Whether you’re a first time author or are looking to build a literary career, finding the right agent is critical. A good agent will be a guide through the publishing process, and help you get your foot in the door.
Luckily, there are plenty of top agents out there who are looking to sign authors just like you. These agents have been around for years and have built their reputations with a combination of experience and grit.
Meredith Bernstein Agency
The Meredith Bernstein Agency is a boutique literary agency that represents both new and established authors in both fiction and non-fiction. The agency is also known for its personalized and interactive relationships with their authors. They are currently accepting manuscripts in the genres of fiction, women's fiction, memoir, cultural criticism, and historical fiction.
The agency was founded by Meredith Bernstein in 1990 and has a reputation for providing personalized and interactive representation. She has represented a number of well-known authors, including P.C. Cast and her daughter, Kristin Cast, co-authors of the House of Night series; crime novelist Nancy Pickard; best-selling romance writer Sharon Sala; and more.
She is a member of the Authors Guild, Women's Media Group, Association of American Literary Agents (AALA), and George Eastman Circle. She is always on the lookout for new writers.
As a former clerical assistant in the publishing industry, Meredith has an eye for spotting talent and has developed a strong relationship with her clients. She has represented many of the top bestselling books, and is committed to helping her clients succeed in their writing careers.
This literary agency is located in San Diego and represents authors from all over the world. It is passionate about finding new voices and is always on the lookout for writers from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
They are particularly interested in books about women's issues, psychology, business, travel, fashion, inspiration, and humor. They are looking for unique voices and creative ideas, and are particularly fond of personal memoirs.
This is one of the oldest literary agencies in the country, and it's also one of the most successful, with over 40 titles published per year. It has a wealth of experience in the book industry and has a team of nine agents. The agency specializes in literary fiction, young adult, and women's fiction.
Sanford J. Greenburger Associates
Founded in 1932, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates is a prestigious literary agency with a long and storied tradition of representing writers such as Dan Brown, Brad Thor, and Tad Williams. The firm also represents a wide range of non-fiction authors.
Among its earliest clients were Jean-Paul Sartre, Franz Kafka, and Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Today, the agency continues to build on that prestigious legacy by providing representation to contemporary authors and emerging voices.
With a staff of more than 50, SJGA has a reputation as a prestige launch pad for literary agents and book editors. Many of its agents began their publishing careers as assistants or junior agents at SJGA, and several high-level editors have also joined the agency's team.
The agency offers a unique collaboration between agents, who freely share information and expertise to help clients improve their books. This partnership is a key factor in SJGA's success as an agency, and the success of its authors.
SJGA represents a wide range of genres, from teen fiction to young adult novels and memoirs, to adult literary novels, historical fiction, children's books, and even foreign rights. They work closely with their clients to edit their proposals and refine their concepts, ensuring that their clients' books get the attention of editors.
Matt has worked as a literary agent for over two decades and currently works with a diverse list of writers. He specializes in fantasy, science fiction, and thrillers but also represents literary and upmarket fiction and smart narrative nonfiction, including popular culture, history, biography, music, and sports. He also loves working with writers who explore social, cultural, and political issues through their writing. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and traveling with his wife, Sarah, and their daughter.
David Black Literary Agency
One of the oldest and largest literary agencies in New York, the David Black Agency has been around for close to thirty years. They represent authors at every stage of the publication process, from conceptual and editorial guidance to domestic and international sales and merchandising.
They have an impressive list of clients, including prize winners and New York Times best sellers. The agency is known for their attention to detail and commitment to their writers’ success long after their contract is signed.
The agency’s top shelf is stocked with award-winning and upmarket fiction, as well as a healthy dose of non-fiction that’s both thoughtful and unselfconscious. They’re also big on the science of writing, ensuring they’re getting their clients the most out of their work.
In the world of book publishing, it’s no secret that Brooklyn is the place to be. It’s home to more than a handful of the city’s biggest and most innovative literary agents, as well as several small boutique publishers.
However, you might be surprised to find that there are actually very few resources available online that can provide you with all of the important information you need to make an informed decision about which agency is right for your project. That’s where our free and comprehensive directory of literary agencies comes in. Simply enter your name and email address to get the details on more than 1,100 literary agents. It’s the most up to date and accurate list in the industry, with no hidden fees.
Dystel & Goderich
Dystel & Goderich is one of the top literary agencies in the world, with an excellent reputation. Their agents represent a wide range of genres, including fiction and nonfiction. They also offer strong editorial support, and they have a lot of satisfied clients.
Jane Dystel, president of Dystel & Goderich, has been an agent since 1986 and has worked at several publishing houses. She has a long list of clients, from best-selling authors to award-winning editors. She has a reputation for honesty, forthrightness, hard work, and real commitment to her authors and their writing careers.
Miriam Goderich is a partner at Dystel & Goderich, and she has been in the industry for over twenty-five years. She works closely with Jane to generate book ideas, help develop book proposals, place projects with publishing companies, and negotiate all contracts pertaining to publishing and subsidiary rights.
In addition, she is an insightful editor and is responsible for discovering many first novels. She also has extensive experience in developing nonfiction projects and taking them from the conceptual stage to publication. She is interested in a variety of subjects, including literary and commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, psychology, history, science, art, and business books.
Dystel & Goderich offers a full range of services, including selling, negotiating contracts, collecting monies for their clients, and providing strong editorial support. They have an office in New York and Los Angeles, and they are ranked one of the top literary agencies in the industry.
Harvey Klinger Agency
Founded in 1977, Harvey Klinger Agency is one of the top literary agents. They represent both fiction and nonfiction for a variety of audiences, including middle grade to adult. They work with authors from all genres and offer a variety of services, including writing and editing help and book publicity campaigns. Their list of authors includes many New York Times and USA Today bestsellers, as well as winners of the American Library Association’s Alex Award and Lambda Literary Awards. They also have extensive relationships with co-agents who specialize in international publishing and film rights.
Get free access to complete profiles of all literary agents at Harvey Klinger Agency and other top boutique agencies by signing up for the Directory of Literary Agents(tm). Just enter your name and email address in the form on this page. You’ll soon receive a link to the database, which is updated and filled with accurate information about every literary agent. It’s the only online resource you need to find your perfect literary agent! Then you can start your search for your next novel or memoir!