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 If the writer is unpublished, I'll need to read the whole manuscript before I agree to represent him/her.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: www.credocommunications.net
Ann Byle is a literary agent with Credo Communications where she represents fiction and nonfiction authors. She spent years as a freelance journalist before the newspaper business collapsed, and continues to write for online and print publications including Today's Christian Woman, Novelcrossing.com and Publishers Weekly. She is author of The Making of a Christian Bestseller, and coauthor with Bethany Hamilton of Soul Surfer Devotions and Troy Evans of The Edge of Redemption. Ann is also cofounder of Breathe Christian Writers Conference. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband and four children.
Ann is NOT interested those sub-genres well covered in other venues such as Amish and Western.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Please come to the appointment with a well-written proposal and three sample chapters, an elevator pitch, and a good understanding of where you want to go as a writer.
Guidelines:
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Title: Literary Agent
Web Site: www.wordserveliterary.com
Alice Crider began her career in book publishing in 1998 at Cook Communications in Colorado Springs. In 2001, she went to work at Alive Communications Literary Agency for three years before joining the editorial team at WaterBrook Press, a division of Random House Publishing, Inc. She studied Communication at Regis University in Colorado and received life coach training through Christian Coaching Institute in 2008.
During her eight years at WaterBrook, aka WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, Alice acquired and edited mostly non-fiction, Christian Living/Spiritual Growth projects, and she managed various fiction projects. In 2011, Random House launched an early retirement program, and Alice received an opportunity to fulfill a dream: to combine her life coaching skills with her writing and publishing experience. She joined the literary team at WordServe Literary in September 2012, where she has the honor of empowering authors and launching life-changing books into the world.
Full-length Christian fiction (75,000 to 100,000 words). Genres: Historical and Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Amish.
Short contemporary and historical Christian fiction (40,000 to 65,000 words). Genres: Romance, Historical, Romantic Suspense. Will accept queries for Barbour, Love Inspired, Heartsong, and Avon Inspire.
Adult Christian Non-Fiction:
Relationships, Marriage, Family, Parenting, How-to, Popular Culture, Psychology, Women's Issues, Memoir, Spiritual Growth, Devotional. A strong platform is a must in non-fiction. Authors should have established social media and speaking platforms along with strong, fresh content.
What I am NOT looking for at this time:
· General market fiction
· Speculative (Science Fiction, fantasy)
· Horror
· Graphic novels
· Gift books
· Poetry
· Short stories
· Screenplays or movie treatments
· Children's picture books
· Children’s, tween, or middle-grade novels or non-fiction
Guidelines: http://www.wordserveliterary.com/submissionguidelines.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: www.booksandsuch.biz
Mary Keeley joined Books & Such in 2010 and brings her publishing experience from her many years at Tyndale House and Christianity Today. She has worked with bestselling authors, including Joel Rosenberg, Randy Alcorn, and Gary Chapman, and with franchise authors and their marketing teams on national, multi-book campaigns. She expanded her knowledge to magazine publishing and book co-publishing projects during her tenure at Christianity Today.
Having spent more than 14 years on the publishers' side of the industry, her move to Books & Such Literary Agency was prompted by an opportunity presented to her and her growing desire to work directly with authors. She brings a broad perspective of the industry. Combined with her passion for books that positively affect lives toward Christ, Mary loves doing what she does best: using her knowledge to guide and develop clients and plan strategically for their careers. She represents adult fiction and nonfiction.
Not interested in: fantasy, sci-fi, chick-lit, cozy mysteries, children's picture books
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
For the appointment I would like to see a one-sheet with author photo, a formal proposal (including synopsis, author bio, marketing and social media plans, and publishing history if any), and the first five pages of the manuscript. For unpublished authors, the manuscript should be complete.
Guidelines: http://www.booksandsuch.biz/submissions/
Title: Associate Agent
Web Site: www.natashakern.com
Athena Kern says she feels blessed to have been born into a publishing and literary family because that provided a front row seat to learning the industry and early involvement in agency-related work including reading manuscripts and queries as well as a model for becoming a great agent. However, it did take a lot of hard work, along with personal accomplishments and life experience, to get to this point in her professional life. Being an associate agent combines her passion for stories and good writing with her office, sales, social media, and computer savvy work history. A period of time spent working in elder care also provided her with an appreciation for personal storytelling and living life with compassion. As an associate agent, she is able to follow her calling---to be a champion for authors who deserve to have their God-given writing gift become a published book. Athena will always be looking for that new writer who will become tomorrow's successful author. She is a member of ACFW and RWA.
