PITCH YOUR BOOK TO A LITERARY AGENT:
These one-on-one Zoom meetings at the 2024 Ohio Writing Workshop (May 10-11) are an amazing chance to pitch your book face-to-face (virtually) with an agent, and get personal, individual feedback on your pitch/concept. If the agent likes your pitch, they’ll request to see part/all of your book — sending you straight past the slush pile. It also gives you an intimate chance to meet with an agent and pick their brain with any questions on your mind. More 2024 agents to be announced as they are confirmed. You can sign up for pitches at any time, or switch pitches at any time, so long as the agent in question still has appointments open.* * * * *
Kara Grajkowski is a literary agent with 3 Seas Literary. She is seeking: contemporary Middle Grade Fiction, contemporary YA Fiction, and #OwnVoices. (She is not the best fit for fantasy.) “I have a soft spot for contemporary fiction stories, especially if the main character doesn’t have it all figured out yet. I am searching for the best middle grade and YA fiction stories that have you smiling, crying, and growing right along with the characters.” Learn more about Kara here.
Rebecca Rodd is a literary agent with Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency. In the nonfiction space, Rebecca is interested in millennial experiences and perspectives. She’s also interested in pop culture and social commentary, especially from underrepresented voices. Currently, in YA and adult fiction, Rebecca is looking for: anything set on an HBCU campus, a BIPOC Big Bang Theory, a love story with the depth and complexity of Tia Williams’s Seven Days in June, or a devourable romcom that would sit nicely on a shelf with Jasmine Guillory and Helen Hoang. In children’s, Rebecca would love to find an ensemble cast boasting equal parts brains, snark, and determination a la The Mysterious Benedict Society. Learn more about Rebecca here.
James Mustelier [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with The Bent Agency. I’m looking for a range of commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction. In all genres (but particularly in literary fiction) I prize economical prose, complex characters, steadily building tension, narrative gravity, and the momentary relief of dark humor, even (or especially) amid dire circumstances. In commercial fiction I’m looking for compact horror and mysteries with big hooks and intricate plotting. In sci-fi and fantasy I’m drawn to stories that are grounded in reality and have high stakes that touch on contemporary issues — more speculative fiction and alternate histories than high fantasy or space opera. In nonfiction I’m looking for books that give me a vivid look into subcultures and events I might not otherwise have had the chance to explore. Much of my favorite nonfiction melds a distinct narrative voice with rigorous research. In young adult and middle grade I’m interested in epic fantasy, grounded sci-fi, and irreverent retellings of fairy tales, classic myths, and historical events. I’m specifically seeking stories written from diverse perspectives that draw from underrepresented cultures.” Learn more about James here.
Gabriela Laracuente Sanchez is a literary agent with Howland Literary. In adult fiction, she is looking for literary and upmarket works that have strong cultural influences—especially from Hispanic and Latine backgrounds. She wants to see works that explore topics of cultural identity, complex family dynamics, womanhood, and characters adapting to new spaces. She is also interested in projects that are multilingual and utilize code-switching, incorporate elements of magical realism and speculative fiction, and incorporate elements of food writing. In adult nonfiction, she is looking for cookbooks of Latin-American and Caribbean cuisine. Learn more about Gabriela here.
Jackie Kruzie is a literary agent with Focused Artists. She is seeking Commercial Fiction, Contemporary, Graphic novels, Historical Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ+, Middle Grade, Mystery, Paranormal, Picture books, Supernatural, Thriller, Upmarket, Western, Women’s Fiction, and Young Adult. “In both adult and children’s titles I welcome diverse characters and would like to see more main LGBTQ+ characters in a setting where they exist without scrutiny and their sexuality isn’t the main issue, but simply a component of the story.” Learn more about Jackie here.
Jane Chun [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with Transatlantic Agency. Jane is particularly interested in stories that center marginalized communities and prose that is cinematic and atmospheric with good rhythm. For fiction, she is seeking commercial, upmarket, and literary works in both adult and MG/YA about the search for and rebuilding of identity, diaspora, family and community, and examinations of power in relationships. She is also looking for fantasy, sci-fi, and speculative fiction that delve into sharp social commentary and have meticulous world building and settings that don’t feel like Western Europe. For historical fiction, she likes hidden histories and anything that is set in a time or place she’s not familiar with or focuses on a community that has been often overlooked if it’s a time/place she knows. In terms of nonfiction, she is looking for memoirs and narrative nonfiction with a nuanced, intersectional approach and similar themes to her interests in fiction. She also is interested in books about food, travel, pop culture, and cultural criticism that dive deeply and thoughtfully into culture and traditions, particularly those written by authors of color. In addition to traditional prose, she is very interested in graphic novels and nonfiction. Learn more about Jane here.
