The 2009 BookExpo America / Writer's Digest Books Writers Conference
Write Better, Get Published
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City
FOR TWITTER: We're using hashtag #wdbea09
The BookExpo America/Writer's Digest Books Writers Conference is a one-day intensive conference. It has become the country's leading writing conference and features name speakers and writers and motivating workshops where aspiring writers learn how to hone their craft in all genres of writing and receive information on getting published. Admission to the conference is $199. The conference is open to the general public.
Conference registration is online at http://www.bookexpoamerica.com/Conference/Writers-Conference/
Keynote speaker: Karin Slaughter
Karin Slaughter, author of Undone, joins an elite group of conference keynote speakers who include best-selling authors Jodi Picoult, Jacqueline Mitchard and Jerry Jenkins. Ms. Slaughter is a New York Times and international best-selling author with more than 13 million of her books in print worldwide.
Conference Program
This is the complete event program.
Questions? E-mail us here
7:30 a.m.
Registration
8:30 a.m.
Keynote From Novelist Karin Slaughter
9:30 a.m. Breakout Session 1
The Fire in Fiction
Donald Maass, literary agent and author of The Fire in Fiction and Writing the Breakout Novel
Learn the techniques that master novelists use to give every book exceptional impact. Instantly captivating heroes, scenes that can’t be cut, micro-tension and how passion gets on the page. Based on The Fire in Fiction, the new book by literary agent Donald Maass.
Putting Flesh on the Bones: How to Write Great Characters
N.M. Kelby, author of Whale Season and Murder at the Bad Girls Bar & Grill
From the renowned author of the forthcoming The Constant Art of Being a Writer (Writer’s Digest Books, September 2009), this session will provide you with practical tips on how to create the memorable characters that editors love and readers can’t get enough of.
Get Known Before the Book Deal: A Platform Primer
Christina Katz, author of Writer Mama and Get Known Before the Book Deal
Becoming visible is more crucial to landing a book deal than ever, according to agents and editors in every facet of the publishing industry. Based on her book, Get Known Before the Book Deal, Christina Katz, will help you see the bigger platform picture and take the steps every writer must in order to get known and land a book deal. She’ll also look at examples of writers who have successfully leveraged the best of what they have to offer into book deals and other income-producing writing opportunities.
DIY Publishing: How to Publish Yourself for Greater Exposure & Success
Jane Friedman, publisher and editorial director of Writer’s Digest
Online and community publishing models are free, easy to use, and can help launch a career like never before. This presentation emphasizes popular online tools and sites and how to use them in real time. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what digital publishing tools can and can’t do for you and your writing career—and you’ll know exactly what next steps you should take in the publishing process.
Ask the Editors Panel
Bring your questions about writing and publishing to this panel of experts—anything and everything is fair game for these four. Panelists include Robert Brewer, editor of Writer’s Market; Chuck Sambuchino, editor of Guide to Literary Agents; Alice Pope, editor of Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market; and Jessica Strawser, editor of Writer’s Digest magazine. This Q&A session gives you the chance to learn about the publishing process from the inside and find out what agents and editors really want.
10:30 a.m.
Breakout Session 2
Write Like the Masters
William Cane, author of the international best-seller The Art of Kissing
Did you know that most successful writers learned their craft through imitation. Find out how to use imitation to actually help you find your voice and improve your style. Based on William Cane’s forthcoming Write Like The Masters (Writer’s Digest Books, October 2009).
The Perils and Pleasures of Autobiography
Peter Selgin, author of By Cunning & Craft
A discussion of the always provocative and often controversial and even scandalous role of autobiography in fiction and memoir, and also of the roots of confession and biography in literature, from Robinson Crusoe to the James Frey and other recent scandals. You also will learn about the technical challenges of working close to the autobiographical bone.
Break Into Fiction: Troubleshooting Plot Holes
Mary Buckham and Dianna Love, authors of the forthcoming Break Into Fiction
Plotters and Pansters both struggle with common story issues. Even the best writers discover plot holes either during the writing process or the revision process. But not everyone wrestles with the same challenges. Taken from the upcoming book based upon the their highly successfully Break Into Fiction: Power Plotting program taught nationally, award-winning author Mary Buckham and New York Times best-selling Dianna Love share key points on how to troubleshoot plot holes.
