Writer's Digest Conference Agents and Editors

At the Pitch Slam, you’ll meet literary agents and editors. They represent all genres of fiction and nonfiction, children’s, young adult and adult writing. They’ve got one thing in common: They’re all actively looking for new writers.

We’re busy confirming our roster of 50+ top-notch agents to participate in the Pitch Slam. Take a look below to see our current list of confirmed agents for the 2014 Pitch Slam and check back often to view our new additions.  Sign up for our e-newsletter to receive updates!

***Please note: all agents/editors listed below will be attending all three pitch slam sessions on Saturday, August 2, 2014.

	Natasha Alexis Zachary, Shuster, Harmsworth Natasha has a wide range of interests and is seeking manuscripts from all categories including adult works of literary and commercial fiction such as chick lit, thrillers and urban fiction as well as lifestyle- and wellness-orientated nonfiction. She also represents middle grade, young adult and new adult fiction.
	Marilyn Allen Allen O’Shea Literary Marilyn seeks young adult fiction and nonfiction books with solid marketing platforms in the areas of health, cooking, history, lifestyle, business, science, current affairs, crafts and narrative nonfiction.
	Claire Anderson-Wheeler Regal Literary Claire works across a variety of genres. She’s interested in middle grade and young adult projects, whether set in contemporary or fantasy realms; she’s actively looking for strong narrative non-fiction (particularly popular psychology, sociology, and popular science from writers with expertise in their field); she’s also keenly interested in commercial women’s fiction touching on topical (and controversial) contemporary issues, or historical women’s fiction that revisits a familiar era (or historical figures) from a surprising perspective.
	Cara Bedick Senior Editor at Harlequin Nonfiction Cara acquires for their all non-fiction list in the categories of health & wellness, lifestyle, cookbook, and memoir. She edited Chef Richard Landau and Kate Jacoby’s Vedge, which was named one of the best cookbooks of 2013 by the Washington Post, Cooking Light, Entertainment Weekly, and Yoga Journal. She is currently working with New York Times bestselling author Kimberly Snyder C.N. on The Beauty Detox Power, due out in Spring 2015. Tweet your favorite green smoothie recipe to her @CaraBedick
	Samantha Bremekamp Corvisiero Agency Samantha loves reading Children’s, MG, YA, and NA fiction. She is open to any genre within those age groups, but prefers speculative fiction, mystery, and quirky romance.
	Regina Brooks Serendipity Literary Regina is the author of Writing Great Books For Young Adults (Source Books) the forthcoming title You (Really) Should Write A Book: Writing, Selling And Marketing Your Memoir (St. Martin’s Press). She is drawn to subjects like science, humor, politics, psychology and self-help, pop culture, health, women’s issues, parenting, cooking, alternative spirituality, business, technology, children’s middle grade and young adult literary and commercial fiction and any new topics, and always interested in new and emerging writers.
	Sheree Bykofsky Sheree Bykofsky Associates Sheree is a generalist and has eclectic and sometimes eccentric tastes. She represents all areas of nonfiction and commercial and literary fiction. There are a few areas she particularly likes in nonfiction: popular reference, business, self-help/psychology, humor, biography and current affairs, women’s interest, cookbooks, spiritual, multicultural, parenting, anything to do with games, movies, chronologies. In fiction, she particularly likes commercial fiction with literary appeal and mysteries. Some of the genres she generally will NOT represent include poetry, horror, westerns, occult, science fiction, picture books, and fantasy.
	Mylo Carbia Producer, Zohar Films Mylo is working with an Asian production company (founded by a top action director in China) who's looking for new material in the action/adventure or fantasy genres with Asian themes. This could be anything from a Bourne Identity type thriller set in Bangkok, to a made-up fantasy tale of a princess with powers in ancient China, but the story must have at least one main Asian character and/or set in an Asian country. She is interested in existing books or manuscripts that fit this criteria, so Zohar Films could possibly option the book (or manuscript), turn it into a screenplay, and film partners would shoot the movie, etc.
	Madeleine Clark Sterling Lord Literistic Madeleine is interested in commercial and literary fiction as well as narrative non-fiction. She is particularly drawn to realistic YA, literary thrillers, novels that can believably introduce a bit of fantasy/sci-fi, and books that draw heavily from their environment whether that is geographical or cultural.
