PITCH YOUR BOOK TO A LITERARY AGENT:
These virtual one-on-one meetings at the 2026 Online Chesapeake Writing Workshop are an amazing chance to pitch your book face-to-face online with an agent, and get personal, individual feedback on your pitch/concept. If the agent likes your pitch, they’ll request to see part/all of your book — sending you straight past the slush pile. It also gives you an intimate chance to meet with an agent and pick their brain with any questions on your mind. More 2026 agents to be announced as they are confirmed. You can sign up for pitches at any time, or switch pitches at any time, so long as the agent in question still has appointments open. Agent meetings are almost always on the Saturday of a virtual event — in this case, August 15, 2026. We have seen many, many writers sign with agents after connecting after our conferences.
Sarah N. Fisk is a literary agent with The Tobias Literary Agency, and is open to pitches for young adult of all genres, middle grade of all genres, adult romance, science fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction, and select nonfiction. They also take pitches for mysteries and thrillers via conferences only. Sarah especially loves fiction that is compulsively readable and social justice issues woven into commercial plots. Particular areas of interest include atmospheric fantasies, speculative mysteries, books that challenge societal norms, especially gender norms. Learn more about Sarah here.
Paul S. Levine is a literary agent and the founder of Paul S. Levine Literary. He is also an attorney. His fiction interests include adventure novels, mainstream fiction, mysteries, romance, thrillers, and women’s fiction. His nonfiction interests include business/commerce, pop culture, how-to, self-help, politics/law, relationships, and sports. With almost 40 years of experience in the entertainment and book industries, Levine is one of the few lawyers on the West coast who also understands the world of book publishing; as such, he is able to act as both literary agent and publishing attorney for his clients. Learn more about Paul 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.
Victoria Harris (they/them/theirs) is a literary agent with The Caldwell Agency. “I’m primarily seeking adult literary and upmarket fiction, particularly stories that feature LGBTQ+ and BIPOC characters. I’m also open to literary-leaning queer romance, soft sci-fi, and historical fiction set in the recent past. When it comes to nonfiction, I’m interested in memoirs.” She is drawn to: LGBTQ+ characters, BIPOC characters, mentally ill characters, neurodivergent characters, chronically ill and physically disabled characters, characters who’ve had difficult childhoods, characters who are repressed, characters who’ve felt like an outsider for their whole life, chosen family, friends to lovers, pining, late-stage coming of age stories, and dysfunctional family dynamics. Learn more about Victoria here.
Katie Monson is a literary agent with SBR Media. In YA/adult fiction, she is seeking hilarious rom-coms with a 90’s feel; epic love stories (I want to swoon along with the FMC); women’s fiction with a romantic subplot that does not end happily; jaw-dropping psychological thrillers; and book club fiction. In middle grade and young adult fiction, she is seeking coming of age, new experiences, and humor. She is generally looking for great hooks, jaw dropping plot twists, slow burn romance, laugh out loud funny, banter between characters is always a plus! She is not a good fit for anything in the fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, or nonfiction genres. She is also not looking for picture books at the moment. Learn more about Katie here.
Frannie Dove is a literary agent at The Caldwell Agency. “I love books that change and challenge the way we interact with the world, especially stories that explore the margins of the history books. I’m eager to champion stories that stir book club conversation, inspire readers to engage with their local communities, and bring people together around the dinner table. Genres I seek: historical fiction, narrative history, historical fantasy, comedic mystery, book club fiction, genre bended and blended fiction (especially with some history), science for the non-scientist, essays with wisdom to share, and memoir with a strong narrative arc.” Learn more about Frannie here.
Annie Bomke is a literary agent with Annie Bomke Literary Agency. She represents a wide variety of adult and YA fiction and nonfiction, including commercial and literary fiction, upmarket fiction, mysteries (from hilarious cozies to gritty police procedurals and everything in between), historical fiction, women’s fiction, psychological thrillers, literary/psychological horror, self-help, business, health/diet, cookbooks, memoir, relationships, current events, psychology, and narrative nonfiction. Learn more about Annie here.
Marisa Zeppieri-Caruana is a literary agent with Strachan Literary Agency. In fiction, she seeks: debut fiction, romance, upmarket & commercial women’s fiction, upmarket mainstream fiction, apocalyptic, thrillers, fantasy, and upper young adult. In nonfiction, she seeks: memoir, narrative nonfiction, investigative journalism, platform-driven nonfiction, diet and health, Christian spirituality, inspirational, food and cookbooks, self-help and humor. She is particularly interested in finding nonfiction authors to build her client list and is only taking on a limited amount of fiction. Marisa is currently seeking to champion new talent who create memorable characters with unforgettable words, and she has a soft spot for writers in marginalized communities and persons with disabilities. Learn more about Marisa here.
