Literary Representation

To be considered for literary representation we like to see a full proposal for your book idea. Check out our submissions page for more information.

Since 2000, we have been offering personalized, detail-oriented literary services to veteran authors and newcomers alike. Our agency represents more than 150 authors — many of whom have published multiple books — and numerous leading publishers, both national and international.

We specialize in cookbooks and food-related titles, and represent a number of food narrative, health, and women’s non-fiction topics as well. All foreign rights and inquiries are handled by Jennifer Weltz of the JVN Literary Agency in New York City.

We are a full member of the Association of American Literary Agents.

What a Literary Agent Does:

Here are a few of the key responsibilities we assume as an agent:

  • Provide constructive advice when analyzing prospective works, proposals, and manuscripts

  • Match clients with editors who are looking for specific projects

  • Analyze industry trends, in order to approach the most appropriate publishers

  • Consult on the “readiness” of each proposal, providing suggestions for revision based on feedback we receive from editors

  • Create a plan and timeline for proposal submission

  • Negotiate publishing contracts to reflect the best possible terms and conditions, with respect to an author’s advance, subsidiary and electronic rights, royalties, options, copyrights, style, format, promotion, publicity, and marketing

  • Sell sub-rights as applicable

  • Respond promptly and reliably through the entire publishing process

  • Believe in each and every client

Simply put, the literary agent’s role is to represent you, your book, and your best interests. Your agent is the first person to truly understand what makes your idea and vision of your book special, conveys that message to the appropriate editor, and eventually sells your book to a publisher. Agents know the ins and outs, the players and the field. By having representation, it tells an editor that you and your idea have already been vetted by a professional who thinks enough of you and your book project to “take you on.”

We continually work with both established authors and new voices to develop ideas. These ideas either originate from an author or they start out as a concept that a publisher has initiated. Agents are often called to find “the right author for a project.” Make sure your agent knows all your areas of expertise. An agent offers significant value to your project with their knowledge of industry traditions and trends, as well as working relationships with today’s editors and publishing houses. Advice, recommendations, inspiration, and consolation are also necessary components of a strong author-agent relationship. Think of your agent as a combination pitch woman, negotiator, and parent — which includes nurturing and nagging! Find the person you work best with, someone who is accessible, responsive, and reliable; and most of all, someone you trust.

Not sure where to start? Check out Where to Begin in Publishing.