After successful previous events in California and around the country, Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The 2025 California Writing Workshop — an online “How to Get Published” two-day writing event on June 13-14, 2025. (Writers are welcome to attend virtually from everywhere and anywhere.)

This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited online “seats” at the event (200 total). All questions about the event regarding schedule, details and registration are answered below. Thank you for your interest in the 2025 California Writing Workshop!

(ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The 2025 CWW is an Online Conference, on June 13-14. Online events are easy and awesome, and the virtual events we’ve done thus far have received wonderful feedback. You do not have to be tech-savvy to do this, and understand we are keeping all aspects of a traditional in-person event, including one-on-one agent & editor pitching, which will now be done by Zoom or phone. Learn all details about what it means to have a writers conference online.)

To register, click the button above, or email Brian at WDWconference@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the California event.

WHAT IS IT?

This is a special two-day “How to Get Published” online writing workshop on June 13-14, 2025. In other words, it’s two days full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome. And even though this is the “California” Writing Workshop, make no mistake — writers from everywhere are welcome to attend virtually. Our WDW writers conferences have helped dozens of writers find literary agent representation — see our growing list of success stories here.

This event is designed to squeeze as much into two days of learning as possible. You can ask any questions you like during the online classes, and get your specific concerns addressed. We will have literary agents online to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well. This year’s 2025 CWW agent & editor faculty so far includes:

• literary agent Brenna English-Loeb (Transatlantic Agency)
• literary agent Jen Newens (Martin Literary Management)
• literary agent Carleen Giesler (P.S. Literary)
• literary agent Cathie Hedrick Armstrong (Marsal Lyon Literary)
• literary agent Katie Erickson (Jennifer De Chiara Literary)
• literary agent Shannon Lechon (Azantian Literary)
• literary agent Syrone Harvey (Belcastro Agency)
• literary agent Maeve MacLysaght (Aevitas Creative Management)
• literary scout Shania Soler (Metamorphosis Literary)
• literary agent Katie Monson (SBR Media)
• literary agent Brooke Mondor (Miller Bowers Griffin)
• literary scout Rae Loverde (Donald Maass Literary Agency)
• literary agent Elizabeth Kracht (Kimberley Cameron & Associates)
• literary agent Jessica Berg (Rosecliff Literary)
• literary agent A.J. Van Belle (Booker Albert Literary)
• literary agent Amanda Carbonell (Belcastro Agency)
• literary agent Nadia Lynch (Talcott Notch)
• literary agent Alexandra Grana (Corvisiero Literary)
• literary agent Liv Ivanov (Creative Media Agency)
• literary agent Katie Reed (Andrea Hurst Literary)
• literary agent Rebecca Angus (Howland Literary)
• literary agent Paul Levine (Paul Levine Literary)
• literary agent Gina Panettieri (Talcott Notch)
• literary agent Haley Casey (Creative Media Agency)
• literary agent Natasha Mihell (The Rights Factory)
• literary agent Thais Afonso (Azantian Literary)
• literary agent Hannah Andrade (Bradford Literary)
• literary agent Eric Smith (Neighborhood Literary)
• literary agent Mindi St. Peter (BAMbooks)
• literary agent Jessica Larios-Zarate (Wave Literary)
• literary agent James Mustelier (The Bent Agency)
• literary agent Reiko Davis (Defiore)
• literary agent Sandy Lu (Book Wyrm Literary)
• literary agent Ritu Anand (D4E0 Literary)
• literary agent Leslie Varney (Prentis Literary)
• literary agent Jane Chun (Transatlantic Agency)
• literary agent Rebecca Lawrence (Booker Albert Literary)
• and possibly more agents to come.

By the end of the day, you will have all the tools you need to move forward on your writing journey. This independent event is organized by coordinator Brian Klems of Writing Day Workshops.

To register, click the button above, or email Brian at WDWconference@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the California event.

EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:

(ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The 2025 CWW is an Online Conference, on June 13-14. Online events are easy and awesome, and the virtual events we’ve done thus far have received wonderful feedback. You do not have to be tech-savvy to do this, and understand we are keeping all aspects of a traditional in-person event, including one-on-one agent & editor pitching, which will now be done by Zoom or phone. Learn all details about what it means to have a writers conference online.)

THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (JUNE 13-14, 2025):

What you see below is a quick layout of the day’s events. See a full layout of the day’s sessions, with detailed descriptions, on the official Schedule Page here.

Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with Saturday sessions. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:

FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2025

9:30 – 10:30: How an Acquisitions Editor Reads and Examines Your Manuscript.This talk will guide you through what editors are thinking about as they read your manuscript and consider acquiring it. This peek behind the curtain can help you determine where to send your work, how to present it, and whether you want revise further before sending it out.

10:45 – 11:45: Shoot for the Moon: How to Find Direction and Aim High with Your Book’s Marketing Plan. This class will explain how to leverage social media, networking, and reviews to get momentum behind your title and establish your brand as a successful author.

11:45 – 1:15: Break

1:15 – 2:30: The Way You Make Me Feel: Writing Emotion in Fiction and Nonfiction. In this craft talk, we’ll examine stories and essays that get emotion right so we can see how it works. We’ll consider elements such as restraint, the use of concrete details, psychic distance, internal narrative vs. observable response, pacing, word choice, and the importance of setting.

2:45 – 3:45: Using Business Strategy to Select Your Next Project. Writers often have a lot of different ideas, but how do you choose which to dedicate time to next?

4:00 – 5:00: Methods for Revising. This course takes a look at the different layers of self-revising you can do once a manuscript draft is complete — to ensure you’re feeling your best about the project before submitting to agents & editors.

