRITERS CONFERENCES RWA National Conference; Novelists, Inc.; Malice Domestic; Washington Romance Writers Retreat, among others.
FELICIA ETH LITERARY REPRESENTATION
555 Bryant St., Suite 350, Palo Alto CA 94301-1700. (650)375-1276. E-mail: feliciaeth.literary@gmail.com. Website: ethliterary.com. Contact: Felicia Eth. Member of AAR. Represents 25-35 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 75%, novels 25% adult.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, anthropology, autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cultural interests, current affairs, economics, health, history, investigative, law, medicine, parenting, popular culture, politics, psychology, science, sociology, technology, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: literary, mainstream.
This agency specializes in high-quality fiction (preferably mainstream/contemporary) and provocative, intelligent, and thoughtful nonfiction on a wide array of commercial subjects.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 weeks to queries. Responds in 4-6 weeks to mss.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Agent receives 20% commission on film sales. Charges clients for photocopying and express mail service.
RECENT SALES Bumper Sticker Philosophy, by Jack Bowen (Random House); Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax (Basic Books; The Memory Thief, by Emily Colin (Ballantine Books); The World is a Carpet, by Anna Badkhen (Riverhead).
WRITERS CONFERENCES “Wide array—from Squaw Valley to Mills College.”
TIPS “For nonfiction, established expertise is certainly a plus—as is magazine publication—though not a prerequisite. I am highly dedicated to those projects I represent, but highly selective in what I choose.”
MARY EVANS INC.
242 E. Fifth St., New York NY 10003. (212)979-0880. Fax: (212)979-5344. E-mail: info@maryevansinc.com. Website: maryevansinc.com. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Mary Evans (no unsolicited queries); Julia Kardon (literary and upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, journalism, and history); Mary Gaule (picture books, middle grade, and YA fiction).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels.
No screenplays or stage plays.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by mail or e-mail. If querying by mail, include a proper SASE. If querying by e-mail, put “Query” in the subject line. For fiction: Include the first few pages, or opening chapter of your novel as a single Word attachment. For nonfiction: Include your book proposal as a single Word attachment. Responds within 8 weeks. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
EVATOPIA, INC.
8447 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 401, Beverly Hills CA 90211. E-mail: submissions@evatopia.com. Website: www.evatopia.com. Contact: Margery Walshaw. Represents 15 clients. 85% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: movie scripts and book to film adaptations.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Walshaw was a writer and publicist for the entertainment industry.
MEMBER AGENTS Mary Kay (story development); Jamie Davis (story editor); Jill Jones (story editor).
REPRESENTS movies. Considers these fiction areas: projects aimed at women, teens and children. Considers these script areas: projects aimed at women, teens and children. “In addition to representing screenplays, we specialize in book to film adaptations with particular emphasis on middle grade, young adult fiction, and women’s fiction.”
"We specialize in promoting and developing the careers of first-time screenwriters. All of our staff members have strong writing and entertainment backgrounds, making us sympathetic to the needs of our clients." Actively seeking dedicated and hard-working writers.
HOW TO CONTACT Submit via online submission form. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 4-6 weeks to queries. Responds in 4 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 15% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
TIPS “Remember that you only have 1 chance to make that important first impression. Make your loglines original and your synopses concise. The secret to a screenwriter’s success is creating an original story and telling it in a manner that we haven’t heard before.”
FAIRBANK LITERARY REPRESENTATION
P.O. Box 6, Hudson NY 12534-0006. (617)576-0030. Fax: (617)576-0030. E-mail: queries@fairbankliterary.com. Website: www.fairbankliterary.com. Contact: Sorche Fairbank. Member of AAR. Represents 45 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 60%, novels 22%, story collections 3%, other 15% illustrated.
MEMBER AGENTS Sorche Fairbank (narrative nonfiction, commercial and literary fiction, memoir, food and wine); Matthew Frederick, matt@fairbankliterary.com (scout for sports nonfiction, architecture, design).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, short story collections. Considers these nonfiction areas: agriculture, architecture, art, autobiography, biography, cooking, crafts, cultural interests, current affairs, decorating, diet/nutrition, design, environment, ethnic, foods, gay/lesbian, government, hobbies, horticulture, how-to, interior design, investigative, law, memoirs, photography, popular culture, politics, science, sociology, sports, technology, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, feminist, gay, lesbian, literary, mainstream, mystery, sports, suspense, thriller, women’s, Southern voices.
"I have a small agency in Harvard Square, where I tend to gravitate toward literary fiction and narrative nonfiction, with a strong interest in women's issues and women's voices, international voices, class and race issues, and projects that simply teach me something new about the greater world and society around us. We have a good reputation for working closely and developmentally with our authors and love what we do." Actively seeking literary fiction, international and culturally diverse voices, narrative nonfiction, topical subjects (politics, current affairs), history, sports, architecture/design and pop culture. Does not want to receive romance, poetry, science fiction, pirates, vampire, young adult, or children's works.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Submit author bio. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 6 weeks to queries. Responds in 10 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences, ideas generated in-house.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 12 months; 45-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
RECENT SALES How to Survive a Clown Attack, by Chuck Sambuchino (Running Press); 101 Things I Learned in School series, by Matthew Frederick; all recent sales available on website.
WRITERS CONFERENCES San Francisco Writers’ Conference, Muse and the Marketplace/Grub Street Conference, Washington Independent Writers’ Conference, Murder in the Grove, Surrey International Writers’ Conference.
TIPS “Be professional from the very first contact. There shouldn’t be a single typo or grammatical flub in your query. Have a reason for contacting me about your project other than I was the next name listed on some website. Please do not use form query software! Believe me, we can get a dozen or so a day that look identical—we know when you are using a form. Show me that you know your audience—and your competition. Have the writing and/or proposal at the very, very best it can be before starting the querying process. Don’t assume that if someone likes it enough they’ll ‘fix’ it. The biggest mistake new writers make is starting the querying process before they—and the work—are ready. Take your time and do it right.”
THE FIELDING AGENCY, LLC
269 S. Beverly Dr., No. 341, Beverly Hills CA 90212. (323)461-4791. E-mail: wlee@fieldingagency.com; query@fieldingagency.com. Website: www.fieldingagency.com. Contact: Whitney Lee.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Lee worked at other agencies in different capacities.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, short story collections, juvenile. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, anthropology, archeology, architecture, art, autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, crafts, cultural interests, current affairs, decorating, diet/nutrition, design, economics, education, environment, ethnic, foods, gay/lesbian, government, health, history, hobbies, how-to, humor, investigative, juvenile nonfiction, language, law, literature, medicine, memoirs, military, money, parenting, popular culture, politics, psychology, satire, science, self-help, sociology, sports, technology, translation, true crime, war, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, cartoon, comic books, crime, detective, ethnic, family saga, fantasy, feminist, gay, glitz, historical, horror, humor, juvenile, lesbian, literary, mainstream, mystery, picture books, police, romance, satire, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult.
“We specialize in representing books published abroad and have strong relationships with foreign co-agents and publishers. For books we represent in the U.S., we have to be head-over-heels passionate about it because we are involved every step of the way.” Does not want to receive scripts for TV or film.
NEW AGENT SPOTLIGHT
BETH PHELAN
(BENT LITERARY)
thebentagency.com
@beth_phelan
ABOUT BETH: “After graduating from New York University, I found my footing as an intern with the Levine Greenberg Literary Agency. Since then, I’ve held positions at Waxman Leavell Literary and Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. As a literary agent, my favorite stories are told with humor and sprinkled with surprises. I live in Brooklyn with a neurotic chihuahua.”
SHE IS SEEKING: fiction for young adults and middle grade readers, select commercial and literary adult fiction, and nonfiction by way of lifestyle, cooking/food writing, humor, pop culture, LGBT and pets/animals. For adult fiction, she leans toward new adult, suspense, thriller, and mystery.
HOW TO QUERY: Review any online submissions guideline updates on the agency website, then e-mail phelanqueries@thebentagency.com.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Submit synopsis, author bio. Accepts queries by e-mail and snail mail. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 9-12 months.
WRITERS CONFERENCES London Book Fair; Frankfurt Book Fair; Bologna Book Fair.
DIANA FINCH LITERARY AGENCY
116 W. 23rd St., Suite 500, New York NY 10011. (917)544-4470. E-mail: diana.finch@verizon.net. Website: dianafinchliteraryagency.blogspot.com. Contact: Diana Finch. Member of AAR. Represents 40 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 85%, novels 15%, juvenile books 5%, multimedia 5%.
Seeking to represent books that change lives. Prior to opening her agency in 2003, Ms. Finch worked at Ellen Levine Literary Agency for 18 years.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, scholarly. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, computers, cultural interests, current affairs, dance, economics, environment, ethnic, film, government, health, history, how-to, humor, investigative, juvenile nonfiction, law, medicine, memoirs, military, money, music, parenting, photography, popular culture, politics, psychology, satire, science, self-help, sports, technology, theater, translation, true crime, war, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, crime, detective, ethnic, historical, literary, mainstream, police, thriller, young adult.
“Does not want romance, mysteries, or children’s picture books.”
HOW TO CONTACT This agency prefers submissions via its online form: dianafinchliteraryagency.submittable.com/submit. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. “I charge for photocopying, overseas postage, galleys, and books purchased, and try to recoup these costs from earnings received for a client, rather than charging outright.”
RECENT SALES Heidegger’s Glasses, by Thaisa Frank; Genetic Rounds, by Robert Marion, MD (Kaplan); Honeymoon in Tehran, by Azadeh Moaveni (Random House); Darwin Slept Here, by Eric Simons (Overlook); Black Tide, by Antonia Juhasz (HarperCollins); Stalin’s Children, by Owen Matthews (Bloomsbury); Radiant Days, by Michael Fitzgerald (Shoemaker & Hoard); The Queen’s Soprano, by Carol Dines (Harcourt Young Adult); What to Say to a Porcupine, by Richard Gallagher (Amacom); The Language of Trust, by Michael Maslansky et al.
TIPS “Do as much research as you can on agents before you query. Have someone critique your query letter before you send it. It should be only 1 page and describe your book clearly—and why you are writing it—but also demonstrate creativity and a sense of your writing style.”
FINEPRINT LITERARY MANAGEMENT
115 W. 29th, 3rd Floor, New York NY 10001. (212)279-1282. E-mail: stephany@fineprintlit.com. Website: www.fineprintlit.com. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Peter Rubie, CEO (nonfiction interests include narrative nonfiction, popular science, spirituality, history, biography, pop culture, business, technology, parenting, health, self-help, music, and food; fiction interests include literate thrillers, crime fiction, science fiction and fantasy, military fiction and literary fiction, middle grade and YA fiction and nonfiction for boys); Stephany Evans (Nonfiction: health and wellness, especially women’s health; spirituality, environment/sustainability, food and wine, memoir, and narrative nonfiction; Fiction: stories with a strong and interesting female protagonist, both literary and upmarket commercial/book club fiction, romance—all subgenres; mysteries); Janet Reid (Nonfiction: narrative nonfiction, history and biography; Fiction: thrillers); Laura Wood (Nonfiction: nonfiction books, business, dance, economics, history, humor, law,science, narrative nonfiction, popular science; Fiction: fantasy, science fiction, suspense); June Clark (see juneclark.com); Rachel Coyne, (young adult novels of all stripes [historical, fantasy, romance, contemporary, literary, humorous], as well as middle grade novels, especially with a humorous voice. She’s also looking for adult historical, fantasy, urban fantasy and science fiction).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, creative nonfiction, foods, health, history, humor, law, memoirs, music, parenting, popular culture, science, self-help, spirituality, technology. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, crime, fantasy, middle grade, military, mystery, romance, science fiction, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Submit synopsis and first 3-5 pages of ms embedded in an e-mail proposal for nonfiction. Do not send attachments or manuscripts without a request. See contact page online at website for e-mails. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
JAMES FITZGERALD AGENCY
118 Waverly Place #1B, New York NY 10011. (212)308-1122. E-mail: submissions@jfitzagency.com. Website: www.jfitzagency.com. Contact: James Fitzgerald.
Prior to his current position, Mr. Fitzgerald was an editor at St. Martin's Press, Doubleday, and the New York Times.
MEMBER AGENTS James Fitzgerald; Christopher Rhodes.
James is a nonfiction generalist, meaning that he doesn't represent certain nonfiction categories as much as he simply connects with projects. Does not want to receive poetry or screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail or snail mail. This agency’s online submission guidelines page explains all the elements they want to see when you submit a nonfiction book proposal.
RECENT SALES Gimme Something Better: The Profound, Progressive, and Occasionally Pointless History of Punk in the Bay Area, by Jack Boulware and Silke Tudor (Viking/Penguin); Black Dogs: The Possibly True Story of Classic Rock’s Greatest Robbery, by Jason Buhrmester (Three Rivers/Crown); Theo Gray’s Mad Science: Experiments You Can Do at Home—But Probably Shouldn’t (Black Dog and Loenthal).
TIPS “Please submit all information in English, even if your manuscript is in Spanish.”
FLANNERY LITERARY
1140 Wickfield Ct., Naperville IL 60563. (630)428-2682. Fax: (630)428-2683. E-mail: jennifer@flanneryliterary.com. Contact: Jennifer Flannery. Represents 40 clients. 50% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: juvenile books 100%.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: juvenile, middle grade, young adult.
This agency specializes in children's and young adult fiction and nonfiction. It also accepts picture books. 100% juvenile books.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by mail with SASE. “Multiple queries are fine, but please inform us. Mail that requires a signature will be returned to sender, as we are not always available to sign for mail.” Responds in 2 weeks to queries; 1 month to mss. Obtains new clients through referrals and queries.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for life of book in print; 1-month notice must be given to terminate contract.
TIPS “Write an engrossing, succinct query describing your work. We are always looking for a fresh new voice.”
PETER FLEMING AGENCY
P.O. Box 458, Pacific Palisades CA 90272. (310)454-1373. E-mail: peterfleming@earthlink.net. Contact: Peter Fleming. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
This agency specializes in nonfiction books that unearth innovative and uncomfortable truths with bestseller potential. “Greatly interested in journalists in the free press (the Internet).”
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Obtains most new clients through a different, one-of-a-kind idea for a book often backed by the writer’s experience in that area of expertise.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year. Charges clients only those fees agreed to in writing.
RECENT SALES Stop Foreclosure, by Lloyd Segol; Rulers of Evil, by F. Tupper Saussy (HarperCollins); Why Is It Always About You—Saving Yourself from the Narcissists in Your Life, by Sandy Hotchkiss (Free Press).
TIPS “You can begin by starting your own blog.”
FLETCHER & COMPANY
78 Fifth Ave., 3rd Floor, New York NY 10011. (212)614-0778. Fax: (212)614-0728. E-mail: info@fletcherandco.com. Website: www.fletcherandco.com. Contact: Christy Fletcher. Estab. 2003. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Christy Fletcher; Melissa Chinchillo; Rebecca Gradinger (literary fiction, up-market commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, self-help, memoir, women’s studies, humor, and pop culture); Gráinne Fox (literary fiction and quality commercial authors, award-winning journalists and food writers); Lisa Grubka (fiction—literary, upmarket women’s, and young adult; and nonfiction—narrative, food, science, and more); Donald Lamm (nonfiction—history, biography, investigative journalism, politics, current affairs, and business); Todd Sattersten (business books); Sylvie Greenberg (literary fiction, humor, history, sports writing and anything California-related); Rachel Crawford (international fiction, smart novels with a sci-fi/fantasy bent, big ideas, and great science writing).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, creative nonfiction, foods, history, humor, investigative, memoirs, popular culture, politics, science, self-help, sports, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, fantasy, literary, science fiction, women’s, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT To query, please send a letter, brief synopsis, and an SASE to our address, or you may also send queries to info@fletcherandco.com. Please do not include e-mail attachments with your initial query, as they will be deleted. Responds in 6 weeks to queries.
RECENT SALES Happier at Home, by Gretchen Rubin; Astonish Me, by Maggie Shipstead; Elusion, by Claudia Gabel & Cheryl Klam.
THE FOLEY LITERARY AGENCY
34 E. 38th St., New York NY 10016-2508. (212)686-6930. Contact: Joan Foley, Joseph Foley. Estab. 1956. Represents 10 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 75%, novels 25%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: business services.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with letter, brief outline, SASE. Responds promptly to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others (rarely taking on new clients).
TERMS Agent receives 10% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 15% commission on foreign sales.
FOLIO LITERARY MANAGEMENT, LLC
The Film Center Building, 630 Ninth Ave., Suite 1101, New York NY 10036. (212)400-1494. Fax: (212)967-0977. Website: www.foliolit.com. Member of AAR. Represents 100+ clients.
Prior to creating Folio Literary Management, Mr. Hoffman worked for several years at another agency; Mr. Kleinman was an agent at Graybill & English; Ms. Wheeler was an agent at Creative Media Agency.
MEMBER AGENTS Scott Hoffman; Jeff Kleinman; Paige Wheeler; Frank Weimann; Michelle Brower; Claudia Cross; Jita Fumich; Michael Harriot; Molly Jaffa; Erin Harris; Erin Niumata; Katherine Latshaw; Ruth Pomerance; Marcy Posner; Steve Troha; Emily van Beek; Melissa Sarver White; Maura Teitelbaum.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, short story collections. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, art, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, creative nonfiction, economics, environment, foods, health, history, how-to, humor, inspirational, memoirs, military, parenting, popular culture, politics, psychology, religious, satire, science, self-help, technology, war, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, erotica, fantasy, horror, literary, middle grade, mystery, picture books, religious, romance, thriller, women’s, young adult.
No poetry, stage plays, or screeplays.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail only (no attachments). Read agent bios online for specific submission guidelines and e-mail addresses. Responds in 1 month to queries.
TIPS “Please do not submit simultaneously to more than one agent at Folio. If you’re not sure which of us is exactly right for your book, don’t worry. We work closely as a team, and if one of our agents gets a query that might be more appropriate for someone else, we’ll always pass it along. It’s important that you check each agent’s bio page for clear directions as to how to submit, as well as when to expect feedback.”
FOREWORD LITERARY
E-mail: info@forewordliterary.com. Website: forewordliterary.com/. Contact: Laurie McLean.
MEMBER AGENTS Laurie McLean (referrals only); Gordon Warnock, querygordon@forewordliterary.com (nonfiction: memoir [adult, new adult, YA, graphic], cookbooks and food studies, political and current events, pop-science, pop-culture [also punk culture and geek culture], self-help, how-to, humor, pets, business and career; Fiction: high-concept commercial fiction, literary fiction, new adult, contemporary YA, graphic novels); Pam van Hylckama Vlieg, querypam@forewordliterary.com (young adult, middle grade, romance, genre fiction [urban fantasy, paranormal, and epic/high fantasy], pop culture nonfiction and adult picture books); Connor Goldsmith, queryconnor@forewordliterary.com (sci-fi, fantasy, horror, thrillers, upmarket commercial, literary, LGBT, many nonfiction categories); Jen Karsbaek, queryjen@forewordliterary.com (women’s fiction, upmarket commercial fiction, historical fiction, and literary fiction); Emily Keyes, queryemily@forewordliterary.com (mostly YA and MG, but also commercial fiction which includes fantasy & science fiction, women’s fiction, new adult fiction, along with pop culture and humor titles); Sara Sciuto (juvenile books, picture books).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, film, gay/lesbian, history, how-to, humor, memoirs, music, popular culture, politics, science, theater. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, fantasy, gay, horror, lesbian, literary, mainstream, middle grade, mystery, new adult, paranormal, picture books, romance, science fiction, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT E-query. Each agent has a different query e-mail and style. Check their individual pages on the website for the latest updated info. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
RECENT SALES Hollow World, by Michael J. Sullivan; Looking For Home: Hope Springs, by Sarah M. Eden; Free Agent, by J.C. Nelson.
WRITERS CONFERENCES San Diego State University Writers’ Conference, San Francisco Writers Conference, WNBA Pitch-O-Rama, LDS Storymakers Conference, SFWA Nebula Awards, Book Expo America, Ellen Hopkins’ Ventana Sierra, Romance Writers of America Conference, Central Coast Writers Conference, World Fantasy Con, and many more. The agency website lists all.
FOUNDRY LITERARY + MEDIA
33 West 17th St., PH, New York NY 10011. (212)929-5064. Fax: (212)929-5471. Website: www.foundrymedia.com.
MEMBER AGENTS Peter McGuigan, pmsubmissions@foundrymedia.com; Yfat Reiss Gendell, yrgsubmissions@foundrymedia.com (practical nonfiction projects in the areas of health and wellness, diet, lifestyle, how-to, and parenting and a broad range of narrative nonfiction that includes humor, memoir, history, science, pop culture, psychology, and adventure/travel stories); Stéphanie Abou, sasubmissions@foundrymedia.com; Mollie Glick, mgsubmissions@foundrymedia.com (literary fiction, young adult fiction, narrative nonfiction, and a bit of practical nonfiction in the areas of popular science, medicine, psychology, cultural history, memoir and current events); Stephen Barbara, sbsubmissions@foundrymedia.com (books for young readers, and adult fiction and nonfiction); David Patterson, dpsubmissions@foundrymedia.com (narrative and idea-driven nonfiction, with an emphasis on journalists, public figures, and scholars); Chris Park, cpsubmissions@foundrymedia.com (memoirs, narrative nonfiction, sports books, Christian nonfiction and character-driven fiction); Hannah Brown Gordon, hbgsubmissions@foundrymedia.com (stories and narratives that blend genres, including thriller, suspense, historical, literary, speculative, memoir, pop-science, psychology, humor, and pop culture); Brandi Bowles, bbsubmissions@foundrymedia.com (literary and commercial fiction, especially high-concept novels that feature strong female bonds and psychological or scientific themes); Kirsten Neuhaus, knsubmissions@foundrymedia.com (platform-driven narrative nonfiction, in the areas of lifestyle [beauty/fashion/relationships], memoir, business, current events, history and stories with strong female voices, as well as smart, upmarket, and commercial fiction); Jessica Regel, jrsubmissions@foundrymedia.com (young adult and middle grade books, as well as a select list of adult general fiction, women’s fiction, and adult nonfiction); Anthony Mattero, amsubmissions@foundrymedia.com (smart, platform-driven, nonfiction particularly in the genres of pop-culture, humor, music, sports, and pop-business).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, current affairs, diet/nutrition, health, history, how-to, humor, medicine, memoirs, music, parenting, popular culture, psychology, science, sports, travel. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, historical, humor, literary, middle grade, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Target one agent only. Send queries to the specific submission e-mail of the agent. For fiction: send query, synopsis, author bio, first three chapters—all pasted in the e-mail. For nonfiction, send query, sample chapters, table of contents, author bio (all pasted).
RECENT SALES Tell the Wolves I’m Home, by Carol Rifka Blunt; The Rathbones, by Janice Clark; This is Your Captain Speaking, by Jon Methven; The War Against the Assholes and The November Criminals, by Sam Munson; Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline.
TIPS “Consult website for each agent’s submission instructions.”
FOX LITERARY
110 W. 40th St., Suite 410, New York NY 10018. E-mail: submissions@foxliterary.com. Website: www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/fox/.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, creative nonfiction, history, memoirs, popular culture. Considers these fiction areas: fantasy, historical, literary, mainstream, romance, science fiction, thriller, young adult, graphic novels.
"I am actively seeking the following: young adult fiction (all genres), science fiction/fantasy, romance, historical fiction, thrillers, and graphic novels. I'm always interested in books that cross genres and reinvent popular concepts with an engaging new twist (especially when there’s a historical and/or speculative element involved). On the nonfiction side I'm interested in memoirs, biography, and smart narrative nonfiction; I particularly enjoy memoirs and other nonfiction about sex work, addiction and recovery, and pop culture." Does not want to receive screenplays, poetry, category westerns, horror, Christian/inspirational, or children's picture books.
HOW TO CONTACT E-mail query and first 5 pages in body of e-mail. E-mail queries preferred. For snail mail queries, must include an e-mail address for response and no response means NO. Do not send SASE.
RECENT SALES Black Ships by Jo Graham (Orbit); Evernight series by Claudia Gray (HarperCollins); October Daye series by Seanan McGuire (DAW); Salt and Silver by Anna Katherine (Tor); Alcestis by Katharine Beutner (Soho Press); Shadows Cast by Stars by Catherine Knutsson (Atheneum); Saving June and Speechless by Hannah Harrington (Harlequin Teen); Spellcaster trilogy by Claudia Gray (HarperCollins).
LYNN C. FRANKLIN ASSOCIATES, LTD.
1350 Broadway, Suite 2015, New York NY 10018. (212)868-6311. Fax: (212)868-6312. E-mail: agency@fsainc.com. E-mail: agency@franklinandsiegal.com. Contact: Lynn Franklin, president; Claudia Nys, foreign rights. Other memberships include PEN America.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, current affairs, memoirs, psychology, self-help, spirituality, alternative medicine.
"This agency specializes in general nonfiction with a special interest in self-help, biography/memoir, alternative health, and spirituality."
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail to agency@franklinandsiegal.com. No unsolicited mss. No attachments. For nonfiction, query letter with short outline and synopsis. For fiction, query letter with short synopsis and a maximum of 10 sample pages (in the body of the e-mail). Please indicate “query adult” or “query children’s” in the subject line. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
RECENT SALES The Wahls Protocol: How I Beat Progressive MS Using Paleo Principles And Functional Medicine by Terry Wahls, M.D. (Avery/Penguin); The Book Of Forgiving: The Four-Fold Path To Healing For Ourselves And Our World by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Reverend Mpho Tutu (US: HarperOne, UK: Collins); The Customer Rules: 39 Essential Practices For Delivering Sensational Service by Lee Cockerell (Crown Business/Random House); My Name Is Jody Williams by Jody Williams (University of California Press-Berkeley); Everybody Matters: A Memoir by Mary Robinson (US: Bloomsbury, UK and Ireland: Hodder).
JEANNE FREDERICKS LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
221 Benedict Hill Rd., New Canaan CT 06840. (203)972-3011. Fax: (203)972-3011. E-mail: jeanne.fredericks@gmail.com. Website: www.jeannefredericks.com. Contact: Jeanne Fredericks. Estab. 1997. Member of AAR. Other memberships include Authors Guild. Represents 90 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
Prior to opening her agency in 1997, Ms. Fredericks was an agent and acting director with the Susan P. Urstadt, Inc. Agency.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, autobiography, biography, child guidance, cooking, decorating, foods, gardening, health, history, how-to, interior design, medicine, parenting, photography, psychology, self-help, women’s issues.
This agency specializes in quality adult nonfiction by authorities in their fields. We do not handle: fiction, true crime, juvenile, textbooks, poetry, essays, screenplays, short stories, science fiction, pop culture, guides to computers and software, politics, horror, pornography, books on overly depressing or violent topics, romance, teacher’s manuals, or memoirs.
HOW TO CONTACT Query first with SASE, then send outline/proposal, 1-2 sample chapters, SASE, or by e-mail, if requested. See submission guidelines online first. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3-5 weeks to queries. Responds in 2-4 months to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales with co-agent. Offers written contract, binding for 9 months; 2-month notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges client for photocopying of whole proposals and mss, overseas postage, priority mail, express mail services.
RECENT SALES The Creativity Cure, by Carrie Alton, M.D., and Alton Barron, M.D. (Scribner); Lilias! Yoga, by Lilias Folan (Skyhorse); The Epidural Book, by Rich Siegenfeld, M.D. (Johns Hopkins University Press); A Place in the Sun, by Stephen Snyder (Rizzoli); Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind, by Ellen F. Brown and John Wiley, Jr. (Taylor); World Class Marriage, by Patty Howell and Ralph Jones (Rowman and Littlefield); Teenage as a Second Language, by Barbara Greenberg, Ph.D. and Jennifer Powell-Lunder, Psy.D.; The Small Budget Gardener, by Maureen Gilmer (Cool Springs Press); Palm Beach Gardens and Terraces, by Kathleen Quigley (Rizzoli); Step Ahead of Autism, by Anne Burnett (Sunrise River); Electrified, by Bob Shaw (Sterling); The Green Market Baking Book by Laura Martin (Sterling); Tales of the Seven Seas, by Dennis Powers (Taylor); The Generosity Plan by Kathy LeMay (Beyond Words/Atria); Canadian Vegetable Gardening by Doug Green (Cool Springs).
WRITERS CONFERENCES Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association-University Conference; ASJA Writers’ Conference; BookExpo America; Garden Writers’ Association Annual Symposium; Harvard Medical School CME Course in Publishing.
TIPS “Be sure to research competition for your work and be able to justify why there’s a need for your book. I enjoy building an author’s career, particularly if he/she is professional, hardworking, and courteous. Aside from 20 years of agenting experience, I’ve had 10 years of editorial experience in adult trade book publishing that enables me to help an author polish a proposal so that it’s more appealing to prospective editors. My MBA in marketing also distinguishes me from other agents.”
GRACE FREEDSON'S PUBLISHING NETWORK
375 N. Broadway, Suite 102, Jericho NY 11753. (516)931-7757. Fax: (516)931-7759. E-mail: gfreedson@worldnet.att.net. Contact: Grace Freedson. 17 Center Dr., Syosset NY 11791. Represents 100 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 90%, juvenile books 10%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Freedson was a managing editor and director of acquisitions for Barron's Educational Series.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, juvenile. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, business, cooking, crafts, current affairs, diet/nutrition, economics, education, environment, foods, health, history, hobbies, how-to, humor, medicine, money, popular culture, psychology, satire, science, self-help, sports, technology.
"In addition to representing many qualified authors, I work with publishers as a packager of unique projects—mostly series." Does not want to receive fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Submit synopsis, SASE. Responds in 2-6 weeks to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
RECENT SALES Sold 50 titles in the last year. The Dangers Lurking Beyond the Glass Ceiling, by D. Sherr bourierg Carter (Prometheus); Threats, Lies and Intimidation: Inside Debt Collection, by Fred Williams (FT Press); Plastic Planet, by Kathryn Jones (FT Press).
WRITERS CONFERENCES BookExpo of America.
TIPS “At this point, I am only reviewing proposals on nonfiction topics by credentialed authors with platforms.”
FRESH BOOKS LITERARY AGENCY
231 Diana St., Placerville CA 95667. E-mail: matt@fresh-books.com. Website: www.fresh-books.com. Contact: Matt Wagner. Represents 30+ clients. 5% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 95%, multimedia 5%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Wagner was with Waterside Productions for 15 years.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, anthropology, archeology, architecture, art, business, child guidance, computers, cooking, crafts, cultural interests, current affairs, dance, design, economics, education, environment, ethnic, gay/lesbian, government, health, history, hobbies, humor, law, medicine, military, money, music, parenting, photography, popular culture, politics, psychology, satire, science, sports, technology.
"I specialize in tech and how-to. I love working with books and authors, and I've repped many of my clients for upwards of 15 years now." Actively seeking popular science, natural history, adventure, how-to, business, education and reference. Does not want to receive fiction, children's books, screenplays, or poetry.
HOW TO CONTACT Plain text e-mail query (with no attachments) to matt@fresh-books.com. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1-4 weeks to queries. Responds in 1-4 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
RECENT SALES The Myth of Multitasking: How Doing It All Gets Nothing Done (Jossey-Bass); Wilderness Survival for Dummies (Wiley); and The Zombie Combat Manual (Berkley).
TIPS “Do your research. Find out what sorts of books and authors an agent represents. Go to conferences. Make friends with other writers—most of my clients come from referrals.”
SARAH JANE FREYMANN LITERARY AGENCY
59 W. 71st St., Suite 9B, New York NY 10023. (212)362-9277. E-mail: sarah@sarahjanefreymann.com; Submissions@SarahJaneFreymann.com. Website: www.sarahjanefreymann.com. Contact: Sarah Jane Freymann, Steve Schwartz. Represents 100 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 75%, novels 23%, juvenile books 2%.
MEMBER AGENTS Sarah Jane Freymann (nonfiction books, novels, illustrated books); Jessica Sinsheimer, Jessica@sarahjanefreymann.com (young adult fiction, literary fiction); Steven Schwartz, steve@sarahjanefreymann.com; Katharine Sands.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, anthropology, architecture, art, autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, current affairs, decorating, diet/nutrition, design, economics, ethnic, foods, health, history, interior design, medicine, memoirs, parenting, psychology, self-help, women’s issues, women’s studies, lifestyle. Considers these fiction areas: ethnic, literary, mainstream, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Responds in 6 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges clients for long distance, overseas postage, photocopying. 100% of business is derived from commissions on ms sales.
RECENT SALES How to Make Love to a Plastic Cup: And Other Things I Learned While Trying to Knock Up My Wife, by Greg Wolfe (Harper Collins); I Want to Be Left Behind: Rapture Here on Earth, by Brenda Peterson (a Merloyd Lawrence Book); That Bird Has My Name: The Autobiography of an Innocent Man on Death Row, by Jarvis Jay Masters with an introduction by Pema Chodrun (HarperOne); Perfect One-Dish Meals, by Pam Anderson (Houghton Mifflin); Birdology, by Sy Montgomery (Simon & Schuster); Emptying the Nest: Launching Your Reluctant Young Adult, by Dr. Brad Sachs (Macmillan); Tossed & Found, by Linda and John Meyers (Steward, Tabori & Chang); 32 Candles, by Ernessa Carter; God and Dog, by Wendy Francisco.
TIPS “I love fresh, new, passionate works by authors who love what they are doing and have both natural talent and carefully honed skill.”
FREDRICA S. FRIEDMAN AND CO., INC.
136 E. 57th St., 14th Floor, New York NY 10022. (212)829-9600. Fax: (212)829-9669. E-mail: info@fredricafriedman.com; submissions@fredricafriedman.com. Website: www.fredricafriedman.com. Contact: Ms. Chandler Smith.
Prior to establishing her own literary management firm, Ms. Friedman was the Editorial Director, Associate Publisher and Vice President of Little, Brown & Co., a division of Time Warner, and the first woman to hold those positions.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, anthologies. Considers these nonfiction areas: art, biography, business, child, cooking, current affairs, education, ethnic, gay, government, health, history, how to, humor, language, memoirs, money, music, photography, popular culture, psychology, self-help, sociology, film, true crime, women’s, interior design/decorating. Considers these fiction areas: literary.
"We represent a select group of outstanding nonfiction and fiction writers. We are particularly interested in helping writers expand their readership and develop their careers." Does not want poetry, plays, screenplays, children’s books, sci-fi/fantasy, or horror.
NEW AGENT SPOTLIGHT
JESSICA NEGRON
(TALCOTT NOTCH LITERARY)
talcottnotch.net
ABOUT JESSICA: She attended University of New Haven. For five years she interned with various local publications in both an editorial and design capacity until finally she found a place with Talcott Notch.
SHE IS SEEKING: all kinds of young adult and adult fiction, but leans toward science fiction and fantasy (and all the little subgenres), romance (the steamier, the better), and thrillers.
HOW TO QUERY: jnegron@talcottnotch.net. Paste the first 10 pages of your manuscript in the e-mail after your query. Address your query to Jessica.
HOW TO CONTACT Submit e-query, synopsis; be concise, and include any pertinent author information, including relevant writing history. If you are a fiction writer, we also request a one-page sample from your manuscript to provide its voice. We ask that you keep all material in the body of the e-mail. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 4-6 weeks to queries. Responds in 4-6 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges for photocopying and messenger/shipping fees for proposals.
RECENT SALES A World of Lies: The Crime and Consequences of Bernie Madoff, by Diana B. Henriques (Times Books/Holt); Polemic and Memoir: The Nixon Years by Patrick J. Buchanan (St. Martin’s Press); Angry Fat Girls: Five Women, Five Hundred Pounds, and a Year of Losing It… Again, by Frances Kuffel (Berkley/Penguin); Life with My Sister Madonna, by Christopher Ciccone with Wendy Leigh (Simon & Schuster Spotlight); The World Is Curved: Hidden Dangers to the Global Economy, by David Smick (Portfolio/Penguin); Going to See the Elephant, by Rodes Fishburne (Delacorte/Random House); Seducing the Boys Club: Uncensored Tactics from a Woman at the Top, by Nina DiSesa (Ballantine/Random House); The Girl from Foreign: A Search for Shipwrecked Ancestors, Forgotten Histories, and a Sense of Home, by Sadia Shepard (Penguin Press).
TIPS “Spell the agent’s name correctly on your query letter.”
THE FRIEDRICH AGENCY
19 W. 21st St., Suite 201, New York NY 10010. E-mail: mfriedrich@friedrichagency.com; lcarson@friedrichagency.com; nichole@friedrichagency.com; mmoretti@friedrichagency.com. Website: www.friedrichagency.com. Contact: Molly Friedrich; Lucy Carson. Member of AAR. Signatory of WGA. Represents 50+ clients.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Friedrich was an agent at the Aaron Priest Literary Agency.
MEMBER AGENTS Molly Friedrich, founder and agent (open to queries); Lucy Carson, foreign rights director and agent (open to queries); Maggie Riggs (new as of 2014); Nichole LeFebvre (foreign rights manager).
REPRESENTS full-length fiction and nonfiction. Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, memoirs. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by e-mail (strongly preferred), or by mail with SASE. See guidelines on website. Please query only one agent at this agency.
RECENT SALES W is For Wasted, by Sue Grafton; Don’t Go, by Lisa Scottoline; Olive Kitteridge, by Elizabeth Strout. Other clients include Frank McCourt, Jane Smiley, Esmeralda Santiago, Terry McMillan, Cathy Schine, Ruth Ozeki, Karen Joy Fowler and more.
REBECCA FRIEDMAN LITERARY AGENCY
E-mail: Abby@rfliterary.com. Website: www.rfliterary.com/. Estab. 2013.
Prior to opening her own agency in 2013, Ms. Friedman was with Sterling Lord Literistic from 2006 to 2011, then with Frederick Hill Bonnie Nadell.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: memoirs. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, romance, suspense, women’s, young adult.
The agency is interested in commercial and literary fiction with a focus on literary novels of suspense, women’s fiction, contemporary romance, and young adult, as well as journalistic nonfiction and memoir. Most of all, we are looking for great stories told in strong voices.
HOW TO CONTACT Please submit your query letter and first chapter (no more than fifteen pages, double-spaced) to Abby@rfliterary.com.
RECENT SALES So Much Pretty, by Cara Hoffman; The Black Nile, by Dan Morrison; Maybe One Day, by Melissa Kantor; Devoured, by Emily Snow. A complete list of agency authors is available online.
FULL CIRCLE LITERARY, LLC
7676 Hazard Center Dr., Suite 500, San Diego CA 92108. E-mail: submissions@fullcircleliterary.com. Website: www.fullcircleliterary.com. Contact: Lilly Ghahremani, Stefanie Von Borstel. Represents 55 clients. 60% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 70%, novels 10%, juvenile books 20%.
Before forming Full Circle, Ms. Von Borstel worked in both marketing and editorial capacities at Penguin and Harcourt; Ms. Ghahremani received her law degree from UCLA, and has experience in representing authors on legal affairs.
MEMBER AGENTS Lilly Ghahremani; Stefanie Von Borstel; Adriana Dominguez; Taylor Martindale (multicultural voices).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, juvenile. Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, design, how-to, popular culture, women’s issues. Considers these fiction areas: literary, middle grade, picture books, women’s, young adult.
"Our full-service boutique agency, representing a range of nonfiction and children's books (limited fiction), provides a one-stop resource for authors. Our extensive experience in the realms of law and marketing provide Full Circle clients with a unique edge." "Actively seeking nonfiction by authors with a unique and strong platform, projects that offer new and diverse viewpoints, and literature with a global or multicultural perspective. We are particularly interested in books with a Latino or Middle Eastern angle and books related to pop culture." Does not want to receive "screenplays, poetry, commercial fiction or genre fiction (horror, thriller, mystery, Western, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, historical fiction)."
HOW TO CONTACT Agency accepts e-queries. Put “Query for [Agent]” in the subject line. Send a 1-page query letter (in the body of the e-mail) including a description of your book, writing credentials and author highlights. Following your query, please include the first 10 pages or complete picture book manuscript text within the body of the e-mail. For nonfiction, include a proposal with one sample chapter. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; up to 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges for copying and postage.
TIPS “Put your best foot forward. Contact us when you simply can’t make your project any better on your own, and please be sure your work fits with what the agent you’re approaching represents. Little things count, so copyedit your work. Join a writing group and attend conferences to get objective and constructive feedback before submitting. Be active about building your platform as an author before, during, and after publication. Remember this is a business and your agent is a business partner.”
THE G AGENCY, LLC
P.O. Box 374, Bronx NY 10471. (718)664-4505. E-mail: gagencyquery@gmail.com. Website: www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/jeffg/. Contact: Jeff Gerecke. Estab. 2012.
MEMBER AGENTS Jeff Gerecke.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, computers, history, military, money, popular culture, technology. Considers these fiction areas: mainstream, mystery.
"I am interested in commercial and literary fiction, as well as serious nonfiction and pop culture. My focus as an agent has always been on working with writers to shape their work for its greatest commercial potential. I provide lots of editorial advice in sharpening manuscripts and proposals before submission." Does not want screenplays, sci-fi/fantasy or romance.
HOW TO CONTACT E-mail submissions preferred—attach sample chapters or proposal if you wish. Send to gagencyquery@gmail.com. Enter “QUERY” along with the title in the subject line of e-mail or on the envelope of snail mail.
RECENT SALES Killing The Cranes, by Edward Girardet (Chelsea Green); Islam Without Extremes, by Mustafa Akyol (Norton); The Race to the New World, by Douglas Hunter (Palgrave); Intelligence and US Foreign Policy, by Paul Pillar (Columbia UP); Transforming Darkness to Light, by Travis Vining (Bella Rosa); Faith Misplaced: The Broken Promise of US-Arab Relations, by Ussama Makdisi (Public Affairs); Drinking Arak Off An Ayatollah’s Beard, by Nick Jubber (DaCapo); The Rule of Empires, by Tim Parsons (Oxford).
TIPS “I’ve been a member of the Royalty Committee of the Association of Authors Representatives since its founding and am always keen to challenge publishers for their willfully obscure royalty reporting. Also I have recently taken over the position of Treasurer of the A.A.R. My publishing background includes working at the University of California Press so I am always intrigued by academic subjects which are given a commercial spin to reach an audience outside academia. I’ve also worked as a foreign scout for publishers like Hodder & Stoughton in England and Wilhelm Heyne in Germany, which gives me a good sense of how American books can be successfully translated overseas.”
NANCY GALLT LITERARY AGENCY
273 Charlton Ave., South Orange NJ 07079. (973)761-6358. Fax: (973)761-6318. E-mail: submissions@nancygallt.com. Website: www.nancygallt.com. Contact: Nancy Gallt, Marietta Zacker. Represents 40 clients. 30% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: juvenile books 100%.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Gallt was subsidiary rights director of the children's book division at Morrow, Harper and Viking.
MEMBER AGENTS Nancy Gallt; Marietta Zacker.
REPRESENTS juvenile. Considers these fiction areas: juvenile, middle grade, picture books, young adult.
"We only handle children's books." Actively seeking picture books, middle grade, and young adult novels. Does not want to receive rhyming picture book texts.
HOW TO CONTACT Submit through online submission form on agency website. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
RECENT SALES Rick Riordan’s books (Hyperion); Something Extraordinary by Ben Clanton (Simon & Schuster); The Baby Tree by Sophie Blackall (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin); Fenway And Hattie by Victoria J Coe (Putnam/Penguin); The Meaning Of Maggie by Megan Jean Sovern (Chronicle); The Misadventures Of The Family Fletcher By Dana Alison Levy (Random House); Abrakapow! by Isaiah Campbell (Simon & Schuster); Subway Love by Nora Raleigh Baskin (Candlewick).
TIPS “Writing and illustrations stand on their own, so submissions should tell the most compelling stories possible--whether visually, in words, or both.”
THE GARAMOND AGENCY, INC.
1840 Columbia Rd. NW, #503, Washington DC 20009. E-mail: query@garamondagency.com. Website: www.garamondagency.com. Other memberships include Author’s Guild.
MEMBER AGENTS Lisa Adams; David Miller.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: business, current affairs, economics, history, law, politics, psychology, science, technology, social science, narrative nonfiction.
"We work closely with our authors through each stage of the publishing process, first in developing their books and then in presenting themselves and their ideas effectively to publishers and to readers. We represent our clients throughout the world in all languages, media, and territories through an extensive network of subagents." No proposals for children’s or young adult books, fiction, poetry, or memoir.
HOW TO CONTACT Queries sent by e-mail may not make it through the spam filters on our server. Please e-mail a brief query letter only, we do not read unsolicited manuscripts submitted by e-mail under any circumstances. See website.
RECENT SALES Big Data, by Viktor Mayer-Schoenberger and Kenneth Cukier (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt); Nature’s Fortune, by Mark R. Tercek and Jonathan S. Adams (Basic Books); The Depths by Jonathan Rottenberg (Basic Books); Outsiders by William Thorndike (Harvard Business Press); Personal Intelligence by John D. Mayer, (Scientific American/Farrar, Straus & Giroux). See website for other clients.
TIPS “Query us first if you have any questions about whether we are the right agency for your work.”
MAX GARTENBERG LITERARY AGENCY
912 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Yardley PA 19067. (215)295-9230. Website: www.maxgartenberg.com. Contact: Anne Devlin (fiction and nonfiction). Estab. 1954. Represents 100 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 80%, novels 20%.
MEMBER AGENTS Anne G. Devlin (current events, politics, true crime, women’s issues, sports, parenting, biography, environment, narrative nonfiction, health, lifestyle, literary fiction, romance, and celebrity); Dirk Devlin (thrillers, science fiction, mysteries, and humor).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: agriculture horticulture, animals, art, biography, child, current affairs, health, history, money, music, nature, psychology, science, self-help, sports, film, true crime, women’s.
HOW TO CONTACT Writers desirous of having their work handled by this agency may query by e-mail to agdevlin@aol.com. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Responds in 6 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, following up on good query letters.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
RECENT SALES Blazing Ice: Pioneering the 21st Century’s Road to the South Pole, by John H. Wright; Beethoven for Kids: His Life and Music, by Helen Bauer; Slaughter on North LaSalle, by Robert L. Snow; What Patients Taught Me, by Audrey Young, MD (Sasquatch Books); Unorthodox Warfare: The Chinese Experience, by Ralph D. Sawyer (Westview Press); Encyclopedia of Earthquakes and Volcanoes, by Alexander E. Gates (Facts on File); Homebirth in the Hospital, by Stacey Kerr, M.D. (Sentient Publications).
TIPS “We have recently expanded to allow more access for new writers.”
GELFMAN SCHNEIDER / ICM PARTNERS
850 7th Ave., Suite 903, New York NY 10019. (212)245-1993. Fax: (212)245-8678. E-mail: mail@gelfmanschneider.com. Website: www.gelfmanschneider.com. Contact: Jane Gelfman, Deborah Schneider. Member of AAR. Represents 300+ clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
MEMBER AGENTS Jane Gelfman, Victoria Marini, Heather Mitchell.
REPRESENTS fiction and nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, popular culture. Considers these fiction areas: historical, literary, mainstream, middle grade, mystery, suspense, women’s, young adult.
Does not want to receive romance, science fiction, westerns, or illustrated children's books.
HOW TO CONTACT Query. Send queries via snail mail only. No unsolicited mss. Please send a query letter, a synopsis, and a SAMPLE CHAPTER ONLY. Consult website for each agent’s submission requirements. Responds in 1 month to queries. Responds in 2 months to mss.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Agent receives 15% commission on film sales. Offers written contract. Charges clients for photocopying and messengers/couriers.
GEORGES BORCHARDT, INC.
