Agents in Attendance

PITCH YOUR BOOK TO A LITERARY AGENT:

These one-on-one online meetings at the 2026 New England Writing Workshop 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 2026 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. Unless otherwise specified, all agent pitches at WDW online events happen on Saturday — in this case, July 25, 2026.

Frannie Dove is a literary agent at The Caldwell Agency. “I love books that change and challenge the way we interact with the world, especially stories that explore the margins of the history books. I’m eager to champion stories that stir book club conversation, inspire readers to engage with their local communities, and bring people together around the dinner table. Genres I seek: historical fiction, narrative history, historical fantasy, comedic mystery, book club fiction, genre bended and blended fiction (especially with some history), science for the non-scientist, essays with wisdom to share, and memoir with a strong narrative arc.” Learn more about Frannie here.

Keir Alekseii is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. As a neurodivergent, queer person of color, Keir is invested in discovering engaging work with similar representation, and passionate about creating space for voices not often recognized. They are especially interested in stories from BIPOC who are born and raised in the Global South. She is open to science fiction, fantasy, and horror in adult, young adult, and middle grade. She also seeks historical young adult and middle grade. Learn more about Keir here.

Emily S. Keyes is a literary agent with Keyes Literary. Genres Represented: Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Graphic Novels, Picture Books, Fantasy, Horror, Women’s Fiction, Science Fiction, Pop Culture and Humor. In general, Emily is looking for all types of books for young readers and the young at heart. In particular, she wants to foster the joy of reading in kids (so if your goal is to “teach kids stuff,” then she might not be the right fit for you). In nonfiction, she is looking for nonfiction picture books (though only biographies of individuals who do not already have a book about them), interesting non-fiction for middle grade and young adult readers (particularly from podcasters, YouTubers and those who already have a platform), and select adult nonfiction. Learn more about Emily here.

Geffen Semach is a literary agent with Westwood Creative Artists. Fiction: I am looking for general upmarket fiction; horror, thriller and suspense; sci fi, speculative, fantasy and romantasy; as well as select concept-driven romance and literary novels. I am drawn to genre-blending novels that tackle human complexity, thoughtful world-building, strong emotional resonance, and bold voices and concepts. I love novels with teeth that make me feel viscerally—either grounded or unsettled—and nuanced characters that feel both fresh and challenging.  Nonfiction: I am interested in journalism in the vein of social commentary, pop culture, politics, art and media; expert-driven writing relating to medicine and mental health, sex and relationships, and money; as well as exceptional memoir. For me it is the balance of an authoritative voice with accessibility. Particularly books that explore complex, often systemic issues—from politics to psychology to culture—told from a personal or human-centered lens. Please connect with me if you are an expert with a strong voice and an idea to share. I am happy to chat with writers who are at the beginning stages of forming an idea to craft a proposal together. I encourage submissions from underrepresented writers including 2SLGBTQI+, BIPOC, and/or disabled. Learn more about Geffen 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 likes standalones), picture books, and probably chapter books “I am always most excited to find great writing and full characters, regardless of genre.” 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. In young adult fiction, she loves: found family; queer coming of age; emerging awareness of identity; amateur theater In middle grade, she enjoys: true to life fiction; questioning of self and belonging; amateur theater. Learn more about Elisa here.

Eric Smith is a literary agent at Neighborhood Literary, with a love for young adult books, literary fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction. Eric is eagerly acquiring fiction and nonfiction projects. He’s actively seeking out new, diverse voices in young adult (particularly sci-fi and fantasy), middle grade, and literary and commercial fiction (again, loves sci-fi and fantasy, but also thrillers and mysteries). In terms of nonfiction, he’s interested in cookbooks, pop culture, humor, middle grade, essay collections, and blog-to-book ideas. Learn more about Eric here.

Amy Giuffrida is a literary agent with The Belcastro Literary Agency. “I am especially seeking stories written by diverse creators—BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, and disabled creators are encouraged to query me. Send me your stories of joy, where your characters and their worlds can be celebrated by the reader.” In nonfiction, she seeks: business, social media, tech, cookbooks, and also anything by an author with a strong platform and a love for their subject. She seeks upper middle grade fiction. In young fiction, she seeks fantasy, horror, sci-fi, contemporary, contemporary romance, mystery, thriller, historical, and novels-in-verse. In adult fiction, she seeks women’s fiction, book club / commercial fiction, non-political thriller, horror, contemporary romance, and rom-com. Learn more about Amy here.