You Can Write & Sell a Mystery
G. Miki Hayden, Edgar and Macavity Award winner and author of Writing the Mystery
Learn about some of the most important elements in writing any crime fiction subgenre: tightness of focus, appropriate pacing, characters that come alive on the page, and other must-haves to sell in a challenging, competitive environment. Bring the first 250 words of your novel or a 250-word query letter and the session will leave time for a read-out-loud analysis of three or four of these.
Self-Promotion & Social Networking
Alice Pope, managing editor of Writer's Digest Market Books
Discover tips and practical advice for making the most of online social resources like Twitter, Facebook and blogs for networking and self-promotion—whether you're published or not.
Ask the Agents Panel
Moderated by Chuck Sambuchino, editor of Guide to Literary Agents, this Q&A with literary agents provides you with an opportunity to find out what agents really think of query letters, what they look for in sample chapters, and what they do—and don’t—like to hear during a live pitch. Whether you’re writing for children or adults, fiction or nonfiction—these agents can answer your questions. Participating agents include Janet Reid of FinePrint Literary, Barbara Poelle of Irene Goodman Literary, Michelle Andelman of Lynn C. Franklin Associates, and Ted Weinstein of Ted Weinstein Literary.
11:30 a.m.
Lunch, with Address From Sara Nelson
How to Succeed in an Ever-Changing Publishing Industry
1:00 p.m.
Bookstore Signings
1:30 p.m.
Breakout Session 3
The Closet Writer’s Workshop: How to Write Fiction That Sells
N.M. Kelby, author of Whale Season and Murder at the Bad Girls Bar & Grill
Award-winning novelist N.M. Kelby shares how to be a writer in the world with practical advice about writing fiction that sells––and what to really except once it does.
Find Your Niche Topics, No Matter What You Write
Christina Katz, author of Writer Mama and Get Known Before the Book Deal
Aspiring authors need to develop a platform in order to attract readers in an increasingly crowded marketplace. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to identify your distinct niche topic in several genres including nonfiction, fiction, children’s writing, and memoir. You’ll also learn how to develop a specialty into a body of expertise that can help you build your readership. Even if you are not yet known and you don’t have a writing specialty, you will enjoy this lively presentation about how to name, claim, cultivate and explain your all-important writer’s platform from scratch.
Adding the Romantic Element to Any Story
Dianna Love, New York Times best-selling author and Rita Award-winner
Whether you write thrillers, suspense, fantasy, mystery or any other genre, the romantic element in the story adds character development, conflict and the emotional tension readers crave. Dianna Love shares insights gained from having worked with writers from all commercial fiction genres during Break Into Fiction Power Plotting Retreats.
Practice Your Pitch
Chuck Sambuchino, editor, Guide to Literary Agents
Practice makes perfect! Before you approach an agent or editor at the Pitch Slam, learn about why winning pitches stand out, while others fall flat. After some discussion, several attendees will be invited to practice their pitch for all to see, while GLA editor Chuck Sambuchino gives feedback. This role-playing workshop is a must for attendees who want to lock down an articulate pitch before the big slam.
Publish Your Nonfiction Book
Sharlene Martin of Martin Literary Management and author Anthony Flacco
Discover strategies and techniques for navigating the publishing industry, writing an attention-grabbing book proposal and query letter, and building a successful career in this dynamic session that will help you map out your course for publication. Based on their forthcoming book Publish Your Nonfiction Book (Writer’s Digest, November 2009).
Creative Ways to Fund for Your Poetry/Writing Projects
Gary Glazner, poet and author of How to Make a Living as a Poet
You have written a well-crafted poem … now what? You will learn how the skills you have developed as a poet and writer can translate to the world at large. Get proven tips on how to write winning grants and sponsorship proposals and work with nonprofit and for profit businesses, universities and museums.
2:45 p.m.
Pitch Slam Instructions
3:00-5:00 p.m.