* * * * *

SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2025

9:30 – 10:30: Publishing 101. In this seminar, an experienced literary agent will offer an overview of the publishing process, spotlighting the different paths to publication for fiction and nonfiction writers, and demystify the role of the agent.

10:45 – 11:45: Query Letter Secrets. Querying literary agents can be a daunting process. Get an agent’s insider perspective on all the difficult questions.

11:45 – 1:15: Break

1:15 – 2:30: “Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest, with participating literary agents and editors. In the vein of “American Idol” or “America’s Got Talent,” this is a chance to get your first page read (anonymously — no bylines given) with attending agents commenting on what was liked or not liked about the submission.

2:45 – 3:45: Open Agent Q&A Panel. Several attending literary agents will open themselves up to open Q&A from CWW attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.

4:00 – 5:00: How to Beat Writer’s Block. This workshop will help writers tame their muse, overcome their fear of writing, and treat writing like it’s the job they want it to be.

Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with Saturday sessions. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:

(What you see here is a quick layout of the day’s events. See a full layout of the day’s sessions, with detailed descriptions, on the official Schedule Page here.)

Agent & Editor Pitching: All throughout the day.

PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:

Sandy Lu [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with Book Wyrm Literary Agency. In fiction, she seeks: literary and commercial fiction, mystery, thriller, suspense, science fiction, fantasy, horror, historical fiction, family saga, upmarket women’s fiction, and YA. In nonfiction, she seeks: narrative nonfiction, history, biography, science, business, psychology, pop culture, and food writing. Sandy especially loves historical fiction and anything dark, twisted, or with a supernatural bent. In nonfiction, she’s looking for projects that can make connections about different topics in an unexpected way, explicate complex research for a general audience, introduce the reader to cutting-edged science or previously little known historical facts and figures, teach us new ways to think or clever skills that can improve our daily life, and expand our knowledge and understanding of the world—past, present, and future. Learn more about Sandy here.

Nadia Lynch is a literary agent with Talcott Notch. “I am interested in upmarket, literary, historical, young adult, and women’s fiction, especially narratives that showcase resilient female protagonists. While these genres anchor my reading repertoire, I’m invigorated by books that push boundaries and challenge my perspectives. In nonfiction, I enjoy delving into subjects that expand my understanding. History, philosophy, alternative medicine, and self-improvement books are among my preferred genres, each offering a unique lens to explore and absorb new insights.” Learn more about Nadia here.

Jen Newens is a literary agent with Martin Literary Management. A subject matter expert in food and drink titles, Jen spent two decades as a cookbook editor and writer (she even went to culinary school!). She’s experienced in working with celebrity chefs, business owners, cooking brands, and food bloggers, as well as accomplished home cooks. In Children’s/ Middle Grade / Young Adult / Graphic Novels, things she enjoys includes: books that portray historically excluded voices, disability, neurodivergent characters, LGBTQ topics; regional books with national crossover potential; author/illustrators with strong storytelling skills and a clear vision; children’s activity books; quirky and humorous stories; and cat content (she’s crazy for cats). In adult books, she seeks nonfiction regarding: cooking (trends, chef books, food bloggers); drinks; health and wellness; lifestyle; and self-help. Learn more about Jen here.

Brenna English-Loeb [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with Transatlantic Agency. For nonfiction: Brenna is looking for serious, groundbreaking sociological work that holds our culture up to a magnifying glass, propulsive narrative nonfiction, and accounts of historical events and people that deserve to be better known. For fiction: Brenna is looking for adult fantasy, science fiction, and mystery queries. In every genre she prioritizes beautiful writing, exciting characters, and thought-provoking world building. She gravitates towards relationship-driven plots with personal stakes, and she loves stories with a sense of fun and adventure, even if they’re tackling serious subjects. She is specifically looking for upmarket commercial works in the following subgenres: contemporary fantasy, secondary world fantasy, gothic fantasy, high concept space opera, horror, and modern-day classic mystery. And in all categories, she is always looking for works by authors from underrepresented groups and identities. Learn more about Brenna 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.

Haley Casey [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency. In adult fiction & nonfiction, she seeks: Women’s Fiction; Book Club Fiction; Romance (Bring me your tropes!); Contemporary; Paranormal; Nonfiction; Narrative nonfiction; Cultural, LGBTQ+ and Women’s Issues. In Young Adult, she seeks: Contemporary; Mystery/Horror; Fantasy; (Light) Science Fiction;  Dystopian; and Nonfiction. In Middle Grade, she seeks: Contemporary; Mystery; Fantasy; Science Fiction; and Dystopian. I especially love anything that focuses on minority voices, including POC, LGBTQ+, disability, and mental health issues. Send me thoughtful and meaningful magical realism for any age group; manuscripts with nuanced character relationships; unique urban fantasies; clever fairytale retellings; and reimagined classics (such as Jane Austen or The Count of Monte Cristo). Learn more about Haley here.

James Mustelier [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with The Bent Agency. I’m looking for a range of commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction. In all genres (but particularly in literary fiction) I prize economical prose, complex characters, steadily building tension, narrative gravity, and the momentary relief of dark humor, even (or especially) amid dire circumstances. In commercial fiction I’m looking for compact horror and mysteries with big hooks and intricate plotting. In sci-fi and fantasy I’m drawn to stories that are grounded in reality and have high stakes that touch on contemporary issues — more speculative fiction and alternate histories than high fantasy or space opera. In nonfiction I’m looking for books that give me a vivid look into subcultures and events I might not otherwise have had the chance to explore. Much of my favorite nonfiction melds a distinct narrative voice with rigorous research. In young adult and middle grade I’m interested in epic fantasy, grounded sci-fi, and irreverent retellings of fairy tales, classic myths, and historical events. I’m specifically seeking stories written from diverse perspectives that draw from underrepresented cultures.” Learn more about James here.

