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!