Florida Writing Workshop:
October 3-4, 2025
Online Writers Conference

PITCH YOUR BOOK TO A LITERARY AGENT:

Tommy Dean is an agent with Rosecliff Literary. In fiction, he seeks psychological thrillers, full-throttled suspense, mysteries with active and motivated main characters, and novels of crime with anti-hero main characters. He is interested in books with clear stakes and inevitable but surprising endings. He’s interested in stories that make him forget the outside world, that are super-charged with sensory experiences, with characters fighting to understand their pasts. Give him your characters with secrets, past loves, past crimes, and past mistakes that lead to unique stories. Learn more about Tommy 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.

Renee Runge is a literary agent at Spencerhill Associates. She is actively building her list in all genres of middle grade and young adult fiction. Her taste can be summed up as “eclectic,” and she is drawn to high-concept commercial projects with a literary aura, unexpected hooks, strong A/B plots, and distinct voices. She’s especially passionate about supporting diverse and underrepresented creators from all backgrounds, with the hope that every child can one day see themselves in the pages of a book. A lover of anthropomorphic characters, she dreams of repping the next blockbuster animal novel or series. Her favorite feeling is being moved to tears by a book’s last chapter. Learn more about Renee here.

Ismita Hussain is a literary agent & social media manager with Great Dog Literary. In adult fiction, she seeks literary fiction, upmarket, new adult, and short story collections. She enjoys fiction in all genres that is informed by, or inspired by, the myths and superstitions of a culture. Ismita is open to novels that fit these categories but have some genre-fiction elements (i.e., literary fiction with a speculative twist). In adult nonfiction, she seeks narrative, pop culture, humor, memoir, travel, cookbooks, history, and sports. In young adult, she seeks contemporary, rom com, novel in verse, and commercial. In all pitches, she seeks Southern settings, Italian settings, gritty and realist writing, and books that explore health/disability. Learn more about Ismita here.

Mason Rowlee is a literary agent with DeFiore & Company. Mason loves innovative, boundary-pushing literary fiction, engrossing upmarket fiction, and nonfiction that amplifies traditionally underrepresented voices in publishing, particularly those by queer authors. He previously worked as an assistant literary scout at Jenny La Plante, Inc., where he developed an eye for the types of literary and upmarket fiction and narrative nonfiction that also appeal to international publishers as well as film production companies. Learn more about Mason here.

Sheyla Knigge is a literary agent with High Line Literary Collective. Sheyla is very interested in books by marginalized creators who have yet to have the opportunity to have their voices heard particularly BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and other #OwnVoices as a fellow queer woman of color. She longs to see uplifting stories from these communities rather than ones that focus on the trauma that comes from being a part of them. Sheyla would love to see stories filled with myth, magic, and a healthy dose of smut when appropriate. Alternatively, she would love to see Percy Jackson-esque Middle Grade fiction; the type she can giggle along with as she reads them to her own children. Stories set in other lands, or other worlds tend to be her go to choice when reading so fill her inbox with them! Learn more about Sheyla here.

Amaryah Orenstein is a literary agent and the founder of GO Literary. Amaryah has always loved to read and provide (oftentimes unsolicited) editorial advice and, as a literary agent, she is thrilled to help writers bring their ideas to life. She is particularly drawn to narrative nonfiction and memoir but enjoys any book that connects the reader to its characters and evokes thought and feeling. Learn more about Amaryah here.

Paloma Hernando is a literary agent with Ayesha Pande Literary. Paloma got her start at Einstein Literary Management in 2020, where she built a list focusing on graphic novels and illustrated books, and joined APL in the fall of 2024. Coming from a background of independent comics and the DIY scene, Paloma has always been attracted to well-told stories with a passionate drive behind them. Paloma is also accepting prose works and is seeking any book that tells genre stories in new ways. The only thing she likes more than trope-y fun is the chance to break it down into something new. Paloma also represents illustrators for literary projects and is always on the lookout for strong visual styles. As a daughter of Argentinian immigrants, Paloma views publishing globally and would love to work with any bilingual or international projects. Learn more about Paloma here.

