36 Writing Conferences in September 2016

September features three dozen writing conferences, several of which focus on how to get published. Many offer pitch sessions with agents and editors. And, of course, there are numerous workshops, speakers, critique sessions, and readings.

A few of the conferences on this list are already closed. I've included them because they are, for the most part, annual events. If you've missed a conference you'd like to attend this year, you can catch when it comes around in 2017.

Note: You can find a full list of conferences (organized by month) as well as resources to find conferences in your area here: Writing Conferences

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DragonCon. Sept. 2–5, 2016, Atlanta, Ga. HUGE sci-fi event, with parade, autograph sessions, live performances, readings, wrestling (!), workshops on belly dancing, writing (yes, there's even some writing), art show. (This conference sounds really wild.)

Shore Thing Writing Getaway. September 3, 2016, Atlantic City, New Jersey. One-day workshop with Peter Murphy.

Sacramento Writing Conference. September 9, 2016, Sacramento, CA. A full-day “How to Get Published” workshop. Attending agents: Elizabeth Kracht (Kimberly Cameron Literary Agency); Jennifer March Soloway (Andrea Brown Literary); Carlie Webber (CK Webber Associates Literary); Patricia Nelson (Marsal Lyon Literary); Jen Hunt (Booker Albert Literary); and Jennifer Chen Tran (Fuse Literary)

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold Conference. Sept. 9- 11, 2016, Denver, CO. Keynote Speakers: Robert J. Sawyer and Ann Hood. Faculty includes a wide variety of published authors, marketers, editors, and agents. Opportunities to pitch projects to agents and editors.

49 Writers Tutka Bay Retreat. Sept. 9- 11, 2016, Tutka Bay, Alaska. Retreat leader is Rick Moody.

Connecticut Fiction Fest. Sept. 9- 11, 2016, Norwalk, CT. Keynote Sarah MacLean, master class taught by Barbara Samuel O'Neal. 20+ workshops, suitable for all genres and skill levels, full suspense-mystery track, manuscript critiques, opportunities to pitch major agents and editors.

Poets on the Coast. Sept. 9- 11, 2016, La Conner, Washington. Workshop, one-on-one mentoring, craft classes, and yoga for women poets. The faculty includes poets Kelli Russell Agodon and Susan Rich. Tuition, which does not include lodging or meals, is $395. Application Deadline: July 31, 2016.

Writer’s High Retreat. Sept. 9- 11, 2016, Young Harris, Georgia. workshops for poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers, as well as readings and talks. Participating writers include poet Clifford Brooks III, fiction writers Joshilyn Jackson and Michael Morris, and nonfiction writer Jessica Handler. The cost of the retreat, which includes lodging and all meals, is $754 for a single room and $559 for a double room until June 30, and $779 for a single room and $586 for a double room thereafter. The registration deadline is August 10.

San Francisco Writing for Change, Sept 10, 2016, San Francisco, CA. This event is for writers of nonfiction AND fiction who want to change the world for the better through their work.

Writing Workshop of San Francisco, September 10, 2016, San Francisco, CA. A full-day “How to Get Published” workshop. Attending agents: Paul S. Levine (Paul S. Levine Literary); Chelsea Lindman (Greenburger Associates); Elizabeth Kracht (Kimberley Cameron Literary Agency); Laurie McLean (Fuse Literary); Carlie Webber (CK Webber Associates Literary); Laurie Fox (Linda Chester Literary Agency); Mary C. Moore (Kimberley Cameron Literary Agency); Andy Ross (Andy Ross Agency); Patricia Nelson (Marsal Lyon Literary); Chiara Rosati (Veritas Literary Agency); and Lisa Abellera (Kimberley Cameron Literary Agency).

Chesapeake Writing Workshop, September 10, 2016, Washington DC. A full-day “How to Get Published” workshop. Attending agents: Adriann Ranta (Foundry Literary); Anna Sproul-Latimer (Ross Yoon Literary); Caitie Flum (Liza Dawson Associates); Rachel Marks (Rebecca Friedman Literary); Stacey Graham (Red Sofa Literary); Eric Smith (P.S. Literary); Kelly Peterson (Corvisiero Literary); Rachel Burkot (Holloway Literary); Maria Ribas (Stonesong); and possibly more to be announced.

Slice Literary Writers’ Conference. Sept 10 - 11, 2016, Brooklyn, NY. Craft workshops, panels, and one-on-one agent meetings for poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers. Panelists include: Noah Ballard, Agent, Curtis Brown, Ltd.; Andrea Barzvi, Agent, Empire Literary; Sarah Bowlin, Senior Editor, Henry Holt & Co.; Kim Brooks, Personal Essays Editor, Salon.com; Michelle Brower, Agent, Kuhn Projects; Julie Buntin, Editor, Catapult; Matthew Daddona, Associate Editor, Dey Street/HarperCollins; Stephanie Delman, Agent, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates; Marjorie DeWitt, Editor, Other Press; Jenni Ferrari-Adler, Agent, Union Literary; Michele Filgate, Essayist, Critic & Freelance Writer; Katie Freeman, Associate Director of Publicity, Riverhead/Penguin Random House; Erin Harris, Agent, Folio Literary Management; Bronwen Hruska, Publisher, Soho Press, Author, Accelerated; Brigid Hughes, Editor, A Public Space; Meredith Kaffel Simonoff, Agent, DeFiore & Company; Kirby Kim, Agent, Janklow & Nesbit; Jeff Kleinman, Agent/Founding Partner, Folio Literary Management; Maris Kreizman, Publishing Outreach Lead, Kickstarter; Tiffany Liao, Associate Editor, Razorbill/Penguin Random House; Paul Lucas, Agent, Janklow & Nesbit; Halimah Marcus, Editorial Director, Electric Literature; Paul Morris, Director of Literary Programs, PEN American Center; Andrea Morrison, Agent, Writers House; Monica Odom, Agent, Bradford Literary Agency; Miriam Parker, Associate Publisher, Ecco/HarperCollins; Kim Perel, Agent, Irene Goodman Literary Agency; Karen Russell, Author, Swamplandia!; Elissa Schappell, Founding Editor, Tin House, Author, Blueprints for Building Better Girls; Alex Slater, Agent, Trident Media Group; Sarah Smith, Agent, David Black Literary Agency; Rob Spillman, Editor, Tin House, Author, All Tomorrow's Parties; Anna Stein, Agent, ICM; Sara Weiss, Editor, Ballantine/Penguin Random House.

