2024 Agents/Editors


The following agents and editors are confirmed to attend PitchFest 2024 at ThrillerFest XIX.

We are actively working on building our agent/editor list for PitchFest 2024. Please check back frequently for updates.

PitchFest 2024 will take place on Thursday, May, 30 2024 starting at promptly 2pm ET at the Sheraton Times Square in New York. [There is no virtual option for attendees.]

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  1. Agent

    Richard Abate, 3 Arts Entertainment

    Bio: Richard Abate has been a literary manager for over fifteen years. In 2009 he joined 3 Arts Entertainment, a premier management company based in Los Angeles, to begin their literary division in New York. He has worked with top creative talent such as Tina Fey, Mindy Kaling, Issa Rae, B.J. Novak, Guillermo del Toro, Tim Kring, Howard Gordon, and others. He has worked with the award winning scientist, physician, and NYT bestselling author Sharon Moalem on titles including Survival of the Sickest and DNA Restart. He has also worked closely with Bob Harper to create his NY Times #1 bestselling diet and health series, The Skinny Rules. He has worked with sports celebrities Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Josh Hamilton; he has also worked with top sports personalities such as Al Michaels, Colin Cowherd, and The Talented Mr. Roto, Matthew Berry. Richard represents many literary writers such as Sally Ball, Kate Christensen (PEN/Faulkner winner), Sana Krasikov (Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature winner), and Oscar Casares, and screenwriter-authors as well such as Attica Locke, Amy Sohn, and Chuck Hogan (screenwriter and author of The Town and Hammett Award winner). He also represents YA authors Daniel Kraus, Lisi Harrison, and Melissa De La Cruz. He also represents Jeff Tietz (National Magazine Award nominee), Tara Bray Smith, Pulitzer Prize winner Tamara Jones, historian James Swanson, journalist Mitchell Zuckoff, Editor-in-Chief of The Boston Globe Brian McGrory, National Book Award nominee David McCumber, and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Andrew Snyder.

    He has also developed and produced for television and film. Projects he has developed, produced, or created include THE STRAIN by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, forthcoming series 59 (FX) and BLACK WATER RISING (Starz) by Attica Locke; FROM SCRATCH (Hello Sunshine/Reese Witherspoon) by Tembi Locke, and NIGHT WATCH (AMC) with Sam Rockwell attached. Feature credits include 13 HOURS with Paramount, DANIEL ISN’T REAL with SpectreVision, GODS UNKNOWN with The Russo Brothers at Amazon, and with Sony: LOVE CANAL with Patricia Arquette attached as director, and HUNTING EL CHAPO with Michael Bay attached as director.

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  3. Agent

    Ritu Anand, D4EO Literary Agency

    Bio: Ritu Anand has been a passionate storyteller since childhood. As a writer herself, she is on the same page with other writers and applauds their creativity. Because she believes no good story should ever be filed away in a drawer but be shared with the world, she wishes to represent debut voices as an agent. She joined Robert Diforio and his agency D4EO Literary Agency in Spring, 2023.

    Looking for: Her interests include kidlit, literary fiction, general fiction and historical fiction.

    Kidlit: Picture Books, Middle Grade and YA novels.

    Literary Fiction: Drama, Fairy Tales and Fiction in Verse.

    General Fiction: Women’s Fiction, Drama, Humor, Realistic Fiction, Satire, Tragedy.

    Historical Fiction: Women’s Historical Fiction, Historical Romantic Fiction and Historical Fantasy.

    Diverse and Underrepresented Voices are encouraged to submit.

    Not looking for: I am not the right agent for erotica, paranormal or sci-fi fiction.

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  5. Agent

    Bernadette Baker-Baughman, Victoria Sanders & Associates

    Bio: Bernadette Baker-Baughman has completed a Master’s Degree in Writing at Portland State University, and spent several years in-house (first editorial, then marketing). She began agenting in 2005 and has worked with VSA since 2010. She is drawn to strong storytelling in all genres, with a special interest in thrillers, contemporary novels, magical realism, young adult, and books for kids. She is also open to pop-culture, gift books, and memoir. She loves smart writing, high concept books, work with great emotional resonance, and humor. She is always looking for authors with a distinctive voice.

    Clients: She has represented a number of New York Times bestselling and award-winning writers and illustrators, including Liv Constantine,Carson Morton, Leslye Walton, Faith Erin Hicks, Tony Cliff, Maris Wicks to name a few.

    Looking for: Thrillers, Domestic Suspense, Crime Fiction, YA Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Romantic Comedy, Memoir, True Crime.

    Not looking for: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Westerns, Cozy Mystery, Straight Romance

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  7. Agent

    Lauren Bieker, FinePrint Literary Management

    Bio: Lauren Bieker has been working at FinePrint since 2016, starting as an intern and working her way up to Literary Agent, and most recently, Vice President as of March 2023.

    Lauren writes during her free time and has been published on various online platforms. She has attended many writing workshops and intensives, including the National Academy of Writing’s intensive at Cambridge University in the UK. She is also a member of the Association of American Literary Agents.

    My message to querying authors: Have fun with your pitch–if you’re passionate about your story, I will be too!

    Looking for: Lauren is looking for commercial and upmarket women’s fiction, romance (rom-coms, paranormal, and romantasy), and YA/MG novels in most genres. She is open to the following, in both adult and YA: science fiction, fantasy, horror, and thrillers (both speculative and domestic). She appreciates great storytelling and is a “sucker” for outstanding writing and convincing characters. While primarily interested in fiction, she will consider nonfiction proposals. She is looking for #ownvoices stories, Feminist lit/#MeToo stories, and works by BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ authors in both fiction and nonfiction. Her goal is to “hold the mic” for authors to tell their stories and be a helpful support system.

    Not looking for: Lauren is NOT looking for religious,  political, or military stories in both fiction and nonfiction.

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  9. Agent

    Caitlin Blasdell, Liza Dawson Associates

    Bio: Caitlin Blasdell has been a literary agent with Liza Dawson Associates since 2002, focusing on commercial fiction.  Before becoming an agent, she was a senior editor at HarperCollins Publishers.  A graduate of Williams College, she lives in Westchester with her husband, four sons, and an ever-expanding flower garden.

    She is looking for quality commercial fiction, which to her means a strong plot, memorable voice, clean prose, and, ideally, a good hook.  Her specialties include science fiction and fantasy, romance and women’s fiction, thrillers, and historical fiction.  She also handles a few select middle grade and YA authors and a very few nonfiction titles.

    Her clients include Zen Cho (Hugo-Award-winning author of BLACK WATER SISTER), Scott Hawkins (THE LIBRARY AT MOUNT CHAR), Brian McClellan (The Powder Mage series), Joel Ross (THE FOG DIVER), Karen Schwabach/Sage Blackwood (STARTING AT SENECA FALLS and the JINX trilogy), Charles Stross (the Hugo-Award-winning Laundry series), and Rebecca Zanetti (NYT-bestselling author of YOU CAN RUN).

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  11. Agent

    Eloy Bleifuss, Janklow & Nesbit Associates

    Bio: After studying journalism, Eloy began his career in publishing at Simon & Schuster where he worked for the publisher of first S&S and later Touchstone and Scribner. Eloy switched to the agency side in 2019 when he started at Janklow & Nesbit Associates. He is building a list of fiction and nonfiction clients. He is a graduate of Vassar College and hails from Chicago.

