California Writing Workshop:
June 13-14, 2025
Online Writers Conference

PITCH YOUR BOOK TO A LITERARY AGENT:

Sandy Lu is a literary agent with Book Wyrm Literary Agency. In fiction, she seeks: literary and commercial fiction, mystery, thriller, suspense, science fiction, fantasy, horror, historical fiction, family saga, upmarket women’s fiction, and YA. In nonfiction, she seeks: narrative nonfiction, history, biography, science, business, psychology, pop culture, and food writing. Sandy especially loves historical fiction and anything dark, twisted, or with a supernatural bent. In nonfiction, she’s looking for projects that can make connections about different topics in an unexpected way, explicate complex research for a general audience, introduce the reader to cutting-edged science or previously little known historical facts and figures, teach us new ways to think or clever skills that can improve our daily life, and expand our knowledge and understanding of the world—past, present, and future. Learn more about Sandy here.

Jen Newens is a literary agent with Martin Literary Management. A subject matter expert in food and drink titles, Jen spent two decades as a cookbook editor and writer (she even went to culinary school!). She’s experienced in working with celebrity chefs, business owners, cooking brands, and food bloggers, as well as accomplished home cooks. In Children’s/ Middle Grade / Young Adult / Graphic Novels, things she enjoys includes: books that portray historically excluded voices, disability, neurodivergent characters, LGBTQ topics; regional books with national crossover potential; author/illustrators with strong storytelling skills and a clear vision; children’s activity books; quirky and humorous stories; and cat content (she’s crazy for cats). In adult books, she seeks nonfiction regarding: cooking (trends, chef books, food bloggers); drinks; health and wellness; lifestyle; and self-help. Learn more about Jen here.

Brenna English-Loeb is a literary agent with Transatlantic Agency. For nonfiction: Brenna is looking for serious, groundbreaking sociological work that holds our culture up to a magnifying glass, propulsive narrative nonfiction, and accounts of historical events and people that deserve to be better known. For fiction: Brenna is looking for adult fantasy, science fiction, and mystery queries. In every genre she prioritizes beautiful writing, exciting characters, and thought-provoking world building. She gravitates towards relationship-driven plots with personal stakes, and she loves stories with a sense of fun and adventure, even if they’re tackling serious subjects. She is specifically looking for upmarket commercial works in the following subgenres: contemporary fantasy, secondary world fantasy, gothic fantasy, high concept space opera, horror, and modern-day classic mystery. And in all categories, she is always looking for works by authors from underrepresented groups and identities. Learn more about Brenna here.

Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong is a literary agent at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency and a member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA). Cathie is seeking adult fiction submissions in the following areas and genres: romance, domestic suspense, psychological suspense, horror fiction, mystery, historical fiction, commercial fiction, women’s fiction, and book club fiction. Learn more about Cathie and her wish list here.

Shania N. Soler is a literary agent assistant & scout with Metamorphosis Literary. She is seeking: I’m currently looking for novels in the fantasy genre and/or romance WITH SPICE! For fantasy, I’m interested in more than just romance. Give me intricate political and/or magic systems and complex character backstories. For contemporary romance, I’m looking for things that take me off the beaten path. Think Butcher & Blackbird or Haunting Adeline. I enjoy LGBTQ+ relationships; spins on cliches; fairytale retellings; mythological retellings that we haven’t seen yet like African myths, Norse myths, Asian myths OR characters that we haven’t seen much of, such as Rumplestiltskin or King Midas; neurodivergent characters; characters with disabilities; and BIPOC characters. Learn more about Shania here.

Maeve MacLysaght is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. The goal of her list is to increase the amount of queer and BIPOC joy in the world, and to make space for marginalized authors to rework the tropes that historically oppressed them. She is looking for strong commercial genre concepts with beautiful prose in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and graphic novels for all age ranges. She is drawn most to stories with big, campy stakes but surprising emotional cores, lovably immoral characters, queer coded villains, and people kissing while things explode. She reads widely across genre and age range and is particularly looking for queer and POC authors taking on genre tropes in commercial fiction. Learn more about Maeve here.

Ritu Anand is a literary agent with D4E0 Literary. In Kidlit, she seeks: Picture books, Middle Grade and Young Adult Novels. In Literary Fiction, she seeks: Drama, Fairy Tales and Fiction in Verse. In General Fiction, she seeks: Women’s Fiction, Drama, Humor, Realistic Fiction, Satire and Tragedy. In Historical Fiction, she seeks: Women’s Historical Fiction, Historical Romantic Fiction and Historical Fantasy. Diverse and underrepresented Voices are encouraged to submit. Learn more about Ritu here.

