Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Cindy Bullard of Birch Literary

Cindy Bullard is a literary agent with Birch Literary.

Prior to becoming an agent, Cindy had ten years of experience in working with editors, agents, and publishers on the “other side” of the desk as an author. Cindy opened Birch Literary to help other writers on their own path to publication.

Wish List:

In adult fiction, I’m looking for sweet romance (with happy endings), traditional mysteries (standard PI, classic detective or cozy), crime, police procedural, thriller, and suspense. I prefer stories with low levels of sensuality and/or violence. In children’s fiction, I’d like to see middle grade and YA (sweet, quirky, mystery, cozy). I’m not one for heavy or serious topics.

In nonfiction, I love books about nature (kids and adults), memoir, self-help, and personal narrative.

Not Seeking: At this time, please do not send picture books or middle grade/YA that have dark or heavy topics.

 

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: JL Stermer of Next Level Lit

JL Stermer is a literary agent and founder of Next Level Lit.

“I’m looking for voices reflecting the world as it changes and stories sharing the human experience of life, love, growth, and achievement in both fiction and nonfiction categories, YA and adult.

“A New York City native who lives for art, culture, I’m always seeking inspiration through creativity and connection. I love working with authors who have a clear vision of who they are and what they came here to do. I believe there is so much to learn from reading about other’s experiences because the intimacy of reading allows us to absorb new ideas in our own time and without outside judgment. Also love a book for escape and fun please! Food, culture, music, personal stories, social justice, intimate narratives with a compelling voice? I’m in.”

She is seeking:

Fiction: adult & YA, contemporary, upmarket, commercial: family stories, coming-of-age, rom-coms, general fiction that is giving readers a new perspective on a world they already know OR a peek into a world they wish they knew.

Nonfiction: prescriptive, narrative, memoir: style & fashion, art & culture, mental health, spirituality, self-help, sports, humor, pop culture/business/science/tech, social justice, human rights, feminist issues, men’s issues, projects that are on the leading edge of important conversations we are having today.

Queer, neurodivergent, POC, and all underrepresented voices are always welcome!