PITCH YOUR BOOK TO A LITERARY AGENT:
These one-on-one online meetings at the 2026 Pittsburgh Writing Workshop are an amazing chance to pitch your book face-to-face (virtually) with an agent, and get personal, individual feedback on your pitch/concept. If the agent likes your pitch, they’ll request to see part/all of your book — sending you straight past the slush pile. It also gives you an intimate chance to meet with an agent and pick their brain with any questions on your mind. More 2026 agents to be announced as they are confirmed. You can sign up for pitches at any time, or switch pitches at any time, so long as the agent in question still has appointments open. WDW online pitches, unless otherwise noted, always happen on the Saturday of a conference — in this case, May 9, 2026.. We have seen many, many writers sign with agents after connecting after our conferences.
Jane Chun is a literary agency with Transatlantic Agency. Jane is particularly interested in stories that center marginalized communities and prose that is cinematic and atmospheric with good rhythm. In both fiction and nonfiction, she is drawn towards compelling, fresh voices that make her feel as though the writer is in the room with her, telling her their story with intimacy as if they were already acquainted. Regardless of how plot-driven a story is, characters with rich inner worlds and emotional depth are a must for her. She is interested in literary, upmarket, and commercial fiction across adult, MG, and YA and select nonfiction. She is also seeking graphic novels/nonfiction. In the fiction space, she is open to contemporary, historical, fantasy, sci-fi, speculative, and horror. In nonfiction, she is looking for memoirs; narrative nonfiction; history; investigative journalism; books about nature, climate, and science; and books about food, travel, pop culture, and cultural criticism. Learn more about Jane here.
Sarah N. Fisk is a literary agent with The Tobias Literary Agency, and is open to pitches for young adult of all genres, middle grade of all genres, adult romance, science fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction, and select nonfiction. They also take pitches for mysteries and thrillers via conferences only. Sarah especially loves fiction that is compulsively readable and social justice issues woven into commercial plots. Particular areas of interest include atmospheric fantasies, speculative mysteries, books that challenge societal norms, especially gender norms. Learn more about Sarah here.
Rose Conway is a literary agent with Confluence Literary Agency. Her list focuses on stylistically subversive and thematically layered fiction: work that leads with artistry and allows deeper themes to emerge naturally. She seeks upmarket and smart commercial fiction with inventive structures, emotional depth, and distinctive voices. Think braided narratives, unexpected POVs, and prose that takes creative risks. In building her list, Rose is interested in career-oriented writers and her goal is to help authors lay the foundation for sustainable career growth. Learn more about Rose here.
Sandra Proudman is a literary agent with Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency. She is seeking: I am continuing to look to diversify my list this year as its important to me to continue to strive for all kids to see themselves on the page as the heroes of their own stories. I am especially looking for marginalized and underrepresented voices and am especially looking for clients from Middle Eastern, South Asian, South American, and Indigenous backgrounds. Picture Books and Early Readers: I would love to sign an author-illustrator that is doing work like Flavia Z. Drogo or Ben Clanton. I love character-driven stories full of light and humor. I also really enjoy STEAM topics, so if there is a chance for a kiddo to learn in your work, that’s always a plus! Middle Grade: I would love to find a graphic novelist that is working on a speculative project in the vein of Wendell and Wild or Sweet Tooth. Young Adult: I am particularly looking for romcoms and horror/thrillers in this age group. In terms of horror, I like the entire genre and am OK with body horror. Adult fiction: I would love to find a horror like The Hacienda or Mexican Gothic. Or a beautifully written speculative story that’ll make me feel ALL of the feels. Learn more about Sandra here.
Rachel Estep is a literary agent with D4EO Literary Agency. She is seeking: literary fiction; mainstream fiction; all types of middle grade and young adult (especially that centers underrepresented voices); voicey, high-stakes psychological thrillers; stories that mess with your head in the best way; gothic fiction that blends deep senses of foreboding with modern themes; true crime projects that dig deeper than the headlines and center empathy alongside the horror; queer romcoms that bring the banter, the swoon, the spice, and a whole lot of heart; historical fiction driven by complex, unforgettable women in the style of Marie Benedict. Learn more about Rachel here.
Jackie Kruzie is a literary agent with Focused Artists. Adult Fiction wishlist: book club fiction, cozy mystery, historical fiction, horror, paranormal, romantasy, speculative, Western, supernatural, women’s fiction. “I love grounded speculative fiction where characters must keep their abilities hidden as they strive to right wrongs and exist in a world where fear of the unknown and misunderstood is prevalent. I love witches but not a big fan of vampires or werewolves.” Children’s Fiction wishlist: board books, chapter books, middle grade, picture books, and young adults. Learn more about Jackie here.
