The 2026 Kansas City Writing Workshop: March 14, 2026

Screen Shot 2016-12-25 at 10.34.26 PM.png After successful 2017, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2024 events in Kansas City, Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The 2026 Kansas City Writing Workshop — a full-day in-person “How to Get Published” writing event in Kansas City on March 14, 2026.

This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited seats at the event (150 total). All questions about the event regarding schedule, details and registration are answered below. Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Kansas City Writing Workshop! We are very proud of our many success stories where attendees sign with agents following events — see our growing list of success stories here.

(Please note that this is an in-person event. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next KCWW is an in-person event happening in Kansas City on March 14, 2026. See you there.)

To register, click the button above, or email Chuck at WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the Kansas City event.

WHAT IS IT?

This is a special one-day in-person “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome.

This event is designed to squeeze as much into one day of learning as possible. You can ask any questions you like during the classes, and get your specific concerns addressed. We will have literary agents onsite to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well. This year’s agent and editor faculty so far includes:

literary agent Brandy Vallance (Barbara Bova Literary)
literary agent Reiko Davis (DeFiore)
literary agent Haley Casey (Creative Media Agency)
literary agent Frannie Dove (The Caldwell Agency)
literary agent Morgan Wilson (Belcastro Agency)
and possibly more to come.

By the end of the day, you will have all the tools you need to move forward on your writing journey. This independent event is organized by coordinator Chuck Sambuchino of Writing Day Workshops, with regional assistance from local writing groups. E-mail WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com and say you want to register for the Kansas City event.

To register, click the button above, or email Chuck at WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the Kansas City event.

EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:

9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, March 14, 2026 — at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza, 401 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64112.

THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (MARCH 14, 2026):

8:30 – 9:30: Check-in and registration at the event location.

9:30 – 10:30: Tackling the Dreaded Query Letter. This will discuss the dreaded query letter, and how to write one that will get the attention of an agent or editor.

10:45 – 11:50: The Perfect Plot. In this workshop, writers will understand essential plot beats and expectations that you will need to map out a cohesive and captivating story.

11:50 – 1:15: Lunch is on your own during these 85 minutes.

1:15 – 2:30: “Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest, with participating literary agents and editors. In the vein of “American Idol” or “America’s Got Talent,” this is a chance to get your first page read (anonymously — no bylines given) with attending agents commenting on what was liked or not liked about the submission. Get expert feedback on your incredibly important first page, and know if your writing has what it needs to keep readers’ attention. All attendees are welcome to bring pages to the event for this session, and we will choose pages at random for the workshop for as long as time lasts. All submissions should be fiction or memoir—no prescriptive nonfiction or picture books, please. Do not send your pages in advance. You will bring printed copies with you, and instructions will be sent out approximately one week before the event.

2:45 – 3:45: Self-Editing for Fiction Writers. This workshop will cover more than 50 points for consideration before submitting to an agent, editor, or indie publisher, such as how to sharpen dialogue and prose, improving characterization, complicating plot, and much more.

4:00 – 5:00: What Happens After an Agent Offers Representation? Getting an agent is an incredible feat, but this is only the beginning. There are so many things that happen after you receive an offer of representation.

At 5 p.m., the day is done. Speakers may make themselves available for a short while to sign any books for attendees.

Agent & Editor Pitching: All throughout the day.

PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:

Haley Casey is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency. In adult fiction & nonfiction, she seeks: Women’s Fiction; Book Club Fiction; Romance (Bring me your tropes!); Contemporary; Paranormal; Nonfiction; Narrative nonfiction; Cultural, LGBTQ+ and Women’s Issues. In Young Adult, she seeks: Contemporary; Mystery/Horror; Fantasy; (Light) Science Fiction; Dystopian; and Nonfiction. In Middle Grade, she seeks: Contemporary; Mystery; Fantasy; Science Fiction; and Dystopian. I especially love anything that focuses on minority voices, including POC, LGBTQ+, disability, and mental health issues. Send me thoughtful and meaningful magical realism for any age group; manuscripts with nuanced character relationships; unique urban fantasies; clever fairytale retellings; and reimagined classics (such as Jane Austen or The Count of Monte Cristo). Learn more about Haley 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.

