4 Literary Agents Seeking Kidlit, Speculative and Literary Fiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, Commercial Fiction, Poetry and more

Here are four literary agents actively seeking clients. All work with established agencies with good track records.

Nina Leon is currently building her list of new adult, young adult, and middle grade fiction across all genres with a particular interest in fantasy. Ilyana Rose-Davila is interested in non-fiction as well as literary and upmarket commercial fiction. Abby Walters is most interested in narrative non-fiction and memoir. For YA, she’s interested in narratives with sci-fi or fantasy elements.

Emily Westcott is looking for submissions that are literary, speculative, and/or own voices. She is drawn to the edgy, weird, and just plain bizarre. Westcott is also seeking memoir or narrative nonfiction submissions relating to pop culture, technology, popular psychology, cultural studies, lifestyle, and food. She is interested in narratives that explore women’s issues, especially when they overlap with science and/or social activism. She has a soft spot for humorous essay collections and is also building her poetry roster.

Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change. 

NOTE: Don't submit to two agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another.

You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients. 

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Ms. Emily Westcott of Creative Artists Agency

Emily Westcott is based in the New York office, and creates publishing opportunities across all agency departments, with a focus on adult fiction and nonfiction. Westcott joined CAA in 2017 and is a graduate of New York University’s Publishing Institute. She has a degree in English Literature from Indiana University Bloomington.

What she is seeking: For fiction, Westcott is seeking submissions that are literary, speculative, and/or own voices. She likes bold works that skew literary and upmarket. She is drawn to the edgy, weird, and just plain bizarre. She especially loves multidimensional characters who make her think about—or better yet, rethink—the ways in which we view and experience the world. Explorations of coming of age, friendship, and technology as it intersects with identity are of interest. While a fan of magical realism and speculative fiction, she is not actively acquiring sci-fi or fantasy at this time.

For nonfiction, Westcott is seeking memoir or narrative nonfiction submissions relating to pop culture, technology, popular psychology, cultural studies, lifestyle, and food. She is interested in narratives that explore women’s issues, especially when they overlap with science and/or social activism. Westcott is drawn to smart, voice-driven writing and her taste leans literary. That said, she has a soft spot for humorous essay collections and is also building her poetry roster.

How to submit: Use the agency's form HERE.

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Ms. Ilyana Rose-Davila of Barbara Bova Literary Agency

Ilyana Rose-Davila joined the Agency in 2016 handling foreign and domestic marketing. 

What she is seeking: Ms. Rose-Dávila is interested in well-written fiction and non-fiction.

How to submit: Read submission requirements HERE.

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Abby Walters of Creative Artists Agency

Abby Walters began her career at Random House in publicity and special events before joining CAA in 2017. Walters graduated from Miami University Ohio with a degree in English Literature. She is a graduate of Columbia University’s Publishing Course and is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. Walters is based in the New York office, and creates publishing opportunities across all agency departments. Some of her clients include Reductress, Teresa Palmer, Sarah Wright Olsen, Paul Feig, Nadine Jolie Courtney, Christina McDowell, Thao Thai, and more.

What she is seeking: For non-fiction submissions, Walters is most interested in narrative non-fiction and memoir. On the narrative side, she loves to journey through an unknown world or subculture and is particularly drawn to books that explore new ideas in science, medicine, and technology especially as they relate to mind body connection and personal and/or societal well-being. In memoir, Walters gravitates toward late coming-of-age stories centered around identity. She’s also fascinated with personal stories that explore our relationship with work and work culture, as well as narratives that explore motherhood’s influence on a woman’s identity. Walters is also happy to read and consider submissions in the self-help category. She’s most interested in self-help books firmly based in science, but also enjoys the occasional narrative-driven read that straddles the line between memoir and self-help.

In fiction, Walters is most interested in literary and upmarket commercial fiction. She is especially drawn to stories that explore the intersection of culture and technology (including speculative fiction), coming of age, intense, complicated friendships, the nuances of motherhood and how it informs a woman’s identity, and the quest for self-optimization. For YA, she’s interested in narratives with sci-fi or fantasy elements.

How to submit: Use the agency's form HERE.

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Ms. Nina Leon of High Spot Literary Agency 

After obtaining her honors degree in publishing, Nina went on to intern at the Irene Goodman Literary Agency before arriving at High Spot Literary as a junior agent.

What she is seeking: Nina is currently building her list of new adult, young adult, and middle grade fiction across all genres with a particular interest in fantasy. Nina has a soft spot for magical realism, neo-Victorianism, enemies to lovers, expansive fantastical worlds, magical academia, and stories with rich emotional depth. Nina welcomes both commercial and literary works.

How to submit: Please send your query, synopsis, and the first 3 chapters of your manuscript to: nina@highspotlit.com

4 New Agents Seeking Commercial, Speculative Fiction, LGBTQ, Women's Fiction, YA, Nonfiction, Memoir and more

Here are four new agents actively seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients.

Monica Rodriguez is looking for Fiction: Action/Adventure, Children's, Commercial, Family Saga, Fantasy, General, Graphic Novel, Historical, Horror, Humor, LGBTQ, Literary, Middle Grade, Mystery, New Adult, Picture Books, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Young Adult; Non-Fiction: Cookbooks, Humor, Journalism, LGBTQ, Memoir, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Travel.

Cheyenne Faircloth is most interested in manuscripts from underrepresented communities, i.e. queer, BIPOC, AAPI, neurodivergent, and disabled voices. Her interests include YA, Southern Gothic, folkloric elements, gothic romances, fantasy stories with political elements, non-western mythology, sports romances in conversation with institutional issues/sexism/gender, and creatures from myth told through a queer allegorical lens.