136 E. 57th St., New York NY 10022. (212)753-5785. Website: www.gbagency.com. Estab. 1967. Member of AAR. Represents 200+ clients.
MEMBER AGENTS Anne Borchardt; Georges Borchardt; Valerie Borchardt; Samantha Shea.
This agency specializes in literary fiction and outstanding nonfiction.
HOW TO CONTACT No unsolicited mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
RECENT SALES John Ashbery’s Selected Translations (FSG); Evelyn Barish’s The Double Life of Paul de Man (Norton); Louis Begley’s Memories of a Marriage (Nan A. Talese); W. Michael Blumenthal’s From Exile to Leadership (Overlook).
THE GERNERT COMPANY
136 East 57th St., 18th Floor, New York NY 10022. (212)838-7777. Fax: (212)838-6020. E-mail: info@thegernertco.com. Website: www.thegernertco.com. Contact: Sarah Burnes.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Burnes was with Burnes & Clegg, Inc.
MEMBER AGENTS Sarah Burnes (commercial fiction, adventure and true story); Stephanie Cabot (literary fiction, commercial fiction, historical fiction); Chris Parris-Lamb; Seth Fishman (accepts graphic novels); Logan Garrison; Will Roberts; Erika Storella; Anna Worrall; Andy Kifer; Ellen Goodson. At this time, Courtney Gatewood and Rebecca Gardner are closed to queries. See the website to find out the tastes of each agent.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: art, crafts, creative nonfiction, foods, history, memoirs, politics, sociology, travel. Considers these fiction areas: fantasy, historical, literary, middle grade, science fiction, thriller, women’s, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Queries should be addressed to a specific agent via the e-mail subject line. Please send a query letter, either by mail or e-mail, describing the work you’d like to submit, along with some information about yourself and a sample chapter if appropriate. Please do not send e-mails to individual agents; use info@thegernertco.com and indicate which agent you’re querying. See company website for more instructions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
RECENT SALES Sycamore Row by John Grisham; The Night Guest by Fiona McFarlane; Someone by Alice Mcdermott; Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie; Beatles Vs Stones by John Mcmillian; Bargain Fever by Mark Ellwood.
GLOBAL LION INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC.
PO BOX 669238, Pompano Beach FL 33066. E-mail: assistantpma@gmail.com. Website: www.globallionmanagement.com. Contact: Peter Miller. Represents more than 100 clients. 50% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
In his time in the literary world, Mr. Miller has successfully managed more than 1,000 books and dozens of motion picture and television properties. He is the author of Author! Screenwriter!
MEMBER AGENTS Peter Miller (big nonfiction, business, true crime, religion).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, juvenile, movie, tv, tv movie. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, cultural interests, current affairs, diet/nutrition, economics, ethnic, foods, humor, inspirational, investigative, memoirs, money, parenting, popular culture, religious, satire, self-help, sports, true crime. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, crime, detective, erotica, ethnic, experimental, gay, historical, humor, inspirational, juvenile, lesbian, literary, mainstream, mystery, police, psychic, religious, romance, satire, supernatural, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult. Considers these script areas: action/adventure, comedy, mainstream, romantic comedy, romantic drama, thriller.
Does not want to receive poetry, stage plays, picture books and clichés.
HOW TO CONTACT E-query. Include a 1-page synopsis, about 20 pages of your work (pasted), an author bio, and any social media links of value. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract. This agency charges for approved expenses, such as photocopies and overnight delivery.
RECENT SALES For the Sake of Liberty, by M. William Phelps (Thomas Dunne Books); The Haunting of Cambria, by Richard Taylor (Tor); Cover Girl Confidential, by Beverly Bartlett (5 Spot); Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To!, by Anthony DeStefano (Doubleday); Miss Fido Manners: The Complete Book of Dog Etiquette, by Charlotte Reed (Adams Media); film rights to Murder in the Heartland, by M. William Phelps (Mathis Entertainment); film rights to The Killer’s Game, by Jay Bonansinga (Andrew Lazar/Mad Chance, Inc.).
TIPS “Don’t approach agents before your work is ready, and always approach them as professionally as possible. Don’t give up.”
BARRY GOLDBLATT LITERARY LLC
320 Seventh Ave. #266, Brooklyn NY 11215. (718)832-8787. E-mail: query@bgliterary.com. Website: www.bgliterary.com/. Contact: Barry Goldblatt. Estab. 2000.
MEMBER AGENTS Barry Goldblatt.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: middle grade, young adult.
"Please see our website for specific submission guidelines and information on our particular tastes."
HOW TO CONTACT Obtains clients through referrals, queries, and conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% on foreign and dramatic sales. Offers written contract. 60 days notice must be given to terminate contract.
RECENT SALES Read Between the Lines, by Jo Knowles; Bright Before Sunrise, by Tiffany Schmidt; The Infamous Ratsos, by Kara LaReau; Wonders of the Invisible World, by Christopher Barzak.
TIPS “We’re a hands-on agency, focused on building an author’s career, not just making an initial sale. We don’t care about trends or what’s hot; we just want to sign great writers.”
FRANCES GOLDIN LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
57 E. 11th St., Suite 5B, New York NY 10003. (212)777-0047. Fax: (212)228-1660. E-mail: agency@goldinlit.com. Website: www.goldinlit.com. Estab. 1977. Member of AAR. Represents over 100 clients.
MEMBER AGENTS Frances Goldin, principal/agent; Ellen Geiger, agent (commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction, cutting-edge topics of all kinds); Matt McGowan, agent/rights director (innovative works of fiction and nonfiction); Sam Stoloff, agent (literary fiction, memoir, history, accessible sociology and philosophy, cultural studies, serious journalism, narrative and topical nonfiction with a progressive orientation); Sarah Bridgins, agent/office manager, sb@goldinlit.com (voice-driven fiction and narrative nonfiction).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, cultural interests, investigative, memoirs, philosophy, sociology. Considers these fiction areas: literary, mainstream.
"We are hands on and we work intensively with clients on proposal and manuscript development." Does not want anything that is racist, sexist, agist, homophobic, or pornographic. No screenplays, children's books, art books, cookbooks, business books, diet books, romance, self-help, or genre fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by letter or e-mail. No unsolicited mss or work previously submitted to publishers. Prefers hard-copy queries. If querying by e-mail, put word “query” in subject line. For queries to Sam Stoloff or Ellen Geiger, please use online submission form. Responds in 4-6 weeks to queries.
THE SUSAN GOLOMB LITERARY AGENCY
540 President St., 3rd Floor, Brooklyn NY 11215. Fax: (212)239-9503. E-mail: susan@sgolombagency.com; krista@sgolombagency.com. Contact: Susan Golomb; Krista Ingebretson. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 40%, story collections 10%.
MEMBER AGENTS Susan Golomb (accepts queries); Krista Ingebretson (accepts queries).
REPRESENTS nonfiction, novels, short story collections. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, anthropology, biography, business, current affairs, economics, environment, health, history, law, memoirs, military, money, popular culture, politics, psychology, science, sociology, technology, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: ethnic, historical, humor, literary, mainstream, satire, thriller, women’s, young adult, chick lit.
"We specialize in literary and upmarket fiction and nonfiction that is original, vibrant and of excellent quality and craft. Nonfiction should be edifying, paradigm-shifting, fresh and entertaining." Actively seeking writers with strong voices. Does not want to receive genre fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via mail with SASE or by e-mail. Will respond if interested. Submit outline/proposal, synopsis, 1 sample chapter, author bio. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, and unsolicited queries.
TERMS Offers written contract.
RECENT SALES The Kraus Project, by Jonathan Franzen (FSG); The Word Exchange, by Alena Graedon (Doubleday); The Flamethrowers, by Rachel Kushner (Scribner); The Book of Jonah, by Joshua Feldman (Holt); Last Stories and Other Stories and The Dying Grass, by William T. Vollmann (Viking).
GOODMAN ASSOCIATES
500 West End Ave., New York NY 10024. (212)873-4806. Contact: Arnold P. Goodman. Member of AAR.
Accepting new clients by recommendation only.
IRENE GOODMAN LITERARY AGENCY
27 W. 24th St., Suite 700B, New York NY 10010. E-mail: irene.queries@irenegoodman.com. Website: www.irenegoodman.com. Contact: Irene Goodman, Miriam Kriss. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Irene Goodman; Beth Vesel; Miriam Kriss; Barbara Poelle; Rachel Ekstrom.
REPRESENTS nonfiction, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: narrative nonfiction dealing with social, cultural and historical issues; an occasional memoir and current affairs book, parenting, social issues, francophilia, anglophilia, Judaica, lifestyles, cooking, memoir. Considers these fiction areas: crime, detective, historical, mystery, romance, thriller, women’s, young adult.
"Specializes in the finest in commercial fiction and nonfiction. We have a strong background in women's voices, including mysteries, romance, women's fiction, thrillers, suspense. Historical fiction is one of Irene's particular passions and Miriam is fanatical about modern urban fantasies. In nonfiction, Irene is looking for topics on narrative history, social issues and trends, education, Judaica, Francophilia, Anglophilia, other cultures, animals, food, crafts, and memoir." Barbara is looking for commercial thrillers with strong female protagonists; Miriam is looking for urban fantasy and edgy sci-fi/young adult. No children's picture books, screenplays, poetry, or inspirational fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Query. Submit synopsis, first 10 pages. E-mail queries only! See the website submission page. No e-mail attachments. Responds in 2 months to queries. Consult website for each agent’s submission guidelines.
RECENT SALES The Ark, by Boyd Morrison; Isolation, by C.J. Lyons; The Sleepwalkers, by Paul Grossman; Dead Man’s Moon, by Devon Monk; Becoming Marie Antoinette, by Juliet Grey; What’s Up Down There, by Lissa Rankin; Beg for Mercy, by Toni Andrews; The Devil Inside, by Jenna Black.
TIPS “We are receiving an unprecedented amount of e-mail queries. If you find that the mailbox is full, please try again in two weeks. E-mail queries to our personal addresses will not be answered. E-mails to our personal inboxes will be deleted.”
GOUMEN & SMIRNOVA LITERARY AGENCY
Nauki pr., 19/2 fl. 293, St. Petersburg 195220 Russia. E-mail: info@gs-agency.com. Website: www.gs-agency.com. Contact: Julia Goumen, Natalia Smirnova. Represents 20 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 10%, novels 80%, story collections 5%, juvenile books 5%.
Prior to becoming agents, both Ms. Goumen and Ms. Smirnova worked as foreign rights managers with an established Russian publisher selling translation rights for literary fiction.
MEMBER AGENTS Julia Goumen (translation rights, Russian language rights, film rights); Natalia Smirnova (translation rights, Russian language rights, film rights).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, short story collections, novellas, movie, TV, TV movie, sitcom. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, current affairs, ethnic, humor, memoirs, music. Considers these fiction areas: adventure, experimental, family, historical, horror, literary, mainstream, mystery, romance, thriller, young adult, womens. Considers these script areas: action, comedy, detective, family, mainstream, romantic comedy, romantic drama, teen, thriller.
"We are the first full-service agency in Russia, representing our authors in book publishing, film, television, and other areas. We are also the first agency representing Russian authors worldwide, based in Russia. The agency also represents international authors, agents and publishers in Russia. Our philosophy is to provide an individual approach to each author, finding the right publisher both at home and across international cultural and linguistic borders, developing original marketing and promotional strategies for each title." Actively seeking manuscripts written in Russian, both literary and commercial; and foreign publishers and agents with the high-profile fiction and general nonfiction lists to represent in Russia. Does not want to receive unpublished manuscripts in languages other than Russian, or any information irrelevant to our activity.
HOW TO CONTACT Submit synopsis, author bio. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 14 days to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 20% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year; 2-month notice must be given to terminate contract.
DOUG GRAD LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
68 Jay Street, Suite W11, Brooklyn NY 11201. (718)788-6067. E-mail: doug.grad@dgliterary.com. E-mail: query@dgliterary.com. Website: www.dgliterary.com. Contact: Doug Grad. Estab. 2008.
Prior to being an agent, Doug Grad spent the last 22 years as an editor at 4 major publishing houses.
MEMBER AGENTS Doug Grad (narrative nonfiction, military, sports, celebrity memoir, thrillers, mysteries, historical fiction, young adult fiction, romance, music, style, business, home improvement, cookbooks, self-help, science and theater); George Bick (science fiction [no fantasy!], narrative nonfiction, business, thrillers, mysteries, military, pop science, pop culture, and travel).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: business, cooking, creative nonfiction, military, music, popular culture, science, self-help, sports, theater, travel. Considers these fiction areas: historical, mystery, science fiction, thriller, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by e-mail first at query@dgliterary.com. No sample material unless requested; no printed submissions by mail.
RECENT SALES The Earthend Saga, by Gillian Anderson and Jeff Rovin (Simon451); Written Off: The Heroic Ordeal of Medal of Honor Nominee Captain William Albracht, by William Albracht and Marvin Wolf (Berkley/Caliber); Gordie Howe’s Sun: A Hall of Fame Life in the Shadow of Mr. Hockey, by Mark Howe with Jay Greenberg (HarperCanada/Triumph Books US).
ASHLEY GRAYSON LITERARY AGENCY
1342 W. 18th St., San Pedro CA 90732. E-mail: graysonagent@earthlink.net. Website: www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/CGrayson/. Estab. 1976. Member of AAR. Represents 100 clients. 5% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 20%, novels 50%, juvenile books 30%.
MEMBER AGENTS Ashley Grayson (fantasy, mystery, thrillers, young adult); Carolyn Grayson (chick lit, mystery, children’s, nonfiction, women’s fiction, romance, thrillers); Lois Winston (women’s fiction, chick lit, mystery).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: business, computers, economics, history, investigative, popular culture, science, self-help, sports, technology, true crime. Considers these fiction areas: fantasy, juvenile, middle grade, multicultural, mystery, romance, science fiction, suspense, women’s, young adult.
"We represent literary and commercial fiction, as well as nonfiction for adults (self-help, parenting, pop culture, mind/body/spirit, true crime, business, science). We also represent fiction for younger readers (chapter books through YA). We are seeking more mysteries and thrillers." Actively seeking previously published fiction authors.
HOW TO CONTACT The agency is temporarily closed to queries from fiction writers who are not published at book length (self-published or print-on-demand do not count). There are only three exceptions to this policy: (1) Unpublished authors who have received an offer from a reputable publisher, who need an agent before beginning contract negotiations; (2) Authors who are recommended by a published author, editor or agent who has read the work in question; (3) Authors whom we have met at conferences and from whom we have requested submissions. Nonfiction authors who are recognized within their field or area may still query with proposals. Note: We cannot review self-published, subsidy-published, and POD-published works to evaluate moving them to mainstream publishers.
NEW AGENT SPOTLIGHT
SARAH NEGO
(CORVISIERO LITERARY)
corvisieroagency.com
@sarahnego
ABOUT SARAH: She divides her time between her own writing and working with amazing authors. Her background is in marketing, and she uses her experience to help authors build their platforms and promote their work.
SHE IS SEEKING: middle grade and young adult fiction manuscripts—open to any genre within those age groups, but prefers speculative fiction. Contemporary is not her favorite, but she will look at it.
HOW TO QUERY: Send your letter, 1-2 page synopsis and the first 5 pages pasted into the body of an e-mail to Query@CorvisieroAgency.com. Please use “Query for Sarah” as your subject line.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
RECENT SALES Juliet Dove, Queen of Love, by Bruce Coville (Harcourt); Alosha, by Christopher Pike (TOR); Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie, by David Lubar (Dutton); Ball Don’t Lie, by Matt de la Peña (Delacorte); Wiley & Grampa’s Creature Features, by Kirk Scroggs (10-book series, Little Brown); Snitch, by Allison van Diepen (Simon Pulse). Also represents: J.B. Cheaney (Knopf), Bruce Wetter (Atheneum).
TIPS “We do request revisions as they are required. We are long-time agents, professional and known in the business. We perform professionally for our clients and we ask the same of them.”
SANFORD J. GREENBURGER ASSOCIATES, INC.
55 Fifth Ave., New York NY 10003. (212)206-5600. Fax: (212)463-8718. Website: www.greenburger.com. Member of AAR. Represents 500 clients.
MEMBER AGENTS Matt Bialer, LRibar@sjga.com (fantasy, science fiction, thrillers, and mysteries as well as a select group of literary writers, and also loves smart narrative nonfiction including books about current events, popular culture, biography, history, music, race, and sports); Brenda Bowen, queryBB@sjga.com (literary fiction, writers and illustrators of picture books, chapter books, and middle grade and teen fiction); Lisa Gallagher, lgsubmissions@sjga.com (accessible literary fiction, quality commercial women’s fiction, crime fiction, lively narrative nonfiction); Faith Hamlin, fhamlin@sjga.com (receives submissions by referral); Heide Lange, queryHL@sjga.com; Daniel Mandel, querydm@sjga.com (literary and commercial fiction, as well as memoirs and nonfiction about business, art, history, politics, sports, and popular culture); Courtney Miller-Callihan, cmiller@sjga.com (YA, middle grade, women’s fiction, romance, and historical novels, as well as nonfiction projects on unusual topics, humor, pop culture, and lifestyle books); Nicholas Ellison, nellison@sjga.com; Chelsea Lindman, clindman@sjga.com (playful literary fiction, upmarket crime fiction, and forward thinking or boundary-pushing nonfiction); Rachael Dillon Fried, rfried@sjga.com (both fiction and nonfiction authors, with a keen interest in unique literary voices, women’s fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and comedy); Lindsay Ribar, co-agents with Matt Bailer (young adult and middle grade fiction).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books and novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: art, biography, business, creative nonfiction, current affairs, ethnic, history, humor, memoirs, music, popular culture, politics, sports. Considers these fiction areas: crime, fantasy, historical, literary, middle grade, mystery, picture books, romance, science fiction, thriller, women’s, young adult.
No Westerns. No screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT E-query. “Please look at each agent’s profile page for current information about what each agent is looking for and for the correct e-mail address to use for queries to that agent. Please be sure to use the correct query e-mail address for each agent.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 months to queries and mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Charges for photocopying and books for foreign and subsidiary rights submissions.
RECENT SALES Inferno, by Dan Brown; Hidden Order, by Brad Thor; The Chalice, by Nancy Bilveau; Horns, by Joe Hill.
THE GREENHOUSE LITERARY AGENCY
11308 Lapham Dr., Oakton VA 22124. E-mail: submissions@greenhouseliterary.com. Website: www.greenhouseliterary.com. Member of AAR. Other memberships include SCBWI. Represents 20 clients. 100% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: juvenile books 100%.
Sarah Davies has had an editorial and management career in children's publishing spanning 25 years; for 5 years prior to launching the Greenhouse she was Publishing Director of Macmillan Children's Books in London, and publishing leading authors from both sides of the Atlantic.
MEMBER AGENTS Sarah Davies, vice president (middle grade and young adult); John M. Cusick, agent (picture books, middle grade, YA, and boy books for kids); Polly Nolan, agent (fiction by UK, Irish, Commonwealth—including Australia, NZ and India—authors, from picture books to young fiction series, through middle grade and young adult).
REPRESENTS juvenile. Considers these fiction areas: juvenile, middle grade, picture books, young adult.
"We exclusively represent authors writing fiction for children and teens. The agency has offices in both the USA and UK, and Sarah Davies (who is British) personally represents authors to both markets. The agency’s commission structure reflects this—taking 15% for sales to both US and UK, thus treating both as ‘domestic’ markets.' " All genres of children's and YA fiction—ages 5+. Does not want to receive nonfiction, poetry, picture books (text or illustration) or work aimed at adults; short stories, educational or religious/inspirational work, pre-school/novelty material, or screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT Query one agent only. Put the target agent’s name in the subject line. Paste the first 5 pages of your story (or your complete picture book) after the query. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. This agency occasionally charges for submission copies to film agents or foreign publishers.
RECENT SALES Fracture, by Megan Miranda (Walker); Paper Valentine, by Brenna Yovanff (Razorbill); Uses for Boys, by Erica L. Scheidt (St Martin’s); Dark Inside, by Jeyn Roberts (Simon & Schuster); Breathe, by Sarah Crossan (HarperCollins); After the Snow, by SD Crockett (Feiwel/Macmillan); Sean Griswold’s Head, by Lindsey Leavitt (Hyperion).
WRITERS CONFERENCES Bologna Children’s Book Fair, ALA and SCBWI conferences, BookExpo America.
TIPS “Before submitting material, authors should read the Greenhouse’s ‘Top 10 Tips for Authors of Children’s Fiction’ and carefully follow our submission guidelines which can be found on the website.”
KATHRYN GREEN LITERARY AGENCY, LLC
250 West 57th St., Suite 2302, New York NY 10107. (212)245-4225. Fax: (212)245-4042. E-mail: query@kgreenagency.com. Contact: Kathy Green. Memberships include Women’s Media Group. Represents approximately 20 clients. 50% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 25%, juvenile books 25%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Green was a book and magazine editor.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, short story collections, juvenile, middle grade and young adult only). Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, current affairs, diet/nutrition, economics, education, foods, history, how-to, humor, interior design, investigative, juvenile nonfiction, memoirs, parenting, popular culture, psychology, satire, self-help, sports, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies, juvenile. Considers these fiction areas: crime, detective, family saga, historical, humor, juvenile, literary, mainstream, middle grade, mystery, police, romance, satire, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult.
Keeping the client list small means that writers receive my full attention throughout the process of getting their project published. Does not want to receive science fiction or fantasy.
HOW TO CONTACT Query to query@kgreenagency.com. Send no samples unless requested. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1-2 months to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. No written contract.
RECENT SALES Welcome To The Dark House; Extinct For A Reason; The Arnifour Affair; The Civil War In Color; The Racecar Book.
TIPS “This agency offers a written agreement.”
BLANCHE C. GREGORY, INC.
2 Tudor City Place, New York NY 10017. (212)697-0828. E-mail: info@bcgliteraryagency.com. Website: www.bcgliteraryagency.com. Member of AAR.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, juvenile.
This agency specializes in adult fiction and nonfiction; children's literature is also considered. Does not want to receive screenplays, stage plays or teleplays.
HOW TO CONTACT Submit via snail mail—query, brief synopsis, bio, SASE. No e-mail queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
GREYHAUS LITERARY
3021 20th St., PL SW, Puyallup WA 98373. E-mail: scott@greyhausagency.com. Website: www.greyhausagency.com. Contact: Scott Eagan, member RWA. Estab. 2003.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: romance, women’s.
"Greyhaus only focuses on romance and women's fiction. Please review submission information found on the website to know exactly what Greyhaus is looking for. Stories should be 75,000-120,000 words in length or meet the word count requirements for Harlequin or Entangled found on their respective websites." Does not want sci-fi, fantasy, literary, futuristic, erotica, writers targeting e-pubs, young adult, nonfiction, memoirs, how-to books, self-help, screenplays, novellas, poetry.
HOW TO CONTACT Submissions to Greyhaus can be done in one of three ways: 1) Send a query, the first 3 pages and a synopsis of no more than 3 pages (and a SASE), using a snail mail submission. 2) A standard query letter via e-mail. If using this method, do not attach documents or send anything else other than a query letter. Or 3) use the Submission Form found on the website on the Contact page.
JILL GRINBERG LITERARY AGENCY
16 Court St., Suite 3306, Brooklyn NY 11241. (212)620-5883. Fax: (212)627-4725. E-mail: info@grinbergliterary.com. Website: www.jillgrinbergliterary.com. Estab. 1999.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Grinberg was at Anderson Grinberg Literary Management.
MEMBER AGENTS Jill Grinberg, jill@jillgrinbergliterary.com; Cheryl Pientka, cheryl@jillgrinbergliterary.com; Katelyn Detweiler, katelyn@jillgrinbergliterary.com.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, cooking, ethnic, history, science, travel. Considers these fiction areas: fantasy, juvenile, literary, mainstream, romance, science fiction, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Please send your query letter to info@jillgrinbergliterary.com and attach the first 50 pages (fiction) or proposal (nonfiction) as a Word doc file. All submissions will be read, but electronic mail is preferred.
RECENT SALES Cinder, Marissa Meyer; The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, Christopher Healy; Kiss and Make Up, Katie Anderson; i, T.J. Stiles; Eon and Eona, Alison Goodman; American Nations, Colin Woodard; HALO Trilogy, Alexandra Adornetto; Babymouse, Jennifer & Matthew Holm; Uglies/Leviathan Trilogy, Scott Westerfeld; Liar, Justine Larbalestier; Turtle in Paradise, Jennifer Holm; Wisdom’s Kiss and Dairy Queen, Catherine Gilbert Murdock.
TIPS “We prefer submissions by mail.”
JILL GROSJEAN LITERARY AGENCY
1390 Millstone Rd., Sag Harbor NY 11963. (631)725-7419. E-mail: JillLit310@aol.com. Contact: Jill Grosjean. Estab. 1999. No No
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Grosjean managed an independent bookstore. She also worked in publishing and advertising.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: literary, mainstream, mystery.
Actively seeking literary novels and mysteries.
HOW TO CONTACT E-mail queries preferred, no attachments. No cold calls, please. Accepts simultaneous submissions, though when manuscript requested, requires exclusive reading time. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 week to queries; month to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations and solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% commission on foreign and film sales.
RECENT SALES A Spark of Death, Fatal Induction, and Capacity for Murder, by Bernadette Pajer (Poison Pen Press); Neutral Ground, by Greg Garrett (Bondfire Books); Threading the Needle, by Marie Bostwick (Kensington Publishing); Tim Cratchit’s Christmas Carol: A Novel of Scrooge’s Legacy, by Jim Piecuch (Simon & Schuster).
WRITERS CONFERENCES Thrillerfest; Texas Writer’s League; Book Passage Mystery’s Writer’s Conference.
LAURA GROSS LITERARY AGENCY
P.O. Box 610326, Newton Highlands MA 02461. (617)964-2977. Fax: (617)964-3023. E-mail: query@lg-la.com. Website: www.lg-la.com. Contact: Laura Gross. Estab. 1988. Represents 30 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 40%, novels 50%, scholarly books 10%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Gross was an editor.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, child guidance, cultural interests, current affairs, ethnic, government, health, history, law, medicine, memoirs, parenting, popular culture, politics, psychology, sports, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: historical, literary, mainstream, mystery, suspense, thriller.
HOW TO CONTACT Queries accepted online via online form on LGLA website. Responds in several days to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
THE MITCHELL J. HAMILBURG AGENCY
149 S. Barrington Ave., #732, Los Angeles CA 90049. (310)471-4024. Fax: (310)471-9588. Contact: Michael Hamilburg. Estab. 1937. Signatory of WGA. Represents 70 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 70%, novels 30%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: anthropology, biography, business, child, cooking, current affairs, education, government, health, history, memoirs, military, money, psychology, recreation, regional, self-help, sex, sociology, spirituality, sports, travel, women’s, creative nonfiction; romance; architecture; inspirational; true crime. Considers these fiction areas: glitz, New Age, adventure, experimental, feminist, humor, military, mystery, occult, regional, religious, romance, sports, thriller, crime; mainstream; psychic.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with outline, 2 sample chapters, SASE. Responds in 1 month to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, conferences, personal search.
TERMS Agent receives 10-15% commission on domestic sales.
THE JOY HARRIS LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
381 Park Avenue S, Suite 428, New York NY 10016. (212)924-6269. Fax: (212)725-5275. E-mail: submissions@jhlitagent.com; contact@jhlitagent.com. Website: joyharrisliterary.com. Contact: Joy Harris. Estab. 1990. Member of AAR. Represents more than 100 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 50%.
MEMBER AGENTS Joy Harris (most interested in literary fiction and narrative nonfiction); Adam Reed (arts, literary fiction, science and technology, and pop culture).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: art, creative nonfiction, popular culture, science, technology. Considers these fiction areas: literary.
We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts, and are not accepting poetry, screenplays, or self-help submissions at this time.
HOW TO CONTACT “Please send by regular mail a query letter, outline or sample chapter, and self-addressed stamped envelope to the address below. You may e-mail your submission to submissions@jhlitagent.com; however, we will only reply if interested.” Do not send your full manuscript before it is requested. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 months to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from clients and editors.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Charges clients for some office expenses.
RECENT SALES Carry the One, by Carol Anshaw; Kill You Twice, by Chelsea Cain; Fire in the Belly, by Cynthia Carr; Radiance, by Louis Jones; Saved by Beauty, by Roger Housden.
HARTLINE LITERARY AGENCY
123 Queenston Dr., Pittsburgh PA 15235-5429. (412)829-2483. Fax: (412)829-2432. E-mail: joyce@hartlineliterary.com. Website: www.hartlineliterary.com. Contact: Joyce A. Hart. Represents 40 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 40%, novels 60%.
MEMBER AGENTS Joyce A. Hart, principal agent (no unsolicited queries); Jim Hart; Terry Burns, terry@hartlineliterary.com (some YA and middle grade along with his other interests); Diana Flegal, diana@hartlineliterary.com; Linda Glaz, linda@hartlineliterary.com; Andy Scheer, andy@hartlineliterary.com.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels.
"This agency specializes in the Christian bookseller market." Actively seeking adult fiction, self-help, nutritional books, devotional, and business. Does not want to receive erotica, gay/lesbian, fantasy, horror, etc.
HOW TO CONTACT E-query only. Target one agent only. “All e-mail submissions sent to Hartline Agents should be sent as a MS Word doc (or in rich text file format from another word processing program) attached to an e-mail with “submission: title, author’s name and word count” in the subject line. A proposal is a single document, not a collection of files. Place the query letter in the e-mail itself. Do not send the entire proposal in the body of the e-mail or send PDF files.” Further guidelines online. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 months to queries. Responds in 3 months to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Offers written contract.
RECENT SALES Aurora, An American Experience in Quilt, Community and Craft, and A Flickering Light, by Jane Kirkpatrick (Waterbrook Multnomah); Oprah Doesn’t Know My Name by Jane Kirkpatrick (Zondervan); Paper Roses, Scattered Petals, and Summer Rains, by Amanda Cabot (Revell Books); Blood Ransom, by Lisa Harris (Zondervan); I Don’t Want a Divorce, by David Clark (Revell Books); Love Finds You in Hope, Kansas, by Pamela Griffin (Summerside Press); Journey to the Well, by Diana Wallis Taylor (Revell Books); Paper Bag Christmas, The Nine Lessons by Kevin Milne (Center Street); When Your Aging Parent Needs Care by Arrington & Atchley (Harvest House); Katie at Sixteen by Kim Vogel Sawyer (Zondervan); A Promise of Spring, by Kim Vogel Sawyer (Bethany House); The Big 5-OH!, by Sandra Bricker (Abingdon Press); A Silent Terror & A Silent Stalker, by Lynette Eason (Steeple Hill); Extreme Devotion series, by Kathi Macias (New Hope Publishers); On the Wings of the Storm, by Tamira Barley (Whitaker House); Tribute, by Graham Garrison (Kregel Publications); The Birth to Five Book, by Brenda Nixon (Revell Books); Fat to Skinny Fast and Easy, by Doug Varrieur (Sterling Publishers).
JOHN HAWKINS & ASSOCIATES, INC.
71 W. 23rd St., Suite 1600, New York NY 10010. (212)807-7040. Fax: (212)807-9555. E-mail: jha@jhalit.com. Website: www.jhalit.com. Contact: Moses Cardona (rights and translations); Liz Free (permissions); Warren Frazier, literary agent; Anne Hawkins, literary agent. Member of AAR. Represents 100+ clients. 5-10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 40%, novels 40%, juvenile books 20%.
MEMBER AGENTS Moses Cardona, moses@jhalit.com (commercial fiction, suspense, business, science, and multicultural fiction); William Reiss, reiss@jhalit.com (historical narratives, biography, slightly off-beat fiction, suspense fiction and children’s books); Warren Frazier, frazier@jhalit.com (nonfiction—technology, history, world affairs and foreign policy); Anne Hawkins, ahawkins@jhalit.com (thrillers to literary fiction to serious nonfiction; she also has particular interests in science, history, public policy, medicine and women’s issues).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, history, medicine, politics, science, technology, women’s issues. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, historical, literary, multicultural, suspense, thriller.
HOW TO CONTACT Query. Include the word “Query” in the subject line. For fiction, include 1-3 chapters of your book as a single Word attachment. For nonfiction, include your proposal as a single attachment. E-mail a particular agent directly if you are targeting one. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Charges clients for photocopying.
RECENT SALES The Doll, by Taylor Stevens; Flora, by Gail Godwin; The Affairs of Others, by Amy Loyd.
HEACOCK HILL LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
West Coast Office, 1020 Hollywood Way, #439, Burbank CA 91505. (818)951-6788. E-mail: agent@heacockhill.com. Website: www.heacockhill.com. Contact: Catt LeBaigue or Tom Dark. Estab. 2009. Member of AAR. Other memberships include SCBWI.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. LeBaigue spent 18 years with Sony Pictures and Warner Bros.
MEMBER AGENTS Tom Dark (adult fiction, nonfiction); Catt LeBaigue (juvenile fiction, adult nonfiction including arts, crafts, anthropology, astronomy, nature studies, ecology, body/mind/spirit, humanities, self-help).
REPRESENTS nonfiction, fiction. Considers these nonfiction areas: art, business, gardening, politics. Considers these fiction areas: juvenile, middle grade, picture books, young adult.
Not presently accepting new clients for adult fiction. Please check the website for updates.
HOW TO CONTACT E-mail queries only. No unsolicited manuscripts. No e-mail attachments. Responds in 1 week to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
TERMS Offers written contract.
TIPS “Write an informative original e-query expressing your book idea, your qualifications, and short excerpts of the work. No unfinished work, please.”
HELEN HELLER AGENCY INC.
4-216 Heath Street W, Toronto Ontario M5P 1N7 Canada. (416)489-0396. E-mail: info@helenhelleragency.com. Website: www.helenhelleragency.com. Contact: Helen Heller. Represents 30+ clients.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Heller worked for Cassell & Co. (England), was an editor for Harlequin Books, a senior editor for Avon Books, and editor-in-chief for Fitzhenry & Whiteside.
MEMBER AGENTS Helen Heller, helen@helenhelleragency.com (crime fiction and front-list general fiction); Daphne Hart, daphne@helenhelleragency.com (clients range from masters of literary nonfiction, academics, journalists, critics, and wordsmiths to professionals who write prescriptively on their areas of expertise); Sarah Heller, sarah@helenhelleragency.com (front list commercial YA and adult fiction, with a particular interest in high concept historical fiction).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, crime, historical, literary, mainstream, young adult.
Actively seeking adult fiction and nonfiction (excluding children's literature, screenplays or genre fiction). Does not want to receive screenplays, poetry, or young children's picture books.
NEW AGENT SPOTLIGHT
CLAIRE ANDERSON-WHEELER
(REGAL LITERARY)
regal-literary.com
ABOUT CLAIRE: Claire previously worked at Anderson Literary Management in New York, and at Christine Green Authors’ Agent in London, UK. She holds an LLB from Trinity College, Dublin, and a Master’s in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia, UK. Claire is Irish, was born in DC, and grew up in Dublin, Geneva, and Brussels.
SHE IS SEEKING: YA with a strong voice (realistic or high-concept), works of narrative nonfiction and pop culture/pop psychology, literary fiction, and commercial women’s fiction driven by strong contemporary issues.
HOW TO QUERY: E-mail your query, attaching a synopsis and the first three chapters as MS Word documents. Send to submissions@regal-literary.com, and put “Query for Claire: [Title]” in the subject line.
HOW TO CONTACT Submit synopsis, publishing history, author bio. Online submission form available at website. No attachments with e-queries. Responds in 6 weeks. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
RECENT SALES Break on Through, by Jill Murray (Doubleday Canada); Womankind: Faces of Change Around the World, by Donna Nebenzahl (Raincoast Books); One Dead Indian: The Premier, The Police, and the Ipperwash Crisis, by Peter Edwards (McClelland & Stewart); a full list of deals is available online.
TIPS “Whether you are an author searching for an agent, or whether an agent has approached you, it is in your best interest to first find out who the agent represents, what publishing houses has that agent sold to recently and what foreign sales have been made. You should be able to go to the bookstore, or search online and find the books the agent refers to. Many authors acknowledge their agents in the front or back or their books.”
RICHARD HENSHAW GROUP
145 W. 28th St., 12th Floor, New York NY 10001. (212)414-1172. E-mail: submissions@henshaw.com. Website: www.richardhenshawgroup.com. Contact: Rich Henshaw. Member of AAR. Other memberships include SinC, MWA, HWA, SFWA, RWA. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 35%, novels 65%.
Prior to opening his agency, Mr. Henshaw served as an agent with Richard Curtis Associates, Inc.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, current affairs, dance, economics, environment, foods, gay/lesbian, health, humor, investigative, money, music, New Age, parenting, popular culture, politics, psychology, science, self-help, sociology, sports, technology, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: crime, detective, fantasy, historical, horror, literary, mainstream, mystery, police, science fiction, supernatural, suspense, thriller, young adult.
This agency specializes in thrillers, mysteries, science fiction, fantasy and horror. "We only consider works between 65,000-150,000 words." We do not represent children’s books, screenplays, short fiction, poetry, textbooks, scholarly works or coffee-table books.
HOW TO CONTACT “Please feel free to submit a query letter in the form of an e-mail of fewer than 250 words to submissions@henshaw.com address. As of December 1, 2013, we will no longer accept letters or partials at our physical address unless we have agreed in advance to make an exception.” Responds in 3 weeks to queries. Responds in 6 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. No written contract. Charges clients for photocopying and book orders.
RECENT SALES Though Not Dead, by Dana Stabenow; The Perfect Suspect, by Margaret Coel; City of Ruins, by Kristine Kathryn Rusch; A Dead Man’s Tale, by James D. Doss; Wickedly Charming, by Kristine Grayson, History of the World series by Susan Wise Bauer; Notorious Pleasures, by Elizabeth Hoyt.
TIPS “While we do not have any reason to believe that our submission guidelines will change in the near future, writers can find up-to-date submission policy information on our website. Always include an SASE with correct return postage.”
HERMAN AGENCY
350 Central Park West, New York NY 10025. (212)749-4907. E-mail: Ronnie@HermanAgencyInc.com. Website: www.hermanagencyinc.com. Estab. 1999. Currently handles: books for young readers.
MEMBER AGENTS Ronnie Ann Herman.
REPRESENTS children’s.
HOW TO CONTACT Submit via e-mail to one of our agents. See website for specific agents’ specialties.
TIPS “Check our website to see if you belong with our agency.”
THE JEFF HERMAN AGENCY, LLC
P.O. Box 1522, Stockbridge MA 01262. (413)298-0077. Fax: (413)298-8188. E-mail: jeff@jeffherman.com. Website: www.jeffherman.com. Contact: Jeffrey H. Herman. Represents 100 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 85%, scholarly books 5%, textbooks 5%.
Prior to opening his agency, Mr. Herman served as a public relations executive.
MEMBER AGENTS Deborah Levine, vice president (nonfiction book doctor); Jeff Herman.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: business, economics, government, health, history, how-to, law, medicine, politics, psychology, self-help, spirituality, technology, popular reference.
This agency specializes in adult nonfiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Offers written contract. Charges clients for copying and postage.
RECENT SALES Days of Our Lives book series; H&R Block book series. Sold 35 titles in the last year.
HIDDEN VALUE GROUP
27758 Santa Margarita Pkwy #361, Mission Viejo CA 92691. E-mail: bookquery@hiddenvaluegroup.com. Website: www.hiddenvaluegroup.com. Contact: Nancy Jernigan. Represents 55 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
MEMBER AGENTS Jeff Jernigan, jjernigan@hiddenvaluegroup.com (men’s nonfiction, fiction, Bible studies/curriculum, marriage and family); Nancy Jernigan, njernigan@hiddenvaluegroup.com (nonfiction, women’s issues, inspiration, marriage and family, fiction).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books and adult fiction; no poetry.
We are currently interested in receiving proposals in a variety of genres such as family/parenting/marriage, inspirational, self-help, men’s and women’s issues, business and fiction. No poetry or short stories. Actively seeking established fiction authors, and authors who are focusing on women's issues. Does not want to receive poetry or short stories.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Submit synopsis, 2 sample chapters, author bio, and marketing and speaking summary. Accepts queries to bookquery@hiddenvaluegroup.com. No fax queries. Responds in 1 month to queries. Responds in 1 month to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 15% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Glorieta Christian Writers’ Conference; CLASS Publishing Conference.
JULIE A. HILL AND ASSOCIATES, LLC
12997 Caminto del Pasaje, #530, Del Mar CA 92014. (858)259-2595. Fax: (858)259-2777. E-mail: Hillagent@aol.com. Website: www.publishersmarketplace/members/hillagent. Contact: Julie Hill. Represents 50+ clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 90%, story collections 5%, other 5% books that accompany films.
MEMBER AGENTS Julie Hill, agent and principal.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, cooking, ethnic, health, history, how-to, language, memoirs, music, New Age, popular culture, psychology, religious, self-help, travel, women’s issues, technology books, both for professionals and laypersons.
Currently interested in finding memoir from wives and adult children of drug lords, known criminals, and those in polygamist marriages. Currently developing a memoir from one of the largest Mexican drug cartels. Actively seeking travel, health, and media tie-ins. Does not want to receive horror, juvenile, sci-fi, thrillers or autobiographies of any kind.
HOW TO CONTACT Snail mail: Query with SASE. Submit outline/proposal, SASE. E-submissions, please send to: HIllagent@aol.com. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 4-6 weeks to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from other authors, editors, and agents.
RECENT SALES Sales (many of which are available in languages such as Chinese, Russian, Spanish, and more) include Data Crush, by Chris Surdak; Hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail, by Marlise Kast-Myers; Bestselling Publish This Book, by Stephen Markley (reviewed by PW, Huffington Post and many others. “Soon to be a feature film; rights sold in Decemeber 2011 in a major deal, including percentage of gross receipts.”); Cracking Up, from the book The Happy Neurotic, by David Granirer, to GRBTV. Travel: multiple titles to Frommers (Wiley) for kids travel and theme parks guides, including Walt Disney World for Dummies, by Laura Lea Miller, Barnes and Noble travel bestsellers. Falcon (Globe Pequot) hiking guides: Best Easy Day Hikes to Long Island, and others by Susan Finch. Insiders Guides, Off the Beaten Path, Best Day Trips to multiple US cities by multiple authors, including New York City, Chicago, Seattle, Houston, Palm Beaches (Fla) and many more.
TIPS A secondary website for this agency is www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/destiny, dealing with astrology for writers.
HILL NADELL LITERARY AGENCY
8899 Beverly Blvd., Suite 805, Los Angeles CA 90048. (310)860-9605. Fax: (310)860-9672. E-mail: queries.hillnadell@gmail.com. Website: www.hillnadell.com. Represents 100 clients.
MEMBER AGENTS Bonnie Nadell (Her nonfiction books include works on current affairs and food as well as memoirs and other narrative nonfiction. In fiction, she represents thrillers along with upmarket women’s and literary fiction); Dara Hyde (literary and genre fiction, narrative nonfiction, graphic novels, memoir and the occasional young adult novel).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, current affairs, environment, government, health, history, language, literature, medicine, popular culture, politics, science, technology, biography; government/politics, narrative. Considers these fiction areas: literary, mainstream, thriller, women’s, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Send a query and SASE. If you would like your materials returned, please include adequate postage. To submit electronically: Send your query letter and the first chapter (no more than fifteen pages double-spaced) to queries@hillnadell.com. No attachments. Due to the high volume of submissions the agency receives, we cannot guarantee a response to all e-mailed queries. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Agent receives 15% commission on film sales. Charges clients for photocopying and foreign mailings.
RECENT SALES Living the Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz (memoir); Next Stop, Reloville: Inside America’s New Rootless Professional Class by Peter Kilborn.
HOLLOWAY LITERARY
Washington DC E-mail: submissions@hollowayliteraryagency.com. Website: hollowayliteraryagency.com. Contact: Nikki Terpilowski. Estab. 2011. Memberships include International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: foods, history, military, spirituality, travel. Considers these fiction areas: erotica, ethnic, fantasy, middle grade, multicultural, regional, romance, thriller, women’s, young adult, graphic novels and manga of all types.
Note to self-published authors: While we are happy to receive submissions from authors who have previously self-published novels, we do not represent self-published works. Send us your unpublished manuscripts only. Please note, we do not represent horror, true crime or novellas.
HOW TO CONTACT Send us your query and the first fifteen pages of your novel in the body of your e-mail, or attach your nonfiction proposal as a PDF and e-mail to the attention of: Submissions Editor, at submissions@hollowayliteraryagency.com. In the subject header, write: Query: (insert your title/genre). You can expect a response to your query in one to two weeks. Please note, we do not represent previously published material.
RECENT SALES A list of agency clients is available on the website.
THE HOLMES AGENCY
1942 Broadway, Suite 314, Boulder CO 80302. (720)443-8550. E-mail: kristina@holmesliterary.com. Website: www.holmesliterary.com. Contact: Kristina A. Holmes.
MEMBER AGENTS Kristina A. Holmes.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: business, cooking, environment, foods, health, memoirs, psychology, science, sex, spirituality, women’s issues.
HOW TO CONTACT To submit your book for consideration, please e-mail your query and full book proposal to submissions@holmesliterary.com. (Please note that this agency does not represent fiction of any kind, true crime, poetry, or children’s books.) In your query, please briefly describe your book (content, vision, purpose, and audience), as well as a bit about your background as an author (including notable platform highlights such as national media, a popular blog or website, speaking career, etc.).
RECENT SALES Virtual Freedom: How To Work With Virtual Assistants To Create More Time, Increase Your Productivity, And Build Your Dream Business, by Chris Ducker (Benbella Books 2014); Recipes For A Sacred Life: True Stories And A Few Miracles, by Rivvy Neshama (Divine Arts, Fall 2013); 50 Ways To Say You’re Awesome, by Alexandra Franzen (Sourcebooks, Fall 2013); The Cosmic View Of Albert Einstein: His Reflections On Humanity And The Universe, by Editors Walt Martin And Magda Ott (Sterling, Fall 2013); Go Green, Spend Less, Live Better: The Ultimate Guide To Saving The Planet, Saving Money, And Protecting Your Health, by Crissy Trask (Skyhorse, Spring 2013); Pinfluence: The Complete Guide To Marketing Your Business With Pinterest, by Beth Hayden (John Wiley & Sons, Summer 2012); Stillpower: Excellence with Ease in Sports—and Life, by Garret Kramer (Beyond Words/Atria/Simon & Schuster, Summer 2012); Kissed by a Fox: And Other Stories of Friendship in Nature, by Priscilla Stuckey (Counterpoint Press, Fall 2012); The Mother’s Wisdom Deck, by Niki Dewart and Elizabeth Marglin (Sterling Publishing, Spring 2012).
TIPS “With seven years of experience as a literary agent, I have had the privilege of working with many gifted and inspiring writers. Some of them are bestselling authors and well-known experts in their field, but what makes them truly special, from my perspective, is their deep passion for their work, and their commitment to guiding, educating, and inspiring people around the world. At The Holmes Agency, I’m looking for considered and intelligent writing on a variety of nonfiction subjects. I am seeking authors focused on inspiring and helping positively transform readers’ lives. I am open to queries, including from first time authors. However, please be aware that I don’t generally represent authors without a platform.”
HOPKINS LITERARY ASSOCIATES
2117 Buffalo Rd., Suite 327, Rochester NY 14624-1507. (585)352-6268. Contact: Pam Hopkins. Member of AAR. Other memberships include RWA. Represents 30 clients. 5% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: novels 100%.
REPRESENTS novels. Considers these fiction areas: romance, women’s.
