Agent Appointments
The opportunity to have personal, fifteen minute appointments with Editors, Agents, Mentors , or PR/Media Professionals is a valuable highlight of the conference. These provide a great way to learn first-hand about the writing industry, to pitch your manuscript or work-in-progress, and to brainstorm ideas, get encouragement, and benefit from industry professionals.
All appointments are available on a first pay, first slotted basis. Appointments will be scheduled by the Conference Appointment Coordinator, Casey Miller. You will select multiple choices for your appointment needs when you register for the conference.
Title: Literary Agent
Web Site: http://www.stevelaube.com/
Karen Ball has always loved the power of story. She considers it a gift that shes been able to use that love during nearly 30 years in publishing as an executive and acquisitions editor, building fiction lines for Tyndale, Multnomah, Zondervan, and B&H Publishing Group. Currently the owner/operator of Karen Ball Publishing Services, LLC, and a literary agent with the Steve Laube Agency, Karen loves to partner with authors and help them refine their craft to bring out the power in their work. Shes had the honor of acquiring and working with some of the best novelists in the market, including Francine Rivers, Karen Kingsbury, Brandilyn Collins, Ginny Yttrup, Robin Jones Gunn, and many others. A published author herself, several of Karens novels have received awards, including the Readers Choice award and the ACFW award for the Best Inspirational Novel of the Year. Karen lives in Oregon with her husband, father, and a collection of four-legged, furry kids, including an incorrigible Corgi named Kirby, and an Aussie-Terrier mix she affectionately refers to as the black hole of emotional need.
NOT interested in seeing: Poetry, screenplays, academic works, horror fiction, children's books
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
At the meetings, I only need one or two sample chapters. PLEASE don't sign up to talk with me if you don't have sample chapters. If the writer is unpublished, I'll need to read the whole manuscript before I agree to represent him/her.
Guidelines: http://www.stevelaube.com/guidelines/
Title: Literary Agent
Web Site: http://macgregorliterary.com/
Sandra Bishop was invited in 2009 to join MacGregor Literary, an agency which is consistently listed in the top five dealmakers on Publishers Marketplace. Prior to agenting, Sandra worked in the marketing department of a major CBA publishing company, and made a living as a freelance writer for nearly a decade. In her second full year as an agent, Sandra defied the lingering cries of the falling economic sky and placed 30 books for publication. In 2010, Sandra enjoyed the honor of being named "Agent of the Year" by ACFW, a national association of authors who specialize in inspirational fiction.
Sandra represents fiction and nonfiction authors in multiple genres and with varying levels of publication background. She is as hard working as she is likeable, and is proud to have helped several of her authors reach milestones early in their literary partnership. Sandra is awaiting membership status in the Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR).
Sandra is open to new clients she meets at conferences and via referrals from published authors.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Regardless of whatever else authors hear from others, at one-on-one meetings, Sandra wants to see writing samples. The first five pages will usually suffice, along with a synopsis (for fiction) or outline (nonfiction). A concise author bio, platform statement, and publishing history (with sales numbers, preferably) is also helpful.
Guidelines: http://macgregorliterary.com/resources/index.php
Title: Literary Agent
Web Site: http://www.hartlineliterary.com/
Terry has been with the Hartline agency for over ten years, five years as an agent, and has a substantial list of clients, a growing list of credits, and a reputation for presenting to conferences all over the country. Consistently listed near the top on the Publisher's Marketplace list of agents helping debut authors to publish. Terry comes from a writing background, has over 40 books of his own in print, most recently, a book of his collected short works entitled “On the Road Home.” A Young Adult entitled Beyond the Smoke which won the Will Rogers Medallion and a book on the skills needed to get published entitled “A Writer’s Survival Guide to Publication” that was developed out of the month long course he held for ACFW. He’s a member of the Association of Author’s Representatives (AAR).
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
A one-sheet is good, but I want the attendee to talk to me.
Guidelines: http://www.hartlineliterary.com/submissions.html
Title: Literary Agent
Web Site: http://www.booksandsuch.com/
Rachelle Gardner is an agent with Books & Such Literary Agency, representing both fiction and nonfiction. In the publishing business since 1995, Rachelle previously worked for two publishing houses in positions encompassing marketing, sales, international rights, acquisitions and editorial. She has also edited over 100 books. As an agent, she loves helping authors strategize and build their careers, and takes great joy in sharing the important milestones in a writer’s journey. Writers can get to know Rachelle through her blog, RachelleGardner.com and at the agency website, BooksandSuch.biz.