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.

Reiko Davis is a literary agent with DeFiore & Company. She represents both adult and children’s books. On the adult side, she’s seeking literary and upmarket fiction as well as narrative nonfiction. She enjoys historical and contemporary novels set both in the U.S. and internationally; ambitious, multigenerational family sagas; novels that rewrite what it means to be an American today; stories set in our world with speculative or magical elements; mystery, crime, and suspense novels with a literary edge to the writing; linked story collections; and coming-of-age stories, especially later in life. For children’s literature, Reiko is actively looking for middle grade projects that aren’t afraid to tackle big questions or important emotional truths, as well as MG nonfiction in the areas of mental health, science, political activism, environmentalism, and narrative history. Reiko is not currently looking for YA or picture books. She does not represent genre category sci-fi or fantasy, horror, or romance. Nor is she the best agent for practical nonfiction with a prescriptive bent. For adult nonfiction, she loves: immersive, investigative works of journalism, history that fills a gap on the bookshelf, and cultural criticism. She’s drawn to compelling narratives that read like fiction or that use an intimate personal story as a lens for a larger issue or analysis. This especially includes works that explore social justice, the history and experiences of women and people of color, and contemporary culture. She is also on the lookout for true crime projects that shed light on larger societal issues. She does the very occasional book on writing craft. Learn more about Reiko here.

Morgan Wilson is a literary agent with Belcastro Literary Agency. I am dedicated to supporting marginalized voices and focused on increasing the representation of those voices in the publishing industry. I am only open to receiving work from authors who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, ND, and/or DIS. Please note that I will not ask you to disclose your marginalization unless you feel comfortable doing so. Morgan is seeking: adult and young adult fantasy; adult and young adult science fiction; adult and young adult horror; adult and young adult romatasy; young adult paranormal & mystery; middle grade fantasy, sci-fi, and horror; and graphic novels for all ages. Learn more about Morgan here.

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ADDED ONLINE PITCHING: To ensure that writers have a robust and diverse lineup of agents & editors to pitch, 2026 Kansas City Writing Workshop attendees will have the ability to also pitch literary agents at the Writing Day Workshops *online* event that follows the 2026 KCWW on our calendar.

That event is the 2026 Online California Writing Workshop, June 12-13, 2026, which will have 30-40 agents taking one-on-one Zoom virtual pitches.

This means that 2026 KCWW attendees can have access to pitching all those online California agents — pitches still at $29 each — without being a formal registrant for the online June 2026 CWW. (That said, if you want to formally register for the June 12-13 CWW and have access to all classes and panels, let us know, as there is a discount for confirmed Kansas City attendees.)

If you are interested in this added pitching opportunity, the first step is to get formally registered for Kansas City. Following the KCWW conferences on March 14, 2026, we will be in touch with all Kansas City attendees and ask them if they want to partake in pitching online agents at the 2026 June 12-13). At that time, you can communicate your pitch requests and purchase meeting time.

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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, and pricing/detail is explained below.)

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PRICING:

$169 — EARLY BIRD base price for registration to the 2026 KCWW and access to all workshops, all day. As of fall 2025, registration is now OPEN.

To register, click the button above, or email Chuck at WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the Kansas City event.

Add $29 — to secure a 10-minute one-on-one meeting with any of our literary agents or editors in attendance. Use this special meeting as a chance to pitch your work and get professional feedback on your pitch. (Spaces limited.) If they wish, attendees are free to sign up for multiple 10-minute pitch sessions at $29/session — pitching multiple individuals, or securing 20 minutes to pitch one person rather than the usual 10. Here are four quick testimonials regarding writers who have signed with literary agents after pitching them at prior Writing Day Workshops events. (Our bigger, growing list of success stories an be seen here.)

