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AGENTS & PUBLISHERS
HOW IT WORKS
We’ve put together a diverse roster of best-in-class agents and editors who are looking for new authors of fiction and nonfiction and are ready to hear your pitch and offer feedback.
On the day of the event, you’ll meet one-on-one with as many of your preferred agents and editors as possible in your assigned 10-minute pitch session on zoom. Prior to the event, you will be given your schedule. We try to stack pitches back-to-back for your convenience.
WHAT YOU GET
- Immediate feedback on the merits of your pitch directly from agents and editors working in that genre or category.
- Actionable advice on improving your pitch, and/or ways to improve your storyline or nonfiction premise.
- An opportunity to submit your work for consideration, land representation, or perhaps even get a deal—it can happen!
KEYS TO PITCH SESSION SUCCESS
DO YOUR RESEARCH
There will be a list of agents and editors on hand, and some will be a better fit for your pitch than others. Be sure to review the list of attending agents, check out their websites and client list, and target those who match your genre or interest.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
This is your chance to sell your book, so write it out, practice it and perfect your pitch. Use a stopwatch so you can keep time and their attention! Practice your pitch on friends and family members—even pets and plants 😉
GET EXPERT ADVICE
To help you prepare, be sure to attend the virtual Pitch Perfect session on Friday, August 11th with Bethany Jett from C.Y.L.E literary agency. You’ll learn how to hone your pitch and get more comfortable with presenting it. You’ll also gain the confidence you need to make a great impression.
SERVICES OFFERED
$39 per Agent Pitch
$70 per Query Critique
$90 per First 10-page Critique
Conference ticket is required to purchase Pitch Sessions, Query Letter Critiques, and First 10-page Critiques.
Choose as many agents as you'd like to pitch to. Make sure the agent represents your genre. Agent pitch 10-minute time slots will be assigned during the Saturday and Sunday conference hours only. You'll receive your invitation prior to the conference with meeting details.
Query Critiques and First 10-page Critiques need to be sent to contact@bookmarcon.com at least two weeks prior to the conference.
Services are nonrefundable.
LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE
MEET THE AGENTS
Katharine Sands, Sara Jane Freymann Literary Agency
Available for: Pitches, Query Letter Critiques, and First 10-page Critiques
Katharine has worked with a varied list of authors who publish a diverse array of books including fiction, memoir and non-fiction.
Among the books she represents are: The Apothecary’s Curse, nominated for the Bram Stoker Award 2017 in the First Novel category by Barbara Barnett and its sequel, Alchemy of Glass; and Girl Walks Out of a Bar, a memoir by Lisa Smith that was featured by People Magazine as Notable Nonfiction.
She is the agent provocateur of Making the Perfect Pitch: How to Catch a Literary Agent’s Eye, a collection of pitching wisdom from leading literary agents.
Looking for: Katharine likes books that have a clear benefit for readers’ lives in categories of food, travel, lifestyle, home arts, beauty, wisdom, relationships, parenting, and fresh looks, which might be at issues, life challenges or popular culture. When reading fiction she wants to be compelled and propelled by urgent storytelling, and hooked by characters. For memoir, femoir, and himoir, she likes to be transported to a world rarely or newly observed.
Cyle Young, C.Y.L.E. (Cyle Young Literary Elite)
Available for: Pitches, Query Letter Critiques, and First 10-page Critiques
I'm Cyle Young, a literary agent and author known as Dadventurer61.
My agenting journey started with Hartline Literary, but because I wanted to represent authors in all markets, I founded the C.Y.L.E. agency (Cyle Young Literary Elite). I believe in helping writers grow their brands to reach their target audience of readers. I'm a member of the AALA and to date, we've sold over 400 books for our clients to publishing houses ranging in size from small to the Big Five.
Looking for: YA, middle grade, and chapter books, genre fiction (especially romance, Amish romance, love stories), and speculative (sci-fi and fantasy), picture books and board books, non-fiction (parenting, leadership, ministry, and self-help), movie and screenplays.
Andy Clapp, C.Y.L.E. (Cyle Young Literary Elite)
Available for: Pitches, Query Letter Critiques, and First 10-page Critiques
Andy was born and raised in Liberty, North Carolina. After graduating from Southern Alamance High School, he attended the University of Mount Olive, where he played tennis. Andy is currently pursuing his Master's Degree at Liberty University. He is married to Crystal and has two beautiful daughters, Cheyenne and Autumn, and one son, Brady. You can find out more about Andy at his website.