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APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Rachelle requests that authors only meet with her if they have a completed manuscript. In meetings, she likes to see a few manuscript pages, and appreciates seeing pitch materials (one-sheet, proposal, hook, synopsis, etc.) but they're not required.
Guidelines: http://www.booksandsuch.biz/submissions/
Title: President and CEO
Web Site: http://www.hartlineliterary.com
Joyce Hart is the CEO and President of Hartline Literary Agency established in 1992. She has been involved in CBA Publishing since 1978. She is a former Vice President of Marketing for a Christian publishing company. Hartline Literary Agency serves over 240 clients. Joyce and her staff are on faculty at many conferences each year.
Joyce represents bestselling, award winning authors, including Christy Finalists, National Reader’s Choice Award winners, Genesis finalists and winners, and a two-time winner of the Willa Award.
She is a graduate of The Open Bible College and the Dale Carnegie Sales Course. Books have been a large part of her life since childhood. When she went to work for a Christian Publisher she discovered her niche in life.
I am not looking for poetry, children's books or YA, Sci fi, fantasy or futuristic
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
I would like to see a one-page sheet, and a sample of the writing. Not a full proposal at the convention. For first time-authors, the book needs to be written.
Guidelines: http://www.hartlineliterary.com/submissions.html
Title: Literary Agent
Web Site: http://www.alivecommunications.com/
Lee Hough is among that select group of American literary agents to have three collaborative books simultaneously on the prestigious New York Times bestseller list: Heaven Is for Real – Going Rogue – and Same Kind of Different As Me.
Lee first studied the art of storytelling at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles while co-authoring for a bestselling pastor. After five years, Lee then moved from California to Colorado where he held the consecutive positions of Senior Acquisitions Editor and Managing Editor at David C. Cook Publishing. From there he joined Alive Communications as a literary agent in 2001; in 2007 he was named “Agent of the Year” by Thomas Nelson; and in 2010 was named vice president of Alive Communications. Lee works with a very select stable of award winning fiction and non-fiction authors like Rich Stearns, president of World Vision and bestselling author of The Hole in Our Gospel; Terri Blackstock, NY Times bestseller (over 6 million sold); Sheila Walsh (over 4 million sold); Nancy Rue (over 1.5 million sold); and Randy Singer (“gripping, obsessively readable” – starred PW review). Where did Lee’s love for words begin? When he discovered at age four that they had the power to get him out of a spanking after he set fire to, well, not the fireplace. Since then, authors like Beryl Markham, Laura Hillenbrand, Eugene Peterson, Robert McKee, Rick Bragg, and many others have led him to healthier, more helpful expressions of his love for story.
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Fiction
Yes: Contemporary and historical; military; suspense of all kinds (except legal)
No: Fantasy; Sci Fi; Supernatural; Amish
Non-fiction
Yes - Memoir; narrative non-fiction
Yes - Spiritual growth
No - psychology; business; apologetics or leadership books
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
For the conference, a one to two page précis of the book is all I need for discussion; not the manuscript or even sample chapters.
Guidelines: http://www.alivecommunications.com/query-guidelines/
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Title: President & Literary Agent
Web Site: www.wordserveliterary.com
Greg Johnson started WordServe Literary Group in 2003. He worked for nine years as an agent with another agency. In 18 years as a literary agent, Greg has represented more than 2,100 books and negotiated more than 1,600 contracts with 85 different publishers. The agency currently serves more than 100 published authors between he and Barbara Scott.
Before working with authors, Greg wrote 23 non-fiction books and more than 200 magazine articles. He worked for five years as founding editor for Breakaway Magazine, and spent ten years working full time with Campus Life in the Pacific Northwest.
Greg is married to Becky who works closely with him in evaluating authors and their manuscripts. Together they have six adult children, five sons and a daughter, along with five grandsons. The Johnsons make their home in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
Not interested in poetry or picture books.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
What I’d like to see during appointments is a few pages that highlight your idea if it’s nonfiction, and a synopsis, character list, and the first 5 pages of a novel.