Nicole Payne is a literary agent with Copps Literary. “In general, I represent young adult and adult fiction novels, preferably in romance, women’s fiction, literary fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, and speculative fiction. They hold a special place in my heart. As I slowly delve into nonfiction, I would love to see more science-based books, especially biology and forensic, as well as medicine, travel, and cookbooks in my queue. I’m also actively seeking diverse voices and stories across the board. Give me all the books!” Learn more about Nicole here.

Rachel Estep is a literary agent with D4EO Literary Agency. She is seeking: literary fiction; mainstream fiction; all types of middle grade and young adult (especially that centers underrepresented voices); voicey, high-stakes psychological thrillers; stories that mess with your head in the best way; gothic fiction that blends deep senses of foreboding with modern themes; true crime projects that dig deeper than the headlines and center empathy alongside the horror; queer romcoms that bring the banter, the swoon, the spice, and a whole lot of heart; historical fiction driven by complex, unforgettable women in the style of Marie Benedict. Learn more about Rachel here.

Brandy Vallance is a literary agent with Barbara Bova Literary Agency. “I represent these genres but I am also not limited to these genres: historical fiction, historical romance, historical mystery, romance, literary, women’s fiction, Southern fiction, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, adventure, speculative, inspirational, thriller. I’m a fan of: atmospheric writing; stories set in the British Isles, Europe, or exotic locations; Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian romance; Victorian time period in general (other centuries are welcome too); archaeology / artifacts / history’s mysteries; stories that explore Biblical themes without being preachy (ex. Charles Martin books); Appalachian stories / mountain culture; fantasy & sci-fi in almost every sub-category; characters who are writers, artists, or have a unique profession; and more.” Learn more about Brandy here.

Marisa Zeppieri-Caruana is a literary agent with Strachan Literary Agency. In fiction, she seeks: debut fiction, romance, upmarket & commercial women’s fiction, upmarket mainstream fiction, apocalyptic, thrillers, fantasy, and upper young adult. In nonfiction, she seeks: memoir, narrative nonfiction, investigative journalism, platform-driven nonfiction, diet and health, Christian spirituality, inspirational, food and cookbooks, self-help and humor. She is particularly interested in finding nonfiction authors to build her client list and is only taking on a limited amount of fiction. Marisa is currently seeking to champion new talent who create memorable characters with unforgettable words, and she has a soft spot for writers in marginalized communities and persons with disabilities. Learn more about Marisa here.

Kristine Epps is a literary agent with Birch Literary. She is seeking: mythology, fairy tale, or folk tale retellings or adaptations that give depth to the original while having a unique feature; dynamic literary fiction; adult Science Fiction and Fantasy with innovative magic systems; adult romance that strays from the beaten path; stories that blend genres such as women’s fiction and fantasy or literary fiction and sci-fi; Kristine is particularly interested in romantasy works that have unique magic systems. Learn more about Kristine here. 

Kaylyn Aldridge is a literary agent at Metamorphosis Literary. Kaylyn is an editorially focused agent looking for character-driven fiction across Adult, New Adult, and Young Adult. Kaylyn is acquiring romance (all heat levels welcome), coming-of-age stories, LGBT+ fiction, and commercial fiction. She’s especially drawn to stories that have diverse characters, particularly Black protagonists and queer characters whose identities aren’t rooted in trauma. She especially loves paranormal romance that isn’t afraid of camp or angst. She also has a soft spot for weird, dark, offbeat stories with humor. Learn more about Kaylyn here.