“I met Mai Nguyen at the Toronto Writing Workshop
and sold her manuscript to Simon & Schuster for six figures.”
– literary agent Carly Watters of P.S. Literary Agency

“I signed Sarah G. Pierce from the Seattle Writing Workshop,
and we recently sold her book to Orbit/Redhook.”
– literary agent Pam Gruber of Highline Literary Collective

“I met Amber Cowie at a Writing Day Workshops conference. We sold
her best-selling crime novel to Lake Union / Amazon.”
– literary agent Gordon Warnock of Fuse Literary

“I met my client, Dana Corbit Nussio, at the Michigan Writing Workshop.
Dana signed a new three-book contract with Harlequin Romantic Suspense.”
– literary agent Rachel Beck of Liza Dawson Associates

“I signed Nedda Lewers from a Writing Day Workshops event. Her debut
novel from Putnam Children’s was an Indie’s Introduce Best Book of 2024.”
– literary agent Kelly Dyksterhouse of Tobias Literary Agency

Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from Chuck Sambuchino, one of the day’s instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Kansas City Writing Workshop attendees only.) Registrants are encouraged to take advantage of the specially-priced critique, so they can send out their query letter with confidence following the workshop. Also, if you are meeting with an agent at the event, you’re essentially speaking your query letter aloud to them. Wouldn’t it be wise to give that query letter (i.e., your pitch) one great edit before that meeting?

Add $89 — for an in-depth personal critique of the first 10 pages of your novel. Spaces with faculty for these critiques are very limited, and participating attendees will either 1) get an in-person meeting at the workshop, if the faculty member is attending the live event, or 2) get a 10-minute phone call with the faculty member, and have notes passed along via email, if the critiquer is not attending the live event. Options:

Romance, women’s fiction, mystery, thriller, upmarket, commercial (in-person critiques): Faculty member Tiffany Killoren, an author and freelance editor, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you personally at the event for 15 minutes to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
All types & genres of fiction for adults, young adults, and middle grade readers (virtual critiques): Faculty member Lorin Oberweger, a writing coach and author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
Horror, fantasy, sci-fi, urban fantasy (virtual critiques): Faculty member Bob McGough, a published novelist, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss his thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
Women’s, mainstream, science fiction, fantasy, romance, crime, thriller, mystery (virtual critiques): Faculty member Michelle McGill-Vargas, a writing coach and author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
Romance, women’s fiction, domestic suspense, and young adult fiction (virtual critiques): Faculty member Swati Hegde, an author and freelance editor, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
Children’s picture books (virtual critiques): Faculty member Rosie Pova, a published author, will get your work in advance, critique your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime around the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting. If you submit a picture book, it must be 1,000 words or fewer (can have illustrations or not).
More critique options possibly forthcoming.

How to pay/register — Registration is now open.

To register, click the button above. Or reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com, and he will provide specific instructions for payment and registration to get you a reserved seat at the event. Payment is by credit card, PayPal, or check. Because Chuck plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Kansas City workshop specifically.

REGISTRATION:

Because of limited space at the venue (InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza), the workshop can only allow 150 registrants, unless spacing issues change. For this reason, we encourage you to book sooner rather than later.

Are spaces still available? Yes, we still have spaces available. We will announce RIGHT HERE, at this point on this web page, when all spaces are taken. If you do not see a note right here saying how all spaces are booked, then yes, we still have room, and you are encouraged to register.

How to Register:

Refunds: If you sign up for the event and have to cancel for any reason at any time, you will receive 50% of your total payment back [sent by check or PayPal]. The other 50% is nonrefundable and will not be returned, and helps the workshop ensure that only those truly interested in the limited spacing sign up for the event. (Please note that query editing payments and manuscript editing payments are completely non-refundable if the instructor has already edited your work.)

Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Kansas City Writing Workshop.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Reiko Davis of DeFiore & Company

Reiko Davis is a literary agent with DeFiore & Company.