The Craft and Heart of Writing Poetry for Children. Sept 11-15, 2016, Honesdale, Pennsylvania. "This workshop will offer plenty of interaction, direction, and free creative writing time. We’ll focus on all elements of poetry, from the importance of word choice to surprising metaphors. There will be plenty of writing exercises to inspire new poems followed by group discussions. As a group, we’ll brainstorm ideas, share our writing process, and generate original poems. You’ll be inspired to create new poems or bring works in progress to polish." Featured Writers Include: Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Georgia Heard, Rebecca Davis.

Brooklyn Book Festival, September 12-18, 2016, Brooklyn, NY. Readings, panels, workshops, and a book fair. Participants include Margaret Atwood, Sherman Alexie, Ken Bruen, Margo Jefferson, Alexander Chee, Faith Erin Hicks, Russell Banks, Phoebe Gloeckner, Chester Brown, Salman Rushdie, Libba Bray, Stephanie Danler, Álvaro Enrigue, Gayle Forman, Pete Hamill, Jacqueline Woodson, Fred Kaplan, Karin Slaughter, Rebecca Traister, Marjorie Liu, Sayed Kashua, Joyce Carol Oates, A.O. Scott, Hua Hsu, Rob Sheffield, Yoss, Jessica Valenti, Cecily von Ziegesar, Ocean Vuong and hundreds more! All events are free and open to the public.

Surprise Valley Writers’ Conference. September 14-18, 2016, Cedarville, California. Features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as craft lectures, readings, open mics, and a Book Arts workshop. The faculty includes poet Julia Connor, fiction writer Christopher Coake, and nonfiction writer Ana Maria Spagna. Tuition is $525. Application Deadline: June 1, 2016.

Hampton Roads Writers Eighth Annual Writers' Conference. Sept 15-17, 2016, Virginia Beach, Virginia. 1 evening plus 2 full days of workshops, 2 best-selling keynoters, 2 first ten-lines critique sessions, 50 workshops during 10 breakout sessions, ten-minute agent pitches, NO-FEE, cash-prize contests for short fiction, short non-fiction, and poetry, FREE 90-minute networking social with food and drink, and evening 2-hr open mic session. Optional conference features include: first 10-pages manuscript review. Workshops cover fiction, nonfiction, memoir, poetry, screenwriting, and the business of getting published. A book shop, book signings, and many networking opportunities will be available.

Florida Heritage Book Festival & Writers Conference. Sept 15-17, 2016, St. Augustine, Florida. Among this year's scheduled authors are Lisa Black, Scott Eyman, John Dfresne, Mary Kay Andrews, Connie Mae Fowler, Jon Jefferson, and many more.

Kentucky Women Writers Conference, Sept. 16–17, 2016, Lexington, Ky.The Kentucky Women Writers Conference is the longest running literary festival of women in the nation. About 1,000 individuals attend the conference each year. Daytime sessions attract about 150 writers at all stages of development, and free evening events gather a lively community of readers. Most come seeking literary sisterhood, help with a manuscript, or practical advice about the publishing industry. Many are students or beginning writers. Application Deadline: August 12, 2016.

Casper College and ARTCORE Literary Conference. Sept 22 - 23, 2016, Casper, WY. Guest authors Linda Hogan, Doug Peacock, Mark Spragg, Dr. Joseph Campbell, & Julia Whyde.

New York Pitch Conference. Sept 22 - 25, 2016, New York NY. Features publishing house editors from major houses such as Penguin, Random House, St. Martins, Harper Collins, Tor and Del Rey, Kensington Books and many more who are looking for new novels in a variety of genres, as well as narrative non-fiction. The event focuses on the art of the novel pitch as the best method not only for communicating your work, but for having you and your work taken seriously by industry professionals.Workshops, homework & pitch training, agent/editor feedback, market study, publication plan.

Environmental Writing Institute. Sept 22 - 25, 2016, Missoula, Montana. Limited to 10 participants, features three half-day workshops and individual conferences with creative nonfiction writer Seth Kantner, as well as time to write. Tuition is $500, which includes some meals. Lodging is available at area hotels and inns. Submit an application, a writing sample of 2,000 to 4,000 words, and a one-page résumé or bio. Deadline: August 1.

A Weekend For Words. Sept 22 - 25, 2016, Irvine, CA. 60+ working, professional authors of fiction, nonfiction & screen, editors & agents. Costs $325-$425. Manuscript critique & one-on-one consultation additional.

North Coast Redwoods Writers' Conference. Sept 23 - 24, 2016, Crescent City, CA. Workshops on writing, poetry, memoir, editing, social media, marketing, fiction, submitting.

Ridgefield Writers Conference. Sept 23 - 24, 2016, Ridgefield, CT . Faculty-led workshops; agent, editor and publisher panels; networking; readings; and post-conference resources.

Chicago Writers Conference. September 23 - 25, 2016, Chicago, Ill. Join other writers, editors, publishers and agents for a weekend of learning and fun! Panels, pitch sessions, and educational talks, along with a Friday night kick-off party. Sessions on publishing, self-publishing, how to pitch, craft of YA, meet the publishers, websites, nonfiction, and many more.

LiTFUSE Poets’ Workshop. September 23 - 25, 2016, Tieton, WA. Faculty includes Ilya Kaminsky, Susan Rich, Kelli Russell Agodon, Thomas Lux, Laura Read, and more.

Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference. September 23 - 26, 2016, Whidbey Island, WA. Evaluation and discussion of book-length and chapbook-length manuscripts with poets, editors, and publishers. will meet and work with nationally known poets, publishers, and editors. Faculty includes: Rusty Morrison (Co-founder/Publisher Omnidawn Press); Fred Marchant (Professor Emeritus, Suffolk University); Jeff Shotts (Executive Editor, Graywolf Press); and Joan Houlihan (Conference Founder / Lesley University).

The Pacific Northwest Workshop & Retreat. Sept 23 - 25, Santa Cruz, CA. Intensive seminar offers editor or agent feedback on selected whole-novel manuscripts, including two in-person consults with your mentor. Editor and agent critiques on your polished, opening chapters. Faculty includes Peter Knapp, agent at Park Literary, and Kate Farrell, Senior Editor at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers. FILLED.

Tallahassee Writers Conference. Sept 24, 2016, Tallahassee, Florida. "Whether you are a beginner or an advanced writer of poetry, fiction, or nonfiction, you will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with other writers, editors, agents, cover designers, publishers and more!"

10th Annual Chattahoochee Valley Writers Conference. Sept 24, 2016, Columbus, GA, "Whether you write prose or poetry you can explore capturing thoughts, observations, and reflections with the written word. The sessions will be criticism free. You will be exposed to various writers and their styles, and work on editing, polishing and expanding writings into something that is reflective of your personality and talents. You should leave with a piece of original work and a sense of writing as an avenue to discovering self."

Rom Com: Reader Weekend/University.  September 29 - Oct 1, Denver, Colorado. 60+ Authors of all genres of romance - Contemporary, Erotic, Historical, Inspirational, Sci-Fi, Paranormal, & Suspense. 20 Author-led games and events- Interact with authors. 10+ Intimate Chats.

Write on the Sound Writers' Conference and Pre-Conference. Sep 30 - Oct 2, 2016, Edmonds, WA. Faculty for 2016 includes: Margie Lawson, John Moe, Stella Pope Duarte, Tod Marshall, Meg Files, James Thayer, Bharti Kirchner, and more.

Creatures, Crimes & Creativity. September 30 - Oct 2, 2016, Columbia, MD. A writer's and fan's conference for genre fiction covering mystery, suspense, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy, steampunk & horror.

Northern Woodlands Writers & Readers Conference. September 30 - Oct 2, 2016, Fairlee, Vermont. Sponsored by The Trust for Public Land, the conference explores how writers, artists and educators express the rich forest heritage of the Northeast: both the natural history of our region, and the interactions of people and place. The event will include writing workshops, readings, a nature illustration class, special workshops for educators, woods walks, fun talks on forest topics, and plenty of time for informal conversations over meals and around the campfire. Plenary Speakers: Rick Bass, Todd Katzner, Jeffrey Lent, & Susan Morse. Keynote speaker: Richard Ober. Also: Robert Kimber, Adelaide Tyrol, Ted Levin, Verandah Porche, Eric Hanson, Jim Collins, Michael Caduto, Jay Heinrich, Terry Osborne & many others.

State Writing Conference & Convention, sponsored by The Kansas Authors Club, Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2016, Topeka, Kansas. Writing workshops, panels, and presentations by James Gunn, Chad Lawhorn, Edna Bell-Pearson, Danny Close, Michael D. Graves, Nancy Richard, Warren Lane, and many more.

SF:SE 2016. Dates TBA, Orlando, FL. Focus: Speculative fiction. Workshops, panels and editor one-on-ones, together with convention debauchery like werewolf LARPing, masquerade balls and a tattoo gallery. All events to be shared with authorial greats like Orson Scott Card, Jacqueline Carey, Peter V. Brett, Kelley Armstrong, and industry icons. (Note: There is no information on this conference.)

7 Literary Agents Seeking Graphic Novels

Updated 2/19/25

These seven agents are looking for writers of graphic novels. Each is from an established agency with a solid track record. Be sure to read the agency website for details before submitting.

If you are not sure whether your query letter will grab an agent's attention, go to Query Shark. Agent Janet Reid does an excellent job of explaining how queries do and don't succeed (with great examples).

IMPORTANT: You should NEVER query an agent without checking the agency website first. Submission requirements change, and agents may close their lists, or switch agencies.

Good luck!

Note: You can find a complete list of over 100 new and established agents seeking clients here:
Agents Seeking Clients

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Maria Vicente of P. S. Literary

Maria Vicente is a literary agent at P.S. Literary, specializing in children’s fiction and nonfiction projects for readers of all ages. As an editorial agent, she provides support to her clients through all stages of the writing and publication process. Her publishing career began as an intern with Bree Ogden at D4EO Literary Agency, and she also interned at P.S. Literary before joining the agency as an associate agent. Maria holds a B.A. in English Literature from Carleton University and a B.Ed. from the University of Western Ontario.

What she is seeking: "I am looking for more clients creating beautifully illustrated books! Graphic novels, graphic memoirs, graphic nonfiction—anything and everything you're working on, for any age group."

How to Submit:  Queries should be directed to query@psliterary.com.
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Christa Heschke of Mcintosh & Otis

Christa Heschke graduated from Binghamton University with a major in English and a minor in Anthropology. She started in publishing as an intern at both Writers House and Sterling Lord Literistic, where she fell in love with the agency side of publishing. Christa has been at McIntosh and Otis, Inc. in the Children’s Literature Department since 2009 where she is actively acquiring for all age groups in children’s. literature.

What she is looking for: “I am very actively looking for MG and YA graphic novels of all types. I read so many as a teen (and continue to read them) and would love to work on some as an agent! Artists, if you have proposals or ideas query me!”

How to Submit: To query Christa Heschke use the agency's query manager HERE.