Ritu Anand is a literary agent with D4E0 Literary. In Kidlit, she seeks: Picture books, Middle Grade and Young Adult Novels. In Literary Fiction, she seeks: Drama, Fairy Tales and Fiction in Verse. In General Fiction, she seeks: Women’s Fiction, Drama, Humor, Realistic Fiction, Satire and Tragedy. In Historical Fiction, she seeks: Women’s Historical Fiction, Historical Romantic Fiction and Historical Fantasy. Diverse and underrepresented Voices are encouraged to submit. Learn more about Ritu here.
Brittany Torres Rivera is an assistant editor with Graywolf Press, and is taking pitches on behalf of her imprint. Graywolf Press publishes about 30 books annually — mostly poetry, memoirs, essays, novels, translations, and short stories. “Our editors are looking for high quality literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that combine a distinct voice with a distinct vision. Our editors seek out and solicit promising work from authors that they encounter in the pages of magazines, at writing conferences, and in other venues.” Learn more about Brittany here.
Liz Gettle is a literary agent with Myth Literary. Her vision is to champion the bold and evocative realm of dark fiction. Her goal is to bring together the best in fantasy, romance, thrillers and horror. She’s looking for authors who create narratives that captivate and intrigue. She is seeking: adult fantasy, dark fantasy, crossover fantasy, and Gothic fantasy. Romantasy is welcome in all of the above fiction categories. Learn more about Liz here.
Maggie Sadler is a literary agent with Howland Literary. She is seeking: literary fiction written in lyrical, artful prose with carefully crafted tension; iterary fiction with speculative flavors—let’s get weird; upmarket fiction, especially with emotionally complex characters who explore evocative settings; untold and/or underrepresented historical fiction (pre-twentieth century, please); urban fantasy/magical realism rooted in our reality; folk and fairy tale retellings—the more stunning the twist, the better; work from Indigenous/First Nations authors, as well as other historically marginalized and underrepresented voices; narratives that interrogate themes of cultural identity, femininity, family legacy, rebellion against tradition, and self-discovery from a fresh, unorthodox perspective. An experienced traveler, Maggie also welcomes nonfiction travel narratives depicting remote locations and thought-provoking encounters in a raw, authentic, and intentional narrative voice. Learn more about Maggie here.
Victoria Harris (they/them/theirs) is a literary agent with The Caldwell Agency. “I’m primarily seeking adult literary and upmarket fiction, particularly stories that feature LGBTQ+ and BIPOC characters. I’m also open to literary-leaning queer romance, soft sci-fi, and historical fiction set in the recent past. When it comes to nonfiction, I’m interested in memoirs.” She is drawn to: LGBTQ+ characters, BIPOC characters, mentally ill characters, neurodivergent characters, chronically ill and physically disabled characters, characters who’ve had difficult childhoods, characters who are repressed, characters who’ve felt like an outsider for their whole life, chosen family, friends to lovers, pining, late-stage coming of age stories, and dysfunctional family dynamics. Learn more about Victoria here.
Caitlin McDonald is a literary agent with Donald Maass Literary Agency. She is looking for: all types of science fiction and fantasy for adult, young adult, and middle grade, especially secondary world fantasy and alternate history; genre-bending or cross-genre fiction, and stories that examine tropes from a new angle; diversity of all kinds, including (but not limited to) race, gender, sexuality, and ability, in both characters and worldbuilding. Learn more about Caitlin here.
Rachel Beck is a literary agent with Liza Dawson Associates. In fiction, she seeks upmarket/book club women’s fiction; smart contemporary romance and romcoms; historical fiction this side of World War II (dual timeline welcome); nongenre fiction; speculative fiction/magical realism; gripping thrillers/psychological or domestic suspense; and contemporary young adult. For selection nonfiction, she seeks narrative nonfiction, though always open to prescriptive as well. She also enjoys gifty pop culture books; cultural criticism books/essays, social justice issues, advocacy, politics, feminist material, etc.; narrative nonfiction by BIPOC writers, non-cishet authors, immigrants; career/personal growth/self-help books with new focus points; extreme underdog, survival, accomplishment or rising-from-poverty type stories; select health and wellness books (particularly rare or underrepresented conditions); books about athletes, particularly football players (or anything examining the NFL) and endurance athletes such as marathoners; select parenting books that bring something new to the conversation; books that explore cult life or extreme religion; 9/11 survival stories; anything about Anne Frank. Learn more about Rachel here.
