One unexpected effect of the global shutdown was the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference went virtual for the first time. I had the opportunity to meet with agents interested in representing my genre from the comfort of my own home. As a travel content creator, I already knew the power of conferences first hand—brand representatives are more willing to work with you after meeting you in person. It’s human nature. I figured agents would be the same way, and meeting virtually was close enough to count.

Instead of querying blind, I saw this as an opportunity to connect with agents already interested in my work. It was an investment, but I crossed my fingers and purchased my conference ticket with Virtual Pitch Slam add-on.

The agents had all reviewed my query letter beforehand and came with helpful feedback and clarity on where they stood—pass, refer me to someone else they knew, or ask for additional submission materials. This was invaluable for an author in the pitching process, where queries often go unanswered. Already, in having a response provided by each agent I was paired with, I was ahead of other authors in the process. Knowledge is power, after all.

Of the agents who requested additional materials, one stood out. She expressed a genuine interest in my story and passion for travel herself. I accepted an offer of representation.

Selling a travel memoir in the middle of a pandemic was no easy feat. There weren’t a lot of comparable books at the time, and despite the rising trend of solo travel, convincing publishers of its relevance, when the entire travel industry was uncertain, was challenging. Thankfully, my agent, Renée Fountain, President of Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management, was more than up to the task. Within six months, we had a book deal. 

My book was published on June 4, 2024, garnering favorable reviews by Kirkus Reviews. It was named a Notable Nonfiction Pick for June by Library Reads, had a full-length feature in Forbes, and won an International Latino Book Award, all within the first few months. 

Check out Jen Ruiz’s 12 Trips in 12 Months here:

Bookshop | Amazon

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One big milestone was seeing my book at major national airports in Hudson Airport Booksellers. We were part of a limited time summer travel promotion. It was surreal seeing my book sharing shelf space with literary legend, Judy Blume!

I am deeply grateful to Writer’s Digest for such a transformative opportunity, and for providing a platform to emerging authors who want to stand out beyond the dreaded blind submission. I recommend the conference, especially Pitch Slam, to every aspiring author who dreams of being traditionally published.

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Promoting my book on a traditional book tour, seeing my book on Barnes & Noble shelves, reading chapter excerpts to an eager audience, and appearing on television interviews was an incredibly validating experience. I hope this is just the beginning.

I’ve descended into a volcano, swam with sharks, swung off the edge of the world, and flown in a hot air balloon. Yet, my greatest adventure has been betting on myself and sharing the stories and lessons I’ve learned along the way.

The post My Home Run at the Writer’s Digest Conference Pitch Slam appeared first on Writer's Digest.

Deidra is drawn to well-told stories with fresh viewpoints. Whether fiction or nonfiction, she gravitates toward engaging, thoughtful, and creative first-rate narrative and out-of-the box perspectives that help us laugh, dream, heal, and grow (and go) forward.

A Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), Deidra lives in Connecticut.

Currently Seeking

Deidra loves a well-told story with a fresh viewpoint. Whether fiction or nonfiction, she gravitates toward engaging, first-rate narrative and out-of-the box perspectives.

She is particularly interested in stories written by and for women and people of color, and in topics that explore identity, gender, and sexuality at the intersection of culture and faith. These stories should help us laugh, dream, heal, and grow (and go) forward.

Deidra looks for thoughtfulness and creativity with regard to time, place, and small details that matter.

How to Submit

If you would like Deidra to review your query or book proposal and be considered for literary representation, visit emboldenmediagroup.com/deidra-riggs for submission guidelines or send your query to Deidra at deidra.riggs@emboldenmediagroup.com.

The post New Agent Alert: Deidra Riggs of Embolden Media Group appeared first on Writer's Digest.

(20 Literary Agents Actively Seeking Writers and Their Writing.)

Her first book, The Modern Bohemian Table, came out in 2020 and was distributed by PRH. Her book and work has been featured in Martha Stewart Living, SAVEUR, bon appetit, BARRON’S, and Food and Wine. With a start in publishing at Tin House, Guernica Magazine, and Massie & McQuilkin Literary Agents, she began her career with Paper Over Board/High Line Literary Collective in 2022. 