Shelly Romero is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. She is seeking: science fiction; speculative fiction; horror (almost all subgenres & especially for all age categories); Honduran authors; stories by Latine/x authors from Central America and the Caribbean (including Afro-Latine & Indigenous Latine stories); playing with formatting such as mixed-media & epistolary novels that give the story a “found footage” type of vibe; anything comped to Guillermo del Toro, David Cronenberg, Clive Barker, John Carpenter, or Wes Craven; Catholic horror; gothic romance; grounded fantasy; midwestern gothic; southern gothic; vampires; Jewish stories especially if they are intersectional with BIPOC and/or queer characters; thrillers/mysteries (with non-cop protagonists); commercial fiction; slice-of-life a la One Tree Hill, OG Gossip Girl, The Sandlot, Real Women Have Curves, What We Do in the Shadows; historical fiction set during: Regency, Edwardian, & Victorian eras; post-WWII; 80s – 00s…but featuring BIPOC and/or queer characters; adult erotic fiction, especially featuring BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA characters in kink spaces; set during college and non-college bound post-high school. Learn more about Shelly here.

Annie Romano is a literary agent with Olswanger Literary. She represents General Fiction, Upmarket, Commercial, Romantic Comedy, ​Literary, Women’s Fiction, Contemporary, Multicultural, LGBTQ+, Suspense/Thrillers, Mystery, ​Magical Realism, Light/clever horror (not gore-heavy), and Narrative Nonfiction. “I accept submissions of adult fiction and select narrative nonfiction. For adult fiction, I am currently on the hunt for lighter fare with smart humor and a unique hook. I also am seeking upmarket and commercial fiction in the following areas: contemporary fiction, women’s fiction, sharp romantic comedy (do not send me romance if there’s no comedic element or original hook), psychological thrillers/suspense, mystery, and light/clever horror (not slasher/gore; think more Grady Hendrix-style for this). I welcome diverse narratives, including but not limited to LGBTQ+ and underrepresented ethnicities/cultures. In narrative nonfiction, areas of interest include (but are not limited to) true crime (i.e., The Trial of Lizzie Borden, by Cara Robertson) and unique windows into history (i.e., Mudlark by Lara Maiklem).” Learn more about Annie here.

Alexandria Brown is an editor with Rising Action Publishing Co. Her publishing seeks Psychological and Domestic Thrillers; Domestic Suspense; Romantic Comedies; Book Club Fiction; Romantasy; Fantasy; Horror; True Crime; Fiction with LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent (ND), BIPOC, plus-sized, or mental health representation; Multicultural characters and stories While our interests vary widely across genres, we are united by a love for compelling, diverse stories. The house enjoys Fantasy novels with women-led stories, morally complex protagonists, political intrigue, LGBTQIA+ representation, and witty dialogue. We are particularly drawn to fantasy that features characters and world-building from BIPOC voices. Learn more about Alexandria 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.

Sandra Proudman is a literary agent with Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency. She is seeking: I am continuing to look to diversify my list this year as its important to me to continue to strive for all kids to see themselves on the page as the heroes of their own stories. I am especially looking for marginalized and underrepresented voices and am especially looking for clients from Middle Eastern, South Asian, South American, and Indigenous backgrounds. Picture Books and Early Readers: I would love to sign an author-illustrator that is doing work like Flavia Z. Drogo or Ben Clanton. I love character-driven stories full of light and humor. I also really enjoy STEAM topics, so if there is a chance for a kiddo to learn in your work, that’s always a plus! Middle Grade: I would love to find a graphic novelist that is working on a speculative project in the vein of Wendell and Wild or Sweet Tooth. Young Adult: I am particularly looking for romcoms and horror/thrillers in this age group. In terms of horror, I like the entire genre and am OK with body horror. Adult fiction: I would love to find a horror like The Hacienda or Mexican Gothic. Or a beautifully written speculative story that’ll make me feel ALL of the feels. Learn more about Sandra here.

Geffen Semach is a Literary Agent with Westwood Creative Artists. In fiction, she seeks general upmarket fiction; horror, thriller and suspense; sci fi, speculative, fantasy and romantasy; as well as select concept-driven romance and literary novels. In nonfiction, she seeks journalism in the vein of social commentary, pop culture, politics, art and media; expert-driven writing relating to medicine and mental health, sex and relationships, and money; as well as exceptional memoir. She encourages submissions from underrepresented writers including 2SLGBTQI+, BIPOC, and/or disabled. Learn more about Geffen here.