Elizabeth Kracht [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with Kimberley Cameron & Associates. Elizabeth’s eclectic life experience drives her interests. She appreciates writing that has depth, an introspective voice, and is thematically layered. Having lived in cities such as New York, San Francisco, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, she is compelled by multicultural themes and characters and is drawn toward strong settings. In fiction, she represents literary, commercial, women’s, thrillers, mysteries, historical, and crossover young adult. In nonfiction, she is interested in high concept, health, science, environment, prescriptive, investigative, true crime, voice- or adventure-driven memoir, sexuality, spirituality, and animal/pet stories. Learn more about Elizabeth 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.

Hannah Andrade [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent & royalties manager with Bradford Literary. In fiction, she seeks: dark and transporting Young Adult fantasy; atmospheric and whimsical Middle Grade; Young Adult & Adult mysteries with a unique hook; clever retellings of folklore/legends/myths; stories that feature diverse voices and multicultural experiences; and Graphic Novels. In nonfiction, she seeks: Adult narrative nonfiction, Investigative journalism/true crime stories with strong voice She is NOT looking for: Inspirational, Memoir, Poetry, Screenplay, Erotica, Political/medical thriller, Cookbooks, Horror. Learn more about Hannah here.

A.J. Van Belle is a literary agent with the Booker Albert Literary Agency. In fiction, they’re currently seeking adult thrillers, horror, upmarket, and women’s fiction, as well as YA in all genres. As a scientific researcher and a novelist themself, A.J. is particularly drawn to strong atmosphere, complex character relationships, science-informed plotlines, the weird or quirky, and darkness threaded with humor or a sense of the absurd. They’re also open to select nonfiction, especially in science, nature, technology, and self-development, from authors with an established platform. Learn more about AJ here.

Gina Panettieri [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] 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.

Maeve MacLysaght is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. The goal of her list is to increase the amount of queer and BIPOC joy in the world, and to make space for marginalized authors to rework the tropes that historically oppressed them. She is looking for strong commercial genre concepts with beautiful prose in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and graphic novels for all age ranges. She is drawn most to stories with big, campy stakes but surprising emotional cores, lovably immoral characters, queer coded villains, and people kissing while things explode. She reads widely across genre and age range and is particularly looking for queer and POC authors taking on genre tropes in commercial fiction. Learn more about Maeve 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.

Jessica Berg is a literary agent with Rosecliff Literary. In fiction, she seeks: Alternate History/Historical Fantasy, Contemporary Fantasy, Contemporary Romance, Historical Fiction, Twisty Thrillers, Upmarket/Book Club Fiction, YA, and Women’s Fiction. In nonfiction, she seeks: Cookbooks, Travel Guides, Memoir – Military Women Adjacent, and Self-Help with a Witchy Vibe. Learn more about Jessica here.

Brooke Mondor is an associate literary agent at Miller Bowers Griffin Literary Management. She is actively building her adult fiction list and is interested in mysteries, thrillers, and whodunits; historical fiction from around the world (especially non-European countries); contemporary romance with minimal spice; and literary fiction. She is also open to nonfiction projects about food, lifestyle, wellness, cultural criticism, and science, depending on the angle and your expertise/platform. Neurodiverse, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ perspectives are always welcome. She’s selective with horror and does not like excessive gore. But if you can weave in social commentary, she’d love to see it. She’s also selective in her romance tastes, but tends to gravitate toward fake relationships, grumpy/sunshine pairings, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, and late bloomer tropes. In historical fiction, Brooke is looking for stories set around the world, especially non-European countries that aren’t typically explored in such tales. While fantasy is not high on her priority list, Brooke would consider something cozy with Studio Ghibli vibes; think cafes, nature, feminism, anti-war, wholesome, etc. Learn more about Brooke here.

Liv Ivanov [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency. In adult fiction, she seeks: Coming-of-age; Women’s Fiction; Contemporary/Upmarket Fiction; Mystery/Thriller (Spies & Espionage, Small-town settings and eerie atmospheres, Race against time, Whodunits); Dark Academia; LGBTQ+; Science Fiction (anything from a light touch of sci-fi to dystopian to space-based settings to a full on space opera; Slipstream; Magical Realism; and Fantasy. In adult Nonfiction, she likes: Nature-Related Memoir. In Young Adult and Children’s Books, she likes: Contemporary/Upmarket, LGBTQ+; Mystery/Thriller; Science Fiction; and Fantasy. As an agent, I’m looking for character-driven stories, compelling premises, fantastically immersive settings, and most of all — I want to find that next unputdownable story I can’t stop raving to my friends and family about. Learn more about Liv here.

Thais Afonso is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. In Adult Fiction, Thais is looking to represent Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, Contemporary Romance, and Suspense/Thrillers. She still loves an element of speculative or the utter unsettling in this age category, and would love to find an unsettling story that defies genre, like Our Wives Under the Sea, Catherine House, Helen Phillips’ The Need or TV show Yellowjackets. In Yong Adult, she’s currently open to Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, and Supernatural Mysteries/Thrillers. She’s predominantly interested in anything with a speculative bent. Across all genres, Thais is especially interested in intersectionality. She wants to sign working class, Queer, BIPOC, disabled authors, and is keen on supporting authors whose marginalization intersect with other marginalizations, as she knows the paths to success in this industry get more limited if you have an intersectional identity. Learn more about Thais here.

Leslie Varney is a literary agent and co-president of Prentis Literary. She specializes in speculative fiction — science fiction and fantasy — for adults, young adult, and middle grade. Leslie has also established herself as a specialist in genre-bending fiction, enthusiastically representing authors whose works defy easy classification. “I am pleased as punch that now I get to help authors bring new worlds, new ideas, and new magic to the literary world.” Learn more about Leslie here.

Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong is a literary agent at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency and a member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA). Cathie is seeking adult fiction submissions in the following areas and genres: romance, domestic suspense, psychological suspense, horror fiction, mystery, historical fiction, commercial fiction, women’s fiction, and book club fiction. Learn more about Cathie and her wish list here.

Rae Loverde is an agent assistant at Donald Maass Literary Agency. At the 2024 SWW, she will be acting as a literary scout — taking pitches at the workshop on behalf of one or multiple co-agents at her agency. Her co-agent Cameron McClure is seeking the following: projects that combine genre style plotting with literary quality writing. She’s up for anything speculative, and is interested in seeing science fiction and fantasy, mystery and suspense, horror, and projects with multi-cultural, international, environmental, and LGBTQIA+ themes. She is interested in adult genre fiction only — no YA or MG. And she is not interested in adult literary fiction, mainstream fiction, women’s fiction, or chick lit. Learn more about Rae here.

Alexandra Grana is a literary agent with Corvisiero Literary. In fiction, she seeks: science fiction, fantasy, and horror for middle grade, young adult, and adult; LGBTQ stories in all genres; mysteries and thrillers; historical fiction; magical realism; weird queer. In nonfiction, Alex Is looking for: occult history/mysteries; narratives about deconstruction. Alex’s favorite genres are fantasy and horror. She is a sucker for a good magic system, reimagined fairy tales, and poetic prose. Stories by marginalized writers are of particular interest to her. Learn more about Alexandra here.

Natasha Mihell [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with The Rights Factory. She is seeking: science fiction, fantasy, horror — these categories in adult fiction, young adult fiction, and middle grade fiction. She also selectively takes on biography and memoir. Natasha loves stories that sing, move, and shimmer, and most especially, those that are fearless in speaking their truths. She is always keen to support voices from the 2SLGBTQQIA+, BIPOC, #ownvoices, disabled and neurodiverse communities. Learn more about Natasha here.

Rebecca Lawrence is a literary agent with The Booker Albert Literary Agency. From a young age, she has been fascinated with epic worlds like LOTR and The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. Books with romantic elements like Ella Enchanted, The Goose Girl, and The Cruel Prince all have places in her top ten. She also adores historical fiction like The Wednesday Wars and iconic masterpieces like Monica Hesse’s They Went Left, but her all-time favorite novel has to be the grounded fantasy The Scorpio Races. Things I’m looking for but not limited to: graphic novels, fantasy horror, anything set in the Victorian Era, books set in Alaska, house-with-personality stories, a lower YA zombie apocalypse, horror (especially MG and YA), found families/adoption themes, contemporary that can make mundane conflicts feel intense, and adult historical fiction. Learn more about Rebecca here.

Katie Reed is a literary agent with Andrea Hurst & Associates. Katie currently works as an agent and literary scout, and is looking for compelling, standout projects to champion. She is open for submissions in the following genres: commercial women’s fiction with a strong hook and market appeal; historical fiction (Favorite authors include Ruta Sepyts, Kate Quinn, Kristin Hannah, Taylor Jenkins Reid); women’s suspense/thriller (especially with unreliable narrators or an ending with an unforeseen twist); fiction with a fantastical angle (a la The Midnight Library by Matt Haig); retellings, similar to Circe by Madeline Miller; young adult contemporary or fantasy; and middle grade. Learn more about Katie 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, Rom-com, Women’s Fiction, and Young Adult. Learn more about Syrone here.

Mindi St. Peter is a literary manager at BAMbooks. In fiction, she seeks: action/adventure, children’s, commercial, crime, family saga, romantasy (but not straight fantasy), general, graphic novel, historical, horror, humor, literary, middle grade, mystery, new adult, picture books, romance, thriller, women’s fiction, young adult. In nonfiction, she seeks: humor, memoir, pop culture. Favorite sub-genres: contemporary romance, contemporary YA, literary, middle grade, magical realism, and narrative nonfiction. Learn more about Mindi here.

Shannon Lechon is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. In middle grade, Shannon is looking for spooky stories only. In young adult, she is mostly interested in stories with a speculative element, but is always on the lookout for a creative or original mystery. Dark, gothic fantasy or horror is well-loved, as well as morally gray or antihero protagonists. In adult, she is looking for literary books with a speculative element that feel lush and magically possible, like new worlds exist just on the periphery of our vision. Books that combine fantasy with societal inequalities in a way that doesn’t feel exploitative are high on their list of interests. For graphic novels, Shannon is looking for young adult fantasy that is grounded in our world, ones that focus on found families, platonic relationships, and the power of friendship. Graphic novels are the only place Shannon is looking for general fiction submissions. She is interested in select adult nonfiction proposals. She’s looking for memoirs about specialized careers like the beekeepers of Honey and Venom, as well as proposals on medicine and mental health, such as The Sleeping Beauties and What My Bones Know. Mental health and trauma recovery narratives like In the Dream House are also welcome. Learn more about Shannon here.

Rebecca Angus is a literary agent with Howland Literary. In kidlit, she enjoys picture books, children’s nonfiction, and middle grade. (Her preference is for short middle grade under 45,000 words.) In adult fiction, she seeks speculative fiction, fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, horror, romantic suspense, horromance, queer historical romance, genre blending, magical realism. She is actively seeking marginalized and/or LGBTQIA+ voices. Learn more about Rebecca here.

Amanda Carbonell is a literary agent with Belcastro Agency. In middle grade, she seeks all categories buy especially contemporary, horror, fantasy and adventure. In young adult, she enjoys thrillers, contemporary, horror, fantasy, literary fiction, and genre mashups. In new adult, she seeks contemporary, romance, genre mashups, thriller, and horror. In adult fiction, she likes commercial fiction, thriller, rom-coms, horror, and stories about millenials. “ALL marginalized communities, especially Latinx are highly encouraged to submit!” Learn more about Amanda here.