Thais Afonso is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. She intends to represent marginalized authors, and she’s especially seeking to uplift indigenous voices and voices from the Global South. In adult and young adult fiction, Thais is looking to represent Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, Contemporary Romance, and Suspense/Thrillers. She’s particularly keen on growing her contemporary and horror list right now, so if you have a project that doesn’t have any of her triggers and hard ‘no’s, pitch her! Even if it doesn’t a match an item in the wish list, she very much welcomes surprises here (as long as there are no elements from her anti-MSWL). Learn more about Thais here. 

Tina P. Schwartz is a literary agent with The Purcell Agency. She seeks adult fiction, young adult fiction, new adult fiction, and middle grade fiction. Within those age categories, she enjoys women’s fiction, realistic/contemporary fiction, coming of age, sports, romance, friendship, family. BIPOC, LGBTQ, as well as some memoir and narrative nonfiction. Schwartz is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI), Chicago Writer’s Association, Author’s Guild, and the American Association of Literary Agents. Learn more about Tina here.

Victoria Harris (they/them/theirs) is a literary agent with The Caldwell Agency. “I’m primarily seeking adult literary and upmarket fiction, particularly stories that feature LGBTQ+ and BIPOC characters. I’m also open to literary-leaning queer romance, soft sci-fi, and historical fiction set in the recent past. When it comes to nonfiction, I’m interested in memoirs.” She is drawn to: LGBTQ+ characters, BIPOC characters, mentally ill characters, neurodivergent characters, chronically ill and physically disabled characters, characters who’ve had difficult childhoods, characters who are repressed, characters who’ve felt like an outsider for their whole life, chosen family, friends to lovers, pining, late-stage coming of age stories, and dysfunctional family dynamics. Learn more about Victoria here.

Julia Kim is a literary agent with The Rights Factory. Julia is looking for literary fiction, upmarket fiction, and select genre fiction (crime, mystery, speculative, horror, historical). She is also open to other genres and categories (romance, thriller, science fiction, fantasy, YA) by authors from BIPOC and historically underrepresented groups. She is seeking a wide range of nonfiction topics including history, politics, current affairs, women’s issues, self-help, travel, true crime, psychology, biography and memoir, health and fitness, food and lifestyle, architecture and design, art and culture, film and TV, pop culture. Learn more about Julia here.

Shelly Romero is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. She is seeking: science fiction; speculative fiction; horror (almost all subgenres & especially for all age categories); Honduran authors; stories by Latine/x authors from Central America and the Caribbean (including Afro-Latine & Indigenous Latine stories); playing with formatting such as mixed-media & epistolary novels that give the story a “found footage” type of vibe; anything comped to Guillermo del Toro, David Cronenberg, Clive Barker, John Carpenter, or Wes Craven; Catholic horror; gothic romance; grounded fantasy; midwestern gothic; southern gothic; vampires; Jewish stories especially if they are intersectional with BIPOC and/or queer characters; thrillers/mysteries (with non-cop protagonists); commercial fiction; slice-of-life a la One Tree Hill, OG Gossip Girl, The Sandlot, Real Women Have Curves, What We Do in the Shadows; historical fiction set during: Regency, Edwardian, & Victorian eras; post-WWII; 80s – 00s…but featuring BIPOC and/or queer characters; adult erotic fiction, especially featuring BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA characters in kink spaces; set during college and non-college bound post-high school. Learn more about Shelly here.

Michelle Z. Jackson is a literary agent with The Jackson Literary Agency. Michelle is on the hunt for writers with a strong voice and masterful descriptive writing, stories with memorable characters, a great premise, a twist on an old tale and original concepts. In adult fiction, she seeks: Commercial, Historical, Humor, New Adult, Romance, Thriller, Women’s Fiction, Literary (subgenres: Contemporary Romance, Inspirational, Multicultural, Psychological Thrillers, Romantic Comedy) In young adult fiction, she seeks: Contemporary, Historical, Christian, Romance. Learn more about Michelle here.