This agency specializes in women's fiction, particularly historical, contemporary, and category romance, as well as mainstream work.
NEW AGENT SPOTLIGHT
AMY CLOUGHLEY
(KIMBERLEY CAMERON & ASSOCIATES)
kimberleycameron.com
@AmyCloughley
ABOUT AMY: Amy studied creative writing and literature and holds a B.S. in magazine journalism. She worked in editorial and marketing roles in magazine publishing and corporate business before shifting her professional focus to her lifelong love of books.
SHE IS SEEKING: literary and commercial fiction, mystery/suspense, narrative nonfiction, travel or adventure memoir.
HOW TO QUERY: For fiction, please send your query with a one-page synopsis and the first 50 pages of your manuscript as separate Word or .pdf attachments to amyc@kimberleycameron.com. For nonfiction, please send your query and include a well-researched proposal and three sample chapters in the same format. Include “Author Submission” in the subject line.
HOW TO CONTACT Regular mail with synopsis, 3 sample chapters (or first 50 pages), SASE. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. No written contract.
RECENT SALES The Wilting Bloom Series by Madeline Hunter (Berkley); The Dead Travel Fast, by Deanna Raybourn; Baggage Claim, by Tanya Michna (NAL).
WRITERS CONFERENCES RWA National Conference.
HORNFISCHER LITERARY MANAGEMENT
P.O. Box 50544, Austin TX 78763. E-mail: queries@hornfischerlit.com. Website: www.hornfischerlit.com. Contact: James D. Hornfischer, president. Represents 45 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
Prior to opening his agency, Mr. Hornfischer held editorial positions at HarperCollins and McGraw-Hill. "My New York editorial background is useful in this regard. In 17 years as an agent, I've handled 12 New York Times nonfiction bestsellers, including 3 No. 1’s.”
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: anthropology, archeology, autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, current affairs, economics, environment, government, health, history, how-to, humor, inspirational, investigative, law, medicine, memoirs, military, money, multicultural, parenting, popular culture, politics, psychology, religious, satire, science, self-help, sociology, sports, technology, true crime, war.
Actively seeking commercial nonfiction. Does not want poetry or genre fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT E-mail queries only. Responds if interested. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 5-6 weeks to submissions. Obtains most new clients through referrals from clients, reading books and magazines, pursuing ideas with New York editors.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Reasonable expenses deducted from proceeds after book is sold.
TIPS “When you query agents and send out proposals, present yourself as someone who’s in command of his material and comfortable in his own skin. Too many writers have a palpable sense of anxiety and insecurity. Take a deep breath and realize that—if you’re good—someone in the publishing world will want you.”
HSG AGENCY
287 Spring St., New York NY 10013. E-mail: channigan@hsgagency.com; jsalky@hsgagency.com; jgetzler@hsgagency.com. Website: hsgagency.com. Contact: Carrie Hannigan; Jesseca Salky; Josh Getzler. Estab. 2011.
Prior to opening HSG Agency, Ms. Hannigan, Ms. Salky and Mr. Getzler were agents at Russell & Volkening.
MEMBER AGENTS Carrie Hannigan, Jesseca Salky, Josh Getzler.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: business, creative nonfiction, current affairs, education, foods, memoirs, photography, politics, psychology, science. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, crime, historical, literary, middle grade, mystery, picture books, thriller, women’s, young adult.
Ms. Hannigan is actively seeking both fiction and nonfiction children's books in the picture book and middle grade age range, as well as adult women's fiction and select photography projects that would appeal to a large audience. Ms. Salky is actively seeking literary and commercial fiction that appeals to women and men;"all types of nonfiction, with a particular interest in memoir and narrative nonfiction in the areas of science, pop-psychology, politics, current affairs, business, education, food, and any other topic that is the vehicle for a great story." Mr. Getzler is actively seeking adult historical and crime-related fiction (mystery, thriller), select nonfiction and YA projects (particularly those that fit within historical or crime fiction). He is also interested in smart women's fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Electronic submission only. Send query letter, first 5 pages of ms within e-mail to appropriate agent. Avoid submitting to multiple agents within the agency. Picture books: include entire ms. Responds in 4-6 weeks.
RECENT SALES The Beginner’s Goodbye, by Anne Tyler (Knopf); Blue Sea Burning, by Geoff Rodkey (Putnam); The Partner Track, by Helen Wan (St. Martin’s Press); The Thrill of the Haunt, by E.J. Copperman (Berkley); Aces Wild, by Erica Perl (Knopf Books for Young Readers); Steve & Wessley: The Sea Monster, by Jennifer Morris (Scholastic); Infinite Worlds, by Michael Soluri (Simon & Schuster).
ANDREA HURST LITERARY MANAGEMENT
P.O. Box 1467, Coupeville WA 98239. E-mail: andrea@andreahurst.com. Website: www.andreahurst.com. Contact: Andrea Hurst. Represents 100+ clients. 50% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 50%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Hurst was an acquisitions editor as well as a freelance editor and published writer.
MEMBER AGENTS Andrea Hurst, andrea@andreahurst.com (adult fiction, women’s fiction, nonfiction, including personal growth, health and wellness, science, business, parenting, relationships, women’s issues, animals, spirituality, metaphysical, psychological, cookbooks, and self-help); Katie Reed, kate@andreahurst.com (YA fiction and nonfiction and adult nonfiction); Amberley Finnarelli (not accepting new clients).
REPRESENTS nonfiction, novels, juvenile books. Considers these nonfiction areas: crafts, inspirational, memoirs, parenting, self-help, true crime. Considers these fiction areas: fantasy, inspirational, juvenile, literary, mainstream, psychic, religious, romance, science fiction, supernatural, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult.
"We work directly with our signed authors to help them polish their work and their platform for optimum marketability. Our staff is always available to answer phone calls and e-mails from our authors and we stay with a project until we have exhausted all publishing avenues." Actively seeking "well written nonfiction by authors with a strong platform; superbly crafted fiction with depth that touches the mind and heart and all of our listed subjects." Does not want to receive sci-fi, horror, Western, poetry, or screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT E-mail query with SASE. Submit outline/proposal, synopsis, 2 sample chapters, author bio. Query a specific agent after reviewing website. Use (agentfirstname)@andreahurst.com. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 6 to 12 months; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract. This agency charges for postage. No reading fees.
RECENT SALES Art of Healing, by Bernie Siegel; Truly, Madly, Deadly, by Hannah Jayne; Ultimate Poultry Cookbook, by Chef John Ash; The Guestbook, by Andrea Hurst; No Buddy Left Behind, by Terrir Crisp and Cindy Hurn (Lyons Press); A Year of Miracles, by Dr. Bernie Siegel (NWL); Selling Your Crafts on Etsy (St. Martin’s); The Underground Detective Agency (Kensington); Alaskan Seafood Cookbook (Globe Pequot); Faith, Hope and Healing, by Dr. Bernie Siegel (Rodale); Code Name: Polar Ice, by Jean-Michel Cousteau and James Fraioli (Gibbs Smith); How to Host a Killer Party, by Penny Warner (Berkley/Penguin).
WRITERS CONFERENCES San Francisco Writers’ Conference; Willamette Writers’ Conference; PNWA; Whidbey Island Writers Conference.
TIPS “Do your homework and submit a professional package. Get to know the agent you are submitting to by researching their website or meeting them at a conference. Perfect your craft: Write well and edit ruthlessly over and over again before submitting to an agent. Be realistic: Understand that publishing is a business and be prepared to prove why your book is marketable and how you will market it on your own. Be persistent! Andrea Hurst is no longer accepting unsolicited query letters. Unless you have been referred by one of our authors, an agent or publisher, please check our website for another appropriate agent. www.andreahurst.com.”
INKWELL MANAGEMENT, LLC
521 Fifth Ave., 26th Floor, New York NY 10175. (212)922-3500. Fax: (212)922-0535. E-mail: submissions@inkwellmanagement.com. Website: www.inkwellmanagement.com. Represents 500 clients.
MEMBER AGENTS Monika Woods (literary and commercial fiction, young adult, memoir, and compelling nonfiction in popular culture, science, and current affairs); Lauren Smythe (smart narrative nonfiction [narrative journalism, modern history, biography, cultural criticism, personal essay, humor], personality-driven practical nonfiction [cookbooks, fashion and style], and contemporary literary fiction); David Hale Smith; Hannah Schwartz; Eliza Rothstein (literary and commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, popular science, and food writing); Charlie Olsen (fiction, children’s books, graphic novels and illustrated works, and compelling narrative nonfiction); Jacqueline Murphy; Alyssa Mozdzen; Nathaniel Jacks (memoir, narrative nonfiction, social sciences, health, current affairs, business, religion, and popular history, as well as fiction—literary and commercial, women’s, young adult, historical, short story, among others); Alexis Hurley (literary and commercial fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction and more); Allison Hunter (literary and commercial fiction [including romance], memoir, narrative nonfiction, cultural studies, pop culture and prescriptive titles, including cookbooks); David Forrer (literary, commercial, historical and crime fiction to suspense/thriller, humorous nonfiction and popular history); Catherine Drayton (bestselling authors of books for children, young adults and women readers); William Callahan (nonfiction of all stripes, especially American history and memoir, pop culture and illustrated books, as well as voice-driven fiction that stands out from the crowd); Lizz Blaise (literary fiction, women’s and young adult fiction, suspense, and psychological thriller); Kimberly Witherspoon; Michael V Carlisle; Richard Pine.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, cooking, creative nonfiction, current affairs, foods, health, history, humor, memoirs, popular culture, religious, science. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, crime, historical, literary, middle grade, picture books, romance, short story collections, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT In the body of your e-mail, please include a query letter and a short writing sample (1-2 chapters). We currently accept submissions in all genres except screenplays. Due to the volume of queries we receive, our response time may take up to two months. Feel free to put “Query for [Agent Name]: [Your Book Title]” in the e-mail subject line. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
TIPS “We will not read mss before receiving a letter of inquiry.”
ICM PARTNERS
730 Fifth Ave., New York NY 10019. (212)556-5600. Website: www.icmtalent.com. Contact: Literary Department. Member of AAR. Signatory of WGA.
REPRESENTS nonfiction, fiction, novels, juvenile books.
We do not accept unsolicited submissions.
HOW TO CONTACT This agency is generally not open to unsolicited submissions. However, some agents do attend conferences and meet writers then. The agents take referrals, as well. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
JABBERWOCKY LITERARY AGENCY
49 West 45th St., New York NY 10036. (718)392-5985. Website: www.awfulagent.com. Contact: Joshua Bilmes. Memberships include SFWA. Represents 40 clients. 15% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 15%, novels 75%, scholarly books 5%, other 5% other.
MEMBER AGENTS Joshua Bilmes; Eddie Schneider; Lisa Rodgers; Sam Morgan.
REPRESENTS novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, business, cooking, current affairs, diet/nutrition, economics, film, foods, gay/lesbian, government, health, history, humor, language, law, literature, medicine, money, popular culture, politics, satire, science, sociology, sports, theater, war, women’s issues, women’s studies, young adult. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, contemporary issues, crime, detective, ethnic, family saga, fantasy, gay, glitz, historical, horror, humor, lesbian, literary, mainstream, middle grade, police, psychic, regional, satire, science fiction, sports, supernatural, thriller, young adult.
This agency represents quite a lot of genre fiction and is actively seeking to increase the amount of nonfiction projects. It does not handle children's or picture books. Book-length material only—no poetry, articles, or short fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT “We are currently open to unsolicited queries. No e-mail, phone, or fax queries, please. Query with SASE. Please check our website, as there may be times during the year when we are not accepting queries. Query letter only; no manuscript material unless requested.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 weeks to queries. Obtains most new clients through solicitations, recommendation by current clients.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year. Charges clients for book purchases, photocopying, international book/ms mailing.
RECENT SALES Sold 30 US and 100 foreign titles in the last year. Dead Ever After, by Charlaine Harris; Words of Radiance, by Brandon Sanderson; The Daylight War, by Peter V. Brett; Limits of Power, by Elizabeth Moon. Other clients include Tanya Huff, Simon Green, Jack Campbell, Myke Cole, William C. Dietz, and Marie Brennan.
TIPS “In approaching with a query, the most important things to us are your credits and your biographical background to the extent it’s relevant to your work. I (and most agents) will ignore the adjectives you may choose to describe your own work.”
JAMES PETER ASSOCIATES, INC.
P.O. Box 358, New Canaan CT 06840. (203)972-1070. E-mail: gene_brissie@msn.com. Website: www.jamespeterassociates.com. Contact: Gene Brissie. Represents 75 individual and 6 corporate clients. 15% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: anthropology, archeology, architecture, art, biography, business, current affairs, dance, design, ethnic, film, gay/lesbian, government, health, history, language, literature, medicine, military, money, music, popular culture, psychology, self-help, theater, travel, war, women’s issues, women’s studies, memoirs (political, business).
"We are especially interested in general, trade, and reference nonfiction." Does not want to receive children's/young adult books, poetry, or fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Submit proposal package, outline, SASE. Prefers to read materials exclusively. Responds in 1 month to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, contact with people who are doing interesting things.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
JANKLOW & NESBIT ASSOCIATES
445 Park Ave., New York NY 10022. (212)421-1700. Fax: (212)980-3671. E-mail: submissions@janklow.com. Website: www.janklowandnesbit.com. Estab. 1989.
MEMBER AGENTS Morton L. Janklow; Anne Sibbald; Lynn Nesbit; Luke Janklow; Cullen Stanley; PJ Mark (interests are eclectic, including short stories and literary novels. His nonfiction interests include journalism, popular culture, memoir/narrative, essays and cultural criticism); Richard Morris (books that challenge our common assumptions, be it in the fields of cultural history, business, food, sports, science or faith); Paul Lucas (literary and commercial fiction, focusing on literary thrillers, science fiction and fantasy; also seeks narrative histories of ideas and objects, as well as biographies and popular science); Emma Parry (nonfiction by experts, but will consider outstanding literary fiction and upmarket commercial fiction. I’m not looking for children’s books, middle grade, or fantasy); Alexandra Machinist; Kirby Kim (formerly of WME).
REPRESENTS nonfiction, fiction.
Does not want to receive unsolicited submissions or queries.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via snail mail or e-mail. Include a synopsis and the first 10 pages if sending fiction. For nonfiction, send a query and full outline. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 8 weeks to queries/mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TIPS “Please send a short query with first 10 pages or artwork.”
J DE S ASSOCIATES, INC.
9 Shagbark Road, Wilson Point, South Norwalk CT 06854. (203)838-7571. E-mail: Jdespoel@aol.com. Website: www.jdesassociates.com. Contact: Jacques de Spoelberch. Represents 50 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 50%.
Prior to opening his agency, Mr. de Spoelberch was an editor with Houghton Mifflin.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, cultural interests, current affairs, economics, ethnic, government, health, history, law, medicine, metaphysics, military, New Age, personal improvement, politics, self-help, sociology, sports, translation. Considers these fiction areas: crime, detective, frontier, historical, juvenile, literary, mainstream, mystery, New Age, police, suspense, westerns, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Brief queries by regular mail and e-mail are welcomed for fiction and nonfiction, but kindly do not include sample proposals or other material unless specifically requested to do so. Responds in 2 months to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from authors and other clients.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Charges clients for foreign postage and photocopying.
RECENT SALES Joshilyn Jackson’s new novel A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty (Grand Central), Margaret George’s final Tudor historical Elizabeth I (Penguin), the fifth in Leighton Gage’s series of Brazilian thrillers A Vine in the Blood (Soho), Genevieve Graham’s romance Under the Same Sky (Berkley Sensation), Hilary Holladay’s biography of the early Beat Herbert Huncke, American Hipster (Magnus), Ron Rozelle’s My Boys and Girls Are In There: The 1937 New London School Explosion (Texas A&M), the concluding novel in Dom Testa’s YA science fiction series, The Galahad Legacy (Tor), and Bruce Coston’s new collection of animal stories The Gift of Pets (St. Martin’s Press).
THE CAROLYN JENKS AGENCY
30 Cambridge Park Dr., #3150, Cambridge MA 02140. (617)354-5099. E-mail: queries@carolynjenksagency.com. Website: www.carolynjenksagency.com. Contact: Carolyn Jenks. Estab. 1987. Signatory of WGA
MEMBER AGENTS Carolyn Jenks; Eric Wing. “See agency website for current member preferences” as well as a list of junior agents.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: architecture, art, autobiography, biography, business, cultural interests, current affairs, design, education, ethnic, gay/lesbian, government, history, juvenile nonfiction, language, law, literature, memoirs, metaphysics, military, money, music, New Age, religious, science, technology, translation, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, ethnic, experimental, family saga, fantasy, feminist, frontier, gay, historical, horror, humor, inspirational, juvenile, lesbian, literary, mainstream, mystery, psychic, regional, religious, science fiction, supernatural, thriller, westerns, women’s, young adult. Considers these script areas: autobiography, biography, contemporary issues, ethnic, experimental, family saga, fantasy, feminist, frontier, gay, historical, horror, inspirational, lesbian, mainstream, mystery, psychic, religious, romantic comedy, romantic drama, science fiction, supernatural, suspense, thriller, western.
HOW TO CONTACT Please submit a one page query including a brief bio via the form on the agency website. “Due to the high volume of queries we receive, we are unable to respond to everyone. Queries are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we will follow up directly with the author if there is interest in a full manuscript.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains new clients by recommendations from others, queries/submissions, agency outreach.
TERMS Offers written contract, 1-3 years depending on the project. Requires 60 day notice before terminating contract.
TIPS “Do not make cold calls to the agency. E-mail contact only. Do not query for more than one property at a time. If possible, have a professional photograph of yourself ready to submit with your query, as it is important to be media-genic in today’s marketplace. Be ready to discuss platform.”
JET LITERARY ASSOCIATES
941 Calle Mejia, #507, Santa Fe NM 87501. (505)780-0721. E-mail: etp@jetliterary.com. Website: www.jetliterary.com. Contact: Liz Trupin-Pulli. Represents 75 clients. 35% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
MEMBER AGENTS Liz Trupin-Pulli (adult and YA fiction/nonfiction; romance, mysteries, parenting); Jim Trupin (adult fiction/nonfiction, military history, pop culture); Jessica Trupin, associate agent based in Seattle (adult fiction and nonfiction, children’s and young adult, memoir, pop culture).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, short story collections. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cultural interests, current affairs, economics, ethnic, gay/lesbian, government, humor, investigative, law, memoirs, military, parenting, popular culture, politics, satire, sports, true crime, war, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, crime, detective, erotica, ethnic, gay, glitz, historical, humor, lesbian, literary, mainstream, mystery, police, romance, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult.
"JET was founded in New York in 1975, so we bring a wealth of knowledge and contacts, as well as quite a bit of expertise to our representation of writers." Actively seeking women's fiction, mysteries and narrative nonfiction. JET represents the full range of adult and YA fiction and nonfiction, including humor and cookbooks. Does not want to receive sci-fi, fantasy, horror, poetry, children's or religious.
HOW TO CONTACT An e-query only is accepted. Responds in 1 week to queries. Responds in 8 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 10% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 3 years. This agency charges for reimbursement of mailing and any photocopying.
RECENT SALES Mom-in-chief, by Jamie Woolf (Wiley, 2009); Dangerous Games by Charlotte Mede (Kensington, 2009); So You Think You Can Spell! by David Grambs and Ellen Levine (Perigee, 2009); Cut, Drop & Die, by Joanna Campbell Slan (Midnight Ink, 2009).
WRITERS CONFERENCES Women Writing the West; Southwest Writers Conference; Florida Writers Association Conference.
TIPS Do not write cute queries—stick to a straightforward message that includes the title and what your book is about, why you are suited to write this particular book, and what you have written in the past (if anything), along with a bit of a bio.
KELLER MEDIA INC.
578 Washington Blvd., No. 745, Marina del Rey CA 90292. (800)278-8706. Website: www.KellerMedia.com. Contact: Wendy Keller, senior agent; Elise Howard, editorial assistant; Laura Rensing, editorial assistant. Estab. 1989. Member of the National Speakers we book for the authorAssociation. 25% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
NEW AGENT SPOTLIGHT
ROZ FOSTER
(SANDRA DIJKSTRA LITERARY AGENCY)
dijkstraagency.com
@RozFoster
ABOUT ROZ: Roz has a B.A. in English Literature from UC San Diego, studied philosophy for a year at the University of Sheffield, UK, and earned her M.A. in English, with an emphasis in Composition & Rhetoric and Creative Writing, from Portland State University. She’s been learning French since 2009.
SHE IS SEEKING: Roz is interested in literary and commercial fiction, women’s fiction, literary sci-fi, and literary YA. She loves novels that make her feel like the author is tuned into a rising revolution—cultural, political, literary, or whatnot—that’s about to burst on the scene. Nonfiction: current affairs, design, business, cultural anthropology/social science, politics, psychology and memoir.
HOW TO QUERY: roz@dijkstraagency.com. Please send a query, a 1-page synopsis, a brief bio (including a description of your publishing history), and the first 10-15 pages of your manuscript. Please send all items in the body of the e-mail, not as an attachment.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Keller was an award-winning journalist and worked for PR Newswire.
REPRESENTS nonfiction. Considers these nonfiction areas: business, current affairs, health, history, politics, psychology, science, self-help, sociology, women’s issues.
“All of our authors are highly credible experts, who have or want a significant platform in media, academia, politics, paid professional speaking, syndicated columns, or regular appearances on radio/TV. Does not want (and absolutely will not respond to) fiction, true crime, scripts, teleplays, poetry, juvenile, anything Christian, picture books, illustrated books, first-person stories of mental or physical illness, wrongful incarceration, abduction by aliens, books channeled by aliens, demons, or dead celebrities (I wish I was kidding!).”
HOW TO CONTACT “To query, just go to www.KellerMedia.com/query and fill in the simple form; it takes 1 minute or less. You’ll get a fast, courteous response. Please do not mail us anything unless requested to do so by a staff member.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 7 days. Obtains most new clients through referrals.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign, dramatic, sponsorship, appearance fees, audio, and merchandising deals. “30% on speaking engagements we book for the author.”
TIPS “Don’t send a query to any agent unless you’re certain they handle the type of book you’re writing. 90% of all rejections happen because what you offered us doesn’t fit our established, advertised, printed, touted and shouted guidelines. Be organized! Have your proposal in order before you query. Never make apologies for ‘bad writing’ or sloppy content. Please just get it right before you waste your 1 shot with us. Have something new, different or interesting to say and be ready to dedicate your whole heart to marketing it. Marketing is everything.”
NATASHA KERN LITERARY AGENCY
P.O. Box 1069, White Salmon WA 98672. (509)493-3803. E-mail: agent@natashakern.com. Website: www.natashakern.com. Contact: Natasha Kern. Memberships include RWA, MWA, SinC, The Authors Guild, and American Society of Journalists and Authors.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Kern worked as an editor and publicist for Simon & Schuster, Bantam, and Ballantine. This agency has sold more than 700 books.
MEMBER AGENTS Natasha Kern.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, child guidance, cultural interests, current affairs, environment, ethnic, gardening, health, inspirational, medicine, metaphysics, New Age, parenting, popular culture, psychology, religious, self-help, spirituality, women’s issues, women’s studies, investigative journalism. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, historical, inspirational, mainstream, multicultural, mystery, religious, romance, suspense, thriller, women’s.
"This agency specializes in commercial fiction and nonfiction for adults. We are a full-service agency." Historical novels from any country or time period; contemporary fiction including novels with romance or suspense elements; and multi-cultural fiction. We are also seeking inspirational fiction in a broad range of genres including: suspense and mysteries, historicals, romance, and contemporary novels. Does not represent horror, true crime, erotica, children's books, short stories or novellas, poetry, screenplays, technical, photography or art/craft books, cookbooks, travel, or sports books.
HOW TO CONTACT See submission instructions online. Send query to queries@natashakern.com. Please include the word “QUERY” in the subject line. “We do not accept queries by snail mail or phone.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 weeks to queries.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Agent receives 15% commission on film sales.
RECENT SALES Sold 43 titles in the last year. China Dolls, by Michelle Yu and Blossom Kan (St. Martin’s); Bastard Tongues, by Derek Bickerton (Farrar Strauss); Bone Rattler, by Eliot Pattison; Wicked Pleasure, by Nina Bangs (Berkley); Inviting God In, by David Aaron (Shambhala); Unlawful Contact, by Pamela Clare (Berkley); Dead End Dating, by Kimberly Raye (Ballantine); A Scent of Roses, by Nikki Arana (Baker Book House); The Sexiest Man Alive, by Diana Holquist (Warner Books).
WRITERS CONFERENCES RWA National Conference; MWA National Conference; ACFW Conference; and many regional conferences.
TIPS “Your chances of being accepted for representation will be greatly enhanced by going to our website first. Our idea of a dream client is someone who participates in a mutually respectful business relationship, is clear about needs and goals, and communicates about career planning. If we know what you need and want, we can help you achieve it. A dream client has a storytelling gift, a commitment to a writing career, a desire to learn and grow, and a passion for excellence. We want clients who are expressing their own unique voice and truly have something of their own to communicate. This client understands that many people have to work together for a book to succeed and that everything in publishing takes far longer than one imagines. Trust and communication are truly essential.”
VIRGINIA KIDD LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
P.O. Box 278, Milford PA 18337. (570)296-6205. Fax: (570)296-7266. Website: www.vk-agency.com. Memberships include SFWA, SFRA. Represents 80 clients.
REPRESENTS novels. Considers these fiction areas: fantasy, science fiction, speculative.
This agency specializes in science fiction and fantasy. "The Virginia Kidd Literary Agency is one of the longest established, science fiction specialized literary agencies in the world—with almost half a century of rich experience in the science fiction and fantasy genres. Our client list reads like a top notch 'who's-who' of science fiction: Beth Bernobich, Gene Wolfe, Anne McCaffrey, Ted Chiang, Alan Dean Foster and others set the bar very high indeed. Our authors have won Hugos, Nebulas, World Fantasy, Tiptree, National Book Award, PEN Malamud, SFWA Grandmaster, Gandalf, Locus Award, Margaret Edwards Award, IAMTW Lifetime Achievement Award (Grand Master), Rhysling Award, Author Emeritus SFWA, BSFA Award — and more. The point is, we represent the best of the best. We welcome queries from prospective and published authors."
HOW TO CONTACT Snail mail queries only.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20-25% commission on foreign sales. Agent receives 20% commission on film sales. Offers written contract; 2-month notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges clients occasionally for extraordinary expenses.
RECENT SALES Sagramanda, by Alan Dean Foster (Pyr); Incredible Good Fortune, by Ursula K. Le Guin (Shambhala); The Wizard and Soldier of Sidon, by Gene Wolfe (Tor); Voices and Powers, by Ursula K. Le Guin (Harcourt); Galileo’s Children, by Gardner Dozois (Pyr); The Light Years Beneath My Feet and Running From the Deity, by Alan Dean Foster (Del Ray); Chasing Fire, by Michelle Welch. Other clients include Eleanor Arnason, Ted Chiang, Jack Skillingstead, Daryl Gregory, Patricia Briggs, and the estates for James Tiptree, Jr., Murray Leinster, E.E. “Doc” Smith, R.A. Lafferty.
TIPS “If you have a completed novel that is of extraordinary quality, please send us a query.”
KIRCHOFF/WOHLBERG, INC.
897 Boston Post Rd., Madison CT 06443. (203)245-7308. Fax: (203)245-3218. Website: www.kirchoffwohlberg.com. Contact: Ronald Zollshan. Memberships include SCBWI, Society of Illustrators, SPAR, Bookbuilders of Boston, New York Bookbinders’ Guild, AIGA.
Kirchoff/Wohlberg has been in business for more than 35 years.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: juvenile, middle grade, picture books, young adult.
This agency specializes in juvenile fiction and nonfiction through young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT “Submit by mail to address above. We welcome the submission of mss from first-time or established children’s book authors. Please enclose an SASE, but note that while we endeavor to read all submissions, we cannot guarantee a reply or their return.” Accepts simultaneous submissions.
TERMS Offers written contract, binding for at least 1 year. Agent receives standard commission, depending upon whether it is an author only, illustrator only, or an author/illustrator.
HARVEY KLINGER, INC.
300 W. 55th St., Suite 11V, New York NY 10019. (212)581-7068. Website: www.harveyklinger.com. Contact: Harvey Klinger. Member of AAR. Represents 100 clients. 25% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 50%.
MEMBER AGENTS Harvey Kliinger; David Dunton (popular culture, music-related books, literary fiction, young adult, fiction, and memoirs); Sara Crowe (children’s and young adult authors, adult fiction and nonfiction, foreign rights sales); Andrea Somberg (literary fiction, commercial fiction, romance, sci-fi/fantasy, mysteries/thrillers, young adult, middle grade, quality narrative nonfiction, popular culture, how-to, self-help, humor, interior design, cookbooks, health/fitness).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, cooking, diet/nutrition, foods, health, investigative, medicine, psychology, science, self-help, spirituality, sports, technology, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, crime, detective, family saga, glitz, literary, mainstream, mystery, police, suspense, thriller.
This agency specializes in big, mainstream, contemporary fiction and nonfiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Use online e-mail submission form on the website, or query with SASE via snail mail. No phone or fax queries. Don’t send unsolicited manuscripts or e-mail attachments. Responds in 2 months to queries and mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges for photocopying mss and overseas postage for mss.
RECENT SALES Woman of a Thousand Secrets, by Barbara Wood; I Am Not a Serial Killer, by Dan Wells; untitled memoir, by Bob Mould; Children of the Mist, by Paula Quinn; Tutored, by Allison Whittenberg; Will You Take Me As I Am, by Michelle Mercer. Other clients include: George Taber, Terry Kay, Scott Mebus, Jacqueline Kolosov, Jonathan Maberry, Tara Altebrando, Alex McAuley, Eva Nagorski, Greg Kot, Justine Musk, Nick Tasler, Ashley Kahn, Barbara De Angelis.
KNEERIM, WILLIAMS & BLOOM
90 Canal St., Boston MA 02114. E-mail: submissions@kwlit.com. Website: www.kwlit.com. Also located in New York and Washington D.C. Estab. 1990.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Williams was a lawyer; Ms. Kneerim was a publisher and editor; Mr. Wasserman was an editor and journalist; Ms. Bloom worked in magazines; Ms. Flynn in academia.
MEMBER AGENTS Brettne Bloom, bloom@kwblit.com (memoir, history, current events, biography, travel, adventure, science, parenting, popular culture, cooking and food narratives, personal growth and women’s issues, adult commercial and literary fiction and young adult fiction); Hope Denekamp; Katherine Flynn, flynn@kwblit.com (history, biography, politics, current affairs, adventure, nature, pop culture, science, and psychology for nonfiction and particularly loves exciting narrative nonfiction; she also represents both literary and commercial fiction, and is fond of urban or foreign locales, crime novels, insight into women’s lives, biting wit, and historical settings); Jill Kneerim; Ike Williams; Carol Franco; Gerald Gross.
Actively seeking distinguished authors, experts, professionals, intellectuals, and serious writers.
HOW TO CONTACT E-query an individual agent. Send no attachments. Put “Query” in the subject line. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
LINDA KONNER LITERARY AGENCY
10 W. 15th St., Suite 1918, New York NY 10011. (212)691-3419. E-mail: ldkonner@cs.com. Website: www.lindakonnerliteraryagency.com. Contact: Linda Konner. Member of AAR. Signatory of WGA. Other memberships include ASJA. Represents 85 clients. 30-35% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: gay/lesbian, health, medicine, money, parenting, popular culture, psychology, science, self-help, women’s issues, biography (celebrity), African American and Latino issues, relationships, popular science.
This agency specializes in health, self-help, and how-to books. Authors/co-authors must be top experts in their field with a substantial media platform.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by e-mail or by mail with SASE, synopsis, author bio, sufficient return postage. Prefers to read materials exclusively for 2 weeks. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, occasional solicitation among established authors/journalists.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges one-time fee for domestic expenses; additional expenses may be incurred for foreign sales.
RECENT SALES The Calorie Myth (New York Times best-seller) by Jonathan Bailor (Harper Wave); Outsmarting Anger (finalist, Books for a Better Life award) by Joseph Shrand, MD, with Leigh Devine and the editors of Harvard Health Publications (Jossey-Bass/Wiley); Lucky Me: My Life With And Without My Mother, Shirley Maclaine by Sachi Parker with Frederick Stroppel (Gotham/ Penguin); 80/20 Running by Matt Fitzgerald (NAL/Penguin).
WRITERS CONFERENCES ASJA Writers Conference, Harvard Medical School’s “Publishing Books, Memoirs, and Other Creative Nonfiction” Annual Conference.
ELAINE KOSTER LITERARY AGENCY, LLC
55 Central Park W., Suite 6, New York NY 10023. (212)362-9488. Fax: (212)712-0164. Website: www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/ElaineKoster/. Contact: Elaine Koster, Stephanie Lehmann, Ellen Twaddell. Estab. 1998. Member of AAR. Other memberships include MWA, Author’s Guild, Women’s Media Group. Represents 40 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 10%, novels 90%.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Koster was president and publisher of Dutton-NAL, part of the Penguin Group.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, current affairs, diet/nutrition, economics, environment, ethnic, foods, health, history, how-to, medicine, money, parenting, popular culture, psychology, self-help, spirituality, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: contemporary issues, crime, detective, ethnic, family saga, feminist, historical, literary, mainstream, mystery, police, regional, suspense, thriller, young adult, chick lit.
This agency specializes in quality fiction and nonfiction. Does not want to receive juvenile, screenplays, or science fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT This agency is currently closed to submissions. Responds in 3 weeks to queries. Responds in 1 month to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Bills back specific expenses incurred doing business for a client.
RECENT SALES After You by Julie Buxbaum (Dial Press); Lady Jasmine by Victoria Christopher Murray (Touchstone); If You Were My Man by Francis Ray (St. Martin’s Press); Silencing Sam by Julie Kramer (Atria); Love, Honor And Betray by Kimberla Lawson Roby (Grand Central).
TIPS “We prefer exclusive submissions. Don’t e-mail or fax submissions. Please include biographical information and publishing history.”
BARBARA S. KOUTS, LITERARY AGENT
P.O. Box 560, Bellport NY 11713. (631)286-1278. Fax: (631) 286-1538. Contact: Barbara S. Kouts. Member of AAR. Represents 50 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
REPRESENTS juvenile.
This agency specializes in children's books.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Accepts queries by mail only. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 week to queries; 2 months to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 10% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. This agency charges clients for photocopying.
RECENT SALES Code Talker, by Joseph Bruchac (Dial); The Penderwicks, by Jeanne Birdsall (Knopf); Froggy’s Baby Sister, by Jonathan London (Viking).
TIPS “Write, do not call. Be professional in your writing.”
KRAAS LITERARY AGENCY
E-mail: irenekraas@sbcglobal.net. Website: www.kraasliteraryagency.com. Contact: Irene Kraas. Represents 35 clients. 75% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: novels 100%.
MEMBER AGENTS Irene Kraas, principal.
REPRESENTS novels. Considers these fiction areas: literary, thriller, young adult.
This agency is interested in working with published writers, but that does not mean self-published writers. "The agency is ONLY accepting new manuscripts in the genre of adult thrillers and mysteries. Submissions should be the first ten pages of a completed manuscript embedded in an e-mail. I do not open attachments or go to websites." Does not want to receive short stories, plays, or poetry. This agency no longer represents adult fantasy or science fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Query and e-mail the first 10 pages of a completed ms. Requires exclusive read on mss. Attachments aren’t accepted. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
TERMS Offers written contract.
TIPS “I am interested in material—in any genre—that is truly, truly unique.”
STUART KRICHEVSKY LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
381 Park Ave. S., Suite 428, New York NY 10016. (212)725-5288. Fax: (212)725-5275. Website: www.skagency.com. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Stuart Krichevsky (query@skagency.com); Shana Cohen (SCquery@skagency.com); Ross Harris (RHquery@skagency.com; voice-driven humor and memoir, books on popular culture and our society, narrative nonfiction and select contemporary fiction).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, humor, memoirs, popular culture. Considers these fiction areas: contemporary issues.
"Areas of interest include history, adventure, politics and current affairs, biography, science & natural history, technology & culture, business and memoir. Our fiction list includes authors of literary and commercial fiction, science fiction and fantasy, and young adult fiction."
HOW TO CONTACT Please send a query letter and the first few (up to 10) pages of your manuscript or proposal in the body of an e-mail (not an attachment) to one of the addresses here. For security reasons, we do not open attachments. Responds if interested. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
EDITE KROLL LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
20 Cross St., Saco ME 04072. (207)283-8797. Fax: (207)283-8799. E-mail: ekroll@maine.rr.com. Contact: Edite Kroll. Represents 45 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 40%, novels 5%, juvenile books 40%, scholarly books 5%, other.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Kroll served as a book editor and translator.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, juvenile, scholarly. Considers these nonfiction areas: juvenile, biography, current affairs, ethnic, gay, government, health, no diet books, humor, memoirs, popular culture, psychology, religion, self-help, women’s, issue-oriented nonfiction. Considers these fiction areas: juvenile, literary, picture books, young adult, middle grade, adult.
"We represent writers and writer-artists of both adult and children's books. We have a special focus on international feminist writers, women writers and artists who write their own books (including children's and humor books)." Actively seeking artists who write their own books and international feminists who write in English. Does not want to receive genre (mysteries, thrillers, diet, cookery, etc.), photography books, coffee table books, romance, or commercial fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Submit outline/proposal, synopsis, 1-2 sample chapters, author bio, entire ms if sending picture book. No phone queries. Responds in 2-4 weeks to queries. Responds in 4-8 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges clients for photocopying and legal fees with prior approval from writer.
RECENT SALES Sold 12 domestic/30 foreign titles in the last year. This agency prefers not to share information on specific sales. Clients include Shel Silverstein estate, Suzy Becker, Geoffrey Hayes, Henrik Drescher, Charlotte Kasl, Gloria Skurzynski, Fatema Mernissa.
TIPS “Please do your research so you won’t send me books/proposals I specifically excluded.”
KT LITERARY, LLC
9249 S. Broadway, #200-543, Highlands Ranch CO 80129. (720)344-4728. Fax: (720)344-4728. E-mail: queries@ktliterary.com. Website: ktliterary.com. Contact: Kate Schafer Testerman. Member of AAR. Other memberships include SCBWI. Represents 20 clients. 60% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Schafer was an agent with Janklow & Nesbit.
MEMBER AGENTS Kate Schafer Testerman, Renee Nyon.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: middle grade, young adult.
"I’m bringing my years of experience in the New York publishing scene, as well as my lifelong love of reading, to a vibrant area for writers, proving that great work can be found, and sold, from anywhere." "We’re thrilled to be actively seeking new clients writing brilliant, funny, original middle grade and young adult fiction, both literary and commercial." Does not want picture books, serious nonfiction, and adult literary fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT “To submit to kt literary, please e-mail us a query letter with the first three pages of your manuscript in the body of the e-mail. The subject line of your e-mail should include the word ‘Query’ along with the title of your manuscript. Queries should not contain attachments. Attachments will not be read, and queries containing attachments will be deleted unread. We aim to reply to all queries within two weeks of receipt. No snail mail queries.” Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Responds in 2 months to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
RECENT SALES Albatross, by Julie Bloss; The Last Good Place of Lily Odilon, by Sara Beitia; Texting the Underworld, by Ellen Booraem. A full list of clients is available on the agency website.
NEW AGENT SPOTLIGHT
CONNOR GOLDSMITH
(FOREWORD LITERARY)
forewordliterary.com
@dreamoforgonon
ABOUT CONNOR: Connor began his career in publishing at Lowenstein Associates and also spent a year as a full-time intern and relief assistant at Abrams Artists Agency. Born and raised in New York, Connor lived for a brief stint in the Midwest studying English and the Classics at Oberlin College in Ohio. He is passionate about narrative fiction across all media as a vehicle for social progress, and received his Master’s degree in Media Studies from The New School for Public Engagement in 2014.
HE IS SEEKING: In fiction, Connor is seeking adult sci-fi/fantasy/horror, thrillers, upmarket commercial fiction, and literary fiction with a unique and memorable hook. He is especially interested in books by and about people from marginalized perspectives, such as LGBT people and/or racial minorities. In nonfiction, fields of interest include history (particularly of the ancient world), theater, cinema, music, television, mass media, popular culture, feminism and gender studies, LGBT issues, race relations, and the sex industry.
HOW TO QUERY: Send your query, a 1-2 page plot synopsis, and the first ten pages of your manuscript to queryconnor@forewordliterary.com. Please paste all content into the body of the e-mail.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Various SCBWI conferences, BookExpo.
TIPS “If we like your query, we’ll ask for (more). Continuing advice is offered regularly on my blog ‘Ask Daphne,’ which can be accessed from my website.”
THE LA LITERARY AGENCY
P.O. Box 46370, Los Angeles CA 90046. (323)654-5288. E-mail: ann@laliteraryagency.com; mail@laliteraryagency.com. Website: www.laliteraryagency.com. Contact: Ann Cashman.
Prior to becoming an agent, Eric Lasher worked in broadcasting and publishing in New York and Los Angeles. Prior to opening the agency, Maureen Lasher worked in New York at Prentice-Hall, Liveright, and Random House.
MEMBER AGENTS Ann Cashman, Eric Lasher, Maureen Lasher.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, cooking, creative nonfiction, health, history, memoirs, parenting, psychology, science, sports. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary.
HOW TO CONTACT Prefers submissions by mail, but welcomes e-mail submissions as well. Nonfiction: query letter and book proposal. Fiction: Query with outline and first 50 pages as an attachment, 1 sample chapter. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
RECENT SALES The Fourth Trimester, by Susan Brink (University of California Press); Rebels in Paradise, by Hunter Drohojowska-Philp (Holt); La Cucina Mexicana, by Marilyn Tausend (UC Press); Degas, Renoir and the Orpheus Clock, by Simon Goodman (Scribner); Cake Balls, by DeDe Wilson (Harvard Common Press); Michael Jackson: Before He Was King, by Todd Gray (Chronicle).
PETER LAMPACK AGENCY, INC.
The Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Ave., Suite 5300, New York NY 10118. (212)687-9106. Fax: (212)687-9109. E-mail: andrew@peterlampackagency.com. Website: www.peterlampackagency.com. Contact: Andrew Lampack.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these fiction areas: adventure, commercial, crime, detective, family saga, literary, mainstream, mystery, police, suspense, thriller.
"This agency specializes in commercial fiction, and nonfiction by recognized experts." Actively seeking literary and commercial fiction, thrillers, mysteries, suspense, and psychological thrillers. Does not want to receive horror, romance, science fiction, westerns, historical literary fiction or academic material.
HOW TO CONTACT The Peter Lampack Agency no longer accepts material through conventional mail. E-queries only. When submitting, you should include a cover letter, author biography and a one- or two-page synopsis. Please do not send more than one sample chapter of your manuscript at a time. Due to the extremely high volume of submissions, we ask that you allow 4-6 weeks for a response. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through referrals made by clients.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
RECENT SALES Spartan Gold, by Clive Cussler with Grant Blackwood; The Wrecker, by Clive Cussler with Justin Scott; Medusa, by Clive Cussler and Paul Kemprecos; Silent Sea by Clive Cussler with Jack Dubrul; Summertime, by J.M. Coetzee; Dreaming in French, by Megan McAndrew; Time Pirate, by Ted Bell.
WRITERS CONFERENCES BookExpo America; Mystery Writers of America.
TIPS “Submit only your best work for consideration. Have a very specific agenda of goals you wish your prospective agent to accomplish for you. Provide the agent with a comprehensive statement of your credential—educational and professional accomplishments.”
LAURA LANGLIE, LITERARY AGENT
147-149 Green St., Hudson NY 12534. (518)828-4708. Fax: (518)828-4787. E-mail: laura@lauralanglie.com. Contact: Laura Langlie. Represents 25 clients. 50% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 15%, novels 58%, story collections 2%, juvenile books 25%.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Langlie worked in publishing for 7 years and as an agent at Kidde, Hoyt & Picard for 6 years.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, cultural interests, current affairs, environment, film, history, language, law, literature, memoirs, popular culture, politics, psychology, theater, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: crime, detective, ethnic, feminist, historical, humor, juvenile, literary, mainstream, mystery, police, suspense, thriller, young adult, mainstream.
"I'm very involved with and committed to my clients. Most of my clients come to me via recommendations from other agents, clients and editors. I've met very few at conferences. I've often sought out writers for projects, and I still find new clients via the traditional query letter." Does not want to receive how-to, children's picture books, hardcore science fiction, poetry, men's adventure, or erotica.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Accepts queries via fax. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 week to queries. Responds in 1 month to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations, submissions.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign and dramatic sales. No written contract.
RECENT SALES Sold 15 titles in the last year. As Close As Hands and Feet, by Emily Arsenault (William Morrow); The Aviator’s Wife, by Melanie Benjamin (Delacorte Press); Free Verse and Ashes to Asheville, by Sarah Dooley (G.P. Putnam’s Son’s/Penguin Young Reader’s Group); Miss Dimple Suspects, by Mignon F. Ballard (St. Martin’s Press); Awaken, by Meg Cabot (Scholastic, Inc.); Size 12 and Ready to Rock, by Meg Cabot (William Morrow); Adaptation and Inheritance, by Malinda Lo (Little, Brown & Co Books for Young Readers); One Tough Chick, by Leslie Margolis (Bloomsbury); The Elite Gymnasts, by Dominique Moceanu and Alicia Thompson (Disney/Hyperion); The Lighthouse Road, by Peter Geye (Unbridled Books); The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, by Jack El-Hai (Public Affairs Books); The Last Animal, by Abby Geni (Counterpoint Press); Something Resembling Love, by Mary Hogan (William Morrow); Little Wolves, by Thomas Maltman (Soho Press).
TIPS “Be complete, forthright and clear in your communications. Do your research as to what a particular agent represents.”
MICHAEL LARSEN/ELIZABETH POMADA, LITERARY AGENTS
1029 Jones St., San Francisco CA 94109. (415)673-0939. E-mail: larsenpoma@aol.com. Website: www.larsenpomada.com. Contact: Mike Larsen, Elizabeth Pomada. Member of AAR. Other memberships include Authors Guild, ASJA, PEN, WNBA, California Writers Club, National Speakers Association. Represents 100 clients. 40-45% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 70%, novels 30%.
Prior to opening their agency, Mr. Larsen and Ms. Pomada were promotion executives for major publishing houses. Mr. Larsen worked for Morrow, Bantam, and Pyramid (now part of Berkley); Ms. Pomada worked at Holt, David McKay and Dial Press. Mr. Larsen is the author of the 4th edition of How to Write a Book Proposal and How to Get a Literary Agent as well as the coauthor of Guerilla Marketing for Writers: 100 Weapons for Selling Your Work, which was republished in September 2009.
MEMBER AGENTS Michael Larsen (nonfiction); Elizabeth Pomada (fiction & narrative nonfiction); Lynn Brown (associate agent, new in 2014).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: anthropology, archeology, architecture, art, autobiography, biography, business, current affairs, diet/nutrition, design, economics, environment, ethnic, film, foods, gay/lesbian, health, history, how-to, humor, inspirational, investigative, law, medicine, memoirs, metaphysics, money, music, New Age, popular culture, politics, psychology, religious, satire, science, self-help, sociology, sports, travel, women’s issues, women’s studies, futurism. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, contemporary issues, crime, detective, ethnic, experimental, family saga, feminist, gay, glitz, historical, humor, inspirational, lesbian, literary, mainstream, mystery, police, religious, romance, satire, suspense.
