After successful 2014, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023 events in Colorado, Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The 2024 Colorado Writing Workshop — an online “How to Get Published” writing event on March 8-9, 2024. (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 2024 Colorado Writing Workshop!

ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The 2024 CWW is an Online Conference, on March 8-9. 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.)

WHAT IS IT?

This is a special two-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on March 8-9, 2024. 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 “Colorado” 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 2024 CWW agent & editor faculty so far includes:

• literary agent Kate Davids (Arc Literary)
• literary agent Monica Rodriguez (Context Literary)
• literary agent Dani Segelbaum (Carol Mann Agency)
• literary agent Paul Levine (Paul Levine Literary)
• literary agent Elisa Saphier (Macgregor Luedeke Literary)
• literary agent Madeline Wallace (Sanford J. Greenburger Associates)
• literary agent Kelly Peterson (Rees Literary)
• literary agent Kate Rogers (K.O. Media Management)
• literary agent Eve Adler (Red Fox Literary)
• literary agent Mara Cobb (Martin Literary Management)
• editor Carina Licon (Macmillan Children’s, Henry Holt Books)
• literary agent James Mustelier (The Bent Agency)
• literary agent Keir Alekseii (Azantian Literary)
• literary agent Elisa Moles (Painted Fire Literary)
• literary agent Sara Kelly Kornienko (Barbara Bova Literary)
• literary agent Bethany Jett (CYLE Literary)
• literary agent Carey Blankenship Kramer (Belcastro Agency)
• literary agent Ramona Pina (BookEnds Literary)
• literary agent Katie Reed (Andrea Hurst & Associates)
• literary agent Brandy Vallance (Barbara Bova Literary Agency)
  
• literary agent Esty Loveing-Downes (Arthouse Literary)
• literary agent Justin Brouckaert (Aevitas Creative Management)
• literary agent Jane Chun (Transatlantic Agency)
• literary agent Trinica Sampson-Vera (New Leaf Literary + Media)
• literary agent Annie Bomke (Annie Bomke Literary)
• literary agent Sophia Ramos (New Leaf Literary + Media)
• literary agent Savannah Brooks (KT Literary)
• literary agent Ksenia Tserkovskaya (The Deborah Harris Agency)
• literary agent Mindi St Peter (BAM Management)
• literary agent Morgan Hughes (Fineprint Literary)
• literary agent Vicky Weber (The Purcell Agency)
• literary agent Stephanie Winter (P.S. Literary)
• literary agent Kesia Lupo (The Bindery)
• and 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. Contact Brian at WDWconference@gmail.com to register, and say you’re interested in the Colorado event.

EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:

ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The 2024 CWW is an Online Conference, on March 8-9. 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 (MARCH 8-9, 2024):

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, MARCH 8, 2024

9:30 – 10:30: Perfect Pitches. An immersive workshop focused on perfecting “elevator” pitches and powerful jacket blurbs even reluctant readers can’t resist.

10:45 – 11:45:Nail Your Opening Pages. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of common pitfalls and opening scenes to avoid, the keys to a compelling hook, and how to start an irresistible opening page.

11:45 – 1:15: Break

1:15 – 2:30: Working with a Literary Agent.

2:45 – 3:45: Mapping Your Plot. Plot is the spine of the story and all else radiates from there. This session introduces the key elements of a plot line and then techniques as to how to generate your own plot line through plot mapping.

4:00 – 5:00: What a Literary Agent Can Teach You About Editing and Revision. Learn how to go back to the drawing board and approach your manuscript with an agent’s eye!

* * * * *

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2024

9:30 – 10:30: Emotional Character Arcs: What Are They and How They Can Transform Your Novel. Whether you’re starting your story for the first time or are knee deep in revisions, you should be thinking through how every scene moves, or doesn’t move, your character forward in their emotional arc. If you’re not sure how to do that or how to outline your character arcs in the first place, that’s what this class is for.

10:45 – 11:45: Self, Hybrid, Indie, Traditional– Finding the Publishing Path that is Right for You.