Looking for: Fiction, non-fiction, children's books.
Not Acquiring: Anything graphic in content.
Bethany Jett, C.Y.L.E. (Cyle Young Literary Elite)
Available for: Pitches, Query Letter Critiques, and First 10-page Critiques
Bethany Jett is an associate literary agent with the C.Y.L.E. agency, as well as a multi-award-winning author, and a marketing strategist who earned top honors in her master’s program, where she earned her MFA in Communications focusing on Marketing and PR. Her motto is “Teach as you go,” which she lives out as the co-owner of Serious Writer, a company that teaches and empowers writers and authors.
Bethany is married to her college sweetheart, and together they’re raising 3 teen/tween sons and their Pomeranian Sadie. Connect with her at BethanyJett.com.
Looking for: Nonfiction — Narrative, How-to, Lifestyle, Business, Leadership, Self-help, History, Politics/Current Affairs, Narrative, Christian Living, Inspirational/Gift, Devotionals, Bible studies, Advice, Relationships, YA, MG, & PB.
Fiction — Manuscripts must be complete before pitching.
Adult: Cozy Mysteries; Young Adult: Retellings and magical realism with extremely deep POV; Middle Grade: Almost all MG genres (except fantasy/sci-fi); PB
Not Acquiring: Bible studies, Memoir, Board Books, Graphic Novels, Poetry, Erotica, Horror (except for MG), Sci-Fi, High or Epic Fantasy, or any adult fiction except for cozies.
More specific information can be found on her website, MSWL, and Publisher’s Marketplace.
Sue Arroyo, Cam Cat Publishing
Available for: Pitches
Sue Arroyo is the founder and Publisher of CamCat Books, the first imprint of CamCat Publishing. A visionary propelled by determination, she built CamCat at the intersection of emerging technology and authorial passion. She lives with two “ferocious” guard dogs and is tolerated by her grand-cat Gandalf the Gray.
Looking for: CamCat Books accepts submissions in adult and YA novel-length genre fiction. We’ll consider any good tale, but what we want to see most urgently revolves around these genres: Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense; Science Fiction & Fantasy; Romance; Historical; Paranormal; Horror; and Western
Please note that CamCat Perspectives will soon open for adult nonfiction submissions in the following subject areas: True Crime; US History and Biography
Helga Schier, Cam Cat Publishing
Available for: Pitches
Helga Schier, PhD, is the Editorial Director of CamCat Books (camcatbooks.com), a boutique publisher of award-winning genre fiction. With over 25 years of experience powering her work, Helga guides authors through the development and revision process. Helga focuses on concept, story, and approach, helping writers sharpen their vision, refine their voice, and unlock the potential of their manuscripts. A former academic, Helga has lectured on literature and creative writing, published essays on contemporary English and American fiction, and has translated several novels, screenplays, and memoirs (visit withpenandpaper.com for more information).
Looking for: CamCat Books accepts submissions in adult and YA novel-length genre fiction. We’ll consider any good tale, but what we want to see most urgently revolves around these genres: Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense; Science Fiction & Fantasy; Romance; Historical; Paranormal; Horror; and Western
Please note that CamCat Perspectives will soon open for adult nonfiction submissions in the following subject areas: True Crime; US History and Biography
Paul Levine, Paul S. Levine Literary Agency
Available for: Pitches and First 10-page Critiques
Paul S. Levine “wears two hats”—he is a lawyer (www.paulslevine.com) and a literary agent (www.paulslevinelit.com).
Mr. Levine has practiced entertainment law for over 40 years, specializing in the representation of writers, producers, actors, directors, composers, musicians, artists, authors, photographers, galleries, publishers, developers, production companies and theatre companies in the fields of motion pictures, television, interactive multimedia, live stage, recorded music, concerts, the visual arts, publishing, and advertising.
In 1996, Mr. Levine opened the Paul S. Levine Literary Agency, specializing in the representation of book authors and the sale of motion picture and television rights in and to books. Since starting his literary agency, Mr. Levine has sold over 250 adult, young adult, and children’s fiction and non-fiction books to at least 50 different publishers and has had many books developed as movies-for-television, television series, and feature films.