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Gordon Warnock (Fuse Literary)

Gordon Warnock is a founding partner at Fuse Literary, serving as a literary agent and Editorial Director of Short Fuse Publishing. He brings years of experience as a senior agent, marketing director, editor for independent publishers, publishing consultant, and author coach. He frequently teaches workshops and gives keynote speeches at conferences and MFA programs nationwide. He is an honors graduate of CSUS with a B.A. in Creative and Professional Writing.

What he is seeking: Interested in all types of graphic novels and books — adult, young adult, middle grade, graphic memoir, and graphic nonfiction.

How to Submit: Use his querymanager HERE.

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Tamara Kawar (DeFiore and Company)

Tamara joined DeFiore and Company in 2022. She started her career with internships at Macmillan and Writers House, then worked at ICM for five years. Tamara represents writer and illustrator clients in both the children’s and adult markets, with a particular focus on talented LGBTQ+ and BIPOC storytellers. She holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature from Princeton University and an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from Columbia University. She also serves on the AALA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, where she co-directs a mentorship program for early career agents from underrepresented backgrounds.

What she is looking for: Tamara is actively seeking graphic novels for all ages and across genres; science fiction, fantasy, horror, and historical fiction for middle grade, YA, and adult readers; upmarket and book club fiction, especially genre-bending stories, and those with an international bent; and adult & YA rom-coms and romance featuring LGBTQ+ characters. She also represents select nonfiction for young readers, including illustrated projects. Across all categories, she is passionate about championing marginalized voices and perspectives.

How to Submit: Use her query manager HERE.

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Ms. Becca Langton of Darley Anderson Literary (UK)

Becca studied History at Cambridge and loved studying (and student life) so much that she went on to add a PGCE, a masters in Children’s literature and a second masters in Writing for Young People from Bath Spa University to her CV. Whilst chasing that ‘back to school’ high, Becca has gained experience in almost every part of the publishing industry. She started out as an editorial assistant at Hot Key Books before joining the licensing world to work as a magazine editor and publishing manager for Moshi Monsters. After a spell developing original ideas for Pottermore she became a literary scout (the super sleuth of the publishing world) where she learned the importance of the foreign rights market. Becca joined Darley Anderson as a literary agent in October 2021 and is now building a list with a particular focus on the US market.

What she is seeking: Becca is looking for new stories in all shapes and sizes, from middle grade and graphic novel to teen and YA fiction. Becca reads widely but loves books with compelling voices, twists and brave new ideas. In YA she would love to see some Queer fantasy, rom-coms with plenty of ‘com’ and contemporary stories told from a new perspective. For younger readers she love/hates the books that make her cry and is on the search for characters that stay with her long after the final page. High-stakes adventure stories are welcome as are graphic novels and books that make you want to read just one more chapter…


How to submit: Use her form HERE.

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Ben Grange (L. Perkins Literary)

Ben started out at a small publishing company in Salt Lake City, UT and proceeded to do internships at three literary agencies before working as the assistant at the JABberwocky Literary Agency. He decided he wanted to be an agent sometime along the line, and is happily growing an amazing list of clients.

How to Submit: Ben is closed to all queries except graphic novel submissions. If you have a graphic novel, please send Ben your query, along with 15 sample script pages (with illustrations, if you have them) and a full outline. Email: ben@lperkinsagency.com

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Ms. Isabel Kaufman (Fox Literary)

Fox Literary is a boutique agency which represents commercial and literary fiction, along with select works of nonfiction that have broad commercial appeal.

What she is seeking: Young adult fiction (all genres), science fiction/fantasy, romance, historical fiction, literary fiction, thrillers, horror, and graphic novels. "We're always interested in books that cross genres and reinvent popular concepts with an engaging new twist (especially when there’s a historical and/or speculative element involved). On the nonfiction side: narratives focused on travel, food, and the science of beauty, as well as microhistories of all things decadent and frivolous."

How to submit: Email a query letter and the first 5 pages of your manuscript IN THE BODY OF THE EMAIL to submissions@foxliterary.com. Please include the name of the agent to whom the submission is directed in the salutation of your email.

22nd Free “Dear Lucky Agent” Contest: Contemporary and Literary Young Adult

Every so often, Chuck Sambuccino, the editor of the Guide to Literary Agents, runs a free contest called "Dear Lucky Agent." These contests allow writers to submit one page of their manuscript to be judged by an agent.

Winners of the contest have a more than good chance of getting representation. It's good to enter contests, not just because you may win one, but because they force you to write short summaries and synopses, and to polish your first few pages until they shine. These are usually the only pages an agent will see before making a decision. (Sometimes they only read a paragraph.)

The contest deadline is Wednesday, August 24, 2016. CLICK HERE for more details.

For hundreds of free contests organized by month see: FREE CONTESTS.

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From Writer's Digest:

WHY YOU SHOULD GET EXCITED

After a previous “Dear Lucky Agent” contest, the agent judge, Tamar Rydzinski (The Laura Dail Literary Agency), signed one of the three contest winners. After Tamar signed the writer, she went on to sell two of that writer’s books! How cool! That’s why these contests are not to missed if you have an eligible submission.

HOW TO SUBMIT

E-mail entries to dearluckyagent22@gmail.com. Please paste everything. No attachments.

MEET YOUR (AWESOME) AGENT JUDGE!

ANDREA MORRISON of Writers House started in the California office in 2009 as an intern to Steve Malk, and she has been in love with publishing and the company ever since. In NYC, she first learned under Brianne Johnson, and then went on to assist Rebecca Sherman and Geri Thoma. 

She’s had the opportunity to work closely with a variety of best-selling and award-winning authors and illustrators, in genres ranging from picture books to middle grade and YA, to adult literary fiction and nonfiction. She is now actively building her own list of clients. Andrea studied literature & writing at University of California, San Diego and earned her MFA in fiction from Columbia University.