Geula Geurts is interested in literary fiction, creative non-fiction, lyric essays, memoirs and poetry. Kaitlin Sooklal wants Fantasy, Science Fiction, YA, Historical Fiction.

Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change. 

NOTE: Don't submit to two agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another.

You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients. 

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Ms. Kaitlin Sooklal of The Rights Factory 

Kaitlin's joyful experience working with writers at The Rights Factory as an editorial assistant to ready their works for the market confirmed agenting is the next step in her career. She is currently completing edits on a number of projects for her first clients and will be starting in the fall to build her client list in a number of genres.

What she is seeking: Fantasy, Science Fiction, YA, Historical Fiction

How to submit: Use her form HERE.

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Ms. Monica Rodriguez of Context Literary Agency 

Monica started her marketing career supporting non-profits and the arts. After gaining experience at an advertising agency, she worked on advertising campaigns within the tourism industry. "I got into agenting with a mission to help uplift underrepresented voices in publishing, specifically within the Latinx community. If you identify as (but not limited to) a person of color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, or have a disability, please send your query my way!"

What she is seeking: Fiction: Action/Adventure, Children's, Commercial, Family Saga, Fantasy, General, Graphic Novel, Historical, Horror, Humor, LGBTQ, Literary, Middle Grade, Mystery, New Adult, Picture Books, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Young Adult
Non-Fiction: Cookbooks, Humor, Journalism, LGBTQ, Memoir, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Travel.

Favorite sub-genres: Contemporary Romance, Contemporary YA, Feminism, Film/TV, Folklore, Gothic Horror, Low Fantasy, Multicultural, Self-help, Social Issues, Study Abroad Stories, Time Travel, Travel, YA Fantasy

How to submit: Please send a short description, short bio, and 5-10 pages of text pasted into the body of the email. No attachments.​ querymonica@contextlit.com

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Ms. Cheyenne Faircloth of Handspun Literary Agency 

Cheyenne Faircloth (she/her/hers) joined Handspun Literary Agency as an agency assistant in 2021, after graduating with a B.F.A. in Creative Writing, and a certification in Publishing from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Before Handspun, Cheyenne interned as an editorial assistant at Howland Literary, and was a member of the editorial and acquisition teams at Lookout Books, an independent publisher that is home to National Book Award Finalist Edith Pearlman. Cheyenne also independently managed a book blog where she collaborated with both major and indie publishers to promote upcoming titles and participated in various promotional activities centered around supporting debut authors.

What she is seeking: Cheyenne is most interested in manuscripts from underrepresented communities, i.e. queer, BIPOC, AAPI, neurodivergent, and disabled voices. Her interests include YA, Southern Gothic, folkloric elements, gothic romances, fantasy stories with political elements and well-grounded world building, non-western mythology, sports romances in conversation with institutional issues/sexism/gender, and creatures from myth told through a queer allegorical lens.

How to submit: Queries should be sent to query@handspunlit.com. For fiction: please send a query letter, short synopsis (ideally 5 pages or less), and the first three chapters or 50 pages of the novel, whichever is more.

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Ms. Geula Geurts of The Deborah Harris Agency (Israel) 

Geula received her BA in English Literature and her MFA in Poetry from Bar Ilan University. She grew up in the Netherlands, and has been living in Israel for the past ten years. 

What she is seeking: She is interested in literary fiction, creative non-fiction, lyric essays, memoirs and poetry. 

How to submit: See submission guidelines HERE.

4 New Literary Agents Seeking Fantasy, Horror, Sci-fi, Historical & Upmarket Fiction, Thrillers, Kidlit, Graphic Novels, and Memoir

Here are four new agents actively seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients.

Yona Levin is looking for children’s books, including young adult and middle grade fiction and non-fiction. Jazmia Young  is interested in representing children’s books, picture books through YA, focusing on middle-grade fiction/non-fiction with the goal of amplifying underrepresented voices and experiences.

Rachel Neely is looking for "unforgettable and thought-provoking fiction, the kind that leaves your mind racing uncontrollably, hours after turning the last page." Jennifer Chevais is currently building her list of authors specializing in fantasy, science fiction, and horror, but she also has a soft spot for thrillers, upmarket fiction, memoir, graphic novels, and many more.

Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change. 

NOTE: Don't submit to two agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another.

You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients. 

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Ms. Rachel Neely of Mushens Entertainment (UK) 

Rachel Neely began her publishing career in 2016 at Avon books, a division of HarperCollins, shortly after completing a Master of Studies in English and American Literature at the University of Oxford. Rachel then moved to Hachette’s Quercus books, where she stayed for over three years, as an Editorial Assistant and, latterly, Assistant Editor. Rachel worked on both reading group titles and the crime and thriller list, assisting on multiple Sunday Times bestsellers such as The Flatshare and The Girl Before. Her first acquisition, Still Lives, a literary thriller, was chosen for the Reese Witherspoon Hello Sunshine book club. In May 2020, Rachel was appointed Commissioning Editor at Trapeze, an imprint of Orion, with a remit of acquiring conversation-starting novels, focusing on upmarket fiction and literary-commercial crossover.

What she is seeking: "I'm looking for unforgettable and thought-provoking fiction, the kind that leaves your mind racing uncontrollably, hours after turning the last page."

How to submit: Email submissions@mushens-entertainment.com Your submission email should include: A clear subject line eg. Fiction Submission: TITLE OF YOUR WORK, Addressed to the specific agent you would like to consider it, Your cover letter in the body of the email, An attachment of your synopsis, A PDF or Word document of your novel containing either: The first three chapters OR The first 10-15,000 words OR First 50 pages.

