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 34 Best Horror Books of All Time according to Oprah Magazine included ALICE by Christina Henry. Goodreads also featured
Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of 2020 included HOW TO CATCH A QUEEN by Alyssa Cole and Keep Reading
ARCHANGEL’S SUN by Nalini Singh, her third title to be placed on a monthly list via library staff votes, moved
N.K. Jemisin was one of the 2020 MacArthur’s 21 “Genius” Grant winners, while three of her titles made TIME’s list
Insider named CONVENTIONALLY YOURS by Annabeth Albert and ALPHA NIGHT by Nalini Singh as two
The International Latino Book Awards finalists include INTO THE TALL, TALL GRASS by Loriel Ryon.
SONGS FROM THE DEEP by Kelly Powell was shortlisted for the Canadian Children’s Book Centre
Amazon’s “Editors’ Picks: Best Science Fiction & Fantasy” included A CURSE OF ROSES by Diana Pinguicha.
Locus gave a glowing review of TJ Klune’s THE EXTRAORDINARIES, calling it “powerful work that inspires and
Publishers Weekly called AMERICAN SERIAL KILLERS: THE EPIDEMIC YEARS 1950–2000 by Peter Vronsky “a gripping survey of
Erin Bartels’s forthcoming ALL THAT WE CARRIED received a starred review from Library Journal.
Chicago Public Library chose N.K. Jemisin’s THE CITY WE BECAME as one of the best books of
Cosmopolitan included YOU HAVE A MATCH by Emma Lord in a roundup of their best new books
Publishers Weekly named Alyssa Cole’s HOW TO CATCH A QUEEN one of the Best Books of 2020
BookRiot’s best books of 2020 included THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA by TJ Klune (fantasy),
Christina Henry’s THE GHOST TREE made The Wall Street Journal’s Best Books of 2020 list.
Oprah Magazine’s Best Romance Novels in 2020 and Best Historical Romance to Read included
ARCHANGEL’S SUN by Nalini Singh made both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Oprah Magazine’s list of 27 Greatest Romance Novels to Read in Your Lifetime included Nalini Singh’s SLAVE
Buzzfeed’s list of 25 Books by Black Authors to Add to Your Reading List This Month included
Buzzfeed’s 16 Fantasy Romances to Steam Up Your Valentine’s Day list included THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN
Amazon selected Nekesa Afia’s DEAD DEAD GIRLS for their Must Read Spring Books by Black Authors spotlight.
N.K. Jemisin’s THE INHERITANCE TRILOGY is going to be developed as a TV Series by Searchlight TV
Alyssa Cole’s HOW TO FIND A PRINCESS put her in the LibraryReads Hall of Fame. The book also
The New York Times’ April 21 print issue gave Christina Henry’s NEAR THE BONE a great review, calling it “utterly gripping.”
MAGIC DARK AND STRANGE by Kelly Powell is a finalist in the Crime Writers of Canada Awards.
Oprah Daily’s 15 Best Mermaid Books to Dive Into This Summer included THE MERMAID by Christina Henry.
Liselle Sambury talked about BLOOD LIKE MAGIC in an interview with Geeks Out. The book also received
Reese’s Book Club posted the cover reveal for Emma Lord’s upcoming novel WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE.
New York Times Book Review called DEAD DEAD GIRLS by Nekesa Afia a “terrific series opener.”
TJ Klune’s FLASH FIRE was featured in Publishers Weekly’s Children’s Bookshelf as part of this LGTBQ+ Round-up.
The “Most Anticipated Historical Fiction of Summer 2021” according to She Reads included RADAR GIRLS by Sara
Agents
CLICK PHOTOS FOR WISH LISTS
Deidre Knight, Senior Agent and President
currently closed to submissions
I'm eagerly seeking diverse voices in every area, and would love to find more projects by queer authors of color. I have an affinity for all LGBTQ fiction and nonfiction, both YA and adult. Some recent examples of favorite queer reads on the YA side would include RED, WHITE AND ROYAL BLUE and AUTOBOYOGRAPHY. Some of my representative clients in this area include: TJ Klune, Rachel Reid, Annabeth Albert, Cat Sebastian, MA Grant, Jenn Burke, and Tibby Armstrong.
In fiction, I am hungry for voice-driven novels, as I love emotionally resonant novels like ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE or THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE. Always on the hunt for a wonderful YA romance in the vein of Stephanie Perkins or Jenny Han. I would love to find more authors like TJ Klune (THE EXTRAORDINARIES) and Emma Lord (TWEET CUTE).
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; real-world or secondary-world fantasy; young adult contemporary, mystery, or historical 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
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 such as The Son Rises by William Lane Craig, Is there a God? by Richard Swinburne, How Reason can Lead to God by Josh Rasmussen, and God, Freedom and Evil by Alvin Plantinga
- General Christian non-fiction such as Walking with God through Pain and Suffering by Timothy Keller and Desiring God by John Piper
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.
Jackie Williams, Associate Agent
Fiction
I'm interested in all types of science-fiction, fantasy, mystery, thriller, and suspense in YA and Adult.
Novels that span generations similar to Cixin Liu’s THREE-BODY PROBLEM, Justin Cronin’s THE PASSAGE, and Netflix’s Dark. Wildly imaginative magic systems like N.K. Jemisin's THE FIFTH SEASON and Samantha Shannon's THE BONE SEASON. Or, magical realism and surrealism books like THE MEXICAN GOTHIC and Haruki Murakami's work.
I also love novels with light-hearted magic such as THE EMPEROR's SOUL, the SHADOWSHAPER CYPHER series, and THE WAYWARD CHILDREN's series. Geeky books that inspire nostalgia like Stranger Things and READY PLAYER ONE. And, science-fiction and fantasy mixed with romance like DARK MATTER and THE NIGHT CIRCUS.
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.