    Looking for: Eloy is drawn to genre-blurring upmarket and commercial fiction. He’s a fan of ingenious mysteries, atmospheric horror, and moody thrillers set in an under-explored time or setting. He is a fan of writing that is dark, strange, funny, and queer.

    Not looking for: YA, Hard Sci Fi, Epic Fantasy, Military thrillers

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  13. Agent

    Sandra Bond, Bond Literary Agency

    Bio: Bond Literary Agency is a small, independent agency in Denver with a select list of clients and quite a broad list of titles represented by two agents and an agent-in-training. The Agency’s most recent success is the international bestselling Go As A River, which is published or about to be published in 31 languages and 35+ countries, and the film option has been sold. Sandra was the program administrator at the University of Denver’s Publishing Institute for 4 years (2005-2009), and she still guest lectures there annually. She grew up in Denver and has a degree in microbiology from the University of Colorado.

    Looking for: adult upmarket commercial and literary fiction, and smart, character-driven mystery/thriller/crime fiction. Her favorite thriller is The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. She also loves Paula Hawkins and Gillian Flynn, and her own award-winning crime authors, of course, Tiffany Quay Tyson, Catherine Wallace Hope, and Susan Spann.

    Not looking for: memoir, romance, cozy mysteries, religious fiction, science fiction, poetry, children’s picture books.

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  15. Agent

    Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary Agency

    Bio: Laura Bradford established the Bradford Literary Agency in 2001. She considers herself an editorial-focused agent and takes a hands-on approach to developing proposals and manuscripts with her authors for the most appropriate markets. She is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA) and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Laura’s clients include both debut and award-winning and best-selling authors and she strives to showcase diverse voices in all genres and would love to bring more LGBTQ+ and BIPOC authors (and protagonists!) into the publishing world.

    Looking for: She is actively building her client list and represents work in the following categories: romance (historical, romantic suspense, category, contemporary), speculative fiction, women’s fiction, historical fiction, mystery, thrillers, young adult, upper middle grade, illustration as well as some select non-fiction. She is especially interested in acquiring graphic novels, anything #ownvoices, and recent items on her wish list include: plus-sized heroines, manuscripts with disabled rep, a mystery/suspense series with a female protagonist that is an expert in a thinky field (like the Temperance Brennan series by Kathy Reichs), deep, juicy middle grade with a lot of emotional gravitas, a historical mystery series with a slow burn romance, multigenerational women’s fiction with some cool time periods and settings, middle grade with non-traditional family dynamics, stories of Black joy (any age), funny, escapist YA, forced proximity survival stories (stranded on an island? plane crash in the mountains? snowed in? Any age. I loved Baby Island AND Six Days, Seven Nights).

    Not looking for: military thrillers/narrative, mafia/mob stories, adult science fiction/fantasy, westerns, religious/spiritual, anything that celebrates violence towards women or children.

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  17. Agent

    Hannah Brattesani, The Friedrich Agency, LLC

    Bio: Hannah Brattesani is a literary agent and the Director of International Rights at The Friedrich Agency. She represents literary and upmarket fiction, and voice-driven nonfiction. Hannah emigrated from Scotland to New York after graduating from the University of St Andrews, where she was awarded the Douglas Dunn Award for Writing. She began her career at Emma Sweeney Agency and speakers bureau Blue Flower Arts, later joining Folio as interim Director of International Rights. Hannah has been with Friedrich since 2019 and is privileged to work with many bestselling and celebrated authors.

    Looking for: Within the suspense and thriller genres specifically, Hannah is looking for a literary approach. She gravitates towards narratives with female protagonists, an unusual hook, and a strong sense of place. Hannah also enjoys literary and upmarket horror, particularly novels that employ genre elements in playful and subversive ways. She is also a sucker for humor, an inventive use of language and form, and, you guessed it, stories set on the other side of the Atlantic.

    Not looking for: Hannah is not looking for speculative fiction, fantasy, science fiction, military thrillers, and YA.

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  19. Editor

    Joe Brosnan, Grove Atlantic

    Bio: Joe Brosnan is a Senior Editor at Grove Atlantic where he specializes in crime fiction. Prior to that, he worked at St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books and managed Criminal Element for nearly a decade.

    Looking for: At this time, I am exclusively looking for crime fiction submissions, particularly books from diverse authors who are using the genre to hold up a mirror to contemporary issues. I’m interested in everything from small-town noir to upmarket thrillers, and I’m looking for authors who intend to write a book every year(ish), whether it’s a series or standalone. I want to find authors who are in this for the long haul, and who I can work with for years to come.

    Not looking for: I’m less interested in historical crime fiction, especially anything set before the 20th Century, and while I know cozies are having their moment, I’m not looking for those types of books either.

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  21. Agent

    Chris Bucci, Aevitas Creative Management

    Bio: Chris Bucci represents bestselling and award-winning fiction and non-fiction authors including, Bath Haus by PJ Vernon; Highway of Tears by Jessica McDiarmid; Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything? by Timothy Caulfield; KISMET by Amina Akhtar; and The War Widow by Tara Moss.

    Chris began his career at the University of Toronto Press as an acquisitions editor in the social sciences. He joined HarperCollins Canada in 2003 as a non-fiction editor and then moved to McClelland & Stewart. In 2008 he joined The McDermid Agency as a literary agent and later bought the agency, along with Martha Webb. In 2017 they merged with the Cooke Agency to form CookeMcDermid where Chris was Proprietor and Literary Agent before joining Aevitas in 2020.

    Chris aims to work with some of the culture’s best writers, thinkers and experts—authors whose work helps us to interpret and understand our times as well as our future.

    Looking for: Mysteries, thrillers, literary fiction, historical fiction, commercial literary fiction, and narrative nonfiction. For nonfiction, he seeks popular science, sports, popular culture, politics, and history.

    Not looking for: YA, Fantasy and Sci-Fi.

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  23. EDITOR

    Lexy Cassola, Zando

    Bio: Lexy Cassola is a Senior Editor at Zando acquiring a range of fiction, with a special focus on mystery/thriller/suspense for the Gillian Flynn Books imprint. Prior to joining Zando, Lexy spent six years at Dutton/Penguin Random House, where her list included GMA Buzz Pick A Novel Obsession by Caitlin Barasch; And Then She Fell by Alicia Elliott; Our Little World by Karen Winn; Unleashed by Cai Emmons; and the upcoming novels The Mother Act by Heidi Reimer, The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu, and Where Are You, Echo Blue? by Hayley Krischer.

    Looking for: Literary/upmarket suspense, horror, and mystery; book club fiction; and edgy, voice-driven novels. Across genres, Lexy is seeking deeply relatable, character-driven stories from a variety of perspectives that are equal parts thought-provoking and page-turning.

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  25. Agent

    Claudia Cross, Folio Literary Management

    Bio: Advocate, adviser, ally, coach, counselor, and negotiator: an agent, at times, can play one or all of these roles in the literary life of an author. In responding to the changing needs of the writers she represents, Claudia brings to each a high level of individualized attention. She began her career at William Morris, and then joined Sterling Lord Literistic, where she worked for just over a decade before joining Folio and becoming a partner. She has worked with a range of authors in both fiction and nonfiction, from CEOs, chefs and debut writers to New York Times bestsellers. Among the diverse clients she represents are the literary Estate of Mother Teresa; entrepreneur and designer Emily Ley; art historian and Renoir scholar Barbara Ehrlich White; and novelists Rachel Gibson and Christina Lynch.