We have diverse tastes. We look for fresh voices and new ideas. We handle literary, commercial and genre fiction, and the full range of nonfiction books. Actively seeking commercial, genre, and literary fiction. Does not want to receive children's books, plays, short stories, screenplays, pornography, poetry or stories of abuse.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Elizabeth Pomada handles literary and commercial fiction, romance, thrillers, mysteries, narrative nonfiction and mainstream women’s fiction. If you have completed a novel, please e-mail the first 10 pages and 2-page synopsis to larsenpoma@aol.com. Use 14-point typeface, double-spaced, as an e-mail letter with no attachments. For nonfiction, please read Michael’s How to Write a Book Proposal book—available through your library or bookstore, and through our website—so you will know exactly what editors need. Then, before you start writing, send him the title, subtitle, and your promotion plan via conventional mail (with SASE) or e-mail. If sent as e-mail, please include the information in the body of your e-mail with NO attachments. Please allow up to 2 weeks for a response. See each agent’s page on the website for contact and submission information. Responds in 8 weeks to pages or submissions.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% (30% for Asia) commission on foreign sales. May charge for printing, postage for multiple submissions, foreign mail, foreign phone calls, galleys, books, legal fees.
RECENT SALES Sold at least 15 titles in the last year. Secrets of the Tudor Court, by D. Bogden (Kensington); Zen & the Art of Horse Training, by Allan Hamilton, MD (Storey Pub.); The Solemn Lantern Maker by Merlinda Bobis (Delta); Bite Marks, the fifth book in an urban fantasy series by J.D. Rardin (Orbit/Grand Central); The Iron King, by Julie Karawa (Harlequin Teen).
WRITERS CONFERENCES This agency organizes the annual San Francisco Writers’ Conference (www.sfwriters.org).
TIPS “We love helping writers get the rewards and recognition they deserve. If you can write books that meet the needs of the marketplace and you can promote your books, now is the best time ever to be a writer. We must find new writers to make a living, so we are very eager to hear from new writers whose work will interest large houses, and nonfiction writers who can promote their books. For a list of recent sales, helpful info, and three ways to make yourself irresistible to any publisher, please visit our website.”
THE STEVE LAUBE AGENCY
5025 N. Central Ave., #635, Phoenix AZ 85012. (602)336-8910. E-mail: krichards@stevelaube.com. Website: www.stevelaube.com. Contact: Steve Laube, president, Karen Ball, or Dan Balow. Memberships include CBA. Represents 60+ clients. 5% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Laube worked 11 years as a Christian bookseller and 11 years as editorial director of nonfiction with Bethany House Publishers. Mrs. Murray was an accomplished novelist and agent. Mrs. Ball was an executive editor with Tyndale, Multnomah, Zondervan, and B&H. Mr. Balow was marketing director for the Left Behind series at Tyndale.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: religious. Considers these fiction areas: inspirational, religious.
Primarily serves the Christian market (CBA). Actively seeking Christian fiction and religious nonfiction. Does not want to receive children's picture books, poetry, or cookbooks.
HOW TO CONTACT Submit proposal package, outline, 3 sample chapters, SASE. For e-mail submissions, attach as Word doc or PDF. Consult website for guidelines. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 6-8 weeks to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
RECENT SALES Sold 200 titles in the last year. Other clients include Deborah Raney, Allison Bottke, H. Norman Wright, Ellie Kay, Jack Cavanaugh, Karen Ball, Susan May Warren, Lisa Bergren, Cindy Woodsmall, Karol Ladd, Judith Pella, Margaret Daley, William Lane Craig, Ginny Aiken, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Mesu Andrews, Mary Hunt, Hugh Ross, Bill & Pam Farrel, Ronie Kendig.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Mount Hermon Christian Writers’ Conference; American Christian Fiction Writers’ Conference;.
LAUNCHBOOKS LITERARY AGENCY
566 Sweet Pea Place, Encinitas CA 92024. (760)944-9909. E-mail: david@launchbooks.com. Website: www.launchbooks.com. Contact: David Fugate. Represents 45 clients. 35% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
David Fugate has been an agent for 20 years and has successfully represented more than 1,000 book titles. He left another agency to found LaunchBooks in 2005.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: business, creative nonfiction, current affairs, environment, history, humor, popular culture, politics, science, sociology, sports, technology. Considers these fiction areas: mainstream.
We're looking for genre-breaking fiction. Do you have the next The Martian? Or maybe the next The Remaining, Ready Player One, or Wool, or Monster Hunter International? The next Never Let Me Go, or perhaps the next Ender’s Game, Snow Crash, or The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao? What about the next The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, Robopocalypse, or World War Z? We’re on the lookout for fun, engaging, contemporary novels that appeal to a broad audience.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail. Submit outline/proposal, synopsis, 1 sample chapter, author bio. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 week to queries. Responds in 4 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges occur very seldom. This agency’s agreement limits any charges to $50 unless the author gives a written consent.
RECENT SALES Ex-Heroes and Ex-Patriots, by Peter Clines (Crown); We Are Anonymous, by Parmy Olson (Little, Brown); The $100 Startup, by Chris Guillebeau (Crown); Ghost in the Wires, by Kevin Mitnick (Little, Brown); Kingpin, by Kevin Poulsen (Crown); Powering the Dream, by Alexis Madrigal (Da Capo); Countdown to Zero Day, by Kim Zetter (Crown); Rogue Code, by Mark Russinovich (Thomas Dunne Books); Beyond Human, by Mark McClusky (Hudson Street Press); Mad Science, by Wired Magazine (Little, Brown); You Can Buy Happiness (And It’s Cheap), by Tammy Strobel (New World Library); The Automatic Year, by Scott Berkun (Jossey-Bass); The Big Tiny, by Dee Williams (Blue Rider Press).
SARAH LAZIN BOOKS
121 W. 27th St., Suite 704, New York NY 10001. (212)989-5757. Fax: (212)989-1393. E-mail: manuela@lazinbooks.com; slazin@lazinbooks.com. Website: www.lazinbooks.com. Contact: Sarah Lazin. Estab. 1983. Member of AAR. Represents 75+ clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 80%, novels 20%.
MEMBER AGENTS Sarah Lazin; Manuela Jessel.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, history, investigative, memoirs, parenting, popular culture. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, short story collections.
Works with companies who package their books; handles some photography.
HOW TO CONTACT As of 2014: “We accept submissions through referral only.” Only accepts queries on referral.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
THE NED LEAVITT AGENCY
70 Wooster St., Suite 4F, New York NY 10012. (212)334-0999. Website: www.nedleavittagency.com. Contact: Ned Leavitt; Jillian Sweeney. Member of AAR. Represents 40+ clients.
MEMBER AGENTS Ned Leavitt, founder and agent; Britta Alexander, agent; Jillian Sweeney, agent.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels.
"We are small in size, but intensely dedicated to our authors and to supporting excellent and unique writing."
HOW TO CONTACT This agency now only takes queries/submissions through referred clients. Do not cold query.
TIPS Look online for this agency’s recently changed submission guidelines.”We strongly recommend the following books: Writing Down the Bones by Nathalie Goldberg; Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott.
ROBERT LECKER AGENCY
4055 Melrose Ave., Montreal QC H4A 2S5 Canada. (514)830-4818. Fax: (514)483-1644. E-mail: robert.lecker@gmail.com. Website: www.leckeragency.com. Contact: Robert Lecker. Represents 20 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 80%, novels 10%, scholarly books 10%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Lecker was the cofounder and publisher of ECW Press and professor of English literature at McGill University. He has 30 years of experience in book and magazine publishing.
MEMBER AGENTS Robert Lecker (popular culture, music); Mary Williams (travel, food, popular science).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, scholarly, syndicated material. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, cooking, cultural interests, dance, diet/nutrition, ethnic, film, foods, how-to, language, literature, music, popular culture, science, technology, theater. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, crime, detective, erotica, literary, mainstream, mystery, police, suspense, thriller.
RLA specializes in books about popular culture, popular science, music, entertainment, food, and travel. The agency responds to articulate, innovative proposals within 2 weeks. We do not represent children's literature, screenplays, poetry, self-help books, or spiritual guides.
HOW TO CONTACT E-query. In the subject line, write: “New Submission QUERY.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Responds in 1 month to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, conferences, interest in website.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 15-20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year; 6-month notice must be given to terminate contract.
THE LESHNE AGENCY
16 W. 23rd St., 4th Floor, New York NY 10010. E-mail: info@leshneagency.com. E-mail: submissions@leshneagency.com. Website: www.leshneagency.com. Contact: Lisa Leshne, agent and owner.
Prior to founding the Leshne Agency, Lisa was a literary agent at publishing leader, Larry Kirshbaum’s, LJK Literary.
MEMBER AGENTS Lisa Leshne, agent and owner; Sandy Hodgman, director of foreign rights.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, health, memoirs, parenting, politics, sports. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, middle grade.
Wants "authors across all genres. We are interested in narrative, memoir, and prescriptive nonfiction, with a particular interest in sports, wellness, business, political and parenting topics. We will also look at truly terrific commercial fiction and young adult and middle grade books."
HOW TO CONTACT “Submit all materials in the body of an e-mail; no attachments. Be sure to include the word ‘QUERY’ and the title of your ms in the subject line. Include brief synopsis, TOC or chapter outline, 10 sample pages, bio, any previous publications, word count, how much of the ms is complete, and the best way to reach you.”
LEVINE GREENBERG ROSTAN LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
307 Seventh Ave., Suite 2407, New York NY 10001. (212)337-0934. Fax: (212)337-0948. E-mail: submit@levinegreenberg.com. Website: www.levinegreenberg.com. Member of AAR. Represents 250 clients. 33% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 70%, novels 30%.
Prior to opening his agency, Mr. Levine served as vice president of the Bank Street College of Education.
MEMBER AGENTS Jim Levine; Stephanie Rostan (adult fiction, nonfiction, YA); Melissa Rowland; Daniel Greenberg (literary fiction; nonfiction: popular culture, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and humor); Victoria Skurnick; Danielle Svetcov; Elizabeth Fisher; Lindsay Edgecombe (narrative nonfiction, memoir, lifestyle and health, illustrated books, as well as literary fiction); Monika Verma (nonfiction: humor, pop culture, memoir, narrative nonfiction and style and fashion titles); Kerry Sparks (young adult and middle grade); Tim Wojcik; Jamie Maurer; Miek Coccia; Arielle Eckstut; Kirsten Wolf.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, art, biography, business, computers, cooking, creative nonfiction, gardening, health, humor, memoirs, money, New Age, science, sociology, spirituality, sports. Considers these fiction areas: literary, mainstream, middle grade, mystery, thriller, women’s, young adult.
This agency specializes in business, psychology, parenting, health/medicine, narrative nonfiction, spirituality, religion, women's issues, and commercial fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT See website for full submission procedure at “How to Submit.” Or use our e-mail address (submit@levinegreenberg.com) if you prefer, or online submission form. Do not submit directly to agents. Prefers electronic submissions. Cannot respond to submissions by mail. Do not attach more than 50 pages. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges clients for out-of-pocket expenses—telephone, fax, postage, photocopying—directly connected to the project.
RECENT SALES Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn; Hyperbole and a Half, by Allie Brosh; Our Dumb Century, by editors of the The Onion; Predictably Irrational, by Dan Ariely.
WRITERS CONFERENCES ASJA Writers’ Conference.
TIPS “We focus on editorial development, business representation, and publicity and marketing strategy.”
PAUL S. LEVINE LITERARY AGENCY
1054 Superba Ave., Venice CA 90291. (310)450-6711. Fax: (310)450-0181. E-mail: paul@paulslevinelit.com. Website: www.paulslevinelit.com. Contact: Paul S. Levine. Memberships include the State Bar of California. Represents over 100 clients. 75% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 60%, novels 10%, movie scripts 10%, TV scripts 5%, juvenile books 5%.
MEMBER AGENTS Paul S. Levine (children’s and young adult fiction and nonfiction, adult fiction and nonfiction except sci-fi, fantasy, and horror); Loren R. Grossman (archaeology, art/photography/architecture, gardening, education, health, medicine, science).
NEW AGENT SPOTLIGHT
LAURA ZATS
(RED SOFA LITERARY)
redsofaliterary.com
@LZats
ABOUT LAURA: Laura graduated from Grinnell College with degrees in English and Anthropology. She’s been working as an editor for several years and has held positions at companies in both the US and the UK. In her free time, Laura likes to craft, swing dance, bake, and binge on Netflix marathons of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Doctor Who.”
SHE IS SEEKING: young adult and middle grade (especially contemporary for both), romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, and erotica.
HOW TO QUERY: laura@redsofaliterary.com. Put “Query” in the subject line.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, episodic drama, movie, TV, movie scripts, feature film, TV movie of the week, sitcom, animation, documentary, miniseries, syndicated material, reality show. Considers these nonfiction areas: architecture, art, autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, computers, cooking, crafts, cultural interests, current affairs, diet/nutrition, design, economics, education, ethnic, film, foods, gay/lesbian, government, health, history, hobbies, how-to, humor, investigative, language, law, medicine, memoirs, military, money, music, New Age, parenting, photography, popular culture, politics, psychology, science, self-help, sociology, sports, theater, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies, creative nonfiction, animation. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, comic books, confession, crime, detective, erotica, ethnic, experimental, family saga, feminist, frontier, gay, glitz, historical, humor, inspirational, lesbian, literary, mainstream, mystery, police, regional, religious, romance, satire, sports, suspense, thriller, westerns. Considers these script areas: action, biography, cartoon, comedy, contemporary, detective, erotica, ethnic, experimental, family, feminist, gay, glitz, historical, horror, juvenile, mainstream, multimedia, mystery, religious, romantic comedy, romantic drama, sports, teen, thriller, western.
Does not want to receive science fiction, fantasy, or horror.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 day to queries. Responds in 6-8 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through conferences, referrals, listings on various websites, and in directories.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Offers written contract. Charges for postage and actual, out-of-pocket costs only.
RECENT SALES Sold 8 books in the last year.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Willamette Writers Conference; San Francisco Writers Conference; Santa Barbara Writers Conference and many others.
TIPS “Write good, sellable books.”
ROBERT LIEBERMAN ASSOCIATES
400 Nelson Rd., Ithaca NY 14850-9440. (607)273-8801. E-mail: rhl10@cornell.edu. Website: www.people.cornell.edu/pages/rhl10. Contact: Robert Lieberman. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, trade, scholarly, college-level textbooks. Considers these nonfiction areas: agriculture, anthropology, archeology, architecture, art, business, computers, design, economics, education, environment, film, health, horticulture, medicine, music, psychology, science, sociology, technology, theater, memoirs by authors with high public recognition.
This agency only accepts nonfiction ideas and specializes in university/college-level textbooks, CD-ROM/software for the university/college-level textbook market, and popular trade books in math, engineering, economics, and other subjects. Does not want to receive any fiction, self-help, or screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT Prefers to read materials exclusively. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Responds in 1 month to mss. Obtains most new clients through referrals.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 1-month notice must be given to terminate contract. Fees are sometimes charged to clients for shipping and when special reviewers are required.
TIPS “The trade books we handle are by authors who are highly recognized in their fields of expertise. Our client list includes Nobel Prize winners and others with high name recognition, either by the public or within a given area of expertise.”
LIPPINCOTT MASSIE MCQUILKIN
27 West 20th Street, Suite 305, New York NY 10011. Fax: (212)352-2059. E-mail: info@lmqlit.com. Website: www.lmqlit.com.
MEMBER AGENTS Shannon O’Neill (writing that informs, intrigues, or inspires: special interests include narrative nonfiction, popular science, current affairs, the history of ideas, and literary and upmarket fiction); Laney Katz Becker; Kent Wolf (literary fiction, upmarket women’s fiction, memoir, pop culture, all types of narrative nonfiction, and select YA); Ethan Bassoff (emerging and established writers of literary and crime fiction and narrative nonfiction including history, science, humor, and sports writing); Jason Anthony (specializes in young adult and commercial fiction and most areas of nonfiction, including pop culture, memoir, true crime, and general psychology); Will Lippincott (politics, current events, narrative nonfiction and history); Maria Massie (literary fiction, memoir, and cultural history); Rob McQuilkin (fiction, memoir, history, sociology, psychology, and graphic works).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, short story collections, scholarly, graphic novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, anthropology, archeology, architecture, art, autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cultural interests, current affairs, design, economics, ethnic, film, gay/lesbian, government, health, history, inspirational, language, law, literature, medicine, memoirs, military, money, music, parenting, popular culture, politics, psychology, religious, science, self-help, sociology, technology, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies, young adult. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, cartoon, comic books, confession, family saga, feminist, gay, historical, humor, lesbian, literary, mainstream, regional, satire.
"LMQ focuses on bringing new voices in literary and commercial fiction to the market, as well as popularizing the ideas and arguments of scholars in the fields of history, psychology, sociology, political science, and current affairs. Actively seeking fiction writers who already have credits in magazines and quarterlies, as well as nonfiction writers who already have a media platform or some kind of a university affiliation." Does not want to receive romance, genre fiction, or children's material.
HOW TO CONTACT E-query. “Include the word ‘Query’ as well as the agent you are querying in the subject line of your e-mail (i.e., ‘Query for Maria Massie’). If your project is fiction, please also include the first 5-10 pages pasted into the body of your e-mail. We look forward to reviewing your work.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract. Only charges for reasonable business expenses upon successful sale.
RECENT SALES Clients include: Peter Ho Davies, Kim Addonizio, Natasha Trethewey, Anne Carson, David Sirota, Katie Crouch, Uwen Akpan, Lydia Millet, Tom Perrotta, Jonathan Lopez, Chris Hayes, Caroline Weber.
LITERARY AND CREATIVE ARTISTS, INC.
3543 Albemarle St., N.W., Washington D.C. 20008-4213. (202)362-4688. Fax: (202)362-8875. E-mail: lca9643@lcadc.com. Website: www.lcadc.com. Contact: Muriel Nellis. Member of AAR. Other memberships include Authors Guild, American Bar Association, American Booksellers Association. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 50%.
MEMBER AGENTS Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Powell was in sales and contract negotiation.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, art, biography, business, photography, popular culture, religion, self-help, literary, regional, religious, satire. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, business, cooking, diet/nutrition, economics, foods, government, health, how-to, law, medicine, memoirs, philosophy, politics.
"Actively seeking quality projects by authors with a vision of where they want to be in 10 years and a plan of how to get there." We do not handle poetry, or purely academic/technical work.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail first and include a synopsis. No attachments. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts, faxed manuscripts, manuscripts sent by e-mail or manuscripts on computer disk. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 weeks to queries. Responds in 1 week to mss. Obtains new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges clients for long-distance phone/fax, photocopying, shipping.
TIPS “If you are an unpublished author, join a writers group, even if it is on the Internet. You need good honest feedback. Don’t send a manuscript that has not been read by at least five people. Don’t send a manuscript cold to any agent without first asking if they want it. Try to meet the agent face to face before signing. Make sure the fit is right.”
THE LITERARY GROUP INTERNATIONAL
1357 Broadway, Suite 316, New York NY 10018. (212)400-1494, ext. 380. Website: www.theliterarygroup.com. Contact: Frank Weimann. 1900 Ave. of the Stars, 25 Fl., Los Angeles, CA 90067; Tel: (310)282-8961; Fax: (310) 282-8903. 65% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, 50% fiction.
MEMBER AGENTS Frank Weimann.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, graphic novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, anthropology, biography, business, child guidance, crafts, creative nonfiction, current affairs, education, ethnic, film, government, health, history, humor, juvenile nonfiction, language, memoirs, military, multicultural, music, nature, popular culture, politics, psychology, religious, science, self-help, sociology, sports, travel, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: adventure, contemporary issues, detective, ethnic, experimental, family saga, fantasy, feminist, historical, horror, humor, literary, multicultural, mystery, psychic, regional, romance, sports, thriller, young adult, graphic novels.
This agency specializes in nonfiction (memoir, military, history, biography, sports, how-to).
HOW TO CONTACT Query. Prefers to read materials exclusively. Only responds if interested. Obtains most new clients through referrals, writers conferences, query letters.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
RECENT SALES Living With Honor by Sal Giunta (Simon and Schuster) Siempre, by JR Darhower (Pocket Books); Wear Your Dreams: My Life in Tattoos, by Ed Hardy (St. Martin’s Press); The New Jewish Table: Modern Seasonal Recipes for Traditional Dishes, by Todd Gray and Ellen Kassoff Gray (St. Martin’s Press); Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith, by Gabby Douglas (HarperCollins).
WRITERS CONFERENCES San Diego State University Writers’ Conference; Agents and Editors Conference; NAHJ Convention in Puerto Rico, others.
LITERARY SERVICES, INC.
P.O. Box 888, Barnegat NJ 08005. E-mail: john@literaryservicesinc.com; shane@literaryservicesinc.com. Website: www.LiteraryServicesInc.com. Contact: John Willig. Memberships include Author’s Guild. Represents 90 clients. 25% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%. Beginning to accept and consider historical, crime and literary fiction projects.
MEMBER AGENTS John Willig (business, personal growth, narratives, history, health, science and technology, politics, current events).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: architecture, art, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, crafts, design, economics, health, history, humor, language, literature, money, popular culture, psychology, satire, science, self-help, sports, technology, true crime.
We work primarily with nonfiction and mystery/crime fiction authors. “Our publishing experience and ‘inside’ knowledge of how companies and editors really work sets us apart from many agencies; our specialties are noted above, but we are open to unique presentations in all nonfiction topic areas.” Actively seeking business, work/life topics, story-driven narratives. Does not want to receive fiction (except crime fiction), children’s books, science fiction, religion or memoirs.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. For starters, a one-page outline sent via e-mail is acceptable. See our website and our Submissions section to learn more about our questions. Do not send manuscript unless requested. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3-4 weeks to queries. Responds in 4 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 15% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. This agency charges administrative fees for copying, postage, etc.
RECENT SALES Sold 20 titles in the last year. A full list of new and award-winning books is noted on the agency website.
WRITERS CONFERENCES ASJA; Publicity Summit; Writer’s Digest Conference (NYC); Thrillerfest.
TIPS “Be focused. In all likelihood, your work is not going to be of interest to ‘a very broad audience’ or ‘every parent,’ so I appreciate when writers research and do some homework, i.e., positioning, special features and benefits of your work. Be a marketer. How have you tested your ideas and writing (beyond your inner circle of family and friends)? Have you received any key awards for your work or endorsements from influential persons in your field? What steps, especially social media, have you taken to increase your presence in the market?”
LIVING WORD LITERARY AGENCY
P.O. Box 40974, Eugene OR 97414. E-mail: livingwordliterary@gmail.com. Website: livingwordliterary.wordpress.com. Contact: Kimberly Shumate, agent. Estab. 2009. Member Evangelical Christian Publishers Association
Kimberly began her employment with Harvest House Publishers as the assistant to the National Sales Manager as well as the International Sales Director, continued into the editorial department.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: health, parenting, self-help, relationships. Considers these fiction areas: inspirational, adult fiction, Christian living.
Does not want to receive YA fiction, cookbooks, children’s books, science fiction or fantasy, memoirs, screenplays or poetry.
HOW TO CONTACT Submit a query with short synopsis and first chapter via Word document. Agency only responds if interested.
LOWENSTEIN ASSOCIATES INC.
121 W. 27th St., Suite 501, New York NY 10001. (212)206-1630. Fax: (212)727-0280. E-mail: assistant@bookhaven.com. Website: www.lowensteinassociates.com. Contact: Barbara Lowenstein. Member of AAR. Represents 150 clients.
MEMBER AGENTS Barbara Lowenstein, president (nonfiction interests include narrative nonfiction, health, money, finance, travel, multicultural, popular culture, and memoir; fiction interests include literary fiction and women’s fiction); Emily Gref (young adult, middle grade, fantasy, science fiction, literary, commercial, various nonfiction).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, health, memoirs, money, multicultural, popular culture, travel. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, fantasy, literary, middle grade, science fiction, women’s, young adult.
Barbara Lowenstein is currently looking for writers who have a platform and are leading experts in their field, including business, women’s issues, psychology, health, science and social issues, and is particularly interested in strong new voices in fiction and narrative nonfiction. Does not want Westerns, textbooks, children's picture books and books in need of translation.
HOW TO CONTACT “For fiction, please send us a one-page query letter, along with the first ten pages pasted in the body of the message by e-mail to assistant@bookhaven.com. If nonfiction, please send a one-page query letter, a table of contents, and, if available, a proposal pasted into the body of the e-mail to assistant@bookhaven.com. Please put the word QUERY and the title of your project in the subject field of your e-mail and address it to the agent of your choice. Please do not send an attachment as the message will be deleted without being read and no reply will be sent.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 6 weeks to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges for large photocopy batches, messenger service, international postage.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Malice Domestic.
TIPS “Know the genre you are working in and read! Also, please see our website for details on which agent to query for your project.”
ANDREW LOWNIE LITERARY AGENCY, LTD.
36 Great Smith St., London SW1P 3BU England. (44)(207)222-7574. Fax: (44)(207)222-7576. E-mail: lownie@globalnet.co.uk; david.haviland@andrewlownie.co.uk. Website: www.andrewlownie.co.uk. Contact: Andrew Lownie (nonfiction); David Haviland (fiction). Member of AAA. Represents 130 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 90%, novels 10%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Lownie was a journalist, bookseller, publisher, author of 12 books, and director of the Curtis Brown Agency. Short-listed for Literary Agent of the Year 2013 by Bookseller Magazine and the top selling agent in the world on Publishers Marketplace 2013-2014. Mr. Haviland is a writer and has worked in advertising, script development, and was co-founder of Sirius Television.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, current affairs, government, history, investigative, law, memoirs, military, popular culture, politics, true crime, war. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, crime, horror, literary, science fiction, thriller, women’s.
This agent has wide publishing experience, extensive journalistic contacts, and a specialty in showbiz/celebrity memoir. Showbiz memoirs, narrative histories, and biographies. No poetry, short stories, children's fiction, academic or scripts.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by e-mail only. Submit outline, 1 sample chapter. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 week to queries. Responds in 1 month to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others and unsolicited through website.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
RECENT SALES Sold 60 titles in the last year, with over a dozen top 10 bestsellers including many number ones, as well as the memoirs of Queen Elizabeth II’s Press Officer Dickie Arbiter, Lance Armstrong’s masseuse Emma O’Reilly, actor Warwick Davis, Multiple Personality Disorder sufferer Alice Jamieson, round-the-world yachtsman Mike Perham, poker player Dave ‘Devilfish’ Ulliott, David Hasselhoff, Sam Faiers and Kirk Norcross from TOWIE, Spencer Matthews from Made in Chelsea, singer Kerry Katona. Other clients: Juliet Barker, Guy Bellamy, Joyce Cary estate, Roger Crowley, Duncan Falconer, Marius Gabriel, Laurence Gardner, the actress Paula Hamilton, Cathy Glass, Timothy Good, Robert Hutchinson, Lawrence James, Leslie Kenton, Christopher Lloyd, Sian Rees, Desmond Seward, Daniel Tammet, Casey Watson, and Christian Wolmar.
DONALD MAASS LITERARY AGENCY
121 W. 27th St., Suite 801, New York NY 10001. (212)727-8383. E-mail: info@maassagency.com. Website: www.maassagency.com. Estab. 1980. Member of AAR. Other memberships include SFWA, MWA, RWA. Represents more than 100 clients. 5% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: novels 100%.
Prior to opening his agency, Mr. Maass served as an editor at Dell Publishing (New York) and as a reader at Gollancz (London). He also served as the president of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Donald Maass (mainstream, literary, mystery/suspense, science fiction, romance); Jennifer Jackson (commercial fiction, romance, science fiction, fantasy, mystery/suspense); Cameron McClure (literary, mystery/suspense, urban, fantasy, narrative nonfiction and projects with multicultural, international, and environmental themes, gay/lesbian); Stacia Decker (fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, pop-culture [cooking, fashion, style, music, art], smart humor, upscale erotica/erotic memoir and multicultural fiction/nonfiction); Amy Boggs (fantasy and science fiction, especially urban fantasy, paranormal romance, steampunk, YA/children’s, and alternate history, historical fiction, multicultural fiction, westerns); Katie Shea Boutillier (women’s fiction/book club; edgy/dark, realistic/contemporary YA; commercial-scale literary fiction; and celebrity memoir); Jennifer Udden (speculative fiction [both science fiction and fantasy], urban fantasy, and mysteries, as well as historical, erotic, contemporary, and paranormal romance).
REPRESENTS nonfiction, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, memoirs, popular culture. Considers these fiction areas: crime, detective, fantasy, historical, horror, literary, mainstream, multicultural, mystery, paranormal, police, psychic, romance, science fiction, supernatural, suspense, thriller, westerns, women’s, young adult.
This agency specializes in commercial fiction, especially science fiction, fantasy, mystery and suspense. Actively seeking to expand in literary fiction and women's fiction. We are fiction specialists. All genres are welcome.
HOW TO CONTACT E-query. All the agents have different submission addresses and instructions. See the website and each agent’s online profile for exact submission instruction. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
RECENT SALES Codex Alera 5: Princep’s Fury, by Jim Butcher (Ace); Fonseca 6: Bright Futures, by Stuart Kaimsky (Forge): Fathom, by Cherie Priest (Tor); Gospel Grrls 3: Be Strong and Curvaceous, by Shelly Adina (Faith Words); Ariane 1: Peacekeeper, by Laura Reeve (Roc); Execution Dock, by Anne Perry (Random House).
WRITERS CONFERENCES Donald Maass: World Science Fiction Convention; Frankfurt Book Fair; Pacific Northwest Writers Conference; Bouchercon. Jennifer Jackson: World Science Fiction Convention; RWA National Conference.
TIPS We are fiction specialists, also noted for our innovative approach to career planning. Few new clients are accepted, but interested authors should query with a SASE. Works with subagents in all principle foreign countries and Hollywood. No prescriptive nonfiction, picture books, or poetry will be considered.
GINA MACCOBY LITERARY AGENCY
P.O. Box 60, Chappaqua NY 10514. (914)238-5630. E-mail: query@maccobylit.com. Contact: Gina Maccoby. Member of AAR. AAR Board of Directors; Ethics and Contracts subcommittees; Authors Guild. Represents 25 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 33%, novels 33%, juvenile books 33%.
MEMBER AGENTS Gina Maccoby.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, juvenile. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, cultural interests, current affairs, ethnic, history, juvenile nonfiction, popular culture, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: juvenile, literary, mainstream, mystery, thriller, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by e-mail only. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Owing to volume of submissions, may not respond to queries unless interested. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from clients and publishers.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20-25% commission on foreign sales, which includes subagents commissions. Charges clients for photocopying. May recover certain costs, such as legal fees or the cost of shipping books by air to Europe or Japan.
RECENT SALES The Perfect Ghost, by Linda Barnes (St. Martin’s Minotaur, April 2013); Supreme City: How Jazz Age Manhattan Gave Birth to Modern America by Donald L. Miller (Simon & Schuster, May 2014); Stripes of All Types by Susan Stockdale (Peachtree, April 2013); You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You: Very Short Tall Tales to Read Aloud by Mary Ann Hoberman (Little Brown, April 2014); True Colors by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock (Yearling, November 2013).
NEW AGENT SPOTLIGHT
NIKKI TERPILOWSKI
(HOLLOWAY LITERARY)
hollowayliteraryagency.com
@HollowayLit, @AWomanReading
ABOUT NIKKI: Nikki has degrees in English and International Relations and is a member of Romance Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. Readers can follow her blog at AWomanReading.wordpress.com.
SHE IS SEEKING: women’s fiction, Southern fiction, multicultural literary fiction, upmarket African-American fiction, steam funk, romance (all kinds except category), military and espionage thrillers, historical fiction, nonfiction with a strong platform and academic assessments of popular culture. Additionally, Nikki seeks graphic novels, Manga, YA, MG and children’s picture books. Nikki is especially interested in time travel, reincarnation, mythology, ancient civilizations, magical and animist realism, Japan, American history (especially hidden African-American history, interesting women in history, as well as the antebellum period, and the Civil and Revolutionary wars), the military (all branches, but especially the U.S. Marine Corp, Army and all Special Forces), espionage, martial arts, narrative nonfiction about food and beverage (especially organic food, wine and coffee), travel or expat life, international relations and foreign policy, and prescriptive nonfiction on spirituality, parenting, health and well-being.
HOW TO QUERY: submissions@hollowayliteraryagency.com. For fiction: send a one-page query and the first 15 pages of your ms in the body of the e-mail. For nonfiction: send a proposal (and if relevant, link to related blog). Include a brief bio and social media links.
MACGREGOR LITERARY INC.
2373 N.W. 185th Ave., Suite 165, Hillsboro OR 97124. (503)277-8308. Website: www.macgregorliterary.com. Contact: Chip MacGregor. Signatory of WGA. Represents 40 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 40%, novels 60%.
Prior to his current position, Mr. MacGregor was the senior agent with Alive Communications. Most recently, he was associate publisher for Time-Warner Book Group's Faith Division, and helped put together their Center Street imprint.
MEMBER AGENTS Chip MacGregor, Sandra Bishop, Amanda Luedeke; Holly Lorincz; Erin Buterbaugh.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: business, current affairs, economics, history, how-to, humor, inspirational, parenting, popular culture, satire, self-help, sports, marriage. Considers these fiction areas: crime, detective, historical, inspirational, mainstream, mystery, police, religious, romance, suspense, thriller, women’s, chick lit.
"My specialty has been in career planning with authors—finding commercial ideas, then helping authors bring them to market, and in the midst of that assisting the authors as they get firmly established in their writing careers. I'm probably best known for my work with Christian books over the years, but I've done a fair amount of general market projects as well." Actively seeking authors with a Christian worldview and a growing platform. Does not want to receive fantasy, sci-fi, children's books, poetry or screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT Do not query this agency without an invitation or referral. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 weeks to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others. Not looking to add unpublished authors except through referrals from current clients.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 15% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges for exceptional fees after receiving authors’ permission.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Blue Ridge Christian Writers’ Conference; Write to Publish.
TIPS “Seriously consider attending a good writers’ conference. It will give you the chance to be face-to-face with people in the industry. Also, if you’re a novelist, consider joining one of the national writers’ organizations. The American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) is a wonderful group for new as well as established writers. And if you’re a Christian writer of any kind, check into The Writers View, an online writing group. All of these have proven helpful to writers.”
KIRSTEN MANGES LITERARY AGENCY
115 W. 29th St., Third Floor, New York NY 10001. Website: www.mangeslit.com. Contact: Kirsten Manges.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Manges was an agent at Curtis Brown.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels.
HOW TO CONTACT Closed to submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
CAROL MANN AGENCY
55 Fifth Ave., New York NY 10003. (212)206-5635. Fax: (212)675-4809. E-mail: submissions@carolmannagency.com. Website: www.carolmannagency.com. Contact: Lydia Blyfield. Member of AAR. Represents roughly 200 clients. 15% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
MEMBER AGENTS Carol Mann (health/medical, religion, spirituality, self-help, parenting, narrative nonfiction, current affairs); Laura Yorke; Gareth Esersky; Myrsini Stephanides (nonfiction areas of interest: pop culture and music, humor, narrative nonfiction and memoir, cookbooks; fiction areas of interest: offbeat literary fiction, graphic works, and edgy YA fiction); Joanne Wyckoff (nonfiction areas of interest: memoir, narrative nonfiction, personal narrative, psychology, women’s issues, education, health and wellness, parenting, serious self-help, natural history; also accepts fiction).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: anthropology, archeology, architecture, art, autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cultural interests, current affairs, design, ethnic, government, health, history, law, medicine, money, music, parenting, popular culture, politics, psychology, self-help, sociology, sports, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, young adult, graphic works.
Does not want to receive genre fiction (romance, mystery, etc.).
HOW TO CONTACT Please see website for submission guidelines. Responds in 4 weeks to queries.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
MANSION STREET LITERARY MANAGEMENT
E-mail: mansionstreet@gmail.com. E-mail: querymansionstreet@gmail.com (Jean); querymichelle@mansionstreet.com. Website: mansionstreet.com. Contact: Jean Sagendorph; Michelle Witte.
MEMBER AGENTS Jean Sagendorph (pop culture, gift books, cookbooks, general nonfiction, lifestyle, design, brand extensions), Michelle Witte (young adult, middle grade, juvenile nonfiction).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: cooking, design, popular culture. Considers these fiction areas: juvenile, middle grade, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Send a query letter and no more than the first 10 pages of your manuscript in the body of an e-mail. Query one specific agent at this agency. No attachments. You must list the genre in the subject line. If the genre is not in the subject line, your query will be deleted. Responds in up to 6 weeks.
RECENT SALES Authors: Paul Thurlby, Steve Ouch, Steve Seabury, Gina Hyams, Sam Pocker, Kim Siebold, Jean Sagendorph, Heidi Antman, Shannon O’Malley, Meg Bartholomy, Dawn Sokol, Hollister Hovey, Porter Hovey, Robb Pearlman.
MANUS & ASSOCIATES LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
425 Sherman Ave., Suite 200, Palo Alto CA 94306. (650)470-5151. Fax: (650)470-5159. E-mail: manuslit@manuslit.com. Website: www.manuslit.com. Contact: Jillian Manus, Jandy Nelson, Penny Nelson. NYC address: 444 Madison Ave., 29th Floor, New York, NY 10022. Member of AAR. Represents 75 clients. 30% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Manus was associate publisher of two national magazines and director of development at Warner Bros. and Universal Studios; she has been a literary agent for 20 years.
MEMBER AGENTS Jandy Nelson (currently not taking on new clients); Jillian Manus, jillian@manuslit.com (political, memoirs, self-help, history, sports, women’s issues, thrillers); Penny Nelson, penny@manuslit.com (memoirs, self-help, sports, nonfiction); Janet Wilkens Manus (narrative fact-based crime books, religion, pop psychology, inspiration, memoirs, cookbooks).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: cooking, history, inspirational, memoirs, politics, psychology, religious, self-help, sports, women’s issues. Considers these fiction areas: thriller.
"Our agency is unique in the way that we not only sell the material, but we edit, develop concepts, and participate in the marketing effort. We specialize in large, conceptual fiction and nonfiction, and always value a project that can be sold in the TV/feature film market." Actively seeking high-concept thrillers, commercial literary fiction, women's fiction, celebrity biographies, memoirs, multicultural fiction, popular health, women's empowerment and mysteries. No horror, romance, science fiction, fantasy, western, young adult, children's, poetry, cookbooks, or magazine articles.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via snail mail. Include proper SASE for a reply. Send print queries to the California address. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 months to queries. Responds in 3 months to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20-25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 2 years; 60-day notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges for photocopying and postage/UPS.
RECENT SALES Nothing Down for the 2000s and Multiple Streams of Income for the 2000s, by Robert Allen; Missed Fortune 101, by Doug Andrew; Cracking the Millionaire Code, by Mark Victor Hansen and Robert Allen; Stress Free for Good, by Dr. Fred Luskin and Dr. Ken Pelletier; The Mercy of Thin Air, by Ronlyn Domangue; The Fine Art of Small Talk, by Debra Fine; Bone Men of Bonares, by Terry Tamoff.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Maui Writers’ Conference; San Diego State University Writers’ Conference; Willamette Writers’ Conference; BookExpo America; MEGA Book Marketing University.
TIPS “Research agents using a variety of sources.”
MARCH TENTH, INC.
24 Hillside Terrace, Montvale NJ 07645. (201)387-6551. Fax: (201)387-6552. E-mail: hchoron@aol.com; schoron@aol.com. Website: www.marchtenthinc.com. Contact: Harry Choron, vice president. Represents 40 clients. 30% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, current affairs, film, health, history, humor, language, literature, medicine, music, popular culture, satire, theater.
"We prefer to work with published/established writers." Does not want to receive children's or young adult novels, plays, screenplays or poetry.
HOW TO CONTACT “Query with SASE. Include your proposal, a short bio, and contact information.” You can also query via e-mail. Detailed submission guidelines on agency website. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Agent receives 20% commission on film sales. Does not require expense money upfront.
THE DENISE MARCIL LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
483 Westover Road, Stamford CT 06902. (203)327-9970. E-mail: dmla@DeniseMarcilAgency.com; AnneMarie@denisemarcilagency.com. Website: www.denisemarcilagency.com. Contact: Denise Marcil, Anne Marie O’Farrell. Address for Anne Marie O’Farrell: 86 Dennis Street, Manhasset, NY 11030. Member of AAR.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Marcil served as an editorial assistant with Avon Books and as an assistant editor with Simon & Schuster.
MEMBER AGENTS Denise Marcil (self-help and popular reference books such as health, women’s issues, business, and parenting); Anne Marie O’Farrell (is interested in helping to convey and promote innovative, practical and cutting edge information and ideas which help people increase their self-awareness and fulfillment and maximize their potential in whatever area they choose; she is dying to represent a great basketball book).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: business, health, parenting, self-help, women’s issues.
"In nonfiction we are looking for self-help, business, and popular reference; we want to represent books that help people's lives."
HOW TO CONTACT E-query. At this time, the agency is no longer taking on new, unsolicited fiction clients that have not been referred or met at a conference. New nonfiction writers are welcome to query the appropriate agent.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 2 years. Charges $100/year for postage, photocopying, long-distance calls, etc.
RECENT SALES For Denise Marcil: A Chesapeake Shores Christmas, by Sherryl Woods; Prime Time Health, by William Sears, M.D. and Martha Sears, R.N.; The Autism Book, by Robert W. Sears, M.D.; The Yellow House and The Linen Queen by Patricia Falvey; The 10-Minute Total Body Breakthrough, by Sean Foy. For Anne Marie O’Farrell: Think Confident, Be Confident, by Leslie Sokol Ph.d and Marci G. Fox, Ph.d; Hell Yes, by Elizabeth Baskin; Breaking Into the Boys Club, by Molly Shepard, Jane K. Stimmler, and Peter Dean.
THE EVAN MARSHALL AGENCY
Roseland NJ 07068-1121. (973)287-6216. Fax: (973)488-7910. E-mail: evan@evanmarshallagency.com. Contact: Evan Marshall. Member of AAR. Other memberships include MWA, Sisters in Crime. Currently handles: novels 100%.
REPRESENTS novels. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, erotica, ethnic, frontier, historical, horror, humor, inspirational, literary, mainstream, mystery, religious, satire, science fiction, suspense, western, romance (contemporary, gothic, historical, regency).
HOW TO CONTACT Do not query. Currently accepting clients only by referal from editors and our own clients. Responds in 1 week to queries. Responds in 1 month to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
RECENT SALES If You Could See What I See, by Cathy Lamb (Kensington); Rebecca’s Christmas Gift, by Emma Miller (Love Inspired); If He’s Wicked, by Hannah Howell (Kensington); Amanda Weds a Good Man, by Naomi King (NAL); Born in Blood, by Alexandra Ivy (Kensington).
THE MARTELL AGENCY
1350 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 1205, New York NY 10019. Fax: (212)317-2676. E-mail: submissions@themartellagency.com. Website: www.themartellagency.com. Contact: Alice Martell.
REPRESENTS nonfiction, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: business, economics, health, history, medicine, memoirs, multicultural, psychology, self-help, women’s issues, women’s studies,. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, mystery, suspense, thriller.
HOW TO CONTACT E-query. Please send a query first to Alice Martell, by mail or e-mail. This should include a summary of the project and a short biography and any information, if appropriate, as to why you are qualified to write on the subject of your book, including any publishing credits. submissions@themartellagency.com.
RECENT SALES Peddling Peril: The Secret Nuclear Arms Trade by David Albright and Joel Wit (Five Press); America’s Women: Four Hundred Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines, by Gail Collins (William Morrow). Other clients include Serena Bass, Janice Erlbaum, David Cay Johnston, Mark Derr, Barbara Rolls, PhD.
MARTIN LITERARY MANAGEMENT
7683 SE 27th St., #307, Mercer Island WA 98040. (206)466-1773. E-mail: sharlene@martinliterarymanagement.com. Website: www.MartinLiteraryManagement.com. Contact: Sharlene Martin.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Martin worked in film/TV production and acquisitions.
MEMBER AGENTS Sharlene Martin (nonfiction); Clelia Martin (picture books, middle grade, young adult).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, current affairs, economics, health, history, how-to, humor, inspirational, investigative, medicine, memoirs, parenting, popular culture, psychology, satire, self-help, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: middle grade, picture books, young adult.
This agency has strong ties to film/TV. Actively seeking nonfiction that is highly commercial and that can be adapted to film. "We are being inundated with queries and submissions that are wrongfully being submitted to us, which only results in more frustration for the writers."
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail with MS Word attachments only. No attachments on queries; place letter in body of e-mail. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Responds in 3-4 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year; 1-month notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges author for postage and copying if material is not sent electronically. 99% of materials are sent electronically to minimize charges to author for postage and copying.
RECENT SALES Honor Bound: My Journey to Hell and Back with Amanda Knox, by Raffaele Sollecito; Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six, by Jessica Buchanan, Erik Landemalm and Anthony Flacco; Walking on Eggshells, by Lisa Chapman; Publish Your Nonfiction, by Sharlene Martin and Anthony Flacco.
TIPS “Have a strong platform for nonfiction. Please don’t call. (I can’t tell how well you write by the sound of your voice.) I welcome e-mail. I’m very responsive when I’m interested in a query and work hard to get my clients’ materials in the best possible shape before submissions. Do your homework prior to submission and only submit your best efforts. Please review our website carefully to make sure we’re a good match for your work. If you read my book, Publish Your Nonfiction Book: Strategies For Learning the Industry, Selling Your Book and Building a Successful Career (Writer’s Digest Books), you’ll know exactly how to charm me.”
MARGRET MCBRIDE LITERARY AGENCY
P.O. Box 9128, La Jolla CA 92038. (858)454-1550. Fax: (858)454-2156. E-mail: staff@mcbridelit.com. Website: www.mcbrideliterary.com. Contact: Michael Daley, submissions manager. Member of AAR. Other memberships include Authors Guild.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. McBride worked at Random House, Ballantine Books, and Warner Books.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, business, cooking, cultural interests, current affairs, economics, ethnic, foods, government, health, history, how-to, law, medicine, money, popular culture, politics, psychology, science, self-help, sociology, technology, women’s issues, style. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, crime, detective, historical, humor, literary, mainstream, mystery, police, satire, suspense, thriller.
This agency specializes in mainstream fiction and nonfiction. Actively seeking commercial fiction and nonfiction, business, health, self-help. PLEASE DO NOT SEND: screenplays, romance, poetry, or children's.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via snail mail with SASE. Send a query and 1-2 page synopsis (for fiction). Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 8 weeks to queries. Responds in 6-8 weeks to mss.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Charges for overnight delivery and photocopying.
RECENT SALES Value Tales Treasure: Stories for Growing Good People, by Spencer Johnson, MD. (Simon & Schuster Children’s); The 6 Reasons You’ll Get the Job: What Employers Really Want—Whether They Know it or Not, by Debra MacDougall and Elisabeth Harney Sanders-Park (Tarcher); The Solution: Conquer Your Fear, Control Your Future, by Lucinda Bassett (Sterling).
TIPS “Our office does not accept e-mail queries!”
THE MCCARTHY AGENCY, LLC
7 Allen St., Rumson NJ 07660. Phone/Fax: (732)741-3065. E-mail: McCarthylit@aol.com; ntfrost@hotmail.com. Contact: Shawna McCarthy. Member of AAR. Currently handles: nonfiction books 25%, novels 75%.
