After successful 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and spring 2023 events in Chicago, Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The Fall 2023 Online Writing Workshop of Chicago — an online two-day “How to Get Published” writing event on December 8-9, 2023. (Writers are welcome to attend virtually from everywhere and anywhere.)

This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited online “seats” at the event (200 total). All questions about the event regarding schedule, details and registration are answered below. Thank you for your interest in the Fall 2023 Online Writing Workshop of Chicago!

ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The Fall 2023 Online WWOC is an Online Conference, on December 8-9, 2023. Online events are easy and awesome, and the virtual events we’ve done thus far have received wonderful feedback. You do not have to be tech-savvy to do this, and understand we are keeping all aspects of a traditional in-person event, including one-on-one agent & editor pitching, which will now be done by Zoom or phone. Learn all details about what it means to have a writers conference online.)

WHAT IS IT?

This is a special two-day “How to Get Published” online writing workshop on December 8-9, 2023. In other words, it’s two days full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome. And even though this is the “Chicago” Writing Workshop, make no mistake — writers from everywhere are welcome to attend virtually. Our WDW writers conferences have helped dozens of writers find literary agent representation — see our growing list of success stories here.

This event is designed to squeeze as much into two days of learning as possible. You can ask any questions you like during the online classes, and get your specific concerns addressed. We will have literary agents online to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well. This year’s Fall 2023 Online Writing Workshop of Chicago agent & editor faculty so far includes:

• literary agent Najla Mamou (Savvy Literary Services)
• literary agent Dani Segelbaum (Carol Mann Agency)
• literary agent Monica Rodriguez (Context Literary)
• literary agent Kelly Bergh (Lucinda Literary)
• literary agent Eric Smith (P.S. Literary)
• literary agent Erin Clyburn (Howland Literary)
• literary agent Eva Scalzo (Speilburg Literary)
• literary agent Cole Lanahan (The Seymour Agency)
• literary agent Laura Gruszka (Writers House)
• literary agent Lauren Scovel (Laura Gross Literary Agency)
• literary agent Mariah Stovall (Trellis Literary)
• literary agent Eve Adler (Red Fox Literary)
• literary agent Kesia Lupo (The Bindery)
• literary agent Jen Newens (Martin Literary Management)
• literary agent Leslie Varney (Prentis Literary)
• literary agent Lori Galvin (Aevitas Creative Management)
• literary agent Ameerah Holliday (Serendipity Literary)
• literary agent Carey Blankenship-Kramer (Belcastro Agency)
• literary agent Lane Clarke (Arthouse Literary)
• literary agent Noah Gray Rosenzweig (Triangle House)
• literary agent Kelsey Brownlee (Gold Dust Literary)
• literary agent Lori Colvin (Birch Literary)
• literary agent Annalise Errico (Ladderbird Literary)
• literary agent Hannah Andrade (Bradford Literary)
• literary agent Tori Sharp (Jennifer De Chiara Literary)
• literary agent Kelly Thomas (Serendipity Literary)
• literary agent assistant Rae Loverde (Donald Maass Literary)
• literary agent Zoe Howard (Howland Literary)
• literary agent Jane Chun (Janklow &  Nesbit)
• literary agent Jemiscoe Chambers Black (Andrea Brown Literary)
• literary agent Savannah Brooks (KT Literary)
• literary agent Anjanette Barr (Dunham Literary)
• literary agent Lucy Hamilburg (The Hamilburg Agency)
• literary agent Reiko Davis (DeFiore & Company)
• literary agent Paul Levine (Paul Levine Literary)
• and more agents to come.

By the end of the day, you will have all the tools you need to move forward on your writing journey. This independent event is organized by coordinator Brian Klems of Writing Day Workshops. Contact Brian at WDWconference@gmail.com to register.

EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:

ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The Fall 2023 Online WWOC is an Online Conference, on December 8-9, 2023. Online events are easy and awesome, and the virtual events we’ve done thus far have received wonderful feedback. You do not have to be tech-savvy to do this, and understand we are keeping all aspects of a traditional in-person event, including one-on-one agent & editor pitching, which will now be done by Zoom or phone. Learn all details about what it means to have a writers conference online.)

THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (DECEMBER 8-9, 2023):

What you see below is a quick layout of the day’s events. See a full layout of the day’s sessions, with detailed descriptions, on the official Schedule Page here.

Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with Saturday sessions. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

9:30 – 10:30: 20 Query Letter Tips to Help You On Your Writing Journey. In this class, we will review 20 easy-to-understand bits of query letter advice that help you make sure your work is getting read, and you’re presenting your story in an exciting and intriguing manner.

10:45 – 11:45: Can You Book Be a Movie? Tips on Adapting Your Book to Film. If you daydream of seeing your book adapted to the silver screen screen or Netflix series, then get the ball rolling by understanding how to transform your work into a visual medium. This session, taught by a writer who’s both a publishing novelist and produced screenwriter, will explain the differences between writing a novel and crafting a script.

11:45 – 1:15: Break

1:15 – 2:30: Finding and Working With a Literary Agent. Learn the best ways to research and investigate agents online, and tried-and-true ways to contact and submit your work. Understand what questions you should ask to make sure it’s a great fit.

2:45 – 3:45: How to Determine Both Your Book Genre and Word Count. Before you submit your work or build a list of agents to contact, you need to understand what you’re pitching — which means understanding your genre, as well as what constitutes an appropriate word count.

4:00 – 5:00: Blending Fact with Fiction. Through this class we’ll discuss the ethics of bringing the real world into our writing and how to avoid the dreaded “info dump.”

* * * * *

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

9:30 – 10:30: The Author/Agent Relationship. This class, taught by a literary agent, teaches what happens after that first hurdle (signing with an agent) is done — including that offer call, signing an agency retainer, submissions to editors, contracts, and even the answer to the dreaded question, “What if your book doesn’t sell?”

10:45 – 11:45: Character Matters. This character development workshop will teach beginning through intermediate writers how to create fleshed-out characters that leave readers thinking “I think I know this person…” Learn how to craft background stories, identify goals versus flaws, and develop antagonist & ally characters that will up the drama of any book.

11:45 – 1:15: Break

1:15 – 2:30: “Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest, with participating literary agents and editors. In the vein of “American Idol” or “America’s Got Talent,” this is a chance to get your first page read (anonymously — no bylines given) with attending agents commenting on what was liked or not liked about the submission.

2:45 – 3:45: Open Agent Q&A Panel. Several attending literary agents will open themselves up to open Q&A from WWOC attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.

4:00 – 5:00: The Five Senses: Using Sensory Detail to Enhance Your Writing. Understand how writers can use sensory details in their writing to enhance reader experience. Don’t think just with your eyes; including more than visuals will draw readers into the story, and immerse them in your world.

Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with Saturday sessions. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:

(What you see here is a quick layout of the day’s events. See a full layout of the day’s sessions, with detailed descriptions, on the official Schedule Page here.)

Agent & Editor Pitching: All throughout the day.

————-

PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:

Tori Sharp is a literary agent with The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency.  She does not represent adult fiction. Currently, she is solely on the lookout for children’s graphic novels, and middle grade manuscripts (especially fantasy, high-concept fiction, and memoirs). “I love to see silliness, silliness, silliness. I like prose that is strange and joyful, while also being grounded, smart, and evocative; I love a balance of humor and heartfelt moments. I have a soft spot for chaotic/trickster characters, proactive main characters, riddles and lateral thinking problems in the narrative, thoughtful neurodivergent representation, LGBTQ+ characters, and invisible disabilities. If your project features healthy, reciprocal friendships, creativity, geekery, saying ‘no,’ or kids with big dreams, send it my way.” Learn more about Tori here.

