Jessica Regel
I have been with the agency since 2002. I maintain my own list of fabulous and talented authors while also handling Film, Audio and UK rights for JVNLA. Originally from Iowa, I moved to New York to work in publishing and I received my B.A. in English Literature from Hunter College.
Here's the rundown of the types of books I'm looking to represent:
Children's Books
I'm looking to find fresh Young Adult and Middle Grade writers. I handle some historical novels, but I prefer contemporary settings. The historicals I tend to be interested in feature popular historical figures.
I don't shy away from controversial topics in children's literature, but I don't take on projects that aim for "shock value" rather than substance. For example, my author Cecilia Galante wrote about a religious cult in THE PATRON SAINT OF BUTTERFLIES, but the core of the novel is a friendship between two girls with different beliefs.
I'm also interested in Romance, Science Fiction, Mystery, Horror or Paranormal in Children's books. However, these books should lean more towards main stream than toward genre. For instance, the WONDROUS STRANGE series, by my author Lesley Livingston, is brimming with fantasy, history, adventure and romance, but the story remains grounded in a realistic context. It is set in Central Park and revolves around a teen actress.
Young Adult Nonfiction
I would love to find a memoir or a narrative non-fiction book directed at the teen market.
Adult Fiction
Novels with BIG themes; in other words no quiet novels. I need there to be a plot! Books of this genre that I love include: Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee, What I Loved by Siri Husvedt, and Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen
Humor: I'm a big fan of Even Cowgirls Get The Blues by Tim Robbins and Straight Man by Richard Russo
Modern Love stories: like The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
International Fiction: like The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseni
Edgy Fiction: such as my author Rayo Casablanca's titles 6 SICK HIPSTERS and VERY MERCENARY
Adult Nonfiction
Humor and Pop Culture
Narrative Nonfiction and Memoir: I enjoy travel, fashion, music and pop culture. For memoir, I would love to find something akin to The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
Journalism: like The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad or Maximum City by Suketu Mehta
What I am NOT looking for:
Practical Non-fiction: such as Self-Help, How-To, or Textbooks
Religion or Spirituality
Adult Genre Fiction: such as ie Sci-fi, Fantasy, Cozy mysteries, Romance
Political Thrillers or Crime
Picture Books
Misery Memoirs
Screenplays: while I do handle the film rights for JVNLA books, I do not represent screenwriters
Animal books (Children's and Adult)
Children's books that are message or lesson oriented
Submission Guidelines
Please email me with your query letter and include the word "Query" in your subject line. Your letter should include one paragraph about your book, one paragraph about yourself, and the first three pages of your work pasted into the body of your email. Attachments will not be opened.
Because I personally read all queries, I am only able to respond to the projects that I'm interested in reading more of. I will not respond if it is a pass. My decision to request materials is based on the quality of your writing and the level of interest I have in your characters, plot or concept.
I do not charge a reading fee, but I do ask for a four week exclusive for all requested materials. If this is not possible, because sample materials are already out with other agents, please let me know up front. The exclusive does not apply to queries.
For more information on my tastes in books please find me on goodreads.com, or read the following interviews I've done:
Guide to Literary Agents Interview
Gumbo Writer's Interview
At the end of the day, I'm looking to fall in love with a book. I hope that book is yours!