Lissa Woodson is a literary agent with The Seymour Agency. She is looking for unique and engaging stories in thrillers, romantic suspense, romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, inspirational, and body, mind & spirit. She is an advocate for diverse voices in fiction and is actively seeking stories from unique and dynamic perspectives. Lissa has been an industry professional as a publishing and marketing consultant, developmental editor, and literary event planner for nearly 25 years. Learn more about Lissa here.

Jessica Larios-Zarate is a literary agent with Wave Literary. In regards to fiction, Jessica gravitates towards: commercial fiction, contemporary upmarket fiction, literary fiction, mystery/thrillers, and speculative fiction. She is particularly invested in stories that feature LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, neurodivergent, and/or disabled protagonists, especially when the books are not issue-driven. As for nonfiction, Jessica is interested in: narrative nonfiction and historical nonfiction. In terms of historical nonfiction, she seeks: Ancient History, Historical Expeditions, Civil Rights Movements, and Indigenous History Books; no War History, please. Learn more about Jessica 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.

Nour Sallam is a literary agent P.S. Literary Agency. “In terms of fiction, I am seeking voice-driven commercial and upmarket titles, contemporary fiction with fabulist elements, speculative fiction, edgy psychological thrillers, as well as mysteries, light horror and rom-coms featuring underrepresented characters of any background. I am always drawn to characters who are haunted by something, whether figuratively (a secret, a past, an obsession) or literally (a ghost, a demon, etc.). I am also actively seeking character-driven stories featuring women in power, unhinged women, and female rage. I am actively seeking projects that feature complex and nuanced histories and power dynamics, address social and political issues, or center BIPOC characters.” In nonfiction, she seeks: “I welcome fresh and accessible perspectives on big ideas or industry deep dives as well as narrative nonfiction on pop culture, art, and nature. I also appreciate books that offer incisive commentary on culture, socio-economic structures, corporate underbellies, health and wellness, and lifestyle. Learn more about Nour here.

Donovan Levine is an associate literary agent with Neighborhood Literary, and AALA member based in Philadelphia. Donovan is looking for genre fiction, such as Mystery/Thriller, Historical, YA contemporary, and New Adult, as well as Narrative Nonfiction and Memoir, with a particular interest in underrepresented voices, untold multicultural stories, and any high concept or genre-bending works. When not doing agent work, he can probably be found at a local dive bar cheering for Philly sports teams. Learn more about Donovan here.

Najla Mamou is a literary agent with Savvy Literary Services. She is also a developmental editor and sensitivity reader. In nonfiction, Najla gravitates towards narrative nonfiction, true crime, memoir, biography, and stories inspired by lesser known people, professions and crafts (builders, designers, architects), musicians/artists/creators, daredevils, athletes, etc. In fiction, Najla is drawn to voice-driven, emotionally immersive historical fiction, suspense (with series potential), horror with surprise endings (especially psychological), speculative (such as alternative history), and magical realism (light fantasy or romantasy). In young adult, she seeks all genres except epic fantasy. She does not represent children’s books. In all genres, she hopes to see more immigrant, expat, and/or BIPOC/ underrepresented stories. Learn more about Najla here.

Charlotte Wenger is a literary agent with Prospect Agency. “I represent authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators of children’s books—board books through graphic novels and middle-grade, but especially picture books—as well as select YA fiction and adult nonfiction, particularly biographies and memoirs. I’m always seeking stories from diverse voices – those that have been historically marginalized and/or underrepresented in publishing, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, people living in and/or from marginalized/underrepresented cultures and countries, neurodiverse persons, disabled persons, and more. I’m on the lookout for what hasn’t been done yet – stories that haven’t been told and voices that haven’t been heard.” Learn more about Charlotte here.

