28 Recommended Publishing Agents

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28 Agents Who Want Your Work
August 25, 2008
by Chuck Sambuchino

As compiled by Writer’s Digest who has assembled a list of literary agents who are building their client rosters and are open to working with new writers. Our agent guide features a variety of pros—some brand new and others tried and true—representing a variety of categories and genres. This year, instead of listing entire agencies, we’ve listed individual agents. When you’re looking at information for an entire agency, it’s not always easy to tell which reps are truly seeking new writers and which ones don’t have time to brave the slush pile. This method allows you to target specific professionals who have confirmed to WD that they’re open to queries from new writers.

What do agents do?

Literary agents act as gatekeepers; they take the best new material and submit it to publishing houses for consideration. Because editors at these houses—especially the larger ones—are so busy, they lack the time to properly review book submissions. That’s where agents come in. They sift through a lot of bad writing and find the fledgling authors, and in exchange for representing their projects, an agent takes 15 percent of all money earned, should a sale go through.

Speaking of money, know that legitimate agents shouldn’t charge fees to evaluate your work or sign you as a client (and none listed here do). Some of the agents are members of the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR), meaning they adhere to a canon of ethics when dealing with clients.

Beware of agents who ask for evaluation fees, submission fees, editing costs or anything else along those lines. An agent makes money when you make money. The only time you should ever pay one early is to help offset office costs incurred while trying to sell your project, such as copying, mailings, postage, etc. An agent’s role is to find excellent work in the slush pile and sell it.

In today’s literary marketplace, you’ll likely need an agent to sell your work—especially if you’re selling fiction. A writer can sometimes sell nonfiction without an agent, and perhaps even niche fiction, but more than likely, you’ll require a rep.

Do your homework and thoroughly revise your manuscript. Then, peruse the WD list and find your agent match.

NOTE: Before sending out your work to agents on this list—or any agent for that matter—be sure to read:
10 Submission Tips for Querying an Agent



THE AGENT LIST

Joy Harris
Joy Harris Literary Agency, 156 Fifth Ave., Suite 617, New York NY 10010. Phone: (212)924-6269. Fax: (212)924-6609. Contact: Joy Harris. Seeking new and established writers. Member of AAR. Stats: Represents more than 100 clients. 50% nonfiction books; 50% novels. Fiction areas of interest: ethnic, experimental, family saga, feminist, gay/lesbian, glitz, hi-lo, historical, humor/satire, literary, mainstream/contemporary, multicultural, multimedia, mystery/suspense, regional, short story collections, spiritual, translation, young adult, women’s. How to Contact: Query with sample chapter, outline/proposal, SASE. No e-mail or fax queries. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 months to queries. Returns materials only with SASE. Does not want to receive: screenplays. Terms: Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% commission on foreign sales. Charges clients for some office expenses.

Catt LeBaigue
Heacock Literary Agency, Inc., 1020 Hollywood Way, No. 439, Burbank, CA 91505. Member of AAR. E-mail: catt@heacockliteraryagency.com. heacockliteraryagency.com. Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. LeBaigue spent 18 years with Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. Member of AAR, SCBWI. Actively seeking: juvenile fiction, adult nonfiction including arts, crafts, anthropology, astronomy, nature studies, ecology, body/mind/spirit, humanities, self-help. How to contact: E-mail queries only. No unsolicited manuscripts. No e-mail attachments. Offers written contract. Tips: “Take time to write an informative e-query letter expressing your book idea, the market for it, your qualifications to write the book, the ‘hook’ that would make a potential reader buy the book.”