Pitch Slam
Pitch Slam
A main feature of the BEA/WDB Writers Conference is the innovative "Pitch Slam," with the largest gathering of agents/editors of any conference, providing all attendees an opportunity to personally pitch their book idea to an agent and get immediate feedback. Several book deals have actually been struck using this process, including two deals alone from the Pitch Slam in 2008.
Pitch Slam FAQs
When is the pitch slam and how long does it last?
About two hours, during the afternoon.
Do I need to make an appointment or register for the pitch slam?
There are no set appointments. Each agent has a dedicated line you may join once the pitch slam begins. First come, first served. We guarantee that you will have an opportunity to pitch; most people are able to see 3-6 agents during the pitch slam window.
How many agents attend?
We will have about 65 agents and a handful of editors in attendance; see specifics below. The list of names below is up-to-date.
How much time do I have to pitch each agent?
You have three minutes to pitch and discuss your work with each agent. You can pitch as many times as you like within the 2-hour time frame, though keep in mind you usually have to wait in a line of 10-15 people each time, depending on the popularity of the agent or editor you are pitching.
What should I bring with me to the pitch slam?
Do not bring your manuscript (or any other materials) to give to the agent/editor. If they are interested in seeing your work, they will ask you to mail it or e-mail it. However, you may want to bring a one-page query letter or outline or other materials if you think they would be helpful for you or the agent as a visual aid, or to possibly share with others at the conference.
PITCH SLAM 2009 (66 agents, 4 editors)
EMMANUELLE ALSPAUGH (Judith Ehrlich Literary) represents women’s fiction, historical fiction, and romance in most subgenres. She is particularly looking for paranormal and historical romance. She also handles narrative nonfiction, memoir, business, and how-to. She does not handle detective stories, spy thrillers, cozy mysteries, or any novel with a dead body in the first chapter.
MICHELLE ANDELMAN (Lynn C. Franklin Associates) specializes in children’s books, with a focus on middle-grade and YA fiction, and a keen interest in fantasy, sci-fi, thriller, romance, and literary projects. Her adult categories are literary fiction, women's fiction, and memoir/graphic memoir.
BERNADETTE BAKER-BAUGHMAN (Baker’s Mark Literary Agency) specializes in nonfiction and graphic novels. In nonfiction she is looking for image rich books, pop culture, light sociology, and narrative nonfiction. In graphic novels she is seeking beautifully illustrated works of nonfiction, memoir, young adult fiction (especially work oriented toward female readers), and contemporary literature. Also willing to talk to writers who do not have art attached to their comic script.
MICHAEL BOURRET (Dystel & Goderich Literary Management) specializes in children's books, from picture books through young adult. He also represents a broad range of nonfiction, including practical, narrative, memoir, humor and cookbooks.
JAMIE BRENNER (Artists and Artisans) is the editor of the blog girlmeetsbook.com. She is actively seeking thrillers, commercial and women’s fiction, literary fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction and books about pop culture/entertainment.
REGINA BROOKS (Serendipity Literary) is interested in nonfiction and fiction for adults, young adults and children, and subjects like politics, psychology and self-help, pop culture, health, science, women's issues, music, sports, parenting, cooking, and design crafts, alternative spirituality, business, science/technology, and always interested in new and emerging writers. She is not currently not interested in picture books.
ANDREA BROWN (Andrea Brown Literary) is interested in any and all children’s work—picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult and nonfiction projects.
SHEREE BYKOFSKY (Sheree Bykofsky Associates) seeks prescriptive nonfiction with a fresh idea and a twist on standard advice. She also seeks narrative nonfiction with a sharp voice, a point of view, and a reason for readers to discover it: weird, intelligent, funny pop culture, and music. Also, popular reference with an edge to it. She does very little fiction, but would love to find a wonderful new voice. No sci-fi, thrillers, romance, or juvenile.
DEBBIE CARTER (Muse Literary Management) is looking for writers with formal training in creative writing or journalism; writers of children’s books; literary novels; mysteries/thrillers/suspense novels with literary merit; espionage fiction/nonfiction; and narrative nonfiction.
JENNIFER CAYEA (Avenue A Literary) is currently looking for literary and upmarket commercial fiction (such as crime); young adult, memoir, narrative nonfiction and health.