Jessica Larios-Zarate is a literary agent with Wave Literary. In regards to fiction, Jessica gravitates towards: commercial fiction, contemporary upmarket fiction, literary fiction, mystery/thrillers, and speculative fiction. She is particularly invested in stories that feature LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, neurodivergent, and/or disabled protagonists, especially when the books are not issue-driven. As for nonfiction, Jessica is interested in: narrative nonfiction and historical nonfiction. In terms of historical nonfiction, she seeks: Ancient History, Historical Expeditions, Civil Rights Movements, and Indigenous History Books; no War History, please. Learn more about Jessica here.
Rachel Beck is a literary agent with Liza Dawson Associates. In fiction, she seeks upmarket/book club women’s fiction; smart contemporary romance and romcoms; historical fiction this side of World War II (dual timeline welcome); nongenre fiction; speculative fiction/magical realism; gripping thrillers/psychological or domestic suspense; and contemporary young adult. For selection nonfiction, she seeks narrative nonfiction, though always open to prescriptive as well. She also enjoys gifty pop culture books; cultural criticism books/essays, social justice issues, advocacy, politics, feminist material, etc.; narrative nonfiction by BIPOC writers, non-cishet authors, immigrants; career/personal growth/self-help books with new focus points; extreme underdog, survival, accomplishment or rising-from-poverty type stories; select health and wellness books (particularly rare or underrepresented conditions); books about athletes, particularly football players (or anything examining the NFL) and endurance athletes such as marathoners; select parenting books that bring something new to the conversation; books that explore cult life or extreme religion; 9/11 survival stories; anything about Anne Frank. Learn more about Rachel 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.” Things you should NOT pitch her include: nonfiction, poetry, children’s books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, screenplays, westerns, horror, nihilist, or erotic work. Learn more about Elisa here.
Arizona Bell is a literary agent with Rosecliff Literary. She’s seeking daring nonfiction that pushes boundaries and changes conversations. Arizona’s list centers on voice-driven narrative and creative nonfiction, big-idea books, high-stakes journalism with receipts, fresh slants on culture and creativity, and meaningful explorations of spirituality, religion, or philosophy. And yes—she’s also a sucker for anything astrology! At the core, she’s hunting for writing that tackles resilience, belief, and the human spirit under pressure, and does so with literary pizazz. Whether it’s a survival memoir that doubles as cultural critique, a narrative that blows open an underground world hiding in plain sight, or a political exposé that keeps you turning pages like a thriller—she wants true stories that refuse to look away. Learn more about Arizona here.
Kara Grajkowski is a literary agent with 3 Seas Literary Agency. “As an elementary classroom teacher turned elementary behavioral interventionist, I am always looking to expand my classroom library with high-interest, low-readability books. If I can see my students and their interests in the project, it is a good fit for my classroom and a better fit for my query box. Please send me #OwnVoices stories!” She seeks all types of middle grade and young adult books (with the exception of fantasy and time travel). She represents picture books, especially funny titles or those that highlight the beauty in diversity, community, and childhood. “I (very selectively) take new adult rom coms. Fresh takes on traditional narratives are a plus for me, but I really look for sharp, witty storytelling. In nonfiction, I would love any nonfiction about education/issues in schools or mental health/trauma. No memoirs, please!” Learn more about Kara 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.
Najla Mamou is a literary agent with Savvy Literary Services. In nonfiction, Najla gravitates towards narrative nonfiction, true crime, memoir, biography, identity, business/economics, leadership, and stories inspired by lesser known people, professions and crafts (builders, designers, architects), musicians/artists/creators, daredevils, athletes, etc. In fiction, she seeks adult and new adult. She is prioritizing realistic sci fi thriller, military sci fi, unique sleuth mystery, intergenerational stories, strong female leads, migration/immigration, underrepresented protagonists (especially from marginalized communities), stories set in distant futures wanting to return to Earth and experiencing humanity, alternating timelines, backwards timelines, or dual timeline that interweaves a present-day investigation with a historical crime. In both fiction and nonfiction, she seeks underrepresented stories and writers across all genres. She is not requesting young adult, middle grade or children’s. Learn more about Najla here.