Looking for:
upmarket and book club fiction;
historical fiction with a unique hook/ setting;
hallmark type romance ;
books about books, bookstores, libraries, writers;
compelling bio fic;
contemporary and historical romance; YA or Middle Grade, Children's Books, Erotica; Memoir
Not Interested in:
Horror, Sci Fi/Fantasy, Poetry
Rachel McMillan, Independent
Available for: Pitches and Query Letter Critiques
Rachel McMillan is a multi-published author in her own right as well as a publishing professional and sought-after speaker, teacher and book influencer.
Rachel brings a uniquely well-rounded perspective from author, agent, sales and marketing perspectives. Versatile across multiple platforms and social media savvy, Rachel is a confident public speaker and taste maker who is skilled with building rapport and credibility with clients, leaders and colleagues using a collaborative approach and positive demeanor.
Rachel is passionate in connecting with authors most interested in long-term publishing careers. Her industry savvy and vast knowledge allows her to pair the perfect project with the editorial candidates best suited to it. Rachel keeps a close eye on the zeitgeist of the industry and is especially keen to find books that not only meet established market needs but also the author's personal and professional passions.
A successful writer in her own right, Rachel has the rare first-hand experience to offer empathy and support to her authors.
Rachel worked for William K Jensen Agency for 4.5 years before recently going independent.
Rachel has taught extensively at writer's conferences and has been featured on Friends and Fiction, The Writer's Sanctuary and The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, as a few examples. Rachel was instrumental in overhauling the Tall Poppy Writers Perfect Pitch contest.
She is currently writing historical fiction for HarperCollins and is writing a biography of Sir Christopher Wren for Pen and Sword (UK).
Looking for: General fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense/thriller
Biography, History, Religious, Travel, Lifestyle
Not Interested in:
Childrens fiction, Young adult, Comics or Graphic novels
Rachel Beck, Liza Dawson Agency
Available for: Pitches, Query Letter Critiques, and First 10-page Critiques
Rachel Beck joined Liza Dawson Associates in 2020 after working at a boutique literary agency for 4 years. She has been in the publishing industry since 2009 and worked at Harlequin editing romance novels for nearly 6 years before transitioning her skills to the agent world in order to be an advocate and champion for authors. She lives outside of Pittsburgh with her husband, three young children, and endlessly entertaining cat.
Looking for: Upmarket/book club women’s fiction, a la Emily Giffin, Jodi Picoult, Jennifer Weiner, Amy Hatvany, Liane Moriarty, Diane Chamberlain. Books that explore sensitive, controversial, or morally gray areas in a complex, sympathetic way and reminds us how difficult it is to be a modern woman, but also how rich and rewarding. Topics such as motherhood, fertility issues, addiction, sexism or sexual assault, messy family dynamics.
Light-hearted millennial fiction or contemporary romance—a la Kristan Higgins, Emily Henry, Sophie Kinsella. Beach reads, but with plenty of heart that takes you from laughing to crying in an instant. Books that address the struggles of your twenties and thirties, such as dating woes, career fulfillment/advancement, deciding whether to have kids or not, social media pressures.
Domestic suspense—character-driven, psychologically intense reads. Must feel fresh from page one, with characters who are mind-blowingly insane or compelling or extreme or fascinating. Characters and plots I won’t be able to stop thinking about.
Contemporary young adult—no fantasy, but apocalyptic, cyberpunk, etc., okay. Heavy, issue-driven YA, i.e., mental health, sexual assault, eating disorders, abuse, trauma, suicide, LGBTQ+ issues, dealing with death/grief, etc. Think authors such as Courtney Summers, Amber Smith, Jennifer Niven, John Green, Ann Brashares, Kathleen Glasgow, Robin Talley and Jandy Nelson.
Select nonfiction—feminist material; career/business/personal growth books with new focus points; extreme underdog, survival, accomplishment, or rising-from-poverty type stories; select health and wellness books (especially mental health, rare/underrepresented diseases, or memory conditions); sports (football/the NFL; marathoner/triathlete memoirs), books on cult life or extreme religion.
Not looking for: Middle grade, picture books, epic/high fantasy, erotic romance, short stories, poetry
Mark Gottlieb, Trident Media Group
Available for: Pitches, Query Letter Critiques, and First 10-page Critiques
Mark Gottlieb is a vice president and prominent literary agent working at book publishing’s leading literary agency Trident Media Group in New York City. He has ranked highly among literary agents across the industry for overall number of deals and other individual categories. While at Trident Media Group, Mark Gottlieb has represented New York Times bestselling authors as well as major award-winning authors. He has optioned and sold numerous books to production companies and studios for film and TV adaptation. Mark Gottlieb greatly enjoys working with authors to help manage and grow their careers with the resources available at Trident Media Group. In addition to having worked at the company’s Foreign Rights Department, he also ran the company’s Audiobook Department. Utilizing his drive and intuition for discovering talented writers, he is currently expanding his client list of authors. As a literary agent he looks forward to bringing authors to the largest possible audience.