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: Learning to Adapt: The Key to a Writer’s Success. The publishing world has been impacted by a changing economy, emerging technology, and a marketplace that ebbs and flows. Authors need to be just as flexible in this industry and adopt an evolving approach to publication based on their personal goals, opportunities and resources.

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.

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PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:

Trinica Sampson-Vera is a literary agent with New Leaf Literary & Media. Trinica is accepting children’s and adult fiction and nonfiction. Across age groups, she loves adventurous, character-driven stories with largely emotional stakes. Trinica is passionate about championing diverse and marginalized voices. Some of the things she is specifically seeking include: speculative fiction (especially horror, cozy-to-high fantasy, hopepunk, and near future science fiction); romance and romcoms (especially featuring sapphic/queer relationships); Caribbean (especially Trinidad & Tobago) characters/settings; reality TV premises; and retellings. Learn more about Trinica here.

Kate Rogers is a literary agent and licensing coordinator at K.O. Media Management. Wishlist: Kate loves both adult and YA graphic novels and prose, primarily contemporary realistic fiction, horror/thriller, romance, sci-fi, women’s fiction, and narrative nonfiction. She is interested in character-driven narratives that subvert familiar tropes or conventions and especially would love to help champion under-represented voices. Kate is not currently seeking out anything younger than YA, or fantasy-heavy stories. Learn more about Kate here.

Mara Cobb is a literary agent with Martin Literary Management. Currently, Mara is looking for adult nonfiction and women’s-driven fiction (especially main characters in their 20s). Mara is also looking for Christian fiction, Christian romance (think Hallmark-style), and Christian YA. Going into 2024, she would also love to acquire clean (light romance/no or minimal cursing) YA fiction of any genre except fantasy. She is seeking clean adult commercial romance/romcoms, compelling book club fiction, and SEL picture books. Learn more about Mara here.

Morgan Hughes is a literary agent with FinePrint Literary. Morgan is seeking middle grade and young adult fantasy / adventure with a particular interest in graphic novels. She is also interested in YA, new adult, and adult romance. She loves unique narratives, strong voices, and impressive world-building, but is also drawn to small town vibes and sports settings. She is currently not seeking picture books, science fiction, thrillers/mysteries, or nonfiction. Learn more about Morgan here.

Vicky Weber is a literary agent with The Purcell Agency. She is seeking: Picture Books (anything heartfelt, educational, or lighthearted); Young Adult (fantasy, mystery, horror, thriller, suspense); Middle Grade (fantasy, mystery, magic); and Adult Fiction (fantasy and thrillers). Vicky specializes in picture books. She wants to be dropped into the moment and experience the story alongside the characters. She is always seeking underrepresented authors, BIPOC, LGBTQ+. Learn more about Vicki here.

Bethany Jett is a literary agent with CYLE Literary. She is looking for adult fiction books within these genres: commercial, upmarket, and literary fiction; historical; time travel and time slip;  romantic comedies (low spice, sweet HEA); cozy mysteries with depth. In picture books, she seeks: text-only manuscripts and author-illustrator. She is open to PBs of all kinds but am specifically looking for: holiday, bilingual, where the MC has a disability but it does not define who they are, books that provide back matter (like Stella’s Stellar Hair), and STEM, STEAM, SEL. In middle grade and young adult, she seeks: everything listed in the adult fiction genres above, as well as horror, cozy fantasy / magical realism, and some fantasy (fantasy: noblebright, nobledark, grimbright). In Nonfiction, she seeks: platform-driven authors writing cookbooks, how-to, self-help, Christian living, lifestyle, home & garden, business, leadership, inspirational/gift, devotionals, Bible studies. Learn more about Bethany 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.

Ramona Pina is a literary agent at BookEnds Literary. Ramona is interested in carving a space for and elevating underrepresented voices. She’s currently interested in contemporary YA that carves a space for those stories. She is also seeking fiction for middle grade, young adult and adult/crossover stories, and is not taking on picture books or nonfiction projects at the moment. Right now, she wants magical realism/fabulism themes in the YA and Crossover Adult space. For middle grade, lore her into magical universes with lush world-building. Or, charm her with a Brother’s Grimm or Alice in Wonderland/Wizard of Oz retelling. Learn more about Ramona here.