Lee Melillo is a literary agent with Dunham Literary. Lee represents YA, New Adult, and Adult Fiction written by, for, and about marginalized communities (#OwnVoices) in both commercial and upmarket categories. In Adult Fiction, Lee is searching for book club and upmarket fiction from BIPOC women, neurodiverse, and queer authors. She is also open to contemporary or historical fiction centered around myth (but NOT Greek/Roman/Norse!!), either through retellings of classics or the invention of new mythologies for the modern age; dark magical realism; bubblegum thrillers; and socially-conscious horror. In Young and New Adult Fiction, Lee looks for YA that has crossover potential and NA stories set in college or directly post-grad. Diversity is a must, as are well-developed, loveable (or love-to-hateable) characters. She enjoys meticulously-researched, atmospheric historical fiction with an element of mystery/suspense or other propulsive plot engines. She also loves dystopian fiction, but it must be grounded in real life issues and critique our present-day socio-political systems. For contemporary fiction, she’s open to stories centering queer characters, characters with mental illness and particularly OCD, or rom-com heroines with autism in interesting, off-beat settings. Learn more about Lee here.
Paul S. Levine is a literary agent and the founder of Paul S. Levine Literary. He is also an attorney. His fiction interests include adventure novels, mainstream fiction, mysteries, romance, thrillers, and women’s fiction. His nonfiction interests include business/commerce, pop culture, how-to, self-help, politics/law, relationships, and sports. With almost 40 years of experience in the entertainment and book industries, Levine is one of the few lawyers on the West coast who also understands the world of book publishing; as such, he is able to act as both literary agent and publishing attorney for his clients. Learn more about Paul here.
Des Salazar is a literary agent with Metamorphosis Literary. They seek: Romance, Fantasy, Horror, LGBTQ+, Literary Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, New Adult, Science Fiction, and Young Adult. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Des Salazar holds an MFA in Fiction having completed a thesis containing translations of stories and poems from an archived journal and reflection essays. Learn more about Des here.
Brandy Vallance 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.
Katie Monson is a literary agent with SBR Media. In YA/adult fiction, she is seeking hilarious rom-coms with a 90’s feel; epic love stories (I want to swoon along with the FMC); women’s fiction with a romantic subplot that does not end happily; jaw-dropping psychological thrillers; and book club fiction. In middle grade and young adult fiction, she is seeking coming of age, new experiences, and humor. She is generally looking for great hooks, jaw dropping plot twists, slow burn romance, laugh out loud funny, banter between characters is always a plus! She is not a good fit for anything in the fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, or nonfiction genres. She is also not looking for picture books at the moment. Learn more about Katie here.
Jo Ramsay (they/she) is a literary agent with Transatlantic Agency. Jo is seeking: Upmarket fiction (book club conversation starters, fresh take on friendships, relationship, and family); Sci-fi (Black Mirror-esque, commentary on society, genre blending); Speculative fiction; Gothic / Neo-Gothic; Psychological horror / thriller; Light horror (no heavy gore please); Dystopian; Mysteries (with unique POV, character-driven); Graphic Novels; Select literary fiction (less quiet realism, and more unusual or unique storytelling); Select romance (new spin or genre subversion); Select fantasy (fabulism, light world building); and Select historical fiction (unique concept or genre blending). In nonfiction, she seeks: Pop Culture Deep Dives, Politics and Social Sciences, Cultural Critique, Investigative Journalism, Eco-Nonfiction and Naturalist writing, Expedition accounts of professional mountaineers and adjacent sports, Off-Grid Living or Survivalist writing, Travelogues from a unique perspective; Pop Science; and Graphic memoir. Learn more about Jo here.
Josh Foreman is a literary agent with FinePrint Literary Management. Josh primarily represents works of Fantasy, Horror, and Science Fiction for YA and adult. He wants forbidden magic, ancient rituals, epic space battles, and everything in between. Gothic fantasy and horroromance are high on Josh’s wishlist, but he is open and interested in all subgenres of fantasy, horror, and science fiction. Josh has always been drawn to stories with a strong voice and three-dimensional characters. He is a big believer in uplifting and supporting authors from marginalized backgrounds, particularly those with disabilities. If you are blind, in a wheelchair, or have any other disabilities, he would love to hear your pitch. Learn more about Josh here.