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

Anjanette Barr is a Literary Agent at Dunham Literary, Inc. Anjanette has an eclectic reading taste and a love for literature that “baptizes the imagination” (C.S. Lewis) and begs to be shared. She loves genre and popular fiction with substance, and literary and nonfiction titles infused with living ideas that leave readers with a new desire to immerse themselves in the subject matter. This could look like an historical fiction that uses captivating detail and relatable characters to bring times-gone-by to life, or it could be a SF/F world that highlights virtues like empathy and self-sacrifice. A romance set in a place so vivid she feels she’s traveled there and wants to take up the protagonists hobbies will definitely get her attention. In nonfiction she is looking for well-researched biography written in beautiful literary prose, popular science and other disciplines titles that make lay-people enchanted and invested in topics previously over their heads, and memoir with the ability to connect diverse readers. She’s also interested in books that shed light on poverty and justice in a new way. She prefers picture books that are winsome and pleasant to read aloud. Particular interests of Anjanette’s are the exploration of culture, history, faith, myth, fine arts, and nature. Learn more about Anjanette here.

Monica Rodriguez is a literary agent with Context Literary.  Monica gravitates towards stories about identity, family relationships, and travel. She is looking to uplift underrepresented voices, including, (but not limited to) authors who identify as People of Color (BIPOC), disabled, neurodiverse, and LGBTQ+. In children’s literature, she is actively looking for PB, MG, YA & Graphic Novels. She is also open to adult and non-fiction submissions. According to her MSWL, in fiction, she is open to: Action/Adventure, Children’s, Commercial, Family Saga, General, Graphic Novel, Historical, Horror, Humor, LGBTQ, Literary, Middle Grade, Mystery, New Adult, Picture Books, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Young Adult. According toher MSWL, in nonfiction, she is open to: Cookbooks, Humor, Journalism, LGBTQ, Memoir, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Travel. Learn more about Monica here.

Dani Segelbaum is a literary with the Carol Mann Agency. Dani joined the agency in 2021 as a literary agent and subrights manager. She is interested in both fiction and nonfiction. Dani is seeking nonfiction titles with an emphasis on politics, women’s issues, popular culture, and current events. Dani also loves memoir, narrative nonfiction, lifestyle, and cookbooks. In fiction, she is looking for literary and upmarket adult fiction including debut, historical, rom-coms, mysteries, and women’s fiction. In both fiction and nonfiction, Dani hopes to work with authors from diverse backgrounds to tell stories that are important to them. She loves compelling narrators and is drawn to writing that is voice-driven, highly transporting, and features unique perspectives and marginalized voices. Learn more about Dani here.

Reiko Davis is a literary agent with DeFiore & Company. Reiko’s interests are varied, but on the adult side she’s primarily seeking literary and book club fiction. She loves historical, contemporary, or multigenerational novels both in the U.S. and internationally; family sagas; voice-driven coming-of-age stories; the occasional rom-com; and fierce, compassionately written works that grapple with identity and belonging and portray diverse lived experiences. She’d love to connect with promising writers of short fiction who are at work on a debut story collection and/or novel. She also represents select narrative non-fiction projects that explore social justice, issues of race and gender, and the history and experiences of women and people of color. She consumes a lot of true crime in her free time so is open to seeing projects in the vein of I’ll Be Gone in the Dark. On the children’s side, Reiko is actively looking for middle grade fiction and nonfiction. Learn more about Reiko here.

Zoe Howard is a literary agent with Howland Literary. “I am now building my own list of adult literary fiction and adult nonfiction. I am also a literary publicist at Pine State Publicity. More than anything, I am drawn to writing that lingers—on language, on character development, on the subtleties of character relationships, on place, on a niche subjects—and makes the details discovered there pop. I would love to read writing that explores boundaries: poets writing prose, region-specific writing about the coastal or “convenience store” south and the western United States, non-traditional narrators, unhinged women in fiction, and so on.” Learn more about Zoe here.

Savannah Brooks is an agent with KT Literary. Savannah represents all types of children’s books as well as adult contemporary/commercial fiction, romcoms, thrillers/mystery/suspense, and horror. She’s especially interested in stories that teach her something new, add to a larger sociopolitical conversation, and highlight underrepresented identities and cultures. In kidlit, she seeks picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult fiction, and also young adult nonfiction (from authors with platforms). Learn more about Savannah here.

Eva Scalzo is a literary agent with Speilburg Literary. In Adult Fiction, Eva represents Romance novels (all subgenres except inspirational) and Science Fiction/Fantasy novels. She also represents all subgenres of Young Adult Fiction. She is interested in submissions from diverse authors. Learn more about Eva here, as well as her specific interests and what is seeking from writers.

