Brent Howard

Strong storytelling skills are as important in nonfiction as they are in fiction. Structure and language are key.

Journalists who have deeply covered their field, infiltrated a story and can write about in-depth better than any other person.

For nonfiction, platform is important. Academics who own their subject, who’ve done more thinking and research about it than anyone else, stand out. But your writing chops are what makes it sellable.

FOR NONFICTION, I acquired history for years as an editor. I love big, bold, definitive books that shake up how we think of a person or event.

I don’t represent children’s picture books, but for the sake of my eight-year-old son, I’m open to chapter books for kids and teens. (He loves the Alex Rider series and I introduced him to old school Gordon Korman!)

I don’t represent romance, but would I turn down one that I immediately recognized as spectacular? No. Will I receive many? Not kidding myself.

I love dark crime thrillers, literary horror, suspense, complex espionage tales, genre mash-ups, whether they feature female or male protagonists.

I love atmosphere. A historical setting is a plus.

FOR FICTION, I’m drawn to exceptional writing, high-stakes, tightly plotted stories with momentum, unforgettable characters who leap from the page.

Summer reading means my Summer #MSWL ! Writers querying agents, listen up—as an agent, I represent both fiction and nonfiction. #amquerying

Writers of thrillers, suspense, horror--both female and male protagonists: I'm a new literary agent (after 19 years as an acquiring editor) looking to help talented authors find their publisher. Let's work together. Email in bio. #amquering

Calling nonfiction authors! I'm looking for history, military, politics, biographies, journalism, memoirs and science. #amquerying #amagenting #MSWL

My eight-year-old son is devouring historical fiction. Anyone writing history stories for kids? #MSWL #amquerying

For fiction, I'm looking for authors who write thrillers, suspense, espionage, historical, literary, mystery and horror. Contact in bio. #MSWL #amquerying

After nearly 20 years as an editor at Penguin Random House, I'm thrilled to start my new literary agency, Gramercy Literary! For fiction, I'm looking for authors writing history, military, politics, biographies, journalism, memoirs and science. #amquerying #MSWL