    Looking for: For thrillers specifically, she is looking for compelling female characters; modern espionage with a classic feel, and stories involving people going about their daily lives who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

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  27. Editor

    Luisa Cruz Smith, Penzler Publishers

    -VIRTUAL ONLY-

    Bio: Luisa Cruz Smith is the editor-in-chief of Penzler Publishers which includes The Mysterious Press and Scarlet Suspense.

    Looking for: Luisa is interested in a wide range of crime fiction – from the traditional who-dunnit, to international thrillers, to psychological suspense – but mostly she is hoping to find great characters and a gripping storyline.

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  29. Agent

    Sophie Cudd, The Book Group

    Bio: Sophie Cudd joined The Book Group as Associate Agent in 2023, after nearly four years at William Morris Endeavor. Born and raised in Nashville, TN, Sophie has a degree in English Literature from Southern Methodist University, studied Shakespeare at the University of Oxford, and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

    Sophie splits her time between Nashville and NYC. When she’s not reading, Sophie can be found haunting an art museum, hiking Nashville’s Percy Warner park, or making her favorite Ottolenghi saffron pasta.

    Looking for: In fiction, Sophie loves compelling, high-stakes tales of love, loss, mystery and belonging. She is drawn to accessible and deeply resonant characters, plot-driven stories with a strong sense of time and place, and is a sucker for a twist she never saw coming. In nonfiction, Sophie’s interests are wide-ranging, but she is particularly interested in moving and introspective memoirs, food writing, essay collections, and well-researched narrative nonfiction.

    A few books I loved reading in my free time… The Maid by Nita Prose, Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor, Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson, Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward, I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy, and Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino.

    Client List: 

    Michael Cox
    Ellie Cypher
    Misa Dessalines
    Elisabeth Dini
    Lauren Evans
    Molly Fader
    Sherry Hamby, PhD
    Leslie Hooton
    Jamie Lee Sogn
    Emily Matheis
    Margot McCormack
    Vinita Mendiratta
    Wendy Murray
    Jennifer Reid, MD
    Ketch Secor
    Claire Tattersfield
    Eilene Zimmerman

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  31. Editor

    Robert Davis, Forge Books

    Bio: Robert Davis is an Editor at Forge Books (an imprint of the Macmillan division, Tor Publishing Group). He started off at TPG working under former President & Publisher, Tom Doherty, in 2015 and has been acquiring for the Forge list since 2019.

    Looking for: For Forge, Robert is looking for addictive page-turners with characters I want to root for, particularly in the categories of near-future fiction, technothrillers, and (outdoor) survival adventures.

    Not looking for: Robert is seeking adult fiction only.

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  33. Agent

    Liza Fleissig, Liza Royce Agency

    Bio: Liza Fleissig, with her partner Ginger Harris-Dontzin, opened the Liza Royce Agency (LRA) in early 2011. A cross-platform company providing development, representation, and strategic career management for clients in all media, their goal is to represent clients in all stages of their careers, from the most established to those developing their craft, as well as debuts. Both former partners in NYC based litigation law firms, Liza and Ginger bring a combined 40 years of negotiating experience to the field. This background, along with connections rooted in publishing, movies and television, allowed them to focus and build on a referral based clientele.

    Clients: Robert Bailey II, Isabella Maldonado, Sara DiVello, Elise Hart Kipness, Amy Impellizzeri, Retired FBI Agent Jerri Williams, Jon Lindstrom, Estate of Marc Olden, among others

    Looking for: psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, mystery/suspense, crime fiction, medical thrillers (would love the next Quincy/Scarpetta generation) –  basically a fresh way in to tried and true concepts – female narratives with complicated histories/family/friendships always welcome

    Currently not looking for: sci/fi/fantasy, crazy presidents, Russia/China, covid/pandemic stories, traditional CIA/terrorist, mob/cartel, military thrillers (unless author is/was military)

     

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  35. Agent

    Carolyn Forde, Transatlantic Agency

    Bio: Carolyn is a Partner and Senior Agent at Transatlantic Agency, in addition to overseeing the International rights division at the agency. She represents bestselling and award-winning authors and is always on the lookout for more compelling stories and talented writers. Currently she is seeking upmarket commercial fiction by female identifying authors, really funny and romantic romcoms from diverse voices, agenda setting non-fiction – either investigative journalism or literary memoir that offers a window into an unusual or rarely seen part of society. Her authors include USA Today bestselling Karma Brown (RECIPE FOR A PERFECT WIFE), critically acclaimed romcom author Jean Meltzer (THE MATZAH BALL), bestselling thriller author Hannah Mary McKinnon (NEVER COMING HOME), bestselling memoirist Clayton Thomas-Muller (LIFE IN THE CITY OF DIRTY WATER) and bestselling investigative journalist Sarah Berman (DON’T CALL IT A CULT).

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  37. Agent

    David Forrer, InkWell Management

    Bio: David Forrer began his career in publishing in 1997 after receiving a Masters in Creative Writing (fiction) from Boston University. He has been an agent with InkWell Management since it was created in 2004. He enjoys smart, propulsive fiction with a great hook and unforgettable characters, including crime, suspense and thrillers that range from commercial to literary. He’s had the privilege of working with many talented authors including Catherine Burns (THE VISITORS), Ella Berman (THE COMEBACK), and Claire Fuller (BITTER ORANGE).

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  39. Agent

    Renee Fountain, Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management

    Bio: President of Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management, Renee C. Fountain has spent more than 30 years in the publishing industry. She began her career at Harcourt Brace and Simon & Schuster, before going to the CW Television Network as a literary scout for the scripted division. Renee also enjoys mentoring writers as a developmental editor, and can often be found on various panels helping authors navigate the publishing world.

    Her clients include: scientist Leah Elson’s recently released (There Are No Stupid Questions…In Science), Jonathan Fredrick (Cain City Series: Cash City; Hum Little Birdie; Bad Men Will Come), and travel writer Jen Ruiz’s new book coming in 2024 (Twelve Trips in Twelve Months).

    Looking for: Renee is interested in all types of adult and YA fiction and non-fiction, especially horror, mysteries, thrillers, cozy, historical, commercial, book club, women’s fiction, rom-com, true crime, narrative, memoir, pop culture, prescriptive, and biography.

    Not looking for: erotica, dystopian/post-apocalyptic, COVID/pandemic, terrorism, political, religious, short stories, poetry, high fantasy/sci-fi, cults, international spies, supernatural creatures, middle grade, picture books, or screenplays.

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  41. Agent

    Claire Friedman, Inkwell Management

    Bio: Claire Friedman joined InkWell in 2016. Originally from Salt Lake City, Claire spent three years working for her local indie bookstore, The King’s English, before moving to New York to attend Columbia University. Claire graduated with dual degrees in English and History, and continues to have stress dreams about the core curriculum.

    Looking for: Claire is actively seeking upmarket and commercial fiction in the adult and YA categories, with a special focus on book club fiction, thrillers and suspense, romance, and anything with a speculative edge. More on what Claire is looking for can be found at: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/claire-friedman/.

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  43. Agent

    Lori Galvin, Aevitas Creative Management

    Bio: Lori Galvin worked as a book editor before moving to the literary agent side in 2015. She works with a diverse group of writers of both fiction and nonfiction. Some of her clients’ projects have been optioned by A24, Netflix, and CBS Studios. She has signed and sold books by writers she has met through PitchFest, including Wanda M. Morris and Cheryl A. Head.