Lee Melillo is a literary agent with Dunham Literary. Lee represents YA, New Adult, and Adult Fiction written by, for, and about marginalized communities (#OwnVoices) in both commercial and upmarket categories. In Adult Fiction, Lee is searching for book club and upmarket fiction from BIPOC women, neurodiverse, and queer authors. She is also open to contemporary or historical fiction centered around myth (but NOT Greek/Roman/Norse!!), either through retellings of classics or the invention of new mythologies for the modern age; dark magical realism; bubblegum thrillers; and socially-conscious horror. In Young and New Adult Fiction, Lee looks for YA that has crossover potential and NA stories set in college or directly post-grad. Diversity is a must, as are well-developed, loveable (or love-to-hateable) characters. She enjoys meticulously-researched, atmospheric historical fiction with an element of mystery/suspense or other propulsive plot engines. She also loves dystopian fiction, but it must be grounded in real life issues and critique our present-day socio-political systems. For contemporary fiction, she’s open to stories centering queer characters, characters with mental illness and particularly OCD, or rom-com heroines with autism in interesting, off-beat settings. Learn more about Lee here.

Lauren Khan is a literary agent with FinePrint Literary. Prior to transitioning to agenting, she worked for over seven years as a corporate lawyer in New York City. Lauren brings both editorial and transactional expertise to her clients. An avid reader across genres, Lauren is particularly interested in adult and YA commercial fiction, especially women’s fiction, romance, mysteries, and thrillers, as well as select nonfiction titles. She is an editorial agent with a strong interest in developing fulfilling and long-lasting careers for her authors. Learn more about Lauren here.

Elisa Saphier is a literary agent at MacGregor & Luedeke. She is open to most fiction and memoir except for high fantasy & science fiction, series writing (she likes standalones), picture books, and probably chapter books “I am always most excited to find great writing and full characters, regardless of genre.” In adult fiction, she seeks: literary psychological thrillers/mystery; queer romance (especially but not exclusively friends to lovers and forced proximity); literary fiction; literary memoir; stories of marginalized people where the marginalization isn’t the story; dark academia; suburban malaise. In young adult fiction, she loves: found family; queer coming of age; emerging awareness of identity; amateur theater In middle grade, she enjoys: true to life fiction; questioning of self and belonging; amateur theater. Learn more about Elisa here.

Matthew Valdez is a literary agent with Megibow Literary. In adult fiction, he seeks: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Horror, RomCom (Particularly LGBTQ+, but all welcome!), Upmarket Literary Fiction, Graphic Novels (any genre), and Historical Fiction. In young adult fiction, he seeks: Fantasy, Contemporary, Science Fiction, Paranormal, Thriller, Dystopian, RomCom (Particularly LGBTQ+, but all welcome!), Graphic Novels. Learn more about Matthew here.

Tamara Kawar is a literary agent with DeFiore & Company. Tamara is actively seeking graphic novels for all ages and across genres; science fiction, fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction for middle grade, YA, and adult readers; upmarket and book club fiction, especially genre-bending stories, and those with an international bent; and adult & YA rom-coms and romance featuring LGBTQ+ characters. She also represents select nonfiction, including illustrated projects. Across all categories, she is passionate about championing marginalized voices and perspectives. Learn more about Tamara 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 workshop’s former instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Florida 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 15-minute phone call with the faculty member, and have notes passed along via email, if the critiquer is not attending the live event. Options:

• Women’s, mainstream, science fiction, fantasy, romance, crime, thriller, mystery (virtual critiques): Faculty member Michelle McGill-Vargas, a writing coach and author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Commercial women’s fiction, thriller/suspense, thriller with romantic elements, cozy mystery, YA thriller, young adult in general, middle-grade, literary fiction, and fantasy (virtual critiques): Faculty member Amberly Finarelli, a former literary agent and current writing coach, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• All types & genres of fiction for adults, young adults, and middle grade readers (virtual critiques): Faculty member Lorin Oberweger, a writing coach and author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Children’s picture books (virtual critiques): Faculty member Rosie Pova, a published author, will get your work in advance, critique your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime around the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting. If you submit a picture book, it must be 1,000 words or fewer (can have illustrations or not).
• Cozy mysteries (virtual critiques): Faculty member Jen Collins Moore, a published author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• All adult fiction genres and categories (except for sci-fi) (virtual critiques): Faculty member Tayler Hill, an author and publishing house assistant, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• More critique options possibly forthcoming.