Amanda represents expert and platform-driven storytellers across nonfiction in cooking, personal development, wellness, design, pop culture, and memoir. Her studies and experiences continue to influence her reading tastes and she treats each project with great care. She lives outside Boulder, Colorado, with her husband and three young children. When she’s not working or momming, you can find her reading towards her 200-a-year book goal or sweating it out on her Peloton.

Currently Seeking

While her interests are broad, Amanda is especially seeking to promote under-represented voices with growing platforms. Amanda champions books with fresh ideas paired with practical elements and actionable takeaways, those that inform as much as they inspire. 

Her specialties include compelling prescriptive and narrative nonfiction in categories including social & culture issues, feminism/parenthood, cooking, pop culture, environmentalism, and mental health & wellness.

How to Submit

Amanda welcomes full proposal submissions. If you do not have a full proposal, please submit the following: a query letter explaining the hook of your idea, your author bio with specifics about your platform and audience, as well as sample excerpts from your book. If your project has a visual element, please try to include samples of your artwork, photography, or design vision. Please submit through Query Manager (https://querymanager.com/3002).

The post New Agent Alert: Amanda Bernardi of Highline Literary Collective appeared first on Writer's Digest.

Rita Rosenkranz

Rita Rosenkranz Literary Agency | New York, N.Y.  

GENRES: All categories of adult nonfiction

CLIENTS INCLUDE: Julie Bogart, Barbara Oakley 

Rita Rosenkranz founded her boutique agency in 1990 after working as an editor and interacting with agents at major publishing houses including Random House; Scribner Books; and Outlet, a division of Crown. “I was attracted to their autonomy and appreciated the freedom to be productive on my terms,” she says.

Rosenkranz represents biography, business, cooking, health, history, how-to, humor, illustrated books, music, parenting, popular reference, popular science, spirituality, sports, writing, and general interest titles.

“By listening in and looking closely, I learned various skills from my publishing bosses that I use every day,” she says. “I work closely with clients whose work needs refinement. And I try to think creatively about positioning a project, and its multiple markets, even when it’s considered a niche title.”

How did you build your list?

Brick by brick, author by author. … I recruited authors I had worked with who hadn’t been represented. I went to writers’ conferences throughout the U.S., in part to connect with the “way of seeing” folks living in different places—outside of my urban hometown and region.

What do you look for in clients?

I am thrilled when an author can further the conversation on a topic we thought we knew—because of newly released research, new data, new experiences. While it’s not a requirement, if the book has a utility, as parenting books typically do, and can help people live more easily, more healthfully or productively, that’s a great added bonus.

What is your personal philosophy as an agent?

Truth telling. I refrain from hyperbole, which doesn’t mean I’m not excited about what I represent. I simply want to be able to … manage expectations.

What are you seeking?

I work with new and previously published authors and to this day have an open-door policy. But it is tremendously helpful if the author has established a platform that is commensurate with the requirements of their category, and that it is clear why this particular author is writing this particular work.

What are your querying pet peeves?

While I can see past the error, it’s sloppy when an author misspells my name, sends me projects I publicly note I am not looking for, or resends the same query when I’ve rejected the work. It costs me time, an unrenewable resource.

What are your writing tips?

Writing is a discipline … If you’re not regular about the writing habit, find topics you love to write about to ease the process.

What are your pitching tips?

Sometimes I can’t even tell if the work is fiction or nonfiction, or the pitch might have too many digressions, losing its essential point, and it appears the author doesn’t have a handle on their work. The pitch should be a clear distillation of what the project is, who the author is, and how the two relate. An effective pitch starts a productive conversation.

What approach do you take in working with authors on a manuscript, and how does it change over the course of your relationship?

I’d hope a first-time author would have a clear, solid pitch to initiate the conversation and relationship. For authors I’ve worked with, brainstorming among ideas or refining ideas happens as a matter of course. I do look to steer when needed so I can submit the best possible work. Much has to do with the author’s relationship with the editor, who might have input on early stages of material. It’s nice when based on the shared experience and established trust, a shorthand is in place. We can get straight to what matters most.

What do you want clients to know?

I appreciate professional authors, i.e., those who look to enter a respectful, mutually rewarding relationship where the results might not be immediate.

