ABOUT THE AGENT:

Wadzanai Mhute is an author, journalist, and former books editor at Oprah Daily and Oprah's Book Club where she edited and wrote about authors and books, helping to shape literary conversations on diverse platforms. She was also fiction editor at The Sunday Long Read.

She has an MFA in Creative Writing from Brooklyn College, where she received the Himan Brown Creative Writing Award, and an MSc. in Journalism from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Wadzanai is currently serving on the National Book Critic's Circle Board.

A recipient of the MacDowell Fellowship in 2016, Wadzanai worked on her debut novel exploring three generations of women in Zimbabwe. Her deep understanding of both the creative process and the publishing industry makes her an invaluable advocate for the authors she represents.

Born in Zimbabwe, Wadzanai now lives in New Jersey. She founded Antsu Literary Agency with a vision to champion diverse voices and ensure that stories from all corners of the world find their place in the literary landscape.

WADZANAI IS SEEKING:

ABOUT THE AGENT:

Jessica Larios-Zarate of Wave Literary is a graduate of U.C. Berkeley where she earned a B.A. in English. 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. She is passionate about uplifting stories by authors with marginalized voices and intersectional identities.

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ABOUT THE AGENT:

Thais Afonso (she/her) is an Associate Agent with Azantian Literary Agency. Thais has eight years of experience in publishing between Brazil, China, and the United States. More recently, she interned at Writers House, where she honed her skills while supporting the desks of Amy Berkower and Johanna Castillo, and she was mentored by Jennifer Azantian before stepping up to the Associate Agent role at ALA. She intends to represent marginalized authors, and she’s especially seeking to uplift BIPOC born and raised in the Global South.
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An Afro-Brazlian lesbian, Thais currently lives and works out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She helps care for her grandmother when she’s not editing books and she’s one of those terrible people who calls the gym her hobby (even though she currently doesn’t go).

THAIS IS SEEKING:

ABOUT THE AGENT:
Carey Blankenship-Kramer is a literary agent with Belcastro Agency.

After growing up surrounded by books and people who loved to read them, Carey dreamed of bringing more books to the hands of avid readers like herself. She graduated from Berry College with a dual degree in English and Creative Writing. She later received her master’s in Writing and Digital Communications from Agnes Scott College. She has experience working with both publishing houses and literary agencies and loves her role as Junior Agent at Belcastro Agency. As an editorial agent, she loves working closely with her authors to ensure their stories come to life on the page.

Outside of work and writing, you can usually find Carey spending time with her small zoo and husband, getting way too competitive on the tennis court, gardening, playing video games, or eating candy.

CAREY IS SEEKING:

While her sweet spots are horror and middle grade, Carey’s tastes are wide and varied. From mystery to fantasy to science fiction, she loves anything that can draw her in and have her rooting for the main characters.

ABOUT THE AGENT:

Sara Kornienko is a literary agent with Barbara Bova Literary Agency. Sara holds a M.A. in English and a B.A. in English with minors in Creative Writing and Journalism from Florida Gulf Coast University. During her Master’s program, she was the Co-Editor-in-Chief of Florida Gulf Coast University’s literary journal, Mangrove Review. Currently, Sara teaches writing courses at her alma mater. In 2023, she joined Barbara Bova Literary Agency and, as a literary agent, she is excited to help authors along their writing journey and champion their amazing books.

“As an educator and avid reader, she believes stories have the power to connect us, forge understanding, and foster healing. She is passionate about sharing her love of writing and helping others find their unique voice so they can tell their own stories.”

Sara was born and raised in Kansas City, but after more than 10 years in Southwest Florida, she’s officially a Floridian—pulling her winter clothes out of the closet any time the temperature hits the 60s. When she’s not reading, she can be found at a local coffee shop, walking the beach, or playing tennis with her husband.

SARA IS SEEKING...

ABOUT THE AGENT:

Sobi-Dee Burbano is an Assistant Literary Agent at The LCS Literary Agency. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Arts, but her true passion has always been reading. She discovered a love for books as a child and that has carried on through adulthood. When she is not caring for her young children, as a mother of two, her Kindle is her best friend.

She loves reading romance of all genres including fantasy and paranormal. Sobi is excited to work with aspiring authors and is now actively building her list. She is looking for unputdownable stories with bold, courageous characters who take you down an emotional journey of perseverance. She enjoys getting lost in a great drama-filled fantasy and also hopes to escape into a romance that makes her fall in love with love again.

SOBI-DEE IS SEEKING...