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Ms. Yona Levin of Fletcher & Company 

Yona Levin received her B.A. in English and Political Science from Wellesley College before returning to her native NYC to start her publishing career at Foundry Literary + Media. Now at Fletcher & Company, she works with Melissa Chinchillo in foreign rights and assists Peter Steinberg with his titles. 

What she is seeking: Yona is building her own list of children’s books, including young adult and middle grade fiction and non-fiction. She likes contemporary adventure stories, fantasy that is off the beaten path, and clever writing that plays with format and reader expectations in new and interesting ways.

How to submit: To query, please send a letter, brief synopsis, and the first 5-10 pages of the manuscript/proposal pasted into the body of the email to info@fletcherandco.com. You should indicate the agent you are addressing the query to in the subject line. Please do not include email attachments with your initial query, as they will be deleted.

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Ms. Jazmia Young of Curtis Brown, Ltd. 

Jazmia Young is an associate agent at Curtis Brown Ltd. She received her bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing at the City College of New York and was a graduate of the Publishing Certificate Program at CCNY. Jazmia is also the Administrative Assistant of the Association of American Literary Agents.

What she is seeking: She is interested in representing children’s books, picture books through YA, focusing on middle-grade fiction/non-fiction with the goal of amplifying underrepresented voices and experiences. She particularly loves stories with friendship ties, complicated family dynamics, and grief or loss. Being a New York native, anything based in the great NYC has her heart. 

How to submit: Please email queries to jky@cbltd.com with the first 10 pages of your manuscript in the body of the email with QUERY in the subject line. 

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Ms. Jennifer Chevais of The Rights Factory 

Jennifer Chevais is currently building her list of authors specialising in fantasy, science fiction, and horror, but she also has a soft spot for thrillers, upmarket fiction, memoir, graphic novels, and many more. Jennifer’s experience includes freelance acquisition reading and translating for a French publisher as well as nearly a decade in advertising.

What she is seeking: Fantasy, Horror, Science Fiction, Historical, Thriller, Action, Upmarket (book club potential), Graphic Novels, and Memoir.

How to submit: Use her form HERE.

4 Literary Agents Seeking Commercial Fiction, Literary Fiction, Memoir, Sci-fi, Picture Books and more

Here are four agents from reputable agencies actively seeking clients. Jessica Kasmer-Jacobs is interested in literary fiction, serious non-fiction  memoir, historical fiction and picture books. Anna Webber wants fiction and nonfiction. Mike Nardullo enjoys literary fiction and upmarket science fiction. Tim Moore represents Food and Drink; Humor, History; Memoir; Business; Biography; Health and Wellness; Self-improvement; Photography; Literary Fiction; Commercial Fiction.

Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change. 

NOTE: Don't submit to two agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another.

You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.

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Ms. Anna Webber of United Agents, LLP (UK)

Anna Webber grew up in Austria. She studied Comparative Literature in Paris and worked for a French publisher before moving to London to work in foreign rights at Andrew Nurnberg Associates. She has been a literary agent since 2005, first at PFD and then at United Agents, where her list currently includes prize-winning poets, novelists and writers of literary non-fiction. She also represents Bill Clegg's clients in the UK. In 2015 she was shortlisted for Agent of the Year at the Bookseller Industry Awards. She speaks fluent English, German and French.

What she is seeking: Fiction and nonfiction.

How to submit: Please send a short synopsis and a 10,000-word excerpt for fiction, or a concise proposal for non-fiction to awebber@unitedagents.co.uk 

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Ms. Jessica Kasmer-Jacobs of The Deborah Harris Agency (Israel) 

Jessica received her BA in English Literature from New York University and her MPhil in Irish Literature from Trinity College Dublin. Before moving to Israel, she was an editor at the Wall Street Journal Book Review. She has previously worked at the Joy Harris Literary Agency in New York, The Irish Jewish Museum in Dublin, and Blue Man Group in Boston. 

​What she is seeking: Jessica is interested in literary fiction, serious non-fiction  memoir, historical fiction and picture books.

How to submit: See submission guidelines HERE.

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Mr. Michael Nardullo of Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency

Mike joined LGR as Foreign Rights Director and Agent in December, 2019 and brings nearly two decades of experience from various positions in international book publishing. He began his career in the subsidiary rights department of The Penguin Group, where he was mentored by veteran rights sellers, learned the nuances of foreign deals and contracts and developed relationships with co-agents and book scouts, many of whom he continues to work with today. He left Penguin to manage the foreign rights department at The New Press, and then joined Maria B. Campbell Associates as a Senior Literary Scout, consulting for leading international publishers, and for Netflix. After nine busy years of scouting, Mike returned to rights selling, first at Foundry Literary + Media, where he also took on several clients as a domestic agent, and now at LGR. Mike graduated from SUNY Albany with a degree in English/Creative Writing, which turned out to be a useful major after all. He grew up in Sleepy Hollow, NY, the undisputed Halloween capital of the world, and lives in Brooklyn.

What he is seeking: Mike enjoys literary fiction that feels daring and fresh, especially in its use of language, perspective and structure, and nonfiction that teaches us something new about our place in the world, from our relationship to work and technology, to our understanding of our brains and selves. He also likes upmarket science fiction with a philosophical twist and biographies of his musical heroes.

How to submit: Use the form HERE.

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Mr. Tim Moore of The Rights Factory (CANADA)

Tim Moore represents adult non-fiction and fiction. He is interested in non-fiction which has a clear platform and fiction which has a distinctive voice. Tim has worked in publishing for over twenty-five years and has held various positions, including Publicist, Marketing Director, Head of Sales, Editorial Director and Publisher. He holds an BA in Philosophy from Dalhousie University and a MBA from Bayes Business School, University of London. His mentoring includes working with the Creative Mentor Network and LDN Apprenticeships. He is a current member of The Book Society, London.