How has your approach changed over the years?

I am clearer about what I think can work, though I do still take chances on projects that need deep steerage.

What are you most proud of?

I am proud of the chances I took with authors early in their careers, who have built fantastic reputations … and great sales. Publishing, as we know, is a process requiring patience. It is meaningful when it pays off.

Appearing at:

May 12–13—Washington Writers Conference, Rockville, Md.

Sep. 1–2—WriterCon 2023, Oklahoma City, Okla.

Follow and connect: RitaRosenkranzLiteraryAgency.com 

The post Agent Spotlight: Rita Rosenkranz appeared first on Writer's Digest.

(20 literary agents actively seeking writers and their writing.)

As publisher at Iguana Books, she oversaw acquisitions, production, sales, and marketing for over 25 books, a list that included fiction, nonfiction, and children’s. Before her foray into publishing, she worked in financial services and as a journalist. She holds an MA in English from the University of Calgary.

Over the course of her career, Kathryn has taken pride in building strong and supportive relationships with authors, and helping them produce powerful, exciting, and creative work. She is excited to be continuing this work with The Rights Factory.

Currently Seeking

Nonfiction that informs, inspires, delights, or surprises. As a generalist who simply likes “good books,” she’s open to a variety of genres, including history; culture and current affairs; sports; biography and memoir; women’s issues; health and wellness; food and drink; self-improvement.

(Who is your target reader?)

Over and above genre, she’s looking for fresh takes; strong voices and points of view; uncovered/recovered stories; and the opportunity to learn something new.

How to Submit

Writers can submit their work through my QueryManager.

*****

Research, interview, and explore the subjects that interest you. Then write about what you’ve learned in Writing Nonfiction 101: Fundamentals. Writing nonfiction is a great way for beginner and experienced writers to break into the publishing industry.

Click to continue.

The post New Agent Alert: Kathryn Willms of The Rights Factory appeared first on Writer's Digest.

(20 literary agents actively seeking writers and their writing.)

At WordLink, Zeynep represents her own lists of authors and is in charge of the foreign rights of all the authors of the agency. As such, she frequently travels to various international book fairs. Fluent in Spanish and Turkish, Zeynep is drawn to literary and historical works of fiction and narrative nonfiction of international appeal.

Currently Seeking

When it comes to nonfiction, I represent works that try to start a social discussion, that prompt the reader to think on social change or books that unveil inspiring life stories or hidden histories few people know about. A book by one of my authors, Un-American, by Erik Edstrom, recently published by Bloomsbury, is an excellent example of this. 

(How to write successful queries for any genre of writing.)

When it comes to fiction, I’m drawn to family sagas, historical novels and coming-of-age stories that embrace themes such as LGBTQ+ issues, mental health, interculturality, immigration, identity, belonging and race. 

I do not represent thrillers or mystery/crime. Regardless of genre, though, what’s most important to me in a work is character development and relationships, as well as unique narrative voices.

How to Submit

I’m currently open to submission and actively looking for new works and authors. The best way to share your work with me is to send a query letter to z.sen@wordlink.us.

I usually respond to queries within 6 weeks of receipt.

*****

Writing strong first pages requires a great hook, a strong voice, and a clear premise. The first sentence should immediately catch the reader’s attention, while the subsequent text should leave the reader wanting to dive further into the pages of the manuscript. But making the first pages of your story absolutely un-putdownable takes practice, patience, revision, and an eye for detail. Which is why we’re here: to discuss what to do (and not to do) to make your opening pages stand out.

Click to continue.

The post New Agent Alert: Zeynep Sen of WordLink Literary Agency appeared first on Writer's Digest.

(20 literary agents actively seeking writers and their writing.)

Uniquely positioned to help authors because of my decades of marketing experience, Collins would love to work with authors who have a passion for the business and promotional side of this industry as well as the writing side.

Currently Seeking

Amy Collins is currently looking for manuscripts and authors in nonfiction, gift books, reference, history, fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction.

How to Submit

Prospective writers can query via Amy Collins’ Query Manager here.