Jane Chun is a literary agent with Transatlantic Agency. Jane is particularly interested in stories that center marginalized communities and prose that is cinematic and atmospheric with good rhythm. For fiction, she is seeking commercial, upmarket, and literary works in both adult and MG/YA about the search for and rebuilding of identity, diaspora, family and community, and examinations of power in relationships. She is also looking for fantasy, sci-fi, and speculative fiction that delve into sharp social commentary and have meticulous world building and settings that don’t feel like Western Europe. For historical fiction, she likes hidden histories and anything that is set in a time or place she’s not familiar with or focuses on a community that has been often overlooked if it’s a time/place she knows. In terms of nonfiction, she is looking for memoirs and narrative nonfiction with a nuanced, intersectional approach and similar themes to her interests in fiction. She also is interested in books about food, travel, pop culture, and cultural criticism that dive deeply and thoughtfully into culture and traditions, particularly those written by authors of color. In addition to traditional prose, she is very interested in graphic novels and nonfiction. Jane requests all interested attendees review her manuscript wish list before pitching her.

Katie Erickson is a literary agent with The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency. She represents picture books, as well as middle grade and young adult literature (and very limited adult fiction and nonfiction — read more below. “I am open to Picture Books by an author/illustrator with beautifully designed pages, lyrical language, and tight text. I am particularly interested in Middle Grade submissions, and within this audience, I love found family, coming-of-age tales, unexpected wit, and puzzles. In Young Adult, I’d enjoy something related to tabletop games or video rpg. I’m drawn to Graphic Novels by author/illustrators about humor and family love. Coming of age is great here, too. I like cozy narratives in adult fiction that help people find comfort away from the real world. In nonfiction, I’m seeking encyclopedic-knowledge type books by author/illustrators. I like a wide range of genres; fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and gaming are some of my favorites.” Learn more about Katie here.

Reiko Davis [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with DeFiore. For adult fiction, she loves: historical and contemporary novels set both in the U.S. and internationally; ambitious, multigenerational family sagas; novels that rewrite what it means to be an American today; stories set in our world with speculative or magical elements; offbeat novels with troubled but loveable protagonists; mystery, crime, and suspense novels with a literary edge to the writing; coming-of-age stories, especially later in life; linked story collections. For adult nonfiction, she loves immersive, investigative works of journalism, history that fills a gap on the bookshelf, and cultural criticism. This especially includes works that explore social justice, the history and experiences of women and people of color, and contemporary culture. She is also on the lookout for true crime projects that shed light on larger societal issues. For children’s literature, Reiko is actively looking for middle grade projects that aren’t afraid to tackle big questions or important emotional truths, and do so through remarkable storytelling, humor, and heart. In addition to MG novels, she has a soft spot for MG nonfiction in the areas of mental health, science, political activism, environmentalism, and narrative history. She loves works that empower kids to make a difference in their communities. (Reiko is not currently looking for YA or picture books. She does not represent genre category SFF, horror, or romance.) Learn more about Reiko here.

Katie Monson is a literary agent with SBR Media. In kidlit, she seeks: hilarious, offbeat picture books (looking for something new that hasn’t been done before); books that want to be read over and over again by all ages; books that include penguins; middle grade that is hilarious (I’m in dire search of MG). In adult fiction, she seeks 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. She is not seeking speculative SF/F in any way. Learn more about Katie here.

Carleen Geisler is a literary agent with P.S. Literary. For fiction, Carleen is looking for adult contemporary stories across genres. She loves suspense, especially if it comes with a dose of weird, and dark stories are her typical go-to. She is okay with mild speculative elements if they are close to real-world or very grounded. She loves the strange and whimsical, as well as the dark and dreadful. She likes romance, but prefers it to be part of a “bigger picture” story, or at least that it has a great b-plot. She is especially interested in stories told from the voices of women, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities. She loves morally grey characters. For nonfiction, Carleen is interested in topics along the lines of spirituality, intuition, natural living, community, culture, food, and agriculture. Learn more about Carleen 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.

Shania N. Soler is a literary agent assistant & scout with Metamorphosis Literary. She is seeking: I’m currently looking for novels in the fantasy genre and/or romance WITH SPICE! For fantasy, I’m interested in more than just romance. Give me 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. I enjoy LGBTQ+ relationships; spins on cliches; fairytale retellings; mythological retellings that we haven’t seen yet like African myths, Norse myths, Asian myths OR characters that we haven’t seen much of, such as Rumplestiltskin or King Midas; neurodivergent characters; characters with disabilities; and BIPOC characters. Learn more about Shania here.

            More 2025 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. Unless otherwise specified, all agent pitches at WDW online events happen on Saturday — in this case, June 14, 2025.

These one-on-one 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, and pricing/detail is explained below.)

———

PRICING:

$189 — EARLY BIRD base price for registration to the 2025 CWW and access to all workshops, all days. (You also get 10+ additional free pre-recorded webinars on writing and publishing.) As of fall 2024, registration is now OPEN.

To register, click the button above, or email Brian at WDWconference@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the California event.

Add $29 — to secure a 10-minute one-on-one meeting with any of our literary agents or editors in attendance. Use this special meeting as a chance to pitch your work and get professional feedback on your pitch. (Spaces limited.) If they wish, attendees are free to sign up for multiple 10-minute pitch sessions at $29/session — pitching multiple individuals. There is no limit. Here are quick testimonials regarding writers who have signed with literary agents after pitching them at prior Writing Day Workshops events. Our bigger, growing list of success stories can be seen here.