What he is seeking: Food and Drink; Humor, History; Memoir; Business; Biography; Health and Wellness; Self-improvement; Photography; Literary Fiction; Commercial Fiction.

How to submit: Use his query form HERE.

6 New Agents Seeking Scifi, Fantasy, YA, Memoir, Literary Fiction, Nonfiction and more

Here are six new literary agents seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients.

Leana Rupp is seeking detailed characters who grow through difficult circumstances or grow closer to their friends in the process, she will want to read your manuscript. Also, a story rich in culture, magical lore, or symbolism is a sure way to captivate her attention.

Abigail Varnado is looking for Gothic Literature, Historical Fiction , Mysteries, Young Adult Sci-Fi and Fantasy, and anything else fantastical or paranormal. 

Mona Kanin is seeking smart, resonating projects including literary fiction, memoirs that read like fiction, & non-fiction for adults that speaks to today's cultural currents

Ismita Hussain is seeking literary fiction, health-related non-fiction, YA, and short story collections. 

Elisa Saphier is open to most genres, as long as the novel or memoir is well-written, but she is partial to character-heavy stories that tell her something about herself or the world around her. 

Sarah Fisk is currently accepting submissions for young adults, middle grade, adult romance, and adult SFF (no hardcore horror).

Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change. 

NOTE: Don't submit to two agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another.

You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.

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Ms. Ismita Hussain of Great Dog Literary

Ismita is a Georgia native and graduate of Emory University, where she studied Human Health and Italian. During college, she also worked for various Atlanta area hospitals in departments ranging from neonatal to geriatric care. In her Desi household, she grew up speaking Bangla, Hindi, and Urdu.

What she is seeking: Ismita is seeking literary fiction, health-related non-fiction, YA, and short story collections. Some of her favorite authors are Flannery O’Connor, Cormac McCarthy, Oscar Wilde, and Tom Perrotta. Ismita is especially drawn to fiction with a Southern setting, gritty realist writing, and any books that explore health or disability. Ultimately though, she’s a sucker for writing with a great sense of humor.

How to submit: Use her form HERE.

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Sarah N. Fisk of Tobias Agency 

Sarah Fisk is a former mechanical engineer who made the switch to publishing in 2011. They have worked in the publishing industry as an editorial assistant, author's assistant, publicist, and art director. Sarah is a former Pitch Wars mentor, board member, and Agent Liaison. They host the podcast Queries, Qualms, & Quirks and have a passion for spreadsheets.


What they are seeking: Sarah Fisk is currently accepting submissions for young adult, middle grade, adult romance, adult SFF (no hardcore horror). Particular areas of interest include atmospheric fantasies, speculative mysteries, books that challenge societal norms, especially gender norms. They also have a special interest in stories featuring queer characters and those with disability, neurodiversity, chronic illness, or mental health challenges. Other areas of interest are small or midwestern town settings, and complicated sibling relationships.

How to submit: Use their form HERE.

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Ms. Leana Rupp of The Booker Albert Literary Agency

Leana Rupp graduated with a BA in Professional Writing from York College of Pennsylvania and has worked on many freelance projects while assisting in content editing for various clients. When the mundane world becomes too dull, Leana looks for an escape to live vicariously through characters found in romance, fantasy, mystery, and fiction.

What she is seeking: If your story has detailed characters who grow through difficult circumstances or grow closer to their friends in the process, she will want to read your manuscript. Also, a story rich in culture, magical lore, or symbolism is a sure way to captivate her attention.

How to submit: Send your queries to: query[at]thebookeralbertagency[dot]com.

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Ms. Abigail Varnado of The Booker Albert Literary Agency

Abigail Varnado holds a BA in English from Louisiana State University and an MA in Publishing from Rosemont College. She has held a few editorial and content creation roles and is always looking for new books to read and explore. 

What she is seeking: Alongside a cup of tea or coffee, she enjoys reading Gothic Literature, Historical Fiction (open to several different eras and countries), Mysteries (that keep her on the edge of her seat), Young Adult Sci-Fi and Fantasy (with strong world building and a lot of angst), and anything else fantastical or paranormal. Books with folklore and fairytales, in particular, really turn her head as she enjoys learning more about cultures through their stories and beliefs—whether it be a spooky tale, a romance, or otherwise. Abigail is looking for something a little edgy and raw that speaks to the emotions, but also something witty and intelligent. She is drawn to strong, clever characters with complex emotional development and is drawn to well-developed/dramatic plotlines that could either end in happiness or complete disaster. The drastic opposites of the journey to the light versus the dissent into madness have always been a favorite for her.

How to submit: Send your queries to: query[at]thebookeralbertagency[dot]com.

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Mona Kanin of Great Dog Literary

Inspired by imagination and content creation, Mona spent 25 years designing, writing and making non-fiction media for broadcast, non-broadcast, print, and the web. Mona helped define the audience, the medium, and the message for The Human Genome Project, Weston Woods, PBS, several of the Discovery Channels, and others. Her work won top national awards. Before she was a producer, Mona was a librarian at the Boston Public Library & for several years managed a small book shop in D.C. She's always sought to forge connections—between visuals and words, trust and the collaborative process, content and authenticity/emotion. She believes in the power of books to create more empathic beings. 

What she is seeking: Mona is seeking smart, resonating projects including literary fiction, memoirs that read like fiction, & non-fiction for adults that speaks to today's cultural currents. She's closed to non-referral PB and MG fiction queries at least until Spring, 2022, when she'll re-evaluate. Authenticity/own voices always essential.

How to submit: Use her form HERE.