    Looking for: Captivating writing across crime and suspense, both commercial and literary—and from all voices, especially authors who are using the genre to explore contemporary issues—but through story, not sermons. In addition to twisty, dark novels of crime and suspense; mystery/horror crossovers, espionage and high concept thrillers, she is eager to work with writers whose work engages the reader on an emotional level; i.e., a story that sticks with you and can make for excellent book club discussions.

    Not looking for: Traditional military thrillers; traditional cozies; organized crime novels a la ‘mob’ novels, or technothrillers/biotech thrillers that are so centered on the technology aspect, they might date quickly.

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  45. Agent

    Ronald Gerber, Lowenstein & Associates

    Bio: Ronald Gerber is a literary agent and manages foreign rights, permissions, and contracts at Lowenstein Associates, the agency best known for representing internationally bestselling mystery writer M.C. Beaton. Before joining the Lowenstein team in 2019, he spent several years in literary scouting at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates and Maximum Films & Management and supported two agents at Writers House.

    Ronald’s clients include Sonja Thomas, whose debut children’s novel SIR FIG NEWTON & THE SCIENCE OF PERSISTENCE (Aladdin/Simon & Schuster) is a 2023 Oregon Book Awards finalist, and Lorissa Rinehart, whose biography FIRST TO THE FRONT about pioneering photojournalist Dickey Chapelle will publish from St. Martin’s Press in July, 2023. Ronald is focused on cinematic stories with strong hooks and relatable characters, and he is always looking for projects from queer, BIPOC, and other underrepresented authors.

    Looking for: Thriller, crime, cozy mystery, upmarket and commercial contemporary fiction, historical fiction, romance, romantic comedy, grounded sc-fi, narrative nonfiction, memoir/biography, true crime, and middle grade.

    Not looking for: Military thrillers, screenplays, puzzles, games, religious fiction, erotica, practical nonfiction (i.e. business, advice, hobbies, DIY), or textbooks.

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  47. Editor

    Elana Gibson, CamCat Publishing

    Bio: Elana Gibson is the Associate Editor and Acquisitions Manager at CamCat Publishing, a boutique publisher of award-winning genre fiction. She joined the CamCat team in 2021 and previously interned at Browne & Miller Literary Associates.

    Looking for: YA and adult mystery, suspense, thriller (spy, domestic, political, legal, and psychological thrillers), sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal, romance, horror, western, historical fiction, and true crime

    Not looking for: military thrillers, middle grade fiction and younger

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  49. Agent

    Doug Grad, Doug Grad Literary Agency

    Bio: Doug’s path on the road to publishing may have been set early. His first job in the industry came in 1978, walking up and down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan wearing a sandwich board advertising a new novel during the 1978 New York City newspaper strike. The next year, he took creative writing at Stuyvesant High School with Frank McCourt, nearly two decades before McCourt won the Pulitzer Prize for Angela’s Ashes. Doug opened the Doug Grad Literary Agency, Inc. in 2008. As a third generation New Yorker and 25-year resident of Brooklyn, Doug moved to Salem, Massachusetts in 2021. No, he has not been turned into a toad by a witch (yet).

    After starting at Simon & Schuster as an assistant to the assistant of Michael Korda, 2023 begins Doug’s 37th year as a publishing professional. An editor with imprints at Simon & Schuster, Random House, Penguin and HarperCollins for 22 years, Doug acquired and edited fiction and nonfiction bestsellers. On the nonfiction side, Doug has worked with astronauts, generals, war heroes, gangsters, cops, politicians, sports stars, journalists, musicians, historians and humorists. It’s never boring, and it keeps him out of the saloons!

    As an agent, Doug has represented such clients as New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction Jeff Shaara; New York Timesbestseller Kerri Rawson (daughter of serial killer Dennis Rader, known as BTK); New York Times bestselling WWII historian Larry Alexander; Grammy-winning jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Hugh Shelton, and true crime and mob writer Michael Benson, among others. In the mystery/thriller genre, Doug represents two-time Agatha Award and four-time Lefty Award winner Ellen Byron (and her alter-ego Maria DiRico); Jerome Preisler, author of the NET FORCE series created by Tom Clancy and Steve Pieczenik; New York Times bestseller David L. Robbins; psychological suspense writer Debbie Babitt; thriller writer Matthew Betley; and espionage novelist A.J. Chambers.

    Looking For: On the fiction side, Doug’s looking for mysteries (cozy, contemporary or historical), all stripes of thrillers, and contemporary fiction with interesting voices. On the nonfiction side, Doug’s looking for military, narrative nonfiction, celebrity memoir, history, music, popular science, business and sports.

    Not looking for: Children’s picture books, middle grade, YA, science fiction, fantasy

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  51. Agent

    Angie Hodapp, Nelson Literary Agency

    Bio: Angie Hodapp is the Director of Literary Development at Nelson Literary Agency. She holds a BA in English and secondary education and an MA in English and communication development. A graduate of the Publishing Institute at the University of Denver, she has worked in professional writing, editing, and education for more than twenty years. A frequent presenter at writing conferences and events, and the author of Query Craft and Do You Need a Literary Agent, she loves helping writers improve their craft and learn about the ever-changing world of publishing.

    Looking for: Nelson Literary Agency is looking for twisty, atmospheric, character-driven thrillers with upmarket or literary voices and book-to-screen appeal. At the top of our wish lists are psychological and domestic thrillers: stories that reveal the dark side of the familiar, or that show just how quickly situations that seem safe or relationships that seem mundane can go horribly wrong. Think No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole or Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam. Also exciting to us are speculative thrillers with unique settings and compelling what-if concepts (Archive 81, Severance, Shining Girls, Outer Range, 1899) and suspense rooted in dark or quirky humor (Deadloch, Fargo). Other thriller/suspense faves include Tana French, Gillian Flynn, Liane Moriarty, Lisa Jewell, Catriona Ward, Simone St. James, Blake Crouch, and Mick Herron, and on screen, Black Bird, The Old Man, and The Patient.

    Not looking for: police procedurals, cozy mysteries, or commercial medical, legal, political/spy, or religious/antiquities thrillers…unless the prose is upmarket or literary and the author is twisting familiar tropes in really cool, high-concept ways.

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  53. Agent

    Ginger Hutchinson, Movable Type Management

    Bio: After graduating with a degree in Film Studies, Ginger Hutchinson went on to become Wesleyan University’s Kim Frank Fellow of Creative Writing, building upon years of experience as an editor in publication, workshop and teaching environments.

    As an educator, most recently with the Free Library of Philadelphia, Ginger has been committed to nurturing creativity and embracing the power of storytelling to connect each of us with a sense of purpose, community and appreciation of one another’s unique way of navigating the world.

    Ginger grew up in rural Florida amidst a large, rambunctious family and massive system of natural springs; all its pre-historic creatures and people who often seem odd to outsiders are regular characters in the story she carries through life.

    Looking for: high-concept commercial and upmarket fiction, including thrillers, feel-good mysteries, domestic suspense, rom-coms, horror, women’s and historical fiction. I’m actively seeking archetypal stories with a strong hook, compelling characters and a rich sense of place.

    Not looking for: YA, Sci/Fi, Military Fiction, or stories involving the pandemic.

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  55. Agent

    Michelle Jackson, LCS Literary Services

    Bio: 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.