Elisa Saphier is a literary agent at MacGregor & Luedeke. She is open to most fiction and memoir except for high fantasy & science fiction, series writing (she like standalones), picture books, and probably chapter books “I am always most excited to find great writing and full characters, regardless of genre. I am focused on uplifting marginalized voices and want to be a part of seeing publishing become more equitable and less unbalanced of underrepresented writers.” In adult fiction, she seeks: literary psychological thrillers/mystery; queer romance (especially but not exclusively friends to lovers and forced proximity); literary fiction; literary memoir; stories of marginalized people where the marginalization isn’t the story; dark academia; suburban malaise. She also seeks young adult fiction and middle grade. Learn more about Elisa here.
Paul S. Levine [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent and the founder of Paul S. Levine Literary. He is also an attorney. His fiction interests include adventure novels, mainstream fiction, mysteries, romance, thrillers, and women’s fiction. His nonfiction interests include business/commerce, pop culture, how-to, self-help, politics/law, relationships, and sports. Learn more about Paul here.
Keir Alekseii is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. Keir is seeking YA & Adult sci-fi / fantasy / horror and YA contemporary novels. She is ONLY open to taking pitches from writers who identify as belonging to a marginalized or underrepresented community. Across all genres, Keir loves complex, smart, emotional characters and they would love to see more books with morally gray, unapologetic characters. Genre blending and/or bending books are welcome. Retellings or re-imaginings that match her wish list are welcome. Learn more about Keir here.
Vicky Weber is a literary agent with The Purcell Agency. She is seeking: Picture Books (anything heartfelt, educational, or lighthearted); Young Adult (fantasy, mystery, horror, thriller, suspense); Middle Grade (fantasy, mystery, magic); and Adult Fiction (fantasy and thrillers). Vicky specializes in picture books. She wants to be dropped into the moment and experience the story alongside the characters. She is always seeking underrepresented authors, BIPOC, LGBTQ+. Learn more about Vicki here.
Trinica Sampson-Vera is a literary agent with New Leaf Literary & Media. Trinica is accepting children’s and adult fiction and nonfiction. Across age groups, she loves adventurous, character-driven stories with largely emotional stakes. Trinica is passionate about championing diverse and marginalized voices. Some of the things she is specifically seeking include: speculative fiction (especially horror, cozy-to-high fantasy, hopepunk, and near future science fiction); romance and romcoms (especially featuring sapphic/queer relationships); Caribbean (especially Trinidad & Tobago) characters/settings; reality TV premises; and retellings. Learn more about Trinica here.
Eve Adler is a literary agent at Red Fox Literary. She seeks board books, picture books, and chapter books. “I represent board books, picture books, early readers, and chapter books. I’m actively building my list, and welcome submissions in the 0-10 age range, especially from author-illustrators. I’m drawn to stories that make kids feel comforted, loved, and understood; to diverse voices; to ideas that break the mold; to projects that meet kids where they are developmentally; and to books that expand kids’ worlds while helping them understand their own. What I’m looking for: I’m seeking projects for ages 0-10 that elicit strong emotions—I love manuscripts and dummies that give me goosebumps. Please note that I do not represent YA or adult books, and I’m not interested in fantasy, horror, or sci-fi.” Learn more about Eve here.
Brandy Vallance [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with Barbara Bova Literary Agency. “I represent these genres but I am also not limited to these genres: historical fiction, historical romance, historical mystery, romance, literary, women’s fiction, Southern fiction, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, adventure, speculative, inspirational, thriller. I’m a fan of: atmospheric writing; stories set in the British Isles, Europe, or exotic locations; Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian romance; Victorian time period in general (other centuries are welcome too); archaeology / artifacts / history’s mysteries; stories that explore Biblical themes without being preachy (ex. Charles Martin books); Appalachian stories / mountain culture; fantasy & sci-fi in almost every sub-category; characters who are writers, artists, or have a unique profession; and more.” Learn more about Brandy here.