Sorche Fairbank
Fairbank Literary Representation, 199 Mount Auburn St., Suite 1, Cambridge MA 02138-4809. Phone: (617)576-0030. Fax: (617)576-0030. E-mail: queries@fairbankliterary.com. fairbankliterary.com. Stats: Represents 40 clients. 20% of clients are new/unpublished writers; handles 60% nonfiction books, 22% novels, 3% short story collections, 15% illustrated. Specializes in: “I tend to gravitate toward literary fiction and narrative nonfiction, with a strong interest in women’s issues and women’s voices, international voices, class and race issues, and projects that simply teach me something new about the greater world and society around us.” Nonfiction areas of interest: agriculture/horticulture, art/architecture/design, biography/autobiography, cooking/foods/nutrition , crafts/hobbies, current affairs
ethnic/cultural interests, gay/lesbian issues, government/politics/law, how-to, interior design/decorating, memoirs, nature/environment, photography, popular culture, science/technology, sociology, sports, true crime/investigative, women’s issues/studies. Fiction areas of interest: action/adventure, feminist, gay/lesbian, literary, mainstream/contemporary, mystery/suspense, thriller, women’s, Southern voices. How to Contact: Query with SASE, and submit author bio. Accepts e-mail queries. No fax queries. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 6 weeks to queries; 10 weeks to manuscripts. Returns materials only with SASE. Does not want to receive: romance, poetry, science fiction, young adult or children’s works. Recent Sales: Tale of Two Subs, by Jonathan J. McCullough (Grand Central); 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School, by Matthew Frederick (MIT Press); Invisible Sisters, by Jessica Handler (Public Affairs); Bent Objects, by Terry Border (Running Press); To Full Term: A Mother’s Triumph Over Miscarriage, by Darci Hamilton-Klein (Berkley/Penguin); Spirit of Summer: At Home in the Thousand Islands, by Kathleen Quigley (Rizzoli); The Uncommon Quilter, by Jeanne Williamson (Potter Craft/Crown); Solar Revolution, by Travis Bradford (The MIT Press). Terms: Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Tips: “Have a reason for contacting me about your project other than I was the next name listed on some Web site. Please do not use form query software! Have the writing and/or proposal at the very, very best it can be before starting the querying process. Don’t assume that if someone likes it enough they’ll ‘fix’ it. The biggest mistake new writers make is starting the querying process before they—and the work—are ready. Take your time and do it right.”

Jenni Ferrari-Adler
Brickhouse Lit, 80 Fifth Ave., Suite 1101, New York, NY 10011. Phone: (212) 675-5556. E-mail: jenni@brickhouselit.com. Brickhouselit.com. Prior to her current position, Ms. Ferrari-Adler was with Sobel Weber Associates. Specializes in: literary fiction, narrative nonfiction and commercial fiction. Other nonfiction areas of interest include history, memoir, women’s, cookbooks and cultural studies. How to contact: Query by e-mail, or query by snail mail with a SASE. Terms: Agent receives 15% on domestic sales.

Winifred Golden
Castiglia Literary Agency, 1155 Camino Del Mar, Suite 510, Del Mar CA 92014. Phone: (858)755-8761. Fax: (858)755-7063. http://home.earthlink.net/~mwgconference/id22.html. Actively seeking: Literary fiction, ethnic fiction, suspense, thrillers, commercial fiction and science fiction. She will consider nonfiction if the author has expertise and high credentials. Her nonfiction subjects of interest are broad, but she is heavily interested in narrative nonfiction and health/medicine. How to Contact: Send a snail mail query with SASE. Include no more than five pages. Send no unsolicited manuscripts. Returns materials only with SASE. Terms: Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.

Deborah Ritchken
Castiglia Literary Agency, 1155 Camino Del Mar, Suite 510, Del Mar CA 92014. Phone: (858)755-8761. Fax: (858)755-7063. http://home.earthlink.net/~mwgconference/id22.html. Actively seeking: cookbooks, lifestyle books and literary fiction. How to Contact: Send a snail mail query with SASE. Include no more than five pages. Send no unsolicited manuscripts. Returns materials only with SASE. Terms: Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.

Sally van Haitsma
Castiglia Literary Agency, 1155 Camino Del Mar, Suite 510, Del Mar CA 92014. Phone: (858)755-8761. Fax: (858)755-7063.
http://home.earthlink.net/~mwgconference/id22.html. Actively seeking: all kinds of nonfiction by authors with a platform and credentials, as well as literary, commercial, women’s and ethnic fiction. How to Contact: Send a snail mail query with SASE. Include no more than five pages. Send no unsolicited manuscripts or proposals. Returns materials only with SASE. Terms: Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.