Michelle Z. Jackson is a literary agent with The Jackson Literary Agency. Michelle is on the hunt for writers with a strong voice and masterful descriptive writing, stories with memorable characters, a great premise, a twist on an old tale and original concepts. In adult fiction, she seeks: Commercial, Historical, Humor, New Adult, Romance, Thriller, Women’s Fiction, Literary (subgenres: Contemporary Romance, Inspirational, Multicultural, Psychological Thrillers, Romantic Comedy) In young adult fiction, she seeks: Contemporary, Historical, Christian, Romance. Learn more about Michelle here.
Kaylyn Aldridge is a literary agent at Metamorphosis Literary. She seeks young adult, new adult, and adult fiction across the following categories: romance (all heat levels welcome); coming-of-age stories; LGBTQ+ fiction; and commercial fiction. She especially enjoys: Black stories and LGBTQ+ stories not centered around trauma; dark, weird, and offbeat stories (think Jennifer’s Body, Ginger Snaps, Fresh, or Teeth); unique takes on classic stories; paranormal romances (vampires, werewolves, ghosts, etc.). Learn more about Kaylyn here.
Syrone Harvey is a literary agent at Belcastro Agency and also a children’s book author. In Adult, YA and Middle Grade Fiction, she is eagerly seeking diverse, underrepresented voices and perspectives, stories with strong, distinct and multi-dimensional characters, compelling stories of friendships, coming-of-age, emotional angst, family saga. Throw in a little fun, adventure, humor, edginess and stories that are overall engaging. In Children’s she is seeking books filled with humor, whimsy, are heartfelt, offer make-me-giggle storytelling, and absolutely crazy fun. Areas of interest- BIPOC Literature, Book Club, Children’s, Commercial, Contemporary, Family Saga, General, Humor, Literary, Middle Grade, New Adult, Picture Books, Inspiration, Romance, Romcom, Women’s Fiction, and Young Adult. Learn more about Syrone here.
Carrie Howland Yellin is a literary agent and founder of Howland Literary, LLC. She is a twenty-year veteran in the publishing industry. She worked for fourteen years as a literary agent at two New York City based agencies before founding her eponymous agency, Howland Literary, LLC in 2018. Carrie now calls Southwest Michigan home! Carrie holds a B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Albion College, where she was the Poetry Editor of The Albion Review. Her poetry has appeared in various literary journals and magazines. Carrie’s passions include music, pop culture, parenting, counseling and psychology, and the Midwest. She has been featured in several publications discussing her work as an agent including Poets & Writers, SCBWI insight, Akashic Books, and Slice Magazine. In addition to her work as an agent, Carrie is a longtime animal rescue volunteer, having fostered and found permanent homes for over one hundred fifty dogs to date. She is also a member of the Junior League and an alumna of Delta Gamma Sorority. When not spending time with her husband and son, Carrie teaches group fitness classes at Pure Barre. Carrie is accepting submissions for: adult literary and upmarket fiction, contemporary romance, short story collections, prescriptive nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, and essay collections. Learn more about Carrie here.
Madelyn Chimento is a literary agent with Betancourt Literary. Madelyn holds a Bachelor of Science in English and Creative Writing and has a keen interest in literary and upmarket fiction. She is particularly drawn to coming-of-age narratives, complex female relationships, and psychologically driven stories. She brings an editorial mindset shaped by rigorous writing and editing coursework and is especially interested in stories with sharp prose and distinctive voices. About the agency: “At Betancourt Literary, we believe powerful storytelling deserves powerful support. Our agency is dedicated to representing bold voices and unforgettable narratives.” Learn more about Madelyn here.
Emma Fulenwider is a literary agent with Wordserve Literary. She’s looking for adult nonfiction books that are nerdy, helpful, and true. Emma likes working with thought leaders called to contribute their respectful insights into the problems we’re facing, and the ones we’re avoiding. Emma is a book junkie. She believes that writing is a form of self-care, publishing is about serving others, and yes you have to have a platform. Learn more about Emma here.
Julia Kim is a literary agent with The Rights Factory. Julia is looking for literary fiction, upmarket fiction, and select genre fiction (crime, mystery, speculative, horror, historical). She is also open to other genres and categories (romance, thriller, science fiction, fantasy, YA) by authors from BIPOC and historically underrepresented groups. She is seeking a wide range of nonfiction topics including history, politics, current affairs, women’s issues, self-help, travel, true crime, psychology, biography and memoir, health and fitness, food and lifestyle, architecture and design, art and culture, film and TV, pop culture. Learn more about Julia here.