	Marisa A. Corvisiero, Esq. Corvisiero Literary Agency Marisa specializes in romance and women's fiction, thrillers and adventure, science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, and any combination thereof for adults, new adults, young adult and middle grade. In nonfiction she enjoys business, environmental, mainstream science, self improvement, and parenting.
	Kaylee Davis Dee Mura Literary Kaylee is actively seeking to build her client list in the genres of sci-fi, fantasy, speculative fiction, and young adult; bonus points if there are elements of steampunk, coming-of-age, urban fantasy, espionage, social commentary, or counter culture. Kaylee is drawn to exciting, thought-provoking stories with a fresh perspective that explores what it means to be human. She is happy to work with new and emerging writers.
	Stephanie Delman Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, Inc. Stephanie is building her client list with a focus on literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, voice-driven memoirs, upmarket women's fiction, and historical fiction (particularly WWII stories). She is open to quirky voices and dark comedy, and she loves expansive, interwoven narratives that traverse time and place. She is excited to develop long-term relationships with new writers.
	Rachael Dugas Talcott Notch Literary Rachael seeks women's fiction; contemporary romance, historical romance, military/suspense romance, commercial fiction, historical fiction, young adult of all kinds (especially contemporary, romance, and suspense), and middle grade fiction of all kinds. For nonfiction, she wants cookbooks, food-related, arts-related, home decor, beauty, fashion, weddings, party planning, green living, DIY, crafts, and gardening.
	Diana Finch Diana Finch Literary Agency Diana represents many journalists and has good success recently with books about environmental issues, business (both narrative and how-to), politics - especially the progressive kind - sports and science. In fiction, she looks for a distinctive voice and strong storytelling. One of her newest clients is a YA novelist with a fantasy dystopian trilogy, and she is happy to say that she signed a novelist from the 2012 Writer’s Digest Pitch Slam.
	Dawn Frederick Red Sofa Literary Dawn is looking for biography—historical, media-related, political (no personal memoirs); creative nonfiction (smart, with noticeable platform, highly commercial); graphic novels (no manga, please); history that will engage the commercial reader; humor; pop culture; social issues/current affairs (women’s studies, GLTB studies, social sciences, and more); sports (less mainstream, more extreme sport, ex. Roller Derby); women’s narratives (chick lit nonfiction, Latina, African-American, and more). In fiction, she seeks young adult and middle grade.
	Nadeen Gayle Serendipity Literary Nadeen seeks romance, pop culture, inspirational/religious, women’s fiction, parenting, mystery and political thrillers, and all forms of nonfiction. She seeks stories that are based on realistic events or long-form articles, and topics that could have been ripped from the headlines, with the potential to be turned into page-turning books, as well as stories with the ability to transport readers to another country or period of time. She also likes period pieces even from old headlines and anything before technology took over. In addition, she seeks literary fiction, female protagonists and YA in all categories.
	Stacey Glick Dystel & Goderich Stacey has diverse tastes, including nonfiction across the board, especially cookbooks and subjects related to the culinary world. She also retains an avid interest in psychology, and dabbles in pop culture, current events, business, narrative nonfiction, and anything that offers a fresh or unique approach to an existing subject. Fiction is much more subjective and instinctual, and she enjoys reading stories that range in style and scope. Genre isn't as important as finding a compelling story that is well told.
	Connor Goldsmith Foreword Literary Connor is seeking sci-fi/fantasy/horror, thrillers, ‘upmarket’ commercial fiction, and literary fiction with a unique and memorable hook. He is especially interested in books by and about people from marginalized perspectives, such as LGBT people and/or racial minorities. Connor does not represent young adult, middle grade, or children’s manuscripts at this time. In Non-fiction, Connor is only seeking authors who are recognized experts with established platforms. Fields of interest include history (particularly of the ancient world), theater, cinema, music, television, mass media, popular culture, feminism and gender studies, LGBT issues, race relations, and the sex industry. He is not interested in memoir.
	Katie Grimm Don Congdon Literary Katie represents vivid literary fiction, transportive historical fiction, upmarket women’s fiction, cohesive short story collections, lurid mysteries & thrillers with exotic or historical settings, contemporary and fantastical young adult with high-concepts, and middle grade with heart and humor. For non-fiction, she looks for memoirs with distinct voices that reveal greater social issues, narratives about dark times in human history, popular/weird science, and off-beat topics explored through an academic lens.