Laura Gruszka is a literary agent with Writers House. “I’m looking for authors and illustrators of children’s books for all ages—picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels. I’m also open to adult graphic novels and adult literary fiction. My priority as a junior agent is uplifting traditionally underrepresented voices and stories in publishing. This applies to every category of books I am looking for. If you are a creator who is part of a marginalized community—regardless of whether you are specifically writing about identity—please send your work my way! For graphic novels and highly-illustrated MG, YA, and adult, I grew up on a steady diet of manga, which is where my art sensibilities tend to lie. My taste in children’s and adult literary books carry over into my GN taste, and I’m looking for everything from contemporary to genre to memoir. I’m not the best fit for art and stories in the superhero comic tradition.” Please note Laura is not looking for picture book text only; she wants author-illustrators, or just illustrators. Learn more about Laura here.

Eve Adler is a literary agent with Red Fox Literary. I’m an agent at Red Fox Literary, where I represent board books, picture books, early readers, and chapter books. I’m actively building my list, and welcome submissions in the 0-10 age range, especially from author-illustrators. I’m drawn to stories that make kids feel comforted, loved, and understood; to diverse voices; to ideas that break the mold; to projects that meet kids where they are developmentally; and to books that expand kids’ worlds while helping them understand their own. Learn more about Eve here.

Lane Clarke is a literary agent with Arthouse Literary. As the creator of the #BVM hashtag for Twitter story pitch events, and the co-founder of #PitBLK, a pitch event highlighting Black writers, she is committed to making sure marginalized voices have a space in traditional publishing. She is seeking: Lane is looking for an array of genres in Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Adult. In all age groups, she would love to see stories by underrepresented and marginalized creators.  In Middle Grade, she is looking for adventure stories and big emotions. She would love to see horror stories with a historical lens, contemporary books that push against the status quo, and fantasy that takes on underrepresented mythology. In Young Adult, she is looking for contemporary stories that pack an emotional punch. Coming-of-age stories. She would also love historical fiction. She is looking for speculative contemporary fiction. She is also looking for college stories, freshmen coming-of-age stories, and books about teens who do something other than college as their next step. She would love to see Graphic Novels from writer/illustrators. In Adult, she is looking for romance, and literary fiction that are generational sagas. She is looking for epic fantasy with a strong cultural point of view. She loves smart horror. In nonfiction, she is looking for little known historical figures who made big impacts  in all age groups MG and above. She is looking for humorous essay collections that address societal issues and personal growth. She would love to see memoirs about the immigrant experience. Learn more about Lane here.

Carey Blankenship-Kramer is a literary agent with Belcastro Agency. While her sweet spot is horror and middle grade, Carey’s tastes are wide and varied. From mystery to fantasy to science fiction, she loves anything that can draw her in and have her rooting for the main characters. If you have a strong platform and love what you do, feel free to pitch me a concept. She is seeking diverse #OwnVoices stories; Middle Grade (all kinds); Young Adult;  and New Adult & Adult in the areas of contemporary, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, and science fiction. She does not seek nonfiction. Learn more about Carey here.

Cole Lanahan is a literary agent with The Seymour Agency. Cole is actively looking for all genres of YA, all genres of adult romance, psychological suspense in the vein of The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine, and thrillers in the vein of Verity by Colleen Hoover and I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid. In nonfiction she is looking for humor, business, self-help, lifestyle, and arts and crafts books. Learn more about Cole here.

Kelly Bergh is a literary agent with Lucinda Literary. After beginning her career as an editor in academic publishing and briefly serving as a children’s librarian, Kelly joined Lucinda Literary to begin building a list in adult practical nonfiction, specifically in the categories of health and wellness, spirituality, and popular science. She selectively takes on children’s and gift books/decks in the same areas. Learn more about Kelly here.