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Ms. Elisa Saphier of MacGregor & Luedeke Literary

From her first job in a library, to being the editor-in-chief of her high school literary magazine, to working in four bookstores (and owning one), Elisa has always managed to surround herself with books and writers. Elisa long dreamed of opening her own bookstore and in 2012, after her wife decreed that no more bookshelves were allowed in their house, she took the leap. Elisa and her bookstore, Another Read Through, quickly became known as champions of local writers and local small publishers, and as community builders. She works toward equity in publishing and in writers’ career development with the nonprofit she is co-launching in 2022, Amplify Writers. She believes that books and writers have important things to say, and she wants to help writers get their work out there, and for readers to find them.

What she is seeking: As a reader and as an agent, she is open to most genres, as long as the novel or memoir is well-written, but she is partial to character-heavy stories that tell her something about herself or the world around her. She is hoping specifically to represent marginalized writers and their stories, doing her small part toward equalizing the publishing playing field. She is almost never interested in religious or experimental writing, but is otherwise open to being won over by just about any piece of excellent writing. Note: The agency is only open to nonfiction at this time.

How to submit: Please read their submission guidelines HERE.

6 Agents Actively Seeking Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Genre Fiction, Romance, YA and more

Here are six agents seeking cookbooks and other nonfiction, as well as fiction. All are from established agencies with good track records. 

Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change. 

NOTE: Don't submit to two agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another.

You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.

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Meg Thompson of The Thompson Agency

Meg Thompson grew up in Lubbock, TX and moved to NY to attend New York University, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude with a degree in British and American Literature. She started in publishing in 2002, working closely with President Bill Clinton in his Harlem office as a researcher and fact checker on his memoirs, My Life. She then joined LJK Literary Management, LLC in 2005. She worked at LJK for six years, becoming a senior agent in only 2 years, before founding her own agency with Susanna Einstein, the Einstein Thompson Agency. After three successful years at ETA, Meg decided to launch her own agency, Thompson Literary LLC. Her clients include #1 NY Times bestselling cookbook author Lisa Leake of 100 Days of Real Food. She is interested in biography, memoir, music, popular science, politics, social justice, cookbooks, sports, health and wellness, spirituality, fashion, art, design, adult illustrated books, popular culture, and anything that advances our cultural and social dialogue to a more elevated level.

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Erin Clyburn of The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency

Temporarily closed to queries.

Erin joined The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency as Associate Literary Agent in 2019 after an internship and apprenticeship with a boutique literary agency. She has worked as a copy editor and recipe editor in the magazine industry and was general manager and director of collection development for Turtleback Books. She received her BA in English Literature from Mississippi State University and her MA in Children’s Literature from Hollins University. When not working, Erin loves hiking, cooking, traveling, painting, and trying to keep her three rabbits, Felix, Agnes, and Valentino, from chewing up every baseboard in the house. She is seeking cookbooks and culinary histories, nonfiction and fiction.

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Christine J. Lee of The Leshne Agency

Christine J. Lee is an Associate Literary Agent at The Leshne Agency with interest in a broad range of genres, including full-length literary fiction, sci-fi, thrillers, horror, true crime, and romance, YA, cookbooks, interior design and gardening, parenting, books on self-empowerment, and memoirs/biographies touching on race, sex, class, and identity. 

She has worked in the publishing industry for more than 13 years, beginning at Bedford/St. Martin’s, then moved on to Simon & Schuster. She earned a BA from Princeton University in English Literature and a MFA from the University of Houston in Fiction. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, son, and cat.

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Stacey Glick of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret LLC 

Stacey Kendall Glick, Vice President, joined DG&B in 1999 after working in film and television development for five years. Following a number of internships in the entertainment business, her first job after college was at PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, where she looked for book projects to be adapted into feature films. Next, she worked as a story editor at Hearst Entertainment, where she scouted material for television movies. Stacey grew up just outside of Manhattan and is a former child actress who appeared on television, on stage, and in feature films. She has a wide-ranging and eclectic client list, and is interested in many subjects, including (but not limited to) on the adult side: practical and narrative nonfiction including cooking and food, memoir, psychology, mental health and wellness, lifestyle, women’s issues, parenting, current events, pop culture and science, and select adult contemporary fiction. And on the children’s side: YA, middle grade, nonfiction, and select picture books. Stacey is a member of the AAR, Women’s Media Group, and is a council member of the Rutgers University Council on Children’s Literature (RUCCL.org).

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Gina Panettieri of Talcott Notch Literary Services

Gina Panettieri is the founder of Talcott Notch Literary Services, a full service literary agency representing the freshest voices in fiction and nonfiction for both adults and children. Some of her latest projects include Hillerman Prize winner THE HOMEPLACE by Kevin Wolf (St. Martin's Press), WSJ bestseller WAR SHADOWS by Andrews & Wilson (Thomas & Mercer), and GARDEN STATE GANGLAND by Scott Deitche (Rowman & Littlefield). 

"I find it all fascinating! History, business, self-help, science, gardening, cookbooks, crafts, parenting, memoir, true crime and travel. Teach me something new, something I couldn’t find somewhere else, something based on original research and that’s the hook I’m looking for. With fiction, I love quirky, edgy characters. Send me women’s fiction, paranormal, urban fantasy, horror, science fiction, historical, mystery, thrillers and suspense."

