Scott Waxman

“What I enjoy most about being a literary agent is helping authors turn their promising ideas into great books. I believe that everyone has a story to tell, and working with authors to find the right hook, structure or theme that will resonate with the reader is immensely satisfying. In particular I like character-driven stories and strong writing, books that have a ready audience and that relate to what is happening around the world. Many of the ideas for our authors’ books come from the agents in this office, as we try to combine their interests with ideas that have potential in the marketplace. I believe our authors appreciate our hands-on approach and consider us partners in their success.”

Scott Waxman founded the Waxman Literary Agency in 1997. Known for a hands-on approach to book development and a passion for great storytelling, he has represented numerous New York Times bestselling books and other national bestsellers. Scott began his career as an editor with HarperCollins Publishers in 1990, before moving to the agent side in 1994.

Some of my recent or upcoming books include:

The Lost Cyclist: The Epic Tale of an American Adventurer and his Mysterious Disappearance, by David Herlihy (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

Escape from the Lands of Snows: The Young Dalai Lama's Harrowing Flight to Freedom and the Making of a Spiritual Hero, by Stephan Talty (Crown)

Game of Character: A Family Journey from Chicago's Southside to the Ivy League and Beyond, by Graig Robinson (Gotham)

Do It Gorgeously: How to Make Less Toxic, Less Expensive, and More Beautiful Products, by Sophie Uliano (Voice)

Elvis: My Best Man, by George Klein (Crown)

Da Bears! How the 1985 Monsters of the Midway Became the Greatest Team in NFL History, by Steve Delsohn (Crown)

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Byrd Leavell

“My goal as a literary agent is to work with authors to create books that establish a new bar. Rather than chasing after what is currently hot, I like to work with clients that have a book idea or novel that can stand solely on its own. And more than anything else I enjoy working with writers that have demonstrated the ability to utilize the remarkable tools available today on the Internet to generate a legitimate fan base. I love writing that makes an impact and the work I represent covers a broad spectrum, from Pete Sampras’ upcoming Mind of a Champion, to podcasting extraordinaire Scott Sigler’s novel Infected, to books that make you laugh like Bob Power’s brilliant Happy Cruelty Day and Tucker Max’s I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell."

A graduate of the University of Virginia and the Radcliffe Publishing Program, Byrd Leavell began his career at Carlisle & Company and then served as an agent at InkWell Management and Venture Literary. His clients include Clay Travis, Scott Sigler, Mark Frauenfelder, and Thomas Kohnstamm.

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Holly Root

"My favorite part of being an agent is the thrill of discovery. Being the first to experience a new world or a brand-new author simply never gets old. Couple that with the joy of sharing that wonderful book with editors and eventually readers and you’ve got the reason I truly love my job.

I’m drawn to well-told commercial novels in a variety of genres. I’m much more likely to keep reading if I know from that perfectly-executed first page that this character (or author, in the case of nonfiction) is someone who interests me, someone whose story I’d like to get lost in for the next two hours. I know I’ve found a winner when I encounter writers whose skills on the page make me know beyond any doubt that I’m in excellent hands.

I’m currently seeking middle grade and young adult fiction, women’s fiction (both commercial and upmarket), urban fantasy and romance. I also represent select nonfiction projects.

I do not represent poetry, screenplays, picture books, thrillers, or erotica."

Prior to joining the Waxman Literary Agency in 2007, Holly Root worked at the William Morris Agency and Trident Media Group.

Holly Root will not be accepting queries from 7/15/10 to 9/6/10.

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Jason Pinter

"Having worked as both a book editor and author, I bring a unique perspective to my role as a literary agent. I am intimately familiar with the ins-and-outs of the publishing process from multiple angles, from inception to acquisition to publication, enabling me to help authors--both veteran and new--maximize their potential.

Prior to starting at the Waxman Literary Agency, I worked as an Editor at St. Martin's Press, Random House and Warner Books (now Grand Central Publishing). I am also the internationally bestselling author of five thriller novels, which have been nominated for numerous awards with 1.5 million copies in print in a dozen languages. I bring my varied publishing experiences and expertise to not only guide authors through the submission process, but through the publication of their books and beyond. I want to help new authors build successful careers, and give published authors the tools and guidance to reach the next level.

I am looking for:

• Commercial fiction (mysteries, thrillers, romantic suspense). Plot is an important vehicle, but only if there are memorable characters and a strong voice to drive the train.
• Pop culture/Entertainment/Media
• Sports
• Humor
• Quirky literary fiction
• Politics/Current Events
• Urban Fantasy
• Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction

• Category romance/erotica
• Screenplays
• Poetry
• Picture books
• Speculative fiction