DANIELLE CHIOTTI (Firebrand Literary) specializes in a variety of trade fiction and nonfiction books. For nonfiction: narrative nonfiction, memoir, self-help, relationships, humor, current events, women’s issues, and cooking. For fiction: commercial women’s fiction and multicultural fiction (with a slightly “literary” edge), romance, paranormal romance, and young adult fiction for girls.
ADAM CHROMY (Artists and Artisans) is seeking authors of fiction and narrative nonfiction as long as the writing is exceptional and the authors have something truly unique to say. He is also interested in practical nonfiction from authors with strong platforms and/or a point of view that challenges the status quo.
VIVIAN CHUM (Prospect Agency) is seeking YA and middle-grade fiction, romance, women's fiction, commercial fiction, and literature. Vivian is also seeking edgy nonfiction (including memoirs) written in a narrative voice.
GINGER CLARK (Curtis Brown, Ltd.) represents science fiction, fantasy, paranormal romance, paranormal chick lit, literary horror, and young adult and middle grade fiction.
DON D’AURIA (editor, Leisure Books, Dorchester Publishing) edits horror, thriller and Western adult genre fiction. Completed manuscripts should be between 75,000 and 90,000 words in length.
STACIA DECKER (Firebrand Literary) is looking for adult narrative nonfiction in the areas of politics, history, biography, travel, memoir, current events, and pop culture. She also specializes in hard-boiled mystery and crime fiction.
RACHEL DOWNES (Caren Johnson Literary) is looking for nonfiction focusing on the social sciences and women's studies. She’d also like to represent young adult fiction. She is not looking for science fiction, mystery, romance, suspense, commercial fiction and literary fiction.
VERNA DREISBACH (Dreisbach Literary Management) has a particular interest in books with a political, economic or social context and represents fiction and nonfiction authors. With over 13 years of law enforcement experience, she has a genuine interest and expertise in the genres of mystery, thriller and true crime. Verna does not represent children’s books or screenplays.
JENNIE DUNHAM (Dunham Literary) represents literary fiction and nonfiction and children's books for all ages (most especially middle grade and young adult). The agency tends towards literary, character-driven writing rather than mass-market, commercial styles. Dunham Literary does not represent poetry, horror, romance, or individual short stories and articles and very little science fiction or fantasy.
STEPHANY EVANS (FinePrint Literary Management) represents nonfiction writers in the areas of health and wellness, spirituality, personal growth/self-help, lifestyle (food, wine, decorating, sustainability), and narrative nonfiction, including memoir. In fiction, her core interest is in stories with a strong female protagonist, both literary and upmarket commercial - including chick lit, romance, mystery and light suspense. Humor is a plus. She is not the right agent for fantasy, YA, children’s, gratuitous violence or unredeemed misery.
SORCHE FAIRBANK (Fairbank Literary Representation) is seeking literary fiction, international voices and women’s voices, and the mystery/suspense genre. On the nonfiction side, she is most likely to take on books that tackle current events and societal issues with a narrative treatment. She has a strong interest in women’s voices and class and race issues, quality lifestyle books (food, wine, and home design), sports, memoir, humor, and pop culture. She does not want to see sci-fi and fantasy, children’s and YA, self-help, romance, or sports fiction.
MOLLIE GLICK (Foundry Literary + Media) is particularly interested in taking on narrative nonfiction, literary fiction, and young adult fiction.
GARY HEIDT (Signature Literary) is interested in the following nonfiction subjects: history, science, popular culture, current events, narrative nonfiction, psychology, religion, and spirituality. In fiction, he represents literary fiction, graphic novels and young adult (excluding fantasy).
BLAIR HEWES (Dunham Literary) enjoys representing authors of literary and commercial fiction for all categories of children’s books. In adult books, she looks for authors of fiction, narrative nonfiction and memoir. She is also interested in representing authors of nonfiction books in the categories of pop culture, historical biography, current affairs, lifestyle, and women’s issues. She is not interested in romance or horror.
LEAH HULTENSCHMIDT (editor, Dorchester Publishing) is looking to meet with authors or agents who have a completed romance manuscript of 75,000-95,000 words in the following romance subgenres: historical, paranormal, futuristic, urban fantasy, and romantic suspense.