Katie Reed [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] 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.

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.

Esty Loveing-Downes is a literary agent with Arthouse Literary. Esty is looking for romance, upmarket fiction, young adult, genre-blending science fiction, picture books, as well as select nonfiction and select literary fiction. In nonfiction, she’s looking for insightful social commentary. She is a good fit for fresh retellings, fairy tales, and artful, rebellious prose. Learn more about Etsy and her bio here.

Elisa Saphier is a literary agent at MacGregor & Luedeke. She is open to most fiction and memoir except for high fantasy & science fiction, series writing (she like standalones), picture books, and probably chapter books “I am always most excited to find great writing and full characters, regardless of genre. I am focused on uplifting marginalized voices and want to be a part of seeing publishing become more equitable and less unbalanced of underrepresented writers.” In adult fiction, she seeks: literary psychological thrillers/mystery; queer romance (especially but not exclusively friends to lovers and forced proximity); literary fiction; literary memoir; stories of marginalized people where the marginalization isn’t the story; dark academia; suburban malaise. She also seeks young adult fiction and middle grade. Learn more about Elisa here.

Sophia M. Ramos is a literary agent with New Leaf Literary + Media. She represents commercial to upmarket genre-blending fiction for adult, YA and select middle-grade projects. Sophia loves intentional, lush prose combined with propulsive plots and thoughtfully complex family dynamics. She gravitates toward speculative books rooted in history or culture that have elements of romance, mystery, and horror. She strives to build a list that speaks to traditionally underrepresented voices and intersectional identities. Learn more about Sophia here.

Carina Licon [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is an editor for Macmillan Children’s and Henry Holt Books for Young Readers. In picture books, she seeks: books that explore difficult experiences/emotions in nuanced ways; books that center BIPOC and queer joy; intergenerational households/settings; the fun, imaginary, and magical; the humorous, goofy, and silly; the tender, touching, and sweet. In middle grade and young adult, she seeks: complex, whipsmart protagonists; contemporary YA horror and thrillers in the vein of Courtney Summers; spooky, atmospheric MG; gothic YA horror or fantasy; stories about mental health; coming-of-age stories; friendship stories; a modern day Jessica Darling series that reflects our diverse world; intergenerational BIPOC stories; stories of everyday life in a BIPOC household (especially Latinx); romance with lots! of! angst!; contemporary, grounded fantasy OR high fantasy with strong real world/relatable themes. Learn more about Carina here.

Sara Kelly Kornienko [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with Barbara Bova Literary Agency. “I represent contemporary fiction, historical fiction, literary fiction, women’s fiction, sports fiction, young adult, fantasy, fantasy romance, science fiction, dystopian fiction, suspense and thriller.” Among other things that she enjoys, she gravitates toward books that: focus on sports or the athlete experience; include diverse characters that portray a wide range of human experiences; feature witches, Fae, or any other mythical creatures (I’m a fan of pretty much anything related to Irish or Scottish Folklore); and reimagine fairy tales. “While I gravitate toward certain genres and plot elements, I’m not limited to these. I have a wide range of reading interests, so if you have a quality story that you believe I would be a good fit to represent, then pitch me!” Learn more about Sara here.

Savannah Brooks [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is an agent with KT Literary. Savannah represents all types of children’s books as well as adult contemporary/commercial fiction, romcoms, thrillers/mystery/suspense, and horror. She’s especially interested in stories that teach her something new, add to a larger sociopolitical conversation, and highlight underrepresented identities and cultures. In kidlit, she seeks picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult fiction, and also young adult nonfiction (from authors with platforms). Learn more about Savannah 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.