Reiko joined DeFiore in 2016. Before that, she was at Miriam Altshuler Literary Agency for four years. She grew up in Kansas City, received her BA in Comparative Literature and Art History from Brown University, and is a graduate of the Columbia Publishing Course.

She represents both adult and children’s books.

On the adult side, she’s seeking literary and upmarket fiction as well as narrative nonfiction. For children’s literature, Reiko is actively looking for middle grade projects that aren’t afraid to tackle big questions or important emotional truths, and do so through remarkable storytelling, humor, and heart. In addition to MG novels, she has a soft spot for MG nonfiction in the areas of mental health, science, political activism, environmentalism, and narrative history. She loves works that empower kids to make a difference in their communities.

Reiko is not currently looking for YA or picture books. She does not represent genre category sci-fi or fantasy, horror, or romance. Nor is she the best agent for practical nonfiction with a prescriptive bent.

For adult fiction, she loves:

Historical and contemporary novels set both in the U.S. and internationally
Ambitious, multigenerational family sagas
Novels that rewrite what it means to be an American today
Stories set in our world with speculative or magical elements
Offbeat novels with troubled but loveable protagonists
Mystery, crime, and suspense novels with a literary edge to the writing
Coming-of-age stories, especially later in life
Linked story collections

For adult nonfiction, she loves:

immersive, investigative works of journalism, history that fills a gap on the bookshelf, and cultural criticism. She’s drawn to compelling narratives that read like fiction or that use an intimate personal story as a lens for a larger issue or analysis. This especially includes works that explore social justice, the history and experiences of women and people of color, and contemporary culture. She is also on the lookout for true crime projects that shed light on larger societal issues. She does the very occasional book on writing craft.

Fiction Highlights:

Shannon Sanders COMPANY (Graywolf); THE GREAT WHEREVER (forthcoming from Holt)

Devi S. Laskar THE ATLAS OF REDS AND BLUES (Counterpoint); CIRCA (Mariner); MIDNIGHT, AT THE WAR (forthcoming from Mariner)

Genevieve Plunkett PREPARE HER (Catapult); IN THE LOBBY OF THE DREAM HOTEL (Catapult); THE LONELY GIRLS’ VEGETABLE PATCH (forthcoming from Feminist Press)

Anna Hogeland WILD ASTER (forthcoming from Bloomsbury)

Joseph Moldover TO THE END OF RECKONING (forthcoming from Mysterious Press)

Mary Annaïse Heglar TROUBLED WATERS (Harper Muse); HALLOWED GROUND (forthcoming from Harper Muse)

Joey Falco BLOOD ON THE VINE (Crooked Lane Books)

Lucy Jane Bledsoe A THIN BRIGHT LINE; THE EVOLUTION OF LOVE; LAVA FALLS; TELL THE REST (Akashic)

Children’s Highlights:

Sean O’Brien WHITE HOUSE CLUBHOUSE; WHITE HOUSE ON FIRE!; WHITE HOUSE UNDERCOVER (forthcoming from Norton Young Readers)

MinuteEarth HOW NOT TO GO EXTINCT: THE WILD WAYS EARTH’S MOST RESILIENT SPECIES SURVIVE (forthcoming from Bloomsbury Children’s)

Stephanie Seales JODIE DOESN’T LOVE DOGS (forthcoming from Candlewick Press)

Andrea Debbink THE WILD WORLD HANDBOOK: Habitats (Quirk Books); THE WILD WORLD HANDBOOK: Creatures (Quirk Books); SYLVIE AND THE WOLF (Sounds True); IF THE RIVERS RUN FREE (Sleeping Bear Press); I WITNESSED: THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY (forthcoming from Harper Alley); THE (SUPER)NATURAL INVESTIGATOR OF OTHERWORLDLY WONDERS (forthcoming from Storey)