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Katherine Latshaw of Folio Literary Management

"I joined Folio in 2013 after working as an agent at The Literary Group International with Frank Weimann. Prior to that, I worked at packager and literary agency Stonesong, where I participated in every facet of book production, from sales to photo shoots to edits and design. That unique perspective has allowed me to weigh in with authority on behalf of clients during every step of the publishing process. I relish working one on one with authors. For nonfiction, I will often brainstorm with clients who have the requisite knowledge and platform but aren’t sure how to harness that into a saleable concept. I will write, re-write, and edit behind a client to present the best possible pitch to editors. For fiction, my aim is the same, and I will provide whatever is necessary to achieve that result, from general editorial suggestions to line edits. My authors range very widely from celebrities like Burt Reynolds to ice cream sandwich empire Coolhaus to antiracism author Layla Saad. I’m looking for commercial nonfiction: cookbooks; lifestyle; memoir; pop culture; health & wellness; social media-platformed projects; incisive essay collections; illustrated/gift books; feminist and underrepresented voices; select fiction. I am also looking for seasoned collaborators and ghostwriters so send along those resumes!"

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Jennifer Unter of the Unter Agency

Jennifer Unter is the founder of the Unter Agency. She has worked in many aspects of the publishing industry from editorial at Henry Holt, to a copyright lawyer at an entertainment firm. In addition to placing projects at domestic and foreign publishers, she also sells to audio, film and television. She is a member of Women’s Media Group. She is interested in seeing quality fiction and general nonfiction, with a particular interest in memoir, food/cooking, nature/environment, biography, pop culture, travel/adventure, true crime, politics and health/fitness. Additionally, she is looking for all types of children’s literature (picture books, middle grade, and young adult).

4 New Agents Seeking Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy, MG, YA, Picture Books, Graphic Novels and more

Here are four new literary agents seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients.

Laura Stone is seeking: Romance, Mystery/Crime, Fantasy, Science Fiction, YA, MG, Historical Fiction, Action/Adventure, Thrillers. Carol Woien wants Inspirational Romance, Romantic Comedy, Romantic Suspense, Sweet Romance, Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Suspense, True Crime. 

Leslie Truex is looking for Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedies, Inspirational Romantic Suspense, Romantic Suspense/Mystery, New Adult Romance, YA Romance, YA Fantasy. Regina Bernard-Carreno represents Non-Fiction, Picture Books, MG, YA, Picture Books, and Graphic Novels.

Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change. 

NOTE: Don't submit to two agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another.

You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.

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Ms. Leslie Truex of Blue Ridge Literary Agency

Leslie Truex began her writing career by accident. After starting a career website in 1998, she wrote two traditionally published non-fiction books, was the home business expert at About.com (now DotDash: The Balance Small Business), and her articles have appeared in Entrepreneur, Personal Branding Blog, and Business 2 Community. However, her passion lies in writing fiction. She is the author of a dozen romance and mystery novels using a pen name. She is passionate about helping writers through her online community for romance writers, and as the President of the Virginia Writers Club. She's excited to work with writers in getting their works published through Blue Ridge Literary Agency.

What she is seeking: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedies, Inspirational Romantic Suspense, Romantic Suspense/Mystery, New Adult Romance, YA Romance, YA Fantasy.

How to submit: Use her online form HERE.

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Laura Stone of Blue Ridge Literary Agency

After spending more than twenty years as an editor, Laura Stone joins Blue Ridge Literary Agency. She began her career as a freelance editor, eventually working with Entangled Publishing as a senior editor, working as the managing editor of The Manning Times, and integrating mentoring and coaching into her business. Now, as an accomplished editor, mentor, coach, and published author, Laura is eager to help other writers achieve their publishing dreams.

What she is seeking: Romance, Mystery/Crime, Fantasy, Science Fiction, YA, MG, Historical Fiction, Action/Adventure, Thrillers.

How to submit: Use her online form HERE.

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Ms. Carol Woien of Blue Ridge Literary Agency

Carol lives in Indiana with her husband. Under a pseudonym, she's the author of two previously published Cozy Mysteries. She spends her free time near a pool or beach, reading, writing, visiting with family, and avoiding math.

What she is seeking: Inspirational Romance, Romantic Comedy, Romantic Suspense, Sweet Romance, Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Suspense, True Crime. 

How to submit: Use her online form HERE.

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Regina Bernard-Carreno of Martin Literary Management

Regina joined Martin Literary Management in 2021. She holds a PhD in Education from the Graduate and University Center at the City University of New York, and graduate degrees in African American Studies from Columbia University and Philosophy from the Graduate Center (CUNY). She holds other degrees in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY). Alongside writing and teaching, Regina facilitates Reader Discussion Groups, Private Reading groups and has served as a reader and sometimes editor for both literary and academic journals. She has published widely in academia as well as in trade magazines. The work she hopes to accomplish as a literary manager is to help writers, as well as author-illustrators, think through their projects, see multiple opportunities where perhaps they don't readily exist and help shape their work into successful books. Ultimately, she looks forward to championing great ideas.

What she is seeking: Non-Fiction: In non-fiction, she’s open to seeing true crime projects (No crimes against children or graphic gore against women/children) as well as memoir. Regina also loves cookbooks that help the reader travel to new places. She wants to see cookbooks that have personal narratives tied to them, whether that's a personal story woven throughout, cultural traditions and practices, and/or dishes that tie together cultural memories. She is also accepting submissions for artisanal projects such as crafting (think knitting, sewing, crafting, home-gardening/homesteading, apothecary/healing, and alternative health practices). 

Picture Books: Regina is looking for picture books that deal with a little magical realism, immigrant stories, bilingual picture books, and stories that deal with children and their relationship to animals, earth, and the environment. She’d love to see folktales from a wide variety of places reimagined, especially from authors-illustrators. 

 

Middle Grade: Regina is seeking chapter books and middle-grade novels dealing especially with adventures, solving mysteries, and facing/overcoming hardships and developing friendships.

Graphic Novels: Regina is looking for Middle Grade, Young Adult, and adult graphic novels. She’d love to see more writers of color telling stories of MG & YA and has her eye out for BIPOC creators in this genre. For adult graphic novels, Regina is interested in projects in the vein of Marjane Satrapi’s work and projects in that spirit telling of immigrant stories.