Bridgette Kam is a literary agent with Westwood Creative Artists. As a wide reader, I’m looking for a range of books in these categories: book club/upmarket novels with compelling character studies and high stakes that spark important conversations; nofiction proposals from journalists, researchers, experts, and writers for a general readership in the areas of sociology, pop culture, personal growth, Christian faith and living, and biography; middle grade & YA historical and contemporary stories about a young person with an unforgettable voice, facing real life events/issues. I’m open to speculative elements and prefer stories that focus on friendships and family over romance; picture books by writers and author-illustrators from a child’s POV and that evoke and inspire wonder, joy, and understanding; books that keep me reading have a distinct hook and strong character immersion, big emotional impact, and very polished line-level writing. I’m not the right agent for suspense (thriller/horror), crime, sci-fi, romance, and scholarly projects. Learn more about Bridgette here.

Kaylyn Aldridge is a literary agent at Metamorphosis Literary. She seeks young adult, new adult, and adult fiction across the following categories: romance (all heat levels welcome); coming-of-age stories; LGBTQ+ fiction; and commercial fiction. She especially enjoys: Black stories and LGBTQ+ stories not centered around trauma; dark, weird, and offbeat stories (think Jennifer’s Body, Ginger Snaps, Fresh, or Teeth); unique takes on classic stories; paranormal romances (vampires, werewolves, ghosts, etc.)​. Learn more about Kaylyn 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. 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. As a literary agent, Savvy Literary is now an industry leader specializing in Self-help, Narrative Non-fiction, 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. Blending her experience as an author, literary/film/television agent and acquisition editor, she is truly excited to spearhead her very own Hispanic book imprint Café con Leche Books. Learn more about Leticia here.

Ritu Anand is a literary agent with D4E0 Literary. In Kidlit, she seeks: Picture books, Middle Grade and Young Adult Novels. In Literary Fiction, she seeks: Drama, Fairy Tales and Fiction in Verse. In General Fiction, she seeks: Women’s Fiction, Drama, Humor, Realistic Fiction, Satire and Tragedy. In Historical Fiction, she seeks: Women’s Historical Fiction, Historical Romantic Fiction and Historical Fantasy. Diverse and underrepresented Voices are encouraged to submit. Learn more about Ritu here.

Maggie Sadler is a literary agent with Howland Literary. She is seeking: literary fiction written in lyrical, artful prose with carefully crafted tension; literary fiction with speculative flavors—let’s get weird; upmarket fiction, especially with emotionally complex characters who explore evocative settings; untold and/or underrepresented historical fiction (pre-twentieth century, please); urban fantasy/magical realism rooted in our reality; folk and fairy tale retellings—the more stunning the twist, the better; work from Indigenous/First Nations authors, as well as other historically marginalized and underrepresented voices; narratives that interrogate themes of cultural identity, femininity, family legacy, rebellion against tradition, and self-discovery from a fresh, unorthodox perspective. An experienced traveler, Maggie also welcomes nonfiction travel narratives depicting remote locations and thought-provoking encounters in a raw, authentic, and intentional narrative voice. Learn more about Maggie here.

Jennifer Irons is the Founder of META Talent Agency. META’s mission is to help remedy inequitable access to agent representation for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC). Jennifer’s agency is specifically seeking to help writers adapt short stories for film and TV. She is also open to having 10-minute consultations with all attendees and writers to answers questions about the process of how print (stories, books) gets adapted to the screen (TV/film). She is also happy to just have Q&A sessions with any attendees. Learn more about Jennifer here.

Nour Sallam is a literary agent with The Caldwell Agency. In terms of fiction, I am seeking voice-driven commercial and upmarket titles, contemporary fiction with fabulist elements, speculative fiction, edgy psychological thrillers, as well as mysteries, horror and rom-coms featuring underrepresented characters of any background. I am always drawn to characters who are haunted by something, whether figuratively (a secret, a past, an obsession) or literally (a ghost, a demon, etc.). I am also actively seeking character-driven stories featuring women in power, unhinged women, and female rage. I have a soft spot for unreliable narrators, family sagas with dysfunctional families silently navigating trauma, protagonists in their 20s-30s navigating adulthood, protagonists on the cusp of major life changes, and stories that focus on friendship dynamics. Nonfiction interests: I welcome fresh and accessible perspectives on big ideas or industry deep dives as well as narrative nonfiction on pop culture, art, and nature. I also appreciate books that offer incisive commentary on culture, socio-economic structures, corporate underbellies, health and wellness, and lifestyle. My taste in nonfiction gravitates towards books that generally challenge what we know or explain what we might not know. Learn more about Nour here.