    Looking for: 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!

    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

    Not looking for: Children’s or Non-fiction at this time.

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  57. Editor

    Jenna Jankowski, Sourcebooks

    Bio: Jenna Jankowski is an Associate Editor at Sourcebooks, a midsized publisher in Chicago. She joined in 2019, after interning at Browne & Miller Literary Associates and Sourcebooks. She works primarily under the Poisoned Pen Press imprint.

    Looking for: In adult fiction, Jenna acquires horror with feminist elements, psychological suspense, crime fiction that subverts traditional tropes, thrillers, and trade paperback cozies. She’s also looking for fiction with a speculative edge, grounded fantasy, and stories with crossover potential—all with an emphasis on diverse voices.

    Not looking for: YA, romance

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  59. Agent

    Elizabeth Kracht, Kimberley Cameron & Associates

    Bio: Elizabeth Kracht is a literary agent with Kimberley Cameron & Associates and the author
    of The Author’s Checklist: An Agent’s Guide to Developing and Editing Your
    Manuscript. She also works as a freelance developmental editor coaching authors.
    Elizabeth represents both literary and commercial fiction as well as nonfiction, and brings
    to the agency experience as a former acquisitions editor, freelance publicist, and writer. Elizabeth’s websites can be viewed at: www.elizabethkracht.com and www.kimberleycameron.com

    Looking for: In fiction, she represents thrillers, mysteries, literary, commercial, women’s, and
    historical. In nonfiction, she is interested in finding true crime, investigative journalism,
    narrative/creative nonfiction, prescriptive, voice- or adventure-driven memoir, high
    concept, science, spirituality, sexuality, self-help, and pet stories.

    Not looking for: Elizabeth is not looking for screenplays, previously published works, high finance, or business books.

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  61. Agent

    Andrew Lampack, Peter Lampack Agency, Inc.

    Bio: Founded in 1977, the Peter Lampack Agency places manuscripts with all of the major publishers in New York and throughout the world and negotiates the full spectrum of rights from book properties including literary, film, music, television, dramatic stage, electronic, audio, serial and gaming. We are extremely selective about our clientele and strive to meet the specific and idiosyncratic needs of our clients in such areas as creative and editorial guidance, career management, marketing, and promotion. We attend both the Frankfurt and London Book Fairs and have negotiated foreign deals with leading publishers in over 40 countries. We are one of the few agencies that still accepts unsolicited queries from new authors.

    Our clients include the Clive Cussler estate, bestselling author Dirk Cussler, Nobel laureate J.M. Coetzee, country lawyer Gerry Spence, bestselling author Russell Blake, and neurologist Dr. Richard Cytowic.

    Looking for: Commercial and literary fiction as well as non-fiction by recognized experts in a given field.

    Not looking for: Children’s books/ YA fiction, horror, romance, westerns, science fiction or screenplays.

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  63. Agent

    Sarah Landis, Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc.

    Bio: Before joining Sterling Lord Literistic in 2017, Sarah worked as an editor for fifteen years, holding roles at G.P. Putnam Son’s, Hyperion Books, HarperCollins Children’s Books, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers. Sarah graduated with a BA in English from the University of Virginia.

    Clients: Over the course of her career, Sarah has had the pleasure of editing many talented authors including the likes of: Jodi Lynn Anderson, Kasie West, Claudia Gray, Michael Buckley, Eileen Cook, Erin Summerill, and Megan Shepherd.

    Looking for: In the adult space, she is looking for speculative fiction that features a world like ours, but with a mind-blowing twist, sweeping fantasy, and twisty thrillers. She’d love to find a smart atmospheric thriller like THE DRY or a twisty thriller a la Ruth Ware or Alice Feeney, speculative fiction like THE MEASURE or THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY, and lush, grounded fantasy like THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE and THE TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY.

    In the young adult space, she has an affinity for southern settings, diverse voices, high-concept plots, big hooks, inventive and distinctive world-building, strong emotional core. Sarah is particularly drawn to middle grade fantasy and contemporary with heart, humor, adventure, and magic.

    Titles she wished she represented: DIVINE RIVALS, THE GRACE YEAR, THE HAZEL WOOD, SMALL SPACES, LOCKWOOD & CO., THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE, IN A DARK, DARK WOOD, A FLICKER IN THE DARK, THE TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY, NINTH HOUSE, THE ATLAS SIX, THE MEASURE, EMILY WILDE’S ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF FAERIES.

    Not Looking for: techno thrillers, military thrillers, coming-of-age, historical fiction.

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  65. Agent

    La Sheera Lee, SBR Media

    Bio: Award-winning blogger, La Sheera Lee, M.Ed., is a wife, mother, educator, podcaster, moderator, literary event planner, and magazine contributor. She is on a mission to help others to see the beauty of their own voices.

    La Sheera, also known for her savvy as a social media strategist and book influencer, loves to help people connect the dots. She utilizes the power of social media to inspire, inform, and educate on a global level.

    She is also the founder of the artistic event Lights! Camera! Action! #LCA is an experience that integrates books and the arts into an interactive weekend. Readers, authors, and publishing experts converge to have a weekend that is literally one for the books.

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  67. Agent

    Sandy Lu, Book Wyrm Literary Agency

    Bio: Sandy Lu founded Book Wyrm Literary Agency in 2020 after working as a literary agent for more than a decade at the L. Perkins Agency. Her client list includes Amazon, Barnes  & Noble, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestsellers, Stoker Award, Hammett Prize, and Anthony Award nominees, Goodreads Choice Awards finalists, and New York Times Best of the Year recipient.

    Sandy is seeking stories that will draw her in with a unique voice, make her miss her bedtime with a thrilling plot, and characters that will stay with her long after she turns the last page. Bonus points if you can make her laugh out loud or unable to hold back tears. She especially loves historical fiction, atmospheric world building, and anything dark, twisted, or with a supernatural bent. She favors unreliable narrators and serpentine plots that will keep her guessing till the end. And her white whale is a great spy novel set in early 20th century Shanghai.

    Looking for: mystery, thriller, suspense, horror, science fiction, fantasy, historical  fiction, upmarket women’s fiction, and YA.

    Not looking for: Picture books, graphic novels, and screenplays.

    Clients: M. H. Boroson, B.J. Graf, Heather Levy, Jeneva Rose, and Randall Silvis.

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  69. Agent

    Kiana Nguyen, Donald Maass Literary Agency

    Bio: Kiana (Kiki) Nguyen started in publishing in 2015 with an internship with Wunderkind PR, independent book publishing PR company, working on campaigns with authors such as Ernest Cline. There, she discovered a practical industry for her codependent love of fiction. In 2016, Kiki went on to intern with DMLA where she soon joined the team full-time as an assistant literary agent.

    Kiki is now building her client list within young adult and adult fiction with a focus on queer and BIPOC authors.

    Looking for: Dark, gritty, fun romps in Romance, Horror, and Domestic Suspense especially; both Young Adult and Adult. I want to have a good time with bitchy, irredeemable characters who do what they want when they want and have to suffer the consequences. If they have never cared about doing the right, responsible, legal thing they’re already halfway to my heart. I want extroverts with personality and chaotic social lives, please I’m bored and dying. Bonus points if it’s characters in their 20s-30s that feel like they’re living in the 2020s.