Kristina Wong, Dr. Theodore Chao, Jenessa Joffe, and Anna Michelle Wang AUNTIE KRISTINA’S GUIDE TO ASIAN AMERICAN ACTIVISM (forthcoming from Beaming Books)

Dawn Cusick THE ASTROCHIMPS: America’s First Astronauts (Chicago Review Press)

Lucy Jane Bledsoe RUNNING WILD (Holiday House); NO STOPPING US NOW (Three Rooms Press)

Brittany Geragotelis STEALING GREENWICH, GOING WILD, and NO ADMISSIONS (THE INFAMOUS FRANKIE LORDE series) (Pixel + Ink)

Lindsey Klingele THE MARKED GIRL (Harper Teen); THE BROKEN WORLD (Harper Teen); THE TRUTH LIES HERE (Harper Teen)

Nonfiction Highlights:

Nancy A. Nichols WOMEN BEHIND THE WHEEL: An Unexpected and Personal History of the Car (Pegasus Books)

Mary Annaïse Heglar ‘TIL HEAVEN AND EARTH RING (forthcoming from Pantheon)

Alison Owings MAYOR OF THE TENDERLOIN: Del Seymour’s Journey from Living on the Streets to Fighting Homelessness in San Francisco (Beacon Press)

Katie Simon TELL ME WHAT YOU LIKE: An Honest Discussion of Sex and Intimacy After Sexual Assault (forthcoming from Citadel Books/Kensington)

Freda Epum THE GLOOMY GIRL VARIETY SHOW: A Memoir (Feminist Press)

Andrea Debbink THRIVE WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED: A Guided Journal to Help You Connect with the Natural Wonders in Your Neighborhood (Quirk Books); FLOWER FINDING: Delight in the Splendor of Wild Blooms (Chronicle); BIRD WATCHING: Press Pause and Admire the Avian World (forthcoming from Chronicle)

Dennis James Sweeney HOW TO SUBMIT: Getting Your Writing Published with Literary Magazines and Small Presses (New World Library)

Alan Gelb HAVING THE LAST SAY: Capturing Your Legacy in One Small Story (Tarcher Perigee); CONQUERING THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ESSAY IN TEN STEPS; SEVEN STEPS TO CONFIDENT WRITING (New World Library)

Mallory Weggemann LIMITLESS: The Power of Hope and Resilience to Overcome Circumstance (Thomas Nelson)

Brittany Wagner NEXT CHANCE YOU: Tools, Tips, and Tough Love for Bringing Your A-Game to Life (HCI Books)

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Brandy Vallance of Barbara Bova Literary Agency

Brandy Vallance is a literary agent with Barbara Bova Literary Agency.

Brandy comes from a long line of storytellers. An old soul, she fell in love with passed-down tales, the odd and unexplained, and the pursuit of answering the mysteries that perplex us all. She loves to wander down ancient paths, explore dusty libraries, and does occasional archaeology. Her books are a lush escape into timeless romance, breathtaking adventure, and push the boundaries of what is expected.

Brandy is the winner of two national writing awards, one of which included a $20,000 prize. Her critically acclaimed novel, The Covered Deep, has been featured in USA Today and Writer’s Digest. Romantic Times called her second novel “passionate and riveting” and Publishers Weekly encourages those who like sweeping Scottish sagas to dive in because “the journey is wonderful.”

After more than two decades in the world of publishing, Brandy has joined Barbara Bova Literary Agency, and she is looking forward to being a champion of amazing writers and outstanding books.

Throughout the years, Brandy has been a Writing Coach, a Story Consultant, and an international Publishing Specialist. For hundreds of writers, her mentorship has broken the chains of fear and self-doubt. From teaching Master Classes to sitting at quiet tables, Brandy loves helping people explore their deepest truths.

Brandy believes in the high calling of storytelling, and she lights the way for writers, as well as readers. Page by page, she walks in the legacy of those who have gone before her, and she holds a torch for any who are seeking their way.

Here’s what she’d love to represent:

Quality fiction. While I do read more frequently in some genres, my book love is very eclectic. If you’ve put hard work into the craft of writing and you have an amazing book, query me!