Jemiscoe Chambers-Black is a literary agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency. She represents adult fiction, YA, MG, picture book authors, illustrators and select adult nonfiction. Adult: Romance—rom com, paranormal, and contemporary; Upmarket—commercial plot with beautiful writing; Suspense/Thriller, and a cozy mystery (think Living Single or Golden Girls with a dead body). Young Adult: Romance—rom com, paranormal, or contemporary; Contemporary—joy and struggle of everyday life, something real and gritty; Thriller/Horror. Middle Grade: Contemporary – can deal with hard themes, but with added humor for the younger reader (I am especially looking for stories that cover marginalized voices, biracial storylines, and interracial friendships); Fantasy: magical realism, paranormal, urban fantasy, but must mimic themes that young people deal with on a day-to-day; Horror – would love any kind; Graphic Novels. Illustrators: Creators that illustrate any age group from picture book, chapter book, middle grade, YA, to adult. Learn more about Jemiscoe here.

Kelly Thomas is a literary agent with Serendipity Literary. Kelly considers herself a generalist who is drawn to lyrical writing and strong voices. She is interested in nonfiction (narrative nonfiction, memoirs, true crime, self-help, business, travel writing, photography, medical, STEM, psychology, health and fitness, music, food & drinks, cooking) and adult fiction (psychological thrillers, suspense, comedies). She enjoys working with musicians, television personalities, athletes, and other pop culture figures to help translate their stories or expertise onto the page. She also represents children’s books including picture books, middle grade, and young adult. The truth is often stranger than fiction, so Kelly is actively looking for the next great true crime manuscript with a murderous and methodical plot. Learn more about Kelly here.

Hannah Andrade is an Agent & Royalties Manager at Bradford Literary Agency. She is prioritizing stories of joy where identity isn’t the focus and is especially excited about stories rooted in history, mythology, and legends, particularly those that are lesser-known or underrepresented in traditional publishing. In fiction, she seeks: dark and transporting Young Adult fantasy; atmospheric and whimsical Middle Grade; Young Adult & Adult mysteries with a unique hook; clever retellings of folklore/legends/myths; stories that feature diverse voices and multicultural experiences; Graphic Novels. In nonfiction, she seeks: Adult narrative nonfiction; Investigative journalism/true crime stories with strong voice. Learn more about Hannah here.

Jen Newens is a Senior Literary Agent at Martin Literary Management. She specializes in kidlit (many kinds, including graphic novels), as well as food & drink books for adults. The following are on Jen’s current wishlist, but she’s always open to hearing new ideas: 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). In Adult Nonfiction, she seeks all kinds of books on cooking, chefs, drinks, lifestyle, self-help, food bloggers, health, wellness, diet, and chronic illness. Learn more about Jen here.

Najla Mamou is a literary agent with Savvy Literary Services. Najla represents adult fiction and some YA. She’s most interested in mystery, romance, crime, and thriller. She’s most interested in main characters that are BIPOC or immigrants or expats, anything set in rural and inner city areas, and historical fiction genres/categories/settings. She also is interested in narrative and creative nonfiction. She enjoys stories about: rags to riches, overcoming discrimination, fish out of water, forbidden love, secret babies, arranged marriage, redemption, road trips or stories where the discovery happens away from home and more expat books where a POC moves to another place. Learn more about Najla here.

Leslie Varney is a literary agent and co-president of Prentis Literary. She specializes in adult speculative fiction — science fiction and fantasy — for adults, young adult, and middle grade. Leslie has also established herself as a specialist in genre-bending fiction, enthusiastically representing authors whose works defy easy classification. Learn more about Leslie here, and the books she seeks.

Kesia Lupo [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with The Bindery. “I consider middle-grade and YA my specialty and would love to represent authors writing for these age groups. But I’d love to return to my roots and also represent adult genre fiction in science fiction / fantasy and horror. I’m an omnivore in my reading taste and I would love my list to reflect that – so, while I’ve tried to be exhaustive, if you have something that doesn’t quite fit then please don’t hesitate to pitch anyway! In general, I’m looking for fiction for middle grade, YA and adult readers – and also a smattering of popular, accessible nonfiction. Across age groups, I’m a big fan of original fantasy, accessible but smart science fiction, paranormal or creepy horror, thrillers (especially if they have a shocking twist!), dark academia and basically all stories that help me escape or make me question everything. I majored in History so I love a bit of historical fiction too, as long as it’s done in a fun and accessible way – and I enjoy romance. For nonfiction, I’m looking at narrative nonfiction with broad appeal – I love books about psychology and big political, cultural or historical topics.” Learn more about Kesia here.