    With Domestic Suspense, Psychological Thrillers, and Thrillers of that nature: Suburban houses occupied by unhappily married straight couples aren’t the only options for settings and character scenarios! Cities exist! So do apartment buildings and single people with myriad friends/friend groups outside of nosy housewives and the PTA! And really, I would love to read about women whose lives don’t revolve around men in any way.

    I want to have fun! I am always a sucker for dark, meaty twists and turns (hello, Lisa Jewell!) but I’d love to see different narrative tones a la the 1999 classic Jawbreaker and Scream (which is a Horror, I know but still applicable and also what I rep!). Doom, gloom, and dread are fantastic ways to doll out a mystery or suspense but not the only way and I am dying to see more narrative variety in the genre.

    Horror that doesn’t take itself too seriously and feels like the narrators are just as unreliable as the potential kill count. I’m bored by single family homes and ancient estates, so let’s change the location and demographic of the characters, please.

    Romance with heat and bite—the rom-coms are getting corny and lacking the “com” to begin with.

    SFF that pivots away from the rigamarole of royal politics, machinations, knighthood/guards, etc. etc. I want to have some hectic times with the serfdom, please, I beg.

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  71. Agent

    Lynnette Novak, The Seymour Agency

    Bio: Lynnette Novak is an agent at The Seymour Agency.

    Prior to joining The Seymour Agency, Lynnette spent seventeen years freelance editing. She worked with new writers, advanced writers, as well as New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors. Lynnette earned a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Manitoba, where she specialized in English and French. She excelled in Advanced Creative Writing in university and studied writing for children and teens through the Institute of Children’s Literature. She was a Pitch Wars mentor in 2015 and 2016. Both her mentees acquired an agent. Lynnette has since closed her editing business and is excited to bring her passion for the written word to agenting.

    Although Lynnette was born and raised in Manitoba, Canada, she now lives in Minnesota with her husband, twin girls, and many pets. Her personal interests include reading, writing, exercising at the gym (okay, that’s a love/hate relationship), working on an assortment of crafts, all things having to do with animals (if she could own a farm, zoo, and animal shelter, she would), and enjoying time with family and friends.

    She loves dark and suspenseful, mysterious twists, unique worlds, light and funny, a good love story, and lots of voice.

    Follow Lynnette on Twitter: @Lynnette_Novak

    Looking for: (Always looking for own voices, diversity, and LGBTQ+!!!)

    In adult fiction: thrillers, psychological suspense, and mysteries (traditional, amateur sleuth, and cozy)

    In young adult fiction: thrillers, psychological suspense, horror, contemporary, mysteries, and fantasy

    In middle grade fiction: contemporary, horror, fantasy, action/adventure, mystery, humor, and novels in verse

    In children’s: fiction and nonfiction picture books (non-rhyming preferred)

    In graphic novels: MG, and YA (author/illustrator preferred)

    Not looking for: science fiction in any age category, adult romance, adult fantasy, adult horror. (This list changes, so check Query Manager and our website for the most updated version.)

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  73. Agent

    Gina Panettieri, Talcott Notch Literary Services

    Bio: Gina Panettieri is Founder of the Milford, CT-based Talcott Notch Literary, a five-member literary agency seeking the freshest voices in adult and juvenile fiction and nonfiction. Some of her more prominent recent sales includes SONS OF VALOR and DARK INTERCEPT by WSJ-bestselling authors, Andrews & Wilson, THE HIDING PLACE by USA-Today bestselling author, Paula Munier, and UNDER COLOR OF LAW, by Aaron Philip Clark.

    Clients: Her list includes Jeffrey Wilson and Brian Andrews, Scott Deitche, Dr. Seth Meyers, Drew Eric Whitman, Paula Munier, Kevin Wolf, Aaron Philip Clark.

    Looking for: Gina wants to see all types of crime fiction, including mysteries, thrillers and suspense. She’d like to see well-researched stories set in less common settings. She is open to historicals and is particularly interested in stories set against iconic world events and biographical novels about groundbreaking real women. She is also open to nonfiction – true crime, organized crime history, memoirs and biographies of major figures in law enforcement.

    Not looking for: She is not keen on crime fiction involving drug cartels, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse, or cults. If one is writing a story set in the military or law enforcement, accuracy is absolutely essential and she is not interested in stories where the research has exclusively consisted of reading other novels set in those worlds.

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  75. Editor

    Melissa Rechter, Crooked Lane Books

    Bio: Melissa Rechter is an Editor and Acquisitions Manager at Crooked Lane Books and Alcove Press. She joined the team in 2019 and has had the pleasure of working with ITW nominees, New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors, as well as a myriad of talented writers.

    Looking for: For Crooked Lane, she is looking for cozy mysteries, domestic suspense and psychological thrillers, horror, and historical mysteries with a feminist bent (from the ’20s, Victorian era, and late Regency). She’d love to find the next Cassandra Khaw, Lucy Foley, or Jennifer Hillier. If a book has cults, serial killers, complicated family dynamics, twisted female friendships, poisonous plants, small town secrets, or is a locked room thriller, it’s right up her alley.

    For Alcove Press, she is interested in book club fiction, rom-coms, historical fiction, romantasy, and speculative fiction. Magical realism in the vein of Isabel Allende and Alix E. Harrow or anything witchy in the vein of Practical Magic and The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, is perfect for her. She’s also looking for novels that center around found families, female friendships, and overcoming generational trauma, especially through the lens of an eldest or only daughter.

     

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  77. Agent

    Katie Reed, Andrea Hurst and Associates

    Bio: Katie Reed began her career in publishing with Andrea Hurst and Associates while pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in English at Sacramento State, and has worked in the publishing field for over a decade. Boo Walker (The Singing Trees), Hannah Jayne (Truly, Madly, Deadly), and international bestselling author Dr. Bernie Siegel, are among the many clients and works the agency represents.  Katie loves discovering new talent, building lasting connections with her authors, and working diligently to represent books readers will love. Katie lives in Lewiston, Idaho with her husband, three children, a Bichon Frise, and two obstinate cats.  In the summer you can find her on the beach upriver in Hells Canyon, preferably with a good book.

    Looking for: Katie is actively building her client list and looking for standout projects to champion. She is looking for stories that hit that sweet spot between commercial and literary, where strong, poignant prose and twisty, high stakes plot intersect. Katie is especially drawn to books with universal human themes that resonate with readers and seep through the pages.

    In the adult suspense/thriller genre, Katie is looking for female led psychological thriller with a distinct voice and unique plot that can stand on the shelf next to authors like Lucy Foley, Karin Slaughter, Alice Feeney, Gillian Flynn, Paula Hawkins, Ruth Ware, and Stacy Willingham. In YA, she would love to find something voice driven and similar to The Inheritance Games series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. She is always willing to look at women’s or historical fiction with a strong suspense/thriller slant, a la Liane Moriarty’s The Husband’s Secret, or literary thriller like The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz. Her favorite thriller so far this year: The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz. Anything with an unreliable narrator and an ending or twist she doesn’t see coming is a huge plus!

    Not looking for: sci-fi, fantasy, military/legal/spy thriller, cozies, or crime fiction.

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  79. Agent

    Michelle Richter, Fuse Literary

    Bio: Michelle Richter is a Senior Agent at Fuse Literary, which she joined from St. Martin’s Press. Crime fiction is her true love, from police procedurals to domestic suspense to thriller. And let’s not forget heists and con artists. She’s rarely found a British or Scandinavian crime show she couldn’t get wrapped up in. Recent favorite authors include Eli Cranor, Ruth Ware, S.A. Cosby, P.J. Vernon, Halley Sutton, and David Heska Wanbli Weiden.