Frannie Dove is a literary agent at The Caldwell Agency. “I love books that change and challenge the way we interact with the world, especially stories that explore the margins of the history books. I’m eager to champion stories that stir book club conversation, inspire readers to engage with their local communities, and bring people together around the dinner table. Genres I seek: historical fiction, narrative history, historical fantasy, comedic mystery, book club fiction, genre bended and blended fiction (especially with some history), science for the non-scientist, essays with wisdom to share, and memoir with a strong narrative arc.” Learn more about Frannie here.
Renee Runge is a literary agent at Spencerhill Associates. She is actively building her list in all genres of middle grade and young adult fiction. Her taste can be summed up as “eclectic,” and she is drawn to high-concept commercial projects with a literary aura, unexpected hooks, strong A/B plots, and distinct voices. She’s especially passionate about supporting diverse and underrepresented creators from all backgrounds, with the hope that every child can one day see themselves in the pages of a book. A lover of anthropomorphic characters, she dreams of repping the next blockbuster animal novel or series. Her favorite feeling is being moved to tears by a book’s last chapter. Learn more about Renee here.
Vicky Weber is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency. In adult and young adult fiction, she seeks: horror, psychological suspense, thrillers, commercial, upmarket, historical, women’s fiction, romance, fantasy (dark/high/epic), magical realism, speculative, and paranormal/supernatural. In middle grade and picture books, she seeks highly giftable, commercial fiction with a strong voice—stories that feel like they always should have been on the shelf. Learn more about Vicky here.
Shannon Lechon is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. In middle grade, I’m looking for horror, thrillers, mysteries, and action-packed adventure. I’m happy to receive both speculative stories with fantastical or sci-fi elements, or grounded ones set entirely in our world. In young adult, I am looking for fantasy, science fiction, horror, and mystery/thrillers. In adult fiction, I am looking for fantasy, science fiction, horror, and mystery/thrillers. In graphic novels, I am looking for young adult and adult fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, and horror. For graphic novels, I am only interested in taking on author/illustrators or author/illustrator duos. Please do not submit graphic novel proposals or scripts without either being an artist or having an artist attached. In nonfiction, I am looking for select adult nonfiction proposals. I’m very interested in memoirs about specialized careers like the beekeepers of Honey and Venom, as well as proposals (both memoir or entirely research-centric) on health and the medical industry, such as The Sleeping Beauties and What My Bones Know. Mental health, illness, and trauma recovery narratives like In the Dream House are also welcome. Learn more about Shannon here.
Jael Morrill is a literary agent with The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency. Adult fiction and young adult fiction wishlist for Jael: “I am eager to represent richly immersive science fiction and fantasy. I love seeing fresh takes on noir thrillers, horror with hope at the core of the story, and campy mysteries— especially if they contain speculative elements. Stories that contain queer characters, whimsical world-building, and witty but grounded dialogue are often my favorite things to read.” Nonfiction wishlist for Jael: “I would love to see books that focus on rarely told history, have a focus on cultural anthropology, or have to do with the arts. Memoirs from marginalized voices are especially welcome. Topics covering disability, queer experiences, and those hurt by fundamentalist movements are especially close to my heart, though I always welcome learning something new.” Learn more about Jael here.
Matthew Valdez is a literary agent with Megibow Literary Agency. I am always looking to champion stories from writers of all marginalized backgrounds, especially voices from the LGBTQ+ community. In adult fiction, he seeks fantasy, romantasy, high fantasy, dark fiction, folklore retellings, psychological thrillers, unique dark academia, horror, horrormantasy, horror rooted in folklore, romance, romantic comedy (particularly LGBTQ+, but all welcome); and commercial / upmarket literary fiction. In young adult fiction, he seeks fantasy, unique dark academia, contemporary, paranormal, thriller, dystopian, and rom-com (particularly LGBTQ+, but all welcome). Learn more about Matthew 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.
Marisa Zeppieri-Caruana is a literary agent with Strachan Literary Agency. In fiction, she seeks: debut fiction, romance, upmarket & commercial women’s fiction, upmarket mainstream fiction, apocalyptic, thrillers, fantasy, and upper young adult. In nonfiction, she seeks: memoir, narrative nonfiction, investigative journalism, platform-driven nonfiction, diet and health, Christian spirituality, inspirational, food and cookbooks, self-help and humor. She is particularly interested in finding nonfiction authors to build her client list and is only taking on a limited amount of fiction. Marisa is currently seeking to champion new talent who create memorable characters with unforgettable words, and she has a soft spot for writers in marginalized communities and persons with disabilities. Learn more about Marisa here.