Nancy Love
Nancy Love Literary Agency, 250 E. 65th St., New York NY 10065-6614. Phone: (212)980-3499. Fax: (212)308-6405. E-mail: nloveag@aol.com. This agency is interested solely in nonfiction at this time. Member of AAR. Stats: represents 60-80 clients. 25% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Specializes in: adult nonfiction. Nonfiction areas of interest: biography/autobiography, child guidance/parenting, cooking/foods/nutrition, current affairs, ethnic/cultural interests, government/politics/law, health/medicine, history, how-to, nature/environment, popular culture, psychology, religious/inspirational, science/technology, self-help/personal improvement, sociology, spirituality, travel (armchair only, no how-to), true crime/investigative, women’s issues/studies. How to Contact: Query with SASE. No fax queries. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 weeks to queries; 6 weeks to manuscripts. Returns materials only with SASE. Actively seeking: narrative nonfiction. Recent Sales: The Monster in the Corner Office, by Patricia King (Adams); Building Better Brains, by Judy Willis (Sourcebooks); The New Native American Cuisine, by Marian Betancourt (Globe Pequot); Addiction Proof Your Child, by Stanton Peele (Random House); Murder in the Silver City, by Annamaria Alfieri (St. Martin’s); Germ Proof Your Kids, by Harley Rotbart (ASM Press). Terms: Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Tips: “Nonfiction authors and/or collaborators must be an authority in their subject area and have a platform. Send an SASE if you want a response.”

Ellen Pepus
Ellen Pepus Literary Agency, 4200 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, #106-233, Washington DC 20016. Phone: (301)896-0185. Fax: (301)896-0185. E-mail: ellen@epliterary.com. epliterary.com. New agency actively seeking clients—especially nonfiction. Prior to her current position, Ms. Pepus was employed at Graybill & English Literary Agency. She worked in foreign rights as well. Specializes in: Narrative nonfiction. Nonfiction areas of interest: animals, anthropology/archaeology, art/architecture/design, biography/autobiography, child guidance/parenting, cooking/foods/nutrition, crafts/hobbies, current affairs, ethnic/cultural interests, gay/lesbian issues, government/politics/law, health/medicine, history, how-to, humor/satire, interior design/decorating, language/literature/criticism, memoir, military/war, money/finance, music/dance, nature/environment, new age/metaphysics, photography, popular culture, psychology, science/technology, self-help/personal improvement, sociology, translation, true crime/investigative, women’s issues/studies. Fiction areas of interest: action/adventure, detective/police/crime, erotica, ethnic, family saga, fantasy, feminist, gay/lesbian, historical, literary, mainstream/contemporary, mystery/suspense, psychic/supernatural, romance, thriller, women’s. How to Contact: Query with SASE. Submit first 5 pages. E-queries only. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 weeks to queries; 8 weeks to manuscripts. Returns materials only with SASE. Actively seeking: literary and commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction. Does not want to receive: children’s, young adult, poetry, short stories, screenplays, science fiction or horror. Terms: Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% commission on foreign sales. Tips: This new agency is looking for clients, but its submission guidelines may be in flux; check the Web site for any news before submitting.

Rachelle Gardner
Wordserve Literary, 10152 S. Knoll Circle, Highlands Ranch CO 80130. Phone: (303)471-6675. E-mail: rachelle@wordserveliterary.com. wordserveliterary.com. Established: 2003. Specializes in: materials with a faith-based angle—primarily religious books in these categories: nonfiction, fiction, short story collections, novellas, as well as books that express a Christian worldview, whether the message is subtle or overt. Fiction areas of interest: women’s, mystery, suspense, police/crime, family saga, historical, legal, literary, mainstream, supernatural, romance. (In fiction, the Christian message should be subtly woven through, not in-your-face.) Kids’ fiction areas of interest: chapter books, middle grade, tweens, teens and YA. Nonfiction areas of interest: biblical, Christian living, church, devotionals, home life, marriage, parenting, family, apologetics, pastoral, current affairs, health, how-to, humor, memoirs, money, popular culture, psychology, science, self-help, true crime, women’s issues. Does not want to receive: picture books, poetry, short stories, screenplays, science fiction, fantasy; or anything that contradicts a Christian worldview. How to Contact: Query with SASE. For nonfiction, send a proposal package, outline, 2-3 sample chapters. Accepts e-mail queries, simultaneous submissions. Responds in 4 weeks to queries, 2 months to manuscripts. Terms: Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales.

