San Francisco Writing Workshop:
April 12, 2025
In-Person Writers Conference 

PITCH YOUR BOOK TO A LITERARY AGENT:

Kesia Lupo is a literary agent with Donald Maass Literary Agency. “I’m an omnivore in my reading taste and I would love my list to reflect that – so, while I’ve tried to be exhaustive, if you have something that doesn’t quite fit then please don’t hesitate to query anyway! In general, I’m looking for fiction for middle-grade, YA and adult readers – with a smattering of popular, accessible nonfiction. Across age groups, I’m a big fan of original fantasy, accessible but smart science fiction, paranormal or creepy horror, thrillers (especially if they have a shocking twist!), dark academia and basically all stories that help me escape or make me question everything. I majored in History so I love a bit of historical fiction too, as long as it’s done in a fun and accessible way – and I enjoy romance. For nonfiction, I’m looking at narrative nonfiction with broad appeal – I love books about psychology and big political, cultural or historical topics.” Learn more about Kesia here.

Lisa Abellera is a literary agent with Kimberley Cameron and Associates. In adult fiction, she represents literary, upmarket/book club, and women’s fiction, historical fiction, mystery, suspense, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, and crossover speculative fiction. With children’s fiction, she represents all fiction genres in Middle Grade and YA. Lisa is committed to uplifting underrepresented voices and infusing more diversity and inclusion in books, so she is actively looking for strong female characters, diverse characters, and stories by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other authors who identify with marginalized or underrepresented communities. Lisa is also looking to build her client list with limited nonfiction. With children’s nonfiction, she is primarily looking for Middle Grade prescriptive projects that are entertaining, informative, and inspire life-long-learning and curiosity in kids. With adult nonfiction, Lisa is only seeking prescriptive business books for women or by women. Learn more about Lisa here.

Michael Carr is a literary agent with Veritas Literary Agency. With a strong background in editing and writing, Michael enjoys teaching at workshops and conferences to help develop emerging writers. He is fluent in Spanish and speaks conversational French. Before joining Veritas, Michael had professions as diverse as programming simulators for nuclear submarines and owning an inn in Vermont. He is seeking: Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Science Fiction and Fantasy. He also enjoys Nonfiction of all stripes. Learn more about Michael here.

Stefanie Molina-Santos is a literary agent with Ladderbird Literary. Stefanie is open to picture book, middle grade, young adult and adult — and is primarily seeking work from BIPOC authors. She is exclusively taking on clients who are underrepresented in publishing. In picture books, middle grade, and young adult, she loves gutsy, messy main characters exploring confusing feelings, navigating complex relationships, playing sports, having unique hobbies, and saving the world. She’s open to all genres in these age groups and loves a story that will make you laugh, cry and sigh with happiness. In Adult fiction, she is specifically seeking cozy mysteries, grounded fantasy, and romantic suspense helmed by BIPOC protagonists. Across the board she appreciates anticolonialism and decolonization; non-Western-centric perspectives (and folklore); and protagonists that disrupt the status quo. In all genres, she adores stories that incorporate food, animals, the outdoors, and intergenerational relationships. Learn more about Stefanie 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.

Jennie Kendrick is a literary agent with Red Fox Literary. Jennie represents young adult, middle grade, and select picture books with Red Fox Literary. “I represent picture books, graphic novels, YA and MG fiction/nonfiction across all genres, but I have a special interest in historical, paranormal, magical realism/fabulism, and classic 90s-like teen horror. Give me your angry unlikable heroines, your plucky protagonists fighting the odds, your steamy romance. (There is nothing better than well-written first kisses.) Like every publishing professional, I am particularly looking for Own Voices and marginalized creators/manuscripts of any kind.” Learn more about Jennie 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.

Rachel Kent is a literary agent with Books & Such Literary. Rachel acquires fiction and nonfiction projects with a special interest in young adult, 20-something and 30-something projects, and teen nonfiction. Specifically, she gravitates toward women’s fiction, romance (including suspense and inspirational / Christian), literary fiction, and mainstream fiction. Rachel acquires fiction and nonfiction projects and is open to children’s picture book submissions. Learn more about Rachel here.

Lara Love Hardin is a literary agent with True Literary. She is seeking: “At True Literary, our mission is to help create books and share stories that inspire, entertain, transform, and provoke. We believe in stories and ideas that make us think, shift perspectives, push culture forward and have the possibility to ultimately change lives. So send us your stranger-than-fiction memoirs and your transformative big ideas, your literary masterpieces and your prescriptions for a better life. We are currently focused on nonfiction submissions with a particular interest in the following types of books: big idea books, prescriptive nonfiction, business, narrative nonfiction, biographies, and lifestyle.”Learn more about Lara here.

Optional Manuscript Critique Options

Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from Chuck Sambuchino, one of the workshop’s former instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Florida Writing Workshops 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:

• Science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, young adult SFF, urban fantasy (virtual critiques): Faculty member Wesley Chu, a published novelist, 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.
• Fantasy (both YA and adult), fantasy romance, contemporary romance, women’s fiction (virtual critiques): Faculty member Shauna Golden, a former agent, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, talk with you virtually (Zoom/phone) for 15 minutes workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes.
• All types of adult fiction (except erotica); all types of young adult fiction and middle grade; Christian fiction; screenplays and TV scripts (virtual critiques): Faculty member Jaimie Engle, a screenwriter, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book/script, talk with you virtually (Zoom/phone) for 15 minutes workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• more possibly forthcoming