*****

Writing strong first pages requires a great hook, a strong voice, and a clear premise. The first sentence should immediately catch the reader’s attention, while the subsequent text should leave the reader wanting to dive further into the pages of the manuscript. But making the first pages of your story absolutely un-putdownable takes practice, patience, revision, and an eye for detail. Which is why we’re here: to discuss what to do (and not to do) to make your opening pages stand out.

Click to continue.

The post New Agent Alert: Amy Collins of Talcott Notch Literary Services appeared first on Writer's Digest.

(20 literary agents actively seeking writers and their writing.)

She is now building her own list with Paper Over Board. A lover of the dark, the quirky, and the fantastical, Margaret has a keen eye for projects that take unexpected turns or are told from unusual perspectives.

Margaret believes that all books, whether on an emotional level or through a physical call to action, should move their readers, and she is passionate about empowering authors to find the voice and the story that will engage and inspire each and every person who picks up their books.

Currently Seeking

Margaret is actively looking for attention-grabbing voices, literary fiction with teeth, historical fiction with a dash of magical realism, fresh literary and commercial suspense, spooky contemporary and fantasy YA, narratives with a deep sense of place and history, quirky and heartwarming family stories, and rom-coms full of charm and whimsy. 

(5 elements that all good rom-coms should include.)

She is also interested in nonfiction in the areas of humor, lifestyle, popular science, health/wellness, true crime, politics, and current affairs.

How to Submit

Submissions should be emailed and addressed to Margaret Danko at submissions@paperoverboard.com.

*****

Writing strong first pages requires a great hook, a strong voice, and a clear premise. The first sentence should immediately catch the reader’s attention, while the subsequent text should leave the reader wanting to dive further into the pages of the manuscript. But making the first pages of your story absolutely un-putdownable takes practice, patience, revision, and an eye for detail. Which is why we’re here: to discuss what to do (and not to do) to make your opening pages stand out.

Click to continue.

The post New Agent Alert: Margaret Danko of Paper Over Board of the Irene Goodman Literary Agency appeared first on Writer's Digest.

Currently Seeking

I am interested in acquiring adult literary fiction and nonfiction that inspect queerness, disability, race, class, and community in fresh new ways. I have a soft spot for short story collections with magical elements, and essay collections that look at identity through an interesting and specific cultural lens (motorcycles, rock climbing, pottery, you name it). Some pitches I’ve read and loved: a memoir of coming out as trans later in life, a case against high school football from a sociological standpoint, a collection of essays about mental health and climate change, a novel about immigrant ghosts.

(20 literary agents actively seeking writers and their writing.)

A few of my favorite contemporary writers are Carmen Maria Machado, Kristen Arnett, Hanif Abdurraqib, Helen Oyeyemi, Daniel M. Lavery, Raven Leilani, Candice Carty-Williams, Kacen Callendar, Alexander Chee, Akwaeke Emezi, and Samantha Irby.

How to Submit

Writers can submit via Query Manager.

*****

Writing strong first pages requires a great hook, a strong voice, and a clear premise. The first sentence should immediately catch the reader’s attention, while the subsequent text should leave the reader wanting to dive further into the pages of the manuscript. But making the first pages of your story absolutely un-putdownable takes practice, patience, revision, and an eye for detail. Which is why we’re here: to discuss what to do (and not to do) to make your opening pages stand out.

Click to continue.

The post New Agent Alert: Ayla Zuraw-Friedland of the David Black Agency appeared first on Writer's Digest.

Literary agents are important decision makers in the publishing process for authors who wish to be published by many of the big publishers. However, all literary agents do not represent all genres. In fact, an agent who claims to do this should be approached with caution. Just as authors tend to specialize in one or two genres, agents find niches and specialize in a handful of genres.

(Learn the correct word count for novels and children’s books here.)

In this post, I’ve collected recently shared agent spotlights with literary agents who are accepting food and cookbook submissions. This list will be updated regularly with new agents added to the top.

Amaryah Orenstein of GO Literary

Amaryah Orenstein, founder of GO Literary, is thrilled to help writers bring their ideas to life. Aiming to give voice to a broad range of perspectives, Amaryah represents a wide array of literary and commercial fiction and narrative nonfiction. She is actively seeking works that wed beautiful writing with a strong narrative and tackle big issues in engaging, accessible, and even surprising ways.