WHAT TO SUBMIT (AND OUR SOCIAL MEDIA REQUIREMENTS)

The first 150-250 words (i.e., your first double-spaced page) of your unpublished, completed book-length work of young adult (no high sci-fi or high fantasy, please). You must include a contact e-mail address with your entry and use your real name. Also, submit the title of the work and a logline (one-sentence description of the work) with each entry.

Please note: To be eligible to submit, you must mention this contest twice through any any social-media. Please provide a social-media link or Twitter handle or screenshot or blog post URL, etc., with your official e-mailed entry so the judge and I can verify eligibility. Some previous entrants could not be considered because they skipped this step! Simply spread the word twice through any means and give us a way to verify you did; a TinyURL for this link/contest for you to easily use is http://tinyurl.com/z7e9rsc.

An easy way to notify me of your sharing is to include my Twitter handle @chucksambuchino at the end of your mention(s) if using Twitter. If we’re friends on FB, tag me in the mention. And if you are going to solely use Twitter as your 2 times, please wait one day between mentions to spread out the notices, rather than simply tweeting twice back to back. Thanks. (Please note that simply tweeting me does not count. You have to include the contest URL with your mention; that’s the point. And if you use Twitter, put my handle @chucksambuchino at the middle or the end, not at the very beginning of the tweet, or else the tweet will be invisible to others.)

Here is a sample TWEET you can use (feel free to tweak): New FREE contest for writers of Young Adult http://tinyurl.com/z7e9rsc Judged by agent Andrea Morrison of Writers House, via @chucksambuchino

9 Literary Agents Seeking Memoirs

Updated 2/17/25

These nine agents are currently seeking memoirs. All work with established agencies.

Memoir submissions are similar to fiction submissions. The agent wants to know that you have written a compelling story, with all the features of fiction - story arc, character and plot development, and, of course, an ending.

IMPORTANT: You should NEVER query an agent without checking the agency website first. Submission requirements change, and agents may close their lists, or switch agencies. 

NOTE: Don't submit to several agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another. (Some small agencies share. Be alert to a notice that "a no from one is a no from all.")

For a complete list of literary agents seeking clients go to: Agents Seeking Clients

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Emma Patterson (Brandt & Hochman)

She is drawn to both domestic and far-flung settings (while remaining on Earth) that are original and transporting. She is looking for fresh, lyrical, and voice-driven writing, suspenseful plots, emotional narratives, and unforgettable characters.

What she is looking for: “I’m really looking for distinctive stories and strong voices that read like fiction.”

How to Submit: “I prefer e-mail and like the query letter and first 10 pages pasted into the body of the e-mail.” Send queries to epatterson [@] bromasite.com. Query letters should be no more than two pages and should include a convincing overview of the book project and information about the author and his or her writing credits. If querying Emma, do not query Emily, also on this list.

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Charlotte Wenger (The Prospect Agency)

"​I honed my love of stories by getting a BA in English and theatre from Eastern Mennonite University. After graduating, I worked as a project manager and editor for Scribe, a Philadelphia-based publishing services company, for three years. To follow my passion for books and children, I moved to Boston to earn a master’s in Children’s Literature from Simmons College (now University). I interned at Charlesbridge (editorial) and Candlewick (sales), and after grad school, I interned with literary agent Rubin Pfeffer for a year. Prior to joining Prospect Agency, I was an associate editor for just over two years with Page Street Kids, where I acquired and edited more than twenty picture books and grew relationships with authors, illustrators, agents, and other editors."

What she is seeking: “I'm interested in working with authors and illustrators of children's books—board books through YA, but especially picture books—as well as adult nonfiction, particularly biographies and memoirs.”

How to Submit: Use their online submission form here.

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Gordon Warnock (Fuse Literary)

Gordon Warnock is a founding partner at Fuse Literary, serving as a literary agent and Editorial Director of Short Fuse Publishing. He brings years of experience as a senior agent, marketing director, editor for independent publishers, publishing consultant, and author coach. He frequently teaches workshops and gives keynote speeches at conferences and MFA programs nationwide. He is an honors graduate of CSUS with a B.A. in Creative and Professional Writing.

What he is seeking: “No misery memoirs or spiritual journeys.”

How to Submit: Use his querymanager HERE.

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Alexis Hurley (Inkwell Management)

Alexis Hurley started her career in 1998 and has been at InkWell since its inception in 2004. Alexis works in the dual capacity of Co-Director of Foreign Rights and agent of domestic works in the areas of literary and commercial fiction, memoir, narrative non-fiction and more. She is a native of the Berkshires and a graduate of Dickinson College where she received her BA in English and Art History and a minor in Italian.

How to Submit: Queries should be emailed to submissions [@] inkwellmanagement.com. Write “Query for Alexis: [Title]” in  the subject line. In the body of your e-mail, please include a query letter and a short writing sample (1-2 chapters). Emails with large attachments will be discarded.

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Chris Park (DeFiore & Company)

Prior to becoming an agent, Chris worked as an editor for several New York publishing houses, including Hachette Book Group and Random House, and helped launch an independent publishing company. As an editor she acquired and edited works of narrative nonfiction, autobiography and memoir, inspiration, Christian interest, sports, humor, current events and fiction, including bestselling titles such as Time Magazine journalists Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy’s The Preacher and the Presidents and NFL quarterback Brett Favre’s Favre. Chris has a degree in English from Harvard University.

How to Submit: Use the agency's form HERE.

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Jennifer De Chiara (Jennifer De Chiara Agency)

Jennifer De Chiara is President of The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency, which she founded in 2001. Before forming the agency, she was a literary agent with two established New York agencies, worked in the editorial departments of Simon & Schuster and Random House, and was a writing consultant for several major corporations. A New York City-based writer, she is a frequent guest judge for the WRITER’S DIGEST, WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING, and THAT FIRST LINE writing contests, among others, and is a frequent guest lecturer on publishing and the art of writing at universities and writers conferences throughout the country, which have included New York University’s Summer Publishing Institute, the Penticton, Canada Writers Conference, the San Diego State University Writers Conference, Backspace, the International Women’s Writing Guild, and the Learning Annex.