MEMBER AGENTS Shawna McCarthy, Nahvae Frost.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, history, philosophy, science. Considers these fiction areas: fantasy, juvenile, mystery, romance, women’s.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail or regular mail to The McCarthy Agency, c/o Nahvae Frost, 101 Clinton Avenue, Apartment #2, Brooklyn, NY 11205. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
SEAN MCCARTHY LITERARY AGENCY
E-mail: submissions@mccarthylit.com. Website: www.mccarthylit.com. Contact: Sean McCarthy.
Prior to his current position, Sean McCarthy began his publishing career as an editorial intern at Overlook Press and then moved over to the Sheldon Fogelman Agency.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: juvenile, middle grade, picture books, young adult.
Sean is drawn to flawed, multifaceted characters with devastatingly concise writing in YA, and boy-friendly mysteries or adventures in MG. In picture books, he looks more for unforgettable characters, off-beat humor, and especially clever endings. He is not currently interested in high fantasy, message-driven stories, or query letters that pose too many questions.
HOW TO CONTACT E-query. “Please include a brief description of your book, your biography, and any literary or relevant professional credits in your query letter. If you are a novelist: Please submit the first three chapters of your manuscript (or roughly 25 pages) and a one page synopsis in the body of the e-mail or as a Word or PDF attachment. If you are a picture book author: Please submit the complete text of your manuscript. We are not currently accepting picture book manuscripts over 1,000 words. If you are an illustrator: Please attach up to 3 JPEGs or PDFs of your work, along with a link to your website.”
THE McGILL AGENCY, INC.
10000 N. Central Expressway, Suite 400, Dallas TX 75231. (214)390-5970. E-mail: info.mcgillagency@gmail.com. Contact: Jack Bollinger. Estab. 2009. Represents 10 clients. 50% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
MEMBER AGENTS Jack Bollinger (eclectic tastes in nonfiction and fiction); Amy Cohn (nonfiction interests include women’s issues, gay/lesbian, ethnic/cultural, memoirs, true crime; fiction interests include mystery, suspense and thriller).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, child guidance, current affairs, education, ethnic, gay, health, history, how-to, memoirs, military, psychology, self-help, true crime, women’s issues. Considers these fiction areas: historical, mainstream, mystery, romance, thriller.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail. Responds in 2 weeks to queries and 6 weeks to mss. Obtains new clients through conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission.
MCINTOSH & OTIS, INC.
353 Lexington Ave., New York NY 10016. (212)687-7400. Fax: (212)687-6894. E-mail: info@mcintoshandotis.com. Website: www.mcintoshandotis.com. Contact: Eugene H. Winick, Esq. Estab. 1927. Member of AAR, SCBWI Currently handles: juvenile books.
MEMBER AGENTS Elizabeth Winick Rubinstein, EWRquery@mcintoshandotis.com (literary fiction, women’s fiction, historical fiction, and mystery/suspense, along with narrative nonfiction, spiritual/self-help, history and current affairs); Shira Hoffman, SHquery@mcintoshandotis.com (young adult, MG, mainstream commercial fiction, mystery, literary fiction, women’s fiction, romance, urban fantasy, fantasy, science fiction, horror and dystopian); Christa Heschke, CHquery@mcintoshandotis.com (picture books, middle grade, young adult and new adult projects); Adam Muhlig, AMquery@mcintoshandotis.com (music—from jazz to classical to punk— popular culture, natural history, travel and adventure, and sports); Eugene Winick; Ira Winick.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, current affairs, history, popular culture, self-help, spirituality, sports, travel. Considers these fiction areas: fantasy, historical, horror, literary, middle grade, mystery, new adult, paranormal, picture books, romance, science fiction, suspense, urban fantasy, women’s, young adult.
Actively seeking "books with memorable characters, distinctive voices, and great plots."
HOW TO CONTACT Prefers e-mail submissions. Each agent has their own e-mail address for subs. For fiction: Please send a query letter, synopsis, author bio, and the first three consecutive chapters (no more than 30 pages) of your novel. For nonfiction: Please send a query letter, proposal, outline, author bio, and three sample chapters (no more than 30 pages) of the manuscript. For children’s & young adult: Please send a query letter, synopsis and the first three consecutive chapters (not to exceed 25 pages) of the manuscript. Obtains clients through recommendations from others, editors, conferences and queries.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% on foreign sales.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Attends Bologna Book Fair, in Bologna Italy in April; SCBWI Conference in New York in February; and regularly attends other conferences and industry conventions.
SALLY HILL MCMILLAN & ASSOCIATES, INC.
429 E. Kingston Ave., Charlotte NC 28203. (704)334-0897. Website: www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/McMillanAgency/. Contact: Sally Hill McMillan. Member of AAR.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, health, history, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, mainstream, mystery.
Do not send science fiction, military, horror, fantasy/adventure, children's or cookbooks.
HOW TO CONTACT “Please query first with SASE and await further instructions. E-mail queries will be read, but not necessarily answered.”
RECENT SALES Fiction: Lynne Hinton, Linda Lenhoff, Jennifer Manske Fenske, Joe Martin, Nancy Peacock, Mike Stewart. Nonfiction: Lois Trigg Chaplin, Rose Clayton, Tanya Denckla, Andrea Engber, Ray Jones, Dr. Leah Klungness, Dr. Sally Kneidel, Katie Lyle, Bruce Roberts, Nancy Roberts, Dr. Bryan Robinson, Martha Woodham, John Yow, Victoria Zak.
BOB MECOY LITERARY AGENCY
66 Grand St., Suite 1, New York NY 10013. (212)226-1398. E-mail: mecoy@aol.com. Website: www.grandstreetliterary.com. Contact: Bob Mecoy.
MEMBER AGENTS Bob Mecoy.
Fiction (literary, crime, romance); nonfiction (true crime, finance, memoir, literary, prescriptive self-help & graphic novelists). No Westerns.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with sample chapters and synopsis.
MENDEL MEDIA GROUP, LLC
115 W. 30th St., Suite 800, New York NY 10001. (646)239-9896. Fax: (212)685-4717. E-mail: scott@mendelmedia.com. Website: www.mendelmedia.com. Member of AAR. Represents 40-60 clients.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Mendel was an academic. "I taught American literature, Yiddish, Jewish studies, and literary theory at the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois at Chicago while working on my PhD in English. I also worked as a freelance technical writer and as the managing editor of a healthcare magazine. In 1998, I began working for the late Jane Jordan Browne, a long-time agent in the book publishing world."
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, scholarly, with potential for broad/popular appeal. Considers these nonfiction areas: Americana, animals, anthropology, architecture, art, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, current affairs, dance, diet/nutrition, education, environment, ethnic, foods, gardening, gay/lesbian, government, health, history, how-to, humor, investigative, language, medicine, memoirs, military, money, multicultural, music, parenting, philosophy, popular culture, psychology, recreation, regional, religious, science, self-help, sex, sociology, software, spirituality, sports, true crime, war, women’s issues, women’s studies, Jewish topics, creative nonfiction. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, contemporary issues, crime, detective, erotica, ethnic, feminist, gay, glitz, historical, humor, inspirational, juvenile, lesbian, literary, mainstream, mystery, picture books, police, religious, romance, satire, sports, thriller, young adult, Jewish fiction.
"I am interested in major works of history, current affairs, biography, business, politics, economics, science, major memoirs, narrative nonfiction, and other sorts of general nonfiction." Actively seeking new, major or definitive work on a subject of broad interest, or a controversial, but authoritative, new book on a subject that affects many people's lives. I also represent more light-hearted nonfiction projects, such as gift or novelty books, when they suit the market particularly well." Does not want "queries about projects written years ago that were unsuccessfully shopped to a long list of trade publishers by either the author or another agent. I am specifically not interested in reading short, category romances (regency, time travel, paranormal, etc.), horror novels, supernatural stories, poetry, original plays, or film scripts."
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Do not e-mail or fax queries. For nonfiction, include a complete, fully edited book proposal with sample chapters. For fiction, include a complete synopsis and no more than 20 pages of sample text. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Responds in 4-6 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
WRITERS CONFERENCES BookExpo America; Frankfurt Book Fair; London Book Fair; RWA National Conference; Modern Language Association Convention; Jerusalem Book Fair.
TIPS “While I am not interested in being flattered by a prospective client, it does matter to me that she knows why she is writing to me in the first place. Is one of my clients a colleague of hers? Has she read a book by one of my clients that led her to believe I might be interested in her work? Authors of descriptive nonfiction should have real credentials and expertise in their subject areas, either as academics, journalists, or policy experts, and authors of prescriptive nonfiction should have legitimate expertise and considerable experience communicating their ideas in seminars and workshops, in a successful business, through the media, etc.”
SCOTT MEREDITH LITERARY AGENCY
200 W. 57th St., Suite 904, New York NY 10019. (646)274-1970. Fax: (212)977-5997. E-mail: info@scottmeredith.com. Website: www.scottmeredith.com. Contact: Arthur Klebanoff, CEO. Adheres to the AAR canon of ethics. Represents 20 clients. 5% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 85%, novels 5%, textbooks 5%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Klebanoff was a lawyer.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, textbooks.
This agency's specialty lies in category nonfiction publishing programs. Actively seeking category leading nonfiction. Does not want to receive first fiction projects.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Submit proposal package, author bio. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 week to queries. Responds in 2 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Offers written contract.
RECENT SALES The Conscience of a Liberal, by Paul Krugman; The King of Oil: The Secret Lives of Marc Rich, by Daniel Ammann; Ten, by Sheila Lukins; Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America.
DORIS S. MICHAELS LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
1841 Broadway, Suite 903, New York NY 10023. (212)265-9474. Fax: (212)265-9480. E-mail: query@dsmagency.com. Website: www.dsmagency.com. Contact: Doris S. Michaels, President. Member of AAR. Other memberships include WNBA.
REPRESENTS novels. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary.
No romance, coffee table books, art books, trivia, pop culture, humor, westerns, occult and supernatural, horror, poetry, textbooks, children’s books, picture books, film scripts, articles, cartoons, and professional manuals.
NEW AGENT SPOTLIGHT
LARA PERKINS
(ANDREA BROWN LITERARY AGENCY)
andreabrownlit.com
@lara_perkins
ABOUT LARA: Lara has a B.A. in English and Art History from Amherst College and an M.A. in English Literature from Columbia University, where she studied Victorian Brit Lit. In her pre-publishing life, she trained to be an architect, before deciding that books, not bricks, are her true passion. She spent over a year at the B.J. Robbins Literary Agency in Los Angeles before coming to Andrea Brown Literary.
SHE IS SEEKING: smart and raw young adult fiction, character-driven middle grade fiction with a totally original, hilarious voice, and so-adorable-she-can’t-stand-it picture books, preferably with some age-appropriate emotional heft. She’s a sucker for a great mystery and is passionate about stories that teach her new things or open up new worlds.
HOW TO QUERY: lara@andreabrownlit.com. ABLA only allows writers to query one agent per agency, so please do not query Lara if you have queried other ABLA agents in the past. There are various submission instructions depending on what you are submitting, and everything is laid out nicely on the agency submission page online.
HOW TO CONTACT As of early 2014, they are not taking new clients. Check the website to see if this agency reopens to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year; 1-month notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges clients for office expenses, not to exceed $150 without written permission.
WRITERS CONFERENCES BookExpo America; Frankfurt Book Fair; London Book Fair; Maui Writers Conference.
MARTHA MILLARD LITERARY AGENCY
50 W.67th St., #1G, New York NY 10023. Contact: Martha Millard. Estab. 1980. Member of AAR. Other memberships include SFWA. Represents 50 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 25%, novels 65%, story collections 10%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Millard worked in editorial departments of several publishers and was vice president at another agency for more than four years.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: architecture, art, autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, cultural interests, current affairs, design, economics, education, ethnic, film, health, history, how-to, memoirs, metaphysics, money, music, New Age, parenting, photography, popular culture, psychology, self-help, theater, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: fantasy, mystery, romance, science fiction, suspense.
HOW TO CONTACT No unsolicited queries. Referrals only. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
THE MILLER AGENCY
Film Center, 630 Ninth Ave., Suite 1102, New York NY 10036. (212) 206-0913. Fax: (212) 206-1473. E-mail: info@milleragency.net. Website: www.milleragency.net. Represents 100 clients. 5% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: child guidance, cooking, design, foods, health, parenting.
This agency specializes in nonfiction, multicultural arts, psychology, self-help, cookbooks, biography, travel, memoir, and sports. Fiction is considered selectively.
HOW TO CONTACT Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through referrals.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20-25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 2 years; 2-month notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges clients for postage (express mail or messenger services) and photocopying.
MOORE LITERARY AGENCY
10 State St., #309, Newburyport MA 01950. (978)465-9015. Fax: (978)465-8817. E-mail: cmoore@moorelit.com. Contact: Claudette Moore. Estab. 1989. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: computers, technology.
This agency specializes in trade computer books (90% of titles).
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Submit proposal package. Query by e-mail. Send proposals by snail mail. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 15% commission on foreign sales. Agent receives 15% commission on film sales. Offers written contract.
HOWARD MORHAIM LITERARY AGENCY
30 Pierrepont St., Brooklyn NY 11201. (718)222-8400. Fax: (718)222-5056. Website: www.morhaimliterary.com. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Howard Morhaim, Kate McKean; Paul Lamb (new as of 2014); Maria Ribas (new as of 2014).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: cooking, crafts, creative nonfiction, design, humor, sports. Considers these fiction areas: fantasy, historical, literary, middle grade, new adult, romance, science fiction, women’s, young adult, LGBTQ young adult, magical realism, fantasy should be high fantasy, historical fiction should be no earlier than the 20th century.
Kate McKean is open to many subgenres and categories of YA and MG fiction. Check the website for the most details. Actively seeking fiction, nonfiction, and young adult novels. Kate does not want "mysteries, thrillers, crime, paranormal romance, or urban fantasy. She is not the best reader of fiction that features: cops/private detectives/FBI/CIA, fairy tale retellings, dragons, werewolves/vampires/zombies etc., satire, spoof, or the picaresque. No novellas."
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail with cover letter and three sample chapters. See each agent’s listing for specifics.
WILLIAM MORRIS ENDEAVOR ENTERTAINMENT
1325 Avenue of the Americas, New York NY 10019. (212)586-5100. Fax: (212)246-3583. Website: www.wma.com. Contact: Literary Department Coordinator. Member of AAR.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, tv, movie scripts, feature film.
HOW TO CONTACT This agency is generally closed to unsolicited literary submissions. Meet an agent at a conference, or query through a referral. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
TIPS “If you are a prospective writer interested in submitting to the William Morris Agency in London, please follow these guidelines: For all queries, please send a cover letter, synopsis, and the first three chapters (up to 50 pages) by e-mail only to: dkar@wmeentertainment.com.”
MOVEABLE TYPE MANAGEMENT
244 Madison Ave., Suite 334, New York NY 10016. (646)431-6134. Website: www.mtmgmt.net.
MEMBER AGENTS Adam Chromy.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: business, creative nonfiction, history, how-to, humor, memoirs, money, popular culture. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, mainstream, romance, women’s, young adult.
Mr. Chromy is a generalist, meaning that he accepts fiction submissions of virtually any kind (except juvenile books aimed for middle grade and younger) as well as nonfiction. He has sold books in the following categories: new adult, women's, romance, memoir, pop culture, young adult, lifestyle, horror, how-to, general fiction, and more.
RECENT SALES The Gin Lovers by Jamie Brenner (St. Martin’s Press); Miss Chatterley by Logan Belle (Pocket/S&S); Sons Of Zeus, by Noble Smith (Thomas Dunne Books); World Made By Hand And Too Much Magic by James Howard Kunstler (Grove/Atlantic Press); Dirty Rocker Boys by Bobbie Brown (Gallery/S&S).
DEE MURA LITERARY
P.O. Box 131, Massapequa NY 11762. (516)795-1616. Fax: (516)795-8797. E-mail: query@deemuraliterary.com. Website: www.deemuraliterary.com. Contact: Dee Mura. Member of WGA.
Prior to opening her agency, Mura was a public relations executive with a roster of film and entertainment clients. She is the president and CEO of both Dee Mura Literary and Dee Mura Entertainment.
MEMBER AGENTS Dee Mura, Kimiko Nakamura, Kaylee Davis.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, anthropology, archeology, art, biography, business, cooking, current affairs, entertainment, environmental issues, ethnic, health, history, home/garden, humor, inspirational, Jewish, LGBTQ, memoir, mind/body, motivational, narrative nonfiction, nature, New Age, parenting, photography, popular culture, psychology, religious, science, self-help, spirituality, sports, technology, travel. Considers these fiction areas: adventure, commercial, contemporary, crime, espionage, erotica, family saga, fantasy, historical, literary, magical realism, middle grade, mystery, new adult, paranormal, romance, satire, science fiction, speculative fiction, suspense, thriller, urban fantasy, women’s, young adult.
We are currently not seeking screenplays, poetry, or children's picture books. “We focus on developing our clients’ careers from day one through to publication and beyond by providing personalized editorial feedback, social media and platform marketing, and thorough rights management. Both new and experienced writers are welcome to submit.”
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE or e-mail query@deemuraliterary.com (e-mail queries are preferred). Please include the first 25 pages in the body of the e-mail as well as a short author bio and synopsis of the work. Responds to queries in 3-4 weeks. Responds to mss in 8 weeks. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains new clients through recommendations, solicitation, and conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Alaska Writers Guild Conference, BookExpo America, Hampton Roads Writers Conference, NESCBWI Regional Conference, Books Alive! Conference, Writer’s Digest Conference East, LVW’s Writers Meet Agents Conference, James River Writers Conference, New England Crime Bake.
ERIN MURPHY LITERARY AGENCY
2700 Woodlands Village, #300-458, Flagstaff AZ 86001. Fax: (928)525-2480. Website: emliterary.com. Contact: Erin Murphy, president; Ammi-Joan Paquette, senior agent; Tricia Lawrence, associate agent. 25% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: juvenile books.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: middle grade, picture books, young adult.
Specializes in children's books only.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20-30% on foreign sales. Offers written contract. 30 days notice must be given to terminate contract.
JEAN V. NAGGAR LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
216 E. 75th St., Suite 1E, New York NY 10021. (212)794-1082. E-mail: jweltz@jvnla.com; atasman@jvnla.com. Website: www.jvnla.com. Contact: Jean Naggar. Member of AAR. Other memberships include PEN, Women’s Media Group, Women’s Forum, SCBWI. Represents 450 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Ms. Naggar has served as president of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Jennifer Weltz (well researched and original historicals, thrillers with a unique voice, wry dark humor, and magical realism; enthralling narrative nonfiction; young adult, middle grade); Jean Naggar (taking no new clients); Alice Tasman (literary, commercial, YA, middle grade, and nonfiction in the categories of narrative, biography, music or pop culture); Elizabeth Evans (narrative nonfiction, memoir, current affairs, pop science, journalism, health and wellness, psychology, history, pop culture, and humor); Laura Biagi (literary fiction, magical realism, young adult novels, middle grade novels, and picture books).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, creative nonfiction, current affairs, health, history, humor, memoirs, music, popular culture, psychology, science. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, fantasy, literary, middle grade, picture books, thriller, young adult.
This agency specializes in mainstream fiction and nonfiction and literary fiction with commercial potential.
HOW TO CONTACT This agency now has an online submission form on its website. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges for overseas mailing, messenger services, book purchases, long-distance telephone, photocopying—all deductible from royalties received.
RECENT SALES Night Navigation, by Ginnah Howard; After Hours at the Almost Home, by Tara Yelen; An Entirely Synthetic Fish: A Biography of Rainbow Trout, by Anders Halverson; The Patron Saint of Butterflies, by Cecilia Galante; Wondrous Strange, by Lesley Livingston; 6 Sick Hipsters, by Rayo Casablanca; The Last Bridge, by Teri Coyne; Gypsy Goodbye, by Nancy Springer; Commuters, by Emily Tedrowe; The Language of Secrets, by Dianne Dixon; Smiling to Freedom, by Martin Benoit Stiles; The Tale of Halcyon Crane, by Wendy Webb; Fugitive, by Phillip Margolin; BlackBerry Girl, by Aidan Donnelley Rowley; Wild Girls, by Pat Murphy.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Willamette Writers Conference; Pacific Northwest Writers Conference; Bread Loaf Writers Conference; Marymount Manhattan Writers Conference; SEAK Medical & Legal Fiction Writing Conference.
TIPS “Use a professional presentation. Because of the avalanche of unsolicited queries that flood the agency every week, we have had to modify our policy. We will now only guarantee to read and respond to queries from writers who come recommended by someone we know. Our areas are general fiction and nonfiction—no children’s books by unpublished writers, no multimedia, no screenplays, no formula fiction, and no mysteries by unpublished writers. We recommend patience and fortitude: the courage to be true to your own vision, the fortitude to finish a novel and polish it again and again before sending it out, and the patience to accept rejection gracefully and wait for the stars to align themselves appropriately for success.”
NELSON LITERARY AGENCY
1732 Wazee St., Suite 207, Denver CO 80202. (303)292-2805. E-mail: query@nelsonagency.com. Website: www.nelsonagency.com. Contact: Kristin Nelson, president and senior literary agent; Sara Megibow, associate literary agent. Estab. 2002. Member of AAR, RWA, SCBWI, SFWA.
Prior to opening her own agency, Ms. Nelson worked as a literary scout and subrights agent for agent Jody Rein.
MEMBER AGENTS Kristin Nelson; Sara Megibow.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: commercial, fantasy, literary, mainstream, middle grade, new adult, romance, science fiction, women’s, young adult.
NLA specializes in representing commercial fiction and high-caliber literary fiction. They represent many pop genre categories, including things like historical romance, steampunk, and all subgenres of YA. Does not want short story collections, mysteries, thrillers, Christian, horror, children's picture books, or screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by e-mail. Put the word “Query” in the e-mail subject line. No attachments. Address your query to Sara or Kristin. Responds within 1 month.
RECENT SALES Champion, by Marie Lu (young adult); Wool, by Hugh Howey (science fiction); The Whatnot, by Stefan Bachmann (middle grade); Catching Jordan, by Miranda Kenneally (young adult); Broken Like This, by Monica Trasandes (debut literary fiction); The Darwin Elevator, by Jason Hough (debut science fiction). A full list of clients is available online.
NEW LEAF LITERARY & MEDIA, INC.
110 W. 40th St., Suite 410, New York NY 10018. (646)248-7989. Fax: (646)861-4654. E-mail: query@newleafliterary.com. Contact: Joanna Volpe; Kathleen Ortiz; Suzie Townsend; Pouya Shahbazian. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Joanna Volpe (women’s fiction, thriller, horror, speculative fiction, literary fiction and historical fiction, young adult, middle grade, art-focused picture books); Kathleen Ortiz, director of subsidiary rights (new voices in YA and animator/illustrator talent); Suzie Townsend (new adult, young adult, middle grade, romance [all subgenres], fantasy [urban fantasy, science fiction, steampunk, epic fantasy] and crime fiction [mysteries, thrillers]; Pouya Shahbazian, film and television agent.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: crime, fantasy, historical, horror, literary, mainstream, middle grade, mystery, new adult, paranormal, picture books, romance, thriller, women’s, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT E-mail queries only. “Put the word QUERY in subject line, plus the agent’s name.” No attachments. Responds only if interested.
RECENT SALES Allegiant, by Veronica Roth; The Sharpest Blade, by Sandy Williams (Ace); Siege and Storm, by Leigh Bardugo (Henry Holt); Erased, by Jennifer Rush (Little Brown Books for Young Readers).
DANA NEWMAN LITERARY
9720 Wilshire Blvd., 5th Floor, Beverly Hills CA 90212. (323)974-4334. Fax: (866)636-7585. E-mail: dananewmanliterary@gmail.com. Website: www.about.me/dananewman. Contact: Dana Newman. Estab. 2009. Member of Author’s Guild. Represents 15 clients. 50% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: 85% nonfiction books, 15% novels.
Prior to being an agent, Ms. Newman was an attorney in the entertainment industry for 14 years.
MEMBER AGENTS Dana Newman (narrative nonfiction, business, biography, lifestyle, current affairs, parenting, memoir, pop culture, health, literary, and upmarket fiction).
REPRESENTS nonfiction, fiction. Considers these nonfiction areas: architecture, art, autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, cultural interests, current affairs, design, education, ethnic, film, foods, gay/lesbian, government, health, history, how-to, language, law, literature, medicine, memoirs, metaphysics, music, popular culture, politics, science, self-help, sociology, sports, technology, theater, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: historical, literary, women’s.
Ms. Newman has a background in contracts, licensing, and intellectual property law. She is experienced in digital content creation and distribution and embraces the changing publishing environment. Actively seeking narrative nonfiction, historical, or upmarket fiction. Does not want religious, children's, poetry, horror, mystery, science fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Submit query letter, outline, synopsis, 2 sample chapters, biography, and proposal. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds to queries/proposals in 2 weeks; mss in 1 month. Obtains new clients through recommendations from others, queries, submissions.
TERMS Obtains 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% on foreign sales. Offers 1-year written contract. Notice must be given 30 days prior to terminate a contract.
RECENT SALES Home Sweet Anywhere, by Lynne Martin (Sourcebooks); Cracked, Not Broken, by Kevin Hines (Roman and Littlefield); How to Read a Client, by Brandy Mychals (McGraw-Hill); The King of Style, by Michael Bush (Insight Editions); An Atomic Love Story, by Shirley Streshinsky (Turner Publishing); Combined Destinies, by Ann Todd Jealous (Potomac Books).
WRITERS CONFERENCES Writer’s Digest Conference (L.A., NYC); San Francisco Writers Conference; Santa Barbara Writers Conference.
HAROLD OBER ASSOCIATES
425 Madison Ave., New York NY 10017. (212)759-8600. Fax: (212)759-9428. Website: www.haroldober.com. Contact: Appropriate agent. Member of AAR. Represents 250 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 35%, novels 50%, juvenile books 15%.
Mr. Elwell was previously with Elwell & Weiser.
MEMBER AGENTS Phyllis Westberg; Pamela Malpas; Craig Tenney (few new clients, mostly Ober backlist); Jake Elwell (previously with Elwell & Weiser).
HOW TO CONTACT Submit concise query letter addressed to a specific agent with the first 5 pages of the ms or proposal and SASE. No fax or e-mail. Does not handle filmscripts or plays. Responds as promptly as possible. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Charges clients for express mail/package services.
PARADIGM TALENT AND LITERARY AGENCY
360 Park Avenue South, 16th floor, New York NY 10010. (212)897-6400. Fax: (212)764-8941. Website: www.paradigmagency.com.
MEMBER AGENTS Lydia Wills, others.
REPRESENTS movie scripts, feature film, theatrical stage plays.
Paradigm Talent and Literary Agency is a Los-Angeles-based talent agency with additional offices in New York City, Nashville, and Monterey. The firm acquired Writers & Artists Group International in 2004. The acquisition of WAGI added both talent and agents to Paradigm's roster, bolstering its New York office with legit agents representing playwrights and theatre directors.
HOW TO CONTACT No unsolicited queries. Do not query unless meeting an agent at an event, or through a referral.
PARK LITERARY GROUP, LLC
270 Lafayette St., Suite 1504, New York NY 10012. (212)691-3500. Fax: (212)691-3540. E-mail: queries@parkliterary. Website: www.parkliterary.com. Estab. 2005.
MEMBER AGENTS Theresa Park (plot-driven fiction and serious nonfiction); Abigail Koons (popular science, history, politics, current affairs and art, and women’s fiction); Peter Knapp (middle grade and young adult fiction, as well as suspense and thrillers for all ages).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: art, current affairs, history, politics, science. Considers these fiction areas: middle grade, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult.
The Park Literary Group represents fiction and nonfiction with a boutique approach: an emphasis on servicing a relatively small number of clients, with the highest professional standards and focused personal attention. Does not want to receive poetry or screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT Please specify the first and last name of the agent to whom you are submitting in the subject line of the e-mail and send your query letter and accompanying material to queries@parkliterary.com. All materials must be in the body of the e-mail. Responds if interested. For fiction submissions to Abigail Koons or Theresa Park, please include a query letter with short synopsis and the first three chapters of your work. For middle grade and young adult submissions to Peter Knapp, please include a query letter and the first three chapters or up to 10,000 words of your novel (no synopsis necessary). For nonfiction submissions, please send a query letter, proposal, and sample chapter(s).
RECENT SALES This agency’s client list is on their website. It includes bestsellers Nicholas Sparks and Debbie Macomber.
THE RICHARD PARKS AGENCY
P.O. Box 693, Salem NY 12865. (518)854-9466. Fax: (518)854-9466. E-mail: rp@richardparksagency.com. Website: www.richardparksagency.com. Contact: Richard Parks. Member of AAR. Currently handles: nonfiction books 55%, novels 40%, story collections 5%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, anthropology, archeology, art, autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, crafts, cultural interests, current affairs, dance, diet/nutrition, economics, environment, ethnic, film, foods, gardening, gay/lesbian, government, health, history, hobbies, how-to, humor, language, law, memoirs, military, money, music, parenting, popular culture, politics, psychology, science, self-help, sociology, technology, theater, travel, women’s issues, women’s studies.
Actively seeking nonfiction. Considers fiction by referral only. Does not want to receive unsolicited material.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Does not accept queries by e-mail or fax. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations/referrals.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Charges clients for photocopying or any unusual expense incurred at the writer’s request.
KATHI J. PATON LITERARY AGENCY
P.O. Box 2236 Radio City Station, New York NY 10101. (212)265-6586. E-mail: KJPLitBiz@optonline.net. Website: www.PatonLiterary.com. Contact: Kathi Paton.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, computers, current affairs, health, history, humor, investigative, money, parenting, popular culture, science, sports, technology. Considers these fiction areas: literary.
This agency specializes in adult nonfiction. No science fiction, fantasy, horror, category romance, juvenile, young adult or self-published books.
HOW TO CONTACT E-mail queries only. Please include a brief description. If interested, we’ll ask for the nonfiction proposal or fiction synopsis and sample chapter. Do not send attachments or referrals to websites, they will not be opened or visited. Responds if interested. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Accepts new clients through recommendations from current clients.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges clients for photocopying.
RECENT SALES Byron Acohido, Jon Swartz—Zero Day Threat: The Shocking Truth of How Banks and Credit Bureaus Help Cyber Crooks; Mary Collins—American Idle: A Journey Through Our Sedentary Culture; Raphael Ezekiel—The Racist Mind: Portraits of American Neo-Nazis and Klansmen.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Attends major regional panels, seminars, and conferences.
PAVILION LITERARY MANAGEMENT
660 Massachusetts Ave., Suite 4, Boston MA 02118. (617)792-5218. E-mail: jeff@pavilionliterary.com. Website: www.pavilionliterary.com. Contact: Jeff Kellogg.
Prior to his current position, Mr. Kellogg was a literary agent with The Stuart Agency, and an acquiring editor with HarperCollins.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, memoir. Considers these nonfiction areas: , narrative nonfiction (topical and historical) and cutting-edge popular science from experts in their respective fields. Considers these fiction areas: adventure, fantasy, juvenile, mystery, thriller, general fiction, genre-blending fiction.
“We are presently accepting fiction submissions only from previously published authors and/or by client referral. Nonfiction projects, specifically narrative nonfiction and cutting-edge popular science from experts in their respective fields, are most welcome.”
HOW TO CONTACT Query first by e-mail (no attachments). The subject line should specify fiction or nonfiction and include the title of the work. If submitting nonfiction, include a book proposal (no longer than 75 pages), with sample chapters.
L. PERKINS AGENCY
5800 Arlington Ave., Riverdale NY 10471. (718)543-5344. Fax: (718)543-5354. E-mail: submissions@lperkinsagency.com. Website: lperkinsagency.com. Member of AAR. Represents 90 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Ms. Perkins has been an agent for 20 years. She is also the author of The Insider’s Guide to Getting an Agent (Writer’s Digest Books), as well as three other nonfiction books. She has also edited 12 erotic anthologies, and is also the editorial director of Ravenousromance.com, an e-publisher.
MEMBER AGENTS Tish Beaty, ePub agent (erotic romance—including paranormal, historical, gay/lesbian/bisexual, and light-BDSM fiction; also, she seeks new adult and YA); Lori Perkins (not currently taking new clients); Sandy Lu.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, creative nonfiction, film, foods, history, humor, music, popular culture, psychology, science, theater. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, erotica, gay, historical, horror, lesbian, mystery, new adult, paranormal, thriller, urban fantasy, young adult.
"Most of my clients write both fiction and nonfiction. This combination keeps my clients publishing for years. I am also a published author, so I know what it takes to write a good book." Does not want to receive anything outside of the above categories (westerns, romance, etc.).
HOW TO CONTACT E-queries only. Include your query, a 1-page synopsis, and the first 5 pages from your novel pasted into the e-mail. No attachments. Submit to only one agent at the agency. No snail mail queries. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 12 weeks to queries. Responds in 3-6 months to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. No written contract. Charges clients for photocopying.
WRITERS CONFERENCES NECON, Killercon, BookExpo America, World Fantasy Convention, RWA, Romantic Times.
TIPS “Research your field and contact professional writers’ organizations to see who is looking for what. Finish your novel before querying agents. Read my book, An Insider’s Guide to Getting an Agent, to get a sense of how agents operate. Read agent blogs— agentinthemiddle.blogspot.com and ravenousromance.blogspot.com.”
PFD GROUP LTD.
Drury House, 34-43 Russell St., London WC2B 5HA United Kingdom. (44)(207)344-1000. Fax: (44)(207)836-9539. E-mail: info@pfd.co.uk. Website: www.pfd.co.uk.
"Peters Fraser and Dunlop offers its clients something unique in British agenting. Calling on our many areas of expertise, we work closely together to deliver an unparalleled full service, covering all aspects of publishing and media businesses. We have an active Television Division that represents broadcasters. We work with TV companies to come up with complementary programming as well selling film and television rights for our book clients. We have a Public Speaking Division for clients who wish to give lectures and speak at events. Our Foreign Rights Division is there to make sure that our authors' work is sold and published in foreign language markets. We have a Digital Division that represents our clients in the rapidly changing online world. Overall this team ensures that all our clients' talents and opportunities are given the fullest possible professional attention."
MEMBER AGENTS Rowan Lawton (books), Caroline Michel (books), Michael Sissons and Fiona Petheram (books), Annabel Merullo (books), Claire Daniel (foreign rights), Robert Caskie (books and journalism).
PIPPIN PROPERTIES, INC.
110 w. 40th Street, Suite 1704, New York NY 10018. (212)338-9310. Fax: (212)338-9579. E-mail: info@pippinproperties.com. Website: www.pippinproperties.com. Contact: Holly McGhee. Represents 52 clients. Currently handles: juvenile books 100%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. McGhee was an editor for 7 years and in book marketing for 4 years.
MEMBER AGENTS Holly McGhee, Elena Giovinazzo.
REPRESENTS Juvenile. Considers these fiction areas: middle grade, picture books, young adult.
"We are strictly a children's literary agency devoted to the management of authors and artists in all media. We are small and discerning in choosing our clientele." Actively seeking middle grade and young adult novels.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail. Include a synopsis of the work(s), your background and/or publishing history, and anything else you think is relevant. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 weeks to queries if interested. Responds in 10 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges for color copying and UPS/FedEx.
TIPS “Please do not start calling after sending a submission.”
AARON M. PRIEST LITERARY AGENCY
708 3rd Ave., 23rd Floor, New York NY 10017. (212)818-0344. Fax: (212)573-9417. E-mail: info@aaronpriest.com. Website: www.aaronpriest.com. Estab. 1974. Member of AAR. Currently handles: nonfiction books 25%, novels 75%.
MEMBER AGENTS Aaron Priest, querypriest@aaronpriest.com (thrillers, commercial fiction, biographies); Lisa Erbach Vance, queryvance@aaronpriest.com (contemporary fiction, especially women’s fiction, thoughtful fiction about families and friends, thrillers/suspense, psychological suspense, contemporary gothic fiction, unique ghost stories, international fiction [not translation], narrative nonfiction, current or historical topics); Lucy Childs Baker, querychilds@aaronpriest.com (commercial fiction [women’s and mystery], and especially literary fiction [including historical], as well as narrative nonfiction).
Does not want to receive poetry, screenplays, horror or sci-fi.
HOW TO CONTACT Query one of the agents using the appropriate e-mail listed on the website. “Please do not submit to more than 1 agent at this agency. We urge you to check our website and consider each agent’s emphasis before submitting. Your query letter should be about one page long and describe your work as well as your background. You may also paste the first chapter of your work in the body of the e-mail. Do not send attachments.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 4 weeks, only if interested.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales.
RECENT SALES The Hit, by David Baldacci; Six Years, by Harlan Coben; Suspect, by Robert Crais; Permanent Record, by Leslie Stella; Eye for an Eye, by Ben Coes.
PROSPECT AGENCY
551 Valley Road, PMB 377, Upper Montclair NJ 07043. (718)788-3217. Fax: (718)360-9582. Website: www.prospectagency.com. Estab. 2005. Member of AAR. Currently handles: 60% of material handled is books for young readers.
MEMBER AGENTS Emily Sylvan Kim, esk@prospectagency.com; Rachel Orr, rko@prospectagency.com (no new clients); Becca Stumpf, becca@prospectagency.com (young adult, middle grade, fantasy, sci-fi, literary mysteries, literary thrillers, spicy romance); Carrie Pestritto, carrie@prospectagency.com (narrative nonfiction, general nonfiction, biography, and memoir; commercial fiction with a literary twist, historical fiction, “new adult,” YA, and middle grade); Teresa Kietlinski, tk@prospectagency.com (picture book artists and illustrators).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, memoirs. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, historical, juvenile, middle grade, mystery, new adult, picture books, romance, thriller, young adult.
"We're looking for strong, unique voices and unforgettable stories and characters."
HOW TO CONTACT Note that each agent at this agency has a different submission e-mail address and different submission policies. Check the agency website for the latest formal guideline per each agent. Obtains new clients through conferences, recommendations, queries, and some scouting.
TERMS Agent receives 15% on domestic sales, 20% on foreign sales sold directly and 25% on sales using a subagent. Offers written contract.
RECENT SALES Recent sales include: Ollie and Claire (Philomel), Vicious (Bloomsbury), Tempest Rising (Walker Books), Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night (Random House Children’s), A DJ Called Tomorrow (Little, Brown), The Princesses of Iowa (Candlewick).
P.S. Literary Agency
20033 - 520 Kerr St., Oakville ON L6K 3C7 Canada. E-mail: query@psliterary.com. Website: www.psliterary.com. Contact: Curtis Russell, principal agent; Carly Watters, agent; Maria Vincente, associate agent. Estab. 2005. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 50%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction, novels, juvenile books. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, current affairs, diet/nutrition, economics, environment, foods, government, health, history, how-to, humor, law, memoirs, military, money, parenting, popular culture, politics, science, self-help, sports, technology, true crime, war, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, detective, erotica, ethnic, family saga, historical, horror, humor, juvenile, literary, mainstream, middle grade, mystery, new adult, picture books, romance, sports, thriller, women’s, young adult, biography/autobiography, business, child guidance/parenting, cooking/food/nutrition, current affairs, government/politics/law, health/medicine, history, how-to, humor, memoirs, military/war, money/finance/economics, nature/environment, popular culture, science/technology, self-help/personal improvement, sports, true crime/investigative, women’s issues/women’s studies.
"What makes our agency distinct: We take on a small number of clients per year in order to provide focused, hands-on representation. We pride ourselves in providing industry-leading client service." Actively seeking both fiction and nonfiction. Seeking both new and established writers. Does not want to receive poetry or screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT Queries by e-mail only. Submit query, and bio. “Please limit your query to one page.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 4-6 weeks to queries/proposals; mss 4-8 weeks. Obtains most new clients through solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. We offer a written contract, with 30-days notice terminate. “This agency charges for postage/messenger services only if a project is sold.”
TIPS “Please review our website for the most up-to-date submission guidelines. We do not charge reading fees. We do not offer a critique service.”
JOANNA PULCINI LITERARY MANAGEMENT
E-mail: info@jplm.com. Website: www.jplm.com. Contact: Joanna Pulcini.
"JPLM is not accepting submissions at this time; however, I do encourage those seeking representation to read the “Advice to Writers” essay on our website for some guidance on finding an agent."
HOW TO CONTACT Do not query this agency until they open their client list.
RECENT SALES TV, by Brian Brown; The Movies That Changed Us, by Nick Clooney; Strange, But True, by John Searles; The Intelligencer, by Leslie Silbert; In Her Shoes and The Guy Not Taken, by Jennifer Weiner.
THE PURCELL AGENCY
E-mail: TPAqueries@gmail.com. Website: www.thepurcellagency.com. Contact: Tina P. Schwartz. Estab. 2012.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: juvenile nonfiction. Considers these fiction areas: juvenile, middle grade, young adult.
This agency also takes juvenile nonfiction for MG and YA markets. At this point, the agency is not considering fantasy, science fiction or picture book submissions.
HOW TO Contact E-query. Mention if you are part of SCBWI. For fiction, send a query, the first 3 chapters, and synopsis. No attachments. For nonfiction, send table of contents + intro and sample chapter, author’s credentials. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1-3 months.
QUEEN LITERARY AGENCY
47 E. 19th St., Third Floor, New York NY 10003. (212)974-8333. Fax: (212)974-8347. E-mail: lqueen@queenliterary.com. E-mail: submissions@queenliterary.com. Website: www.queenliterary.com. Contact: Lisa Queen.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Queen was a former publishing executive and most recently head of IMG Worldwide's literary division.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: business, foods, psychology, science, sports. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, historical, literary, mystery, thriller.
Ms. Queen's specialties: "While our agency represents a wide range of nonfiction titles, we have a particular interest in business books, food writing, science and popular psychology, as well as books by well-known chefs, radio and television personalities, and sports figures."
HOW TO CONTACT E-query.
RECENT SALES A full list of this agency’s clients and sales is available on their website.
SUSAN RABINER LITERARY AGENCY, INC., THE
315 W. 39th St., Suite 1501, New York NY 10018. (212)279-0316. Fax: (212)279-0932. Website: www.rabinerlit.com. Contact: Susan Rabiner.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Rabiner was editorial director of Basic Books. She is also the co-author of Thinking Like Your Editor: How to Write Great Serious Nonfiction and Get It Published (W.W. Norton).
MEMBER AGENTS Susan Rabiner, susan@rabiner.net (well-researched, topical books written by fully credentialed academics, journalists, and recognized public intellectuals with the power to stimulate public debate on a broad range of issues including the state of our economy, political discourse, history, science, and the arts); Sydelle Kramer, sydellek@rabiner.net (academics, journalists, sportswriters, and memoirists); Holly Bemiss, hollyb@rabiner.net (graphic novelists, journalists, memoirists, comedians, crafters, and entertainment writers); Eric Nelson, ericn@rabiner.net (nationally known journalists, management consultants, academics, and people who spend a lot of time in front of TV cameras, though if a writer has an existing following and an interesting story to tell, he’s always happy to hear it).
NEW AGENT SPOTLIGHT
KATIE REED
(ANDREA HURST & ASSOCIATES)
andreahurst.com
ABOUT KATIE: Katie obtained her Bachelor’s in English from California State University, Sacramento. Katie resides in the small town of Durham, California, with her incredible husband, her joyful son, and Snoodles, her loyal cat. Besides her addiction to reading, she is also a diehard Miami Heat fan and obsessed with all things Disney.
SHE IS SEEKING: all areas of young adult, particularly: commercial (with a compelling hook and a protagonist who battles real-life teen issues), science fiction (soft), and fantasy; commercial and literary adult fiction in the genres of book club women’s fiction, science fiction (soft), fantasy, suspense/thriller, and contemporary romance. For nonfiction: memoir/biography with a strong platform, self-help, crafts/how-to, inspirational, parenting.
HOW TO QUERY: Katie@andreahurst.com. Put “Query” in the subject line of your query. No attachments. Do not send proposals, sample chapters or manuscripts unless specifically requested by an agent. Please indicate if you are simultaneously submitting to other agents.
"Representing narrative nonfiction and big-idea books—work that illuminates the past and the present. I look for well-researched, topical books written by fully credentialed academics, journalists, and recognized public intellectuals with the power to stimulate public debate on a broad range of issues including the state of our economy, political discourse, history, science, and the arts."
HOW TO CONTACT Please send all queries by e-mail. Note: Because of the number of queries we receive, we cannot respond to every one. If your project fits the profile of the agency, we will be in touch within two weeks. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 1-month notice must be given to terminate contract.
RED SOFA LITERARY
2163 Grand Ave., #2, St. Paul MN 55105. (651)224-6670. E-mail: dawn@redsofaliterary.com; jennie@redsofaliterary.com. Website: www.redsofaliterary.com. Contact: Dawn Frederick, literary agent and owner; Jennie Goloboy, agent; Laura Zats, associate agent. Red Sofa is a member of the Authors Guild and the MN Publishers Round Table. Represents 20 clients. 80% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 97%, novels 2%, story collections 1%.
Dawn Frederick: Prior to her current position, Ms. Frederick spent 5 years at Sebastian Literary Agency. In addition, Ms. Frederick worked more than 10 years in indie and chain book stores, and at an independent children's book publisher. Ms. Frederick has a master's degree in library and information sciences from an ALA-accredited institution. Jennie Goloboy: In Fall 2011, Jennie Goloboy joined Red Sofa Literary as an associate agent. Jennie Goloboy has a PhD in the History of American Civilization from Harvard. She is also a published author of both history and fiction, and a member of SFWA, RWA, SHEAR, OAH, the AHA, and Codex Writers Group. Her funny, spec-fic short stories appear under her pen name, Nora Fleischer. As of 2014, Laura Zats was the newest RS agent.
REPRESENTS nonfiction, fiction, juvenile books. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, anthropology, archeology, crafts, cultural interests, current affairs, gay/lesbian, government, health, history, hobbies, humor, investigative, law, popular culture, politics, satire, sociology, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies, extreme sports. Considers these fiction areas: erotica, fantasy, middle grade, romance, science fiction, women’s, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by e-mail or mail with SASE. No attachments, please. Submit full proposal plus 3 sample chapters and any other pertinent writing samples. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 weeks to queries; 6 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. May charge a one-time $100 fee for partial reimbursement of postage and phone expenses incurred if the advance is below $15,000.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Madison Writers’ Institute; Novel-in-Progress Bookcamp; OWFI Conference; SDSU Writers’ Conference; Florida Writer’s Association Conference; The Loft Literary Center; DFW Writers’ Conference; MN SCBWI Conference, Bloomington Writers’ Festival and Book Fair; Women of Words Retreat; ISD 196; First Pages (Hennepin County); Writer’s Digest Webinar.
TIPS “Always remember the benefits of building an author platform, and the accessibility of accomplishing this task in today’s industry. Most importantly, research the agents queried. Avoid contacting every literary agent about a book idea. Due to the large volume of queries received, the process of reading queries for unrepresented categories (by the agency) becomes quite the arduous task. Investigate online directories, printed guides (like Writer’s Market), individual agent websites, and more, before beginning the query process. It’s good to remember that each agent has a vision of what s/he wants to represent and will communicate this information accordingly. We’re simply waiting for those specific book ideas to come in our direction.”
RED TREE LITERARY AGENCY
320 7th Ave., #183, Brooklyn NY 11215. E-mail: elana@redtreeliterary.com. Website: www.redtreeliterary.com. Contact: Elana Roth.
Elana is a graduate of Barnard College and the Jewish Theological Seminary, where she earned degrees in English literature and Bible.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: juvenile, middle grade, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT E-mail only.
RECENT SALES Doug-Dennis and the Flyaway Fib, by Darren Farrel; Juniper Berry, by M.P. Kozlowsky; The Selection, by Kiera Cass; Unison Spark, by Andy Marino.