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 set in castles, manor houses, or quaint villages

*stories with a Gothic flair

*Byronic heroes

*redemption stories

*stories that feature “thin places”

*stories that explore Biblical themes without being preachy (ex. Charles Martin books)

*Appalachian stories / mountain culture

*folklore / cryptids / legends / fairy tales

*time travel

*fantasy & sci-fi in almost every sub-category

*characters who are writers, artists, or have a unique profession

*stories that explore deep emotion

*stories that make me FEEL

*stories that tell me what it means to be human

*anything imaginative, witty, or hilarious!

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Frannie Dove of The Caldwell Agency

Frannie Dove is a literary agent at The Caldwell Agency.

In Frannie’s own words:

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.

Things I love to see:

Quick and snappy dialogue
Cinematic reads with tight scene work
Voicey characters who are most definitely in the wrong but will try to win you over
Consequences that flip the story on its head
Underdogs and social climbers
Comedic dramas, dramatic comedies
Explorations of motherhood, the fourth trimester, and the postpartum journey
Parents trying (and sometimes failing) to juggle it all
Women omitted from the history books, especially women in STEM
Settings outside of New York City
Companion pieces to classics, fairytales, and folklore
Amateur sleuths in over their heads
Characters whose chronic illnesses are not the central plot point
Hollywood, media, and pop culture criticism
A behind-the-scenes look that feels like a secret
Epidemiology and community health
“Big question” pieces that explore how humans interact with the natural world

In historical fiction, my interests are broad, but sway more commercial. Some favorites include: THE FOUR WINDS by Kristin Hannah, THE HOUSE OF EVE by Sadeqa Johnson, THE STATIONARY SHOP by Marjan Kamali, HORSE by Geraldine Brooks, and THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I’m not quite a fit for WWII, unless it is covering a topic that hasn’t been done before, but I’m open to reading almost everything else. Also, I couldn’t put down THE ADVENTURES OF AMINA AL-SIRAFI by Shannon Chakraborty, which is historical fantasy.

My escapism reads tend to be mystery novels. I gravitate toward wry voices and chaotic situations – more fun than gore. I cannot stop recommending Elle Cosimano’s FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT and Parini Shroff’s THE BANDIT QUEENS. My guilty pleasure television show is The Traitors, and if you have something campy, silly, and tongue-in-cheek, I want to read it!

I’m looking to represent work that I am eager to discuss in a book club. This often means upmarket fiction – character-driven books with big hooks. Some of my favorites in this category are THE WEDDING PEOPLE by Alison Espach and YELLOWFACE by R.F. Kuang, both of which get so intimately close to the characters that they feel familiar.

If the story is grounded in character, I also tend to gravitate toward speculative elements. THE MINISTRY OF TIME by Kaliane Bradley is unique and fun while tackling bigger themes (colonialism, history, feminism), and MIGRATIONS by Charlotte McConaghy takes on climate change in a way that is captivating and heartbreaking. Though not contemporary, I’d also like to see some more books set in the past that converse with classic literature, like HESTER by Laurie Lico Albanese.

In nonfiction, I’m especially eager to work with journalists and academics who have ideas for character-driven narratives. Two of my favorite books in the history space are THE ART THIEF by Michael Finkel, which has all the twist and turns of a crime novel, and ASTOR by Anderson Cooper and Katharine Howe, which reads like a short story collection. On the science side, Mary Roach’s writing, particularly in FUZZ, is funny, smart, and accessible.

I am on the lookout for essays and hybrid memoirs that change the way we see the world and/or make us feel less alone in it. I am in a reading hangover from Robin Wall Kemmerer’s BRAIDING SWEETGRASS, which blends education and personal so beautifully. It left a profound impact on me. I also found myself laughing aloud to I’LL SHOW MYSELF OUT by Jessi Klein. In parenthood, if you’ve ever had to sit on the floor of a public restroom with your child, you will get this book. I want to find and support similar work.