James Mustelier is a literary agent with The Bent Agency. I’m looking for a range of commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction. In all genres (but particularly in literary fiction) I prize economical prose, complex characters, steadily building tension, narrative gravity, and the momentary relief of dark humor, even (or especially) amid dire circumstances. In commercial fiction I’m looking for compact horror and mysteries with big hooks and intricate plotting. In sci-fi and fantasy I’m drawn to stories that are grounded in reality and have high stakes that touch on contemporary issues — more speculative fiction and alternate histories than high fantasy or space opera. In nonfiction I’m looking for books that give me a vivid look into subcultures and events I might not otherwise have had the chance to explore. Much of my favorite nonfiction melds a distinct narrative voice with rigorous research. In young adult and middle grade I’m interested in epic fantasy, grounded sci-fi, and irreverent retellings of fairy tales, classic myths, and historical events. I’m specifically seeking stories written from diverse perspectives that draw from underrepresented cultures.” Learn more about James here.

Haley Casey is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency. In adult fiction & nonfiction, she seeks: Women’s Fiction; Book Club Fiction; Romance (Bring me your tropes!); Contemporary; Paranormal; Nonfiction; Narrative nonfiction; Cultural, LGBTQ+ and Women’s Issues. In Young Adult, she seeks: Contemporary; Mystery/Horror; Fantasy; (Light) Science Fiction;  Dystopian; and Nonfiction. In Middle Grade, she seeks: Contemporary; Mystery; Fantasy; Science Fiction; and Dystopian. I especially love anything that focuses on minority voices, including POC, LGBTQ+, disability, and mental health issues. Send me thoughtful and meaningful magical realism for any age group; manuscripts with nuanced character relationships; unique urban fantasies; clever fairytale retellings; and reimagined classics (such as Jane Austen or The Count of Monte Cristo). Learn more about Haley here.

Hannah Andrade is a literary agent & royalties manager with Bradford Literary. In fiction, she seeks: dark and transporting Young Adult fantasy; atmospheric and whimsical Middle Grade; Young Adult & Adult mysteries with a unique hook; clever retellings of folklore/legends/myths; stories that feature diverse voices and multicultural experiences; and Graphic Novels. In nonfiction, she seeks: Adult narrative nonfiction, Investigative journalism/true crime stories with strong voice She is NOT looking for: Inspirational, Memoir, Poetry, Screenplay, Erotica, Political/medical thriller, Cookbooks, Horror. Learn more about Hannah here.

Paul S. Levine is a literary agent and the founder of Paul S. Levine Literary. He is also an attorney. His fiction interests include adventure novels, mainstream fiction, mysteries, romance, thrillers, and women’s fiction. His nonfiction interests include business/commerce, pop culture, how-to, self-help, politics/law, relationships, and sports. With almost 40 years of experience in the entertainment and book industries, Levine is one of the few lawyers on the West coast who also understands the world of book publishing; as such, he is able to act as both literary agent and publishing attorney for his clients. Learn more about Paul here.

Thais Afonso is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. In Adult Fiction, Thais is looking to represent Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, Contemporary Romance, and Suspense/Thrillers. She still loves an element of speculative or the utter unsettling in this age category, and would love to find an unsettling story that defies genre, like Our Wives Under the Sea, Catherine House, Helen Phillips’ The Need or TV show Yellowjackets. In Yong Adult, she’s currently open to Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, and Supernatural Mysteries/Thrillers. She’s predominantly interested in anything with a speculative bent. Across all genres, Thais is especially interested in intersectionality. She wants to sign working class, Queer, BIPOC, disabled authors, and is keen on supporting authors whose marginalization intersect with other marginalizations, as she knows the paths to success in this industry get more limited if you have an intersectional identity. Learn more about Thais here.

Mindi St. Peter is a literary manager at BAMbooks. In fiction, she seeks: action/adventure, children’s, commercial, crime, domestic thriller, erotica, family saga, fantasy, general, graphic novel, historical, horror, humor, LGBTQ, literary, middle grade, mystery, new adult, picture books, psychological thriller, romance, thriller, women’s fiction, young adult. In nonfiction, she seeks: humor, LGBTQ, memoir, pop culture. Favorite sub-genres: contemporary romance, contemporary YA, literary, middle grade, magical realism, narrative nonfiction, psychological thrillers. Learn more about Mindi here.

