Ariana Philips is a literary agent with Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency.

Ariana began at JVNLA as an intern in 2011 and joined the agency full-time in the summer of 2012. She handles audio, permissions, and assists with the submission of JVNLA’s titles for translation and for film/TV.

She is now actively building her own client list and her interests include adult literary and commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, and the latest and greatest in culinary talent.

In adult fiction, she is interested in literary and commercial fiction, particularly upmarket women’s fiction, family sagas, stories with unique family dynamics, and historical hooks. She is drawn to gritty stories that have a strong authentic voice, a well-crafted plot, and carefully developed characters. She’s also seeking smart and funny romantic comedies, both for the adult and YA market.

In nonfiction, she is interested in a wide range of narrative and prescriptive nonfiction with a strong platform. Specifically, she’s on the hunt for pop-culture, popular history and science, lifestyle, travel, humor, illustrated gift books, true crime, sports, social issues, and literary memoirs. She is also interested in cookbooks, food narratives, and culinary histories from around the world. She loves to find new talent and work with her clients to develop strong proposals.

In the YA category, she is interested in contemporary books with a strong hook and voice. She wants stories that will make her cry and laugh—sometimes at the same time.