I’m eager to see more diabetic characters represented in every category. I have several relatives with type 1 diabetes and I grew up in a home where counting carbs and calculating insulin were commonplace. For comps, I’d like to see more books like ACCIDENTAL DEMONS by Clare Edge, where the protagonist is navigating a new diagnosis and perhaps something else (in the case of this book, magical complications). I’d also just like to diabetic characters existing without having to be a central plot point. Representation of chronic illnesses, not just diabetes, is and will always be a priority for me.

Though I live in the Midwest, I grew up in the greater Washington, D.C. area, and the vibrant theatre scene was one of the reasons I studied theatre and film. I have always loved helping writers to develop their ideas. It is a passion that never went away, even while I worked alongside science and public health professionals at a university. After I finished my MFA in fiction, I co-agented at a boutique literary agency that specialized in history, and I interned at Creative Media Agency. I’m excited to grow my client list at TCA and support authors at every stage of the writing and publication process.

When I’m not reading, I can be found playing hide-and-seek tag with my daughter (the best workout), trying new recipes in the kitchen, crocheting, and gardening. I’m a sports fanatic (I will plan my day around Olympics coverage) but no sport will ever top my excitement for new seasons of The Great British Bake Off.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Morgan Wilson of Belcastro Literary Agency

Morgan Wilson is a literary agent with Belcastro Literary Agency.

I am dedicated to supporting marginalized voices and focused on increasing the representation of those voices in the publishing industry. I am only open to receiving work from authors who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, ND, and/or DIS. Please note that I will not ask you to disclose your marginalization unless you feel comfortable doing so.

I am open to the following age groups and genres:

Adult and YA fantasy:

I am more interested in stories that break conventional western methods, however I am open to western stories written by historically marginalized voices. I love most subgenres but in Adult my preferences lean towards cozy fantasy like Travis Baldree or Delemhach, blends like sci fantasy, romantasy or fantasy with horror elements and contemporary/urban fantasy like Whitney Hill.
I would also love to see queernorm fantasy worlds and accessible fantasies! For YA Fantasy I would love to see more retellings, cozy fantasy and blends like sci fantasy and romantasy, or stories with strong horror elements. Wishlist: A fantasy (YA or Adult) with an MC full of rage and doing the wrong things for the right reasons/willing to do anything to get their goal etc, I’d love for the MC to be the ‘villain’ at the end

Adult and YA Science Fiction:

I am more interested in stories that contain hard science, or extrapolations on current science. I love stories set in space or involve space travel, cli-fi, are blended with horror or set after an apocalypse. I would love some science fiction horror in the vein of Mira Grant. Wishlist: I am a huge Alien universe fan and would love something in this vein!

Adult and YA Horror:

I am interested in almost all forms of horror, but am not the best fit for hauntings or ghosts. I love monsters and sentient forests/waters/natural settings and things that are more psychological than physical. I do enjoy body horror, but am not a fan of gratuitous gore. Wishlist: A fresh take on zombies, make it terrifying!

Adult and YA Romantasy:

I am most interested in queer romantasy. I would love a romantasy set in a queernorm world that involves an adventure or D&D esque adventuring party. Wishlist: A YA or Adult romantasy with a trans or nonbinary MC and/or disability rep!

YA Paranormal or Mystery:

I am open to paranormal and mystery in YA ONLY. I’m very keen on finding stories based on indigenous myths/creatures/lore etc told by indigenous authors. I am still not the best for hauntings or ghosts unless it is connected to the above bullet point.

Middle grade: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror

Graphic Novels (All Age Categories). I am also open to graphic novels especially if they are fantasy, science fiction or horror. Some of my recent favorites have been Lore Olympus and Mooncakes and I love manga-inspired art, but am not a good fit for noir art styles.