Bethany Jett is a literary agent with CYLE Literary. She is looking for adult fiction books within these genres: commercial, upmarket, and literary fiction; historical; time travel and time slip; romantic comedies (low spice, sweet HEA); cozy mysteries with depth. In picture books, she seeks: text-only manuscripts and author-illustrator. She is open to PBs of all kinds but am specifically looking for: holiday, bilingual, where the MC has a disability but it does not define who they are, books that provide back matter (like Stella’s Stellar Hair), and STEM, STEAM, SEL. In middle grade and young adult, she seeks: everything listed in the adult fiction genres above, as well as horror, cozy fantasy / magical realism, and some fantasy (fantasy: noblebright, nobledark, grimbright). In Nonfiction, she seeks: platform-driven authors writing cookbooks, how-to, self-help, Christian living, lifestyle, home & garden, business, leadership, inspirational/gift, devotionals, Bible studies. Learn more about Bethany here.
Leticia Gomez is the editorial director for Kensington Books and Dafina. Leticia is the Editorial Director for Dafina Books, an imprint of Kensington Publishing Corp., which focuses on high-quality fiction and nonfiction that centers on race, identity, and its impact on our experiences. Dafina’s carefully curated list is a home for dynamic stories that innovate and amplify voices too long ignored through books that entertain, challenge, and inspire. Launched in 2000 as the first African-American imprint, Dafina has led the market for more than twenty years in highlighting voices of color. Leticia is actively seeking to acquire multicultural fiction and nonfiction of all genres, including literary fiction, commercial fiction, historical fiction, romance, mystery, and narrative nonfiction of all genres with a focus on authors of color (BIPOC) hailing from all walks of life, as well as specific nonfiction projects for marginalized communities. In addition to her role at Kensington, Leticia is a prominent literary/film/television agent who specializes in bringing culturally diverse voices to the forefront. Savvy Literary is now an industry leader specializing in Self-help, Narrative Nonfiction, Memoir, True Crime, Spiritual/Inspirational, Political/Current Affairs, Suspense/Thriller, Family Drama, and the Young Adult market. Championing the work of minority writers continues to be a top priority for the agency. Learn more about Leticia here.
Catherine Hedrick-Armstrong is a literary agent with The Purcell Agency. A prolific reader of many genres, Cathie represents young adult fiction, contemporary and historical romance, upmarket women’s fiction, mysteries, and thrillers. She deliberately keeps her client list small to give her authors the attention each deserves. Cathie looks for manuscripts that catch her attention within the first few pages. If you can evoke an emotional response in the opening pages—make her laugh out loud, cause her pulse to race, make her cry—you’ve got a winner. Cathie is never interested in Science Fiction or High Fantasy in any genre; however, fantasy with paranormal/supernatural elements, if absolutely grounded in the real world, can be a good fit. Learn more about Catherine here.
Nour Sallam is an associate agent at PS Literary Agency. Nour is acquiring both fiction and nonfiction for adults. She is actively seeking projects that address social and political issues, and/or center BIPOC characters. She is drawn to titles that explore the diverse experiences of underrepresented groups and challenge our understanding of diasporic experiences and/or cultures. In terms of fiction, she is seeking commercial and upmarket titles, contemporary fiction with fabulist elements, speculative fiction, edgy psychological thrillers, as well as mysteries, light horror and rom-coms featuring underrepresented characters of any background. For nonfiction, Nour welcomes fresh and accessible perspectives on big concept ideas or industry deep-dives as well as personal narratives on pop culture, art, and nature. She also appreciates books that offer incisive commentary on culture, socio-economic structures, health and wellness, and lifestyle. Learn more about Nour here.
Stephanie Phillips is a literary agent and founder of SBR Media. The genres I prefer are Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Contemporary Romance, BDSM, Erotica, Women’s Lit. I may consider others outside of these to represent. With over two hundred clients and three times as many deals between her and her eight agents, she’s happy to see SBR Media is a force in the literary world. Learn more about Stephanie here.
Annie Bomke is a literary agent with Annie Bomke Literary Agency. She represents a wide variety of adult and YA fiction and nonfiction, including commercial and literary fiction, upmarket fiction, mysteries (from hilarious cozies to gritty police procedurals and everything in between), historical fiction, women’s fiction, psychological thrillers, literary/psychological horror, self-help, business, health/diet, cookbooks, memoir, relationships, current events, psychology, and narrative nonfiction. Learn more about Annie here.