“I met my client, Alison Hammer, at the Writing
Workshop of Chicago and just sold her book.”
– literary agent Joanna Mackenzie of Nelson Literary

“Good news! I signed a client [novelist Aliza Mann]
from the Michigan Writing Workshop!”
– literary agent Sara Mebigow of KT Literary

“I signed author Stephanie Wright from
the Seattle Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Kathleen Ortiz of New Leaf Literary

“I signed an author [Kate Thompson] that I
met at the Philadelphia Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Kimberly Brower of Brower Literary

“I signed novelist Kathleen McInnis after meeting her
at the Chesapeake Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Adriann Ranta of Foundry Literary + Media

Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from Brian Klems, one of the workshop’s former instructors. (This rate is a special event value for California Writing Workshop attendees only.) Registrants are encouraged to take advantage of the specially-priced critique, so they can send out their query letter with confidence following the workshop. Also, if you are meeting with an agent at the event, you’re essentially speaking your query letter aloud to them. Wouldn’t it be wise to give that query letter (i.e., your pitch) one great edit before that meeting?

Add $89 — for an in-depth personal critique of the first 10 pages of your novel. Spaces with faculty for these critiques are very limited, and participating attendees will either 1) get an in-person meeting at the workshop, if the faculty member is attending the live event, or 2) get a 15-minute phone call with the faculty member, and have notes passed along via email, if the critiquer is not attending the live event. Options:

• Young adult (all kinds); middle grade (all kinds); adult science fiction; adult thriller and mystery (no cozies); nonfiction about safety, self-defense, travel, and parenting (virtual critiques):  Faculty member Jason Brick, a writing coach and author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss his thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Women’s fiction, contemporary/mainstream fiction, literary fiction, young adult, and memoir (virtual critiques): Faculty member Kimiko Nakamura, a literary agent and writing coach, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Children’s picture books (virtual critiques): Faculty member Rosie Pova, a published author, will get your work in advance, critique your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime around the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting. If you submit a picture book, it must be 1,000 words or fewer (can have illustrations or not).
• Middle grade, young adult, romance, thriller, mystery, suspense, contemporary fiction, science fiction, fantasy: Faculty member Carlie Webber, a former literary agent, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Romance, women’s fiction, mystery, thriller, upmarket, commercial (virtual critiques): Faculty member Tiffany Killoren, an author and freelance editor, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• More critique options possibly forthcoming.

REGISTRATION:

(ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The 2025 CWW is an Online Conference, on June 13-14. Online events are easy and awesome, and the virtual events we’ve done thus far have received wonderful feedback. You do not have to be tech-savvy to do this, and understand we are keeping all aspects of a traditional in-person event, including one-on-one agent & editor pitching, which will now be done by Zoom or phone. Learn all details about what it means to have a writers conference online.)

Are spaces still available? Yes, we still have spaces available. We will announce RIGHT HERE, at this point on this web page, when all spaces are taken. If you do not see a note right here saying how all spaces are booked, then yes, we still have room, and you are encouraged to register.

How to Register:

To register, click the button above. Or reach out to workshop organizer Brian Klems via email: WDWconference@gmail.com. He will pass along registration information to you, and give instructions on how to pay by credit card, PayPal, or check. Once payment is complete, you will have a reserved seat at the event. The CWW will send out periodic e-mail updates to all registered attendees with any & all news about the event. Because Brian plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the California workshop specifically.

Refunds: If you sign up for the event and have to cancel for any reason at any time, you will receive 50% of your total payment back [sent by check or PayPal or CC refund]. The other 50% is nonrefundable and will not be returned, and helps the workshop ensure that only those truly interested in the limited spacing sign up for the event. (Please note that query editing payments and manuscript editing payments are completely non-refundable if the instructor has already started edited your work.)

Thank you for your interest in the 2025 California Writing Workshop.

Brooke Mondor is an associate literary agent at Miller Bowers Griffin Literary Management.

She is actively building her adult fiction list and is interested in mysteries, thrillers, and whodunits; historical fiction from around the world (especially non-European countries); contemporary romance with minimal spice; and literary fiction. She is also open to nonfiction projects about food, lifestyle, wellness, cultural criticism, and science, depending on the angle and your expertise/platform. Neurodiverse, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ perspectives are always welcome.

Brooke earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Media Arts from the University of North Texas, with a minor in philosophy and honors distinction. She’s worked in media for the last few years, and in addition to agenting, she is the lead editor at an entertainment news website. Prior to joining Miller Bowers Griffin, Brooke interned at Folio Literary Management.

She’s selective with horror and does not like excessive gore. But if you can weave in social commentary like THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS by Stephen Graham Jones or mental health themes like in THE SEPTEMBER HOUSE by Carissa Orlando, she’d love to see those. She’s also selective in her romance tastes, but tends to gravitate toward fake relationships, grumpy/sunshine pairings, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, and late bloomer tropes. In historical fiction, Brooke is looking for stories set around the world, especially non-European countries that aren’t typically explored in such tales. While fantasy is not high on her priority list, Brooke would consider something cozy with Studio Ghibli vibes; think cafes, nature, feminism, anti-war, wholesome, etc.

She is not a good fit for MG, PB, spy novels, heavy religious themes, epic fantasy with heavy world building, dark romance, or science-fiction.

Maeve MacLysaght is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management.

Maeve is a queer ex-classicist based in Oakland, CA. She holds a B.A in Comparative Literature from Occidental College, a publishing certificate from NYU, and an MLitt in Ancient Greek Monsters from The University of St Andrews in Scotland. The goal of her list is to increase the amount of queer and BIPOC joy in the world, and to make space for marginalized authors to rework the tropes that historically oppressed them.

