An Exceptional Literary Agency
A visionary perspective on industry trends. Comprehensive client services. Hands-on management. Since 1996 The Knight Agency (TKA) has utilized these principles to guide countless writers from query letter to published book, in the process developing a powerhouse roster of bestselling authors.
Our team has placed well over 8000 titles across the entire spectrum of New York publishers, as well as at independent houses throughout the world. Though we have represented clients in virtually all genres, our areas of fiction expertise include women’s, romance, young adult, literary, mystery, fantasy, and science fiction, as well as multicultural and inspirational/religious fiction. Our agents have also placed narrative nonfiction, self-help, health, memoirs, and financial/business titles.
The agency focuses on a broad range of client services, addressing all aspects of our clients’ careers. TKA agents bring to bear their extensive experience and knowledge of subsidiary rights management in the areas of foreign, motion picture and television, audio, merchandising, and electronic rights. Additionally, our marketing and publicity department offers wide-ranging support in the areas of book promotion and branding.
In the continually evolving world of publishing, The Knight Agency remains committed to providing cutting-edge services and scouting for fresh, unique voices to bring to the forefront. Yet what truly sets our company apart are the lasting relationships between our authors and our team; ultimately, for us, it’s all about people.
Latest News
The Today Show featured N.K. Jemisin’s Great Cities Duology in its “What to Read” segment, while THE WORLD WE
The Best Romance Novels of 2022 according to New York Times included FIRE SEASON by KD Casey and
THE PERFECT CRIMES OF MARIAN HAYES by Cat Sebastian was named one of the Best Romances of 2022 by
WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE by Emma Lord was selected by the Texas Library Association for their 2023 Tayshas
Stephen King called WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING by Alyssa Cole “a romantic thriller that really works.”
Bookpage’s most anticipated romances of 2023 included WE COULD BE SO GOOD by Cat Sebastian and
SPRING’S ARCANA by Lilith Saintcrow was one of The Mary Sue’s Most Anticipated Books of 2023 – So Far.
THE GIRL WHO COULD BREATHE UNDER WATER by Erin Bartels won first place in the Fiction category of The
Agents
CLICK PHOTOS FOR WISH LISTS
Deidre Knight, Senior Agent and President
Right now, I’m being very selective, but am seeking new authors in the areas of women’s fiction, fantasy, thriller (except espionage/political), chick lit, as well as contemporary romance with high concepts that can be published in a bigger way. Please only send novels over 60K in length. Also seeking nonfiction in the categories of sports, business, finance, cookbook, pop culture, current affairs, gardening, health and fitness, history, home décor and design, lifestyle, parenting, memoir, and travel. The nonfiction categories are not exhaustive, so be sure to check query manager if you don’t see a particular category here.
Elaine Spencer, Vice President of Operations/Agent
I’m looking for historical fiction focused on lesser-known women who made big waves with lasting impacts in their relationships and circles. I also loved fictionalized accounts of very specific moments in history. Fiona Davis, Chanel Cleeton, and Ariel Lawhon are all wonderful examples of this type of storytelling. I would also love to find new diverse, millennial voices in romance, women’s fiction and cozy mysteries. And I’m always open to platform-driven nonfiction content in a wide range of categories across the lifestyle, wellness, and business space.
• I would love to see more historical women’s fiction exploring unique moments in history with a strong sense of place. Fiona Davis, Chanel Cleeton, and Ariel Lawhon are all wonderful examples of the type of story that will grab my attention.
• On the contemporary side of the women’s fiction spectrum I want stories that will speak to readers personally, characters who will get in your head and cause reason for personal reflection. I love contemporary Suburban Dramadies (think Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty or even the modern classic Little Children by Perrotta). I’m also always interested in sweeping family dramas that bridge over into the commercial space such as Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng or All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin. I loved The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin, Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill Clegg, and This is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel.
• I love stories with strong southern themes. To me this means an overwhelming sense of another time (even if its in a contemporary novel); stories about a place steeped in ancient traditions and family expectations, unique cultural oddities and loveliness
Lucienne Diver, Agent
My list is incredibly full at the moment. Still, I can’t bring myself to stop reading anything with a unique premise, particularly involving concepts that are relevant to the sociopolitical challenges of today and particularly with diverse voices.