CAREN JOHNSON ESTESEN (Caren Johnson Literary) is looking for romance (no paranormal please), erotica, women's fiction, young adult fiction, and nonfiction in the social sciences, women's studies, and history (particularly the Cold War). She is not considering commercial fiction, literary fiction or mysteries at this time.
ABIGAIL KOONS (Park Literary) is currently looking to add to her list of diverse and engaging authors. Her passion for travel makes her a natural fit for adventure and travel narrative nonfiction, and she is also seeking projects about popular science, history, politics, current events and art. She is also interested in working with commercial fiction, especially political thrillers.
MIRIAM KRISS (Irene Goodman Literary) is seeking all areas of commercial fiction including, but not limited to: mystery, romance, thrillers, YA, fantasy (especially urban fantasy), and SF. She is also interested in narrative nonfiction and memoir.
MICHAEL LARSEN (Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents) handles adult nonfiction that will interest New York houses. He is the author of How to Write a Book Proposal and How to Get a Literary Agent.
MEG LEDER (editor, Penguin imprint, Perigee) is a nonfiction editor specializing in popular reference, creativity, trivia, pop culture, humor, crafts, prescriptive nonfiction, self-help, and language reference books. She is not looking for fiction or children’s projects.
SANDY LU (L. Perkins Agency) specializes in both quality fiction and nonfiction, with a particular interest in dark literary fiction, edgy urban fiction, historical fiction, mystery, thriller, psychological horror, upscale women’s fiction, and multicultural fiction. Her nonfiction categories are narrative nonfiction, history, biography, science, pop culture, and food writing.
DONALD MAASS (Donald Maass Literary Agency) founded a literary agency that sells more than 150 novels every year to publishers in New York and overseas. He is the author of the books Writing the Breakout Novel and The Fire in Fiction. He is looking for all types of fiction.
ALEXANDRA H. MACHINIST (Linda Chester and Associates Literary Agency) is specifically looking for literary fiction, literary suspense, up-market women’s fiction, historical fiction, historical romance, narrative nonfiction, and any other novel that will keep her up turning pages all night. She is not looking for memoir, prescriptive nonfiction or chick-lit.
MICHAEL MANCILLA (Greystone Literary Agency) is looking for quality nonfiction books with a strong interest in the fields of psychology, health, self help, social justice, ethnic/gay/lesbian studies, compelling biographies, popular science, spirituality, history, culture, business, sexuality, relationships and parenting. He does not represent memoirs.
SHARLENE MARTIN (Martin Literary Management) specializes in highly commercial nonfiction genres including memoirs, prescriptive (how-to) parenting, health, business (entrepreneurial driven) true crime, celebrity related books and pop culture.
JEFFERY McGRAW (The August Agency) has an enormous passion for well-written melodramas (consider Gone with the Wind or The Hours) and witty comedies-of-manners (All About Eve). His other favorite areas of publishing interests include political science, history, biography, self-help, health, lifestyle, and the social sciences, et al.
COURTNEY MILLER-CALLIHAN (Sanford J. Greenburger Associates) is particularly interested in historical fiction, commercial women's fiction, kids' books (middle grade and YA) with series potential, practical/how-to books, and narrative nonfiction.
ROBIN MIZELL (Robin Mizell Literary Representation) looks for prescriptive nonfiction, long-form narrative journalism, neuroscience, psychology, sociology, popular culture, memoir, biography, literary and commercial fiction, speculative fiction, graphic novels, book-length short story collections, and young adult fiction and nonfiction.
CHRIS MOREHOUSE (Dunham Literary) represents writers of adult nonfiction books in the categories of memoir, health, parenting, relationships and current affairs. She also represents authors of middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction. Topics of particular interest to her are sports (especially baseball), psychology, and women’s issues (motherhood, work, self-help). She is not interested in paranormal or religious topics.
ELLEN PEPUS (Signature Literary) is looking for high-quality literary and commercial fiction, women’s fiction and romance, historical fiction, erotica and mysteries. Her nonfiction interests include narrative nonfiction, memoir, food and travel writing, pop culture and self-help. No science fiction, fantasy, short stories or children’s books.