    Looking for: She is currently looking for suspense, thriller, amateur sleuth, traditional mystery, police procedural, commercial women’s fiction, and book club reads. She loves a strong voice, character-driven fiction, dual timelines, family secrets, sister/friend stories, lots of twists, and unreliable narrators. LGBTQ, BIPOC, and disabled voices are very welcome.

    Not looking for: She is not looking for WWII or pre-20th century historical fiction; private investigators; political, military or espionage thrillers; science fiction/fantasy; poetry; YA or middle-grade fiction; memoir. Stories with human or drug trafficking, sexual assault or abuse, religious themes or characters aren’t a good fit for Michelle’s list.

    Clients: E.A. Aymar, L.A. Chandlar, Kellye Garrett, Jennifer Gold, Tara Laskowski, Alan Orloff, Carl Vonderau, Erica Wright.

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  81. Editor

    Kristin Sevick, Tor Publishing Group

    Bio: Kristin Sevick is an executive editor at Tor Publishing Group, part of Macmillan, where she acquires a wide range of commercial fiction including suspense, crime, thriller, historical, and upmarket women’s fiction. She is honored to have worked with bestselling and award-winning authors such as W. Bruce Cameron, Julie Carrick Dalton, Candice Fox, Matt Goldman, Loren Estleman, Rachel Howzell Hall, T. Jefferson Parker, Spencer Quinn, Lev AC Rosen, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Patrick Taylor, Aggie Blum Thompson, and Heather Webber. She lives in Connecticut with her family, and when not in a bookstore or library can most likely be found at a youth sporting event.

    Looking for: She is looking for upmarket and commercial crime and women’s fiction, with a focus on strong characters and relationships. The short pitch is: “Suspense goes to book club.” She is also looking for commercial fiction with unlikely sleuths, and women’s fiction with light speculative elements.

    Not looking for: She is not looking for young adult novels, or for science fiction or fantasy.

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  83. Agent

    Alec Shane, Writers House

    Bio: Alec majored in English at Brown University, a degree he put to immediate use by moving to Los Angeles after graduation to become a professional stunt man. Realizing that he prefers books to breakaway glass, he moved to New York City in 2008 to pursue a career in publishing. Alec quickly found a home at Writers House Literary Agency, where he quickly began building his own list. He is still aggressively looking for new talent across a wide variety of genres.

    Looking For: Horror, thriller, mystery, noir, grounded sci-fi, YA and middle grade “boy” fiction, and beautifully written historical fiction. In nonfiction: biography, narrative nonfictoion history, military, pop science, and all things sports.

    Not Looking For: Romance (paranormal or otherwise), politics (fiction or nonfiction), women’s fiction, picture books, high fantasy, and science fiction featuring aliens/intergalactic warfare. He’s also read enough about Russia, in any capacity, for a while.

    Clients: Nat Cassidy, Casey Barrett, Adam Cesare, Hank Early, Jumata Emill, Laurie R. King, Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Jack Murphy, Christopher Price, among others.

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  85. Agent

    Hannah Shephard, Hannah Shephard Literary Agency

    Bio: Hannah Sheppard was an editor for ten years (at Macmillan Children’s Books & Headline, part of Hachette Publishing Group). She joined the DHH Literary Agency in 2013 when she realised the more senior she got in-house, the less she got to do the bits of her job she really loves – working directly with authors to develop their ideas for commercial success. In 2023 Hannah launched her own agency. She represents commercial fiction across the children’s and adult’s markets.

    Looking for: Adult, YA and kids fiction. Books that show us what a society that is kinder and more equal than the one we have now might look like. Books that centre the voices that aren’t often amplified in the current publishing ecosystem. Feminist books across genres (I’m particularly interested in exploring feminist horror). Gripping commercial adult fiction with a speculative twist. Pacy thrillers with a unique hook. Heart-melting romances with a unique meet cute. Make me laugh or make me cry. Or both.

    Not looking for: Military/espionage/terrorism/action thrillers. High Fantasy. Historical. Anything that involves rape as a plot device. Poetry. Screenplays.

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  87. Agent

    Victoria Skurnick, Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency

    Bio: Victoria Skurnick is with the Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency, and represents both fiction and nonfiction. Among the books she has represented are Things We Do in the Dark, Little Secrets, It. Goes. So. Fast., The Lindbergh Nanny, Turn of Mind, Mr. Churchill’s Secretary, Jar of Hearts, Bad Things Happen, The Unexpected President,  and The Dangerous Book for Dogs.

    Victoria has been with LGR for 16 years; before joining the agency, she was editor-in-chief of The Book-of-the-Month Club, Senior Editor at St. Martin’s Press and Pocket Books, and Advertising Director of Holt. She is also the co-author of seven novels published under the name Cynthia Victor.

    Clients: Victoria’s client list includes Susan Elia MacNeal, Jennifer Hillier, Mary Louise Kelly, Mariah Fredericks, Alice LaPlante, Harry Dolan, and Kermit Roosevelt among others.

    Looking for: Suspense, literary fiction, and nonfiction.

    Not looking for: Science fiction, fantasy, or romance.

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  89. Agent

    Alexa Stark, Writers House

    Bio: Alexa Stark joined Writers House in 2022, after ten years at Trident Media Group. She represents a range of literary and upmarket fiction and select nonfiction. Her authors have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list and have won or been listed for the PEN/Faulkner Award, the National Book Foundation’s 5 under 35, the Rona Jaffe Award, the Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence, The Young Lions Fiction Award, Lambda Literary Award, and the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, among others. Raised in New York City, Alexa earned her BA in Comparative Literature at Columbia University. She lives in Brooklyn with her family.

    Looking for: Alexa is looking for literary/upmarket suspense and thrillers with a strong voice. She’s especially drawn to female-driven narratives that involve complicated family dynamics, complex friendships, and psychological drama. She also loves fiction that plays with genre in fresh or subversive ways.

    Not looking for: Military thrillers, fantasy, science fiction

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  91. Agent

    Charlotte Sunderland, Park & Fine Literary and Media

    Bio: Charlotte Sunderland works with Celeste Fine at Park & Fine Literary and Media, supporting bestselling nonfiction and fiction authors, with a focus on their film and television strategy. Charlotte began her career at CAA in the Media Finance group and wiip studios. Before joining PFLM, Charlotte worked with the actor and producer Julia Louis-Dreyfus, where she helped develop material across film, television, and podcasts. Charlotte graduated from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts with a B.A. in Cinema & Media Studies.

    Looking for:

    Literary Fiction

    Upmarket Fiction

    Commercial Fiction

    Historical Fiction

    Thriller

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  93. Agent

    Mark Tavani, David Black Agency

    Bio: Mark Tavani is a literary agent with the David Black Agency. Before that, he was an editor for 23 years with Penguin Random House, where he edited bestsellers and award-winners including books by Steve Berry, C.J. Box, Robert Crais, Justin Cronin, Clive and Dirk Cussler, Jeffery Deaver, Lisa Gardner, Lisa Scottoline, and R.L. Stine.

    Looking for: thrillers, mysteries, speculative fiction, upmarket suspense, mainstream sci-fi, mainstream fantasy, psychological suspense, and horror; nonfiction suspense, including narrative nonfiction and true crime.