HELEN REES LITERARY AGENCY
14 Beacon St., Suite 710, Boston MA 02108. (617)227-9014. Fax: (617)227-8762. E-mail: reesagency@reesagency.com. Website: reesagency.com. Contact: Joan Mazmanian, Ann Collette, Helen Rees, Lorin Rees. Estab. 1983. Member of AAR. Other memberships include PEN. Represents more than 100 clients. 50% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 60%, novels 40%.
MEMBER AGENTS Ann Collette (literary, mystery, thrillers, suspense, vampire, and women’s fiction; in nonfiction, she prefers true crime, narrative nonfiction, military and war, work to do with race and class, and work set in or about Southeast Asia; Agent10702@aol.com). Lorin Rees (literary fiction, memoirs, business books, self-help, science, history, psychology, and narrative nonfiction; lorin@reesagency.com); Nicole LaBombard, nicole@reesagency.com (historical fiction, upscale commercial fiction, compelling literary fiction, young adult, narrative nonfiction, health/fitness, and business); Rebecca Podos, rebecca@reesagency.com (young adult fiction of all kinds, including contemporary, emotionally driven stories, mystery, romance, urban and historical fantasy, horror and sci-fi; occasionally, she considers literary and commercial adult fiction, new adult, and narrative nonfiction).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: business, creative nonfiction, health, history, memoirs, military, psychology, science, self-help, true crime, war. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, historical, horror, literary, mystery, new adult, romance, science fiction, suspense, thriller, urban fantasy, women’s, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Consult website for each agent’s submission guidelines, as they differ. Responds in 3-4 weeks to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, conferences, submissions.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
RECENT SALES Recent titles include: The Art Forger, by B.A. Shapiro; Busy Monsters, by William Giraldi; Pitch Dark, by Steven Sidor; You Know When the Men Are Gone, by Siobhan Fallon; and Death Drops, by Chrystle Fieldler. Other titles include: Get Your Ship Together, by Capt. D. Michael Abrashoff; Overpromise and Overdeliver, by Rick Berrara; Opacity, by Joel Kurtzman; America the Broke, by Gerald Swanson; Murder at the B-School, by Jeffrey Cruikshank; Bone Factory, by Steven Sidor; Father Said, by Hal Sirowitz; Winning, by Jack Welch; The Case for Israel, by Alan Dershowitz; As the Future Catches You, by Juan Enriquez; Blood Makes the Grass Grow Green, by Johnny Rico; DVD Movie Guide, by Mick Martin and Marsha Porter; Words That Work, by Frank Luntz; Stirring It Up, by Gary Hirshberg; Hot Spots, by Martin Fletcher; Andy Grove: The Life and Times of an American, by Richard Tedlow; Girls Most Likely To, by Poonam Sharma.
REGAL LITERARY AGENCY
236 W. 26th St., #801, New York NY 10001. (212)684-7900. Fax: (212)684-7906. E-mail: info@regal-literary.com. E-mail: submissions@regal-literary.com. Website: www.regal-literary.com. London Office: 36 Gloucester Ave., Primrose Hill, London NW1 7BB, United Kingdom, uk@regal-literary.com Estab. 2002. Member of AAR. Represents 70 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
MEMBER AGENTS Michelle Andelman; Claire Anderson-Wheeler; Markus Hoffmann; Leigh Huffine; Lauren Pearson; Joseph Regal.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, memoirs, psychology, science. Considers these fiction areas: literary, middle grade, picture books, thriller, women’s, young adult.
Actively seeking literary fiction and narrative nonfiction. "We do not consider romance, science fiction, poetry, or screenplays."
HOW TO CONTACT “Query with SASE or via e-mail. No phone calls. Submissions should consist of a 1-page query letter detailing the book in question, as well as the qualifications of the author. For fiction, submissions may also include the first 10 pages of the novel or one short story from a collection.” Responds if interested. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. “We charge no reading fees.”
RECENT SALES Audrey Niffenegger’s The Time Traveler’s Wife (Mariner) and Her Fearful Symmetry (Scribner), Gregory David Roberts’ Shantaram (St. Martin’s), Josh Bazell’s Beat the Reaper (Little, Brown), John Twelve Hawks’ The Fourth Realm Trilogy (Doubleday), James Reston, Jr.’s The Conviction of Richard Nixon (Three Rivers) and Defenders of the Faith (Penguin), Michael Psilakis’ How to Roast a Lamb: New Greek Classic Cooking (Little, Brown), Colman Andrews’ Country Cooking of Ireland (Chronicle) and Reinventing Food: Ferran Adria and How He Changed the Way We Eat (Phaidon).
TIPS “We are deeply committed to every aspect of our clients’ careers, and are engaged in everything from the editorial work of developing a great book proposal or line editing a fiction manuscript to negotiating state-of-the-art book deals and working to promote and publicize the book when it’s published. We are at the forefront of the effort to increase authors’ rights in publishing contracts in a rapidly changing commercial environment. We deal directly with co-agents and publishers in every foreign territory and also work directly and with co-agents for feature film and television rights, with extraordinary success in both arenas. Many of our clients’ works have sold in dozens of translation markets, and a high proportion of our books have been sold in Hollywood. We have strong relationships with speaking agents, who can assist in arranging author tours and other corporate and college speaking opportunities when appropriate. We also have a staff publicist and marketer to help promote our clients and their work.”
THE AMY RENNERT AGENCY
98 Main St., #302, Tiburon CA 94920. E-mail: queries@amyrennert.com. Contact: Amy Rennert.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, creative nonfiction, health, history, money, sports. Considers these fiction areas: literary, mainstream, mystery.
"The Amy Rennert Agency specializes in books that matter. We provide career management for established and first-time authors, and our breadth of experience in many genres enables us to meet the needs of a diverse clientele."
HOW TO CONTACT Cover letter and proposal for nonfiction; cover letter and first 25 pages for fiction. For picture books, cover letter and manuscript. Please use pdf attachments and please note that due to the increasing number of submissions, we can only respond if interested.
RECENT SALES Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear; A Salty Piece of Land by Jimmy Buffett; The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan; Medical Myths That Can Kill You by Dr. Nancy Snyderman; Patti Lupone: A Memoir by Patti LuPone; Ivy +Bean by Annie Barrows; Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Rinker and Tom Lichteheld.
TIPS Due to the high volume of submissions, it is not possible to respond to each and every one. Please understand that we are only able to respond to queries that we feel may be a good fit with our agency.
RICK BROADHEAD & ASSOCIATES LITERARY AGENCY
47 St. Clair Ave. W., Suite 501, Toronto ON M4V 3A5 Canada. (416)929-0516. Fax: (416)927-8732. E-mail: info@rbaliterary.com. E-mail: submissions@rbaliterary.com. Website: www.rbaliterary.com. Contact: Rick Broadhead, president. Estab. 2002. Membership includes Authors Guild. Represents 125 clients. 50% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
With an MBA from the Schulich School of Business, one of the world’s leading business schools, Rick Broadhead is one of the few literary agents in the publishing industry with a business and entrepreneurial background, one that benefits his clients at every step of the book development and contract negotiation process. He is also a best-selling author, having authored and co-authored 35 books.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, current affairs, environment, health, history, humor, medicine, military, popular culture, politics, science, self-help.
Rick Broadhead & Associates is a leading literary agency that represents nonfiction authors to all of the top publishing houses in North America. The agency has negotiated millions of dollars in royalties for its clients with venerable American and Canadian publishing houses. Best-selling author Rick Broadhead has a proven track record for finding literary talent, developing projects with strong commercial and media potential, and matching authors with publishers. Books represented by the agency have appeared on bestseller lists, been shortlisted for literary awards, translated into multiple languages, and through its partnerships in Hollywood, optioned for film and television development. The agency’s clients include accomplished journalists, historians, physicians, television personalities, bloggers and creators of popular websites, successful business executives, and experts in their respective fields. They include Yale University physician Dr. David Katz; survival skills expert and Discovery Channel host Les Stroud (Survivorman). The agency is actively seeking compelling proposals from experts in their fields, journalists, and authors with relevant credentials and an established media platform (tv, web, radio, print experience/exposure). Does not want to receive fiction, screenplays, children’s or poetry at this time.
HOW TO CONTACT “Please send a short query letter by e-mail or via regular mail with a description of the project, your credentials, and contact info. E-mail queries are welcome. Please do not send entire mss or sample chapters unless requested. If I am interested, I will request a proposal.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges for postage and photocopying expenses.
TIPS “Books rarely sell themselves these days, so I look for authors who have a ‘platform’ (media exposure/experience, university affiliation, recognized expertise, etc.). Remember that a literary agent has to sell your project to an editor, and then the editor has to sell your project internally to his/her colleagues (including the marketing and sales staff), and then the publisher has to sell your book to the book buyers at the chains and bookstores. You’re most likely to get my attention if you write a succinct and persuasive query letter that demonstrates your platform/credentials, the market potential of your book, and why your book is different. I love finding great authors, pitching great book ideas, negotiating deals for my clients, and being a part of this exciting and dynamic industry.”
THE RIGHTS FACTORY
P.O. Box 499, Station C, Toronto ON M6J 3P6 Canada. (416)966-5367. Website: www.therightsfactory.com.
MEMBER AGENTS Sam Hiyate, Ali McDonald.
"The Rights Factory is an agency that deals in intellectual property rights to entertainment products, including books, comics and graphic novels, film, television, and video games. We license rights in every territory by representing 3 types of clients."
HOW TO CONTACT There is a submission form on this agency’s website.
RECENT SALES Beauty, Pure & Simple, by Kristen Ma; Why Mr. Right Can’t Find You, by J.M. Kearns; Tout Sweet: Hanging Up My High Heels for a New Life in France, by Karen Wheeler; The Orange Code, by Arkadi Kuhlmann and Bruce Philp.
ANGELA RINALDI LITERARY AGENCY
P.O. Box 7877, Beverly Hills CA 90212-7877. (310)842-7665. Fax: (310)837-8143. E-mail: amr@rinaldiliterary.com. Website: www.rinaldiliterary.com. Contact: Angela Rinaldi. Member of AAR.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Rinaldi was an editor at NAL/Signet, Pocket Books and Bantam, and the manager of book development for The Los Angeles Times.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, TV and motion picture rights (for clients only). Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, cooking, current affairs, health, psychology, self-help, true crime, women’s issues, wine, lifestyle, career, personal finance, prescriptive and proactive self-help books by journalists, academics, doctors and therapists, based on their research. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, suspense, women’s, upmarket women’s fiction, book club women’s fiction.
Actively seeking commercial and literary fiction, young adult crossovers. Does not want to receive humor, pop culture, thrillers, category romances, science fiction, fantasy, horror, film scripts, poetry, category romances, magazine articles, religion, occult, paranormal, children's or middle grade fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT E-mail queries only. For fiction, please send a brief e-mail inquiry with the first 10 pages pasted into the e-mail—no attachments unless asked for. For nonfiction, query with detailed letter or outline/proposal, no attachments unless asked for. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2-4 weeks.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Writer’s Digest Conference West (Los Angeles).
ANN RITTENBERG LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
15 Maiden Lane, Suite 206, New York NY 10038. Website: www.rittlit.com. Contact: Ann Rittenberg, president; Penn Whaling, associate. Member of AAR. Currently handles: fiction 75%, nonfiction 25%.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: memoirs, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: literary, mainstream, thriller, upmarket fiction.
This agent specializes in upmarket thrillers, literary fiction and literary nonfiction. Does not want to receive screenplays, straight genre fiction, poetry, self-help.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Submit outline, 3 sample chapters, SASE. Query via postal mail or e-mail to info@rittlit.com. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 6 weeks to queries. Responds in 2 months to mss. Obtains most new clients through referrals from established writers and editors.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. This agency charges clients for photocopying only.
RECENT SALES Live by Night, by Dennis Lehane; Leaving Haven, by Kathleen McCleary; Massacre Pond, by Paul Doiron; The Highway, by C.J. Box; This Is Not a Writing Manual, by Kerri Smith Majors; The Land of Dreams, by Vidar Sundstol; Behemoth, by Ronald Tobias; and Billboard Man, by Jim Fusilli.
RIVERSIDE LITERARY AGENCY
41 Simon Keets Rd., Leyden MA 01337. (413)772-0067. Fax: (413)772-0969. E-mail: rivlit@sover.net. Website: www.riversideliteraryagency.com. Contact: Susan Lee Cohen.
Represents adult fiction and nonfiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Obtains most new clients through referrals.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Offers written contract. Charges clients for foreign postage, photocopying large mss, express mail deliveries, etc.
RLR ASSOCIATES, LTD.
Literary Department, 7 W. 51st St., New York NY 10019. (212)541-8641. Fax: (212)262-7084. E-mail: sgould@rlrassociates.net. Website: www.rlrassociates.net. Contact: Scott Gould. Member of AAR. Represents 50 clients. 25% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 70%, novels 25%, story collections 5%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, short-story collections, scholarly. Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, mainstream, middle grade, picture books, romance, women’s, young adult.
"We provide a lot of editorial assistance to our clients and have connections." Actively seeking fiction, current affairs, history, art, popular culture, health and business. Does not want to receive screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by either e-mail or snail mail. For fiction, send a query and 1-3 chapters (pasted). For nonfiction, send query or proposal. Accepts simultaneous submissions. “If you do not hear from us within 3 months, please assume that your work is out of active consideration.” Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
RECENT SALES Clients include Shelby Foote, The Grief Recovery Institute, Don Wade, Don Zimmer, The Knot.com, David Plowden, PGA of America, Danny Peary, George Kalinsky, Peter Hyman, Daniel Parker, Lee Miller, Elise Miller, Nina Planck, Karyn Bosnak, Christopher Pike, Gerald Carbone, Jason Lethcoe, Andy Crouch.
TIPS “Please check out our website for more details on our agency.”
B.J. ROBBINS LITERARY AGENCY
5130 Bellaire Ave., North Hollywood CA 91607-2908. E-mail: Robbinsliterary@gmail.com. E-mail: angeline.bjrobbinsliterary@gmail.com. Contact: (Ms.) B.J. Robbins, or Amy Maldonado. Member of AAR. Represents 40 clients. 50% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 50%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, cultural interests, current affairs, dance, ethnic, film, health, humor, investigative, medicine, memoirs, music, popular culture, psychology, self-help, sociology, sports, theater, travel, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: crime, detective, ethnic, literary, mainstream, mystery, police, sports, suspense, thriller.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Submit outline/proposal, 3 sample chapters, SASE. Accepts e-mail queries (no attachments). Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2-6 weeks to queries. Responds in 6-8 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through conferences, referrals.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 3-month notice must be given to terminate contract. This agency charges clients for postage and photocopying (only after sale of ms).
RECENT SALES Shake Down the Stars and A Pinch Of Ooh La La, by Renee Swindle (Nal); Headhunters On My Doorstep, by J. Maarten Troost (Gotham); The Sinatra Club, by Sal Polisi and Steve Dougherty (Gallery Books); Blood Of Heroes, by James Donovan (Little, Brown); Little Bighorn, by John Hough Jr. (Arcade; The Paris Deadline, by Max Byrd (Turner); Blood Brothers, by Deanne Stillman (Simon & Schuster).
WRITERS CONFERENCES Squaw Valley Writers Workshop; San Diego State University Writers’ Conference.
THE ROBBINS OFFICE, INC.
405 Park Ave., 9th Floor, New York NY 10022. (212)223-0720. Fax: (212)223-2535. Website: www.robbinsoffice.com. Contact: Kathy P. Robbins, owner.
MEMBER AGENTS Kathy P. Robbins; David Halpern.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: history, politics, journalism, regional interest, memoirs.
This agency specializes in selling serious nonfiction as well as commercial and literary fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Accepts submissions by referral only. Do not cold query this market.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 15% commission on foreign sales. Agent receives 15% commission on film sales. Bills back specific expenses incurred in doing business for a client.
RODEEN LITERARY MANAGEMENT
3501 N. Southport #497, Chicago IL 60657. E-mail: submissions@rodeenliterary.com. E-mail: submissions@rodeenliterary.com. Website: www.rodeenliterary.com. Contact: Paul Rodeen. Estab. 2009.
Paul Rodeen established Rodeen Literary Management in 2009 after 7 years of experience with the literary agency Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, juvenile books, illustrations, graphic novels. Considers these fiction areas: middle grade, picture books, young adult, graphic novels, comics.
Actively seeking "writers and illustrators of all genres of children’s literature including picture books, early readers, middle grade fiction and nonfiction, graphic novels and comic books, as well as young adult fiction and nonfiction." This is primarily an agency devoted to children's books.
HOW TO CONTACT Unsolicited submissions are accepted by e-mail only to submissions@rodeenliterary.com. Cover letters with synopsis and contact information should be included in the body of your e-mail. An initial submission of 50 pages from a novel or a longer work of nonfiction will suffice and should be pasted into the body of your e-mail. Electronic portfolios from illustrators are accepted but please keep the images at 72 dpi—a link to your website or blog is also helpful. Electronic picture book dummies and picture book texts are accepted. Graphic novels and comic books are accepted. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Response time varies.
ROGERS, COLERIDGE & WHITE
20 Powis Mews, London England W11 1JN United Kingdom. (44)(207)221-3717. Fax: (44)(207)229-9084. E-mail: info@rcwlitagency.co.uk. Website: www.rcwlitagency.co.uk. Contact: David Miller, agent. Estab. 1987.
Prior to opening the agency, Ms. Rogers was an agent with Peter Janson-Smith; Ms. Coleridge worked at Sidgwick & Jackson, Chatto & Windus, and Anthony Sheil Associates; Ms. White was an editor and rights director for Simon & Schuster; Mr. Straus worked at Hodder and Stoughton, Hamish Hamilton, and Macmillan; Mr. Miller worked as Ms. Rogers' assistant and was treasurer of the AAA; Ms. Waldie worked with Carole Smith.
MEMBER AGENTS Deborah Rogers; Gill Coleridge; Pat White (illustrated and children’s books); Peter Straus; David Miller; Zoe Waldie (fiction, biography, current affairs, narrative history); Laurence Laluyaux (foreign rights); Stephen Edwards (foreign rights); Peter Robinson; Sam Copeland; Catherine Pellegrino; Hannah Westland; Jenny Hewson.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, juvenile. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, cooking, current affairs, diet/nutrition, foods, humor, satire, sports, narrative history. Considers these fiction areas: most fiction categories.
"YA and children's fiction should be submitted via e-mail to clairewilson@rcwlitagency.com. We do not accept any other e-mail submissions unless by prior arrangement with individual agents." Does not want to receive plays, screenplays, technical books or educational books.
HOW TO CONTACT “Submit synopsis, proposal, sample chapters, bio, SAE by mail. Submissions should include a cover letter with brief bio and the background to the book. In the case of fiction, they should consist of the first 3 chapters or approximately the first 50 pages of the work to a natural break, and a brief synopsis. Nonfiction submissions should take the form of a proposal up to 20 pages in length explaining what the work is about and why you are best placed to write it. Material should be printed out in 12 point font, in double-spacing and on one side only of A4 paper. We cannot acknowledge receipt of material nor can we accept responsibility for anything you send us, so please retain a copy of material submitted. Material will be returned only if sent with an adequately stamped and sized SASE; if return postage is not provided the material will be recycled. We do not accept e-mail submissions unless by prior arrangement with individual agents. We will try to respond within 6-8 weeks of receipt of your material, but please appreciate that this isn’t always possible as we must give priority to the authors we already represent.” Responds in 6-8 weeks to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
LINDA ROGHAAR LITERARY AGENCY, LLC
133 High Point Dr., Amherst MA 01002. (413)256-1921. E-mail: contact@lindaroghaar.com. Website: www.lindaroghaar.com. Contact: Linda L. Roghaar. Member of AAR. Represents 50 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Roghaar worked in retail bookselling for 5 years and as a publishers' sales rep for 15 years.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books.
The Linda Roghaar Literary Agency represents authors with substantial messages and specializes in nonfiction. We sell to major, independent, and university presses. We are generalists, but we do not handle romance, horror, or science fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT We prefer e-queries. Please mention “Query” in the subject line, and do not include attachments. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives negotiable commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
THE ROSENBERG GROUP
23 Lincoln Ave., Marblehead MA 01945. (781)990-1341. Fax: (781)990-1344. Website: www.rosenberggroup.com. Contact: Barbara Collins Rosenberg. Estab. 1998. Member of AAR. Recognized agent of the RWA. Represents 25 clients. 15% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 30%, novels 30%, scholarly books 10%, 30% college textbooks.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Rosenberg was a senior editor for Harcourt.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, textbooks, college textbooks only. Considers these nonfiction areas: current affairs, foods, popular culture, psychology, sports, women’s issues, women’s studies, women’s health, wine/beverages. Considers these fiction areas: romance, women’s, chick lit.
Ms. Rosenberg is well-versed in the romance market (both category and single title). She is a frequent speaker at romance conferences. The Rosenberg Group is accepting new clients working in romance fiction (please see my Areas of Interest for specific romance subgenres), women’s fiction and chick lit. Does not want to receive inspirational, time travel, futuristic or paranormal.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via snail mail. Your query letter should not exceed one page in length. It should include the title of your work, the genre and/or subgenre; the manuscript’s word count; and a brief description of the work. If you are writing category romance, please be certain to let her know the line for which your work is intended. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Responds in 4-6 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 15% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 1-month notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges maximum of $350/year for postage and photocopying.
RECENT SALES Sold 27 titles in the last year.
WRITERS CONFERENCES RWA National Conference; BookExpo America.
NEW AGENT SPOTLIGHT
RACHAEL DILLON FRIED
(GREENBURGER ASSOCIATES)
greenburger.com
@RachDillonFried
ABOUT RACHAEL: After a stint with International Creative Management’s [now ICM Partners] live appearances division in Los Angeles, Rachael embraced her love of books and relocated to New York City to pursue a career in literary representation. She landed at Sanford Greenburger. Rachael is a Rhode Island native and graduate of Brown University.
SHE IS SEEKING: both fiction and nonfiction authors, with a keen interest in unique literary voices, women’s fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and comedy.
HOW TO QUERY: rfried@sjga.com.
RITA ROSENKRANZ LITERARY AGENCY
440 West End Ave., #15D, New York NY 10024. (212)873-6333. Website: www.ritarosenkranzliteraryagency.com. Contact: Rita Rosenkranz. Member of AAR. Represents 35 clients. 30% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 99%, novels 1%.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Rosenkranz worked as an editor at major New York publishing houses.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, anthropology, art, autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, computers, cooking, crafts, cultural interests, current affairs, dance, decorating, economics, ethnic, film, gay, government, health, history, hobbies, how-to, humor, inspirational, interior design, language, law, lesbian, literature, medicine, military, money, music, nature, parenting, personal improvement, photography, popular culture, politics, psychology, religious, satire, science, self-help, sports, technology, theater, war, women’s issues, women’s studies.
"This agency focuses on adult nonfiction, stresses strong editorial development and refinement before submitting to publishers, and brainstorms ideas with authors." Actively seeks authors who are well paired with their subject, either for professional or personal reasons.
HOW TO CONTACT Send query letter only (no proposal) via regular mail or e-mail. Submit proposal package with SASE only on request. No fax queries. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Obtains most new clients through directory listings, solicitations, conferences, word of mouth.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 3 years; 3-month written notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges clients for photocopying. Makes referrals to editing services.
RECENT SALES Recently released and forthcoming books include Replacement Child: A Memoir, by Judy Mandel (Seal Press); A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math (Even if You Flunked Algebra), by Barbara Oakley (Tarcher); A Century at Wrigley Field, by Sam Pathy (Skyhorse); Breakthrough Communication, by Harrison Monarth (McGraw-Hill).
TIPS “Identify the current competition for your project to make sure the project is valid. A strong cover letter is very important.”
ANDY ROSS LITERARY AGENCY
767 Santa Ray Ave., Oakland CA 94610. (510)238-8965. E-mail: andyrossagency@hotmail.com. Website: www.andyrossagency.com. Contact: Andy Ross. Member of AAR. Represents 30 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, scholarly. Considers these nonfiction areas: anthropology, autobiography, biography, child guidance, creative nonfiction, cultural interests, current affairs, education, environment, ethnic, government, history, language, law, literature, military, parenting, popular culture, politics, psychology, science, sociology, technology, war. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, juvenile, literary.
"This agency specializes in general nonfiction, politics and current events, history, biography, journalism and contemporary culture." Actively seeking literary, commercial, and young adult fiction. Does not want to receive personal memoir, poetry.
HOW TO CONTACT Queries should be less than half page. Please put the word “query” in the title header of the e-mail. In the first sentence, state the category of the project. Give a short description of the book and your qualifications for writing. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 week to queries.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales through a subagent. Offers written contract.
ROSS YOON AGENCY
1666 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 500, Washington DC 20009. (202)328-3282. Fax: (202)328-9162. E-mail: submissions@rossyoon.com. Website: rossyoon.com. Contact: Jennifer Manguera. Member of AAR. Represents 200 clients. 75% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 95%.
MEMBER AGENTS Gail Ross (represents important commercial nonfiction in a variety of areas and counts top doctors, CEOs, prize-winning journalists, and historians among her clients. She and her team work closely with first-time authors; gail@rossyoon.com); Howard Yoon (nonfiction topics ranging from current events and politics to culture to religion and history, to smart business; he is also looking for commercial fiction by published authors; howard@rossyoon.com); Anna Sproul-Latimer (nonfiction).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books.
"This agency specializes in adult trade nonfiction."
HOW TO CONTACT “We are not accepting unsolicited submissions at this time. We only consider referrals from friends of the agency and/or clients.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 4-6 weeks to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Charges for office expenses.
JANE ROTROSEN AGENCY LLC
318 E. 51st St., New York NY 10022. (212)593-4330. Fax: (212)935-6985. Website: www.janerotrosen.com. Estab. 1974. Member of AAR. Other memberships include Authors Guild. Represents more than 100 clients.
MEMBER AGENTS Jane Rotosen Berkey (not taking on clients); Andrea Cirillo, acirillo@janerotrosen.com (suspense and women’s fiction); Annelise Robey, arobey@janerotrosen.com (women’s fiction, suspense, mystery, literary fiction and the occasional nonfiction project); Meg Ruley, mruley@janerotrosen.com (women’s fiction as well as suspense, thrillers, and mystery); Christina Hogrebe, chogrebe@janerotrosen.com; Amy Tannenbaum, atannenbaum@janerotrosen.com (contemporary romance and new adult; Amy is particularly interested in those areas, as well as women’s fiction that falls into that sweet spot between literary and commercial).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these fiction areas: literary, mystery, new adult, romance, suspense, thriller, women’s.
HOW TO CONTACT Agent submission e-mail addresses are different. Send a query letter, a brief synopsis, and up to three chapters of your novel or the proposal for nonfiction. No attachments. Responds in 2 weeks to writers who have been referred by a client or colleague. Responds in 2 months to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 3 years; 2-month notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges clients for photocopying, express mail, overseas postage, book purchase.
THE DAMARIS ROWLAND AGENCY
420 E. 23rd St., Suite 6F, New York NY 10010. Contact: Damaris Rowland. Member of AAR.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels.
This agency specializes in women's fiction, literary fiction and nonfiction, and pop fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with synopsis, SASE. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
THE RUDY AGENCY
825 Wildlife Lane, Estes Park CO 80517. (970)577-8500. Fax: (970)577-8600. E-mail: mak@rudyagency.com; fred@rudyagency.com. Website: www.rudyagency.com. Contact: Maryann Karinch. Adheres to AAR canon of ethics. Represents 15 clients. 50% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Karinch was, and continues to be, an author of nonfiction books—covering the subjects of health/medicine and human behavior. Prior to that, she was in public relations and marketing: areas of expertise she also applies in her practice as an agent.
MEMBER AGENTS Maryann Karinch; Fred Tribuzzo (fiction: thrillers, historical).
REPRESENTS nonfiction, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: anthropology, archeology, autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, computers, cultural interests, current affairs, economics, education, ethnic, gay/lesbian, government, health, history, how-to, language, law, literature, medicine, memoirs, military, money, music, parenting, popular culture, politics, psychology, science, sociology, sports, technology, true crime, war, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: historical, thriller.
"We support authors from the proposal stage through promotion of the published work. We work in partnership with publishers to promote the published work and coach authors in their role in the marketing and public relations campaigns for the book." Actively seeking projects with social value, projects that open minds to new ideas and interesting lives, and projects that entertain through good storytelling. Does not want to receive poetry, children's/juvenile books, screenplays/plays, art/photo books, novellas, religion books, and joke books or books that fit in to the impulse buy/gift book category.
HOW TO CONTACT “Query us. If we like the query, we will invite a complete proposal (or complete ms if writing fiction). No phone queries.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 8 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year.
RECENT SALES Toy Time! by Christopher Byrne (Random House); Lead with a Story, by Paul Smith (Amacom); Forging Healthy Connections, by Trevor Crow (New Horizon Press); The Power of Paradox, by Deborah Schroeder-Saulnier (Career Press); Refeathering the Empty Nest, by Wendy Aronsson (Rowman & Littlefield); Own Your Cancer, by Peter Edelstein (Globe Pequot/Lyons), The Slaughter, by Ethan Gutmann (Prometheus Books).
TIPS “Present yourself professionally. I tell people all the time: Subscribe to Writer’s Digest (I do), because you will get good advice about how to approach an agent.”
REGINA RYAN PUBLISHING ENTERPRISES, INC.
251 Central Park W., 7D, New York NY 10024. (212)787-5589. E-mail: queries@reginaryanbooks.com. Website: www.reginaryanbooks.com. Contact: Regina Ryan. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Ryan was an editor at Alfred A. Knopf, editor-in-chief of Macmillan Adult Trade, and a book producer.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, architecture, gardening, government, history, law, memoirs, parenting, politics, psychology, travel, women’s issues, women’s studies, narrative nonfiction; natural history (especially birds and birding); popular science, adventure, lifestyle, business, sustainability, mind-body-spirit, relationships.
HOW TO CONTACT E-query. If the agency is interested, they will request more material. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Tries to respond in 1 month to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 15% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges clients for all out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., long distance calls, messengers, freight, copying) if it’s more than just a nominal amount.
RECENT SALES Backyard Bird Feeding, by Randi Minetor (Globe Pequot Press); In Search of Sacco and Vanzetti, by Susan Tejada (Univ. Press of New England); What’s Wrong With my Vegetable Garden?, by David Deardorff and Kathryn Wadsworth (Timber Press); When Johnny Comes Marching Home: What Vets Need, What They Don’t Need and What All of Us Can Do to Help, by Paula Caplan (MIT Press); Everything Changes: The Insider’s Guide to Cancer in Your 20’s and 30’s, by Kairol Rosenthal (Wiley); Angel of Death Row: My Life as a Death Penalty Defense Lawyer, by Andrea Lyon (Kaplan Publishing).
TIPS “An analysis of why your proposed book is different and better than the competition is essential; a sample chapter is helpful.”
THE SAGALYN AGENCY / ICM PARTNERS
1250 Connecticut Ave., 7th Floor, Washington DC 20036. E-mail: query@sagalyn.com. Website: www.sagalyn.com. Estab. 1980. Member of AAR. Currently handles: nonfiction books 85%, novels 5%, scholarly books 10%.
MEMBER AGENTS Raphael Sagalyn.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, creative nonfiction, economics, popular culture, science, technology. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, upmarket fiction.
"Our list includes upmarket nonfiction books in these areas: narrative history, biography, business, economics, popular culture, science, technology." No stage plays, screenplays, poetry, science fiction, fantasy, romance, children's books.
HOW TO CONTACT Please send e-mail queries only (no attachments). Include 1 of these words in the subject line: query, submission, inquiry.
TIPS “We receive 1,000-1,200 queries a year, which in turn lead to 2 or 3 new clients. See our website for sales information and recent projects.”
SALKIND LITERARY AGENCY
Part of Studio B, 734 Indiana St., Lawrence KS 66044. (785)371-0101. E-mail: neil@studiob.com; info@studiob.com. Website: www.salkindagency.com. Contact: Neil Salkind. Represents 200 clients. 25% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 60%, scholarly books 20%, textbooks 20%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Salkind authored numerous trade and textbooks.
MEMBER AGENTS Greg Aunapu, greg@studiob.com (nonfiction: biography, history, narrative, memoir, true-crime, adventure/true story, business/finance, current affairs, technology, pop culture, psychology, how-to, self-help, science, travel, pets/animals, relationships, parenting; fiction: commercial fiction, historical, thrillers/suspense, mystery, detective, adventure, humor, science-fiction, fantasy), Lynn Haller, lynn@studiob.com (technical, business, travel, self-help, health, photography, design, cooking, art, craft, politics, essays, culture, history, and textbooks); Neil J. Salkind, neil@studiob.com (general nonfiction).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, art, biography, business, cooking, crafts, creative nonfiction, cultural interests, current affairs, design, health, history, how-to, memoirs, money, parenting, photography, popular culture, politics, psychology, science, self-help, technology, travel, true crime. Considers these fiction areas: adventure, commercial, detective, fantasy, historical, humor, mystery, science fiction, suspense, thriller.
Greg Aunapu represents both fiction and nonfiction including true crime, technology, biography, history, narrative nonfiction, memoir (by people who have accomplished something great in their fields), finance, current affairs, politics, pop-culture, psychology, relationships, science and travel. Fiction includes suspense/thrillers, mystery, detective, adventure, humor, science-fiction and modern urban fantasy. Submission guidelines can be found at www.gregaunapu.com. Nonfiction queries should be in book-proposal format; fiction queries should include a complete book synopsis and the first 25 pages of the manuscript, and an author biography. He can be reached at greg@studiob.com. Lynn Haller represents nonfiction authors, with a special interest in business, technology, and how-to. Queries should include a book proposal, a bio, and writing samples. She can be reached at lynn@studiob.com. Malka Margolies represents predominantly nonfiction. Her interests include history, current events, cultural issues, religion/spirituality, nutrition and health, women's issues, parenting and the environment. She is not interested in science fiction, fantasy, how-to or children's books. She can be reached at malka@studiob.com. Neil J. Salkind represents these nonfiction areas: business, cooking, crafts, health, how-to, photography and visual arts, science and self-help. He also represents textbooks and scholarly books. Does not want "to receive book proposals based on ideas where potential authors have not yet researched what has been published."
HOW TO CONTACT Query electronically. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 15% commission on foreign sales.
VICTORIA SANDERS & ASSOCIATES
241 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 11 H, New York NY 10014. (212)633-8811. Fax: (212)633-0525. E-mail: queriesvsa@gmail.com. Website: www.victoriasanders.com. Contact: Victoria Sanders. Estab. 1992. Member of AAR. Signatory of WGA. Represents 135 clients. 25% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
MEMBER AGENTS Tanya McKinnon, Victoria Sanders, Chris Kepner, Bernadette Baker-Baughman.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, cultural interests, current affairs, ethnic, film, gay/lesbian, government, history, humor, law, literature, music, popular culture, politics, psychology, satire, theater, translation, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, contemporary issues, crime, ethnic, family saga, feminist, lesbian, literary, mainstream, mystery, new adult, picture books, thriller, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by e-mail only. “We will not respond to e-mails with attachments or attached files.”
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign/film sales. Offers written contract. Charges for photocopying, messenger, express mail. If in excess of $100, client approval is required.
RECENT SALES Sold 20+ titles in the last year.
TIPS “Limit query to letter (no calls) and give it your best shot. A good query is going to get a good response.”
SCHIAVONE LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
236 Trails End, West Palm Beach FL 33413-2135. (561)966-9294. Fax: (561)966-9294. E-mail: jendu77@aol.com; francinedelman@aol.com. Website: www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/profschia; blog site: www.schiavoneliteraryagencyinc.blogspot.com. Contact: Dr. James Schiavone, CEO, corporate offices in Florida; Jennifer DuVall, president, New York office; Francine Edelman, senior executive VP. Memberships include National Education Association. Represents 60+ clients. 2% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 49%, textbooks 1%.
Prior to opening his agency, Dr. Schiavone was a full professor of developmental skills at the City University of New York and author of 5 trade books and 3 textbooks. Jennifer DuVall has many years of combined experience in office management and agenting.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, juvenile, scholarly, textbooks. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, anthropology, archeology, autobiography, biography, child guidance, cultural interests, current affairs, education, environment, ethnic, gay/lesbian, government, health, history, how-to, humor, investigative, juvenile nonfiction, language, law, literature, medicine, military, parenting, popular culture, politics, psychology, satire, science, sociology, spirituality, true crime. Considers these fiction areas: ethnic, family saga, historical, horror, humor, juvenile, literary, mainstream, science fiction, young adult.
This agency specializes in celebrity biography and autobiography and memoirs. Does not want to receive poetry.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Do not send unsolicited materials or parcels requiring a signature. Send no e-attachments. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Responds in 6 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges clients for postage only.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Key West Literary Seminar; South Florida Writers’ Conference; Tallahassee Writers’ Conference, Million Dollar Writers’ Conference; Alaska Writers Conference.
TIPS “We prefer to work with established authors published by major houses in New York. We will consider marketable proposals from new/previously unpublished writers.”
WENDY SCHMALZ AGENCY
402 Union St., #831, Hudson NY 12534. (518)672-7697. E-mail: wendy@schmalzagency.com. Website: www.schmalzagency.com. Contact: Wendy Schmalz. Estab. 2002. Member of AAR.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: Many nonfiction subjects are of interest to this agency. Considers these fiction areas: literary, mainstream, middle grade, young adult.
Actively seeking young adult novels, middle grade novels. Obtains clients through recommendations from others. Not looking for picture books, science fiction or fantasy.
HOW TO CONTACT Accepts only e-mail queries. Paste all text into the e-mail. Do not attach the ms or sample chapters or synopsis. Replies to queries only if they want to read the ms. (2014: Not currently accepting submissions of genre fiction or children’s picture books.) If you do not hear from this agency within 6 weeks, consider that a no. Obtains clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% on foreign sales; 25% for Asian sales.
HAROLD SCHMIDT LITERARY AGENCY
415 W. 23rd St., #6F, New York NY 10011. Contact: Harold Schmidt, acquisitions. Estab. 1984. Member of AAR. Represents 3 clients.
REPRESENTS nonfiction, fiction. Considers these fiction areas: contemporary issues, gay, literary, original quality fiction with unique narrative voices, high quality psychological suspense and thrillers, likes offbeat/quirky.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by mail with SASE or e-mail; do not send material without being asked. No telephone or e-mail queries. We will respond if interested. Do not send material unless asked as it cannot be read or returned.
SUSAN SCHULMAN LITERARY AGENCY
454 W. 44th St., New York NY 10036. (212)713-1633. Fax: (212)581-8830. E-mail: schulmanqueries@yahoo.com. Website: www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/Schulman/. Contact: Susan Schulman. Estab. 1980. Member of AAR. Signatory of WGA. Other memberships include Dramatists Guild. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 25%, juvenile books 15%, stage plays 10%.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, cooking, ethnic, health, history, money, religious, science, travel, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: juvenile, literary, mainstream, women’s.
"We specialize in books for, by and about women and women's issues including nonfiction self-help books, fiction and theater projects. We also handle the film, television and allied rights for several agencies as well as foreign rights for several publishing houses." Actively seeking new nonfiction. Considers plays. Does not want to receive poetry, television scripts or concepts for television.
HOW TO CONTACT “For fiction: Query letter with outline and three sample chapters, resume and SASE. For nonfiction: Query letter with complete description of subject, at least one chapter, resume and SASE. Queries may be sent via regular mail or e-mail. Please do not submit queries via UPS or Federal Express. Please do not send attachments with e-mail queries.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 6 weeks to queries/mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
RECENT SALES Sold 50 titles in the last year; hundred of subsidiary rights deals.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Geneva Writers’ Conference (Switzerland); Columbus Writers’ Conference; Skidmore Conference of the Independent Women’s Writers Group.
TIPS “Keep writing!” Schulman describes her agency as “professional boutique, long-standing, eclectic.”
SCOVIL GALEN GHOSH LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
276 Fifth Ave., Suite 708, New York NY 10001. (212)679-8686. Fax: (212)679-6710. E-mail: info@sgglit.com. Website: www.sgglit.com. Contact: Russell Galen. Estab. 1992. Member of AAR. Represents 300 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 60%, novels 40%.
MEMBER AGENTS Jack Scovil, jackscovil@sgglit.com; Russell Galen, russellgalen@sgglit.com (novels that stretch the bounds of reality; strong, serious nonfiction books on almost any subject that teach something new; no books that are merely entertaining, such as diet or pop psych books; serious interests include science, history, journalism, biography, business, memoir, nature, politics, sports, contemporary culture, literary nonfiction, etc.); Anna Ghosh (as of 2014 was in the process of leaving the agency to form her own agency; do not contact her at this agency anymore); Ann Behar, annbehar@sgglit.com (juvenile books for all ages).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: art, biography, business, creative nonfiction, cultural interests, foods, health, history, literature, memoirs, politics, psychology, religious, science, sports. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, juvenile, literary, women’s.
HOW TO CONTACT E-mail queries strongly preferred. “If you prefer to mail a hard copy letter, please include your e-mail address so we can reply by e-mail. Do not send SASE or anything else.” Note how each agent at this agency has their own submission e-mail. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
SCRIBBLERS HOUSE, LLC LITERARY AGENCY
P.O. Box 1007, Cooper Station, New York NY 10276-1007. (212)714-7744. E-mail: query@scribblershouse.net. Website: www.scribblershouse.net. Contact: Stedman Mays, Garrett Gambino. 25% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
MEMBER AGENTS Stedman Mays, Garrett Gambino.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, occasionally novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, diet/nutrition, economics, health, history, how-to, language, literature, medicine, memoirs, money, parenting, popular culture, politics, psychology, self-help, sex, spirituality, the brain; personal finance; writing books; relationships; gender issues. Considers these fiction areas: crime, historical, literary, suspense, thriller, women’s.
HOW TO CONTACT “Query via e-mail. Put ‘nonfiction query’ or ‘fiction query’ in the subject line followed by the title of your project (send to our submissions e-mail on our website). Do not send attachments or downloadable materials of any kind with query. We will request more materials if we are interested. Usually responds in 2 weeks to 2 months to e-mail queries if we are interested (if we are not interested, we will not respond due to the overwhelming amount of queries we receive). We are only accepting e-mail queries at the present time.” Accepts simultaneous submissions.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Charges clients for postage, shipping and copying.
TIPS “If you must send by snail mail, we will return material or respond to a U.S. Postal Service-accepted SASE. (No international coupons or outdated mail strips, please.) Presentation means a lot. A well-written query letter with a brief author bio and your credentials is important. For query letter models, go to the bookstore or online and look at the cover copy and flap copy on other books in your general area of interest. Emulate what’s best. Have an idea of other notable books that will be perceived as being in the same vein as yours. Know what’s fresh about your project and articulate it in as few words as possible. Consult our website for the most up-to-date information on submitting.”
SCRIBE AGENCY, LLC
5508 Joylynne Dr., Madison WI 53716. E-mail: whattheshizzle@scribeagency.com. E-mail: submissions@scribeagency.com. Website: www.scribeagency.com. Contact: Kristopher O’Higgins. Represents 11 clients. 18% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: novels 98%, story collections 2%.
"With more than 15 years experience in publishing, with time spent on both the agency and editorial sides, with marketing experience to boot, Scribe Agency is a full-service literary agency, working hands-on with its authors on their projects. Check the website (scribeagency.com) to make sure your work matches the Scribe aesthetic."
MEMBER AGENTS Kristopher O’Higgins.
REPRESENTS novels, anthologies. Considers these fiction areas: experimental, fantasy, feminist, horror, literary, mainstream, science fiction, thriller.
Actively seeking excellent writers with ideas and stories to tell.
HOW TO CONTACT E-queries only: submissions@scribeagency.com. See the website for submission info, as it may change. Responds in 3-4 weeks to queries. Responds in 5 months to mss.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges for postage and photocopying.
RECENT SALES Sold 3 titles in the last year.
WRITERS CONFERENCES BookExpo America; WisCon; Wisconsin Book Festival; World Fantasy Convention; WorldCon.
SECRET AGENT MAN
P.O. Box 1078, Lake Forest CA 92609. (949)698-6987. E-mail: query@secretagentman.net. Website: www.secretagentman.net. Contact: Scott Mortenson.
Selective mystery, thriller, suspense and detective fiction. Does not want to receive scripts or screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail only; include sample chapter(s), synopsis and/or outline. Prefers to read the real thing rather than a description of it. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
LYNN SELIGMAN, LITERARY AGENT
400 Highland Ave., Upper Montclair NJ 07043. (973)783-3631. Contact: Lynn Seligman. Other memberships include Women’s Media Group. Represents 32 clients. 15% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 60%, novels 40%.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Seligman worked in the subsidiary rights department of Doubleday and Simon & Schuster, and served as an agent with Julian Bach Literary Agency (which became IMG Literary Agency). Foreign rights are represented by Books Crossing Borders, Inc.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: interior, anthropology, art, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, current affairs, education, ethnic, government, health, history, how-to, humor, language, money, music, nature, photography, popular culture, psychology, science, self-help, sociology, film, true crime, women’s. Considers these fiction areas: detective, ethnic, fantasy, feminist, historical, horror, humor, literary, mainstream, mystery, romance, contemporary, gothic, historical, regency, science fiction.
"This agency specializes in general nonfiction and fiction. I also do illustrated and photography books and have represented several photographers for books."
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Prefers to read materials exclusively. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Responds in 2 months to mss. Obtains most new clients through referrals from other writers and editors.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Charges clients for photocopying, unusual postage, express mail, telephone expenses (checks with author first).
RECENT SALES Sold 15 titles in the last year. Lords of Vice series, by Barbara Pierce; Untitled series, by Deborah Leblanc.
SERENDIPITY LITERARY AGENCY, LLC
305 Gates Ave., Brooklyn NY 11216. (718)230-7689. Fax: (718)230-7829. E-mail: rbrooks@serendipitylit.com; info@serendipitylit.com. Website: www.serendipitylit.com; facebook.com/serendipitylit. Contact: Regina Brooks. Represents 50 clients. 50% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, other 50% fiction.
NEW AGENT SPOTLIGHT
SHANNON HASSAN
(MARSAL LYON LITERARY AGENCY)
marsallyonliteraryagency.com
@ShannonHassan
ABOUT SHANNON: Based in Boulder, Colorado, she is also eager to hear from authors with a unique perspective on the New West. Previously, Shannon was an agent at the Warner Literary Group, and an acquisitions editor at Fulcrum Publishing. Before entering the publishing world, she was a corporate attorney at Arnold & Porter in New York, and she received her J.D. from Harvard and her B.A. from George Washington University.
SHE IS SEEKING: literary and commercial fiction, young adult fiction, and select nonfiction. For nonfiction: She is interested in memoirists with exceptional stories to tell, as well as authors with a strong platform in current affairs, history, education, or law.
HOW TO QUERY: Shannon@MarsalLyonLiteraryAgency.com and write “Query” in the subject line. In all submissions, please include a contact phone number as well as your e-mail address.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Brooks was an acquisitions editor for John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and McGraw-Hill Companies.