Brandy Vallance [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with Barbara Bova Literary Agency. “I represent these genres but I am also not limited to these genres: historical fiction, historical romance, historical mystery, romance, literary, women’s fiction, Southern fiction, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, adventure, speculative, inspirational, thriller. I’m a fan of: atmospheric writing; stories set in the British Isles, Europe, or exotic locations; Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian romance; Victorian time period in general (other centuries are welcome too); archaeology / artifacts / history’s mysteries; stories that explore Biblical themes without being preachy (ex. Charles Martin books); Appalachian stories / mountain culture; fantasy & sci-fi in almost every sub-category; characters who are writers, artists, or have a unique profession; and more.” Learn more about Brandy 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. Learn more about Jane here.

Madeline Wallace [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. Madeline is seeking literary and upmarket fiction, as well as select narrative nonfiction and memoir. In fiction, Madeline loves to lose herself in unputdownable stories with characters that transcend the page. More specifically, she would love to receive coming-of-age novels from adult perspectives, especially ones that turn tropes on their heads and offer engrossing, offbeat perspectives. She appreciates novels with distinct sociopolitical contexts, welcomes satire and surrealism as long as the overall work is grounded, and falls for anything with a biting sense of humor. She would love to see intergenerational or domestic sagas with crackling characters and vibrant prose. She also appreciates suspenseful, literary-leaning novels with smart twists. In the nonfiction space, she is hoping for books that explore pop culture, examining celebrity and fandom through a critical lens. She would also love to receive intimate narratives that interrogate institutions and systems, books that grapple with relationships between food and body image, and memoirs with family-centered narratives, particularly ones that excavate surprising histories. She is committed to advocating for voices that have been underrepresented in publishing. Learn more about Madeline here.

Eve Adler is a literary agent at Red Fox Literary. She seeks board books, picture books, and chapter books. “I represent board books, picture books, early readers, and chapter books. I’m actively building my list, and welcome submissions in the 0-10 age range, especially from author-illustrators. I’m drawn to stories that make kids feel comforted, loved, and understood; to diverse voices; to ideas that break the mold; to projects that meet kids where they are developmentally; and to books that expand kids’ worlds while helping them understand their own. What I’m looking for: I’m seeking projects for ages 0-10 that elicit strong emotions—I love manuscripts and dummies that give me goosebumps. Please note that I do not represent YA or adult books, and I’m not interested in fantasy, horror, or sci-fi.” Learn more about Eve here.

Dani Segelbaum [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary with the Carol Mann Agency. Dani joined the agency in 2021 as a literary agent and subrights manager. She is interested in both fiction and nonfiction. Dani is seeking nonfiction titles with an emphasis on politics, women’s issues, popular culture, and current events. Dani also loves memoir, narrative nonfiction, lifestyle, and cookbooks. In fiction, she is looking for literary and upmarket adult fiction including debut, historical, rom-coms, mysteries, and women’s fiction. In both fiction and nonfiction, Dani hopes to work with authors from diverse backgrounds to tell stories that are important to them. She loves compelling narrators and is drawn to writing that is voice-driven, highly transporting, and features unique perspectives and marginalized voices. Learn more about Dani here.

Kesia Lupo [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with The Bindery. “I consider middle-grade and YA my specialty and would love to represent authors writing for these age groups. But I’d love to return to my roots and also represent adult genre fiction in science fiction / fantasy and horror. I’m an omnivore in my reading taste and I would love my list to reflect that – so, while I’ve tried to be exhaustive, if you have something that doesn’t quite fit then please don’t hesitate to pitch anyway! In general, I’m looking for fiction for middle grade, YA and adult readers – and also a smattering of popular, accessible nonfiction. Across age groups, I’m a big fan of original fantasy, accessible but smart science fiction, paranormal or creepy horror, thrillers (especially if they have a shocking twist!), dark academia and basically all stories that help me escape or make me question everything. I majored in History so I love a bit of historical fiction too, as long as it’s done in a fun and accessible way – and I enjoy romance. For nonfiction, I’m looking at narrative nonfiction with broad appeal – I love books about psychology and big political, cultural or historical topics.” Learn more about Kesia here.