What she is looking for: “I love anything and everything Hollywood, especially celebrity bios/autobiographies. I’m always looking for beautifully written memoirs about people who have overcome incredible odds, books about the arts and performing arts, behind-the-scenes-type books, and books about popular culture.”

How to Submit: Please email a query to jenndec [@] aol.com and put “Query” in the subject line of your e-mail. Please attach the entire proposal as a Word document (the proposal should include a sample chapter), along with a one-paragraph bio and a one-paragraph synopsis of your book in the body of your e-mail.

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Carrie Pestritto (Laura Dail Agency)

Carrie Pestritto worked at Writers House and Prospect Agency before becoming part of the LDLA team. She earned her BA in English, cum laude, from Amherst College in 2009, also spending a year studying abroad at St. Catherine's College, Oxford University.

As an agent, she loves the thrill of finding new authors with strong, unique voices and working closely with her clients. Carrie always strives to help create books that will introduce readers to new worlds and is drawn in by relatable characters, meticulous world-building, and unusual, compelling premises.

How to Submit: Use her query manager HERE.

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Sam Hiyate (The Rights Factory)

Sam worked at the literary magazines Blood & Aphorisms and The Quarterly in the 90s. He ran the edgy micropublisher, Gutter Press, from 1993 to 2002, as publisher. He launched the literary division of The Lavin Agency in 2003, where he built a list of clients and did his first deals.

How to Submit: Send your query in an email to: shiyate@therightsfactory.com 

Include:​

• Your query
• Author bio
• An attachment of the first three chapters

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Emily Forland (Brandt & Hochman)

Emily Forland represents voice-driven literary fiction and non-fiction, among them bestsellers and prize winners, and has a special place in her heart for original writing that jumps off the page. Equally drawn to a traditional domestic novel as she is to more idiosyncratic work, she seeks out beautifully crafted writing, characters that come fully alive on the page, and stories rooted strongly in their setting.

How to Submit: Send queries to eforland [@] bromasite.com. Query letters should be no more than two pages and should include a convincing overview of the book project and information about the author and his or her writing credits. If querying Emily, do not query Emma, also on this list.

6 Established Literary Agents Looking for Clients

Updated 6/8/21

Here are six established agents looking for clients. Each has years of experience and an impressive track record. Note: Always check the agency website before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists.

If you have any doubts about your query letter, go to Query Shark. Literary agent Janet Reid has provided invaluable critiques of query letters, which are instructive even to seasoned old hands.

Note: For a complete list of agents seeking clients see: Agents Seeking Clients.

Allison Hunter of Trellis Literary

Allison Hunter began her publishing career in 2005 working for the Los Angeles-based literary publicity firm Kim-from-L.A, and was an agent at InkWell Management and the Stuart Krichevsky Literary Agency before joining Janklow & Nesbit. Allison’s clients include bestselling novelists, memoirists, journalists and various experts in their field. She was also thrilled to work with InkWell client Lena Dunham on her bestselling memoir NOT THAT KIND OF GIRL.

What she is looking for:Allison is actively acquiring literary and commercial adult fiction, especially focusing on upmarket book club and women’s fiction, romance and rom coms, thrillers and domestic suspense. She loves great storytelling and unforgettable characters, and is always looking for female friendship stories, campus novels, great love stories, family epics, and books about class and cultural identity. She would especially love to find a smart beach read by an author underrepresented in that category.

In the non-fiction space, Allison is acquiring select memoir, narrative nonfiction, and the occasional prescriptive project. She loves working with journalists and with experts in their field, and is always looking for pop culture, women’s issues and for books that speak to the current cultural climate.

How to submit: Use her form HERE.

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Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency

CURRENTLY CLOSED TO QUERIES

Courtney Miller-Callihan founded Handspun Literary Agency in 2016, after more than ten years with Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. She is a hands-on editorial agent whose eclectic list includes historical fiction, women’s fiction, romance, mysteries, YA novels, humor, and practical nonfiction.

A graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz (B.A., Literature), and Johns Hopkins University (M.A., English), she lives in San Diego with her family, and travels frequently for meetings and conferences.

What she is looking for: For adult fiction, Courtney represents a wide range of genres, including historical fiction, women’s fiction, romance and rom-coms (all subgenres except inspirational), mystery novels, and speculative fiction.

For nonfiction, Courtney represents work targeting all age groups (children and adults). Though she will consider nonfiction on any topic, work that deals primarily with issues of religion or spirituality is unlikely to be a good fit.

She is not currently accepting new middle-grade, early reader, or picture book submissions.

Please note that the agency does NOT represent original screenplays.

Submission guidelines: Use her querymanager HERE.

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David Forrer of Inkwell Management

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.

What he is looking for: His areas of interest and representation range from literary, commercial, historical and crime fiction to suspense/thriller, humorous non-fiction and popular history.

How to submit: Queries should be emailed to:

submissions [at] inkwellmanagement [dot] com

In the body of your email, please include a query letter and a short writing sample (1-2 chapters). Emails with large attachments will be discarded.

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Chris Bucci of Aevitas

CURRENTLY CLOSED TO QUERIES

About Chris: 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 coming to Aevitas in 2020.

What he is seeking: Literary fiction, mysteries, thrillers, historical fiction, commercial literary fiction and narrative nonfiction. For nonfiction, he seeks popular science, sports, popular culture, politics, essays, and history.

Chris does not represent picture books, poetry, erotica, or inspirational fiction.

How to submit: See his submission form HERE.
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Lisa Gallagher  of DeFiore & Company Literary Management Inc.