    Not looking for: YA, picture books, erotica.

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  95. Agent

    Nikki Terpilowski, Holloway Literary Management

    Bio: With a B.A. in English and Marketing, along with a minor in creative writing and a graduate degree in international relations, Nikki’s passion for literature and thirst for knowledge led her to pursue a career in the publishing world. She established Holloway Literary in 2011 and currently has two associate agents on her team.

    Nikki’s outstanding achievements include representing  RITA nominated titles, RT Book Reviews Top Picks, and starred Publishers Weekly reviews. Notably, her Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Globe & Mail, and iBooks UK best-selling author bestselling author, Kimberly Belle was a Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee for Best Mystery/Thriller in 2017.

    She has also worked with several best-selling authors, including Amazon US & UK best-selling author Katie Oliver, USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns. Other notable clients include: Daytime Emmy nominee BlackSouthernBelle.com’s Michiel Perry, Food Television personality Saba Wahid and screenwriter Greg DePaul (Bride Wars, Saving Silverman)

    As a full-service agency, Holloway Literary represents writers in various genres, including romance, women’s fiction, mystery, thriller, historical fiction, literary fiction, southern fiction, and select young adult. Holloway Literary is a member of Sisters In Crime and International Thriller Writers, among other associations.

    Nikki is often a judge for League of Romance Writers competitions, and consults with entertainment industry websites Stage 32 and Writer’s Roadmap on both novel and screenplay writing.

    Lastly, Nikki is a tv and film producer specializing in book IP with several projects in development.

    Looking for: Nikki is looking for small-town romance, Regency romance, historical mystery, light fantasy and scifi in both adult and ya, fresh takes on domestic suspense, westerns, Afrofuturism, thrillers written by veterans/law enforcement/intelligence operatives, lifestyle non-fiction, southern fiction and magical women’s fiction.

    Not looking for: cozy mysteries, crime fiction, horror, erotica, crimes against children, serial killers.

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  97. Agent

    Anne Tibbets, Donald Maass Literary Agency

    Bio: Anne Tibbets joined DMLA in 2021. She represents adult and young adult commercial genre, primarily thrillers, mysteries, science fiction, fantasy, horror and select non-fiction. A screenwriter, Lead Bookseller with Barnes and Noble, and published author, Anne lives in California and has a BA in Theatre Arts from California State University, Fullerton.

    Looking for: Anne is looking to acquire cozies, horror, millennial driven mystery, thriller, and suspense, and police procedurals with interesting settings and surprising twists.

    Not looking for: Anne is not looking for techno thrillers, or thrillers with paranormal or sci-fi elements, any historical, or any novel involving the abuse of women or minorities.

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  99. Agent

    Ann Leslie Tuttle, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret

    Bio: Ann Leslie Tuttle joined DG&B in 2017 after working for 20 years at Harlequin Books where she worked on an extensive and varied list of bestselling and award-winning titles in romance and women’s fiction. She received her B.A. degree from the College of William and Mary and an M.A. from the University of Virginia. Helping to grow the careers of established and debut writers has always been Ann Leslie’s passion. Ann Leslie lives in New York City with her husband and young daughter, who is just discovering the magic of books and writing.

    Looking for: Ann Leslie is especially seeking women’s fiction (e.g. relationships, family sagas, historical fiction and psychological thrillers) romance (e.g. romantic comedies, medical romance and contemporaries) and Southern Gothics on the adult fiction side as well as Middle Grade fiction and narrative nonfiction.

    For thrillers/mystery/suspense, she is especially looking for domestic thrillers and cozy and historical mysteries and would welcome some #OwnVoices authors. She would also welcome some that have a speculative element, and thriller/mysteries for the YA market.

    Not looking for: stories with a dystopian element or science fiction.

     

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  101. Agent

    Jennifer Unter, The Unter Agency

    Bio: Jennifer Unter has worked many aspects of the publishing industry for over 3 decades. After graduating from the University of Michigan, she began her career at Henry Holt & Co. in the editorial department before moving on to the Karpfinger Agency as a junior literary agent, while also attending law school at Fordham University School of Law. She then became an Associate at the entertainment firm of Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard LLP where she practiced primarily in the areas of publishing and copyright law, and also acted as a literary agent on various book projects. She joined Robert Lewis Rosen Associates in 2000 as Vice President of the Literary Department. In 2008, she started The Unter Agency, LLC, a full-service boutique agency specializing in quality fiction, nonfiction and all types of children’s literature. In addition to placing projects at domestic and foreign publishers, she also sells to audio, film and television. She is a member of the Women’s Media Group, the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA), and the Westside Agents Group (WAG).

    Looking for: psychological suspense, domestic thrillers, mysteries, upmarket women’s fiction.

    Not looking for: sci fi/fantasy, military fiction, stories involving gratuitous violence or screenplays.

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  103. Editor

    Jess Verdi, Crooked Lane Books

    Bio: Jess Verdi joined Crooked Lane Books and Alcove Press as Senior Editor in 2022, after well over a decade in commercial fiction and romance editorial, including six years at Simon & Schuster. An author herself, Jess has a 360-degree view of the publishing industry, and enjoys working with authors to bring exciting, thought-provoking, and heartstring-tugging stories to the world. Throughout her career, it has been of the utmost importance to Jess to work with BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other historically marginalized voices to bring their work to the publishing landscape—and this remains truer than ever!

    Looking for: For Crooked Lane, she’s looking for feminist and progressive thrillers and suspense—edgy and sexy are great but nothing too dark or gory, please. Some of Jess’s recent Crooked Lane deals include Hollywood Hustle by Jon Lindstrom, On the Surface by Rachel McGuire, and Since She’s Been Gone by Sagit Schwartz.

    For her Alcove list, she’s especially drawn to laugh-out-loud and swoony commercial rom-coms, romantasy with a strong hook, stories exploring gender and sexuality in fresh ways, and novels featuring complex family and/or racial dynamics.

    Not looking for: Christian/inspirational, children’s books or YA, or stories about parents mourning the deaths of children.

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The following agents will be taking pitches live during PitchFest over Zoom.


  1. Agent

    Terrie Wolf, AKA Literary Management

    Bio: After nearly two decades of interaction with authors, musicians, and dignitaries in the arenas of publishing, international media, large-scale events, and agricultural endeavors, Terrie founded AKA (Also Known As) Literary Management (AKALM) in 2009. A full member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA), she received the Agent of the Year Award in 2021 from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and was named a “Top 20 of 2020 Agent” by Writer’s Digest. A fourth-generation Coloradoan, Terrie maintains a global outlook since she spent nearly half her life in foreign locales including several places in the U.K., Mallorca, Netherlands, and Spain. Further, she has sold rights in over forty countries and thirty languages.

    Looking for: Specifically, for ThrillerFest, Terrie is interested in stories that intrigue, enthrall, and impact readers. Her ideal fiction revolves around memorable characters, universal themes, and discussion-worthy concepts. She’s in search of anything and everything related to crime, regional, and book club reads that include elements of the mysterious, suspenseful, and thrilling. On the children’s side, Terrie looks for fun capers and mysteries, adventure, and kid-friendly works that encourage curious minds.

    Clients: Terrie’s clients include J.D. Barker, J. Luke Bennecke, Byron Graves, Forest Jones, Margaret Mizushima, Maria Shriver, and the writing team of Jeff Ayers and Brian Tracey.

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