Scott Waxman
scott@waxmanagency.com

“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.

Farley Chase

“I’ve had the privilege of working in several facets of the publishing world, with a variety of talented colleagues. With some I fostered my passion for good writing and smart stories well told. And from others I gained an invaluable business perspective on the world of books.  Most importantly, I’ve learned that these are not mutually exclusive propositions and as an agent I’m able to unify these points of view, working closely with writers to realize their aspirations without losing sight of what’s viable or realistic. I take pride in a deliberate and detailed editorial approach and a proactive attitude toward developing new ideas with our writers.”

Farley Chase has worked in publishing for nine years. After an internship with Minnesota’s non-profit Graywolf Press, he worked for several years at the New Yorker magazine. He has worked at The New Press, Talk magazine and later became an associate editor at Miramax Books where he worked with Martin Amis and B&N Discovery authors Mark Ross and Lily Burana, among others. He has been an agent for three years, first with Goldfarb & Associates and now The Waxman Literary Agency. In addition to representing his own clients, he manages the foreign rights for the agency. He is a graduate of Macalester College.

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.

Holly Root

“I’ve always been drawn to a fresh, vibrant voice, whether it’s a new author winning me over for the first time or a beloved favorite taking me away again. As an agent, I’m able to engage with a project from that very first moment when it really comes alive. The process of partnering with authors to guide their work to publication and beyond is in itself a great reward.

Some of my ‘must-read’ novelists are Marian Keyes, Emily Giffin, MaryJanice Davidson, Erin McCarthy, Gabrielle Zevin, Sarah Dessen, Scott Westerfeld, and John Connolly.”

Holly Root began her publishing career as an editor in Nashville, TN before coming to New York and joining the William Morris Agency’s agent trainee program. She then moved to Trident Media Group, where she sold audio rights for the agency’s clients, including a number of New York Times bestselling authors, before joining The Waxman Literary Agency to represent her own list of authors.