Agents confirmed for Pitchfest

Currently looking for: I'm looking to acquire YA or NA manuscripts in the fantasy genre, with strong magical or political systems that aren't overshadowed by romance. I'm open to both low and high fantasy, and you welcome stories with spice and horror elements. My focus is on compelling plots and immersive worlds rather than romance-driven narratives. I also welcome any LGBTQ+ themes and wouldn't say no to fluffy romances (though I'm very selective in this category).

About Shania:

Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Shania has been an avid book lover from the moment she picked up Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy. Ever since then, her TBR pile has steadily grown. She recently completed her MA in English at the University of Maine and is now working as a junior agent to grow her list. She's recently acquired a two book deal for Nichole Gibbons's contemperary YA romance series, Our Song.

Learn more about Shania and Metamorphosis!

If multiple agents at Booker Albert Literary are participating, please keep in mind you may only query one agent at the agency at a time. If you receive multiple requests from agents at the agency, please choose the agent you think might be the best fit to query first. Once you receive a pass from that agent, you may submit to another at the agency.

Currently looking for:

A.J. is actively building a diverse list and welcomes queries from marginalized writers. In YA and adult fiction, they’re seeking horror, thriller, and SFF with dark and atmospheric elements. They’re also open to select MG across all genres. In all categories, they’re drawn to books that merge literary sensibilities with compelling plotlines. Some of their favorite authors include Paolo Bacigalupi, Nnedi Okorafor, Jordanna Max Brodsky, Yangsze Choo, Natasha Pulley, T. Kingfisher, and Jenna Satterthwaite.

In nonfiction, they’re seeking fresh ideas in science, popular science, self-help, and health/wellness from authors with established platforms. As a scientist who has published NSF-funded research in ecology, they welcome queries from authors whose expertise links with evolution, ecology, statistics, microbiology, and biogeoscience.

About A.J.:

A.J. Van Belle (they/them) is a junior agent at the Booker Albert Literary Agency. They are also a writer of fiction and nonfiction for adults and children, an editor, and a scientist with a PhD in biology from Boston University. They recently sold A Legacy of Blood and Bone by Millie Abecassis to Row House Publishing (2025).

Learn more about A.J. and Book Albert Agency!

Currently looking for:

Adult, YA and kids fiction. Books that show us what a society that is kinder and more equal than the one we have now might look like. Books that have a unique hook, magic system, big concept idea or blending of genres. Feminist books across genres (especially feminist horror). Gripping commercial adult fiction, grounded but with a speculative twist. Heart-melting romances with a unique meet cute. Make me laugh or make me cry. Or both.

Literary and upmarket book-club novels - especially if they focus on working-class people going through difficult circumstances

About Hannah:

Hannah Sheppard was an editor for ten years (at Macmillan Children’s Books & Headline, part of Hachette Publishing Group). She joined the DHH Literary Agency in 2013 when she realised the more senior she got in-house, the less she got to do the bits of her job she really loves – working directly with authors to develop their ideas for commercial success. In 2023 Hannah launched her own agency. She represents commercial fiction across the children’s and adult’s markets including authors such as Philippa Leathley (INKBOUND) and Sarah Bonner (HOW TO SLAY AT WORK).

Learn more about Hannah and Hannah Sheppard Literary Agency!

Currently looking for:

Andie is currently open to Children’s and Fiction genres noted below. As an autoimmune advocate, Andie would love to see stories with MC’s embracing life through all disabilities, from those that are more obvious to invisible ones.

Fantasy/Romantasy: immersive and adventurous, dark captivating stories like FROM BLOOD AND ASH or filled with humor and tension like ASSISTANT TO THE VILLAIN

Romance:fake dating, second chance, rom-coms that carry strong messages and heartful HEAs

Speculative: magical or mystical twists on the real world, stories that make you think about every piece of the puzzle and drive an emotional connection like THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY

Mystery/Thriller: suspenseful, edge of your seat mysteries and thrillers in the vein of THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME and NOT QUITE DEAD YET

Young Adult:

Eco-Fiction: in today’s world (not dystopian), teens battling climate change or actively searching to save a species from extinction

Contemporary: relatable, everyday situations teens go through. Heartfelt, underlying messages or overall just a fun and feel-good read. Romance plot or self-discovery/coming-of-age. Would love to see a strong theater rom-com!

Thriller/Mystery: edge of your seat who dunnit murder mystery, the vibes of Cruel Summer and ONE OF US IS LYING, new settings and immersive experiences like LIARLAND

Fantasy: fairy tale retellings, underrated stories like TREASURE PLANET and THE SWAN PRINCESS

Middle Grade:

Mystery: Nancy Drew for young readers, ensemble cast, found family, discoveries and treasure

Contemporary: coming of age, family-oriented, struggles with friendships, feelings, finding our place in the world, school competitions

Fantasy: fresh and diverse takes on mythology or cultural stories

Picture Books:

Andie is currently open to picture book submissions from author-illustrators by referral or conference/pitch event ONLY.