Gina Panettieri is a literary agent with Talcott Notch. “I have such trouble limiting myself to just a few genres. I find it all fascinating! History, business, self-help, science, gardening, cookbooks, crafts, parenting, memoir, true crime and travel. Teach me something new, something I couldn’t find somewhere else, something based on original research and that’s the hook I’m looking for. With fiction, I love quirky, edgy characters. Send me women’s fiction, paranormal, urban fantasy, horror, science fiction, historical, mystery, thrillers and suspense. Learn more about Gina here.
Tara Kimberly is a literary with D4E0 Literary. She seeks: Romantasy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, New Adult, Young Adult, Romance & Dark Romance. Tara is interested in primarily Romantasy (adult and young adult and new adult) with a focus on strong female characters and all consuming stories. She is a self diagnosed Romantasy addict and loves diving into lush worlds with complex characters and messy interpersonal relationships that teach us about our own lives. Learn more about Tara here.
Shelly Romero is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. She is seeking: science fiction; speculative fiction; horror (almost all subgenres & especially for all age categories); Honduran authors; stories by Latine/x authors from Central America and the Caribbean (including Afro-Latine & Indigenous Latine stories); playing with formatting such as mixed-media & epistolary novels that give the story a “found footage” type of vibe; anything comped to Guillermo del Toro, David Cronenberg, Clive Barker, John Carpenter, or Wes Craven; Catholic horror; gothic romance; grounded fantasy; midwestern gothic; southern gothic; vampires; Jewish stories especially if they are intersectional with BIPOC and/or queer characters; thrillers/mysteries (with non-cop protagonists); commercial fiction; slice-of-life a la One Tree Hill, OG Gossip Girl, The Sandlot, Real Women Have Curves, What We Do in the Shadows; historical fiction set during: Regency, Edwardian, & Victorian eras; post-WWII; 80s – 00s…but featuring BIPOC and/or queer characters; adult erotic fiction, especially featuring BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA characters in kink spaces; set during college and non-college bound post-high school. Learn more about Shelly here.
Leticia Gomez is the editorial director for Kensington Books and Dafina. Leticia is the Editorial Director for Dafina Books, an imprint of Kensington Publishing Corp., which focuses on high-quality fiction and nonfiction that centers on race, identity, and its impact on our experiences. Launched in 2000 as the first African-American imprint, Dafina has led the market for more than twenty years in highlighting voices of color. Leticia is actively seeking to acquire multicultural fiction and nonfiction of all genres, including literary fiction, commercial fiction, historical fiction, romance, mystery, and narrative nonfiction of all genres with a focus on authors of color (BIPOC) hailing from all walks of life, as well as specific nonfiction projects for marginalized communities. As a literary agent, Savvy Literary is now an industry leader specializing in Self-help, Narrative Nonfiction, Memoir, True Crime, Spiritual/Inspirational, Political/Current Affairs, Suspense/Thriller, Family Drama, and the Young Adult market. Championing the work of minority writers continues to be a top priority for the agency. Blending her experience as an author, literary/film/television agent and acquisition editor, she is truly excited to spearhead her very own Hispanic book imprint Café con Leche Books. Learn more about Leticia here.
Jennifer Irons is the Founder of META Talent Agency. META’s mission is to help remedy inequitable access to agent representation for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC). Jennifer’s agency is specifically seeking to help writers adapt short stories for film and TV. She is also open to having 10-minute consultations with all attendees and writers to answers questions about the process of how print (stories, books) gets adapted to the screen (TV/film). She is also happy to just have Q&A sessions with any attendees. Learn more about Jennifer here.
Shania Soler is a literary agent with Metamorphosis Literary. She is seeking: novels in the fantasy genre or romance WITH SPICE; for fantasy, I’m interested in more than just the romance that two characters have (intricate political and/or magic systems and complex character backstories); for contemporary romance, I’m looking for things that take me off the beaten path (think Butcher & Blackbird or Haunting Adeline); horror (young adult, new adult, & adult); mythology (young adult, new adult, & adult); magical realism (young adult, new adult, & adult); and historical fiction. Learn more about Shania here.
Nicole Payne is a literary agent with Confluence Literary. “In general, I represent young adult and adult fiction novels, preferably in romance, women’s fiction, literary fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, and speculative fiction. They hold a special place in my heart. As I slowly delve into nonfiction, I would love to see more science-based books, especially biology and forensic, as well as medicine, travel, and cookbooks in my queue. I’m also actively seeking diverse voices and stories across the board. Give me all the books!” Learn more about Nicole here.