Kat Foxx [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent at The Rights Factory. In fiction, she’s looking for Adult and YA thriller/mystery/suspense, gothic and supernatural horror, historical fiction (preferably pre-20th century), historical fantasy (witches, ghosts, time travel, past lives, etc.), and romcom and romance (light spice). She also enjoys fairytale/folklore retellings and some speculative fiction, anything nostalgic, anything to do with past lives and soul connections, haunted houses, ancestry, and midwifery/natural childbirth. Kat is always seeking projects from BIPOC, disabled, neurodiverse, and historically underrepresented writers and would love to see more LGBTQIA+ stories/writers. For nonfiction, Kat is seeking memoirs that read like fiction, motherhood/natural pregnancy and childbirth/midwifery/planned unassisted births, single parenthood (especially if paired with overcoming an abusive relationship with the other parent), past life/reincarnation, the “brotherhood” mentality of law enforcement, narcissistic abuse recovery, true crime, wine/food/travel, a history of witches and witchcraft, and ancient locations/civilizations. Learn more about Kat here.
Yona Levin is a literary agent with United Talent Agency. Yona is building a list of Young Adult and Middle Grade books, as well as select adult titles. In fiction, they especially like classic adventure stories, and speculative fiction & fantasy that is off the beaten path. In nonfiction, they’re looking for big idea books from fresh perspectives. Across all genres, they look for stories that inspire empathy while still being entertaining, and are often drawn to clever writing and creative formats. Learn more about Yona here.
Mindi St. Peter [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary manager at BAMbooks. In fiction, she seeks: action/adventure, children’s, commercial, crime, domestic thriller, erotica, family saga, fantasy, general, graphic novel, historical, horror, humor, LGBTQ, literary, middle grade, mystery, new adult, picture books, psychological thriller, romance, thriller, women’s fiction, young adult. In nonfiction, she seeks: humor, LGBTQ, memoir, pop culture. Favorite sub-genres: contemporary romance, contemporary YA, literary, middle grade, magical realism, narrative nonfiction, psychological thrillers. Learn more about Mindi here.
Sheyla Knigge is a literary agent with High Line Literary Collective. Sheyla is very interested in books by marginalized creators who have yet to have the opportunity to have their voices heard particularly BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and other #OwnVoices as a fellow queer woman of color. She longs to see uplifting stories from these communities rather than ones that focus on the trauma that comes from being a part of them. Sheyla would love to see stories filled with myth, magic, and a healthy dose of smut when appropriate. Alternatively, she would love to see Percy Jackson-esque Middle Grade fiction; the type she can giggle along with as she reads them to her own children. Stories set in other lands, or other worlds tend to be her go to choice when reading so fill her inbox with them! Learn more about Sheyla here.
Morgan Hughes is a literary agent with FinePrint Literary. Morgan is seeking middle grade and young adult fantasy / adventure with a particular interest in graphic novels. She is also interested in YA, new adult, and adult romance. She loves unique narratives, strong voices, and impressive world-building, but is also drawn to small town vibes and sports settings. She is currently not seeking picture books, science fiction, thrillers/mysteries, or nonfiction. Learn more about Morgan here.
Kat Kerr [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with Donald Maass Literary Agency. Kat feels strongly about supporting programs like We Need Diverse Books and is passionate about creating space in this industry for those from historically marginalized communities. She is actively seeking to grow her client list and is particularly hungry for magical realism, literary leaning speculative (fantasy) and science fiction, women’s fiction, YA works with a lot of heart, and narrative nonfiction with something to say. In fiction, she seeks literary, upmarket, women’s, rom-coms, multicultural, speculative, magical realism, family saga, young adult, and select sci-fi and fantasy. In nonfiction, she seeks narrative nonfiction and journalistic nonfiction tackling current affairs and social justice issues, particularly covering topics of racism, immigration, LGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, and poverty. She also represents select biographies and memoirs. Learn more about Kat here.