NO LONGER LISTED ON AGENCY WEBSITE

About Lisa: Lisa Gallagher joined DeFiore & Company Literary Management Inc., as a literary agent in 2014, after working at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates for five years. She has more than twenty years of publishing experience and insight from both sides of the Atlantic, and now as an agent, being a champion of authors and their work continues to be her passion. Formerly SVP & Publisher, William Morrow (an imprint of HarperCollins), Gallagher published many New York Times bestselling novelists including Tom Franklin, Neil Gaiman, Joe Hill, Christopher Moore, Sena Jeter Naslund, Dennis Lehane, Laura Lippman, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, James Rollins, Marisa de los Santos and Neal Stephenson, as well as non-fiction blockbusters like Marley & Me and Freakonomics. Prior to joining William Morrow in 2000, Gallagher was Associate Publisher at Bloomsbury USA, following a move to New York from Bloomsbury’s London office in 1998. Gallagher was educated at St. Catharine’s College, Cambridge, UK.

What she is looking for: She is actively seeking new clients both in fiction and non-fiction, who are great storytellers, delivering both narrative urgency and dramatic tension, combined with multi-faceted characters and a transporting sense of place.

How to submit: "Please submit your manuscript or proposal to lgsubmissions@defliterary.com as a word document: double spaced, 12pt, Times New Roman. I will do my best to read and respond to you within six weeks of receiving your submission. Unfortunately, due to the volume of submissions received, I am unable to respond to every one personally, so if you haven’t heard from me at all by then, it means that I am unable to offer you representation. It is acceptable to make multiple submissions to different agencies – just let me know – and if you get an offer of representation from another agent before hearing back from me, I would be grateful if you could let me know by sending an email with the subject line “Offer received”. Thank you very much."

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Annette Crossland of A for Authors, Ltd. (U.K.)

About Annette: In a career spanning more than 30 years, Annette has worked in high-profile positions in some of the UK and USA’s most successful publishing companies. She has worked with some of the top bestselling authors in the world, touring overseas with Elizabeth George, Dennis Lehane and Frances Fyfield, amongst others.

What she is looking for: "We are always on the lookout for exciting new work and we welcome submissions across all relevant genres by email."

How to submit: With your submission, please include your name, address, phone number, title of the material. All material should be emailed as Microsoft Word attachments. Downloadable material, e-books, or links to any such items are unacceptable. For fiction please send a synopsis and three sample chapters (50 pages or fewer) and for non-fiction send a letter outlining your intentions. No radio/theatre/TV scripts, poetry, SF/Horror genres, or short stories. Response time 12 weeks.

6 Literary Agents Seeking Thrillers

Updated 2/13/25

These six literary agents are looking for thrillers. Each is from an established agency with a solid track record. Be sure to read the agency website for details before submitting.

If you are not sure whether your query letter will grab an agent's attention, go to Query Shark. Agent Janet Reid does an excellent job of explaining how queries do and don't succeed (with great examples).

Good luck!

IMPORTANT: You should NEVER query an agent without checking the agency website first. Submission requirements change, and agents may close their lists, or switch agencies.

Note: You can find a complete listing of over 100 new and established agents seeking clients here:
Agents Seeking Clients

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Carrie Pestritto (Laura Dail Agency)

Carrie Pestritto worked at Writers House and Prospect Agency before becoming part of the LDLA team. She earned her BA in English, cum laude, from Amherst College in 2009, also spending a year studying abroad at St. Catherine's College, Oxford University.

As an agent, she loves the thrill of finding new authors with strong, unique voices and working closely with her clients. Carrie always strives to help create books that will introduce readers to new worlds and is drawn in by relatable characters, meticulous world-building, and unusual, compelling premises.

What she is looking for: “I am looking for thrillers, but am looking for more high-concept thrillers aimed at a female audience rather than police procedurals, etc.”

How to Submit: Use her query manager HERE.

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Mitch Hoffman (Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency)

Mitch Hoffman joined the Aaron Priest Literary Agency as a Senior Agent in 2015. A 20-year veteran of the publishing industry, he was most recently Vice-President, Executive Editor at Grand Central Publishing.

How to Submit: Please submit a one page query letter via e-mail. Please do not send attachments. However a first chapter pasted into the body of an e-mail query is acceptable. Send queries to queryhoffman [@] aaronpriest.com.

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Evan Gregory (Ethan Ellenberg)

Evan Gregory has been a Senior Agent since 2014, specializing in genre fiction and commercial non-fiction.  Previously he worked as subsidiary rights manager for the agency as well as an assistant to Ethan

How to Submit: Query by email only to agent [@] ethanellenberg.com. Paste all materials into the body of the email in the order mentioned below: a brief query letter, a synopsis (1-2 pages long), the first 50 pages (approximately) of your manuscript. No attachments.

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Ms. Natalie Barracliffe of Sheil Land Associates Ltd

Natalie studied Comparative Literature and Culture at Royal Holloway University of London and graduated in 2018. She completed work experience with Rogers, Coleridge & White and then joined Sheil Land Associates in 2019 as Assistant to two literary agents, including our CEO, Sonia Land. She was promoted to Associate Agent in 2024 and is growing her list while continuing to support the agents.

What she is seeking: As I begin growing my list, I’m particularly interested in fantasy, thrillers and romances in the Adult and Young Adult market. 

How to submit: Use her querytracker form HERE..

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Amanda Carbonell of Belcastro Agency

NO LONGER AN AGENT

Amanda Carbonell is a Puerto Rican MG & YA writer who also dabbles in NA. She is a New York native with a passion for writing most things paranormal, thanks to her mother for introducing her to Buffy at the ripe age of five. Her stories are typically centered around a butt-kicking main character (usually a heroine) who embraces their strength, individuality, and their heritage to serve as an inspiration to readers everywhere.

She currently resides in New York with her husband, son, and two dogs. When she’s not reading, writing, or taking care of an infant, she can usually be found on the couch watching endless reruns of the Real Housewives of New York, among other various reality shows.

What she is seeking: Middle Grade, Young Adult, New Adult,  Commercal Fiction (Adult)., Thrillers, Rom-Coms, Horror. 

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE. 

