At this virtual event, writers can meet one-on-one for 15 minutes with an agent/editor. Writers need only bring 5 pages of their work, a query letter, and their “elevator pitch,” and they’ll meet in a private Zoom room with the agent/editor of their choosing. Register now for the chance to pitch your work!
Location: Zoom
When: Sunday, November 16, 11am – 3pm ET
Cost: $40/Meeting
Pitch Meeting Times (ET): 11:00am – 11:15am; 11:30am – 11:45am; 12:00pm – 12:15pm; 1:00pm – 1:15pm; 1:30pm – 1:45pm; 2:00pm – 2:15pm; 2:30pm – 2:45pm
*Katie Erickson is only available 11:00am – 1:00pm ET. Please check registration page for specific meeting times.
Contact: For questions, email philadelphiastoriesevents@gmail.com.
*IMPORTANT NOTE* We will NOT be sending work in advance to agents/editors. Writers can share their work by sharing their screen or sending a shareable link (Google Docs, Microsoft Sharepoint, etc.) with the agent/editor in their Zoom meeting. Pitch Fest is open to all writers and you do NOT need to be from the Philadelphia area to participate. However, we strongly recommend that attendees meeting with an agent/editor have a completed or nearly completed manuscript ready for querying. Attendees are also free to register for sessions with multiple agents/editors, but cannot book more than one session with the same agent/editor.
*Refunds for this event will not be issued after Thursday, November 13th.
AGENTS
Ruth Gila Berger
Ruth Gila Berger (she/her) is a literary agent at Red Sofa Literary. Ruth spent twenty-four years at Consortium Book Sales & Distribution where she worked with a wide variety of independent presses, sales reps and independent booksellers. She has a MFA in Creative Writing from Hamline University, and was in the first cohort who built Water~Stone Review. In prehistory, Ruth left suburban New York for the University of Iowa, where she got a BA in Theater Arts and Psychology. She never got over the culture shock. She currently resides in Minneapolis where she lives with her wife and animals.
SEEKING: Ruth is seeking the following:
- Narrative nonfiction with a story – especially if it marries two seemly disparate fields like art and mathematics, physics and cooking, birds and language, etc. I want to read experts who can charm and surprise me, make me laugh and never take a tone of intellectual superiority.
- Memoir is where my heart lives but you have to knock my socks off and be connected to something in the larger world. Memoirists must have a platform to sell.
- Essay collections that show up in the wrong outfit, take a circuitous or unexpected route to writing, and question assumptions, yes please.
- Fiction that has a hook, nuance and heart. Characters should haunt me. Any dialogue needs to kill it and plot rules.
- Same for YA Fiction.
- Graphic Novels, only if they are original, beautiful and funny.
For more details, visit redsofaliterary.com/submission-guidelines/.
Nikki Carrero * SOLD OUT *
Nikki Carrero (she/her) is an assistant agent at The Rights Factory and has a background in education, publishing, marketing, social media, and author assisting. Over the years, Nikki has worked with books from all angles: as a writer, publicist, marketer, agent, and educator. Above all else, she loves to see people fall in love with stories.
SEEKING: Nikki is currently looking for adult or young adult fiction in the following genres: mystery, thriller, domestic and/or psychological suspense, paranormal thriller, romance, romcom, contemporary romance, paranormal romance, romantic suspense, magical realism, women’s fiction, and contemporary fiction. She has a passion for stories that feature characters who have disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental illnesses, are neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, or are a part of other marginalized communities. You can find her detailed MSWL here: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/nikki-carrero/
Riley Jay Davis
Riley Jay Davis (they/them) is a literary agent at Red Sofa Literary. Riley is a longtime book lover with degrees in English and Anthropology from Hamline University. They have a background in bookselling and publishing. Their preferred book genres are YA SciFi and Fantasy and Middle Grade of various genres. Riley is looking for stories from Queer and BIPOC writers.
SEEKING: They are currently accepting submissions for a variety of manuscripts. Riley’s always looking to promote books from authors of marginalized or underrepresented identities particularly Autistic/Disabled, Black, Indigenous, POC, Queer, and Transgender authors. For non-fiction titles, they are always looking for topics related to – Race and Culture, Social Justice issues, Film Studies, Media Literacy, and Anthropology. In Fiction, they are looking for Young Adult or Middle Grade – Horror, Magical Realism, Historical, Dystopian/ Science Fiction. They are also looking for Children’s Picture Books. For more details, visit redsofaliterary.com/submission-guidelines/.
Lauren Eldridge * SOLD OUT *
Lauren joined Lucinda Literary as an agent in 2022. Authors she’s represented reflect her genre-diverse interests, including memoirist Julie Fingersh (Stay: A Story of Love, Family, and Other Traumas), novelist Olivia Swindler (Break the Glass), and YA novelist Michelle Kulwicki (At the End of the River Styx). Prior to Lucinda Literary, Lauren was on the editorial team at Flatiron Books, where she focused on nonfiction and worked on bestselling and award-winning titles from authors including Leigh Bardugo, Oprah Winfrey, and Alicia Keys. She acquired The Unseen Body by Dr. Jonathan Reisman and edited books including New York Times-bestselling titles El Jefe by Alan Feuer and The Lincoln Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch. Most recently, she worked as a freelance editorial consultant with a slate of clients from corporations and nonprofits to professional writers. Lauren holds a BA in English with an emphasis on creative writing and a minor in religious studies from Kenyon College and is a graduate of the Columbia Publishing Course. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with her family.