Caren Johnson
Caren Johnson Literary Agency, 132 East 43rd St., No. 216, New York NY 10017. Fax: (718)228-8785. E-mail: cjohnson@johnsonlitagency.com. carenjohnson.com. Prior to her current position, Ms. Johnson was with Firebrand Literary and the Peter Rubie Agency. Established: 2006. Represents 20 clients. Actively seeking: nonfiction, specifically in the areas of social sciences, economics, pop culture, humor, lifestyle and crafts. Nonfiction areas of interest: history, popular culture, science/technology. fiction areas of interest: detective/police/crime, erotica, ethnic, mainstream/contemporary, mystery/suspense, romance, young adult, women’s. How to Contact: Query with SASE. Query via e-mail only, with query and up to one chapter in the body of the e-mail. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 4-6 weeks to queries; 6-8 weeks to manuscripts. Does not return submissions. Does not want to receive picture books, plays or screenplays/scripts. Terms: Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Writer’s Conferences: RWA National; Romantic Times Conference; Backspace; BookExpo America; Moonlight and Magnolias.

Jenoyne Adams
Bliss Literary, 1601 N. Sepulveda Blvd., #389, Manhattan Beach CA 90266. E-mail: query@blissliterary.com. blissliterary.com. Prior to her current position, Ms. Adams was with Levine Greenberg Literary Agency. Member of AAR. Nonfiction areas of interest: narrative nonfiction, ethnic/multicultural writing books and work that deals strongly with women’s issues and parenting. Fiction areas of interest: adult fiction, including literary novels and commercial fiction should make you laugh, and entertain you, but it should also make you think. Actively seeking: Middle grade, YA fiction and nonfiction, graphic novel. How to contact: E-queries preferred, with a detailed letter, contact information (including phone number) and one chapter and/or a synopsis in the body of the message (attachments will not be opened). You will receive a response to verify that your query was received. Do not send more unless requested. Responds in up to 8 weeks to queries. For nonfiction, include pertinent bio and platform information.

Jennie Dunham
Dunham Literary, 156 Fifth Ave., Suite 625, New York NY 10010-7002. Phone: (212)929-0994. dunhamlit.com. Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Dunham worked as a literary agent for Russell & Volkening. The Rhoda Weyr Agency is now a division of Dunham Literary, Inc. Member of AAR. Stats: Represents 50 clients. 15% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles 25% nonfiction books, 25% novels, 50% juvenile books. Actively seeking: Literary fiction and adult nonfiction as well as YA and middle grade work. Nonfiction areas of interest: anthropology/archaeology, biography/autobiography, ethnic/cultural interests, government/politics/law, health/medicine, history, language/literature/criticism, nature/environment, popular culture, psychology, science/technology, women’s issues/studies. How to Contact: Query with SASE. No e-mail or fax queries. Responds in 1 week to queries; 2 months to manuscripts. Recent Sales: America the Beautiful, by Robert Sabuda; Dahlia, by Barbara McClintock; Living Dead Girl, by Tod Goldberg; In My Mother’s House, by Margaret McMulla; Black Hawk Down, by Mark Bowden; Look Back All the Green Valley, by Fred Chappell; Under a Wing, by Reeve Lindbergh; I Am Madame X, by Gioia Diliberto.

Mary Sue Seymour
The Seymour Agency, 475 Miner St., Canton NY 13617. Phone: (315)386-1831
E-mail: marysue@slic.com. theseymouragency.com. Established: 1992. Member of AAR
RWA, Authors Guild. Signatory of WGA. Stats: Represents 50% nonfiction books, 50% fiction. Nonfiction areas of interest: business/economics, health/medicine, how-to, self-help/personal improvement, Christian books, cookbooks, any well-written nonfiction that includes a proposal in standard format and one sample chapter. Fiction areas of interest: religious/inspirational (Christian books), romance (any type). How to Contact: Query with SASE. Submit synopsis, first 50 pages for romance. Accepts e-mail queries. No fax queries. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 month to queries; 3 months to manuscripts. Returns materials only with SASE. Terms: Agent receives 12-15% commission on domestic sales. Writers’ Conferences: BookExpo America; Start Your Engines; Romantic Times Convention; ICE Escape Writers Conference; Spring Into Romance; Silicon Valley RWA Conference; Put Your Heart in a Book; RWA National.

