Angie Hodapp is the Director of Literary Development for Nelson Literary. At the 2020 Colorado conference, she is taking pitches on behalf of all four agents at her agency: Kristin Nelson, Danielle Burby, Joanna Mackenzie, and Quressa Robinson.

Kristin is currently seeking:

• Voice and character driven stories well told.
• Literary or literary/commercial adult novels (Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet, Where’d You Go Bernadette?, A Man Called Ove)
• Historical/literary adult novels
• Big crossover adult novels (literary or upmarket level writing) w/one foot squarely in genre (Wool, Station 11, Lexicon, Ready Player One)
• Literary Speculative Fiction
• Voice & character-driven thrillers, science fiction & fantasy
• Voice & character-driven upmarket women’s fiction, upmarket and smart Chick Lit and Rom Com (Think Crazy Rich Asians, The Kiss Quotient)
• Young adult & middle grade novels (all genres including contemporary, #ownvoices, boy adventure, magical, girl power, STEM girls are my jam, characters who use brains over brawn)

Danielle is currently seeking:

• Middle grade and young adult (all genres)
• Select passion projects in women’s fiction
• A strong voice, nuanced writing, plots with unexpected twists, high concept
• Complex female characters, quirky adventures, complicated family dynamics, romantic plotlines that are an element of the narrative but don’t dominate it, seaside novels, girls with swords, stories that take place in the aftermath of disaster (whether personal such as the death of a loved one or bigger picture such as a revolution), magical realism, YA psychological thrillers, sister stories
• Social justice themes, own voices authors, a special interest in LGBTQ+ stories
• Recent reads I have loved include (in no particular order) The Thing About Jellyfish, It’s Not Like It’s a Secret, We Are Okay, Landline, The Sun Is Also a Star, Uprooted, Salt to the Sea, We Were Liars, A Spool of Blue Thread, When Dimple Met Rishi, Six of Crows, anything Liane Moriarty, anything Kristin Cashore, anything Sarah Dessen

Joanna is currently seeking:

• Character-driven and atmospheric mysteries and thrillers—think Tana French, Blake Crouch, and Heather Gudenkauf.
• Literary fiction—fish-out-of-water experiences, immigrant stories, complex families. I cried my way through The Namesake and couldn’t put down The Round House.
• Upmarket women’s fiction featuring characters I can’t stop thinking about.
• Literary and commercial young-adult fiction—I’ll Give You The Sun and Bone Gap and anything that reminds me of Veronica Mars.

Quressa is currently seeking:

• Modern-day blue stockings, POC fangirls/fanboys, #blackgirlmagic, #carefreeblackgirls, #blackboyjoy, LGBTQ+, neuroatypical/neurodivergent, and disabled POCs as leads
• Middle Grade (contemporary and SF/F). Cute, quirky, charming, and fun. Along the lines of Kiki’s Delivery Service and Spirited Away.
• Young adult (contemporary, SF/F, historical)
• Adult SF/F with strong genre-bending/crossover appeal. (Think the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, and The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker. I’m also a fan of Anne Bishop and Naomi Novik.)
• Literary fiction that is thoughtful, evocative, page-turning (The Mothers, Behold the Dreamers, Tell The Wolves I’m Home, Station 11)
• Upmarket and commercial fiction
• Passion projects in narrative nonfiction with a strong literary voice and commercial appeal (Wild by Cheryl Strayed, Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance, Black Man in a White Coat by Damon Tweedy, When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi). Would love to see non-whitewashed cowboy stories; pop science by women, specifically women of color; and literary, voice-driven memoir with commercial appeal.
  #ownvoices and marginalized authors in all genres mentioned above. Inclusive narratives in all genres.

Angie holds a BA in English and secondary education and an MA in English and communication development, and she is a graduate of the Denver Publishing Institute at the University of Denver. The author of Do You Need a Literary Agent?, Angie has worked in language education and professional writing, editing, and publishing for more than twenty years. She is passionate about story and loves helping authors hone their craft and learn about the ever-changing business of publishing.

Irene Kaster [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with Heather Jackson Literary Agency.