Hailey Stephens is a literary agent with Rosecliff Literary. In general, Hailey is only looking for Adult novels, but she will selectively take on Middle Grade books if the manuscript will inspire a passion for reading. She would also love to champion authors from rural areas, especially authors from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and/or any other community that tends to be overlooked in rural areas. (This doesn’t mean the manuscript itself has to be based in a rural setting, although she always appreciates a good rural horror.) For Literary, Upmarket, and Contemporary fiction, Hailey wants vivid stories that pull the reader in right away, immersing them in the work the author has created. For thriller and horror, she wants stories that linger in the corners of the mind, with characters that feel like they’re in the room with the reader (for better or worse). Hailey will also selectively take on Adult Romance, and is hopeful there are still love story tropes out there that can be discovered or re-explored in a way that redefines the genre. In nonfiction, she is looking for both trade and literary proposals. She is especially interested in memoirs that play with the concept of time and structure. Learn more about Hailey here.
Bethany Jett is a literary agent with MacGregor & Luedeke. She seeks a variety of adult fiction, adult nonfiction, Christian works, and children’s picture books. In adult fiction, she seeks: psychological thriller, domestic thriller, suspense, cozy mysteries, historical, book club / upmarket, women’s fiction, romantic comedy, historical romance, romantic suspense, Regency romance, and magical realism. In adult nonfiction, she seeks cookbooks, how-to, self-help, Christian living, lifestyle, home & garden, gift, Bible studies. In children’s picture books, she leans heavily toward 1) Highly commercial concepts with strong hook appeal, like How to Babysit a Grandpa or How to Catch a Unicorn; and 2) Classic, literary-type prose or emotionally layered storytelling like BIG or The Rough Patch. Learn more about Bethany here.
Kim Carson Bodie is a literary agent with Susan Schulman Literary Agency. Kim is interested in reading adult commercial, upmarket, and literary fiction, horror, slipstream, bookclub-with-an-edge, creative nonfiction, pop culture, essay, and select memoir—particularly projects that feature strong voice, experimental structure, bold risks, and big swings. Kim gravitates toward themes of adolescence, monstrosity, class, innocence, memory, healing, freakishness, community, otherness, identity, the body, the natural world, and the concept of home. She will read anything that takes place at a carnival. Please keep in mind: She does not represent YA, MG, or children’s books. (She is open to new adult, though.) “I’m probably not the best fit for high fantasy or other speculative projects without grounded elements, in addition to pure romance or thrillers, with the exception of projects that use suspense as a tool to examine suprising social, scientific, cultural, or political elements of the world at large. I welcome #OwnVoices projects and am particularly interested in representing authors from diverse backgrounds.” Learn more about Kim here.
Elizabeth Guthrie is a literary agent with P.S. Literary. She is actively acquiring. In fiction, she is interested in fantasy, historical, romance (especially fantasy, historical, or LGBTQ), speculative, and psychological thrillers. In nonfiction, she is particularly drawn to true crime, music (almost any genre, but especially blues and classic rock), and history (especially ancient civilizations or intellectual history). She also likes expert-driven wellness, popular psychology, and other science-related ideas (especially in biology or physics). Learn more about Elizabeth here.
Mindi St. Peter is a literary manager at BAMbooks. In fiction, she seeks: action/adventure, children’s, commercial, crime, domestic thriller, erotica, family saga, fantasy, general, graphic novel, historical, horror, humor, LGBTQ, literary, middle grade, mystery, new adult, picture books, psychological thriller, romance, thriller, women’s fiction, young adult. In nonfiction, she seeks: humor, LGBTQ, memoir, pop culture. Favorite sub-genres: contemporary romance, contemporary YA, literary, middle grade, magical realism, narrative nonfiction, psychological thrillers. Learn more about Mindi here.
More 2026 agents/editors to be announced as they are confirmed. You can sign up for pitches at any time, or switch pitches at any time, so long as the agent in question still has appointments open. You can meet with as many agents & editors as like you wish.
These one-on-one virtual meetings are an amazing chance to pitch your book face-to-face with an agent, and get personal, individual feedback on your pitch/concept. If the agent likes your pitch, they’ll request to see part/all of your book — sending you straight past the slush pile.
It also gives you an intimate chance to meet with an agent and pick their brain with any questions on your mind. (Please note that Agent/Editor Pitching is an add-on, separate aspect of the day, for only those who sign up. Spaces are limited for these premium meetings.)