Cute, quirky stories that make us laugh out loud or hug the page

Sustainability/environmental themes fictionalized for young readers

Impactful messages woven throughout with a commercial theme or hook

Andie is not seeking genres of horror, sci-fi, historical, or nonfiction at this time. She is not a fit for stories with heavy religious elements, pirates, vampires, animal POVS (aside from picture books), or AI/VR characters and plots. Andie tends to shy away from stories with on-the-page cheating, abuse, rape, and reference to self-harm and/or suicide. Please indicate any content warnings in your query letter.

About Andie:

Andie Smith is an associate agent at Creative Media Agency who has been obsessed with books from a young age. Growing up reading above her grade level in school, she was the girl who always had her nose in a book. When she discovered the agonizing pain of a book hangover after finishing a favorite series, Andie quickly learned she wanted to pursue a career in literature so she could be stuck in her favorite worlds forever. She has previously served as a writer and editor for several local newspapers and magazines in Central Florida. In 2022, she interned at Booker Albert Literary and was promoted to junior agent in 2023. After graduating with her Master’s in Public Administration, Andie joined the team at Creative Media Agency in 2025. She is still growing her list and welcoming authors to join her team.

Currently looking for:

In adult fiction she enjoys speculative elements, particularly magic and witches. She would love a cozy mystery series with a light romantic element that can be carried through multiple volumes.

In children’s fiction, Jackie likes punchy fast-paced kid-focused books with no heavy moral. As a formal children's librarian, she looks for picture books and board books that are fun read-a-louds perfect for storytime. For middle grade and young adult, she looks for stories that put young readers in the driver’s seat and speak to those who feel invisible.

About Jackie:

Jackie Kruzie is a literary agent with Focused Artists representing adult and children’s authors. She holds a master’s degree in library science and worked in both school and public libraries before transitioning into publishing and understands the positive impacts books have on individuals and communities.

Learn more about Jackie Kruzie and Focused Artists !

Currently looking for: Currently seeking platform-focused nonfiction in the adult space and engaging/unique/voicey nonfiction in the MG and YA space. Also interested in mysteries and thrillers in both adult and YA. Would love a high concept romance with unique plot/setting/characters. Also horror or horrormance in the YA and adult space.

About Jacqui and The Tobias Agency:

Jacqui has worked as an agent for the better part of a decade and has represented authors and illustrators from kidlit through adult. She recently sold Diane Wilson's (The Seed Keeper) new memoir, Mapping My Way Home, in a two-book deal to Spiegel & Grau and Devon Mihesuah's (The Hatak Witches, The Bone Picker) Blood Relay mystery/crime series to Bantam. She also represents Marcie Rendon (Cash Blackbear, Where They Last Saw Her) and a number of authors writing platform-driven nonfiction in areas of popular culture and human interest (including Valerio Velard's forthcoming book on AI Music, and Jess & Greg Stone's forthcoming travel memoir, My Heart is Home with You).

The Tobias Literary Agency is a full-service literary representation firm established in 2016. We specialize in shepherding writers and artists from dream to reality. Our literary agents are nimble and fierce with a collaborative spirit. We take a 360-degree view of our clients' intellectual property. Each project receives a targeted plan for execution of sub rights (film/TV, foreign translations, first serial, graphic novel adaptations, and more).

Learn more about Jacqui and The Tobias Literary Agency!

If multiple agents at Booker Albert Literary are participating, please keep in mind you may only query one agent at the agency at a time. If you receive multiple requests from agents at the agency, please choose the agent you think might be the best fit to query first. Once you receive a pass from that agent, you may submit to another at the agency.

Currently looking for:

Fun young adult and middle grade contemporary, sci-fi, and fantasy

Contemporary romance (please no cheating or abuse)

Strong, funny, intelligent characters

Well-developed friendships

Please note that while it isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, she tends to shy away from novels with trigger topics, such as suicide and any type of abuse. Jordy is NOT accepting picture books, non-fiction or screenplays at this time.

About Jordy:

Jordy Albert is a Literary Agent and co-founder of The Booker Albert Literary Agency. She has a B.A. in English from Pennsylvania State University, and a M.A. from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. Jordy is looking for young adult across genres, and sci-fi, and fantasy. She's also looking for contemporary romance (please no cheating or abuse). She’s drawn to strong, funny, intelligent characters, and well-developed friendships. Please note that while it isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, she tends to shy away from novels with trigger topics, such as suicide and any type of abuse. Jordy is NOT accepting picture books, non-fiction or screenplays at this time.

Learn more about Jordy and Book Albert Agency!

Currently looking for: MG, YA Genre fiction: Contemporary, mystery, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy. I'm hungry for a strong voice and an interesting story. Something out of the box or maybe something in the box but told from a new angle/perspective.

About Karly:

Karly is an agent at Fuse Literary building KidLit universes with stories that matter. Karly is aggressively building her client list to boost and give visibility to marginalized voices, experiences, history, culture, folklore, and mythology. She believes that children should be able to see themselves reflected and celebrated within the pages of a book, from contemporary to fantastical adventures. Karly loves stories with grand adventures, imperfect characters, but most importantly, a strong voice that hooks a reader within the first page. If you can make her cry or laugh out loud, bonus points!

Learn more about Karly and Fuse Literary!