Young Adults: Regina would love to receive rom coms of all kinds. Think Hallmark cards and movies geared towards young adults, complete with heartbreak, friendships, and triumph.

How to submit: Queries should be sent to Regina@MartinLit.com

3 New Agents Actively Looking for Writers - Fantasy, Sci-fi, Literary Fiction, Nonfiction, Kidlit

(Updated 3/18/18)

Here are three new agents actively seeking clients. Lindsay Mealing (Emerald City Literary) is seeking science fiction and fantasy (adult only). Gill McLay (Bath Literary Agency, UK) is interested in children's books. Christina Clifford (Union Literary) is looking for literary fiction and narrative nonfiction in the genres of historical biography, memoir, business, and science. Before you send your query, read the agency's website to make sure your work is a good fit.

Always check the agency website before you submit. Agents may switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements may change.

If these agents do not suit your needs you can find a comprehensive list of new and established agents seeking clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.

Lindsay Mealing of Emerald City Literary

NO LONGER AN AGENT

About Lindsay: Lindsay has been writing stories since she could first hold a pencil. It wasn’t until she sat down to edit a manuscript for the first time she realized her true love was not on the writing side of the publishing industry, but the business side. She began interning for Mandy at Emerald City Literary Agency in early 2015 and quickly realized agenting was what she wanted to do forever more. Lindsay is a self-proclaimed nerd, loving everything science fiction and fantasy – from epic tomes to gaming. She fell head over heels with the SFF genre when she read Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey (she even has Phedre’s marque tattooed on her back). Find her on Twitter: @lindsaymealing.

What she is seeking: Science fiction, fantasy (adult only).

How to submit: Send your query letter with ATTN: Lindsay in the subject to querymandy@emeraldcityliterary.com. Please paste the first five pages of your manuscript below your query letter.

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Gill McLay of Bath Literary Agency

About Gill: Gill graduated with a Publishing and Marketing degree from Oxford Brookes University in 1996. She has worked with a wide variety of small independent publishers and large global publishers, including Barefoot Books and Egmont. She has experience with all of the different roles and sectors in the world of children’s books.

What she is seeking: Children’s books — fiction and nonfiction submissions, from picture books through young adult. Gill primarily represents UK authors.

How to submit: Submissions are only accepted by snail mail. Send to Gill McLay, Submissions, Bath Literary Agency, 5 Gloucester Road, Bath, BA1 7BH, United Kingdom. Include a synopsis, the first 3 chapters of fiction (for YA or MG), and the full manuscript for picture books, a cover letter, and an SAE.

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Christina Clifford of Union Literary

About Christina: Christina worked for several years as an agent at Melanie Jackson Agency prior to coming to Union Literary. At Melanie Jackson Agency, she represented several award-winning authors and found US homes for the works of international authors. A lifelong New Yorker and lover of the written word, Christina is looking for both seasoned authors and new voices in fiction and nonfiction.

What she is seeking: She specializes in literary fiction, and wants to continue building a narrative nonfiction list in the genres of historical biography, memoir, business, and science.

How to submit: Nonfiction submissions should include a query letter, a proposal, and sample chapter. Fiction submissions should include a query letter, synopsis, and pasted sample pages. Send to Christina [at] unionliterary.com. E-queries only. Responds if interested.

3 New Agents Seeking Clients NOW - Fantasy, Scifi, YA, Romance, Literary Fiction and more

Updated 5/23/21

Here are three new agents actively seeking clients. Kelly Peterson is looking for MG, YA, NA, and adult fantasy, paranormal, sci-fi, historical fiction, and romance. Amanda Jain is seeking historical fiction (in all genres), women’s / book club / upmarket fiction, romance, mysteries, and narrative nonfiction in the areas of social history, archaeology, art history, and material culture. She is also interested in select young adult and middle grade projects with unique hooks and a strong voice. Alexandra Weiss is looking for fiction in all categories and select nonfiction.

Remember to check the agency guidelines before submitting. Agents may switch agencies or close their lists.

For a comprehensive list of dozens of agents looking for clients, see: Agents Seeking Clients

Kelly Peterson of Rees Agency

About Kelly: Kelly Peterson is a West Chester University graduate with a B.S.Ed in English and Literature. She worked as a Junior Literary Agent for two years before moving to Rees Literary Agency, continuing to champion her authors and the manuscripts she loves.

What she is seeking: Kelly seeks manuscripts in various genres within Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Adult age ranges. In Middle Grade, she loves fantasy, sci-fi, and contemporary that touches on tough issues for young readers. Her Young Adult preferences vary from contemporary to high fantasy, sci-fi (not the space kind) to paranormal (all the ghost stories, please!), and historical all the way back to rom-coms. Kelly is proud to continue to represent Adult manuscripts in romance, fantasy, and sci-fi. She is very interested in representing authors with marginalized own voices stories, witty and unique characters, pirates, witches, and dark fantasies..

How to submit: She accepts queries via querymanager  http://querymanager.com/kellypeterson

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Amanda Jain of BookEnds Literary Agency

About Amanda: After earning a BA in English, Amanda worked in the trade department at W.W. Norton for seven years before leaving to pursue graduate studies. She graduated in 2011 with a MA in the history of decorative arts. Amanda then joined Inklings Literary in 2014, first as Michelle’s assistant. She is now building her client list. Find her on Twitter.

What she is seeking: Amanda is currently looking for adult mystery, romance, women's fiction, and upmarket projects, and always enjoys historical fiction in all genres. In romance, she is particularly looking for diverse historical projects that explore time periods often overlooked, or that show us well-known periods from a different viewpoint. In any genre, she is most interested in those stories that transport the reader and provide a completely immersive reading experience. In non-fiction, she is interested in projects that explore the literary world, art history, material culture, archaeology, food history, or social history. Amanda is not currently seeking children's books (YA and below), erotica, horror, hard sci-fi, or high fantasy.