SEEKING: Lauren is passionate about elevating voices and stories that start important cultural conversations and is particularly interested in YA and children’s literature, upmarket fiction, and projects on religion and spirituality.
Katie Erickson * SOLD OUT *
Katie Erickson joined The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency in 2024, after previously interning at the agency, and after over a decade working as a freelance illustrator for clients such as Humpty Dumpty magazine. She is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Creative Writing and Illustration. When she’s not reading, writing, or illustrating, she can be found playing board games or taking long walks with her family.
SEEKING: She represents picture books, as well as middle-grade and young-adult literature.
*Katie Erickson is only available 11:00am – 1:00pm ET. Please check registration page for specific meeting times.
Gracie Freeman Lifschutz * SOLD OUT *
Gracie Freeman Lifschutz was raised in the bustle of New York City, surrounded by all kinds of stories — from story time at her local library to musicals on Broadway. She now can’t imagine her life without either. Gracie graduated from Oberlin College with a B.A. in English and a minor in French. Her work in the time since has always revolved around storytelling and human connection. She joined Dystel, Goderich & Bourret after completing the Columbia Publishing Course in 2022. She currently works alongside Lauren Abramo as the Subsidiary Rights Associate and opened to submissions in early 2025.
SEEKING: Gracie is interested in grounded genre fiction, upmarket romance, psychological thrillers, folk horror, book club fiction, and narrative nonfiction examining culture and social issues. Across young adult and adult categories, she’s interested in underrepresented voices, inventive storytelling, and delicious prose.
Victoria Harris
Victoria Harris is a literary agent at The Caldwell Agency. Previously, they did editorial work in the publishing industry for over six years. They have an MFA in Fiction Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. In their downtime, they like to write (currently working on a novel) and perform with their band (Late Stage Dirtbags). They live in Southern California with their chosen family: their wife, one of their best friends, and their one-eyed chihuahua, Bug.
SEEKING: My heart belongs to stories that feature BIPOC and LGBTQ+ protagonists. I’m primarily seeking literary fiction, upmarket fiction, and queer romance. I’m also open to literary-leaning sci-fi (grounded, set in the near future) and historical fiction (set in the recent past). When it comes to nonfiction, I’m interested in memoir.
Tara Kimberly
Tara is a literary agent at D4EO Literary Agency. Tara is a self diagnosed Romantasy addict and loves diving into lush worlds with complex characters and messy interpersonal relationships that teach us about our own lives. She views the agent – author relationship as a deeply personal and mutually beneficial one. She wants to work with authors that dare to dream of massive success, a fulfilling career, and the willingness to put in the necessary work to get there. With a strong emphasis on social media marketing herself, she is looking for authors who are eager to work together to grow their own marketing efforts. She is most active on TikTok under the handle @tarakimberlybooks and as demystifying the publishing industry for debut authors is one of her core missions as an agent, she routinely does live Q&As on her page. She also runs a free writers group for authors looking for an online mecca of support and resources throughout their publishing journey. It is called Happily Ever Authors and is hosted on the Skool platform.
SEEKING: Tara is seeking Romantasy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, New Adult, Young Adult, Romance & Dark Romance. Tara is interested in primarily Romantasy with a focus on strong female characters and all consuming stories. Visit her wishlist for more details.
Jessica Larios-Zarate
Jessica Larios-Zarate is an Assistant Literary Agent with Wave Literary. Jessica (She/Her) is a graduate of U.C. Berkeley where she earned a B.A. in English. She is passionate about uplifting stories by authors with marginalized voices and intersectional identities. She was part of the Writers House Mentor Initiative, and worked with literary agencies including Creative Media Agency and Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. Based in Northern California, Jessica’s favorite pastime is watching the fog roll down the coastal mountains.
SEEKING: Jessica gravitates towards: commercial fiction, contemporary upmarket fiction, literary fiction, mystery/thrillers, romance, and speculative fiction. She is particularly invested in stories that feature LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, neurodivergent, and/or disabled protagonists, especially when the books are not issue-driven. Jessica is not the best fit for children’s books, police procedural mysteries, detective fiction, high fantasy, hard science fiction, and historical fiction (unless there is a speculative twist). Jessica is an eclectic reader, and she adores books when they make her: laugh, cry, swoon, and/or surprised. Above all, she loves when a book makes her want to talk about it endlessly to everybody.
Shannon Lechon * SOLD OUT *
Shannon is an associate agent with Azantian Literary Agency. She began her career with literary agency internships at P.S. Literary and Cake Creative, as well as an editorial internship with Penguin Random House. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in criminology and English from Florida State University and a master’s in publishing from New York University.