She is looking for strong commercial genre concepts with beautiful prose in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and graphic novels for all age ranges. She is drawn most to stories with big, campy stakes but surprising emotional cores, lovably immoral characters, queer coded villains, and people kissing while things explode.

She reads widely across genre and age range and is particularly looking for queer and POC authors taking on genre tropes in commercial fiction.

Wish list:

• Rich and subtle world building like Wilder Girls or The Mortal Engine series
• Normalized trans and non-binary existence in world building, like the Tales of the High Court series
• Shamelessly manga and fanfic inspired stories like Foxhole Court
• Silk punk, asian attitudes, historical revision that doesn’t think Europe invented the world (Socrates was born after Confucius died! Genghis Khan was a contemporary of King John! Guns were being used in China before the English invented longbows!)
• Reworking myth and gods and their influence, like The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps
• Sexy, dark, magical horror, like the Hexslinger series
• Queer romance with high stakes, like Lord of the White Hell
• Middle Grade protagonists who cry and fail and try anyways, like How to Train Your Dragon
• F/F romance, friendship, and intersectional girl gangs against the world
• Ride-or-die friendships and high stakes
• Strange grammatical magic, like Diana Wynne Jones
• Graphic novels inspired by manga and Miyazaki

She is NOT looking for:

Nonfiction
Superhero graphic novels
Genre fiction that perpetrates the racist, colonial, imperialistic, sexist, ableist tropes of the past
Non-intersectional representation; no victories at the expense of another group
Low stakes, excessive realism

Rae Loverde is an agent assistant at Donald Maass Literary Agency.

At the event, she will be acting as a literary scout — taking pitches at the workshop on behalf of one or multiple co-agents at her agency.

Her co-agent Cameron McClure is seeking the following:

• projects that combine genre style plotting with literary quality writing
• anything speculative
• science-fiction and fantasy
• mystery and suspense
• horror
• projects with multi-cultural, international, environmental, and LGBTQIA+ themes.
• Some of Cameron’s clients include Robert McCammon, Robert Jackson Bennett, Ada Palmer, Micaiah Johnson, Jonathan French, S.B. Divya, Molly Tanzer, Andy Marino, Ruthanna Emrys, and Amy Alkon.

She is interested in adult genre fiction only — no YA or MG. And she is not interested in adult literary fiction, mainstream fiction, women’s fiction, or chick lit.

Bridgette Kam is a literary agent with Westwood Creative Artists.

“I joined WCA in 2019 after interning at McClelland & Stewart and several years of working outside of the book world. Born and raised in Toronto, I have also lived in Hong Kong, Los Angeles, and the UK.

“As a broad reader, I represent authors who write in the categories of children’s picture books across to adult fiction and non-fiction. I’ve been honoured to speak with writers and publishing peers at SCBWI events, SFU’s Master of Publishing program, Humber School for Writers, The Festival of Literary Diversity, and The Writers’ Union of Canada.

“Fiction: I’m looking for book club and upmarket novels that explore timely and urgent themes like Jessamine Chan’s The School for Good Mothers and Shilpi Somaya Gowda’s A Great Country; feature irresistibly lovable characters like those in Bonnie Garmus’ Lessons in Chemistry; powerfully bring history to life like Jabari Asim’s Yonder; and are brilliantly multi-layered like R.F. Kuang’s Yellowface.

“Middle Grade & YA: Voice-driven historical and contemporary stories; I’m also open to a speculative element mixed in. I want to see a protagonist who I can instantly root for, focused on a cause and grappling with real life events and issues. I prefer stories where friendships and family relationships, rather than romantic ones, are central. Some writers I admire are June Hur (A Forest of Stolen Girls), Stacey Lee (The Downstairs Girl), Karina Yan Glaser (The Vanderbeekers series), Daniel Nayeri (Everything Sad is Untrue), and Susin Nielsen (No Fixed Address). I’m also a fan of graphic novelists like John Hendrix (The Mythmakers), Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet series), Tim Probert (Lightfall series), and Rosena Fung (Age 16).

“Picture Books: Stories from writers and illustrators that center around a child’s point of view and that evoke and inspire wonder, empathy, and celebration. Must have guaranteed re-read quality!

“Nonfiction: I welcome non-fiction proposals from journalists, academics, experts, and writers who can speak to a mainstream, general audience in the categories of culture, sociology, psychology, history, and Christian faith and living. Some books from recent years that have stood out to me are Kyo Maclear’s Unearthing, Jessica J. Lee’s Two Trees Make a Forest, Cheuk Kwan’s Have You Eaten Yet?, Hua Hsu’s Stay True, Tamara Cherry’s The Trauma Beat, Andy Crouch’s The Life We’re Looking For, Kate Bowler’s Everything Happens for a Reason (And Other Lies I’ve Loved), and Lore Ferguson Wilbert’s Handle With Care and A Curious Faith.

“Books that keep me reading have: a strong and compelling hook, skillful balance of pacing and character immersion, emotional impact and resonance, very polished writing on the line-level, and inspire and move me. I’m not the right agent for suspense (thriller/horror), crime, sci-fi, romance, chapbooks, scholarly works, and politics.

“Random facts: When not reading manuscripts, I’m learning how to cut poodle hair, playing in drop D guitar tuning, hunting for vintage gems, admiring the poetry of the songwriter who said, “How can a person know everything at eighteen but nothing at twenty-two?” and maintaining fluency in Cantonese and Mandarin.”

Haley Casey is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency.