Guidelines: http://www.wordserveliterary.com/submissionguidelines.html
Title: Literary Agent and President
Web Site: http://www.stevelaube.com/
Steve Laube, a literary agent and president of The Steve Laube Agency, has been in the book industry for over 31 years, first as a bookstore manager. His store was named the National Store of the Year by CBA. He then spent over a decade with Bethany House Publishers and was named the Editor of the Year in 2002. He later became an agent and has represented over 700 new books and was named Agent of the Year by ACFW. His office is in Phoenix, Arizona.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
I would like to see writing sample and a proposal during an appointment. A “one sheet” is not sufficient because it doesn’t show me you can write
Guidelines: http://www.stevelaube.com/guidelines/
Title: Literary Agent
Web Site: http://macgregorliterary.com
A 2006 graduate of Taylor University’s Professional Writing program, Amanda knows what it's like to make a living as a writer. Before coming on board with MacGregor Literary, she worked as a copywriter and social media marketer in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She's worked with local and national brands, including Vera Bradley, Brecks, and Peg Perego.
An Agent since 2010, Amanda works with both CBA and ABA authors. For CBA, she's currently acquiring romance, African American fiction, spec fiction (anything weird, dystopian, steampunk, etc), and YA titles
ABA: Paranormal Romance, African American, Literary Fiction, Spec Fiction, YA
NOT interested in: Historical fiction (unless it's high concept or regency), Amish fiction, mystery, picture books, chapter readers
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION: Manuscripts must be completed for new authors. Please state genre and audience (age, gender, etc) before launching into the pitch. Feel free to come with questions so that you can maximize your time with me.
Bring first chapter and a one-sheet as well as a business card (or put your contact info on your one-sheet). I will not be taking chapters home with me this year. If I like your idea/project, I'll exchange contact info with you.
Guidelines: http://macgregorliterary.com/resources/index.php
Title: President
Web Site: http://macgregorliterary.com/
Chip MacGregor is the president of MacGregor LIterary, Inc., a full-service literary agency that works in both CBA as well as the general market. Chip has been working in the publishing industry for three decades, and made his living as a freelance writer and editor for several years. He is the author of numerous books, including a couple of bestselling nonfiction titles, and formerly served as a publisher with Time-Warner. He began working as an agent fifteen years ago, and has represented hundreds of titles, including numerous award winners and bestsellers, and one that hit #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. Seven years ago he began his own literary agency, and over the past three years has been the busiest literary agent in the United States. He works with both fiction and nonfiction titles, but the majority of the business he is currently doing is fiction. A well-known speaker at writing conferences and via online writing sites, Chip is a graduate of Talbot Theological Seminary, did his doctoral work at the University of Oregon, and did post-doctoral studies at Regent's Park College at Oxford University. He lives on the Oregon coast.
WHAT HE IS NOT LOOKING FOR: Children's books, YA nonfiction, political novels, Westerns, horror, cozy mysteries, sci-fi, most speculative projects, and novellas
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
At the meeting, I'm happy to look at your one-sheet or proposal. I need to know what the story is about. Make sure to bring a sample chapter, so we can talk about your writing. I'm open to talk about your career or answer your publishing questions, but if you're seeking representation, you'll really have to have your novel completed.
Guidelines: http://macgregorliterary.com/resources/index.php
Title: Literary Agent
Web Site: http://www.stevelaube.com/
Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency is a full-time literary agent bringing to her clients her past experience as an award-winning novelist and twelve years of experience as an agent. A native Virginian, she holds a BA with honors in Journalism from Lynchburg College. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband of 28 years and their youngest daughter. An avid reader, Tamela feels blessed by the Lord to have a career in Christian publishing, where she enjoys long-term relationships with key publishing professionals in every top CBA publishing house. Tamela is committed to bringing the best writers
to the most prestigious CBA houses.
NOT SEEKING: Speculative, spiritual warfare, children's, Middle Ages, novels set in the 1950s-2000
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Tamela prefers that debut authors have completed the manuscript they wish to discuss and can tell her their plans for their next novel or two. Established authors do not need a complete manuscript. Tamela is
happy to meet with authors regardless of where they are in their careers. If you are not sure what to do about agency representation or what your next step should be, Tamela is happy to share her thoughts.
Author appointments are one of her favorite parts of the ACFW conference!