How to submit: To query Amanda, go to http://QueryMe.Online/AmandaJain.

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Alexandra Weiss of Azantian Literary Agency

About Alexandra: Alexandra Weiss joined the world of publishing in 2016, as an associate agent with the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency. In 2021, she joined Azantian Literary Agency where she represents fiction and nonfiction picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, and select adult nonfiction. She holds a BFA in creative writing and publishing from Columbia College Chicago and has written for Bustle and Buzzfeed, among others. She regularly volunteers with literary organizations and has a soft spot for working with young readers. When she isn't reading or writing, she's probably baking up a storm or snuggling with her cat.

What she is seeking: "Please send me your early reader, MG, and YA graphic novel proposals! I'm actively seeking contemporary projects but am open to all genres. Some recent favorites include THIS WAS OUR PACT, SEANCE TEA PARTY and GO WITH THE FLOW. I'd also love to see some nonfiction graphic novels that cover fascinating topics. 

I love heartfelt, funny, and whimsical picture books. If you have a clever concept that's never been done before or provides a fresh twist on a classic tale (such as PRINCE AND KNIGHT), please send it my way. I'm also eagerly searching for picture books books that introduce STEAM concepts and make complex topics approachable (and fun!) for young readers. I'm also interested in representing more author/illustrators. I enjoy a lot of different styles but generally lean toward art that's unique, bold, and playful.

I adore all types of adventurous, smart, and out-of-the-box chapter and middle-grade books. Silly schemes! Fantastic friendships! Ambitious adventures! If it has magic, science, or time travel, I'm all in. I'm also a big fan of contemporary middle grade that pulls at your heartstrings (think I'LL SEE YOU IN THE COSMOS and SONG FOR A WHALE). I'm particularly interested in finding more middle grade that isn't afraid to explore the complicated emotions and challenges preteens face today.

I'm most drawn to contemporary, light science fiction and fantasy, as well as magical realism in YA. I'm looking for strong, distinct, and diverse voices that authentically capture the coming-of-age experience. I'm a fan of angsty characters and stories that explore difficult situations, but I'd also love to see more lighthearted and fluffy romcoms. I'm also interested in YA stories that take place outside of the US or feature mythology from non-western cultures.

Currently, I'm seeking nonfiction proposals from scientists and experts in their field. Some topics I'm interested in include global warming, space exploration, and mental heath. I'm also open to unique gift books that bring something new to the table.

Across the board, I'm dedicated to representing marginalized creators and diverse stories. I'm actively seeking BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, genderfluid, neurodiverse, and disabled voices for all ages and genres."

How to submit: Use their submission form.

2 New Agents Looking for Clients

Here are two new agents looking for clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are enthusiastic and hard-working, and eager to make sales. Often, they are former editors and/or published authors, which means they have contacts in the industry.

Elise Erickson is seeking romance and all of its subgenres, women’s fiction, paranormal, mystery including clever cozy mysteries, thrillers, historical fiction, commercial literary fiction, and some YA. Lori Galvin is seeking cookbooks.

You can find many more new and established agents seeking clients here: Agents Seeking Clients

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Elise Erickson of Harold Ober Associates

NO LONGER AN AGENT

About Elise: Elise of Harold Ober Associates graduated from St. Olaf College and the NYU Summer Publishing Institute in 2014, and spent several months interning at Penguin’s New American Library imprint, Folio Literary Management, and Susanna Lea Associates before taking on her current position at Harold Ober Associates. She grew up in both Florida and Minnesota, but is quickly learning to love city life in NYC. Elise is passionate about the role and responsibility of the literary agent, especially being an advocate for authors. In addition to working with books, she currently assists in selling Harold Ober’s TV, film, and subsidiary rights, and is actively building a client list of her own.

What she is looking for: Romance and all of its subgenres, women’s fiction, paranormal, mystery including clever cozy mysteries, thrillers, historical fiction, commercial literary fiction, and some YA. She is particularly drawn to stories that contain a strong sense of place, and female protagonists with unique, compelling voices.

Not Looking For: Poetry, Screenplays, Picture Books, Horror, Self-help.

How to submit: Please email the first 15-20 pages of your manuscript, a concise query letter, and a detailed synopsis to elise [at] haroldober.com.

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Lori Galvin of Aevitas

Prior to joining Aevitas, Galvin was executive editor at the multimedia publisher America’s Test Kitchen, where she led a team that produced dozens of landmark cookbooks. Galvin was also an editor at Houghton Mifflin, a restaurant cook, and ran a bed-and-breakfast in Maine. Based in Boston, a few of her clients and their projects include Kwame Onwuachi’s Notes from a Young Black Chef (Knopf ’19); Hannah Kirshner’s Water, Wood, and Wild Things (Viking ’21), Cambria Brockman’s Tell Me Everything (Ballantine ’19), and Wanda M. Morris’s All Her Little Secrets (Morrow, ’21). A few of Galvin’s client’s projects have been optioned by A24 and Netflix.

What she is seeking: Lori Galvin represents both adult fiction (especially women’s fiction and crime fiction) and non-fiction (memoir, food writing, and cookbooks). Lori seeks cookbook authors with a strong point of view, a solid grounding in their field, and a talent for motivating cooks of all stripes to get into the kitchen. She is also on the lookout for compelling narratives about food and drink, whether memoir or cultural commentary, serious or steeped in humor. Lifestyle topics, including motivational self-help, are also of interest.

How to submit: Please use this form to query Lori.