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Jade Kavanagh of Darley Anderson Literary (UK)

Whilst undertaking her undergraduate degree in English Literature at the University of Westminster, Jade discovered the possibility of taking her love of books and turning it into a career. Staying on for a year and gaining her MA, she then went on to several publishing internships before finding a placement at Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency before joining the team permanently as Agent’s Assistant and falling in love with the agenting side of the book world.

What she is seeking: Jade is building her own list of clients focusing on suspense, thriller and horror authors. 

How to submit: Follow submission guidelines HERE.

2 New Literary Agents Seeking Clients - Fiction, Nonfiction, YA, MG, Thrillers and more

Updated 7/25/20

These two agents are seeking clients right now. Kristy Hunter (The Knight Agency) is looking for fiction in a wide variety of genres. Suzy Evans (Suzy Evans Literary Agency) is seeking nonfiction, memoir, self-help, culinary books, thrillers, children's books, graphic novels.

Make sure to check the agency's website before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists.

Good luck!

Note: You can find a complete list of agents looking for clients here: Agents Seeking Clients

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Kristy Hunter of The Knight Agency

About Kristy: With a degree in Women & Gender Studies and English Literature from Vanderbilt University,Kristy moved to New York City immediately after graduation to try her hand at publishing. She completed the Columbia Publishing Course and worked in the city for several years—first at Grove/Atlantic and then at Random House Children’s Books—before deciding it was time to make the move back down south. She now takes advantage of her new surroundings by being outside as much as possible with her French bulldog, Gummi.

What she is seeking: In adult fiction, she is looking for:

• High concept women’s fiction such as ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE by Gail Honeyman and THE HUSBAND’S SECRET by Liane Moriarty. As well, as stories that are literary but with commercial appeal such as LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE by Celeste Ng and LILY AND THE OCTOPUS by Steven Rowley. I especially love projects that capture the complicated nature of family.

• Rom-coms set in wonderful urban settings such as THE HATING GAME by Sally Thorne and CRAZY RICH ASIANS by Kevin Kwan

• Mainstream titles with hints of magic like THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE by Audrey Niffenegger and THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern.

In YA fiction, she is looking for:

• Fantasy projects that allow me to be transported in a way that feels new and fresh. I’d especially love to find a contemporary fantasy with a wonderful atmospheric setting. I also wouldn’t say no to paranormal…but it would truly have to be something I haven’t seen before

• Magical realism

• Historical projects that are serious in nature like CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein, as well as those that are more playful like THE GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE by Mackenzi Lee. She especially loves historical mysteries and projects set in the Victorian and Regency periods.

• Cotemporary YA stories that are fun and unique, and overall present the perfect escape—even if they address larger issues. THINK DUMPLIN’ by Julie Murphy, TO ALL THE BOYS I LOVED BEFORE by Jenny Han and WHEN WE COLLIDED by Emery Lord.

• Thrillers and mysteries—either contemporary or historical.

In MG fiction, she is looking for:

• Contemporary projects in the vein of THE FIRST RULE OF PUNK by Celia Pérez, WHERE THE WATERMELONS GROW by Cindy Baldwin, and WISH by Barbara O’Connor.

• Quirky mysteries that could be part of a larger series and stories involving shifting friend groups

• Light fantasy and magical realism such as THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON by Kelly Barnhill and A SNICKER OF MAGIC by Natalie Lloyd

How to Submit: Use the online query manager here:  https://querymanager.com/query/Kristy_Hunter_TKA

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Suzy Evans of Suzy Evans Literary Agency

About Suzy: Suzy is an attorney, author, and agent who holds a Ph.D. in history from UC Berkeley. Her most recent books include MACHIAVELLI FOR MOMS (Simon & Schuster) and FORGOTTEN CRIMES: THE HOLOCAUST AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. She is also a ghostwriter for a #1 New York Times best-selling author with more than 25 million copies in print and her first children’s book will be published by HarperCollins in 2018.

What she is seeking: In the adult market, Suzy is particularly on the hunt for great serious nonfiction, especially by historians who are looking to make a transition from an academic to trade readership and journalists who have something unique and significant to say. She's also on the lookout for smart parenting books with useful, original hooks that fill a gap in the market; food, cooking, health and diet-related titles, especially culinary histories of all flavors; sports books with smart crossover appeal in other genres, especially history and philosophy (she'd love to find the next Golf in the Kingdom or Zen and the Art of Archery !); self-help of every stripe by authors with national platforms and riveting, elegantly-written memoir (recent favorites include Barbarian Days and When Breath Becomes Air ), as well as popular culture, humor, and small quirky books that make her smile and think about the world in entirely new and unexpected ways. 

On the children's front, Suzy is looking for engaging, original nonfiction that pops off the page and makes kids excited about learning; wacky/hilarious MG commercial fiction with series potential; and YA graphic novels that bring history, literature and fascinating historical figures (think Socrates! Machiavelli! Queen Elizabeth!) to life. She also has a soft spot for heartwarming, coming-of-age MG works; contemporary YA fiction that tackles difficult issues in bold, daring ways and with inventive formats that can be brought into the classroom to stimulate meaningful discussion and thought; and sweet, lyrical picture books that capture the imagination and call for multiple readings (favorites include Stellaluna and The Cat Who Walked Across France). She'd also love to find an exciting, high-concept YA thriller that has "movie!"written all over it. 

Please note that Suzy is not looking for: romance, sci-fi/ fantasy, or anything with vampires, unless it's a history of vampires, then she'd be happy to take a look!

How to Submit: For fiction, please send your query and first 15 pages of your manuscript (quick, FRIENDLY tip: resist the temptation to hit “send” too quickly. Revise, revise, revise and THEN hit send). For nonfiction, send a query with concise author bio to suzy@evansliterary.com  I read all queries personally and my request time varies from a few minutes to a few weeks. THANKS for sharing your work with me and I look forward to hearing from you!