	Steve Kasdin Curtis Brown Ltd. Steve is seeking commercial fiction, including mysteries/thrillers, romantic suspense (emphasis on the suspense), and historical fiction); narrative nonfiction, including biography, history and current affairs; and young adult fiction, particularly if it has adult crossover appeal. He is NOT interested in SF/fantasy, memoirs, vampires and writers trying to capitalize on trends.
	Andy Kifer The Gernert Co. Andy is looking for literary fiction, whip-smart genre fiction, and nonfiction with a strong narrative bent. He's a sucker for love stories and inventive narrative structure.
	Larry Kirshbaum Waxman Leavell Literary Agency Larry's areas of specialty are romance, suspense/mystery and literary fiction; sports and celebrity biographies; inspirational memoirs; and an occasional cutting edge self-help book.
	Pete Knapp The Park Literary Group Pete reps middle grade and young adult fiction. He does not represent picture books, adult fiction, or nonfiction.
	Katie Kotchman Don Congdon Associates Katie seeks stories with characters who exhibit a fatal flaw or struggle with cultural or psychological dualities. She’s interested in upmarket women’s fiction, young adult, mystery, thriller, and literary fiction. In nonfiction, she specializes in business, narrative nonfiction, and pop culture. In the mystery and thriller genres, she’s specifically looking for high concept plots with literary underpinnings, psychological conflict, quirky protagonists, and fast-paced writing.  In the nonfiction projects she represents, she seeks authors with built-in platforms from whom she can learn something new (whether the topic is business, science, technology, pop psychology, adventure or beyond).
	Mary Krienke Sterling Lord Literistic Mary represents literary fiction, creative nonfiction, and realistic YA that pays close attention to craft and voice. She is especially drawn to new and emerging writers who seek to push boundaries of form and content, and she responds most strongly to writing that reaches great emotional and psychological depths. She is equally interested in work that illuminates through humor or by playing with genre. Her nonfiction interests include psychology, art, and design.
	Meg Leder Executive editor at Perigee Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House Meg manages a list that includes a wide range of nonfiction topics, including creativity, gift books, humor, and voice-driven prescriptive titles. She is not looking for memoir or fiction.
	Catherine Luttinger Darhansoff & Verrill Catherine is primarily interested in science fiction and fantasy. To her, that includes anything that could even remotely be labeled as such. Viable submission material includes everything from classic space operas to the apocalypse; alternative universes, dystopias, and eco-thrillers—as well as the paranormal, horror, zombies, plagues, and time travel. She is also willing to look at historical fiction, mythology re-told, YA, thrillers and mysteries. You may also pitch her pop-science nonfiction.
	Siobhan McBride Serendipity Literary Siobhan is actively seeking voice driven narratives whether fiction, memoir, or nonfiction. She holds a strong interest in literary and Gothic fiction, horror, paranormal, adult dystopian, mystery/crime, thrillers (bonus points if they’re psychological), historical, daring young adult, and narratives with philosophical undertones. For memoir and nonfiction titles, she seeks investigative, true crime, and dark/bizarre history. Siobhan enjoys the dark, macabre aspects of life where paranormal fiction and horror are viewed an under appreciated art forms deeply rooted in psychology, and looks for authors unafraid to delve into these inner workings of the human psyche.
	Kate McKean Howard Morhaim Literary Agency Kate is seeking the following adult fiction genres: contemporary romance, contemporary women's fiction, literary fiction, historical fiction set in the 20th Century, high fantasy, magical realism, and science fiction. For children/teens, she likes middle grade, young adult, and new adult full length novels only in the areas of: mystery, thriller, horror, romance, LGBTQ issues, contemporary fiction, sports, magical realism, fantasy, and science fiction.For adult nonfiction, she seeks books by authors with demonstrable platforms in the areas of sports, food writing, humor, design, creativity, and craft (sewing, knitting, etc.). She will also consider narrative nonfiction by authors with or without an established platform.