Looking for: Mark Gottlieb is actively seeking submissions in all categories and genres and looks forward to bringing new and established authors to the curious minds of their future readers.
Jen Newens, Martin Literary Management
Available for: Pitches and Query Letter Critiques
At different phases of her publishing career, Jen has been an author, editor, and publisher, giving her experience in all sides of the business. She comes to us after a seven-year stint as publishing director at West Margin Press, an Ingram Content Group company. There, she acquired a wide range of different genres, but holds a special place in her heart for young people’s literature. She began to acquire graphic novels in 2019 and sees it as an exciting and burgeoning way to tell children’s stories.
A subject matter expert in food and drink titles, Jen spent two decades as a cookbook editor and writer (she even went to culinary school!). She’s experienced in working with celebrity chefs, business owners, cooking brands, and food bloggers, as well as accomplished home cooks.
In her role as Senior Literary Manager, Jen applies her 360-view of the publishing business to MLM, seeking out fresh, original voices and developing exciting new talent. On the children's side, Jen is interested in picture books with sharp writing and compelling messages; MG/YA stories that resonate with the challenges faced by today’s youth; and graphic novels with quirky narration and original art. In the food and drink space, Jen is keen to find original takes on popular topics, books that reveal a riveting personal story, and books with a health and wellness slant.
Looking for: Childrens/MG/YA/Graphic Novels
Books that portray historically excluded voices, disability, neurodivergent characters, LGBTQ topics; Regional books with national crossover potential; Author/illustrators with strong storytelling skills and a clear vision; Children’s activity books; Quirky and humorous stories; Cat content (she’s crazy for cats)
Food and Drink:
New ways to spin current trends (vegan air-fryer anyone?); Chefs with personal stories, especially from under-represented groups; Food writers and bloggers with a distinctive story to tell; Unique regional topics with wide appeal; Weeknight cooking; Diet-specific and health and wellness titles; Mocktails and the NA lifestyle; Fresh takes on wine and cocktails
Not looking for: Fiction, Sci-fi, Fantasy
Michelle Jackson, LCS Literary
Available for: Pitches, Query Letter Critiques, and First 10-page Critiques
Michelle Jackson represents books that evoke heartfelt emotions and fervent conversations among readers. Her mission is to mentor and develop authors, particularly those from underrepresented communities, and help them build a brand of quality and authentic reads.
Originally from Jamaica, West Indies, Michelle is now a literary agent with LCS Literary. She began her agenting career as an intern and then a Literary Associate with Olswanger Literary. She is also a published author and has earned educational degrees from New York University, SUNY at StonyBrook, Teachers College Columbia University and Argosy University. Michelle looks forward to bringing adult fiction and select young adult and non-fiction works of new authors to the masses, especially BIPOC and underrepresented authors. She is also a content editor and loves developing and working with new authors to help them hone their craft. She is looking for stories with strong character arcs and hooks. Intriguing plot lines that keep her up at night until she gets to the last page.
Romances that make her heart swoon, thrillers that keep her guessing and heartwarming, uplifting tales. Stories about sister friends, mother-daughter relationships. Stories with themes of friendship, forgiveness, love and second chances. Michelle has a soft spot for fellow educators who are writers and for stories featuring educators. She is also looking for those who want to write category romances–she also loves Amish romances!
Looking for:
Adult Fiction: Commercial, Historical, Humor, New Adult, Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Thriller, Women’s Fiction
Sub-genres: Contemporary Romance, Multicultural, Psychological Thrillers, Romantic Comedy, Romantic Suspense
Young Adult Fiction: Contemporary, Historical, Christian, Romance
Nonfiction: Biography, True Crime, Self-Help, Relationships, Cookbooks, Narrative, Spirituality, select Memoirs
Not looking for: Children's books, Self-published books, Erotica
Najla Mamou, Savvy Literary Services
Available for: Pitches, Query Letter Critiques, and First 10-page Critiques
Najla brings an excitement to read everything that comes in to Savvy Literary Services. As a self-taught writer, she combed through the endless resources, from online articles, podcasts, videos, conferences, and books, to enhance her skillset and help other writers. Her favorite part in the editing and marketing side, which she admits garners a few strange looks from most writers. She’s an avid reader and loves great first chapters, immersive world building, deep character profiles, and well-rounded dialogue. In fiction, bring her your rags to riches, secret babies, hidden marriages, complicated relationships, family sagas and dramas, and anything that happens on a road trip, traveling or living the expat life. In nonfiction, she devours untold stories of people in history who were bold and daring for their time.