MEMBER AGENTS Regina Brooks; Dawn Michelle Hardy (sports, pop culture, blog and trend, music, lifestyle and social science); Karen Thomas (narrative nonfiction, celebrity, pop culture, memoir, general fiction, women’s fiction, romance, mystery, self-help, inspirational, Christian-based fiction and nonfiction including Evangelical); John Weber (unique YA and middle grade); Folade Bell (literary and commercial women’s fiction, YA, literary mysteries & thrillers, historical fiction, African-American issues, gay/lesbian, Christian fiction, humor and books that deeply explore other cultures); Nadeen Gayle (romance, memoir, pop culture, inspirational/ religious, women’s fiction, parenting young adult, mystery and political thrillers, and all forms of nonfiction); Chelcee Johns (narrative nonfiction, investigative journalism, memoir, inspirational self-help, religion/spirituality, international, popular culture, and current affairs as well as literary and commercial fiction).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, juvenile, scholarly, children’s books. Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, current affairs, humor, inspirational, investigative, memoirs, music, parenting, popular culture, religious, self-help, spirituality, sports. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, gay, historical, humor, lesbian, literary, middle grade, mystery, romance, thriller, women’s, young adult.
African-American nonfiction, commercial fiction, young adult novels with an urban flair and juvenile books. No stage plays, screenplays or poetry.
HOW TO CONTACT Check the website, as there are online submission forms for fiction, nonfiction and juvenile. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through conferences, referrals.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 2-month notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges clients for office fees, which are taken from any advance.
RECENT SALES Putting Makeup on the Fat Boy, by Bil Wright; You Should Really Write a Book: How to Write Sell, and Market Your Memoir, by Regina Brooks; Living Color, by Nina Jablonski; Swirling, by Christelyn D. Kazarin and Janice R. Littlejohn; Red Thread Sisters, by Carol Peacock; Nicki Minaj: Hop Pop Moments 4 Life, by Isoul Harris; Forgotten Burial, by Jodi Foster.
TIPS “See the book Writing Great Books for Young Adults.”
SEVENTH AVENUE LITERARY AGENCY
2052-124th St., South Surrey BC Canada. (604)538-7252. Fax: (604)538-7252. E-mail: info@seventhavenuelit.com. Website: www.seventhavenuelit.com. Contact: Robert Mackwood, director. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, business, computers, economics, health, history, medicine, science, sports, technology, travel.
Seventh Avenue Literary Agency is both a literary agency and personal management agency. (The agency was originally called Contemporary Management.) Actively seeking nonfiction. Does not want to receive fiction, poetry, screenplays, children’s books, young adult titles, or genre writing such as science fiction, fantasy or erotica.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Submit outline, synopsis, 1 sample chapter (nonfiction), publishing history, author bio, table of contents with proposal or query. Provide full contact information. Let us know the submission history. No fiction. Obtains most clients through recommendations from others, some solicitations. Does not add many new clients.
TIPS “If you want your material returned, please include an SASE with adequate postage; otherwise, material will be recycled. (U.S. stamps are not adequate; they do not work in Canada.)”
THE SEYMOUR AGENCY
475 Miner St., Canton NY 13617. (315)386-1831. E-mail: marysue@twcny.rr.com; nicole@theseymouragency.com. Website: www.theseymouragency.com. Contact: Mary Sue Seymour, Nicole Resciniti. Member of AAR. Signatory of WGA. Other memberships include RWA, Authors Guild. Represents 50 clients. 5% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, other 50% fiction.
Ms. Seymour is a retired New York State certified teacher. Ms. Resciniti was recently named "Agent of the Year" by the ACFW.
MEMBER AGENTS Mary Sue Seymour (accepts queries in Christian, inspirational, romance, and nonfiction); Nicole Resciniti (accepts all genres of romance, young adult, middle grade, new adult, suspense, thriller, mystery, sci-fi, fantasy).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: business, health, how-to, self-help, Christian books; cookbooks; any well-written nonfiction that includes a proposal in standard format and 1 sample chapter. Considers these fiction areas: action, fantasy, middle grade, mystery, new adult, religious, romance, science fiction, suspense, thriller, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT For Mary Sue: E-query with synopsis, first 50 pages for romance. Accepts e-mail queries. For Nicole: E-mail the query plus first 5 pages of the manuscript. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries. Responds in 3 months to mss.
TERMS Agent receives 12-15% commission on domestic sales.
RECENT SALES Sales include: New York Times best-selling Author Shelley Shepard Gray 8-book deal to Harper Collins; Jen Turano 3-book deal to Bethany House, Pat Trainum’s 4-book deal to Revell; Jennifer Beckstrand’s 6- book deal to Kensington Publishing; Amy Lillard’s 3-Book Deal To Kensington Publishing; Vannetta Chapman’s Multi-Book Deal to Zondervan; Jerry Eicher’s3-book deal to Harvest House; Mary Ellis’s 3-Book Deal To Harvest House; NYT bestseller Julie Ann Walker’s next four books in her Black Knights Inc series; Melissa Lander’s YA sci-fi, Alienated, to Disney/Hyperion; and Kate Meader’s new contemporary romance series to Pocket/Gallery.
DENISE SHANNON LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
20 W. 22nd St., Suite 1603, New York NY 10010. (212)414-2911. Fax: (212)414-2930. E-mail: info@deniseshannonagency.com. E-mail: submissions@deniseshannonagency.com. Website: www.deniseshannonagency.com. Contact: Denise Shannon. Estab. 2002. Member of AAR.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Shannon worked for 16 years with Georges Borchardt and International Creative Management.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, health, narrative nonfiction; politics; journalism; memoir; social history. Considers these fiction areas: literary.
"We are a boutique agency with a distinguished list of fiction and nonfiction authors."
HOW TO CONTACT “Queries may be submitted by post, accompanied by an SASE, or by e-mail to submissions@deniseshannonagency.com. Please include a description of the available book project and a brief bio including details of any prior publications. We will reply and request more material if we are interested. We request that you inform us if you are submitting material simultaneously to other agencies.”
RECENT SALES My New American Life, by Francine Prose (Harper); Swamplandia!, by Karen Russell (Knopf); The Girls of No Return, by Erin Saldin (Scholastic); Everyone But You, by Sandra Novack (Random House).
TIPS “Please do not send queries regarding fiction projects until a complete manuscript is available for review. We request that you inform us if you are submitting material simultaneously to other agencies.”
KEN SHERMAN & ASSOCIATES
1275 N. Hayworth, Ste. 103, Los Angeles CA 90046. (310)273-8840. Fax: (310)271-2875. E-mail: kenshermanassociates@gmail.com. Website: www.kenshermanassociates.com/. Contact: Ken Sherman. Memberships include BAFTA, PEN International; signatory of WGA. Represents approximately 35 clients. clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to opening his agency, Mr. Sherman was with The William Morris Agency, The Lantz Office and Paul Kohner, Inc. He has taught The Business of Writing For Film and Television and The Book Worlds at UCLA and USC. He also lectures extensively at writer's conferences and film festivals around the U.S. He is currently a Commissioner of Arts and Cultural Affairs in the city of West Hollywood, and is on the International Advisory Board of the Christopher Isherwood Foundation.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, movie, tv, not episodic drama, teleplays, life rights, film/TV rights to books and life rights. Considers these nonfiction areas: agriculture horticulture, Americana, crafts, interior, newage, young, animals, anthropology, art, biography, business, child, computers, cooking, current affairs, education, ethnic, gardening, gay, government, health, history, how to, humor, language, memoirs, military, money, multicultural, music, nature, philosophy, photography, popular culture, psychology, recreation, regional, religion, science, self-help, sex, sociology, software, spirituality, sports, film, translation, travel, true crime, women’s, creative nonfiction. Considers these fiction areas: glitz, new age, psychic, adventure, comic, confession, detective, erotica, ethnic, experimental, family, fantasy, feminist, gay, gothic, hi lo, historical, horror, humor, literary, mainstream, military, multicultural, multimedia, mystery, occult, picture books, plays, poetry, poetry translation, regional, religious, romance, science, short, spiritual, sports, thriller, translation, western, young adult. Considers these script areas: action, biography, cartoon, comedy, contemporary, detective, erotica, ethnic, experimental, family, fantasy, feminist, gay, glitz, historical, horror, mainstream, multicultural, multimedia, mystery, psychic, regional, religious, romantic comedy, romantic drama, science, sports, teen, thriller, western.
HOW TO CONTACT Contact by referral only. Reports in approximately 1 month to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 15% commission on foreign sales. Agent receives 10-15% commission on film sales. Offers written contract. Charges clients for reasonable office expenses (postage, photocopying, etc.).
RECENT SALES Sold more than 20 scripts in the last year. Back Roads, by Tawni O’Dell with Adrian Lyne set to direct; Priscilla Salyers Story, produced by Andrea Baynes (ABC); Toys of Glass, by Martin Booth (ABC/Saban Entertainment); Brazil, by John Updike (film rights to Glaucia Carmagos); Fifth Sacred Thing, by Starhawk (Bantam), with Starhawk adapting her book into a screenplay; Questions From Dad, by Dwight Twilly (Tuttle); Snow Falling on Cedars, by David Guterson (Universal Pictures); The Witches f Eastwick—The Musical, by John Updike (Cameron Macintosh, Ltd.); Rabbit/HBO-1-Hr Series, John Updike.
WRITERS CONFERENCES Maui Writers’ Conference; Squaw Valley Writers’ Workshop; Santa Barbara Writers’ Conference; Screenwriting Conference in Santa Fe; Aspen Summer Words Literary Festival (The Aspen Institute and the San Francisco Writer’s Conference); San Francisco Writers’ Conference; Chautaq UA Writers’ Conference.
WENDY SHERMAN ASSOCIATES, INC.
27 W. 24th St., Suite 700B, New York NY 10010. (212)279-9027. E-mail: wendy@wsherman.com. E-mail: submissions@wsherman.com. Website: www.wsherman.com. Contact: Wendy Sherman; Kim Perel. Member of AAR. Represents 50 clients.
Prior to opening the agency, Ms. Sherman served as vice president, executive director, associate publisher, subsidiary rights director, and sales and marketing director for major publishers.
MEMBER AGENTS Wendy Sherman (board member of AAR), Kim Perel.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction, foods, humor, memoirs, parenting, popular culture, psychology, self-help, narrative nonfiction. Considers these fiction areas: mainstream fiction that hits the sweet spot between literary and commercial.
"We specialize in developing new writers, as well as working with more established writers. My experience as a publisher has proven to be a great asset to my clients."
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail only. “We ask that you include your last name, title, and the name of the agent you are submitting to in the subject line. For fiction, please include a query letter and your first 10 pages copied and pasted in the body of the e-mail. We will not open attachments unless they have been requested. For nonfiction, please include your query letter and author bio. Due to the large number of e-mail submissions that we receive, we can only reply to e-mail queries in the affirmative. We respectfully ask that you do not send queries to our individual e-mail addresses.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from other writers.
TERMS Agent receives standard 15% commission. Offers written contract.
RECENT SALES Z, A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, by Therese Anne Fowler; The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow, by Rita Leganski; Together Tea, by Marjan Kamali; A Long Long Time Ago and Essentially True, by Brigid Pasulka; Illuminations, by Mary Sharratt; The Accounting, by William Lashner; Lunch in Paris, by Elizabeth Bard; The Rules of Inheritance, by Claire Bidwell Smith; Love in Ninety Days, by Dr. Diana Kirschner; The Wow Factor, by Jacqui Stafford; Humor Memoirs, by Wade Rouse.
TIPS “The bottom line is: Do your homework. Be as well prepared as possible. Read the books that will help you present yourself and your work with polish. You want your submission to stand out.”
ROSALIE SIEGEL, INTERNATIONAL LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
1 Abey Dr., Pennington NJ 08534. (609)737-1007. Fax: (609)737-3708. E-mail: rosalie@rosaliesiegel.com. Website: rosaliesiegel.com. Contact: Rosalie Siegel. Member of AAR. Represents 35 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
HOW TO CONTACT “Please note that we are no longer accepting submissions of new material.” Obtains most new clients through referrals from writers and friends.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 2-month notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges clients for photocopying.
RECENT SALES Mud Season, by Ellen Stimson (Norton).
JEFFREY SIMMONS LITERARY AGENCY
15 Penn House, Mallory St., London NW8 8SX England. (44)(207)224-8917. E-mail: jasimmons@unicombox.co.uk. Contact: Jeffrey Simmons. Represents 43 clients. 40% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 65%, novels 35%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Simmons was a publisher. He is also an author.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, current affairs, film, government, history, language, memoirs, music, popular culture, sociology, sports, translation, true crime. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, confession, crime, detective, family saga, literary, mainstream, mystery, police, suspense, thriller.
"This agency seeks to handle good books and promising young writers. My long experience in publishing and as an author and ghostwriter means I can offer an excellent service all around, especially in terms of editorial experience where appropriate." Actively seeking quality fiction, biography, autobiography, showbiz, personality books, law, crime, politics, and world affairs. Does not want to receive science fiction, horror, fantasy, juvenile, academic books, or specialist subjects (e.g., cooking, gardening, religious).
HOW TO CONTACT Submit sample chapter, outline/proposal, SASE (IRCs if necessary). Prefers to read materials exclusively. Responds in one week to queries. Responds in one month to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 10-15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 15% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for lifetime of book in question or until it becomes out of print.
TIPS “When contacting us with an outline/proposal, include a brief biographical note (listing any previous publications, with publishers and dates). Preferably tell us if the book has already been offered elsewhere.”
BEVERLEY SLOPEN LITERARY AGENCY
131 Bloor St. W., Suite 711, Toronto ON M5S 1S3 Canada. (416)964-9598. E-mail: beverly@slopenagency.ca. Website: www.slopenagency.ca. Contact: Beverley Slopen. Represents 70 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Slopen worked in publishing and as a journalist.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, scholarly. Considers these nonfiction areas: anthropology, archeology, autobiography, biography, business, creative nonfiction, current affairs, economics, investigative, psychology, sociology, true crime. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, mystery, suspense.
"This agency has a strong bent toward Canadian writers." Actively seeking serious nonfiction that is accessible and appealing to the general reader. Does not want to receive fantasy, science fiction, or children's books.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by e-mail. Returns materials only with SASE (Canadian postage only). To submit a work for consideration, e-mail a short query letter and a few sample pages. Submit only one work at a time. If we want to see more, we will contact the writer by phone or e-mail. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 months to queries.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 10% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 2 years; 3-month notice must be given to terminate contract.
RECENT SALES Solar Dance, by Modris Eksteins (Knopf Canada, Harvard University Press); The Novels, by Terry Fallis; God’s Brain, by Lionel Tiger & Michael McGuire (Prometheus Books); What They Wanted, by Donna Morrissey (Penguin Canada, Premium/DTV Germany); The Age of Persuasion, by Terry O’Reilly & Mike Tennant (Knopf Canada, Counterpoint US); Prisoner of Tehran, by Marina Nemat (Penguin Canada, Free Press US, John Murray UK); Race to the Polar Sea, by Ken McGoogan (HarperCollins Canada, Counterpoint US); Transgression, by James Nichol (HarperCollins US, McArthur Canada, Goldmann Germany); Midwife of Venice and The Harem Midwife, by Roberta Rich; Vermeer’s Hat, by Timothy Brook (HarperCollins Canada, Bloomsbury US); Distantly Related to Freud, by Ann Charney (Cormorant).
TIPS “Please, no unsolicited manuscripts.”
SLW LITERARY AGENCY
4100 Ridgeland Ave., Northbrook IL 60062. (847)509-0999. Fax: (847)509-0996. E-mail: shariwenk@swenkagency.com. Contact: Shari Wenk. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: sports.
"This agency specializes in representing books written by sports celebrities and sports writers."
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail, but note the agency’s specific specialty.
VALERIE SMITH, LITERARY AGENT
1746 Route 44-55, Box 160, Modena NY 12548. Contact: Valerie Smith. Represents 17 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 2%, novels 75%, story collections 1%, juvenile books 20%, scholarly books 1%, textbooks 1%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, juvenile, textbooks. Considers these nonfiction areas: agriculture horticulture, cooking, how-to, self-help. Considers these fiction areas: fantasy, historical, juvenile, literary, mainstream, mystery, science, young, women’s/chick lit.
"This is a small, personalized agency with a strong long-term commitment to clients interested in building careers. I have strong ties to science fiction, fantasy and young adult projects. I look for serious, productive writers whose work I can be passionate about." Does not want to receive unsolicited mss.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with synopsis, bio, 3 sample chapters, SASE. Contact by snail mail only. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 6-week notice must be given to terminate contract.
ROBERT SMITH LITERARY AGENCY, LTD.
12 Bridge Wharf, 156 Caledonian Rd., London NI 9UU England. (44)(207)278-2444. Fax: (44)(207)833-5680. E-mail: robertsmith.literaryagency@virgin.net. Contact: Robert Smith. Other memberships include AAA. Represents 40 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 80%, syndicated material 20%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Smith was a book publisher (Ebury Press, Sidgwick & Jackson, Smith Gryphon).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, syndicated material. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, cooking, diet/nutrition, film, foods, health, investigative, medicine, memoirs, music, popular culture, self-help, sports, theater, true crime, entertainment.
"This agency offers clients full management service in all media. Clients are not necessarily book authors. Our special expertise is in placing newspaper series internationally." Actively seeking autobiographies.
HOW TO CONTACT Submit outline/proposal, SASE (IRCs if necessary). Prefers to read materials exclusively. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, direct approaches to prospective authors.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 3 months; 3-month notice must be given to terminate contract. Charges clients for couriers, photocopying, overseas mailings of mss (subject to client authorization).
RECENT SALES The Last Torpedo Flyers, by Arthur Aldridge with Mark Ryan (Simon & Schuster); Shamed, by Sarbjit Kaur Athwal (Virgin Books); Many a True Word, by Richard Anthony Baker (Headline); The Ghosts of Happy Valley, by Juliet Barnes (Aurum Press); Fast Exercise, by Peta Bee (and Dr. Michael Mosley) (Short Books); The Food Swap Diet, by Peta Bee (Piatkus); The Complete and Essential Jack the Ripper, by Paul Begg and John Bennett (Penguin); The Complete Jack The Ripper A-Z, by Paul Begg, Martin Fido, and Keith Skinner (John Blake Publishing); My James, by Ralph Bulger with Rosie Dunn (Macmillan); The Autobiography Of Jack the Ripper, by James Carnac (Transworld); Seven Years with Banksy, by Robert Clarke (Michael O’Mara); The Best Medicine, by Georgie Edwards (Ebury Press); Confessions of an Essex Girl, by Becci Fox (Macmillan); The News Is Read, by Charlotte Green (The Robson Press); Bad Girl, by Roberta Kray (Sphere); Streetwise, by Roberta Kray (Sphere); Hitler’s Valkyrie, by David R.L. Litchfield (The History Press); Down But Not Out, by Maurice Mayne with Mark Ryan (The History Press); History’s Narrowest Escapes, by James Moore and Paul Nero (The History Press); All Of Me, by Kim Noble (Piatkus); Enter the Dragon, by Theo Paphitis (Orion).
MICHAEL SNELL LITERARY AGENCY
P.O. Box 1206, Truro MA 02666-1206. (508)349-3718. E-mail: patricia@michaelsnellagency.com. Website: michaelsnellagency.com. Contact: Michael Snell. Represents 200 clients. 25% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to opening his agency in 1978, Mr. Snell served as an editor at Wadsworth and Addison-Wesley for 13 years.
MEMBER AGENTS Michael Snell (business, leadership, entrepreneurship, pets, sports); Patricia Snell, (business, business communications, parenting, relationships, health).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: business (all categories, all levels), creative nonfiction, health, how-to, self-help, women’s issues, fitness.
This agency specializes in how-to, self-help, and all types of business, business leadership, entrepreneurship, and books for small-business owners from low-level how-to to professional and reference. Especially interested in business management, strategy, culture building, performance enhancement, marketing and sales, finance and investment, career development, executive skills, leadership, and organization development. Actively seeking strong book proposals in any area of business where a clear need exists for a new business book. Does not want to receive fiction, children's books, or complete mss (considers proposals only).
HOW TO CONTACT Query by mail with SASE, or e-mail. Visit the agency’s website for Proposal Guidelines. Only considers new clients on an exclusive basis. Responds in 1 week to queries. Responds in 2 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through unsolicited mss, word of mouth, Literary Market Place, Guide to Literary Agents.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 15% commission on foreign sales.
TIPS “Send a maximum 1-page query with SASE. Brochure on ‘How to Write a Book Proposal’ is available on request with SASE. We suggest prospective clients read Michael Snell’s book, From Book Idea to Bestseller (Prima, 1997), or visit the company’s website for detailed information on how to write a book proposal plus a downloadable model proposal.
SPECTRUM LITERARY AGENCY
320 Central Park W., Suite 1-D, New York NY 10025. Fax: (212)362-4562. Website: www.spectrumliteraryagency.com. Contact: Eleanor Wood, president. Estab. 1976. Member of SFWA. Represents 90 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 10%, novels 90%.
MEMBER AGENTS Eleanor Wood (referrals only), Justin Bell (science fiction, mysteries, nonfiction).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these fiction areas: mystery, science fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Snail mail query with SASE. Submit author bio, publishing credits. No unsolicited mss will be read. Responds in 1-3 months to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from authors.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Deducts for photocopying and book orders.
TIPS “Spectrum’s policy is to read only book-length manuscripts that we have specifically asked to see. Unsolicited manuscripts are not accepted. The letter should describe your book briefly and include publishing credits and background information or qualifications relating to your work, if any.”
SPENCERHILL ASSOCIATES
P.O. Box 374, Chatham NY 12037. (518)392-9293. Fax: (518)392-9554. E-mail: submissions@spencerhillassociates.com. Website: www.spencerhillassociates.com. Contact: Karen Solem or Nalini Akolekar. Member of AAR. Represents 96 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Solem was editor-in-chief at HarperCollins and an associate publisher.
MEMBER AGENTS Karen Solem; Nalini Akolekar.
REPRESENTS novels. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, erotica, literary, mainstream, mystery, paranormal, romance, thriller.
“We handle mostly commercial women's fiction, historical novels, romance (historical, contemporary, paranormal, urban fantasy), thrillers, and mysteries. We also represent Christian fiction only—no nonfiction.” No nonfiction, poetry, science fiction, children's picture books, or scripts.
HOW TO CONTACT “We accept electronic submissions and are no longer accepting paper queries. Please send us a query letter in the body of an e-mail, pitch us your project and tell us about yourself: Do you have prior publishing credits? Attach the first three chapters and synopsis preferably in .doc, rtf or txt format to your e-mail. Send all queries to submission@spencerhillassociates.com. We do not have a preference for exclusive submissions, but do appreciate knowing if the submission is simultaneous. We receive thousands of submissions a year and each query receives our attention. Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to each query individually. If we are interested in your work, we will contact you within 8 weeks.” Accepts simultaneous submissions.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 3-month notice must be given to terminate contract.
RECENT SALES A full list of sales and clients is available on the agency website.
THE SPIELER AGENCY
27 W. 20 St., Suite 305, New York NY 10011. E-mail: thespieleragency@gmail.com. Contact: Joe Spieler. Represents 160 clients. 2% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to opening his agency, Mr. Spieler was a magazine editor.
MEMBER AGENTS Eric Myers, eric@TheSpielerAgency.com (pop culture, memoir, history, thrillers, young adult, middle grade, new adult, and picture books (text only); Victoria Shoemaker, victoria@TheSpielerAgency.com (environment and natural history, popular culture, memoir, photography and film, literary fiction and poetry, and books on food and cooking); John Thornton, john@TheSpielerAgency.com (nonfiction); Joe Spieler, joe@TheSpielerAgency.com (nonfiction and fiction and books for children and young adults).
REPRESENTS novels, juvenile books. Considers these nonfiction areas: cooking, environment, film, foods, history, memoirs, photography, popular culture. Considers these fiction areas: literary, middle grade, New Age, picture books, thriller, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Before submitting projects to the Spieler Agency, check the listings of our individual agents and see if any particular agent shows a general interest in your subject (e.g. history, memoir, YA, etc.). Please send all queries either by e-mail or regular mail. If you query us by regular mail, we can only reply to you if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Cannot guarantee a personal response to all queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations, listing in Guide to Literary Agents.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Charges clients for messenger bills, photocopying, postage.
WRITERS CONFERENCES London Book Fair.
TIPS “Check www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/spielerlit/.”
PHILIP G. SPITZER LITERARY AGENCY, INC
50 Talmage Farm Lane, East Hampton NY 11937. (631)329-3650. Fax: (631)329-3651. E-mail: Luc.Hunt@spitzeragency.com. Website: www.spitzeragency.com. Contact: Luc Hunt. Member of AAR. Represents 60 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 35%, novels 65%.
Prior to opening his agency, Mr. Spitzer served at New York University Press, McGraw-Hill, and the John Cushman Associates literary agency.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, current affairs, history, politics, sports, travel. Considers these fiction areas: juvenile, literary, mainstream, suspense, thriller.
This agency specializes in mystery/suspense, literary fiction, sports and general nonfiction (no how-to).
HOW TO CONTACT E-mail or mail query containing synopsis of work, brief biography, and two sample chapters. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Responds in 6 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Charges clients for photocopying.
RECENT SALES Creole Belle by James Lee Burke (Simon & Schuster), Never Tell by Alafair Burke (HarperCollins), Townie, by Andre Dubus III (Norton), The Black Box, by Michael Connelly (Little, Brown & Co), Headstone, Ken Bruen (Mysterious Press/Grove-Atlantic), Mean Town Blues by Sam Reaves (Pegasus Books), The Fifth Season, by Donald Honig (Ivan Dee Publisher), The Big Town, by Monte Schulz (Fantagraphics Books), Assume Nothing, Gar Anthony Haywood (Severn House), Midnight Alley (Oceanview Publishing), My Brother’s Keeper, by Keith Gilman (Severn House), Fontana, by Joshua Martino (Bold Stroke Books), Everything Beautiful Began After, by Simon Van Booy (HarperPerennial).
WRITERS CONFERENCES London Bookfair, Frankfurt, BookExpo America.
NANCY STAUFFER ASSOCIATES
P.O. Box 1203, Darien CT 06820. (203)202-2500. E-mail: nancy@staufferliterary.com. Website: publishersmarketplace.com/members/nstauffer. Contact: Nancy Stauffer Cahoon. Other memberships include Authors Guild. Currently handles: nonfiction books 10%, novels 90%.
"Over the course of my more than 20 year career, I've held positions in the editorial, marketing, business, and rights departments of The New York Times, McGraw-Hill, and Doubleday. Before founding Nancy Stauffer Associates, I was Director of Foreign and Performing Rights then Director, Subsidiary Rights, for Doubleday, where I was honored to have worked with a diverse range of internationally known and bestselling authors of all genres."
HOW TO CONTACT Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through referrals from existing clients.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
RECENT SALES Blasphemy, by Sherman Alexie; Benediction, by Kent Haruf; Bone Fire, by Mark Spragg; The Carry Home, by Gary Ferguson.
STEELE-PERKINS LITERARY AGENCY
26 Island Ln., Canandaigua NY 14424. (585)396-9290. Fax: (585)396-3579. E-mail: pattiesp@aol.com. Contact: Pattie Steele-Perkins. Member of AAR. Other memberships include RWA. Currently handles: novels 100%.
REPRESENTS novels. Considers these fiction areas: romance, women’s, category romance, romantic suspense, historical, contemporary, multicultural, and inspirational.
HOW TO CONTACT Submit query along with synopsis and one chapter via e-mail (no attachments) or snail mail. Snail mail submissions require SASE. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, queries/solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year; 1-month notice must be given to terminate contract.
RECENT SALES Sold 130 titles last year. This agency prefers not to share specific sales information.
TIPS “Be patient. E-mail rather than call. Make sure what you are sending is the best it can be.”
STERLING LORD LITERISTIC, INC.
65 Bleecker St., 12th Floor, New York NY 10012. (212)780-6050. Fax: (212)780-6095. E-mail: info@sll.com. Website: www.sll.com. Estab. 1987. Member of AAR. Signatory of WGA. Represents 600 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 50%.
MEMBER AGENTS Philippa Brophy (represents journalists, nonfiction writers and novelists, and is most interested in current events, memoir, science, politics, biography, and women’s issues); Laurie Liss (represents authors of commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction whose perspectives are well developed and unique); Sterling Lord; Peter Matson; Douglas Stewart (primarily fiction and memoir, running the gamut from the innovatively literary to the unabashedly commercial); Neeti Madan (memoir, journalism, popular culture, lifestyle, women’s issues, multicultural books and virtually any intelligent writing on intriguing topics); Robert Guinsler (literary and commercial fiction [including YA], journalism, narrative nonfiction with an emphasis on pop culture, science and current events, memoirs and biographies); George Nicholson; Jim Rutman; Celeste Fine (expert, celebrity, and corporate clients with strong national and international platforms, particularly in the health, science, self-help, food, business, and lifestyle fields); Judy Heiblum (literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, history, and popular science); Erica Rand Silverman (specializes in representing authors and illustrators of children’s literature, picture books through YA, and adult nonfiction, with a special interest in parenting, DIY, emotional health and education); Caitlin McDonald; Mary Krienke.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, creative nonfiction, current affairs, education, history, memoirs, multicultural, parenting, popular culture, politics, science, women’s issues. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, juvenile, literary, middle grade, picture books, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via snail mail. “Please submit a query letter, a synopsis of the work, a brief proposal or the first three chapters of the manuscript, a brief bio or resume, and a stamped self-addressed envelope for reply. Original artwork is not accepted. Enclose sufficient postage if you wish to have your materials returned to you. We do not respond to unsolicited e-mail inquiries.” Responds in approximately 1 month.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
STERNIG & BYRNE LITERARY AGENCY
2370 S. 107th St., Apt. #4, Milwaukee WI 53227. (414)328-8034. Fax: (414)328-8034. E-mail: jackbyrne@hotmail.com. Website: www.sff.net/people/jackbyrne. Contact: Jack Byrne. Memberships include SFWA, MWA. Represents 30 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 5%, novels 90%, juvenile books 5%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, juvenile. Considers these fiction areas: fantasy, horror, mystery, science fiction, suspense.
"Our client list is comfortably full, and our current needs are therefore quite limited." Actively seeking science fiction/fantasy and mystery by established writers. Does not want to receive romance, poetry, textbooks, or highly specialized nonfiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Prefers e-mail queries (no attachments); hard copy queries also acceptable. Responds in 3 weeks to queries. Responds in 3 months to mss.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 2-month notice must be given to terminate contract.
TIPS “Don’t send first drafts, have a professional presentation (including cover letter), and know your field. Read what’s been done—good and bad.”
STIMOLA LITERARY STUDIO
308 Livingston Ct., Edgewater NJ 07020. E-mail: info@stimolaliterarystudio.com. Website: www.stimolaliterarystudio.com. Contact: Rosemary B. Stimola. Estab. 1997. Member of AAR. Represents 45 clients. 15% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: 10% novels, 90% juvenile books.
Agency is owned and operated by a former educator and children's bookseller with a PhD in Linguistics.
MEMBER AGENTS Rosemary B. Stimola.
Actively seeking remarkable young adult fiction and debut picture book author/illustrators. No institutional books.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail. “No attachments, please!” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 weeks to queries “we wish to pursue further.” Responds in 2 months to requested mss. While unsolicited queries are welcome, most clients come through editor, agent, client referrals.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% (if subagents are employed) commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for all children’s projects. 60 days notice must be given to terminate contract.
RECENT SALES The Vanishing Season, by Jodi Lynn Anderson (Harper Collins); A Year In The Jungle by Suzanne Collins and James Proimos; Hello! Hello! by Matt Cordell; Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg (Scholastic); Scare Scape by Sam Fisher (Scholastic); The Secret Hum Of A Daisy by Tracy Holczer (Putnam/Penguin); Vasya’s Noisy Paintbox by Barb Rosenstock and Mary Grand Pre; Chengdu Would Not Could Not Fall Asleep by Barney Saltzberg (Hyperion); Courage Has No Color by Tanya Lee Stone.
TIPS Agent is hands-on, no-nonsense. May request revisions. Does not line edit but may offer suggestions for improvement. Well-respected by clients and editors. “A firm but reasonable deal negotiator.”
STONESONG
270 W. 39th St. #201, New York NY 10018. (212)929-4600. Fax: (212)486-9123. E-mail: editors@stonesong.com. E-mail: submissions@stonesong.com. Website: stonesong.com.
MEMBER AGENTS Alison Fargis, Ellen Scordato, Judy Linden, Emmanuelle Morgen, Sarah Passick.
Does not represent plays, screenplays, or poetry.
HOW TO CONTACT Accepts electronic queries for fiction and nonfiction. Submit query addressed to 1 agent. Include first chapter or first 10 pages of ms.
RECENT SALES Revolutionary, by Alex Myers; Reboot, by Amy Tintera; Dangerous Curves Ahead, by Sugar Jamison; Sweet Paul Eat and Make, by Paul Lowe; Smitten Kitchen, by Deb Perelman.
ROBIN STRAUS AGENCY, INC.
229 E. 79th St., Suite 5A, New York NY 10075. (212)472-3282. Fax: (212)472-3833. E-mail: info@robinstrausagency.com. Website: www.robinstrausagency.com. Contact: Ms. Robin Straus. Estab. 1983. Member of AAR.
Prior to becoming an agent, Robin Straus served as a subsidary rights manager at Random House and Doubleday and worked in editorial at Little, Brown.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, cooking, creative nonfiction, current affairs, history, memoirs, parenting, popular culture, psychology, science. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, mainstream, women’s.
Does not represent juvenile, young adult, science fiction/fantasy, horror, romance, Westerns, poetry or screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT E-query or query via snail mail with SASE. “Send us a query letter with contact information, an autobiographical summary, a brief synopsis or description of your book project, submission history, and information on competition. If you wish, you may also include the opening chapter of your manuscript (pasted). Please let us know if you are showing the manuscript to other agents simultaneously.”
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges for photocopying, express mail services, messenger and foreign postage, galleys and books for submissions, etc. as incurred.
PAM STRICKLER AUTHOR MANAGEMENT
P.O. Box 505, New Paltz NY 12561. (845)255-0061. E-mail: pamstrickleragency@gmail.com. Website: www.pamstrickler.com. Contact: Pamela Dean Strickler. Member of AAR. Also an associate member of the Historical Novel Society and member of RWA.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Strickler was senior editor at Ballantine Books.
REPRESENTS novels. Considers these fiction areas: historical, romance, women’s.
Does not want to receive nonfiction or children's books.
HOW TO CONTACT This agency is currently closed to queries.
THE STRINGER LITERARY AGENCY, LLC
E-mail: stringerlit@comcast.net. Website: www.stringerlit.com. Contact: Marlene Stringer.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: fantasy, middle grade, mystery, romance, thriller, women’s, young adult.
This agency specializes in fiction. This agency is seeking all kinds of romance, except inspirational or erotic. Does not want to receive picture books, plays, short stories, or poetry. The agency is also seeking nonfiction as of this time (2014).
HOW TO CONTACT Electronic submissions through website submission form only. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
RECENT SALES The Secret History, by Stephanie Thornton (NAL); The Night Prowlers Series, by J.T. Geissinger (Montlake); Wisp of a Thing, by Alex Bledsoe (Tor); Breath of Frost, by Alyxandra Harvey (Walker); Housewitch, by Katie Schickel (Forge); The Paper Magician, by Charlie Holmberg (47 North); Fly by Night, by Andrea Thalasinos (Forge); Duty of Evil, by April Taylor (Carina).
TIPS “If your ms falls between categories, or you are not sure of the category, query and we’ll let you know if we’d like to take a look. We strive to respond as quickly as possible. If you have not received a response in the time period indicated on website, please re-query.”
REBECCA STRONG INTERNATIONAL LITERARY AGENCY
235 W. 108th St., #35, New York NY 10025. (212)865-1569. E-mail: info@rsila.com. Website: www.rsila.com. Contact: Rebecca Strong. Estab. 2004.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Strong was an industry executive with experience editing and licensing in the US and UK. She has worked at Crown/Random House, Harmony/Random House, Bloomsbury, and Harvill.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, health, history, memoirs, science, travel.
"We are a consciously small agency selectively representing authors all over the world." Does not want to receive poetry, screenplays or any unsolicited mss.
HOW TO CONTACT E-mail submissions only; subject line should indicate “submission query”; include cover letter with proposal. For fiction, include 1-2 complete chapters only pasted into e-mail. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 6-8 weeks to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 10 years; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
TIPS “I represent writers with prior publishing experience only: journalists, magazine writers or writers of fiction who have been published in anthologies or literary magazines. There are exceptions to this guideline, but not many.”
THE STROTHMAN AGENCY, LLC
P.O. Box 231132, Boston MA 02123. E-mail: info@strothmanagency.com. Website: www.strothmanagency.com. Contact: Wendy Strothman, Lauren MacLeod. Member of AAR. Other memberships include Authors’ Guild. Represents 50 clients.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Strothman was head of Beacon Press (1983-1995) and executive vice president of Houghton Mifflin's Trade & Reference Division (1996-2002).
MEMBER AGENTS Wendy Strothman; Lauren MacLeod.
REPRESENTS novels, juvenile books. Considers these nonfiction areas: business, current affairs, environment, government, history, language, law, literature, politics, travel. Considers these fiction areas: literary, middle grade, young adult.
"Because we are highly selective in the clients we represent, we increase the value publishers place on our properties. We specialize in narrative nonfiction, memoir, history, science and nature, arts and culture, literary travel, current affairs, and some business. We have a highly selective practice in literary fiction, young adult and middle grade fiction, and nonfiction. We are now opening our doors to more commercial fiction but from authors who have a platform. If you have a platform, please mention it in your query letter. The Strothman Agency seeks out scholars, journalists, and other acknowledged and emerging experts in their fields. We are now actively looking for authors of well-written young adult fiction and nonfiction. Browse the Latest News to get an idea of the types of books that we represent. For more about what we're looking for, read Pitching an Agent: The Strothman Agency on the publishing website www.strothmanagency.com. Does not want to receive commercial fiction, romance, science fiction or self-help.
HOW TO CONTACT Accepts queries only via e-mail at strothmanagency@gmail.com. See submission guidelines online. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 4 weeks to queries. Responds in 6 weeks to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
THE STUART AGENCY
260 W. 52 St., #24C, New York NY 10019. (212)586-2711. Fax: (212)977-1488. E-mail: andrew@stuartagency.com. Website: stuartagency.com. Contact: Andrew Stuart. Estab. 2002.
Prior to his current position, Mr. Stuart was an agent with Literary Group International for five years. Prior to becoming an agent, he was an editor at Random House and Simon & Schuster.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels.
Seeking history, science, narrative nonfiction, business, current events, memoir, psychology, sports, and literary fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via online submission form on the agency website.
RECENT SALES Projects and clients include former Congressman Ron Paul’s New York Times #1 Bestseller The Revolution, legendary publisher and free speech advocate Larry Flynt, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Kathleen Parker, William Dietrich and Carl Cannon, political scientist Alan Wolfe, Hollywood studio mogul Mike Medavoy, Mark Bauerlein, author of the national bestseller The Dumbest Generation, Christopher Ryan, author of the New York Times bestseller Sex at Dawn, renowned child psychiatrist Bruce Perry, New York Times bestselling novelist Mary Monroe, and the New York Times bestseller The Darwin Awards: Evolution in Action.
EMMA SWEENEY AGENCY, LLC
245 E 80th St., Suite 7E, New York NY 10075. E-mail: queries@emmasweeneyagency.com. Website: www.emmasweeneyagency.com. Member of AAR. Other memberships include Women’s Media Group. Represents 80 clients. 5% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 50%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Sweeney was director of subsidiary rights at Grove Press. Since 1990, she has been a literary agent.
MEMBER AGENTS Emma Sweeney, president; Noah Ballard, rights manager and agent.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, history, religious. Considers these fiction areas: literary, mainstream, mystery.
Does not want to receive romance, Westerns or screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT “We accept only electronic queries, and ask that all queries be sent to queries@emmasweeneyagency.com rather than to any agent directly. Please begin your query with a succinct (and hopefully catchy) description of your plot or proposal. Always include a brief cover letter telling us how you heard about ESA, your previous writing credits, and a few lines about yourself. We cannot open any attachments unless specifically requested, and ask that you paste the first 10 pages of your proposal or novel into the text of your e-mail.”
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 10% commission on foreign sales.
RECENT SALES Equal Of The Sun by Anita Amirrezvani to Scriber; The Cottage At Glass Beach by Heather Barbieri to Harper Collins; The Thinking Woman’s Guide To Real Magic by Emily Croy Barker to Pam Dorman Books; Where Rivers Run Sand by Julene Bair to Viking; My First Coup D’etat by John Dramani Mahama to Bloomsbury; The Day My Brain Exploded by Ashok Rajamani to Algonquin.
THE SWETKY AGENCY
2150 Balboa Way, No. 29, St. George UT 84770. (435)313-8006. E-mail: fayeswetky@amsaw.org. Website: www.amsaw.org/swetkyagency/index.html. Contact: Faye M. Swetky. Other memberships include American Society of Authors and Writers. Represents 20+ clients. 90% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 45%, novels 45%, movie scripts 10%, TV scripts 20%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Swetky was an editor and corporate manager. She has also raised and raced thoroughbred horses.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, short story collections, juvenile, movie, TV, movie scripts, feature film, MOW, sitcom, documentary. Considers these nonfiction areas: All major genres. Considers these fiction areas: All major genres. Considers these script areas: action, biography, cartoon, comedy, contemporary, detective, erotica, ethnic, experimental, family, fantasy, feminist, gay, glitz, historical, horror, juvenile, mainstream, multicultural, multimedia, mystery, psychic, regional, religious, romantic comedy, romantic drama, science, sports, teen, thriller, Western.
"We handle only book-length fiction and nonfiction and feature-length movie and television scripts. Please visit our website before submitting. All agency-related information is there, including a sample contract, e-mail submission forms, policies, clients, etc." Actively seeking marketable full-length material. Do not send unprofessionally prepared mss and/or scripts.
HOW TO CONTACT See website for submission instructions. Accepts e-mail queries only. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Response time varies. Obtains most new clients through queries.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% commission on foreign sales; 20% commission on film sales. Offers written contract, binding for 6 months; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
RECENT SALES Pointman; For Men and for Gods; Boozehound; Sorry, I Thought I Loved You; Beating Bipolar; Message to My Butterfly; 101 Incredible Moments in Golf; Youth Pen; From Cocaine to Coconuts; The Last Warlord; They Call Me Doc; From Container to Kitchen.
TIPS “Be professional. Have a professionally prepared product.”
STEPHANIE TADE LITERARY AGENCY
P.O. Box 235, Durham PA 18039. (610)346-8667. Contact: Stephanie Tade.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Tade was an executive editor at Rodale Press. She was also an agent with the Jane Rotrosen Agency.
MEMBER AGENTS Stephanie Tade.
REPRESENTS nonfiction.
"Mostly commercial nonfiction, especially in categories of health/diet, spirituality and Eastern philosophy, relationships/dating, self-improvement, psychology, science, and women's issues.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by e-mail or mail with SASE.
TALCOTT NOTCH LITERARY
2 Broad St., Second Floor, Suite 10, Milford CT 06460. (203)876-4959. Fax: (203)876-9517. E-mail: editorial@talcottnotch.net. Website: www.talcottnotch.net. Contact: Gina Panettieri, President. Represents 35 clients. 25% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Panettieri was a freelance writer and editor.
MEMBER AGENTS Gina Panettieri, gpanettieri@talcottnotch.net (history, business, self-help, science, gardening, cookbooks, crafts, parenting, memoir, true crime and travel, women’s fiction, paranormal, urban fantasy, horror, science fiction, historical, mystery, thrillers and suspense); Paula Munier, pmunier@talcottnotch.net (mystery/thriller, SF/fantasy, romance, YA, memoir, humor, pop culture, health & wellness, cooking, self-help, pop psych, New Age, inspirational, technology, science, and writing); Rachael Dugas, rdugas@talcottnotch.net (young adult, middle grade, romance, and women’s fiction); Jessica Negron, jnegron@talcottnotch.net (commercial fiction, sci fi and fantasy [and all the little subgenres], psychological thrillers, cozy mysteries, romance, erotic romance, YA).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: business, cooking, crafts, gardening, health, history, humor, inspirational, memoirs, parenting, popular culture, psychology, science, self-help, technology, travel, true crime. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, fantasy, historical, horror, mainstream, middle grade, mystery, New Age, paranormal, romance, science fiction, suspense, thriller, urban fantasy, women’s, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Query via e-mail (preferred) with first 10 pages of the ms within the body of the e-mail, not as an attachment. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 week to queries. Responds in 4-6 weeks to mss.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year.
RECENT SALES Sold 36 titles in the last year. Delivered From Evil, by Ron Franscell (Fairwinds) and Sourtoe (Globe Pequot Press); Hellforged, by Nancy Holzner (Berkley Ace Science Fiction); Welcoming Kitchen; 200 Allergen- and Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes, by Kim Lutz and Megan Hart (Sterling); Dr. Seteh’s Love Prescription, by Dr. Seth Meyers (Adams Media); The Book of Ancient Bastards, by Brian Thornton (Adams Media); Hope in Courage, by Beth Fehlbaum (Westside Books) and more.
TIPS “Know your market and how to reach them. A strong platform is essential in your book proposal. Can you effectively use social media/Are you a strong networker? Are you familiar with the book bloggers in your genre? Are you involved with the interest-specific groups that can help you? What can you do to break through the ‘noise’ and help present your book to your readers? Check our website for more tips and information on this topic.”
PATRICIA TEAL LITERARY AGENCY
2036 Vista Del Rosa, Fullerton CA 92831-1336. Phone/Fax: (714)738-8333. Contact: Patricia Teal. Member of AAR. Other memberships include RWA, Authors Guild. Represents 20 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 10%, 90% fiction.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, autobiography, biography, child guidance, health, how-to, investigative, medicine, parenting, psychology, self-help, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: glitz, mainstream, mystery, romance, suspense, women’s.
This agency specializes in women's fiction, commercial how-to, and self-help nonfiction. Does not want to receive poetry, short stories, articles, science fiction, fantasy, or regency romance.
HOW TO CONTACT Published authors only should submit. Query with SASE. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through conferences, recommendations from authors and editors.
TERMS Agent receives 10-15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year. Charges clients for ms copies.
RECENT SALES Sold 30 titles in the last year. Texas Rose, by Marie Ferrarella (Silhouette); Watch Your Language, by Sterling Johnson (St. Martin’s Press); The Black Sheep’s Baby, by Kathleen Creighton (Silhouette); Man With a Message, by Muriel Jensen (Harlequin).
WRITERS CONFERENCES RWA Conferences; Asilomar; BookExpo America; Bouchercon; Maui Writers Conference.
TIPS “Include SASE with all correspondence. I am taking on published authors only.”
TESSLER LITERARY AGENCY, LLC
27 W. 20th St., Suite 1003, New York NY 10011. (212)242-0466. Fax: (212)242-2366. Website: www.tessleragency.com. Contact: Michelle Tessler. Estab. 2004. Member of AAR. Currently handles: 90% nonfiction books, 10% novels.
Prior to forming her own agency, Ms. Tessler worked at the prestigious literary agency Carlisle & Company (now Inkwell Management) and at the William Morris Agency.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, creative nonfiction, foods, memoirs, science, travel. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, women’s.
"Our list is diverse and far-reaching. In nonfiction, it includes narrative, popular science, memoir, history, psychology, business, biography, food, and travel. In many cases, we sign authors who are especially adept at writing books that cross many of these categories at once. In fiction, we represent literary, women's, and commercial. We do not take on genre fiction or children's books. If your project is in keeping with the kind of books we take on, we want to hear from you."
HOW TO CONTACT Submit query through online query form only. Accepts simultaneous submissions. New clients by queries/submissions through the website and recommendations from others.