LORI PERKINS (L. Perkins Agency) is the editorial director of Ravenous Romance and is seeking erotic romance, erotica, erotic memoir, erotic paranormal romance and erotic short stories.
MARSHA PHILITAS (L. Perkins Agency) specializes in women's fiction, romance and erotic romance, as well as narrative nonfiction and memoir. She is particularly interested in queer and/or SM-themed fiction/romance.
TONI PLUMMER (Editor, Thomas Dunne & St. Martin’s) is looking for mystery/crime, women’s commercial fiction, and Latino fiction. Concerning nonfiction, she is seeking relationships, women’s issues, narrative nonfiction and social issues.
BARBARA POELLE (Irene Goodman Literary) specializes in fiction, specifically thrillers, mysteries, commercial and women's fiction, but will consider narrative and prescription nonfiction when accompanied with a unique voice and a strong platform. Currently, she is looking to add thrillers and mysteries with strong female protagonists to her list.
ELIZABETH POMADA (Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents) represents adult fiction, narrative nonfiction, and books of interest to women. She loves to find juicy reads that she can’t put down, including contemporary or historical fiction whether it’s literary, genre, or commercial.
ALANNA RAMIREZ (Trident Media Group) specializes in literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, and memoir. She’s also looking for a really great literary crime novel. Other areas of interest are pop culture, lifestyle, and the performing arts.
JENNY RAPPAPORT (The Rappaport Agency) specializes in the genres of science fiction and fantasy, young adult, and romance.
JESSICA REGEL (Jean V. Naggar Literary) handles commercial young adult fiction, middle grade novels, edgy adult fiction, women's fiction, memoir, and narrative nonfiction. She's specifically looking for modern love stories, pop culture, high concept young adult novels, and narrative nonfiction. She doesn't handle practical nonfiction, inspirational/religion, genre science fiction or fantasy, or political thrillers.
JANET REID (FinePrint Literary Management) specializes in crime fiction. She also represents narrative nonfiction, reference and how to books. She's open to pitches on any topic however. Good writing trumps all.
CHRIS RICHMAN (Firebrand Literary) focuses on middle grade and young adult works for children. He enjoys books filled with genuine humor, unique voice, and page-turning plots.
JANET ROSEN (Sheree Bykofsky Associates) seeks prescriptive nonfiction with a fresh idea and a twist on standard advice. She also seeks narrative nonfiction with a sharp voice, a point of view, and a reason for readers to discover it: weird, intelligent, funny pop culture, and music. Also, popular reference with an edge to it. She does very little fiction, but would love to find a wonderful new voice. No sci fi, thrillers, romance, or juvenile.
RITA ROSENKRANZ (Rita Rosenkranz Literary) represents a wide array of nonfiction categories, including health, history, parenting, music, how-to, popular science, business, biography, popular reference, cooking, spirituality, and general interest titles. She looks for projects that present familiar subjects freshly or lesser-known subjects presented commercially.
ELANA ROTH (Caren Johnson Literary Agency) is looking for high concept middle grade and YA fiction, narrative nonfiction, pop culture and pop science. She will consider picture books from author/illustrators only, and is also looking for strong, edgy, modern Jewish fiction for both children and adults. She is not looking for adult sci-fi, fantasy, romance, mystery, thrillers or historical fiction. No vampires.
KATHARINE SANDS (Sarah Jane Freymann Literary) likes books that have a clear benefit for readers' lives in categories of food, travel, lifestyle, home arts, beauty, wisdom, relationships, parenting, and fresh looks, which might be at issues, life challenges or popular culture. For compelling reads in faction, memoir and femoir, she likes to be transported to a world rarely or newly observed; for fiction, she wants to be compelled and propelled.
ALISON SCHWARTZ (ICM) is primarily interested in nonfiction, including memoir, narrative nonfiction, parenting and cookbooks.
JESSICA SINSHEIMER (Sarah Jane Freymann Literary) is most excited about finding literary fiction, edgy young adult fiction, psychology, parenting, and works that speak to life in the 21st century.