Jessica Larios-Zarate is a literary agent with Wave Literary. In regards to fiction, Jessica gravitates towards: commercial fiction, contemporary upmarket fiction, literary fiction, mystery/thrillers, and speculative fiction. She is particularly invested in stories that feature LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, neurodivergent, and/or disabled protagonists, especially when the books are not issue-driven. As for nonfiction, Jessica is interested in: narrative nonfiction and historical nonfiction. In terms of historical nonfiction, she seeks: Ancient History, Historical Expeditions, Civil Rights Movements, and Indigenous History Books; no War History, please. Learn more about Jessica here.
Olga Filina is a literary agent with 5 Otter Literary. Olga is currently looking for narrative and prescriptive nonfiction projects across all categories, literary and book club fiction, historical fiction, crime, mystery, suspense, and memoir with exceptional writing, focusing on underrepresented voices. In the children’s space, she is looking for middle grade fiction with memorable characters, contemporary young adult, and nonfiction across all categories. Learn more about Olga 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.
Arizona Bell is a literary agent with Rosecliff Literary. She’s seeking daring nonfiction that pushes boundaries and changes conversations. Arizona’s list centers on voice-driven narrative and creative nonfiction, big-idea books, high-stakes journalism with receipts, fresh slants on culture and creativity, and meaningful explorations of spirituality, religion, or philosophy. And yes—she’s also a sucker for anything astrology! At the core, she’s hunting for writing that tackles resilience, belief, and the human spirit under pressure, and does so with literary pizazz. Whether it’s a survival memoir that doubles as cultural critique, a narrative that blows open an underground world hiding in plain sight, or a political exposé that keeps you turning pages like a thriller—she wants true stories that refuse to look away. Learn more about Arizona here.
Nour Sallam is a literary agent with The Caldwell Agency. In terms of fiction, I am seeking voice-driven commercial and upmarket titles, contemporary fiction with fabulist elements, speculative fiction, edgy psychological thrillers, as well as mysteries, horror and rom-coms featuring underrepresented characters of any background. I am always drawn to characters who are haunted by something, whether figuratively (a secret, a past, an obsession) or literally (a ghost, a demon, etc.). I am also actively seeking character-driven stories featuring women in power, unhinged women, and female rage. I have a soft spot for unreliable narrators, family sagas with dysfunctional families silently navigating trauma, protagonists in their 20s-30s navigating adulthood, protagonists on the cusp of major life changes, and stories that focus on friendship dynamics. Nonfiction interests: I welcome fresh and accessible perspectives on big ideas or industry deep dives as well as narrative nonfiction on pop culture, art, and nature. I also appreciate books that offer incisive commentary on culture, socio-economic structures, corporate underbellies, health and wellness, and lifestyle. My taste in nonfiction gravitates towards books that generally challenge what we know or explain what we might not know. Learn more about Nour here.
Kara Grajkowski is a literary agent with 3 Seas Literary Agency. “As an elementary classroom teacher turned elementary behavioral interventionist, I am always looking to expand my classroom library with high-interest, low-readability books. If I can see my students and their interests in the project, it is a good fit for my classroom and a better fit for my query box. Please send me #OwnVoices stories!” She seeks all types of middle grade and young adult books (with the exception of fantasy and time travel). She represents picture books, especially funny titles or those that highlight the beauty in diversity, community, and childhood. “I (very selectively) take new adult rom coms. Fresh takes on traditional narratives are a plus for me, but I really look for sharp, witty storytelling. In nonfiction, I would love any nonfiction about education/issues in schools or mental health/trauma. No memoirs, please!” Learn more about Kara here.
Nikki Carrero is a literary agent with The Rights Factory. At the moment, I only represent: Adult, New Adult, and YA Romance, Romcom, Romantic Suspense, Paranormal Romance; Adult, New Adult, and YA Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Chicklit; Adult, New Adult, and YA Thrillers, Suspense, Mystery, Domestic, Psychological, Paranormal. I have a passion for reading and representing books with characters that have disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental illnesses, are neurodivergent, LGBTQIA++, or are a part of other marginalized communities. Learn more about Nikki here.
More 2026 agents to be announced as they are confirmed. You can sign up for pitches at any time, or switch pitches at any time, so long as the agent in question still has appointments open.
These one-on-one meetings are an amazing chance to pitch your book face-to-face with an agent, and get personal, individual feedback on your pitch/concept. If the agent likes your pitch, they’ll request to see part/all of your book — sending you straight past the slush pile. It also gives you an intimate chance to meet with an agent and pick their brain with any questions on your mind.
(Please note that Agent/Editor Pitching is an add-on, separate aspect of the day, for only those who sign up. Spaces are limited for these premium meetings.)