TERMS Receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
RECENT SALES Underwater Puppies by Seth Casteel (Little, Brown); Blood and Ivy by Paul Collins (WW Norton); Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt); The Sleepwalker’s Guide to Dancing by Mira Jacob (Random House); Darpa by Sharon Weinberger (Knopf); Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? by Frans de Waal (WW Norton); Shanghai Grand by Taras Grescoe (St. Martin’s); Breaking the Standard by Peter Doran (Viking); Homecoming by Amanda Eyre Ward (Random House); Part Time Paleo by Leanne Ely (Plume).
THE TFS LITERARY AGENCY
P.O. Box 46-031, Park Ave., Lower Hutt 5044 New Zealand. E-mail: tfs@elseware.co.nz. Website: www.elseware.co.nz. Contact: Chris Else, Barbara Else. Other memberships include NZALA.
General fiction, nonfiction, and children's books from New Zealand authors only. No poetry, individual short stories, or articles.
HOW TO CONTACT Send query and brief author bio via e-mail.
THREE SEAS LITERARY AGENCY
P.O. Box 8571, Madison WI 53708. (608)834-9317. E-mail: queries@threeseaslit.com. Website: threeseasagency.com. Contact: Michelle Grajkowski, Cori Deyoe. Estab. 2000. Member of AAR. Other memberships include RWA (Romance Writers of America), SCBWI. Represents 55 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 5%, novels 80%, juvenile books 15%.
Since its inception, 3 Seas has sold more than 500 titles worldwide. Ms. Grajkowski's authors have appeared on all the major lists including The New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly. Prior to joining the agency in 2006, Ms. Deyoe was a multi-published author. She represents a wide range of authors and has sold many projects at auction.
MEMBER AGENTS Michelle Grajkowski; Cori Deyoe.
REPRESENTS nonfiction, novels, juvenile.
3 Seas focuses primarily on romance (including contemporary, romantic suspense, paranormal, fantasy, historical and category), women's fiction, mysteries, nonfiction, young adult, and children's stories. "Currently, we are looking for fantastic authors with a voice of their own." 3 Seas does not represent poetry or screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT E-mail queries only. For fiction titles, query with first chapter and synopsis embedded in the e-mail. For nonfiction, query with complete proposal and first chapter. For picture books, query with complete text. One sample illustration may be included. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
RECENT SALES Jennifer Brown and Alexis Morgan, both of whom are bestselling authors. Also: Laura Marie Altom, Lindsey Brookes, Carla Capshaw, P.A. DePaul, Anna DeStefano, Heather Doherty, Molly Evans, K.M. Fawcett, R. Barri Flowers, Kristi Gold, Winnie Griggs, Susan Gee Heino, Timothy Lewis, Lesli Muir Lytle, Donna MacMeans, Tracy Madison, Lori McDonald, Elizabeth Michels, Trish Milburn, Keri Mikulski, Tricia Mills, Lisa Mondello, Natalie Richards, Liz Talley and Norah Wilson.
TRACY BROWN LITERARY AGENCY
P.O. Box 88, Scarsdale NY 10583. (914)400-4147. Fax: (914)931-1746. E-mail: tracy@brownlit.com. Contact: Tracy Brown. Represents 35 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 90%, novels 10%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Brown was a book editor for 25 years.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, current affairs, health, history, psychology, travel, women’s issues, travel, popular history. Considers these fiction areas: literary.
Specializes in thorough involvement with clients' books at every stage of the process from writing to proposals to publication. Actively seeking serious nonfiction and fiction. Does not want to receive YA, sci-fi or romance.
HOW TO CONTACT Submit outline/proposal, synopsis, author bio. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Obtains most new clients through referrals.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
RECENT SALES Why Have Kids? by Jessica Valenti (HarperCollins); Tapdancing to Work, by Carol J. Loomis (Portfolio); Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel.
TRANSATLANTIC LITERARY AGENCY
2 Bloor St., Suite 3500, Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada. (416)488-9214. E-mail: info@transatlanticagency.com. Website: transatlanticagency.com. Represents 250 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
MEMBER AGENTS Trena White (nonfiction); Amy Tompkins (fiction, nonfiction, juvenile); Stephanie Sinclair (fiction, nonfiction); Patricia Ocampo (juvenile/illustrators); Fiona Kenshole (juvenile, illustrators); Samantha Haywood (fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels); Jesse Finkelstein (nonfiction); Marie Campbell (middle grade fiction); Shaun Bradley (referrals only); Jennifer Starkman; Barb Miller; Lynn Bennett; David Bennett.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, juvenile. Considers these nonfiction areas: business, creative nonfiction, cultural interests, current affairs, environment, how-to, investigative, memoirs, politics, religious, technology, true crime, women’s issues. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, historical, juvenile, literary, middle grade, new adult, picture books, romance, women’s, young adult.
"In both children's and adult literature, we market directly into the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada." Actively seeking literary children's and adult fiction, nonfiction. Does not want to receive picture books, poetry, screenplays or stage plays.
HOW TO CONTACT Always refer to the website, as guidelines will change, and only various agents are open to new clients at any given time. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 45-day notice must be given to terminate contract. This agency charges for photocopying and postage when it exceeds $100.
RECENT SALES Sold 250 titles in the last year.
S©OTT TREIMEL NY
434 Lafayette St., New York NY 10003. (212)505-8353. E-mail: general@scotttreimelny.com. Website: ScottTreimelNY.blogspot.com; www.ScottTreimelNY.com. Estab. 1995. Member of AAR. Other memberships include Authors Guild, SCBWI. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: 100% juvenile/teen books.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Treimel was an assistant to Marilyn E. Marlow at Curtis Brown, a rights agent for Scholastic, a book packager and rights agent for United Feature Syndicate, a freelance editor, a rights consultant for HarperCollins Children's Books, and the founding director of Warner Bros. Worldwide Publishing.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, juvenile, children’s, picture books, young adult.
This agency specializes in tightly focused segments of the trade and institutional markets.
HOW TO CONTACT No longer accepts simultaneous submissions. Wants queries only from writers he has met at conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers verbal or written contract. Charges clients for photocopying, express postage, messengers, and books needed to sell foreign, film and other rights.
NEW AGENT SPOTLIGHT
PETER KNAPP
(PARK LITERARY GROUP)
parkliterary.com
@petejknapp
ABOUT PETER: Prior to joining Park Literary, he was the story editor at Floren Shieh Productions, where he consulted on book-to-film adaptations for Los Angeles-based film and TV entities. He graduated from New York University with a B.A. in Art History.
HE IS SEEKING: middle grade and young adult fiction, as well as suspense and thrillers for all ages. He does not represent picture books or nonfiction.
HOW TO SUBMIT: queries@parkliterary.com. Put “Query for Peter: [Title]” in the subject line. All materials must be in the body of the e-mail.
RECENT SALES The Hunchback Assignments, by Arthur Slade (Random House, HarperCollins Canada; HarperCollins Australia); Shotgun Serenade, by Gail Giles (Little, Brown); Laundry Day, by Maurie Manning (Clarion); The P.S. Brothers, by Maribeth Boelts (Harcourt); The First Five Fourths, by Pat Hughes (Viking); Old Robert and the Troubadour Cats, by Barbara Joosse (Philomel); Ends, by David Ward (Abrams); Dear Canada, by Barbara Haworth-Attard (Scholastic); Soccer Dreams, by Maribeth Boelts (Candlewick); Lucky Me, by Richard Scrimger (Tundra); Play, Louie, Play, by Muriel Harris Weinstein (Bloomsbury).
WRITERS CONFERENCES SCBWI NY, NJ, PA, Bologna; The New School; Southwest Writers’ Conference; Pikes Peak Writers’ Conference.
TIPS “We look for dedicated authors and illustrators able to sustain longtime careers in our increasingly competitive field. I want fresh, not derivative story concepts with overly familiar characters. We look for gripping stories, characters, pacing, and themes. We remain mindful of an authentic (to the age) point-of-view, and look for original voices. We spend significant time hunting for the best new work, and do launch debut talent each year. It is best not to send manuscripts with lengthy submission histories already.”
TRIADA U.S. LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
P.O. Box 561, Sewickley PA 15143. (412)401-3376. E-mail: uwe@triadaus.com. Website: www.triadaus.com. Contact: Dr. Uwe Stender. Member of AAR. Represents 65 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
REPRESENTS fiction, nonfiction. Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, cooking, diet/nutrition, economics, education, foods, health, how-to, memoirs, popular culture, science, sports, advice, relationships, lifestyle. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, crime, detective, ethnic, historical, horror, juvenile, literary, mainstream, mystery, occult, police, romance, women’s, especially young adult, women’s fiction, and mysteries.
"We are looking for great writing and story platforms. Our response time is fairly unique. We recognize that neither we nor the authors have time to waste, so we guarantee a 5-day response time. We usually respond within 24 hours. " Actively looking for both fiction and nonfiction in all areas.
HOW TO CONTACT E-mail queries preferred; otherwise query with SASE. “We do not respond to postal submissions that aren’t accompanied by SASE.” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, conferences.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
RECENT SALES The Man Whisperer, by Samantha Brett and Donna Sozio (Adams Media); Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops, by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper and Brian Bellmont (Penguin/Perigee); 86’d, by Dan Fante (Harper Perennial); Hating Olivia, by Mark SaFranko (Harper Perennial); Everything I’m Not Made Me Everything I Am, by Jeff Johnson (Smiley Books).
TIPS “I comment on all requested manuscripts that I reject.”
TRIDENT MEDIA GROUP
41 Madison Ave., 36th Floor, New York NY 10010. (212)333-1511. E-mail: press@tridentmediagroup.com; info@tridentmediagroup.com. E-mail: ellen.assistant@tridentmediagroup.com. Website: www.tridentmediagroup.com. Contact: Ellen Levine. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Kimberly Whalen, ws.assistant@tridentmediagroup (commercial fiction and nonfiction, women’s fiction, suspense, paranormal, and pop culture); Scott Miller, smiller@tridentmediagroup.com (thrillers, crime fiction, women’s and book club fiction, and a wide variety of nonfiction, such as military, celebrity and pop culture, narrative, sports, prescriptive, and current events); Alex Glass, aglass@tridentmediagroup (literary fiction, crime fiction, pop culture, sports, health and wellness, narrative nonfiction, and children’s books); Melissa Flashman, mflashman@tridentmediagroup.com (pop culture, memoir, wellness, popular science, business and economics, and technology—also fiction in the genres of mystery, suspense or YA); Alyssa Eisner Henkin, ahenkin@tridentmediagroup.com (juvenile, children’s, young adult); Don Fehr, dfehr@tridentmediagroup.com (literary and commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoirs, travel, science, and health); John Silbersack, silbersack.assistant@tridentmediagroup.com (commercial and literary fiction, science fiction and fantasy, narrative nonfiction, young adult, thrillers); Erica Spellman-Silverman; Ellen Levine, levine.assistant@tridentmediagroup.com (popular commercial fiction and compelling nonfiction—memoir, popular culture, narrative nonfiction, history, politics, biography, science, and the odd quirky book); Mark Gottlieb, mgottlieb@tridentmediagroup.com; MacKenzie Fraser-Bub, MFraserBub@tridentmediagroup.com (many genres of fiction—specializing in women’s fiction).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, business, creative nonfiction, current affairs, economics, health, history, memoirs, military, popular culture, politics, science, sports, technology, travel. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, crime, fantasy, juvenile, literary, middle grade, mystery, paranormal, science fiction, suspense, thriller, women’s, young adult.
Actively seeking new or established authors in a variety of fiction and nonfiction genres.
HOW TO CONTACT Preferred method of query is through the online submission form on the agency website. Query only one agent at a time.
RECENT SALES Recent sales include: Sacred River, by Syl Cheney-Coker; Saving Quinton, by Jessica Sorensen; The Secret History of Las Vegas, by Chris Abani; The Summer Wind, by Mary Alice Munroe.
TIPS “If you have any questions, please check FAQ page before e-mailing us.”
THE UNTER AGENCY
23 W. 73rd St., Suite 100, New York NY 10023. (212)401-4068. E-mail: Jennifer@theunteragency.com. Website: www.theunteragency.com. Contact: Jennifer Unter. Estab. 2008.
Ms. Unter began her book publishing career in the editorial department at Henry Holt & Co. She later worked at the Karpfinger Agency while she attended law school. She then became an associate at the entertainment firm of Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard LLP where she practiced primarily in the areas of publishing and copyright law.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, environment, foods, health, memoirs, popular culture, politics, travel, true crime, nature subjects. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, mainstream, middle grade, picture books, young adult.
This agency specializes in children's and nonfiction, but does take quality fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Send an e-query. There is also an online submission form. If you do not hear back from this agency within 3 months, consider that a no.
RECENT SALES A full list of recent sales/titles is available on the agency website.
UPSTART CROW LITERARY
244 Fifth Avenue, 11th Floor, New York NY 10001. E-mail: danielle.submission@gmail.com; alexandra.submission@gmail.com. Website: www.upstartcrowliterary.com. Contact: Danielle Chiotti, Alexandra Penfold. Estab. 2009.
MEMBER AGENTS Michael Stearns (not accepting submissions); Danielle Chiotti (books ranging from contemporary women’s fiction to narrative nonfiction, from romance to relationship stories, humorous tales, and YA fiction); Ted Malawer (accepting queries only through conference submissions and client referrals); Alexandra Penfold (children’s—picture books, middle grade, YA; illustrators and author/illustrators).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: cooking, foods. Considers these fiction areas: middle grade, picture books, women’s, young adult.
HOW TO CONTACT Upstart Crow agents that are currently accepting submissions are Danielle Chiotti and Alexandra Penfold.
VAN DIEST LITERARY AGENCY
P.O. Box 1482, Sisters OR 97759. Website: www.christianliteraryagency.com.
MEMBER AGENTS David Van Diest, Sarah Van Diest.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: inspirational.
Christian books. "We are actively looking to discover and bring to market a few authors with fresh perspectives on timely subjects."
HOW TO CONTACT “Before submitting a proposal or manuscript, we ask that you submit an online query found on the ‘Contact Us’ page. We will contact you if we would like to receive a full proposal. Or you can snail mail a query to our address, ATTN: Acquisitions Editor.”
VENTURE LITERARY
2683 Via de la Valle, G-714, Del Mar CA 92014. (619)807-1887. Fax: (772)365-8321. E-mail: submissions@ventureliterary.com. Website: www.ventureliterary.com. Contact: Frank R. Scatoni. Represents 50 clients. 40% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 80%, novels 20%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Scatoni worked as an editor at Simon & Schuster.
MEMBER AGENTS Frank R. Scatoni (general nonfiction, biography, memoir, narrative nonfiction, sports, serious nonfiction, graphic novels, narratives).
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, graphic novels, narratives. Considers these nonfiction areas: anthropology, biography, business, cultural interests, current affairs, dance, economics, environment, ethnic, government, history, investigative, law, memoirs, military, money, multicultural, music, popular culture, politics, psychology, science, sports, technology, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, crime, detective, literary, mainstream, mystery, police, sports, suspense, thriller, women’s.
Specializes in nonfiction, sports, biography, gambling, and nonfiction narratives. Actively seeking nonfiction, graphic novels and narratives. Does not want fantasy, sci-fi, romance, children’s picture books, or Westerns.
HOW TO CONTACT Considers e-mail queries only. No unsolicited mss and no snail mail whatsoever. See website for complete submission guidelines. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
RECENT SALES The 9/11 Report: A Graphic Adaptation, by Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colon (FSG); Having a Baby by Cindy Margolis (Perigee/Penguin); Phil Gordon’s Little Blue Book, by Phil Gordon (Simon & Schuster); Atomic America, by Todd Tucker (Free Press); War as They Knew It, by Michael Rosenberg (Grand Central); Game Day, by Craig James (Wiley); The Blueprint by Christopher Price (Thomas Dunne Books).
VERITAS LITERARY AGENCY
601 Van Ness Ave., Opera Plaza, Suite E, San Francisco CA 94102. (415)647-6964. Fax: (415)647-6965. E-mail: submissions@veritasliterary.com. Website: www.veritasliterary.com. Contact: Katherine Boyle. Member of AAR. Other memberships include Author’s Guild and SCBWI.
MEMBER AGENTS Katherine Boyle, Michael Carr.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: current affairs, memoirs, popular culture, politics, true crime, women’s issues, narrative nonfiction, art and music biography, natural history, health and wellness, psychology, serious religion (no New Age) and popular science. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, fantasy, literary, middle grade, mystery, science fiction, young adult.
Does not want to receive poetry or Christian fiction.
HOW TO CONTACT This agency accepts short queries or proposals via e-mail only. “If you are sending a proposal or a manuscript after a positive response to a query, please write ‘requested material’ on the subject line and include the initial query letter.”
RECENT SALES Hedwig and Berti by Frieda Arkin (St. Martin’s); Shadowdance by David Dalglish (Orbit); Sickened: A Memoir of a Lost Childhood by Julie Gregory (Bantam); If I Am Missing or Dead by Janine Latus (Simon & Schuster); Free Burning by Bayo Ojikutu (Crown).
RALPH M. VICINANZA LTD.
303 W. 18th St., New York NY 10011. (212)924-7090. Fax: (212)691-9644. Member of AAR.
MEMBER AGENTS Ralph M. Vicinanza; Chris Lotts; Christopher Schelling.
HOW TO CONTACT This agency takes on new clients by professional recommendation only.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
VICKY BIJUR LITERARY AGENCY
333 West End Ave., Suite 5B, New York NY 10023. E-mail: queries@vickybijuragency.com. Website: www.vickybijuragency.com. Estab. 1988. Member of AAR.
Vicky Bijur worked at Oxford University Press and with the Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency. Books she represents have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List, in the New York Times Notable Books of the Year, Los Angeles Times Best Fiction of the Year, Washington Post Book World Rave Reviews of the Year.
MEMBER AGENTS Vicky Bijur; Shelby Sampsel.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: cooking, government, health, history, psychology, psychiatry, science, self-help, sociology, biography; child care/development; environmental studies; journalism; social sciences. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, mystery, thriller.
We do not represent children’s books, poetry, science fiction, fantasy, horror, or romance.
HOW TO CONTACT “You can query us via e-mail to queries@vickybijuragency.com, or by regular mail. If you query by hard copy, please include an SASE for our response. If you want your material returned, include an SASE large enough to contain pages. To query us with fiction, please send a synopsis and the first chapter of your manuscript with your query letter (if e-mailed, please paste the chapter into body of e-mail, as we don’t open attachments from unfamiliar senders). For nonfiction, please send a query letter and proposal. No phone or fax queries. We generally respond to all queries within six weeks of receipt.”
RECENT SALES Louise’s Dilemma, by Sarah Shaber; After I’m Gone, by Laura Lippman; The Sleeping Dictionary, by Sujata Massey.
WADE & CO. LITERARY AGENCY, LTD
33 Cormorant Lodge, Thomas Moore St., London E1W 1AU England. (44)(207)488-4171. Fax: (44)(207)488-4172. E-mail: rw@rwla.com. Website: www.rwla.com. Contact: Robin Wade. Estab. 2001.
Prior to opening his agency, Mr. Wade was an author.
MEMBER AGENTS Robin Wade.
REPRESENTS fiction and nonfiction, including children’s books.
"We are young and dynamic, and actively seek new writers across the literary spectrum." Does not want to receive poetry, plays, screenplays or short stories. Is also currently closed to picture books.
HOW TO CONTACT New proposals for full-length adult and young adult books (excluding children’s picture books or poetry) are always welcome. We much prefer to receive queries and submissions by e-mail, although we do, of course, accept proposals by post. There is no need to telephone in advance. Please provide a few details about yourself, a synopsis (i.e. a clear narrative summary of the complete story, of between say 1 and 6 pages in length) and the first 10,000 words or so (ideally as Word doc or PDF attachments) over e-mail. Responds in 1 week to queries. Responds in 1 month to mss.
TERMS Agent receives 10% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 1-month notice must be given to terminate contract.
TIPS “We seek manuscripts that are well written, with strong characters and an original narrative voice. Our absolute priority is giving the best possible service to the authors we choose to represent, as well as maintaining routine friendly contact with them as we help develop their careers.”
WALES LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
P.O. Box 9426, Seattle WA 98109. (206)284-7114. E-mail: waleslit@waleslit.com. Website: www.waleslit.com. Contact: Elizabeth Wales; Neal Swain. Member of AAR. Other memberships include Authors Guild, Pacific Northwest Writers Association. Represents 60 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 60%, novels 40%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Wales worked at Oxford University Press and Viking Penguin.
MEMBER AGENTS Elizabeth Wales; Neal Swain.
This agency specializes in quality fiction and nonfiction. Does not handle screenplays, children's picture books, genre fiction, or most category nonfiction.
HOW TO CONTACT Accepts queries sent with cover letter and SASE, and e-mail queries with no attachments. No phone or fax queries. Guidelines and client list available on website. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 weeks to queries, 2 months to mss.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
RECENT SALES Growing A Feast: The Chronicle Of A Farm To Table Meal, by Kurt Timmermeister (W.W. Norton, Jan 2014); Badluck Way: A Year On TheRagged Edge Of The West By Bryce Andrews (Atria/Simon & Schuster, Jan 2014); American Savage: Insights, Slights, Fights On Faith, Sex, Love, and Politics, by Dan Savage (Penguin, 2013).
WRITERS CONFERENCES AWP; Chuckanut Writers Conference; Missoula Writers Conference, and others.
TIPS “We are especially interested in work that espouses a progressive cultural or political view, projects a new voice, or simply shares an important, compelling story. We also encourage writers living in the Pacific Northwest, West Coast, Alaska, and Pacific Rim countries, and writers from historically underrepresented groups, such as gay and lesbian writers and writers of color, to submit work (but does not discourage writers outside these areas). Most importantly, whether in fiction or nonfiction, the agency is looking for talented storytellers.”
WATERSIDE PRODUCTIONS, INC.
2055 Oxford Ave., Cardiff CA 92007. (760)632-9190. Fax: (760)632-9295. E-mail: admin@waterside.com. Website: www.waterside.com. Estab. 1982.
MEMBER AGENTS Bill Gladstone (big nonfiction books); Margot Maley Hutchinson (computer, health, psychology, parenting, fitness, pop-culture, and business); Carole Jelen, carole@jelenpub.com (innovation and thought leaders especially in business, technology, lifestyle and self-help); Neil Gudovitz (neilg@earthlink.net); David Nelson; Jill Kramer, WatersideAgentJK@aol.com (quality fiction with empowering themes for adults and YA [including crossovers]; she also represents nonfiction books in the areas of: mind-body-spirit, self-help, celebrity memoirs, relationships, sociology, finance, psychology, health and fitness, diet/nutrition, inspiration, business, family/parenting issues, and more); Brad Schepp (e-commerce, social media and social commerce, careers, entrepreneurship, general business, health and fitness).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: business, computers, diet/nutrition, health, inspirational, money, parenting, psychology, self-help, sociology, technology. Considers these fiction areas: mainstream, young adult.
Specializes in computer books, how-to, business, and health titles. Note that most agents here are nonfiction only, so target your query to the appropriate agent.
HOW TO CONTACT “Please read each agent bio [on the website] to determine who you think would best represent your genre of work. When you have chosen your agent, please write his or her name in the subject line of your e-mail and send it to admin@waterside.com with your query letter in the body of the e-mail, and your proposal or sample material as an attached Word document.” Obtains most new clients through referrals from established client and publisher list.
TIPS “For new writers, a quality proposal and a strong knowledge of the market you’re writing for goes a long way toward helping us turn you into a published author. We like to see a strong author platform. Two foreign rights agents on staff—Neil Gudovitz and Kimberly Brabec—help us with overseas sales.”
WATKINS LOOMIS AGENCY, INC.
P.O. Box 20925, New York NY 10025. (212)532-0080. Fax: (646)383-2449. E-mail: assistant@watkinsloomis.com. Website: www.watkinsloomis.com. Estab. 1980. Represents 50+ clients.
MEMBER AGENTS Gloria Loomis, president; Julia Masnik, junior agent.
REPRESENTS nonfiction, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, cultural interests, current affairs, environment, ethnic, history, popular culture, technology, investigative journalism. Considers these fiction areas: literary, short story collections.
This agency specializes in literary fiction and nonfiction.
HOW TO CONTACT No unsolicited mss. This agency does not guarantee a response to queries.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
RECENT SALES The Wrong Enemy, by Carlotta Gall (nonfiction); Debbie Doesn’t Do It Anymore, by Walter Mosley (fiction); China’s Second Continent, by Howard W. French (nonfiction); Why I Read: The Serious Pleasure of Books, by Wendy Lesser (nonfiction). Entire list of sales is available on the agency website.
WAXMAN LEAVELL LITERARY AGENCY, INC.
443 Park Ave. S, Suite 1004, New York NY 10016. (212)675-5556. Fax: (212)675-1381. E-mail: scottsubmit@waxmanleavell.com; byrdsubmit@waxmanleavell.com; hollysubmit@waxmanleavell.com; rachelsubmit@waxmanleavell.com; and larrysubmit@waxmanleavell.com; taylorsubmit@waxmanleavell.com. Website: www.waxmanleavell.com. Contact: Scott Waxman; Byrd Leavell; Holly Root; Rachel Vogel; Larry Kirshbaum; Taylor Haggerty. Represents 60 clients. 50% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 50%.
Prior to founding the Scott Waxman Agency in 1997, Mr. Waxman was an editor at HarperCollins.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: prescriptive, historical, sports, narrative, pop culture, humor, memoir, biography, celebrity. Considers these fiction areas: historical, literary, mainstream, middle grade, mystery, paranormal, romance, thriller, women’s, young adult.
"We're looking for new novelists with non-published works."
HOW TO CONTACT Please visit our website. Accepts simultaneous submissions.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 10% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 2-month notice must be given to terminate contract.
WEED LITERARY
55 E. 65th St., Suite 4E, New York NY 10065. E-mail: info@weedliterary.com. Website: www.weedliterary.com. Contact: Elisabeth Weed. Estab. 2007.
Prior to forming her own agency, Ms. Weed was an agent at Curtis Brown and Trident Media Group.
REPRESENTS fiction, novels. Considers these fiction areas: literary, women’s.
This agency specializes in upmarket women's fiction. Does not want to receive picture books, YA, middle grade, or romance.
HOW TO CONTACT Send a query letter. “Please do not send queries or submissions via snail, registered, certified mail, or by FedEx or UPS requiring signature.”
RECENT SALES Life Without Summer, by Lynne Griffin (St. Martin’s Press); Time of My Life, by Allison Winn Scotch (Shaye Areheart Books); and The Last Will of Moira Leahy, by Therese Walsh (Shaye Areheart Books).
WRITERS CONFERENCES Muse and the Marketplace (Boston, annual).
CHERRY WEINER LITERARY AGENCY
925 Oak Bluff Ct., Dacula GA 30019. (732)446-2096. Fax: (732)792-0506. E-mail: cherry8486@aol.com. Contact: Cherry Weiner. Represents 40 clients. 10% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 10-20%, novels 80-90%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: self-help. Considers these fiction areas: action, adventure, contemporary issues, crime, detective, family saga, fantasy, frontier, historical, mainstream, mystery, police, psychic, romance, science fiction, supernatural, thriller, westerns.
This agency is currently not accepting new clients except by referral or by personal contact at writers' conferences. Specializes in fantasy, science fiction, westerns, mysteries (both contemporary and historical), historical novels, Native-American works, mainstream, and all genre romances.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Prefers to read materials exclusively. Does not accept e-mail queries. Responds in 1 week to queries. Responds in 2 months to mss that I have asked for.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 15% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Charges clients for extra copies of mss, first-class postage for author’s copies of books, express mail for important documents/mss.
RECENT SALES Sold 70 titles in the last year. This agency prefers not to share information on specific sales.
TIPS “Meet agents and publishers at conferences. Establish a relationship, then get in touch with them and remind them of the meeting and conference.”
THE WEINGEL-FIDEL AGENCY
310 E. 46th St., 21E, New York NY 10017. (212)599-2959. Contact: Loretta Weingel-Fidel. Currently handles: nonfiction books 75%, novels 25%.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Weingel-Fidel was a psychoeducational diagnostician.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: art, autobiography, biography, dance, memoirs, music, psychology, science, sociology, technology, women’s issues, women’s studies, investigative journalism. Considers these fiction areas: literary, mainstream.
This agency specializes in commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction. Actively seeking investigative journalism. Does not want to receive genre fiction, self-help, science fiction, or fantasy.
HOW TO CONTACT Accepts writers by referral only. No unsolicited mss.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year with automatic renewal. Bills sent back to clients are all reasonable expenses, such as UPS, express mail, photocopying, etc.
TIPS “A very small, selective list enables me to work very closely with my clients to develop and nurture talent. I only take on projects and writers about which I am extremely enthusiastic.”
LARRY WEISSMAN LITERARY, LLC
526 8th St., #2R, Brooklyn NY 11215. E-mail: lwsubmissions@gmail.com. Contact: Larry Weissman. Represents 35 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 80%, novels 10%, story collections 10%.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, short story collections. Considers these fiction areas: literary.
"Very interested in established journalists with bold voices. Interested in anything to do with food. Fiction has to feel ‘vital’ and short stories are accepted, but only if you can sell us on an idea for a novel as well." Nonfiction, including food and lifestyle, politics, pop culture, narrative, cultural/social issues, journalism. No genre fiction, poetry or children's.
HOW TO CONTACT “Send e-queries only. If you don’t hear back, your project was not right for our list.”
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
WELLS ARMS LITERARY
E-mail: info@wellsarms.com. Website: www.wellsarms.com. Contact: Victoria Wells Arms. Estab. 2013.
Prior to opening her agency, Victoria was a children's book editor for Dial Books.
REPRESENTS Considers these fiction areas: juvenile, middle grade, picture books, young adult.
We focus on books for readers of all ages, and we particularly love board books, picture books, readers, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult fiction—both authors and illustrators. We do not represent to the textbook, magazine, adult romance or fine art markets.
HOW TO CONTACT E-query. Put “Query” in your e-mail subject line. No attachments.
WERNICK & PRATT AGENCY
E-mail: info@wernickpratt.com. Website: www.wernickpratt.com. Contact: Marcia Wernick; Linda Pratt. Member of AAR, SCBWI.
Prior to co-founding Wernick & Pratt Agency, Ms. Wernick worked at the Sheldon Fogelman Agency, in subsidiary rights, advancing to director of subsidiary rights; Ms. Pratt also worked at the Sheldon Fogelman Agency.
MEMBER AGENTS Marcia Wernick, Linda Pratt.
"Wernick & Pratt Agency specializes in children’s books of all genres, from picture books through young adult literature and everything in between. We represent both authors and illustrators. We do not represent authors of adult books." Wants people who both write and illustrate in the picture book genre; humorous young chapter books with strong voice, and which are unique and compelling; middle grade/YA novels, both literary and commercial. No picture book mss of more than 750 words, or mood pieces; work specifically targeted to the educational market; fiction about the American Revolution, Civil War, or World War II unless it is told from a very unique perspective.
HOW TO CONTACT Submit via e-mail only. “Please indicate to which agent you are submitting.” Detailed submission guidelines available on website. Responds in 6 weeks.
WHIMSY LITERARY AGENCY, LLC
49 North 8th St., G6, Brooklyn NY 11249. (212)674-7161. E-mail: whimsynyc@aol.com. Website: whimsyliteraryagency.com/. Contact: Jackie Meyer. Memberships include Center for Independent Publishing Advisory Board. Represents 30 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 100%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Meyer was with Warner Books for 19 years; Ms. Vezeris and Ms. Legette have 30 years' experience at various book publishers.
MEMBER AGENTS Jackie Meyer; Olga Vezeris (fiction and nonfiction); Nansci LeGette, senior associate in LA.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: art, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, education, health, history, horticulture, how-to, humor, interior design, memoirs, money, New Age, popular culture, psychology, self-help, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: mainstream.
"Whimsy looks for projects that are concept- and platform-driven. We seek books that educate, inspire and entertain." Actively seeking experts in their field with good platforms.
HOW TO CONTACT Send a query letter via e-mail. Send a synopsis, bio, platform, and proposal. No snail mail submissions. Responds “quickly, but only if interested” to queries. Does not accept unsolicited mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
WM CLARK ASSOCIATES
186 Fifth Ave., Second Floor, New York NY 10010. (212)675-2784. Fax: (347)-649-9262. E-mail: general@wmclark.com. Website: www.wmclark.com. Estab. 1997. Member of AAR. 50% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 50%.
Prior to opening WCA, Mr. Clark was an agent at the William Morris Agency.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these nonfiction areas: architecture, art, autobiography, biography, cultural interests, current affairs, dance, design, ethnic, film, history, inspirational, memoirs, music, politics, popular culture, religious, science, sociology, technology, theater, translation, travel memoir, Eastern philosophy. Considers these fiction areas: contemporary issues, ethnic, historical, literary, mainstream, Southern fiction.
William Clark represents a wide range of titles across all formats to the publishing, motion picture, television, and new media fields on behalf of authors of first fiction and award-winning, best-selling narrative nonfiction, international authors in translation, chefs, musicians, and artists. Offering individual focus and a global presence, the agency undertakes to discover, develop, and market today's most interesting content and the talent that create it, and forge sophisticated and innovative plans for self-promotion, reliable revenue streams, and an enduring creative career. Referral partners are available to provide services including editorial consultation, media training, lecture booking, marketing support, and public relations. Agency does not respond to screenplays or screenplay pitches. It is advised that before querying you become familiar with the kinds of books we handle by browsing our Book List, which is available on our website.
HOW TO CONTACT Accepts queries via online form only at www.wmclark.com/query-form.html. We respond to all queries submitted via this form. Responds in 1-2 months to queries.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.
TIPS “WCA works on a reciprocal basis with Ed Victor Ltd. (UK) in representing select properties to the US market and vice versa. Translation rights are sold directly in the German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Latin American, French, Dutch, and Scandinavian territories in association with Andrew Nurnberg Associates Ltd. (UK); through offices in China, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Latvia, Poland, Hungary, and Russia; and through corresponding agents in Japan, Greece, Israel, Turkey, Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand.”
WOLF LITERARY SERVICES, LLC
Website: wolflit.com. Estab. 2008.
MEMBER AGENTS Kirsten Wolf (no queries); Adrianna Ranta (all genres for all age groups with a penchant for edgy, dark, quirky voices, unique settings, and everyman stories told with a new spin; she loves gritty, realistic, true-to-life stories with conflicts based in the real world; women’s fiction and nonfiction; accessible, pop nonfiction in science, history, and craft; and smart, fresh, genre-bending works for children); Kate Johnson (literary fiction, particularly character-driven stories, psychological investigations, modern-day fables, and the occasional high-concept plot; she also represents memoir, cultural history and narrative nonfiction, and loves working with journalists); Allison Devereux (magical realism, literary fiction, stories featuring picaresque characters, and books on art and design).
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: art, crafts, creative nonfiction, history, memoirs, science, women’s issues. Considers these fiction areas: literary, women’s, young adult, magical realism.
HOW TO CONTACT To submit a project, please send a query letter along with a 50-page writing sample (for fiction) or a detailed proposal (for nonfiction) to queries@wolflit.com. Samples may be submitted as an attachment or embedded in the body of the e-mail. Responds if interested.
RECENT SALES Hoodoo, by Ronald Smith (Clarion); Edible, by Daniella Martin (Amazon Publishing); Not a Drop to Drink, by Mandy McGinnis (Katherine Tegen Books); The Empire Striketh Back, by Ian Doescher (Quirk Books).
WOLFSON LITERARY AGENCY
P.O. Box 266, New York NY 10276. E-mail: query@wolfsonliterary.com. Website: www.wolfsonliterary.com/. Contact: Michelle Wolfson. Estab. 2007. Adheres to AAR canon of ethics.
Prior to forming her own agency in December 2007, Ms. Wolfson spent two years with Artists & Artisans, Inc. and two years with Ralph Vicinanza, Ltd.
Actively seeking commercial fiction: young adult, mainstream, mysteries, thrillers, suspense, women's fiction, romance, practical or narrative nonfiction (particularly of interest to women).
HOW TO CONTACT E-queries only! Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds only if interested. Positive response is generally given within 2-4 weeks. Responds in 3 months to mss. Obtains most new clients through queries or recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
WRITERS CONFERENCES SDSU Writers’ Conference; New Jersey Romance Writers of America Writers’ Conference; American Independent Writers Conference in Washington DC.
TIPS “Be persistent.”
WORDSERVE LITERARY GROUP
7061 S. University Blvd., Suite 307, Centennial CO 80122. Website: www.wordserveliterary.com. Contact: Greg Johnson. Represents 100 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 50%, novels 35%, juvenile books 10%, multimedia 5%.
Prior to becoming an agent in 1994, Mr. Johnson was a magazine editor and freelance writer of more than 20 books and 200 articles.
MEMBER AGENTS Greg Johnson, Alice Crider, Sarah Freese.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: biography, inspirational, memoirs, parenting, self-help. Considers these fiction areas: historical, inspirational, mainstream, spiritual, suspense, thriller, women’s.
Materials with a faith-based angle. No fantasy or sci-fi. Please do not send mss that are more than 120,000 words.
HOW TO CONTACT Please address queries to: admin@wordserveliterary.com. In the subject line, include the word “query.” All queries should include the following three elements: a pitch for the book, information about you and your platform (for nonfiction) or writing background (for fiction), and the first 5 (or so) pages of the manuscript pasted into the e-mail. More submission guidelines available online. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 4 weeks to queries. Responds in 2 months to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 10-15% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract; up to 60-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
TIPS “We are looking for good proposals, great writing and authors willing to market their books, as appropriate. Also, we’re only looking for projects with a faith element bent. See the website before submitting.”
WRITERS HOUSE
21 W. 26th St., New York NY 10010. (212)685-2400. Fax: (212)685-1781. Website: www.writershouse.com. Contact: Michael Mejias. Estab. 1973. Member of AAR. Represents 440 clients. 50% of clients are new/unpublished writers.
MEMBER AGENTS Amy Berkower; Stephen Barr, sbarr@writershouse.com; Susan Cohen; Dan Conaway; Lisa DiMona; Susan Ginsburg; Leigh Feldman; Merrilee Heifetz; Brianne Johnson; Daniel Lazar; Simon Lipskar; Steven Malk; Jodi Reamer, Esq.; Robin Rue; Rebecca Sherman; Geri Thoma; Albert Zuckerman.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, juvenile. Considers these nonfiction areas: animals, art, autobiography, biography, business, child guidance, cooking, decorating, diet/nutrition, economics, film, foods, health, history, humor, interior design, juvenile nonfiction, medicine, military, money, music, parenting, psychology, satire, science, self-help, technology, theater, true crime, women’s issues, women’s studies. Considers these fiction areas: adventure, cartoon, contemporary issues, crime, detective, erotica, ethnic, family saga, fantasy, feminist, frontier, gay, hi-lo, historical, horror, humor, juvenile, literary, mainstream, middle grade, military, multicultural, mystery, New Age, occult, picture books, police, psychic, regional, romance, spiritual, sports, thriller, translation, war, women’s, young adult.
This agency specializes in all types of popular fiction and nonfiction. Does not want to receive scholarly, professional, poetry, plays, or screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Do not contact two agents here at the same time. While snail mail is OK for all agents, some agents do accept e-queries. Check the website for individual agent bios. “Please send us a query letter of no more than 2 pages, which includes your credentials, an explanation of what makes your book unique and special, and a synopsis. (If submitting to Steven Malk: Writers House, 7660 Fay Ave., #338H, La Jolla, CA 92037. Note that Malk only accepts queries on an exclusive basis.)” Accepts simultaneous submissions. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from authors and editors.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 year. Agency charges fees for copying mss/proposals and overseas airmail of books.
TIPS “Do not send mss. Write a compelling letter. If you do, we’ll ask to see your work. Follow submission guidelines and please do not simultaneously submit your work to more than 1 Writers House agent.”
WRITERS' REPRESENTATIVES, LLC
116 W. 14th St., 11th Floor, New York NY 10011-7305. E-mail: transom@writersreps.com. Website: www.writersreps.com. Represents 100 clients. Currently handles: nonfiction books 90%, novels 10%.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Chu was a lawyer; Mr. Hartley worked at Simon & Schuster, Harper & Row and Cornell University Press.
MEMBER AGENTS Lynn Chu, Glen Hartley.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels. Considers these fiction areas: literary.
Serious nonfiction and quality fiction. No motion picture or television screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT Query with SASE. Prefers to read materials exclusively. Considers simultaneous queries, but must be informed at time of submission. Consult website section “FAQ” for detailed submission guidelines.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales.
TIPS “Always include an SASE; it will ensure a response from the agent and the return of your submitted material.”
YATES & YATES
1100 Town & Country Road, Suite 1300, Orange CA 92868. (714)480-4000. Fax: (714)480-4001. E-mail: submissions@yates2.com. Website: www.yates2.com. Represents 60 clients.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books. Considers these nonfiction areas: autobiography, biography, business, current affairs, memoirs, politics, sports, religious.
RECENT SALES No More Mondays, by Dan Miller (Doubleday Currency).
ZACHARY SHUSTER HARMSWORTH
1776 Broadway, Suite 1405, New York NY 10019. (212)765-6900. Fax: (212)765-6490. Website: www.zshliterary.com. Contact: Kathleen Fleury. Alternate address: 535 Boylston St., 11th Floor, Boston MA 02116. (617)262-2400. Fax: (617)262-2468. Represents 125 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: nonfiction books 45%, novels 45%, story collections 5%, scholarly books 5%.
"Our principals include two former publishing and entertainment lawyers, a journalist and an editor/agent. Lane Zachary was an editor at Random House before becoming an agent."
MEMBER AGENTS Lane Zachary (memoir, current events, history, biography and psychology); Todd Shuster (current affairs, biography, true-crime, popular science, adventure, politics and civil rights, history, memoir, business, health, parenting, and psychology; his fiction list is comprised primarily of literary and “crossover” commercial novels, including mysteries and thrillers ); Esmond Harmsworth (fiction and nonfiction); Jennifer Gates (a range of nonfiction, as well as literary and commercial fiction and children’s); Mary Beth Chappell; Eve Bridburg (fiction and nonfiction); Janet Silver (literary fiction and nonfiction, including memoir, biography, history, science, philosophy, and poetry); Bridget Wagner Matzie (nonfiction and commercial fiction); Natasha Alexis (literary and commercial fiction and nonfiction, YA, narrative nonfiction, pop science); Jacob Moore (currently looking for journalists, bloggers, academics, sci-fi/fantasy writers, playwrights, and memoirists contemplating relevant social and philosophical issues in new and creative ways); Lana Popovic (a wide range of both fiction and nonfiction projects); Jane Von Mehren.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels.
Check the website for updated info.
HOW TO CONTACT Cannot accept unsolicited submissions. If you are invited to send material, use the online agency submission form. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract, binding for 1 work only; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
KAREN GANTZ ZAHLER LITERARY MANAGEMENT AND ATTORNEY AT LAW
860 Fifth Ave., Suite 7J, New York NY 10065. (212)734-3619. E-mail: karen@karengantzlit.com. Website: www.karengantzlit.com. Contact: Karen Gantz Zahler. Currently handles: nonfiction books 95%, novels 5%, film, TV scripts.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Gantz Zahler practiced law at two law firms, wrote two cookbooks, Taste of New York (Addison-Wesley) and Superchefs (John Wiley & Sons). She also participated in a Presidential Advisory Committee on Intellectual Property, U.S. Department of Commerce. She currently chairs Literary and Media Committee at Harmone Club NYC.
REPRESENTS nonfiction books, novels, very selective.
"We are hired for two purposes, one as lawyers to negotiate publishing agreements, option agreements and other entertainment deals, and two as literary agents to help in all aspects of the publishing field. Ms. Gantz is both a literary agent and a literary property lawyer. Thus, her firm involves themselves in all stages of a book's development, including the collaboration agreement with the writer, advice regarding the book proposal, presentations to the publisher, negotiations including the legal work for the publishing agreement and other rights to be negotiated, and work with the publisher and public relations firm so that the book gets the best possible media coverage. We do extensive manuscript reviews for a few." Actively seeking nonfiction. "We assist with speaking engagements and publicity."
HOW TO CONTACT Accepting queries and summaries by e-mail only. Check the website for complete submission information, because it is intricate and specific. Responds in 4 weeks to queries. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
RECENT SALES Extraordinary Hearts: A Journey of Cardiac Medicine and the Human Spirit by Dr. John Elefteriades (Berkley Books); Transplant by Dr. John Elefteriades (Berkley Books); The Lost Khrushchev: A Journey into the Gulag of the Russian Mind by Nina L. Khrushcheva (Tate Publishing); The Magic of Math: Solving for x and Figuring Out Why by Arthur Benjamin (Basic Books); more sales can be found online.
TIPS “Our dream client is someone who is a professional writer and a great listener. What writers can do to increase the likelihood of our retainer is to write an excellent summary and provide a great marketing plan for their proposal in an excellent presentation. Any typos or grammatical mistakes do not resonate well. If we want to review your project, we will ask you to send a copy by snail mail with an envelope and return postage enclosed. We don’t call people unless we have something to report.”
HELEN ZIMMERMANN LITERARY AGENCY
New Paltz NY 12561. E-mail: submit@ZimmAgency.com. Website: www.zimmermannliterary.com. Contact: Helen Zimmermann. Estab. 2003. Currently handles: nonfiction books 80%, other 20% fiction.
Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Zimmermann was the director of advertising and promotion at Random House and the events coordinator at an independent bookstore.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: diet/nutrition, health, memoirs, music, popular culture, sports, women’s issues, relationships. Considers these fiction areas: literary.
"As an agent who has experience at both a publishing house and a bookstore, I have a keen insight for viable projects. This experience also helps me ensure every client gets published well, through the whole process." Actively seeking memoirs, pop culture, women's issues, and accessible literary fiction. Does not want to receive horror, science fiction, poetry or romance.
HOW TO CONTACT Accepts e-mail queries only. E-mail should include a short description of project and bio, whether it be fiction or nonfiction. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 weeks to queries. Responds in 1 month to mss. Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others, solicitations.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Offers written contract; 30-day notice must be given to terminate contract.
WRITERS CONFERENCES BEA/Writer’s Digest Books Writers’ Conference; Portland, ME Writers Conference; Berkshire Writers and Readers Conference; La Jolla Writers Conference; The New School Writers Conference; Vermont Writers Conference; ASJA Conference; Books Alive! Conference; Southeast Writers Conference; Kansas Writers Conference.
RENÈE ZUCKERBROT LITERARY AGENCY
115 West 29th St., 3rd Floor, New York NY 10001. (212)967-0072. Fax: (212)967-0073. E-mail: renee@rzagency.com. E-mail: submissions@rzagency.com. Website: rzagency.com. Contact: Renèe Zuckerbrot. Represents 30 clients. Currently handles: 30% nonfiction and 70% fiction.
Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Zuckerbrot worked as an editor at Doubleday as well as in the editorial department at Putnam.
REPRESENTS Considers these nonfiction areas: creative nonfiction. Considers these fiction areas: commercial, literary, mystery, short story collections, thriller, women’s.
Literary and commercial fiction, short-story collections, mysteries, thrillers, women's fiction, slipstream/speculative, narrative nonfiction (focusing on science, history and pop culture). "Looking for writers with a unique voice." No business books, self-help, spirituality or romance. No screenplays.
HOW TO CONTACT Query by e-mail: submissions@rzagency.com. Include a synopsis, publication history and a brief personal bio. You may include a sample chapter. Responds in approximately 4-6 weeks.
TERMS Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales. Agent receives 25% commission on foreign sales (10% to RZA; 15% to foreign rights co-agent).