Keir Alekseii is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. Keir is seeking YA & Adult sci-fi / fantasy / horror and YA contemporary novels. She is ONLY open to taking pitches from writers who identify as belonging to a marginalized or underrepresented community. Across all genres, Keir loves complex, smart, emotional characters and they would love to see more books with morally gray, unapologetic characters. Genre blending and/or bending books are welcome. Retellings or re-imaginings that match her wish list are welcome. Learn more about Keir here.

Kelly Peterson (she/her) is a literary agent with Rees Literary. Kelly seeks books in various genres within Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Adult age ranges. In Middle Grade, she’s looking for: Fantasy and sci-fi; contemporary that touches on tough issues for young readers. In Young Adult, she’s looking for: Genres from contemporary, to high fantasy, to sci-fi (not the space kind) to paranormal (all the ghost stories, please!) and historical all the way back to rom-coms. In Adult, Kelly represents: Romance, fantasy, and sci-fi. She is very interested in representing authors with marginalized own voices stories, witty and unique characters, pirates, witches, and dark fantasies. Learn more about Kelly 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. Learn more about Paul here.

Kate Davids is a literary agent with Arc Literary Management. Kate is looking for nonfiction projects, particularly practical nonfiction, in cooking, personal finance, business, pets/animals, gardening, mental health, and new age. She also enjoys history books that delve into interesting subcultures, like anime or tabletop RPGs. In fiction, Kate has a soft spot for science fiction and fantasy that has great action and world building that leverages real world cultures or histories. She loves fiction that represents diverse cultural backgrounds in their settings and characters. For children’s books, Kate is looking for titles that can help both parents and their children explore the world together. This includes bi-lingual books and books about travel and multi-culturalism. She also likes a good laugh and an “aww” moment or two. Learn more about Kate here.

Monica Rodriguez [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent at Context Literary. Monica is looking to uplift underrepresented voices, including, (but not limited to) authors who identify as People of Color (BIPOC), disabled, neurodiverse, and LGBTQ+. In children’s literature, she is actively looking for PB, MG, YA & Graphic Novels. She is also open to adult and nonfiction submissions. Across all genres & age groups, she’d love to find: stories about identity, specifically first-gen stories or immigrant experiences; stories about self-love with coming-of-age themes. (I believe we are always coming-of-age, regardless of age!); stories about family relationships, messy/dysfunctional families or found families; stories about sibling relationships or cousin relationships, specifically navigating adult sibling relationships or cousin relationships with cultural differences. (i.e. first-gen themes); stories about travel, where the book is set outside the U.S. or even traveling to the U.S.; stories with messy characters who are trying their best; stories with characters who are curious about therapy or where mental health is advocated for; stories about badass women doing badass things; stories about cultures that are rarely explored. Learn more about Monica here.

Ksenia Tserkovskaya is a literary agent with The Deborah Harris Agency. Ksenia is interested in literary and upmarket fiction and creative non-fiction, with an occasional children’s book. She works with titles in English, Russian, and Hebrew. Now based in Israel, Ksenia has received her BA in Jewish Studies and Philology from the Moscow State University and her MA in Publishing and Language from the Oxford Brookes University. Learn more about Ksenia here.

Stephanie Winter is a literary agent with P.S. Literary. Stephanie is primarily acquiring across three pillars: adult fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels. She’s actively seeking titles with diverse and inclusive representation that offer smart, culturally aware, and enriching narratives. In fiction, she particularly enjoys commercial and upmarket projects (rom-coms, thriller/suspense, etc.) that offer millennial and/or queer-affirming perspectives. In nonfiction, she’s on the hunt for pop culture, cultural criticism, millennial business and finance, narrative nonfiction, how-to, and lifestyle projects. Learn more about Stephanie here.

Justin Brouckaert is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. Justin is a Metro Detroit native who holds an MFA in fiction from the University of South Carolina, where he was a James Dickey Fellow. As an agent, he is interested in memoir, essay collections, and narrative nonfiction. In nonfiction, he is most interested in memoirs that offer access to exclusive places and experiences, as well as reported narratives that shed light on under-represented people and communities. Learn more about Justin here.