MICHAEL STEARNS (Firebrand Literary) specializes in children's books, most specifically lightly comic adventure and horror for middle-graders, as well as high quality commercial fiction for teen readers—especially light girl-centric fantasy.
NICOLE STEEN (Elyse Cheney Literary) specializes in high quality fiction and nonfiction. Her interests include literary fiction, well written commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, popular science and psychology/self help.
GRETCHEN STELTER (Baker’s Mark Literary Agency) works with creators who write in the same genres she loves to read: middle grade and YA fiction, magic(al) realism, contemporary fiction, and women’s fiction. She is interested in anything with an urban fantasy touch (more Mike Carey than Maurice Dantec), and the middle grade and YA should have edgy, true-to-life characters and dialogue. The contemporary and women’s fiction should have a wide entry point for its audience but a strong hook that makes it stand out from the crowd.
JOANNA STAMPFEL-VOLPE (Nancy Coffey Literary & Media Representation) represents everything from children’s books (chapter books to YA, both nonfiction and fiction), to adult fiction (speculative, romance, historical, paranormal, unique fantasy, thrillers, literary, dark comedy, dark drama, horror) and she will occasionally take on strong narrative nonfiction with pop culture, environmental or food elements.
UWE STENDER (TriadaUS Literary Agency) is looking especially for YA fiction, literary fiction and women's fiction. In fiction, he also considers mysteries and thrillers. In nonfiction, he is looking for narrative nonfiction and any other nonfiction category where the author has a strong platform.
KARI STUART (ICM) is interested in fiction—including commercial literary and noir thrillers; her nonfiction interests include memoir, narrative nonfiction, health and cookbooks.
BROOKE WARNER (editor, Seal Press) is looking for nonfiction books about women's health, parenting, outdoor adventure and travel, popular culture, gender and women's studies, and current affairs. In short, she seeks nonfiction that will inform women's lives.
CHERRY WEINER (Cherry Weiner Literary) handles all genres of fiction, and
specializes in science fiction, fantasy (especially urban fantasy), romance, Westerns and Native American works. Some nonfiction has even crept into the mix but she doesn’t consider poetry or children’s.
TED WEINSTEIN (Ted Weinstein Literary) represents a broad range of nonfiction for adults. His areas of focus fall into three categories, narrative, practical and pop culture, more specifically: journalism and narrative nonfiction; popular science; biography and history; current affairs; business and personal finance; sports; health, fitness and medicine; food and cooking; entertainment and pop culture (often based on popular Web sites or blogs), and quirky reference books.
JENNIFER WELTZ (Jean V. Naggar Literary) specializes in compelling historicals and thrillers that stand out from the crowd as well as women's fiction with a taste of the unusual and an emotional tug. She also works with middle grade and picture books where she looks for a voice that you can't resist to get to know.
DEB WERKSMAN (editorial manager, Sourcebooks) is currently looking for romance fiction (single title, all subgenres), YA fiction and nonfiction, historical fiction, Jane Austen sequels/retellings/contemporary romances/etc., commercial women's fiction (must have a really unusual premise), multi-media and digital book projects, nonfiction: memoir, how-to, humor, college guides, study aids, parenting, business, careers, personal finance.
TINA WEXLER (ICM) specializes in middle grade and YA fiction, with particular interest in adventure stories with boy appeal, contemporary coming of age stories, tall tales, and mysteries. On the adult side, she is looking for narrative nonfiction (religion, memoir, pop culture) and up-market women's fiction.
JOHN WILLIG (Literary Services, Inc.) 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.
TOM WILLKENS (Jeff Herman Agency) is interested in anything across the spectrum of nonfiction. He is especially interested in practical nonfiction, how-to books, business books, popular scholarship, history, and pop culture.
CHRISTINE WITTHOHN (Book Cents Literary Agency) is currently looking for great young adult/tween/teen projects, romances (contemporary, rom-coms, paranormal, mystery/suspense), women's lit (must have a strong hook), mainstream mystery/suspense, as well as exceptional literary fiction. She is also looking for specific nonfiction projects, such as women's issues/experiences, gardening (herbs, plants, flowers), fun/quirky topics (particularly those of interest to women), cookbooks, and has a real fondness for travel and outdoor adventure.