About the agency: We specialize in commercial nonfiction, both narrative and prescriptive, and in contemporary fiction. We represent top-tier authors in health and well-being, psychology/self-help, politics and current affairs, as well as memoir and personal finance. We are always on the hunt for brilliant writing and deeply moving journalistic narratives that share insights into unseen aspects of our culture, subcultures, and the function or workings of our world. We love big ideas and groundbreaking big think books. We love historical and contemporary fiction penned with propulsive storylines, sharp and textured writing, and peopled with vivid characters. Lastly, we are steadfastly looking for a reliable narrator who isn’t a psychopath, a multi-generational family saga that surprises, and, well, something that is just pure magic…reminding us that a creative hand can take us places we didn’t even know we wanted to go.

Irene’s Current Wishlist:

Fiction with razor-sharp commentary on class

A fresh voice and distinct writing style in romance

Fiction set in the rural Midwest or mountain towns

Nonfiction that alters my worldview

An art heist

A love story set in the outdoors

Fresh, practical ideas across psychology, relationships, health, and science

Books that subvert my expectations to reveal shocking truths

About Irene:

Irene started at HJLit as an intern in 2022. She studied at Emerson College in Boston and holds a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing, and an MA in Writing and Publishing. She has worn various hats in publishing including intern, freelance editor, literary assistant, social media coordinator, bookseller, and ghostwriter—but above all, she is a bookworm. Irene is based in Colorado and spends her free time enjoying the outdoors and searching for the best coffee shops.

Diego Harrison is a literary agent with SBR Media.

“I’m Diego Harrison, a literary agent at SBR Media and Association of American Literary Agent member, with 15 years experience in the publishing industry and a deep love for books across many genres. I’m looking for unique voices and storytellers who I can help reach unlimited success. I am resolute in connecting my clients with the top publishers in the world, both big and small, as well as maximizing returns on works. This includes strategic partnerships and opportunities to elevate my clients to the highest financial and career gains.”

What I’m looking for:

First and foremost, a well-written and engaging story, with a unique voice – a real plus is a new spin on an old trope. I’m open to new authors as I love to develop careers, but also enjoy working with established authors who want to fully exploit their rights and expand their brand.

Before you submit, know what a high concept pitch is and include it in all submissions. Make sure your manuscript is double spaced with proper headers, and run it through grammar and editing programs. Look for repeat words and phrases, and get rid of them! Don’t start every sentence the same way, either.

A high concept pitch is not a teaser that tells me nothing about the book. It’s juicy with real meat on the story.

Wishlist genre-specific notes:

Fantasy / Sci-Fi: This is a heavily flooded genre, so your project must stand out with exceptional writing and a high concept pitch. I’m essentially closed to submissions in this genre, but I still will consider something special.

Romantasy: This genre is starting to be overbought. I’ve had good success, but I need a high concept pitch and exceptional writing.

Horror: I love horror. I love zombies. Give me well written. Give me great concepts, great dialogue and drag me into the setting so that I need the lights on when I read. If I don’t feel that, it’s not for me.

Thriller: I would love to find a good domestic thriller. Where are you?! I can’t find it. I love crime thrillers, too. Bring it on. But that doesn’t mean paranormal and time travel. I’d prefer present day settings, but sometimes another time period can work. I love the 80’s but I need it to work on the page. And again, I need a high concept pitch.

Young Adult: I love a good YA across genres, but I need to feel like the character is the age you say they are. This is a popular genre so please be original. If it’s like everyone else’s pitch, it won’t stand out.

Middle Grade: Kids talk like kids. Think about that if you’re writing a middle grade book.

Children’s Picture Books: I need the artwork. That is a must. Please do not send without it.

Nonfiction / Memoir: Please make sure you have a properly construction prospectus / front matter.

Romance: I love a good romance—I’m married to a romance author! A romance that is funny and cute is a big yes for me. I love dark and atmospheric as well. Just make sure the romance is well developed and I get character growth. I also love a good romantic suspense, but I think there is a real skill to writing this genre. It has to be the right amount of suspense and romance, woven just right.

Military Action: I am a huge Gray Man and Reacher fan. Orphan X, too! I’d love to find a book that fits in with these loves.

Crime Fiction: I love a good detective novel, but it needs to be present day. An ex-cop, a current cop, or FBI agent are always good. I’m open to different situations. I love a good PI or retired cop, too!

Surprise me. I’m just not finding period pieces to sell well, at least right now.

Mystery: I have a real liking for cozy mysteries! The cozier, the better.