Most wanted for me: a novel that keeps me on the edge of my seat with characters I care about deeply. I enjoy fresh perspectives and surprising turns. I don’t want to feel as though I’ve heard it before or can anticipate where the novel is going before it even gets there.
Nephele Tempest, Agent
I’m currently seeking submissions in the following genres: women’s contemporary or historical fiction; contemporary or historical single-title romance; adult real-world or secondary-world fantasy; adult science fiction.
Melissa Jeglinski, Agent
- I would really love to find a project that captures my attention immediately. For me, this means a strong opening chapter, wonderfully engaging characters, unexpected twists and turns, and a very satisfying ending. No projects over 100k words, please.
- Contemporary Romance which is lighter in tone, has a sense of humor and a premise that is out of the box. Diverse characters welcome.
- Historical Fiction set in periods other than WWII. Also looking for contemporary and historical intertwined timelines. Prefer strong female protagonists.
- Cozy Mysteries with a unique premise but no paranormal edge. Planned series a plus.
- Middle Grade fiction with a heartwarming message or just pure entertainment. Fun and flawed realistic characters. Contemporary and historical settings but no paranormal or fantasy.
Travis Pennington, Media and Marketing Director, Associate Agent
Fiction
- Young adult and Middle Grade, particulary high concept with a great voice
- mystery and psychological thrillers
- Christian fiction in any genre, from thrillers in the vein of Joel C. Rosenberg or Tim LaHaye, to contemporary titles such as The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton, to Historical Romance such as An Uncommon Woman by Laura Frantz
- Young Adult Christian Fiction such as There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones, The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson, or Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren
Nonfiction
- Inspirational Memoirs such as Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton, Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic, Grace, Gold, and Glory by Gabrielle Douglas, Shaken by Tim Tebow, and More Than My Scars by Kechi Okwuchi
- Apologetics Christian Theology
- General Christian non-fiction
Kristy Hunter, Agent
• I’m actively building my list and searching for projects that surprise me with their uniqueness. I often find that it’s the story I least expect that pulls me in and doesn’t let go. It all comes down to the voice and a strong hook!
• I’m always looking for OwnVoices projects and projects featuring a diverse cast of characters across all genres.
In adult fiction, Im looking for:
• High concept women’s fiction such as ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE by Gail Honeyman and THE HUSBAND’S SECRET by Liane Moriarty. As well, as stories that are literary but with commercial appeal such as LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE by Celeste Ng and LILY AND THE OCTOPUS by Steven Rowley. I especially love projects that capture the complicated nature of family.
• Rom-coms set in wonderful urban settings such as THE HATING GAME by Sally Thorne and CRAZY RICH ASIANS by Kevin Kwan
Janna Bonikowski, Associate Agent
I am currently looking for imaginative, high-concept stories across genres in young adult fiction. On the adult side, I am again looking for high-concept stories in women’s fiction, romance, cozy mysteries, psychological thrillers, and historical fiction.
I’m eager to find stories that can hook a reader with one sentence, especially if they are well-crafted, inclusive stories with tight pacing, authentic characters, and a fresh, distinctive voice. I love re-imaginings of classic stories with unique twists; joyful stories that leave me smiling; heart-wrenching, emotionally layered love stories; and stories that make me laugh out loud.
Our Books
In 1996, Deidre Knight founded The Knight Agency. Since that time, The Knight Agency has become
one of the most successful agencies in the country with a multitude of titles appearing on the
New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists every year. Collectively, the Knight Agency team has sold
more than 8000 titles to a broad spectrum of houses.
As an agency, we believe the reason for our success is our ability to foster strong relationships
with our clients in a partnership that is committed to seeing their career grow and prosper in today’s
rapidly evolving marketplace. The Knight Agency offers a comprehensive range of services, including editorial
refinement, branding consultation and strategy, in-house subsidiary rights and publicity support.
We specialize in narrative nonfiction, memoirs, young adult, literary, mystery, fantasy, science fiction,
multicultural and inspirational fiction, self-help, health, financial/business titles, women’s fiction,
romance and more.
