Literary Agent Emma Patterson of Brandt and Hochman Literary Seeks New Clients
This agent seeks middle grade novels, young adult, literary fiction, memoir, commercial fiction, pop culture, historical fiction and upmarket women’s stories.
I’m not considering this a true New Agent Alert because literary agent Emma Patterson (of Brandt and Hochman Literary Agents, Inc.) is not new. That said, this post resembles an Alert in that Emma did tell me recently how she is actively looking to build her client list right now — and that is something writers should be happy to know. All details below for those interested in querying her!
About Emma: "I grew up in New Jersey as an avid reader and the daughter of a literary agent. My mother had her office in our house, and I loved helping her organize her bookshelves, sort query letters, and read manuscripts that she was excited about. After graduating from Kenyon College with a degree in history, I joined The Wendy Weil Agency as an assistant, later became a rights associate, and eventually an agent. After Wendy’s sudden and tragic death last fall, my colleague Emily Forland and I joined Brandt & Hochman in the beginning of 2013, where I’m eager to continue growing my list. I live in Brooklyn and enjoy trying new foods, re-watching old episodes of 'The Sopranos,' and spending quality time with my new – and delightfully chubby – niece."
She is seeking: "I am on the lookout for literary and commercial fiction, upmarket women’s fiction, historical fiction, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, memoir, food writing, and YA and MG fiction and nonfiction. I’m open to mostly any project with strong writing, an original premise, and a story that immediately grabs me – and I still think about weeks after I’ve finished reading it. I’m especially drawn to stories that make me cry, laugh, or transport me to a world that’s new to me. So long as the writing is strong, I don’t shy away from dark or quiet stories. I don’t tend to like category or genre fiction."
How to submit: "The best way to contact me is via email at epatterson [at] bromasite.com with a basic query letter (a bit about the project, the author, and the author’s past publishing or writing history). A few pages of the work can also be pasted into the body of the email, but I won’t open attachments unless I’ve specially asked for one. Due to the high volume of emails I receive, I generally only respond to queries that sound up my alley."
(See a spotlight with Emma's co-agent, literary agent Jody Klein.)
Chuck Sambuchino is a former editor with the Writer's Digest writing community and author of several books, including How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack and Create Your Writer Platform.
