Agents and Editors
Nephele Tempest of the Knight Agency:
- literary/commercial fiction
- Women's fiction
- Urban fantasy/paranormal
- Romantic suspense
- Contemporary romance
- Historical fiction
- Science fiction
- Young adult fiction.
In addition to her work as a literary agent, Nephele has extensive experience in editing, marketing and the financial aspects of publishing. She is currently building her client list and will be doing pitch sessions for $15/10 minute meeting. She will not be pre-reading any submissions prior to the conference or requesting hard copies during pitch sessions, rather she will request electronic submissions following the conference if you both agree she would be a good fit for your story. She suggests you bring notes to better help you pitch your story and ask her questions about her agency and the overall market. To learn more about Nephele, go to http://www.knightagency.net/about_us/ or http://nephele.livejournal.com/
Laura Rennert, a senior agent for the Andrea Brown Literacy Agency:
(an * indicates this genre is of particular interest)
- Picture books
- Middle grade *
- Young Adult *
- Urban Fantasy
- Gothic or neo-gothic novels
- Literary fiction
- Crossover fiction (works that come out in the YA market and cross into the adult market, or vice versa)
- Mysteries
- Thrillers
- Muliti-cultural
- Suspense
- Narrative nonfiction.
Krista Marino, a Senior Editor at Delacorte Press/Random House:
Krista Marino acquires and edits Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction for Delecorte Press. Recent books she has edited include KING DORK by Frank Portman as well as Portman's newest novel ANDROMEDA KLEIN. All three books-THE ALCHEMYST, THE MAGICIAN, and THE SORCERESS-in The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series by Michael Scott, THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH by Carrie Ryan, and THE MAZE RUNNER by James Dashner.
Krista will be doing manuscript reviews for $20/10 minute meeting. She will pre-read your 5 page submissions prior to the conference so that she is better prepared to discuss specific aspects of your story. Submission information will be sent to attendees upon registering for a manuscript review.
Kirk Shaw, editor at Covenant Communications:
Kirk L. Shaw is an editor for Covenant Communications. He has also worked for Boston publisher David R. Godine and edited for the scientific journal Western North American Naturalist. During his career, he has produced and edited fiction (in many genres), memoirs, historical, art, gardening, gift, technical, and doctrinal books. His freelance clients include corporations, publishers, and individuals, including Delphi (Internet) founder Wes Kussmaul. He enjoys writing short stories and especially relishes reading speculative fiction, historical novels, New England poetry, young adult, post-apocalyptic, and dystopia novels.
- Suspense
- Historical
- Romance
- Adventure
- Gift book
- Inspirational/doctrinal nonfiction that would suit an LDS audience.
Lisa Mangum, editor at Deseret Book:
Lisa Mangum has worked for Deseret Book Publishing since 1997 and is currently an Assistant Editor. Deseret Book is looking for:
- High quality LDS fiction (children's, YA, and adult)
- Non-fiction (inspiration, self-help, and doctrine)
- Cookbooks.
Deseret Book is always open to consider new ideas and products. Lisa will be doing pitch sessions for $15/10 minute meeting. Lisa will not be pre-reading manuscripts prior to meeting with attendees, so be prepared to give her a verbal pitch as well as the first five pages.
*Please keep in mind that having your full manuscript requested is not the primary goal of meeting with an editor/agent. The primary goal of these meetings is to learn from industry professionals and receive specific feedback in regard to your book so as to better prepare you for the submission phase of your writing career. On average, less than 20% of pitch/review sessions result in a request from the agent/editor to read more.