In addition to negotiating contracts, Amaryah works closely with each of her clients throughout every step of the publishing process, from concept development through publication and beyond. She takes a particular interest in the editorial process, offering skilled advice and guidance to help clients bring out the best in their writing.

Amaryah began her career at the Laura Gross Literary Agency in 2009 and, prior to that, worked as an Editorial Assistant at various academic research foundations, including The Tauber Institute, where she edited books for Brandeis University Press/University Press of New England. Originally from Montreal, she earned a BA at McGill University before coming to the US to pursue graduate work in American History. She received her MA from the Contemporary History Institute at Ohio University and her PhD from Brandeis University.

Click here to learn more.

Gail Fortune of The Talbot Fortune Agency

Gail Fortune is a literary agent with The Talbot Fortune Agency and former book editor with over 25 years of publishing experience. Prior to becoming an agent she spent 16 years at Putnam Berkley (now part of Penguin Random House), where she rose from Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief to Executive Editor.

Her authors won RITAs and Agatha’s and were nominated for Edgar and Anthony Awards. She has edited and agented New York Times bestsellers and Publishers Weekly Books of the Year.

She is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

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Peter Rubie of FinePrint Literary Management

Peter Rubie is currently the CEO of FinePrint Literary management, a NYC-based literary agency. He grew up in England and was a Fleet Street journalist, before becoming one of the youngest news editors for BBC Radio News. He came to the U.S. in 1981, and worked as a freelance editor and writer for agents and major publishers before becoming the adult fiction editor at Walker & Co., for 6 years. He left that job to become a literary agent.

He has also been an adjunct professor in the New York University publishing faculty, where for 10 years he taught the only university-level course in the country on how to become a literary agent. For several years, he was also the director of the book publishing section of NYU’s Summer Publishing Institute. Peter thinks of himself as “an editor in recovery” who picks and chooses various ed boards for his clients’ projects. He often works extensively on the editorial content and presentation of a project before submitting it.

Click to continue.

Eric Smith of P.S. Literary

Eric Smith is a literary agent with P.S. Literary, working across multiple categories, and has worked with New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors. When he isn’t busy working on other people’s books, sometimes he writes his own.

His latest novel, The Girl and the Grove, was published by Flux in 2018, and his next novel, Don’t Read the Comments, will be published by Inkyard Press in January 2020. He currently lives in Philadelphia with his wife, son, and overly affectionate corgi.

Click to continue.

Joseph Perry of Perry Literary, Inc.

Joseph Perry is a new agent at Perry Literary, Inc. Before founding Perry Literary, Joseph began his book publishing career when he attended the New York University Summer Publishing Institute in 2010. After interning at FinePrint Literary Management, Joseph enrolled at St. John’s University School of Law to learn about the legal aspects of publishing and graduated with a juris doctor in 2015.

During law school, Joseph interned in the legal departments at Hachette Book Group; Rodale, Inc.; and William Morris Endeavor, as well as the subsidiary rights department at Columbia University Press. Joseph also holds a B.A. and M.A. in English from St. Bonaventure University.

Click here to learn more.

Maureen Moretti of P.S. Literary

Maureen Moretti began her publishing career as an intern with several prestigious literary agencies before joining P.S. Literary as an associate agent. She holds a B.A. from Saint Mary’s College of California and attended the Columbia Publishing Course.

Maureen is actively acquiring both nonfiction and fiction. Within nonfiction she is searching for narrative nonfiction, culture, history, biography, LGBTQ+, cookbooks, and lifestyle. Within fiction she is looking for women’s fiction, thrillers, LGBTQ+, romance, select science fiction, literary fiction and genre-bending unique voices.

Click here to learn more.

As many writers know, agents and editors won’t give your work more than ten pages or so to make an impact. If you haven’t got them hooked by then, it’s a safe bet you won’t be asked for more material. Make sure you’ve got the kind of opening they’re looking for with the Agent One-on-One: First Ten Pages boot camp! Click to continue.

The post Food and Cookbook Literary Agents Open to Submissions appeared first on Writer's Digest.