Whatever it is, the way you tell your story can make all the difference. Submission Guidelines.

Please address all queries to: submissions@artanddecoagency.com.

I only accept queries by email. No snail mail.

Take a look at “What I’m Looking For” and “My Wish List” below to see if your book is a match for my list. If it’s not, don’t worry—that doesn’t mean that it won’t be right for another agent.

You’ll receive an automated response, so you’ll know I received it. If I’m interested in your project, I will be in contact within 60 days or sooner, requesting a full manuscript or full proposal. If I do not think your project is something I can represent, I may or may not be in contact, depending on the agency’s current workload. I always try to respond to all queries, but if you have not heard from me within 60 days, you can assume your project isn’t for me.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve. Your goal should be to match with the best agent for your book and your career by presenting the very best work you can. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

 

Art + Deco Agency is an agency built around marginalized voices. We seek to champion voices from marginalized communities in literature as well as to be the change we seek to see in the world by mentoring young one-day publishers and agents from those communities, so that they may one day influence the publishing industry in a way that goes beyond the status quo. We strongly affirm the principles of Diversity & Inclusion and live by those principles here every day.

Submit your query via email to: submissions@artanddecoagency.com. Do not email my personal agency address unless you are inquiring about services other than agent representation. Unfortunately, I will have to block all email addresses that do not adhere to this.

All queries should include:

1. Your book pitch/synopsis. This should be a teaser, not a full play by play of the book’s plot.

2. Your author bio (with info about your platform and media reach for nonfiction and info about your relevant writing background for fiction).

3. The first 10 pages of your book pasted into the email. I do not open unsolicited email attachments or follow links provided in emails.

Querying is about wow moments. If you’re query doesn’t wow, it won’t get picked up, so keep that in mind as you’re submitting your book baby.

FICTION:

Your manuscript must be complete before submitting, unless you’re an established, traditionally published author.

NON-FICTION:

Send in a submission once you have a complete book proposal and sample chapter. In your bio, make sure you tell me why you’re the best person to write this book.

What I’m Looking For

For fiction, I focus on contemporary literary, upmarket and commercial fiction as well as select fantasy novels. I gravitate toward fiction that explores the subtleties and complexities of language while still being firmly rooted in modern or futuristic living, whether character-driven or plot-driven. I’m also looking for select non-fiction with a unique viewpoint by authors with a well-developed media platform, particularly in the areas of foodie culture/cookbooks, incisive commentary on marginalized cultures and pop culture essay collections. I’m looking for art on a page and fresh perspectives, writing that says “NO!” to clichés and formulaic tropes, that offers an energetic voice and a deep sense of place.

 

My Wish List: 

I have a soft spot for brainy novels set on college campuses à la The Secret History by Donna Tartt, The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker and Loner by Teddy Wayne; clever ‘whodunits’ set on estates like The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton and the 2019 film Knives Out; highbrow fiction written around characters of color such as The Emperor of Ocean Park by Stephen L. Carter and A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara; contemporary Southern Gothic fiction such as Catherine Lacey’s Pew; novels featuring multicultural Millennials in high-powered workplace situations; and witty and satirical upmarket women’s fiction that reveals a nasty side to a major industry (i.e. fashion, film, etc.) as in The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger. It’s a big plus if a novel can introduce me to a new world, make me think differently about one I already know, or tap into the cultural climate. I’m also especially interested in finding and uplifting writers from marginalized communities, particularly writers of color, and any book that offers sharp social commentary interwoven brilliantly throughout the narrative will keep me up all night reading.

I’m not interested in: 

Romance, historical of any kind, erotica, YA unless it’s YA fantasy, middle grade, children’s books, science fiction, memoirs, screenplays, poetry collections