Brandy Vallance 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.

Gina Panettieri is a literary agent with Talcott Notch. “I have such trouble limiting myself to just a few genres. 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. Learn more about Gina here.

Paul S. Levine 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. With almost 40 years of experience in the entertainment and book industries, Levine is one of the few lawyers on the West coast who also understands the world of book publishing; as such, he is able to act as both literary agent and publishing attorney for his clients. Learn more about Paul here.

Rose Conway is a literary agent with Confluence Literary Agency. Her list focuses on stylistically subversive and thematically layered fiction: work that leads with artistry and allows deeper themes to emerge naturally. She seeks upmarket and smart commercial fiction with inventive structures, emotional depth, and distinctive voices. Think braided narratives, unexpected POVs, and prose that takes creative risks. In building her list, Rose is interested in career-oriented writers and her goal is to help authors lay the foundation for sustainable career growth. Learn more about Rose here.

Katie Monson is a literary agent with SBR Media. In YA/adult fiction, she is seeking hilarious rom-coms with a 90’s feel; epic love stories (I want to swoon along with the FMC); women’s fiction with a romantic subplot that does not end happily; jaw-dropping psychological thrillers; and book club fiction. In middle grade and young adult fiction, she is seeking coming of age, new experiences, and humor. She is generally looking for great hooks, jaw dropping plot twists, slow burn romance, laugh out loud funny, banter between characters is always a plus! She is not a good fit for anything in the fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, or nonfiction genres. She is also not looking for picture books at the moment. Learn more about Katie here.

Des Salazar is a literary agent with Metamorphosis Literary. They seek: Romance, Fantasy, Horror, LGBTQ+, Literary Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, New Adult, Science Fiction, and Young Adult. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Des Salazar holds an MFA in Fiction having completed a thesis containing translations of stories and poems from an archived journal and reflection essays. Learn more about Des here.

Grace Demyan is a literary agent with Harvey Klinger Literary. She is interested in a wide range of fiction and always on the lookout for underrepresented authors. She seeks adult and young adult fiction in the following genres: fantasy, science fiction, horror, historical, mystery, thriller, and suspense. “The key to my heart is fast-paced plotting, complex characters, and an interesting setting. In all genres, my tastes lean toward the dark, macabre, outlandish, violent, and shocking. Get to know more about Grace here.

Shania Soler is a literary agent with Metamorphosis Literary. She is seeking: novels in the fantasy genre or romance WITH SPICE; for fantasy, I’m interested in more than just the romance that two characters have (intricate political and/or magic systems and complex character backstories); for contemporary romance, I’m looking for things that take me off the beaten path (think Butcher & Blackbird or Haunting Adeline); horror (young adult, new adult, & adult); mythology (young adult, new adult, & adult); magical realism (young adult, new adult, & adult); and historical fiction. Learn more about Shania here.

Sarah N. Fisk  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. 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.

Ismita Hussain is a literary agent & social media manager with Great Dog Literary. In adult fiction, she seeks literary fiction, upmarket, new adult, and short story collections. She enjoys fiction in all genres that is informed by, or inspired by, the myths and superstitions of a culture. Ismita is open to novels that fit these categories but have some genre-fiction elements (i.e., literary fiction with a speculative twist). In adult nonfiction, she seeks narrative, pop culture, humor, memoir, travel, cookbooks, history, and sports. In young adult, she seeks contemporary, rom com, novel in verse, and commercial. In all pitches, she seeks Southern settings, Italian settings, gritty and realist writing, and books that explore health/disability. Learn more about Ismita here.

Katie Erickson is a literary agent with The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency. She represents picture books, as well as middle-grade and young-adult literature.”I am eager for character-driven stories that explore what it means to be human while leaving room for hope. I love reading books with a diverse cast of characters, as well. Overall, I prefer a high-stakes, fast-paced story with a fantastic premise that leaves me thinking about the book long after I close it. I am open to Picture Books by an author/illustrator with beautifully designed pages, lyrical language, and tight text. I am particularly interested in Middle Grade submissions, and within this audience, I love found family, coming-of-age tales, unexpected wit, and puzzles. In Young Adult, I’d enjoy something related to tabletop games or video rpg. I’m drawn to Graphic Novels by author/illustrators about humor and family love. Coming of age is great here, too. I like cozy narratives in Adult Fiction that help people find comfort away from the real world. In nonfiction, I’m seeking encyclopedic-knowledge type books by author/illustrators. I like a wide range of genres; fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and gaming are some of my favorites.” Learn more about Katie here.