Verna Dreisbach
Dreisbach Literary, P.O. Box 5379, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762. E-mail: verna@dreisbachliterary.com. Dreisbachliterary.com. Fiction areas of interest: Commercial and literary fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, commercial women’s fiction, young adult, Native-American Indian. Verna’s 13 years of law enforcement experience as a former police officer gives her a genuine interest and expertise in the genres of mystery, true crime, and suspense. Her other interests include horses and natural horsemanship training. Nonfiction areas of interest: Travel writing, self-help, parenting, business,
pets, health, true crime, and any fresh, compelling idea that is matched with a strong platform. Specializes in: “I work directly with packaging authors and ideas for such series books as The Idiot’s Guides and The Everything Guides, and believe in helping authors break into the world of writing through these types of guide books. If you have an idea for a guide book, are an expert in a field that you believe should have a one, or would like to be a writer for one of these projects in conjunction with an expert, please send me your resume.” Does not want to receive: No sci-fi or horror. How to contact: E-queries preferred. No attachments. Do not send proposals, sample chapters or manuscripts unless specifically requested by an agent. They will not be opened or returned. Please indicate if you are simultaneously submitting to other agents.

Lindsay Davis
Writers House, 3368 Governor Drive, #224F, San Diego, CA 92122. Phone: (858)678-8638. Fax: (858)678-8530. E-mail: ldavis@writershouse.com. writershouse.com. Specializes in: “I represent children’s and young adult authors and artists exclusively.” Actively seeking: picture books, tween, YA, and middle grade. How to contact: Send a query letter of no more than two pages, which includes your credentials, an explanation of what makes your book unique and special, and a synopsis. Also, please include a SASE for a reply, which generally takes 6-8 weeks. Reviews manuscripts exclusively. Do not query Ms. Davis if you have already queried another agent at Writers House.

Adam Chromy
Artists and Artisans, 104 W. 29th St. 11th Floor, New York NY 10001. Fax: (212)931-8377. E-mail: adam@artistsandartisans.com. artistsandartisans.com. Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Chromy was an entrepreneur in the technology field for nearly a decade. Specializes in: narrative nonfiction as long as the writing is exceptional and the authors have something truly unique to say. He is also interested in practical nonfiction from authors with strong platforms and/or a point of view that challenges the status quo. The agency represents a broad spectrum of categories, including most genres of adult fiction and nonfiction. How to contact: All fiction queries must include a brief author’s bio, and the setup or premise for the book. Snail mail queries are acceptable, though manuscripts will be not be returned. E-queries should start have the subject line “Query: (Your Title)”. Does not want to receive: screenplays, photo or children’s books. Responds in 2 weeks to queries; 4 weeks to manuscripts. Terms: Receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% commission on foreign sales.

Jamie Brenner
Artists and Artisans, 104 W. 29th St. 11th Floor, New York NY 10001. Fax: (212)931-8377. E-mail: jamie@artistsandartisans.com. artistsandartisans.com. Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Brenner spent the past decade in book publishing. Her experience includes literary publicity (HarperCollins Publishers), book selling (BarnesandNoble.com), and manuscript analysis and book scouting for major film companies (Miramax Films, Davis Entertainment). Specializes in: thrillers, horror, women’s fiction, literary fiction, memoir, and books about pop culture/entertainment. She is happy to read first-time writers. The agency represents a broad spectrum of categories, including most genres of adult fiction and nonfiction. How to contact: All fiction queries must include a brief author’s bio, and the setup or premise for the book. Snail mail queries are acceptable, though manuscripts will be not be returned. E-queries should start have the subject line “Query: (Your Title)”. Does not want to receive: screenplays, photo or children’s books. Responds in 2 weeks to queries; 4 weeks to manuscripts. Terms: Receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% commission on foreign sales.