Jane Chun is a literary agent with Janklow & Nesbit. For fiction, she is seeking commercial, upmarket, and literary works in both adult and MG/YA about the search for and rebuilding of identity, diaspora, family and community, and examinations of power in relationships. She is also looking for fantasy, sci-fi, and speculative fiction that delve into sharp social commentary and have meticulous worldbuilding and settings that don’t feel like Western Europe. For historical fiction, she likes hidden histories and anything that is set in a time or place she’s not familiar with or focuses on a community that has been often overlooked if it’s a time/place she knows. In terms of nonfiction, she is looking for memoirs, essay collections, and narrative nonfiction with a nuanced, intersectional approach and similar themes to her interests in fiction. She also is interested in books about food, travel, pop culture, and cultural criticism that dive deeply and thoughtfully into culture and traditions. In addition to traditional prose, she is very interested in graphic novels and nonfiction. She is looking for stylistically engaging, unique art that feels either nostalgic without being derivative or fresh and boundary-pushing. Learn more about Jane here.

Erin Clyburn is a literary agent with Howland Literary. Erin represents middle grade fiction, YA fiction, and adult fiction and nonfiction. In MG and YA, she is looking for horror, mystery, thriller, big-hearted contemporary, and grounded stories with magical or speculative (light sci-fi or fantasy) elements. In adult fiction, she is most interested in upmarket and literary fiction, and she gravitates toward the dark and strange: horror, thriller, mystery, and grounded stories with speculative or magical elements. Send her your weirds. In nonfiction, she’s interested in intersectional perspectives and is looking for narrative nonfiction, memoir, and deep dives into topics including pop science, nature, food and culinary history, and sports and adventure. An Alabamian with Louisiana roots, Erin is particularly interested in Southern literary and upmarket fiction from diverse voices in the above genres. Learn more about Erin here.

Lucy Hamilburg is a literary agent at The Hamilburg Agency. Lucy is looking for picture books, middle grade, and young adult fiction. As a former middle school teacher, she knows what flies off the shelves and is always seeking novels, graphic novels, lyrical prose, and picture books that make kids and young adults laugh out loud and simultaneously pull at their heart strings She is open to all genres and categories within kidlit books — including fantasy, suspense/thriller, romance, contemporary, humor, paranormal, historical fiction, and everything in between. Learn more about Lucy here.

Lauren Scovel is a literary agent with Laura Gross Literary Agency. “I am looking to amplify underrepresented stories and voices, and am especially interested in literary and upmarket-crossover fiction, narrative nonfiction, and contemporary children’s books (middle grade and young adult) with a timely, distinctive story and a diverse cast of characters. I am not a great fit for mysteries/thrillers, science fiction/fantasy, historical fiction, or picture books.” Learn more about Lauren here.

Mariah Stovall is a lterary agent with Trellis Literary. She is actively seeking writers with strong voices and intersectional and interdisciplinary perspectives. She works on adult literary and upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, essay collections and memoir. She’s most passionate about music, mental health/illness, Black America, linguistics, histories of objects and ideas, pop science, and deep dives into subcultures and social movements, but great writing can get her interested in any topic. Learn more about Mariah here.

Kelsey Brownlee is a literary agent with Gold Dust Literary.  “I accept MG and YA fantasy, light paranormal of all ages, MG and YA advenutre fiction, and all kinds of romance (with the exception of bully romance and anything promoting abusive relationships). I’m not the best fit for inspirational/religious, nonfiction, or mystery. (However I will look at cozy fantasy/cozy mystery fantasy). I love most fantasy however especially love anything witchy. I love atmospheric novels that take me to another world. I also love epic fantasy. I also love retellings that stray from the norm and offer a unique perspective. For romance, I love a good enemies to lovers vibe. I want characters who are raw with real complications. I’m always down for a good romcom or fun paranormal romance (especially involving witches and magic!) However, I’m not too picky with romances as long as they have the required happy ending!” Learn more about Kelsey here.