Haley Casey [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency. In adult fiction & nonfiction, she seeks: Women’s Fiction; Book Club Fiction; Romance (Bring me your tropes!); Contemporary; Paranormal; Nonfiction; Narrative nonfiction; Cultural, LGBTQ+ and Women’s Issues. In Young Adult, she seeks: Contemporary; Mystery/Horror; Fantasy; (Light) Science Fiction; Dystopian; and Nonfiction. In Middle Grade, she seeks: Contemporary; Mystery; Fantasy; Science Fiction; and Dystopian. I especially love anything that focuses on minority voices, including POC, LGBTQ+, disability, and mental health issues. Send me thoughtful and meaningful magical realism for any age group; manuscripts with nuanced character relationships; unique urban fantasies; clever fairytale retellings; and reimagined classics (such as Jane Austen or The Count of Monte Cristo). Learn more about Haley here.
Amy Nielsen is a literary agent with The Purcell Agency. In picture books, she seeks hyperbolic, zany storylines that teach a life lesson (even subtle) or ones with laugh-out-loud moments written simply to entertain. In middle grade, she seeks fast-paced stories mostly set in a contemporary setting that feature characters that think, act, and talk like real middle graders. In young adult, she seeks contemporary issue-driven plots where teens find themselves in situations they aren’t equipped to handle, but eventually figure it out. In adult fiction, she seeks contemporary women’s fiction where the main characters are shattering glass ceilings despite obstacles, and defying stereotypes. Diverse representation welcome. Learn more about Amy here.
Elisa Moles is a literary agent with Painted Fire Literary Agency. She is seeking: Especially interested in upmarket fiction. “In one word, what defines fantastic fiction narrative? Consequences. Consequences give structure. And stories with cohesive and creative structures, true to each writer’s background and voice, stand the test of time beyond the trendy topics and gimmicks of the day. I especially love psychologically complex characters. I’m looking for distinctive and compassionate voices who are telling organically unexpected stories in a wide variety of styles and genres. Surprise me.” Things you should NOT pitch her include: nonfiction, poetry, children’s books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, screenplays, westerns, horror, nihilist, or erotic work. Learn more about Elisa here.
Katie Monson is a literary agent with SBR Media. The adult genres she prefers are: Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Psychological Thriller. For children’s books, she will take pitches for text only as well as author-illustrator. She is also open to select young adult and middle grade in the following areas: contemporary fiction, mystery, humor, adventure, and fantasy. Learn more about Katie here.
Tamanna Bhasin is a literary agent with The Rights Factory. She is seeking: adult fantasy, historical fiction, and romance. And also young adult & middle grade fantasy and historical fiction. With a keen eye for detail cultivated through her prior editorial work, Tamanna seamlessly transitioned into publishing. Her dedication to diverse narratives shines through as a literary agent—where she now combines her love for reading with her expertise in spotting compelling manuscripts across genres. Learn more about Tamanna here.
Anjanette Barr is a Literary Agent at Dunham Literary, Inc. She is seeking: This could look like an historical fiction that uses captivating detail and relatable characters to bring times-gone-by to life (My Antonia, Outlander), or it could be a sci-fi/fantasy world that highlights virtues like empathy and self-sacrifice (Lord of the Rings, Song of Albion, The Sparrow). A romance set in a place so vivid she feels she’s traveled there and wants to take up the protagonists hobbies will definitely get her attention (The Winter Sea). In nonfiction she is looking for well-researched biography (Unbroken) written in beautiful literary prose, popular science and other disciplines titles that make lay-people enchanted and invested in topics previously over their heads (The Elements by Theodore Grey, Freakonomics), and memoir with the ability to connect diverse readers (If You Lived Here I’d Know Your Name by Heather Lende). She’s also interested in books that shed light on poverty and justice in a new way (Evicted by Matthew Desmond). She prefers picture books that are winsome and pleasant to read aloud (Blueberries for Sal, Brigid’s Cloak by Bryce Miligan, Miss Rumphius). Humor is great when it helps tell the story (The Book with No Pictures, Good Dog Carl). Learn more about Anjanette here.
Sarah N. Fisk (ORLANDO) is a literary agent with The Tobias Literary Agency, and is open to pitches for young adult of all genres, middle grade of all genres, adult romance, science fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction, and select nonfiction (see wishlist for more specifics). They also take pitches for mysteries and thrillers via conferences only. Sarah especially loves fiction that is compulsively readable and social justice issues woven into commercial plots. Particular areas of interest include atmospheric fantasies, speculative mysteries, books that challenge societal norms, especially gender norms. Learn more about Sarah here.