	Jacquelyn Mitchard Acquisitions Editor/ Merit Press Jacquelyn Mitchard is the Editor in Chief of Merit Press, a new young adult imprint from Adams Media. Merit Press specializes in young adult fiction set in the real world and dealing with real life. She’s looking for stories that are suspenseful, contemporary, and real with a sinister, hilarious, or romantic twist. She wants to publish the next National Velvet, The Book Thief, Tuck Everlasting, Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones, and The Outsiders. Classics for a new generation. Please do not pitch any fantasy, scifi, or paranormal stories, or anything with vampires, werewolves, or zombies.
	Adam Muhlig McIntosh & Otis Adam has a love of fiction and is looking for a fresh voice whether this be for fiction or narrative nonfiction. He seeks authors of books offering new analysis and fresh perspectives by or about mavericks in the field of music – from jazz to classical to punk – as well as texts focusing on natural history, travel, adventure and sports.
	Paula Munier Talcott Notch Literary Paula seeks mystery/thriller, science fiction, fantasy, romance and young adult. For nonfiction, she seeks memoir, humor, pop culture, health & wellness, cooking, self-help, pop psych, New Age, inspirational, technology, science, and writing.
	Dee Mura Dee Mura Literary Dee is currently seeking high-stakes, character-driven fiction and nonfiction in the genres of mystery, thriller, espionage, crime, action/adventure, military, history, politics, and government. She also has a soft spot for biography, memoir, and any genre that celebrates humor, animals, and contemporary life.
	Kimiko Nakamura Dee Mura Literary Kimiko is looking for contemporary fiction, narrative nonfiction, women’s lit, young adult, fantasy, paranormal romance, mystery, satire, memoir, spirituality, and health. She also loves books that make our daily lives more enjoyable, cookbooks that she can read like the Sunday morning paper, and inspiring stories of people making their mark on the world.
	Jessica Negron Talcott Notch Literary Jessica seeks the following adult fiction genres: science fiction, fantasy, psychological thrillers (fewer Navy SEALS and more Gillian Flynn), cozy mysteries, romance, and erotic romance. She also takes all genres of YA. Lastly, she would love to see books whose authors and characters are diverse in all or any respects, including but not limited to gender, sexual orientation, race, weight, ethnicity, religion, disability, and national origin.
	Monica Odom Liza Dawson Associates Monica is building her client list with a focus on literary fiction, upmarket women's fiction and voice-driven memoir, as well as a focus on nonfiction in the areas of pop culture, food and cooking, history, politics, and current affairs. Monica is looking for writers with big ideas who push the boundaries of storytelling and its traditional forms. She is especially interested in writers with strong social media platforms who have something original to say. She is not looking for straight romance, or for religious/inspirational projects, unless it involves Eastern religions.
	Gina Panettieri Talcott Notch Literary Gina represents a full range of adult and children's fiction and nonfiction, with a particular interest in young adult fantasy, young adult realistic fiction, middle-grade humor, adult mystery and thriller, women's fiction, cookbooks, memoir, history, popular science, parenting, true crime and health and fitness.
	Beth Phelan The Bent Agency Beth represents fiction for young adults and middle grade readers, select commercial and literary adult fiction, and nonfiction by way of lifestyle, cooking/food writing, humor, pop culture, LGBT and pets/animals. For adult fiction, she leans toward new adult, suspense, thriller, and mystery.
	Rebecca Podos Rees Literary Agency Rebecca is interested in Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction of all kinds, including contemporary, emotionally driven stories, mystery, romance, urban and historical fantasy, horror, and sci-fi. She likes books with compelling characters whose journeys feel eminently human, whether they're high school seniors, were-dragons or space travelers.
	Adriann Ranta Wolf Literary Services Adriann is actively acquiring all genres for all age groups with a penchant for edgy, dark, quirky voices, unique settings, and everyman stories told with a new spin. She loves gritty, realistic, true-to-life stories with conflicts based in the real world; women’s fiction and nonfiction; accessible, pop nonfiction in science, history, and craft; and smart, fresh, genre-bending works for children.
	Jessica Regel Foundry Literary + Media Jessica represents all genres of young adult and middle grade books, as well as a select list of adult general fiction, women’s fiction, and adult nonfiction. She is passionate about discovering projects that are compulsive, contagious, and creative. She’s particularly interested in books that are “conversation starters” and novels that bridge the literary-commercial divide, combining a high-concept plot with beautiful writing.