Guidelines: http://www.stevelaube.com/guidelines/
Title: Associate Literary Agent
Web Site: www.theseymouragency.com
Nicole Resciniti is an agent at The Seymour Agency. In addition to working with Mary Sue to negotiate clients’ domestic and foreign rights, Nicole divides her time between NJ and Naples, where she has established The Seymour Agency’s Southwest Florida Office. Prior to joining The Seymour Agency, Nicole taught in the public school system.
Nicole holds degrees in biology, psychology, and behavioral neuroscience. She is a member of AAR, RWA, ACFW, SWFRW, and MENSA, and dedicated to promoting the advancement of quality fiction and nonfiction material.
Nicole is co-writing THE SMART GUIDE TO GETTING PUBLISHED for Smart Guides with Mary Sue Seymour. It is scheduled for release in May 2013.
No poetry, screenplays or erotica. Very select on nonfiction, and only with authors who have an established platform.
Guidelines: http://www.theseymouragency.com/Submissions.html
Title: Literary Agent
Web Site: www.wordserveliterary.com
Barbara Scott has been a book editor for 13+ years and has more than 30 years of publishing experience, ranging from newspapers and magazines to books. Currently, she is an agent for WordServe Literary Group. Among her many published works, Barbara is the co-author of the best-selling novel Sedona Storm, as well as the sequel Secrets of the Gathering Darkness, both published by Thomas Nelson.
Barbara has partnered with best-selling authors such as Brandilyn Collins and Melody Carlson for the YA fiction line at Zondervan, and many of the authors in her fiction launch at Abingdon Press received rave reviews in Publisher’s Weekly and Library Journal. Two of her most recent authors at Abingdon Press, Cynthia Ruchti and Richard Mabry, were nominated for Carol Awards by ACFW in 2011, and Nancy Rue, one of her authors at Zonderkidz/Zondervan, has sold more than one million copies of her various children’s and YA series there. The fiction line at Abingdon Press exceeded all sales expectations, and Barbara has been credited for kicking off a well-rounded series of quality, highly-reviewed novels.
Barbara’s educational background includes a M.A. in English from National University, a B.A. in English from Missouri Southern State College, a Certificate in Film from the Mass Media Institute at Stanford University, a graduate-level course in child development from Calvin College, training in screen development with the Robert McKee Story Seminar in Los Angeles, and numerous sales, management, and customer service training courses.
Adult Fiction:
Full-length fiction: 75,000 to 100,000 words.
Christian Market: Contemporary Women, Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Amish/Mennonite, Family Saga, Mystery/Suspense, Thrillers. Female protagonists preferred.
General Market: Amish, Cozy Mystery, Historical, Literary, Thrillers, Suspense.
Short fiction: 40,000 to 65,000 words.
Christian Market: Christmas Novellas, Contemporary and Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense.
Adult Non-Fiction:
Christian Market: Celebrity Profiles, Charismatic, Christian Living, Current/Social Issues, Evangelism, Faith, Family Life, Health & Diet, How-to, Leadership, Marriage, Money Management, Parenting, Personal Growth, Politics, Prayer, Relationships, Self-Help, Spiritual Warfare, Women's Issues.
General Market: Business, Current/Social Issues, History, Money Management, Politics.
Authors should have well-known, established social media, consulting, and speaking platforms.
Christian Theology, Apologetics, Pastoral, Spiritual Growth:
I will only take on this type of project if the Christian author has well-known credentials and a large, established platform.
What Barbara is NOT looking for:
• Children's books
• Fantasy/Science Fiction
• Gift books
• Graphic novels
• Horror (especially vampire or werewolf)
• Poetry
• Short stories
• Screenplays
• Speculative
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Writers should have completed manuscripts before requesting meetings. During conference appointments, Barbara would like to see a proposal and the first five pages of the manuscript.
Guidelines: http://www.wordserveliterary.com/submissionguidelines.html
Title: Literary Agent and Founder
Web Site: http://www.theseymouragency.com/
Mary Sue Seymour, nominated for American Christian Fiction Writers Agent of the Year, has been agenting for 20 years and is listed as a top deal-maker for inspirational fiction on Publisher’s Marketplace. She has sold multi-book deals to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan, Harvest House, Bethany House, Cook, Harper One, Guideposts, Abingdon Press and others. She travels the country and world presenting writing workshops, mentoring writers and doing appointments with them. She has been a guest agent at The Women's Fiction Festival in Matera, Italy, has attended the London Book Fair and has traveled to almost every American city to writing conferences and she'd loved every minute of it. If you'd like to see current sales, conference pictures or recent covers of books she's sold, please visit her web site.