Barbara Doyen
Barbara Doyen Literary Agency, 1931 660th St., Newell IA 50568-7613. Phone: (712)272-3300. barbaradoyen.com. Prior to opening her agency, Ms. Doyen worked as a published author, teacher, guest speaker, and wrote and appeared in her own weekly TV show airing in seven states. She is also the co-author of The Everything Guide to Writing a Book Proposal (Adams 2005) and The Everything Guide to Getting Published (Adams 2006). Represents more than 100 clients. Specializes in: This agency specializes in nonfiction and occasionally handles mainstream fiction for adults. Nonfiction subjects of interest: agriculture/horticulture, Americana, animals, anthropology/archaeology, art/architecture/design, biography/autobiography, business/economics, child guidance/parenting, computers/electronic, cooking/foods/nutrition, crafts/hobbies, current affairs, education, ethnic/cultural interests, gardening, government/politics/law, health/medicine, history, how-to, interior design/decorating, language/literature/criticism, memoirs, military/war, money/finance, multicultural, music/dance, nature/environment, new age/metaphysics, philosophy, photography, popular culture, psychology, recreation, regional, religious/inspirational, science/technology, self-help/personal improvement, sex, sociology, software, spirituality, theater/film, travel, true crime/investigative, women’s issues/studies, young adult, creative nonfiction. Fiction areas of interest: family saga, historical, literary, mainstream/contemporary. How to Contact: Query with SASE. Snail mail queries preferred, but you can submit a query on the Web site as well. Include bio/background info. Send no unsolicited samples. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 3 weeks to mss. Returns materials only with SASE. Actively seeking business, health, how-to, self-help, and all kinds of adult nonfiction suitable for the major trade publishers. Does not want to receive: pornography, children’s books, or poetry. Terms: Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.

Jeffery McGraw
August Agency. E-mail: submissions@augustagency.com. augustagency.com. Before becoming an agent, Mr. McGraw worked as an editor for HarperCollins and publicity manager for Abrams. Specializes in: politics/current affairs, entertainment, business, psychology, self-help, narrative nonfiction, contemporary women’s fiction, literary fiction. Actively seeking: “We actively pursue an array of fiction and nonfiction writers to represent, with an emphasis in media (seasoned journalists receive special favor here), popular culture/entertainment, political science, diet/fitness, health, cookbooks, psychology, business, memoir, highly creative nonfiction, accessible literary fiction, women’s fiction, and high-concept mysteries and thrillers. When it comes to nonfiction, we favor persuasive and prescriptive works with a full-bodied narrative command and an undeniable contemporary relevance. Our favorite novelists are as eclectic as our minds are broad, yet they all share one common denominator that might explain a peculiar predisposition for what we prefer to call ‘emotional fiction’—a brand of storytelling defined not so much by a novel’s category as by its extraordinary power to resonate universally on a deeply emotional level.” Does not want to receive: academic textbooks, children’s books, cozy mysteries, horror, poetry, science fiction/fantasy, short story collections, Western’s, screenplays, genre romance or previously self-published works. How to Contact: Submit book summary (1-2 paragraphs), chapter outline (nonfiction only), first 1,000 words or first chapter, total page/word count, brief paragraph on why you have chosen to write the book. Send via e-mail only (no attachments). Responds in 2-3 weeks to queries; 3 months to manuscripts. Terms: Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.

Cricket Pechstein
August Agency. E-mail: submissions@augustagency.com. augustagency.com. Before opening The August Agency, Ms. Pechstein was a freelance writer, magazine editor and independent literary agent. Specializes in: mystery/crime fiction, chick lit, thrillers. Actively seeking: “We actively pursue an array of fiction and nonfiction writers to represent, with an emphasis in media (seasoned journalists receive special favor here), popular culture/entertainment, political science, diet/fitness, health, cookbooks, psychology, business, memoir, highly creative nonfiction, accessible literary fiction, women’s fiction, and high-concept mysteries and thrillers. When it comes to nonfiction, we favor persuasive and prescriptive works with a full-bodied narrative command and an undeniable contemporary relevance. Our favorite novelists are as eclectic as our minds are broad, yet they all share one common denominator that might explain a peculiar predisposition for what we prefer to call ‘emotional fiction’—a brand of storytelling defined not so much by a novel’s category as by its extraordinary power to resonate universally on a deeply emotional level.” Does not want to receive: academic textbooks, children’s books, cozy mysteries, horror, poetry, science fiction/fantasy, short story collections, Western’s, screenplays, genre romance or previously self-published works. How to Contact: Submit book summary (1-2 paragraphs), chapter outline (nonfiction only), first 1,000 words or first chapter, total page/word count, brief paragraph on why you have chosen to write the book. Send via e-mail only (no attachments). Responds in 2-3 weeks to queries; 3 months to manuscripts. Terms: Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract

Evatopia, 400 S. Beverly Drive, Suite 214, Beverly Hills CA 90212. E-mail: submissions@evatopia.com. evatopia.com. Prior to becoming a literary and script manager, Ms. Walshaw was a writer and publicist for the entertainment industry. Stats: Represents 15 clients. 85% of clients are new/unpublished writers. “We specialize in promoting and developing the careers of first-time writers and screenwriters. All of our staff members have strong writing and entertainment backgrounds, making us sympathetic to the needs of our clients.” Actively seeking: middle grade, YA and some nonfiction (mostly biographies). Specializes in: Though Evatopia previously focused solely on movie scripts (numerous genres), it has recently expanded to represent juvenile literary as well. How to Contact: Submit via online submission form. Accepts e-mail queries. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 weeks to queries; 3 weeks to manuscripts. Returns materials only with SASE. Terms: Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 15% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.

Sharlene Martin
Martin Literary Management, 17328 Ventura Blvd., Suite 138, Encino (LA) CA 91316. Phone: (818)595-1130. Fax: (818)715-0418. E-mail: sharlene@martinliterarymanagement.com. MartinLiteraryManagement.com. Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Martin worked in film/TV production and acquisitions. Member of AAR. Specializes in: nonfiction. Actively seeking: nonfiction that is highly commercial and that can be adapted to film. How to Contact: Query with SASE. Submit outline, two sample chapters (fiction). Prefers e-mail queries. Will request supporting materials if interested. No phone queries. Do not send materials unless requested. Submission guidelines further defined on Web site. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 week to queries; 3-4 weeks to manuscripts. Returns materials only with SASE. Asks for short-term exclusive reads on fiction and nonfiction mss. Terms: Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract. Recent Sales: Prince of Darkness - Richard Perle: The Kingdom, The Power, and the End of Empire in America, by Alan Weisman (Union Square Press/Sterling); Truth At Last: The Real Story of James Earl Ray, by John Larry Ray with Lyndon Barsten (Lyons Press). Tips: “Have a strong platform for nonfiction. Please don’t call. I welcome e-mail. I’m very responsive when I’m interested in a query and work hard to get my clients materials in the best possible shape before submissions. Do your homework prior to submission and only submit your best efforts. Please review our Web site carefully to make sure we’re a good match for your work.”

Jon Sternfeld
Irene Goodman Literary Agency, 80 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1101, New York, NY 10011. E-mail: queries@irenegoodman.com. www.irenegoodman.com/about.php. Actively seeking: intelligent literary fiction, high-end modern fiction; nonfiction and narrative nonfiction dealing with social, cultural and historical issues; an occasional memoir and current affairs book. Prior to his current position: Jon comes to the agency from the film world, where he worked both the creative and development sides. He is actively seeking new clients. "I'd be happy if people just reached out to me," he says. How to contact: "Send a query letter and the first 10 pages, along with a detailed synopsis of the entire book, in the body of an e-mail." Responds in 1-2 months. If interested, this agent will request more pages. E-mail queries only. No snail mail or phone queries will be accepted, nor will any queries to Jon's personal e-mail account. "Because we are receiving more than 50 queries a day, the system is getting overloaded. If your e-mail bounces back, please do not call the office. Just try again in a day or two."

Ginny Weissman
Martin Literary Management, E-mail: Ginny@MartinLiteraryManagement.com. www.martinliterarymanagement.com. Actively seeking: writers with a developed platform and a book that fits the Mind/Body/Spirit genre, including health, spirituality, religion, diet, exercise, psychology, relationships, and metaphysics in non-fiction only. How to Contact: Query by e-mail only. Proposals by request only. No phone queries. Submission guidelines further defined on Web site. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Responds in 1 week to queries; 3-4 weeks to proposals Asks for short-term exclusive reads on nonfiction mss. Terms: Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 25% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.