Haley has always had a special place in her heart for stories, but it was when she wrote her first chapter book in fifth grade that her true love of literature was realized. In 2015, she graduated from The University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing, and that fall, she attended the Denver Publishing Institute. She began her full-time career at Ogden Publications, where she was an editor for four years. There she worked with a variety of authors across multiple magazines, wrote articles, edited podcasts, and even styled photos—anything to add some creativity to her days. In 2020, she interned at Metamorphosis Literary Agency and Creative Media Agency, Inc. before stepping into her role as a associate agent at CMA. She also manages the digital arm of the company. Haley is actively building her list, and is ready to assist her authors in achieving their publishing goals.

In adult fiction & nonfiction, she seeks:

• Women’s Fiction (Right now, I’m very into The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and City of Girls.)
• Book Club Fiction
• Romance (Bring me your tropes!)
• Contemporary
• Paranormal (I never tire of the Night Huntress series.)
• Nonfiction
• Narrative
• Cultural, LGBTQ+, and Women’s Issues

In Young Adult, she seeks:

• Contemporary (I would love to find the next Hello Girls.)
• Mystery/Horror
• Fantasy (bring me books like The Belles or Cemetery Boys)
• (Light) Science Fiction (think Welcome to Night Vale)
• Dystopian (especially a project like Delirium or Uglies)
• Nonfiction

In Middle Grade, she seeks:

• Contemporary
• Mystery (The Westing Game, anyone?)
• Fantasy (Gregor the Overlander is one of my absolute favorites.)
• Science Fiction
• Dystopian

I especially love anything that focuses on minority voices, including POC, LGBTQ+, disability, and mental health issues. Send me thoughtful and meaningful magical realism for any age group; manuscripts with nuanced character relationships; unique urban fantasies; clever fairytale retellings; and reimagined classics (such as Jane Austen or The Count of Monte Cristo).

I’m not looking for children’s chapter books or graphic novels, and for adults, I’m not the best champion for political thrillers, high fantasy novels, or satire. In nonfiction, please don’t send me biographies, self-help and how-to manuscripts, or religious, scientific, and academic texts.

Alexandra Grana is a literary agent with Corvisiero Literary.

Alex is a recent graduate of the University of Toledo College of Law. She has always loved writing and literature, having completed her B.A. in Professional Writing at Miami University, and is excited to dedicate herself to helping fellow writers pursue publication. When she isn’t reading, she can be found trying a new recipe in the kitchen or prepping for her next DnD session.

Alex’s favorite genres are fantasy and horror. She is a sucker for a good magic system, reimagined fairy tales, and poetic prose. Stories by marginalized writers are of particular interest to her.

In fiction, she seeks:

• Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror for middle grade, young adult, and adult
• LGBTQ stories in all genres
• Mysteries and Thrillers
• Historical fiction
• Magical Realism
• Weird Queer

In adult, new adult, and young adult, Alex enjoys:

• Lush gothic stories of all kinds
• Feral girl protagonists
• Wintery fantasies, with a soft spot for Slavic-inspired settings and dog sledding
• Fantasies set in space and dark, grounded science fiction
• Solarpunk science fiction
• Body horror with religious themes

In middle grade, Alex hopes to find:

• Scary stories that keep you up at night
• Themes of self discovery and found family
• Fantasies reminiscent of Spirited Away

In nonfiction, Alex Is looking for:

• Occult History/Mysteries
• Narratives about Deconstruction

Books Alex loves:

Lilith’s Brood by Octavia Butler
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey

Hannah Andrade is a literary agent & royalties manager with Bradford Literary.

Hannah (she/her) started as an agency assistant before moving on to acquire her own clients. She’s been with Bradford Literary Agency since 2017 and has had the privilege to work with a number of bestselling authors across a variety of genres. She likes to think of herself as an editorial-focused agent and is particularly eager to acquire BIPOC/underrepresented voices. She is prioritizing stories of joy where identity isn’t the focus and is especially excited about stories rooted in history, mythology, and legends, particularly those that are lesser-known or underrepresented in traditional publishing.

Hannah is very interested in stories that explore the intricacies of multicultural identities. She loves stories of immigration (not relegated to America) and of first/second generation Americans who struggle balancing the values of their country with the culture and heritage of their parents (as in the tv shows Ramy or Gentefied). As a Mexican-American, she would particularly love to see the stories that she grew up with showcased in new and creative ways.

In fiction, she seeks: dark and transporting Young Adult fantasy; atmospheric and whimsical Middle Grade; Young Adult & Adult mysteries with a unique hook; clever retellings of folklore/legends/myths; stories that feature diverse voices and multicultural experiences; and Graphic Novels.

In nonfiction, she seeks: Adult narrative nonfiction, Investigative journalism/true crime stories with strong voice

She is NOT looking for: Inspirational, Memoir, Poetry, Screenplay, Erotica, Political/medical thriller, Cookbooks, Horror.

Natasha Mihell is a literary agent with The Rights Factory.

Natasha chose this industry to celebrate the storyteller and to honour the art of story.

She is seeking: science fiction, fantasy, horror — these categories in adult fiction, young adult fiction, and middle grade fiction. She also selectively takes on biography and memoir.

Natasha is a writer, editor, and regular participant in NaNoWriMo. She has worked as an editorial assistant at TRF, an intern book scout, and an #IndigoEmployee. At Indigo, she sold books, organized author events, championed HarperCollins Canada, and raised funds for the Love of Reading Foundation, among other things. Outside the literary world, Natasha is a trained soprano with a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a Master’s of Public Administration. All this to say that her knowledge base offers her a wealth of experience to draw from when working with authors, and a discerning eye for hardworking dreamers dedicated to their craft.

Natasha loves stories that sing, move, and shimmer, and most especially, those that are fearless in speaking their truths. She is a great fan of conceptual depth and courage, and will consider any story that has clear heart and vision. She is always keen to support voices from the 2SLGBTQQIA+, BIPOC, #ownvoices, disabled and neurodiverse communities.