Paul S. Levine is a literary agent and the founder of Paul S. Levine Literary. He is also an attorney. His fiction interests include adventure novels, mainstream fiction, mysteries, romance, thrillers, and women’s fiction. His nonfiction interests include business/commerce, pop culture, how-to, self-help, politics/law, relationships, and sports. Learn more about Paul here.

Annalise Errico is a literary agent with Ladderbird Literary. She is excited about uplifting stories by authors with marginalized voices and intersectional identities, ultimately making room for the diverse voices that have long since been ignored and suppressed in the literary world and beyond. Annalise is looking for more queer, BIPOC representation across the board, especially in romances that give happily ever afters to complex and palpable characters. She represents Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult books. In adult fiction, she is seeking romance, mysteries, thrillers, commercial, women’s, contemporary. She represents some new adult fiction. In young adult fiction, she seeks historical, graphic novels, fantasy, mystery, thriller, and contemporary. Learn more about Annalise here.

Rae Loverde is an agent assistant at Donald Maass Literary Agency. At the 2023 WDW online events, she will be acting as a literary scout — taking pitches at the workshop on behalf of one or multiple co-agents at her agency. Her co-agent Cameron McClure is seeking the following: projects that combine genre style plotting with literary quality writing. She’s up for anything speculative (Fantasy, sci-fi, etc.), and is interested in seeing science fiction and fantasy, mystery and suspense, horror, and projects with multi-cultural, international, environmental, and LGBTQIA+ themes. Learn more about Rae and her co-agents here.

Ameerah Holliday is a literary agent with Serendipity Literary Agency. Ameerah is primarily interested in middle grade, young adult, and (new) adult fiction. She enjoys contemporary literature, supernatural/paranormal stories (bonus points for witches!), RomComs, literary fiction, and novels in verse. Holliday looks for writing that explores diverse experiences with elements of intersectionality. She is drawn to stories that take you on a journey through growth, and she loves a good friendship story! Learn more about Ameerah here.

Lori Galvin is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. Lori represents both adult fiction (especially women’s fiction and crime fiction) and nonfiction (memoir, food writing, and cookbooks). Prior to joining Aevitas, Galvin was executive editor at the multimedia publisher America’s Test Kitchen, where she led a team that produced dozens of landmark cookbooks. Learn more about Lori here.

Lori Colvin is a Literary Agent with Birch Literary. Lori has a special empathy for authors, having penned over 150 books herself, under a successful pen name. She is seeking:If a book doesn’t grab Lori on the first page, she generally won’t read any further, so bring out your best right away. Lori’s looking for fresh viewpoints in multiple genres, including women’s fiction, Thriller, Book Club Fiction, Mystery (but no Cozy), and more. Things she’s not seeking at the moment: Romance, MG, or PB. If you can make Lori laugh, cry, gasp, or stay up all night reading, you may be a good match. Learn more about Lori here.

Noah Grey Rosenzweig is a literary agent with Triangle House Literary. Noah is interested in representing both fiction and non-fiction. He is a reader of all fiction but has a particular love for literary, climate, and speculative fiction, as well as the occasional YA novel. He has an eye out for stories that hold up a mirror to our culture in new ways, and he’s especially interested in queer and trans coming-of-age fiction. They are also looking for narrative non-fiction that chronicles recent history, cultural trends, technology, and social rules that explain why and how we live in our current world. Above all, Noah is looking for work that is subversive — in prose, style, or subject. Learn more about Noah here.

 

Najla Mamou is a literary agent with Savvy Literary Services. She is also a developmental editor and sensitivity reader

Najla represents adult fiction and some YA. She’s most interested in mystery, romance, crime, and thriller. She’s most interested in main characters that are BIPOC or immigrants or expats, anything set in rural and inner city areas, and historical fiction genres/categories/settings.

She also is interested in narrative and creative nonfiction.

She enjoys stories about: rags to riches, overcoming discrimination, fish out of water, forbidden love, secret babies, arranged marriage, redemption, road trips or stories where the discovery happens away from home and more expat books where a POC moves to another place.