Tropes (and other things) I Love:

Found family, friends to lovers, rivals to lovers, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine or stabby/cinnamon roll, there’s only one bed, slow burn, anti heroes, morally gray main characters, main characters descending into darkness, outbreaks/contagions, apocalypses, anything where the food is Studio Ghibli-esque, meet cutes at bookstores/coffee shops

Favorite Books/Movies/TV Shows (this is not an exhaustive list):

Books: House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson, Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas, This Wretched Valley by Jenny Kiefer, Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean, Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J Tuli, Cafe Con Lychee by Emery Lee, The Luminaries by Susan Dennard, Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology, The Do’s and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar, Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant, You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron (or anything by her really), Small Favors by Erin A Craig, Witchlings by Claribel Ortega, The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix, An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson, Elemental by Whitney Hill, Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree (and lots more)

Movies: Parasite, Alien, Anything Studio Ghibli but especially Nausicaa, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Spirited Away, Lisa Frankenstein, Queen of the Damned, The Invitation, Night Teeth, Vampires V The Bronx, Midsommar, Jurassic Park, Lord of the Rings, The Princess Bride, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Predator, Wish Dragon, the entire 28 Days Later series

TV Shows: All of Us Are Dead, Mr Midnight: Beware the Monsters, Yu Yu Hakusho, Cowboy BeBop, Gravity Falls, Over the Garden Wall, Good Omens, 1899, The Silent Sea, Midnight Mass

Below are things I do not want to read so please do not send them to me!

On page rape or sexual assault
On page child abuse (references to/mentions of are okay!)
Any military fiction or military based story line
Pro-cop story lines
Abusive love interests (that the MC ends up with at the end)
School Shootings
On page violence/murder against/of a pregnant person and/or infant

Not For Me (These are other agents’ favorite tropes/books but they’re not for me!):

Superheroes
Any nonfiction
Women’s Fiction
Talking Animals
“I Can Fix Him” storylines
Chapter books

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Haley Casey of Creative Media Agency

Haley Casey is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency.

Haley has always had a special place in her heart for stories, but it was when she wrote her first chapter book in fifth grade that her true love of literature was realized. In 2015, she graduated from The University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing, and that fall, she attended the Denver Publishing Institute. She began her full-time career at Ogden Publications, where she was an editor for four years. There she worked with a variety of authors across multiple magazines, wrote articles, edited podcasts, and even styled photos—anything to add some creativity to her days. In 2020, she interned at Metamorphosis Literary Agency and Creative Media Agency, Inc. before stepping into her role as a associate agent at CMA. She also manages the digital arm of the company. Haley is actively building her list, and is ready to assist her authors in achieving their publishing goals.

In adult fiction & nonfiction, she seeks:

Women’s Fiction (Right now, I’m very into The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and City of Girls.)
Book Club Fiction
Romance (Bring me your tropes!)
Contemporary
Paranormal (I never tire of the Night Huntress series.)
Nonfiction
Narrative
Cultural, LGBTQ+, and Women’s Issues

In Young Adult, she seeks:

Contemporary (I would love to find the next Hello Girls.)
Mystery/Horror
Fantasy (bring me books like The Belles or Cemetery Boys)
(Light) Science Fiction (think Welcome to Night Vale)
Dystopian (especially a project like Delirium or Uglies)
Nonfiction

In Middle Grade, she seeks:

Contemporary
Mystery (The Westing Game, anyone?)
Fantasy (Gregor the Overlander is one of my absolute favorites.)
Science Fiction
Dystopian

I especially love anything that focuses on minority voices, including POC, LGBTQ+, disability, and mental health issues. Send me thoughtful and meaningful magical realism for any age group; manuscripts with nuanced character relationships; unique urban fantasies; clever fairytale retellings; and reimagined classics (such as Jane Austen or The Count of Monte Cristo).

I’m not looking for children’s chapter books or graphic novels, and for adults, I’m not the best champion for political thrillers, high fantasy novels, or satire. In nonfiction, please don’t send me biographies, self-help and how-to manuscripts, or religious, scientific, and academic texts.