Ohio Writing Workshop:
April 4-5, 2025
Online Writers Conference

PITCH YOUR BOOK TO A LITERARY AGENT:

Jane Chun [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] 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.

Gordon Warnock is a literary agent with Fuse Literary. Gordon represents New York Times bestsellers and debut authors alike.In fiction, he seeks: High-Concept Suspense; Book Club Women’s Fiction; Literary Fiction; Verse Novels for YA and MG; Graphic Novels for all ages — Adults, YA, and MG. In nonfiction, he seeks: Memoir and Biography; Food Narrative/Studies/History; Graphic and Illustrated Nonfiction; Essays on Social Issues; Pop-Science; Pop/Punk/Geek Culture; Self-Help; Historical Narrative; Humor; How-To; Business and Career. Gordon seeks large-platform projects in which the book represents something bigger than the book itself, of which you are the expert, the one best fit to bring it to the page. He prefers to work with socially responsible books that ask difficult questions, raising new issues or illuminating common issues in new ways. (He does not rep sci-fi or fantasy.) Learn more about Gordon here.

Pam Gruber [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with Highline Literary Collective. Pam is actively looking for adult, young adult, and middle grade fiction with literary voices and commercial hooks. In all categories, she is particularly interested in finding grounded fantasy that feels like folklore, stories exploring an under-represented mythology, twisty speculative fiction, fantastical realism, and coming-of-age stories (any age). She is also open to graphic novels (chapter book, middle grade, and YA only), preferably with art attached. In nonfiction, Pam is drawn to a more narrative style, with an honest, relatable voice that has something to say about life or can fascinate her with new information about the world. Learn more about Pam 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.

Christina Lopez is an editor with St. Martin’s Press where she works on adult commercial fiction including rom-com, women’s fiction, and historical fiction as well as YA. She is now actively acquiring and is dreaming of a fun Texas book in any of the previously mentioned genres with a diverse cast. “I am actively seeking adult and YA commercial women’s fiction/ book club fiction, rom com, contemporary romance, fantasy, domestic thriller, and historical fiction. I’m also open to YA/adult crossover stories, especially in the new adult space. I’m open to nonfiction having to do with pop culture (especially dating shows, late nineties, Disney Channel), identity and societal issues, and memoir in the vein of Everything I Know About Love. I’m currently obsessed with that soft spot of books that sits on the line between women’s and literary-leaning commercial fiction. I’m especially interested in anything with characters from historically underrepresented backgrounds (especially Latinx characters, as I’m from a border town in Texas), anything with complex family dynamics spanning several generations (especially mother/daughter stories), speculative fiction or magical realism stories about found family or finding home in people instead of places, historical fiction like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo that move between the past and the present, and stories involving romance, but where it isn’t the sole driving force of the plot.” Learn more about Christina here.

Vicky Weber is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency. In adult and young adult fiction, she seeks: horror, psychological suspense, thrillers, commercial, upmarket, historical, women’s fiction, romance, fantasy (dark/high/epic), magical realism, speculative, and paranormal/supernatural. In middle grade and picture books, she seeks highly giftable, commercial fiction with a strong voice—stories that feel like they always should have been on the shelf. Learn more about Vicky here.

Mariah Stovall is a literary agent with Trellis Literary Management. She represents adult literary and upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction and essay collections, all by writers with strong voices and interdisciplinary perspectives. She is not currently seeking memoirs. Across genres, she gravitates toward outsiders and stylish, inventive storytelling. She’s primarily interested in how subcultures, social movements, and complex individuals intersect with pop culture and the arts, history, STEM, linguistics, sports, and philosophy. She has a hands-on, collaborative approach to editing and loves helping writers shape their projects for publication. She’s especially passionate about advocating for authors from underrepresented and marginalized and minoritized groups (including writers without MFAs). Learn more about Mariah here.

Rachel Beck is a literary agent with Liza Dawson Associates. Rachel is looking for: upmarket/book club women’s fiction; smart contemporary romance/romcoms (beach reads); historical fiction this side of World War II; sweeping, multigenerational family sagas; speculative fiction; thrillers/domestic suspense; contemporary YA: Especially LGBTQIA+ stories and “issue” books on what teens face today; and select nonfiction (narrative, gifty/pop culture, cultural criticism, politics, career/personal growth, self-help, health/wellness, sports, parenting). Learn more about Rachel 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.