Nicole Payne is a literary agent with Confluence Literary. “In general, I represent young adult and adult fiction novels, preferably in romance, women’s fiction, literary fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, and speculative fiction. They hold a special place in my heart. As I slowly delve into nonfiction, I would love to see more science-based books, especially biology and forensic, as well as medicine, travel, and cookbooks in my queue. I’m also actively seeking diverse voices and stories across the board. Give me all the books!” Learn more about Nicole here.

Hailey Stephens is a literary agent with Rosecliff Literary. In general, Hailey is only looking for Adult novels, but she will selectively take on Middle Grade books if the manuscript will inspire a passion for reading. She would also love to champion authors from rural areas, especially authors from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and/or any other community that tends to be overlooked in rural areas. (This doesn’t mean the manuscript itself has to be based in a rural setting, although she always appreciates a good rural horror.) For Literary, Upmarket, and Contemporary fiction, Hailey wants vivid stories that pull the reader in right away, immersing them in the work the author has created. For thriller and horror, she wants stories that linger in the corners of the mind, with characters that feel like they’re in the room with the reader (for better or worse). Hailey will also selectively take on Adult Romance, and is hopeful there are still love story tropes out there that can be discovered or re-explored in a way that redefines the genre. In nonfiction, she is looking for both trade and literary proposals. She is especially interested in memoirs that play with the concept of time and structure. Learn more about Hailey here.

Morgan Hughes is a literary agent with FinePrint Literary Management. Morgan believes that books can change the world and is committed to discovering and uplifting underrepresented voices. She is seeking Middle Grade and YA fantasy/adventure with a particular interest in graphic novels. She is also interested in picture books, 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 science fiction, thrillers/mysteries, or nonfiction. Learn more about Morgan here.

Des Salazar is a literary agent with Metamorphosis Literary. They seek: Romance, Fantasy, Horror, LGBTQ+, Literary Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, New Adult, Science Fiction, and Young Adult. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Des Salazar holds an MFA in Fiction having completed a thesis containing translations of stories and poems from an archived journal and reflection essays. Learn more about Des here.

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Caitlin McDonald is a literary agent with Donald Maass Literary Agency. She is looking for: all types of science fiction and fantasy for adult, young adult, and middle grade, especially secondary world fantasy and alternate history; genre-bending or cross-genre fiction, and stories that examine tropes from a new angle; diversity of all kinds, including (but not limited to) race, gender, sexuality, and ability, in both characters and worldbuilding. Learn more about Caitlin here.

Renee Runge is a literary agent at Spencerhill Associates. She is actively building her list in all genres of middle grade and young adult fiction. Her taste can be summed up as “eclectic,” and she is drawn to high-concept commercial projects with a literary aura, unexpected hooks, strong A/B plots, and distinct voices. She’s especially passionate about supporting diverse and underrepresented creators from all backgrounds, with the hope that every child can one day see themselves in the pages of a book. A lover of anthropomorphic characters, she dreams of repping the next blockbuster animal novel or series. Her favorite feeling is being moved to tears by a book’s last chapter. Learn more about Renee here.

Nikki Carrero is a literary agent with The Rights Factory. At the moment, I only represent: Adult, New Adult, and YA Romance, Romcom, Romantic Suspense, Paranormal Romance; Adult, New Adult, and YA Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Chicklit; Adult, New Adult, and YA Thrillers, Suspense, Mystery, Domestic, Psychological, Paranormal. I have a passion for reading and representing books with characters that have disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental illnesses, are neurodivergent, LGBTQIA++, or are a part of other marginalized communities. Learn more about Nikki here.