Josh Getzler
Writers House, 21 W. 26th Street, New York NY 10010. Email: jgetzler@writershouse.com. www.writershouse.com Seeking new and unagented writers. Prior to becoming a junior agent, Mr. Getzler have had 15 years in the business (not all publishing). Currently handles: 75% fiction, 25% nonfiction. Nonfiction areas of interest: biography, business/investing/finance, music, religious, cookbooks, history, sports. Fiction areas of interest: general fiction, mystery, historical novels (esp. mysteries), thrillers, noir, children's. Does not want to receive: picture books. How to contact: E-mail only with query with five or so pages. Synopsis not necessary. Actively seeking: Foreign and historical thrillers. Recent sales: Devil's Trill by Gerald Elias (Minotaur, Fall 2009); Hummingbirds by Joshua Gaylord (Harper, Fall 2009).

Greg Daniel
Daniel Literary Group, 1701 Kingsbury Drive, Suite 100, Nashville TN 37215. Phone: (615)730-8207. E-mail: submissions@danielliterarygroup.com. danielliterarygroup.com. Prior to becoming an agent, Mr. Daniel spent 10 years in publishing - six at the executive level at Thomas Nelson Publishers. Specializes in: “We take pride in our ability to come alongside our authors and help strategize about where they want their writing to take them in both the near and long term. Forging close relationships with our authors, we help them with such critical factors as editorial refinement, branding, audience, and marketing.” Stats: Represents 45 clients. 30% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Currently handles: 85% nonfiction books, 15% novels. Nonfiction areas of interest: biography/autobiography, business/economics, child guidance/parenting, current affairs, health/medicine, history, how-to, humor/satire, memoirs, nature/environment, popular culture, religious/inspirational, self-help/personal improvement, sports, theater/film, women’s issues/studies. Fiction areas of interest: action/adventure, contemporary issues, detective/police/crime, family saga, historical, humor/satire, literary, mainstream/contemporary, mystery/suspense, religious/inspirational, thriller. The agency currently accepts all fiction topics, except for children’s, romance and sci-fi. How to Contact: Query with SASE. Submit: publishing history, author bio, brief synopsis of work, key selling points. E-queries only. Send no attachments. For fiction, send first 5 pages pasted in e-mail. Accepts e-mail queries. No fax queries. Responds in 1-6 weeks to queries. Returns materials only with SASE. Does not want to receive: screenplays, poetry or short stories. Recent Sales: Wild Things, by Stephen James and David Thomas (Tyndale); My Life as a Holy Roller, by Julie Lyons (WaterBrook Multnomah); 40 Days Living the Jesus Creed, by Scot McKnight (Paraclete); The Sacredness of Questioning Everything, by David Dark (Zondervan); The Preacher, by Darren Dillman (David C. Cook); A New Kind of Human, by Alex McManus (Zondervan).

Jackie Meyer
Whimsy Literary, 310 East 12th St., Suite 2C, New York NY 10003. Fax: (212)674-1060. E-mail: whimsynyc@aol.com. Prior to becoming an agent, Ms. Meyer was with Warner Books for 19 years. Stats: 50% of clients are new/unpublished writers. Specializes in: “Whimsy looks for projects that are concept and platform driven. We seek books that educate, inspire and entertain.” Actively seeking: reference, biography, computers/technology, business/investing/finance, history, religious, mind/body/spirit, health, travel, lifestyle, cookbooks, self-help, diet, pop culture, humor, personality, gift, illustrated. How to Contact: Send a query letter via e-mail only. Send a synopsis, sample chapters, bio, platform and proposal. No snail mail submissions. No fax queries. Responds in 5 days to queries; 30 days to manuscripts. Does not return submissions. Actively seeking: experts in their field with good platforms. Recent Sales
The Boy Who Cried Wolf, by Scott Deming (Wiley); You Can Never Be Too Rich, by Alan Haft (Wiley); God Made Easy, by Patrice Karst (Cider Mill Press); Gracefully, by Valerie Ramsey with Heather Hummel (McGraw-Hill). Terms: Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales; 20% commission on foreign sales. Offers written contract.