SEEKING: Shannon is seeking MG, YA, and Adult SFF, horror, and mystery/thrillers. She is also seeking select nonfiction proposals on specialized careers, narrative nonfiction, medicine, mental health, trauma, and wildlife/nature. Finally, she is also looking at author/illustrator combinations for graphic novels in the YA fantasy and contemporary space, as well as adult narrative nonfiction narratives.
Rhian MacGillivray * SOLD OUT *
Rhian MacGillivray is a Junior Literary Agent at Birch Literary. After graduating with an M.A. in French and Spanish from the University of Edinburgh, she worked for more than a decade as a Spanish-English translator, editor, and proofreader. Away from agenting, Rhian enjoys curling up with a good book, cramming in some creative writing time while taking her kids to extracurricular activities, and exploring new cities and countries.
SEEKING: Rhian is looking for adult commercial or upmarket fiction that can be classed as women’s, book club, historical, romance, or fantasy or romantasy fiction. Ultimately, she wants fiction that will make her feel something, keep her up late at night, and have her still thinking about it months down the line. She’s a sucker for coming-of-age stories and those told with multiple POVs, whatever the genre. Rhian is NOT seeking any YA, children’s fiction, or non-fiction books at this time. For more information on her MSWL, visit https://birchliterary.com/agents/.
Jael Morrill
Jael Morrill is an Associate Literary Agent with The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency. She graduated from Pikes Peak State College in 2021 with a degree in history. Before interning with the agency, she had previously worked as a research assistant for a historian. When not reading, she can be found working on various art projects and writing stories with her spouse.
SEEKING: Jael represents adult and young adult fiction and nonfiction. Jael is currently seeking non-fiction that focuses on history, cultural anthropology, journalism, and the arts. She is also accepting memoirs. For fiction, she is looking for character-centered sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and noir.
Eva Oakes * SOLD OUT *
Originally from Colorado, Eva earned her BA from McGill University and now resides in Toronto. Eva has been with the Transatlantic Agency for over three years, first as an Editorial and Agent Assistant to Samantha Haywood, President & Literary Agent, and as Associate Agent since 2024.
SEEKING: Eva is building a list that includes a wide range of upmarket and literary fiction, as well as narrative nonfiction. Some qualities she loves in a manuscript include:
- memorable narrative voice
- rich, layered multigenerational and family sagas
- surprising and inventive style
- realist narratives with a hint of absurdity
- a strong sense of place and palpable atmosphere
- writing that blends wit, warmth and humor
- stories from underrepresented identities and marginalized communities.
She does NOT represent YA, Middle-Grade or Children’s books.
Ashley Reisinger * SOLD OUT *
Ashley Reisinger is an Assistant Literary Agent at Triada US and is actively building her client list. She began her career in publishing as an avid writer before interning at Triada in 2020 and discovering her passion for championing authors. Based in Canada, she can often be found complaining about how cold the winters are and trying her very best not to unironically say “eh” out loud.
SEEKING: Ashley is drawn to stories with a strong commercial premise and more literary writing with an affinity for romance, horror, mystery, grounded speculative fiction, and genre-blending. She loves romances with a speculative twist, laugh-out-loud rom coms, speculative mysteries, contemporary fantasy, chaotic protagonists, campy/bonkers adventures, and satirical takes on traditional genre conventions. She is not the right fit for erotica, police procedurals, historical fiction, sick lit, dark/gritty romantic suspense, space operas, or dystopian. A detailed wishlist can be found on her MSWL page.
Nina Richner
Nina Richner is an agent representing adult fiction and narrative nonfiction. They joined HMLA in 2023 after earning their BA in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Ohio University in 2020 and graduating from the Summer 2023 Columbia Publishing Course.
SEEKING: Nina is interested in literary fiction, horror/thriller/ contemporary fiction, queer fiction, and magical realism. They are especially interested in unlikeable characters and family sagas. Weird and off-kilter stories are of perennial interest to them. For nonfiction, they are most interested in memoirs and essay collections on the topics of climate and gender/queer studies.
Haley Warrington * SOLD OUT *
Haley Warrington has been an avid reader and writer since she can remember. After an internship with The Booker Albert Literary Agency, she recently moved into an agenting role on June 1st, 2025. She is eagerly growing her list and hopeful that she will bring talented writers to the forefront of publishing. When she’s not reviewing submissions or editing client manuscripts, she is hanging out with her two cats—Sweet Potato and Sugar Cookie. Ultimately, she enjoys fast-paced stories with strong hooks. Whether it’s steeped with emotion or scares her socks off, she’s looking for commercial genre fiction.
SEEKING: Genres for Adult fiction: Horror, romance, mystery, thriller, suspense, LGBTQ+, family saga, women’s fiction, & satire; Genres for Young Adult fiction: Horror, mystery, thriller, suspense, family saga, satire, low fantasy, urban/contemporary fantasy