Leslie Varney is a literary agent and co-president of Prentis Literary. She specializes in speculative fiction — science fiction and fantasy — for adults, young adult, and middle grade. Leslie has also established herself as a specialist in genre-bending fiction, enthusiastically representing authors whose works defy easy classification. “I am pleased as punch that now I get to help authors bring new worlds, new ideas, and new magic to the literary world.” Learn more about Leslie here.

Rae Loverde is an agent assistant at Donald Maass Literary Agency. At the 2024 SWW, she will be acting as a literary scout — taking pitches at the workshop on behalf of one or multiple co-agents at her agency. Her co-agent Cameron McClure is seeking the following: projects that combine genre style plotting with literary quality writing. She’s up for anything speculative, and is interested in seeing science fiction and fantasy, mystery and suspense, horror, and projects with multi-cultural, international, environmental, and LGBTQIA+ themes. She is interested in adult genre fiction only — no YA or MG. And she is not interested in adult literary fiction, mainstream fiction, women’s fiction, or chick lit. Learn more about Rae here.

Rebecca Lawrence is a literary agent with The Booker Albert Literary Agency. From a young age, she has been fascinated with epic worlds like LOTR and The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. Books with romantic elements like Ella Enchanted, The Goose Girl, and The Cruel Prince all have places in her top ten. She also adores historical fiction like The Wednesday Wars and iconic masterpieces like Monica Hesse’s They Went Left, but her all-time favorite novel has to be the grounded fantasy The Scorpio Races. Things I’m looking for but not limited to: graphic novels, fantasy horror, anything set in the Victorian Era, books set in Alaska, house-with-personality stories, a lower YA zombie apocalypse, horror (especially MG and YA), found families/adoption themes, contemporary that can make mundane conflicts feel intense, and adult historical fiction. Learn more about Rebecca here.

Natasha Mihell is a literary agent with The Rights Factory. She is seeking: science fiction, fantasy, horror — these categories in adult fiction, young adult fiction, and middle grade fiction. She also selectively takes on biography and memoir. Natasha loves stories that sing, move, and shimmer, and most especially, those that are fearless in speaking their truths. She is always keen to support voices from the 2SLGBTQQIA+, BIPOC, #ownvoices, disabled and neurodiverse communities. Learn more about Natasha here.

Elizabeth Kracht is a literary agent with Kimberley Cameron & Associates. Elizabeth’s eclectic life experience drives her interests. She appreciates writing that has depth, an introspective voice, and is thematically layered. Having lived in cities such as New York, San Francisco, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, she is compelled by multicultural themes and characters and is drawn toward strong settings. In fiction, she represents literary, commercial, women’s, thrillers, mysteries, historical, and crossover young adult. In nonfiction, she is interested in high concept, health, science, environment, prescriptive, investigative, true crime, voice- or adventure-driven memoir, sexuality, spirituality, and animal/pet stories. Learn more about Elizabeth here.

Arianna Siddiqui is a literary agent with FinePrint Literary Management. At this time, Arianna is particularly drawn to mysteries, romance, and speculative fiction across young adult and adult audiences. She’s also open to adult nonfiction that explores unique narratives or perspectives. Though more selective about nonfiction, Arianna seeks projects with strong, distinctive voices that offer new insights or perspectives. She’s particularly drawn to narrative-driven works that blend memoir, cultural commentary, or history in compelling and original ways. Learn more about Arianna here.

Shannon Lechon is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. In middle grade, Shannon is looking for spooky stories only. In young adult, she is mostly interested in stories with a speculative element, but is always on the lookout for a creative or original mystery. Dark, gothic fantasy or horror is well-loved, as well as morally gray or antihero protagonists. In adult, she is looking for literary books with a speculative element that feel lush and magically possible, like new worlds exist just on the periphery of our vision. Books that combine fantasy with societal inequalities in a way that doesn’t feel exploitative are high on their list of interests. For graphic novels, Shannon is looking for young adult fantasy that is grounded in our world, ones that focus on found families, platonic relationships, and the power of friendship. Graphic novels are the only place Shannon is looking for general fiction submissions. She is interested in select adult nonfiction proposals. She’s looking for memoirs about specialized careers like the beekeepers of Honey and Venom, as well as proposals on medicine and mental health, such as The Sleeping Beauties and What My Bones Know. Mental health and trauma recovery narratives like In the Dream House are also welcome. Learn more about Shannon here.