Prior to joining Savvy Literary, she worked as a project manager for fifteen years. In that role, she took high-level ideas and transformed them into strategic and operational deliverables, on time and within budget. She’ll be applying that skillset to lead and shepherd fiction and non-fiction novels to book shelves across the world.
Looking for: Fiction: Historical fiction, women’s fiction, commercial and literary fiction, romance, and some Young Adult.
Nonfiction: Narrative nonfiction, biographies, memoirs, as well as select economics and business when centered around a town or city or country.
Rachel Altemose, Salky Literary Management
Available for: Pitches and First 10-page Critiques
Rachel Altemose (she/hers) is a junior agent and has been with Salky Literary Management since its inception in 2019. Prior to SLM, she interned at Eden Street Literary Agency and attended the Columbia Publishing Course. She has a burgeoning list of picture book, MG, YA, narrative/serious nonfiction, and literary fiction authors and also assists Jesseca, Eryn, Kate, and Charlotte with SLM and CSLA clients. She is a lifelong lover of storytelling and graduated from Vassar College with degrees in English and drama.
Looking for: I'm interested in a diverse array of genres (children’s through adult) and am particularly keen on narratives with unique voices, diverse perspectives, immersive settings, complicated familial relationships, young/twenty-something protagonists, magical realism/surrealism, or experimental style.
High fantasy, thriller, romance, sci-fi (genre fiction in general), lifestyle nonfiction, picture books with animal protagonists.
Vicky Weber, The Purcell Agency
Available for: Pitches, Query Letter Critiques, and First 10-page Critiques
Vicky Weber is a former elementary school teacher turned children’s book author. In addition to her own publications, she runs At Home Author, a coaching and consulting company that teaches current and aspiring authors how to get their books published and marketed for success.
Vicky represents children’s literature (including MG and YA) but specializes in picture books. She wants to be dropped into the moment and experience the story alongside the characters.
Looking for: I represent Young Adult, Middle Grade, Picture Books, and select Adult novels.
In YA fiction, I'm looking for: fairytale retellings w/ a fresh twist (preferably non-western); biracial experience; fantasy; contemporary w/ a quirky MC; navigating family relationships & friendships; multigenerational family living under one roof
I'm looking for Middle Grade fantasy and mystery.
Picture Book Wishlist: Stories by underrepresented authors, both fiction and non-fiction. I especially love bilingual books. Lighthearted, playful humor with heart.
In adult fiction, I'm looking for a classic thriller with a queer main character.
Not interested in: I am not a good fit for potty humor, graphics novels, or nonfiction adult books.
Karly Dizon, Fuse Literary Agency
Available for: Pitches, Query Letter Critiques, and First 10-page Critiques
Karly is an agent at Fuse Literary building KidLit universes with stories that matter. She first joined the agency in 2016 as a reader for Tricia Skinner and then promoted to Literary Assistant soon after. In 2019, she was promoted to associate agent. Karly has built a career with a strong background as a freelance editor as well as extensive experience with graphic design and marketing. She is looking to develop long-term career authors and nurture their entire writing journey as a strong editorial agent with marketing, social media, and design support. Karly is also the KidLit track coordinator for the San Francisco Writers Conference.
Karly’s clients have won or been nominated for such awards as Kirkus Best Books of the Year, NCTE Notable Books List, SLJ Best Book of the Year, and Kirkus Prize Finalist.
Karly is aggressively building her client list to boost and give visibility to marginalized voices, experiences, history, culture, folklore, and mythology. She believes that children should be able to see themselves reflected and celebrated within the pages of a book, from contemporary to fantastical adventures. Karly loves stories with grand adventures, imperfect characters, but most importantly, a strong voice that hooks a reader within the first page. If you can make her cry or laugh out loud, bonus points!
Looking for: Picture Books, Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Illustrators
Not interested in: Satire, Memoir, Faith-based
Are you a literary agent? Are you interested in joining our future virtual pitch sessions? We'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form below.
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