Agent Spotlight: Danielle Burby of Nelson Literary Agency

This agent spotlight features Danielle Burby of Nelson Literary Agency. Remember, newer agents are golden opportunities for new writers because each one is likely building his or her client list.

About Danielle: Based in New York City, Danielle became an agent at Nelson Literary Agency (NLA) in January 2017. Previously, she was an agent at a NYC-based firm where she managed foreign rights in addition to building her client roster. She also interned at several top agencies and publishers before graduating from Hamilton College with a dual degree in creative writing and women’s studies.

She is Seeking: Danielle represents all genres of YA and MG along with select passion projects on the adult side in women’s fiction, science fiction and fantasy, and mystery. She particularly enjoys complex female characters, quirky adventures, narratives that ask readers to think deeply, girls with swords, and seaside novels. Danielle also looks for a strong narrative voice and characters she wants to spend time with. For more information about her wishlist, check out NLA’s Submission Guidelines. You can find details about her recent sales on Publishers Marketplace.

How to Submit: Send queries to querydanielle@nelsonagency.com. Paste the first 10 pages of your manuscript in the body of the email.


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Cris Freese is a technical writer, professional book editor, literary intern, and the former managing editor of Writer's Digest Books. Cris also edited the annual guides Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market and Guide to Literary Agents, while also curating, editing, and writing all content for GLA's online companion. crisfreese.com