Kara Grajkowski is a literary agent with 3 Seas Literary Agency. “As an elementary classroom teacher turned elementary behavioral interventionist, I am always looking to expand my classroom library with high-interest, low-readability books. If I can see my students and their interests in the project, it is a good fit for my classroom and a better fit for my query box. Please send me #OwnVoices stories!” She seeks all types of middle grade and young adult books (with the exception of fantasy and time travel). She represents picture books, especially funny titles or those that highlight the beauty in diversity, community, and childhood. “I (very selectively) take new adult rom coms. Fresh takes on traditional narratives are a plus for me, but I really look for sharp, witty storytelling. In nonfiction, I would love any nonfiction about education/issues in schools or mental health/trauma. No memoirs, please!” Learn more about Kara here.

Najla Mamou is a literary agent with Savvy Literary Services. In nonfiction, Najla gravitates towards narrative nonfiction, true crime, memoir, biography, identity, business/economics, leadership, and stories inspired by lesser known people, professions and crafts (builders, designers, architects), musicians/artists/creators, daredevils, athletes, etc. In fiction, she seeks adult and new adult. She is prioritizing realistic sci fi thriller, military sci fi, unique sleuth mystery, intergenerational stories, strong female leads, migration/immigration, underrepresented protagonists (especially from marginalized communities), stories set in distant futures wanting to return to Earth and experiencing humanity, alternating timelines, backwards timelines, or dual timeline that interweaves a present-day investigation with a historical crime. In both fiction and nonfiction, she seeks underrepresented stories and writers across all genres. She is not requesting young adult, middle grade or children’s. Learn more about Najla here.

Nadia Lynch is a literary agent with Talcott Notch. “I am interested in upmarket, literary, historical, young adult, and women’s fiction, especially narratives that showcase resilient female protagonists. While these genres anchor my reading repertoire, I’m invigorated by books that push boundaries and challenge my perspectives. In nonfiction, I enjoy delving into subjects that expand my understanding. History, philosophy, alternative medicine, and self-improvement books are among my preferred genres, each offering a unique lens to explore and absorb new insights.” Learn more about Nadia here.

Arizona Bell is a literary agent with Rosecliff Literary. She’s seeking daring nonfiction that pushes boundaries and changes conversations. Arizona’s list centers on voice-driven narrative and creative nonfiction, big-idea books, high-stakes journalism with receipts, fresh slants on culture and creativity, and meaningful explorations of spirituality, religion, or philosophy. And yes—she’s also a sucker for anything astrology! At the core, she’s hunting for writing that tackles resilience, belief, and the human spirit under pressure, and does so with literary pizazz. Whether it’s a survival memoir that doubles as cultural critique, a narrative that blows open an underground world hiding in plain sight, or a political exposé that keeps you turning pages like a thriller—she wants true stories that refuse to look away. Learn more about Arizona here.

Shannon Lechon is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. In middle grade, I’m looking for horror, thrillers, mysteries, and action-packed adventure. I’m happy to receive both speculative stories with fantastical or sci-fi elements, or grounded ones set entirely in our world. In young adult, I am looking for fantasy, science fiction, horror, and mystery/thrillers. In adult fiction, I am looking for fantasy, science fiction, horror, and mystery/thrillers. In graphic novels, I am looking for young adult and adult fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, and horror. For graphic novels, I am only interested in taking on author/illustrators or author/illustrator duos. Please do not submit graphic novel proposals or scripts without either being an artist or having an artist attached. In nonfiction, I am looking for select adult nonfiction proposals. I’m very interested in memoirs about specialized careers like the beekeepers of Honey and Venom, as well as proposals (both memoir or entirely research-centric) on health and the medical industry, such as The Sleeping Beauties and What My Bones Know. Mental health, illness, and trauma recovery narratives like In the Dream House are also welcome. Learn more about Shannon here.

Tara Kimberly is a literary with D4E0 Literary. She seeks: Romantasy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, New Adult, Young Adult, Romance & Dark Romance. Tara is interested in primarily Romantasy (adult and young adult and new adult) with a focus on strong female characters and all consuming stories. She is a self diagnosed Romantasy addict and loves diving into lush worlds with complex characters and messy interpersonal relationships that teach us about our own lives. Learn more about Tara here.

        More 2026 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.

These one-on-one meetings are an amazing chance to pitch your book face-to-face 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.

(Please note that Agent/Editor Pitching is an add-on, separate aspect of the day, for only those who sign up. Spaces are limited for these premium meetings, and pricing/detail is explained below.)