Laura Rennert

I’ve been with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency since 1998. I have a Ph.D. in English Literature and in my prior life was a faculty member in the English departments of the University of Virginia, Osaka University of Foreign Studies, and Santa Clara University, until I found my calling as an agent. I am something of a literary omnivore, with wide-ranging tastes. I specialize in all categories of children's books, from picture books to young adult/crossover. On the adult side, I represent literary-commercial fiction, thrillers, horror, sci-fi/fantasy, speculative fiction, and select historical fiction. As an editorial agent, I work with my clients at every step of the process—from the spark of an idea to the post-publication marketing efforts. I help my clients figure out and refine their career priorities, and together we devise a strategy for reaching both short-term and long-term goals. I keep my list small precisely so that I can be directly in contact with and fully invested in my work with each of them. My sweet spot in the market combines literary voice with commercial conception. Although my list is diverse, all of my projects have common threads: an original, unexpected point of view; a fresh, compelling voice; a strong commercial hook; rich, immersive world building; and conflicted characters who win your heart (sometimes, against your will) Authenticity is a calling card for me – whether of trade-craft, investigative technique, historical/geographical setting, culture, or psychology. I'm fascinated with hidden worlds and secret knowledge. I love works that play with commercial tropes, but give them unexpected emotional depth. Across all categories, I’m drawn to works that are gorgeously written and tell an emotionally compelling story in a fresh, idiosyncratic way.