Jessica Berg is a literary agent with Rosecliff Literary. In fiction, she seeks: Alternate History/Historical Fantasy, Contemporary Fantasy, Contemporary Romance, Historical Fiction, Twisty Thrillers, Upmarket/Book Club Fiction, YA, and Women’s Fiction. In nonfiction, she seeks: Cookbooks, Travel Guides, Memoir – Military Women Adjacent, and Self-Help with a Witchy Vibe. Learn more about Jessica here.

Rebecca Angus is a literary agent with Howland Literary. In kidlit, she enjoys picture books, children’s nonfiction, and middle grade. (Her preference is for short middle grade under 45,000 words.) In adult fiction, she seeks speculative fiction, fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, horror, romantic suspense, horromance, queer historical romance, genre blending, magical realism. She is actively seeking marginalized and/or LGBTQIA+ voices. Learn more about Rebecca here.

Amanda Carbonell is a literary agent with Belcastro Agency. In middle grade, she seeks all categories buy especially contemporary, horror, fantasy and adventure. In young adult, she enjoys thrillers, contemporary, horror, fantasy, literary fiction, and genre mashups. In new adult, she seeks contemporary, romance, genre mashups, thriller, and horror. In adult fiction, she likes commercial fiction, thriller, rom-coms, horror, and stories about millenials. “ALL marginalized communities, especially Latinx are highly encouraged to submit!” Learn more about Amanda here.

Jane Chun is a literary agent with Transatlantic Agency. Jane is particularly interested in stories that center marginalized communities and prose that is cinematic and atmospheric with good rhythm. For fiction, she is seeking commercial, upmarket, and literary works in both adult and MG/YA about the search for and rebuilding of identity, diaspora, family and community, and examinations of power in relationships. She is also looking for fantasy, sci-fi, and speculative fiction that delve into sharp social commentary and have meticulous world building and settings that don’t feel like Western Europe. For historical fiction, she likes hidden histories and anything that is set in a time or place she’s not familiar with or focuses on a community that has been often overlooked if it’s a time/place she knows. In terms of nonfiction, she is looking for memoirs and narrative nonfiction with a nuanced, intersectional approach and similar themes to her interests in fiction. She also is interested in books about food, travel, pop culture, and cultural criticism that dive deeply and thoughtfully into culture and traditions, particularly those written by authors of color. In addition to traditional prose, she is very interested in graphic novels and nonfiction. Learn more about Jane here.

Katie Erickson is a literary agent with The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency. She represents picture books, as well as middle grade and young adult literature (and very limited adult fiction and nonfiction — read more below. “I am open to Picture Books by an author/illustrator with beautifully designed pages, lyrical language, and tight text. I am particularly interested in Middle Grade submissions, and within this audience, I love found family, coming-of-age tales, unexpected wit, and puzzles. In Young Adult, I’d enjoy something related to tabletop games or video rpg. I’m drawn to Graphic Novels by author/illustrators about humor and family love. Coming of age is great here, too. I like cozy narratives in adult fiction that help people find comfort away from the real world. In nonfiction, I’m seeking encyclopedic-knowledge type books by author/illustrators. I like a wide range of genres; fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and gaming are some of my favorites.” Learn more about Katie here.

Reiko Davis is a literary agent with DeFiore. For adult fiction, she loves: historical and contemporary novels set both in the U.S. and internationally; ambitious, multigenerational family sagas; novels that rewrite what it means to be an American today; stories set in our world with speculative or magical elements; offbeat novels with troubled but loveable protagonists; mystery, crime, and suspense novels with a literary edge to the writing; coming-of-age stories, especially later in life; linked story collections. For adult nonfiction, she loves immersive, investigative works of journalism, history that fills a gap on the bookshelf, and cultural criticism. This especially includes works that explore social justice, the history and experiences of women and people of color, and contemporary culture. She is also on the lookout for true crime projects that shed light on larger societal issues. For children’s literature, Reiko is actively looking for middle grade projects that aren’t afraid to tackle big questions or important emotional truths, and do so through remarkable storytelling, humor, and heart. In addition to MG novels, she has a soft spot for MG nonfiction in the areas of mental health, science, political activism, environmentalism, and narrative history. She loves works that empower kids to make a difference in their communities. (Reiko is not currently looking for YA or picture books. She does not represent genre category SFF, horror, or romance.) Learn more about Reiko here.