	Quressa Robinson Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press Quressa is interested in fiction including upmarket, historical and contemporary romance, paranormal, women's fiction, horror, science fiction and fantasy. But, she also loves and devours a heavy dose of literary fiction, memoir, science, history, and humor. As a reader and young editor she is most drawn to imaginative and detailed world building and strong voice- or narrative-driven stories. She's also eager to introduce universal stories featuring diverse characters and protagonists to mainstream audiences.
	Rita Rosenkranz Rita Rosenkranz Literary Rita seeks adult nonfiction, including health, history, parenting, music, how-to, popular science, business, biography, popular reference, memoir, cooking, spirituality, sports and general interest titles. Rita works with major publishing houses, as well as regional publishers that handle niche markets. She looks for projects that present familiar subjects freshly or lesser-known subjects presented commercially.
	Eric Ruben The Ruben Agency Eric is currently most interested in young adult, all romance, erotica, LGBT, mystery and more. He does not want screenplays, picture books, children’s, short stories, novellas, graphic novels or poetry. What’s currently hot does not matter. First and foremost, he's looking for good writing.
	Caitlen Rubino-Bradway LKG Agency Caitlen is looking for middle grade and young adult fiction. In teen novels, sci-fi/fantasy is her sweet spot, but she's open to anything as long as it doesn't have zombies.
	Jessica Sinsheimer Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Jessica is most excited about finding literary fiction, women’s fiction, thrillers, speculative fiction, and edgy young adult fiction. With nonfiction, she seeks psychology, parenting, and works that speak to life in the 21st century.
	Anna Sproul-Latimer Ross Yoon Agency Anna represents adult nonfiction. She seeks authors who explore new frontiers, uncover hidden histories, and embed themselves in unusual places -- journalists, top bloggers, performers, theologians, or scientists. Here are alphabetically-organized keywords she uses to describe herself: airplanes, Americana, Bill Bryson, death, England, Gene Weingarten, Jezebel, Jim Henson, @LongReads, Mary Roach, MervynPeake, New York magazine, Pitcairn Island, pop culture, psychology, rock music, the Simpsons, Sloane Crosley, weird, William Langewiesche.
	Michael Sterling Folio Literary Management Michael reps literary, commercial, and upmarket fiction. Thrillers with tremendous commercial appeal and strong writing are of particular interest to him. In nonfiction, he seeks cookbooks and foodie books. His nonfiction tastes veer towards books with a strong narrative element—political books, memoirs, investigative and journalistic works, or titles that place a specific region, historical event, person or thing under a microscope. For instance, he’d love to read more about the Middle East, especially works in which contemporary issues are explored in new ways.
	Stacy Testa Writers House Stacy is looking for upmarket commercial women’s fiction and literary fiction, particularly character-driven stories with an international setting, historical bent, or focus on a unique subculture. She also represents realistic young adult (no dystopian or paranormal, please!). For non-fiction, she is particularly interested in young “millennial” voices with a great sense of humor and a strong platform and voice-driven narratives about little-known moments or people in history.
	Roseanne Wells Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency Roseanne is interested in narrative nonfiction, science (popular or trade, not academic), health, history, true crime, religion, travel, food/cooking, and similar subjects. She also seeks strong literary fiction, YA, sci-fi, fantasy, and detective mysteries (more Sherlock Holmes than cozies).
	John Willig Literary Services, Inc. John and his colleagues are primarily interested in prescriptive and narrative nonfiction. Besides business and financial investing topics, we promote exceptional writers in the health, sports, history, true crime, science, reference, careers, and personal growth categories.  John is also interested in historical fiction - crime/mystery and literary.
	Kathleen Zakhar Harold Ober Associates Kathleen is looking for young adult (contemporary and fantasy), quirky middle grade, non-fiction picture books, science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, and horror novels. She has a special place in her heart for sweeping love stories, inventive world-building, repurposed folklore, and dark comedy.
	Laura Zats Red Sofa Literary Laura seeks young adult and middle grade (especially contemporary for both), romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, and erotica.
	Helen Zimmerman Zimmerman Agency Helen seeks nonfiction projects to do with health and wellness, relationships, popular culture, women’s issues, lifestyle, sports, and music as well as memoirs. She also is open to reading keep-her-up-at-night fiction.
	***Agent/Editor list is subject to change at any time.

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