She represents several best selling Christian authors such as New York Times best selling author, Shelley Shepard Gray, Beth Wiseman, Mary Ellis, Amy Clipston, Don Reid of the Statler Brothers, Vannetta Chapman and so on; her writers have won numerous publishing industry awards, have been written about in Publisher's Weekly and other publications.
Mary Sue likes to keep busy since her sons, Matt and Luke, named after the gospel writers, have grown up. She ran the Disney half marathon this past January and took 317th place in her age category of 55-59. She teaches art on cruise ships in exchange for a complementary cruise for two [which has made her exceedingly popular with her friends!]. The most important aspect of Mary Sue's life is her faith in Jesus Christ. She attends two churches - one service at 9:00 - the other at 11:00 and she is never fearful of witnessing about the love of Christ.
Guidelines: http://www.theseymouragency.com/Submissions.html
Title: Literary Manager
Web Site: http://creativetrust.com/literary.html
Meredith Smith joined Creative Trust as literary manager in 2009. She began her career in publishing at Rodale and later worked at Hachette Book Group as associate editor, acquiring for the Center Street and FaithWords imprints. At Creative Trust she represents high concept commercial fiction, for both Christian and general markets, and select nonfiction titles. In particular Meredith looks for contemporary women's fiction that has a well-executed, unique narrative style, plot-driven commercial suspense, and historical fiction with an upmarket premise. Aside from reading a slew of fiction in her spare time, she enjoys running and debating theological points with her husband, who is an Episcopal priest.
Currently Seeking: Contemporary women's fiction that has a well-executed, unique narrative style, plot-driven commercial suspense, and historical fiction with an upmarket premise. A recent release she has sold, A WALK ACROSS THE SUN by Corban Addison (Silver Oak, 2012), is an international suspense story about human trafficking and one man's journey of redemption to save two girls' lives.Not looking for any category romance or science fiction.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
For pitches, I would appreciate if writers have completed at least one manuscript and have a sample of their latest work handy.
Guidelines:
Title: Literary Agent and Founder
Web Site: http://stobbeliterary.com/
An active Literary Agent for 19 years and Executive Editor of the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild, Les Stobbe also serves as director of International Christian Writers. He has been denominational editor, newsletter editor, book editor, book club vice-president, CE Journal editor, curriculum managing editor, and president of a book publishing house. He has written curriculum, journalism lessons, 14 books and hundreds of magazine articles. He loves working with writers of both non-fiction and fiction.
Currently Seeking: Looking for adult fiction and non-fiction. I will also consider YA fantasy and contemporary fiction.Not interested in seeing fantasy and Sci-Fi or biblical fiction.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
I prefer seeing synopsis and first chapter in fiction only when the book manuscript has been completed and properly edited. In non-fiction a one-page summary is a good start, but it must include author platform.
Guidelines: http://www.stobbeliterary.com/submission-guidelines.html
Title: Literary Agent
Web Site: www.nyliterary.com
Sarah has been with Nancy Yost Literary Agency since October 2011. Before joining NYLA she was the eBook Editor at Press 53 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Sarah graduated from the University of Denver’s graduate course in publishing. She is an avid reader of women’s fiction as well as YA and some middle grade titles.
Sarah grew up on a horse farm in North Carolina, attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for undergrad, and cherishes her rural Southern roots, though she is now enjoying living in New York City.
Main attractions in submissions are: Well-plotted and believable relationships. The voice should be strong, intelligent, and unique. Story arc should be well thought-out and original with touches of humor and whimsy.
She also enjoys stories with a strong supporting cast of animal characters: horses, dogs, cats; essentially all pets furry and friendly.
PLEASE NO: Thriller, Suspense, Poetry, Screenplays, or Non-Fiction. Thank you!
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Please only seek an appointment if you have a completed manuscript. For scheduled meetings bring a one page summary of your work and at least the first chapter for review. Note that sample chapters and the one page summary should have a cover page with all of author's contact information, and sample chapters should be double spaced.
Guidelines: http://www.nyliterary.com/www.nyliterary.com/Submission_Guidelines.html