Alexandra D’Amico is a literary agent with Transatlantic Agency. She is seeking: Alex is on the lookout for commercial and genre fiction, including Horror, Fantasy, RomCom/Romance, Historical and Speculative fiction for both an adult and young adult audiences. In nonfiction, Alex is looking for pop culture and lifestyle projects, prescriptive and narrative non-fiction that leans into her personal interests in spirituality and the occult, and expert-led history. She will also love to see poetry in the vein of Lang Leav and SHE WHO DESTROYS THE LIGHT by Shahida Arabi. Alex is actively seeking titles with diverse and queer inclusive representation, especially by authors who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Learn more about Alexandra here.

Carleen Geisler is a literary agent with Arthouse Literary. For fiction, Carleen is looking for adult contemporary stories across genres. She loves suspense, especially if it comes with a dose of weird, and dark stories are her typical go-to. She is okay with mild speculative elements if they are close to real-world or very grounded. She loves the strange and whimsical, as well as the dark and dreadful. She likes romance, but prefers it to be part of a “bigger picture” story, or at least that it has a great b-plot. She is especially interested in stories told from the voices of women, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities. She loves morally grey characters. For nonfiction, Carleen is interested in topics along the lines of spirituality, intuition, natural living, community, culture, food, and agriculture. Learn more about Carleen here.

Jo Ramsay (they/she) is a literary agent with Transatlantic Agency. Jo is seeking: Upmarket fiction (book club conversation starters, fresh take on friendships, relationship, and family); Sci-fi (Black Mirror-esque, commentary on society, genre blending);  Speculative fiction; Gothic / Neo-Gothic; Psychological horror / thriller; Light horror (no heavy gore please); Dystopian; Mysteries (with unique POV, character-driven); Graphic Novels; Select literary fiction (less quiet realism, and more unusual or unique storytelling); Select romance (new spin or genre subversion); Select fantasy (fabulism, light world building); and Select historical fiction (unique concept or genre blending). In nonfiction, she seeks: Pop Culture Deep Dives, Politics and Social Sciences, Cultural Critique, Investigative Journalism, Eco-Nonfiction and Naturalist writing, Expedition accounts of professional mountaineers and adjacent sports, Off-Grid Living or Survivalist writing, Travelogues from a unique perspective; Pop Science; and Graphic memoir. Learn more about Jo here.

Eric Smith is a literary agent at Neighborhood Literary, with a love for young adult books, literary fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction. Eric is eagerly acquiring fiction and nonfiction projects. He’s actively seeking out new, diverse voices in young adult (particularly sci-fi and fantasy), middle grade, and literary and commercial fiction (again, loves sci-fi and fantasy, but also thrillers and mysteries). In terms of nonfiction, he’s interested in cookbooks, pop culture, humor, middle grade, essay collections, and blog-to-book ideas. Learn more about Eric here.

Syrone Harvey is a literary agent at Belcastro Agency. In fiction, she seeks: BIPOC Literature, Bookclub, Children’s, Commercial, Contemporary, Family Saga, General, Graphic Novel, Humor, Literary, Middle Grade, New Adult, Picture Books, Religious, Romance, Romcom, Women’s Fiction, and Young Adult. In nonfiction, she seeks:  Crafts/DIY, Humor, Memoir, Relationships and family, Self-help, Wellness, Inspirational, Food, and Lifestyle. Learn more about Syrone here.

Alexandra Grana is a literary agent with Corvisiero Literary. In fiction, she seeks: science fiction, fantasy, and horror for middle grade, young adult, and adult; LGBTQ stories in all genres; mysteries and thrillers; historical fiction; magical realism; weird queer. In nonfiction, Alex Is looking for: occult history/mysteries; narratives about deconstruction. Alex’s favorite genres are fantasy and horror. She is a sucker for a good magic system, reimagined fairy tales, and poetic prose. Stories by marginalized writers are of particular interest to her. Learn more about Alexandra here.

Optional Manuscript Critique Options

Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from Brian Klems, one of the day’s instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Cleveland Writing Workshop attendees only.) Registrants are encouraged to take advantage of the specially-priced critique, so they can send out their query letter with confidence following the workshop. Also, if you are meeting with an agent at the event, you’re essentially speaking your query letter aloud to them. Wouldn’t it be wise to give that query letter (i.e., your pitch) one great edit before that meeting?

Add $89 — for an in-depth personal critique of the first 10 pages of your novel. Spaces with faculty for these critiques are very limited, and participating attendees will either 1) get an in-person meeting at the workshop, if the faculty member is attending the live event, or 2) get a 10-minute phone call with the faculty member, and have notes passed along via email, if the critiquer is not attending the live event. Options:

• Forthcoming
• More critique options possibly coming soon.