Writing Away Refuge Virtual Pitch Retreat

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Ann Leslie Tuttle joined DG&B in 2017 after working for 20 years at Harlequin Books where she most recently was a Senior Editor. At Harlequin, she was fortunate to work on an extensive and varied list of bestselling and award-winning titles in romance and women’s fiction. She is actively acquiring women’s
fiction, especially beach reads and historical fiction; contemporary romance, rom coms, historical romance, Southern Gothics, thrillers, mysteries, narrative nonfiction and Middle Grade.

 

She received her B.A. degree from the College of William and Mary and an M.A. from the University of Virginia. Finding and nurturing talented new and established writers has always been Ann Leslie’s passion.

 

See Ann Lesile's complete Manuscript Wishlist here: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/ann-leslie-tuttle/​

Kesia Lupo joined Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2024 after 11 years working across the publishing industry. She started out as an editorial assistant at Pan Macmillan London in 2013, transitioning to children’s fiction in 2015 when she moved to Chicken House (a UK imprint of Scholastic), where she worked her way up from junior to senior editor. Here she acquired and edited bestselling, internationally successful and prize-winning fiction for middle-grade and YA readers. In 2023 she transitioned over to the US and agenting, working with the Bindery Agency before finding a home with DMLA.

At DMLA, Kesia is building a list leaning 60/40 towards middle-grade and YA fiction, with the rest consisting of adult fiction and a smattering of adult non-fiction. She is especially but not exclusively interested in underrepresented voices, whether BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, disabled writers or other identities not listed here. 

See Kesia's full manuscript wishlist here:

Kesia Lupo – The Official Manuscript Wish List Website

Amanda Carbonell’s passion for all things scary came at the age of five thanks to her mother for introducing her to Buffy. Soon after, her world became consumed by books. While receiving her bachelor’s and distinction in Journalism from Western Connecticut State University, Amanda interned with ArtHouse Literary before interning with CMA, Inc. She went on to agent-apprentice with Belcastro Literary Agency before being promoted to junior agent. When she is not reading through queries and building her client list, you can find her either writing Latinx paranormal/speculative stories with her agent or spending time with her family.

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See Amanda's full manuscript wishlist here:

Amanda Carbonell – The Official Manuscript Wish List Website

Andrea Hurst is the Founder and President of Andrea Hurst & Associates Literary Management. As a literary agent and developmental editor, Andrea brings over 25 years of experience in the publishing industry. She has worked with major publishers, both domestic and internationally. Overall, her focus is to help authors polish their book, obtain publication, and build their author brand. Some of her clients include bestsellers such as Dr. Bernie Siegel, Boo Walker, Marc Edelheit, Hannah Jayne, Penny Warner, Ashley Farley, Chef John Ash, and Suzanne Kelman.

Andrea began her career in the entertainment business working in product development and marketing with Columbia Records, but eventually found her passion in book publishing. She teaches classes at writing conferences and MFA programs, and has presented webinars for Writer’s Digest, where she offers valuable insight as an agent, editor, and author of ten books, both in fiction and nonfiction. Her most recent novel, House of Dreams, released in April 2024.

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See Andrea's Manuscript Wishlist here:

https://andreahurst.com/literary-agency/​

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Anna joined the team at the David Black Literary Agency in spring of 2022 to assist David Black. She holds a BA degree in Film Studies from the University of Iowa, and prior to joining DBA she worked as a project editor for a college-level publisher. In her spare time she enjoys going on hot girl walks through the city and complaining about the constant humidity (even though she was raised in the midwest where it is always humid).

Anna is interested exclusively in fiction – both literary and speculative, especially when either includes a touch of romance (though that’s not always necessary). In literary fiction, her preferences lean towards coming-of-age adult narratives and contemplative stories – especially when the ending is melancholic or ambiguous. In speculative fiction she is drawn towards fantastical adventures and magic. She loves WHERE THE DARK STANDS STILL by A.B. Poranek and the RANGER’S APPRENTICE series by John Flanagan.

In any story, Anna appreciates clever writing that is infused with humor. While embracing both YA and adult fiction, her specific interest lies in the 'new adult' sub-genre, which seamlessly combines plot elements of YA fiction with the maturity of adult storytelling. 

Please note that Anna does not represent nonfiction (including memoir and poetry), middle grade or children's literature, religious fiction, paranormal fiction, or horror.

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Catherine is a recent graduate of Howard University School of Law. Always knowing that her love of books would somehow find its way into her career, Catherine strived to learn about publishing and copyrights law. Along the way, she fell in love with agency work as well. Catherine hopes to bridge both legal and agent services together to serve clients at each stage of the process, and is excited to learn more from Corvisiero.

Catherine loves anything from the fantasy genre, from urban to high fantasy, young adult to new adult, she’ll read it all! But honestly she loves anything that has strong world-building, complex characters, and a twist. When Catherine is not reading (a rarity) she is likely watching old horror films or finding new places to travel.

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See Catherine's full Manuscript Wishlist here:

Catherine Ross

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