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 interned at McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency, Gotham Writers Workshop, CBS Television Production and Farrar, Straus & Giroux. Learn more about Mason 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Amy Giuffrida is a literary agent with The Belcastro Literary Agency. “I am especially seeking stories written by diverse creators—BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, and disabled creators are encouraged to query me. Send me your stories of joy, where your characters and their worlds can be celebrated by the reader.” In nonfiction, she seeks: business, social media, tech, cookbooks, and also anything by an author with a strong platform and a love for their subject. She seeks upper middle grade fiction. In young fiction, she seeks fantasy, horror, sci-fi, contemporary, contemporary romance, mystery, thriller, historical, and novels-in-verse. In adult fiction, she seeks women’s fiction, book club / commercial fiction, non-political thriller, horror, contemporary romance, and rom-com. Learn more about Amy here. Learn more about Amy 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.

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.

Elisa Moles is a literary agent with Painted Fire Literary Agency.  She is seeking: Especially interested in upmarket fiction. “In one word, what defines fantastic fiction narrative? Consequences. Consequences give structure. And stories with cohesive and creative structures, true to each writer’s background and voice, stand the test of time beyond the trendy topics and gimmicks of the day. I especially love psychologically complex characters. I’m looking for distinctive and compassionate voices who are telling organically unexpected stories in a wide variety of styles and genres. Surprise me.” Please do not pitch: nonfiction, poetry, children’s books, middle grade, YA, graphic novels, screenplays, westerns, horror, nihilist, or erotic work. No previously self-published works please. Learn more about Elisa here.

Mara Cobb is a literary agent with Martin Literary Management. Currently, Mara is looking for adult nonfiction and women’s-driven fiction (especially main characters in their 20s). Mara is also looking for Christian fiction, Christian romance (think Hallmark-style), and Christian YA. Going into 2024, she would also love to acquire clean (light romance/no or minimal cursing) YA fiction of any genre except fantasy. She is seeking clean adult commercial romance/romcoms, compelling book club fiction, and SEL picture books. Learn more about Mara here.

Michelle Richter is a literary agent with Fuse Literary. Michelle is seeking: suspense, mystery, psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, women’s fiction, book club fiction, young adult mystery/thriller, and select contemporary YA. She’s especially eager to find suspense and psychological thrillers with complex lead characters. BIPOC, LGBTQ, and disabled voices in fiction always welcome. Michelle loves unreliable narrators, stories of family secrets, friendships, and sibling relationships. Learn more about Michelle 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.

Carey Blankenship-Kramer is a literary agent with Azantian Agency. While her sweet spot is horror and middle grade, Carey’s tastes are wide and varied. From mystery to fantasy to science fiction, she loves anything that can draw her in and have her rooting for the main characters. In adult and new adult fiction, she seeks: contemporary, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, and science fiction. She seeks all types of middle grade, with horror being her favorite. She also seeks many different types/genres of Young Adult, including fantasy & science fiction. Learn more about Carey here.

Monica Rodriguez [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent and the Director of Brand Management at Context Literary Agency. Her mission as an agent is to help uplift underrepresented voices in publishing, specifically within the Latinx community. In children’s literature, she is actively looking for MG, YA & Graphic Novels. She also represents illustrators and comic artists. In adult fiction, she’s looking for contemporary romance, speculative fantasy, sci-fi, horror, mystery, and book club fiction. Learn more about Monica 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:

• Young adult (all kinds); middle grade (all kinds); adult science fiction; adult thriller and mystery (no cozies); nonfiction about safety, self-defense, travel, and parenting (virtual critiques):  Faculty member Jason Brick, 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 his thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Women’s fiction, contemporary/mainstream fiction, literary fiction, young adult, and memoir (virtual critiques): Faculty member Kimiko Nakamura, a literary agent and 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.
• Children’s picture books and middle grade (virtual critiques): Faculty member Brittany Thurman, 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. If you submit a picture book, it must be 1,000 words or fewer (can have illustrations or not).
• More critique options possibly forthcoming.