She is NOT interested in seeing:
Nonfiction, very gritty suspense, speculative fiction, poetry, children's fiction, screenplays or gift books
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
A beginning writer must have completed at least one manuscript before approaching the agency. For the appointment, I'd like to see a 1-2 page synopsis and two chapters and, if interested, will request the full manuscript be sent after the conference. Other materials like a bio, jacket blurb, social media connections, a one-pager or query letter are fine, but not required.
Guidelines: http://www.natashakern.com/about_the_agency.htm
Title: Marketing and Literary Agent
Web Site: www.theblythedanielagency.com
Jessica Kirkland joined The Blythe Daniel Agency, Inc. as Marketing and Literary Agent in 2012, where she is the primary fiction acquisition agent. Jessica has a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications, and a minor in Marketing, from Sam Houston State University. She brings a lot of creative energy and innovative thinking to the publishing field. In addition to her skills in finding good talent Jessica also has a strong background in sales, which has led to the successful sales and positioning of her authors. She is a book app creator and enjoys spinning tales of truth for children to help them learn about Christ. Jessica writes on her own website www.iliveloud.net where she encourages people to make memories that matter. Jessica lives in Texas with her husband, Robb, and 6-year-old triplets. She can be bribed with hugs and gluten-free cupcakes.
Adult fiction: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense/Thriller
Young Adult: Conflict—give me good layers of conflict.
Middle Readers: I would love to see a unique middle reader. Remember, kids read up.
What she is NOT interested in seeing:
Children's picture books
Speculative fiction
Historical
Sci-Fi
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Please complete a proposal and include four sample chapters—Michael Hyatt's fiction proposal format is a good guide. I'd also like a business card w/photo if possible. Make sure there are page numbers in your proposal. Questions to ponder for our meeting: What makes your manuscript unique compared to other writers in your genre? What marketing ideas do you have to help sell your novel? What other writing projects exist/could exist beyond the current manuscript? Your high school G.P.A. — just kidding.
Guidelines:
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 Book Group. He began working as an agent fifteen years ago, and has represented hundreds of titles. The authors he represents have won every major CBA writing award, and their books have been on all the bestseller lists -- New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, LA Times, Amazon, the CBA and ECPA lists, and one title he represented hit #1 on the New York Times list. Eight years ago he began his own literary agency, and over the past five years he has consistently been one of the busiest literary agents in the United States. He works with both fiction and nonfiction titles, but the majority of the business he is currently doing is fiction. Chip has an undergraduate degree from Portland State University, a master's from Biola University, did doctoral work at the University of Oregon, and post-doc work at Oxford University. A well-known speaker at writing conferences and via online writing sites, he lives on the Oregon coast.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
For MacGregor Literary to seriously consider your work, you'll need to have a completed manuscript.
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 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: President
Web Site: http://www.spencerhillassociates.com/
Karen Solem represents a broad range of commercial fiction including women’s fiction, thrillers and mysteries. A number of her clients have become New York Times bestsellers and though it’s wonderful to have that kind of recognition, she still takes a lot of pleasure in discovering and working with new talent. Karen brings an editorial background as well as a business background to assist her clients. Prior to becoming an agent Karen had 25 years of corporate publishing experience, as editor, editor-in-chief and publisher.
She counts herself among the lucky people who knew early on what they wanted to do. She always wanted to own a bookstore, and loved reading, discovering new writers, and being transported by what she read; the natural choice was publishing. In 1980 she joined Simon & Schuster as editor-in-chief of Silhouette books. She had never read a romance before her interview but found that not only did she love reading them, but that the writers are so very talented. With her development of Silhouette from four books a month to a division that released more than 24 titles a month, there was an explosion in the demand for romance and women’s fiction of all kinds. Many of those Silhouette writers went on to huge successes; authors such as Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, Barbara Delinsky and Debbie Macomber are just a few of many who got their start in romance. At Silhouette she began one of the first series of Christian romances called EvenSong which debuted in the mid 1980's
In 1990, to broaden her publishing background she moved to Harper Paperbacks, an imprint of HarperCollins, as Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, where one of her mandates was to build a women’s fiction program: and to be the liaison with Harper's sister company Zondervan. Through that she developed a program to publishing many of the Zondervan nonfiction books in mass-market paperback to mainstream booksellers. After five years, Karen left corporate publishing to be a literary agent, where she enjoys not having to walk that line between publisher/employer and author. Being the author’s advocate exclusively is rewarding and a pleasure. She was previously associated with Writers House where she worked for nearly six years.
Guidelines: http://spencerhillassociates.com/index.php/Submissions/
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