Andrea Cascardi has an eye for winners. She acquired and edited the Coretta Scott King winner Tar Beach written by Faith Ringgold and the Pura Belpre winner Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez. As an agent she represented Newberry winner Clare Vanderpool and Stonewall winner, E.E. Charlton-Truillos.
In her with Transatlantic Literary, she is on the lookout for nonfiction that tells a compelling story and will welcome your groundbreaking nonfiction manuscripts.
Nonfiction Ninjas were excited to catch up with the hard-working Ms. Cascardi and she graciously answered some of our burning questions.

Why did you become a literary agent? I became a literary agent after having been an editor, and
wanting to work from home when my children were young. I felt that being an agent was a way to use my skills and knowledge for the benefit of writers and illustrators, just from the other side of the business.

What excites you most about working in publishing? Publishing is an ever-evolving industry, but the best thing about it is that I get to Interact with so many creative, passionate, professional people.

What are you looking for in nonfiction projects? I’m very open to all kinds of nonfiction but across all subject areas I’m always looking for that “aha” moment. I’m curious so I like nonfiction that takes me on a journey, that introduces me to ideas and information in a way that makes me feel I’m reading about it for the first time but engages me completely. The big idea that is distilled into an approachable and entertaining story. Most of all, a compelling voice—that’s just as important in nonfiction as in
fiction.

 Are there specific topics that interest you? I’m a generalist. I’m open to all topics as long as there is a hook for kids. But beyond that, I gravitate to animals, pop culture, quirky/hidden histories, books that
look at big historical moments through a smaller focus, STEM, and graphic novel memoir.

What trends are you seeing in the industry? I’m seeing more lively, entertaining nonfiction where a topic is approached from a humorous or sideways perspective.

Who is your ideal client? One who is both passionate about their subjects and ideas, who has the fortitude to persevere, and who understands who the reader is for their book.

Are you more interested in PB, MG, YA, or all three? I’m more interested in PB and MG right at the moment.

What do you want to see in a nonfiction proposal? I want to see a professional presentation—the hook, the overview, the market, the competition, and at least one complete chapter if it’s middle grade.
The full manuscript if it’s a picture book. A great proposal will carry all the way through to acquisition.

​What are some of your favorite kidlit nonfiction books? First, I’d have to list all of my clients’ books, and then books I published, so this would be a very long answer!

What advice can you give to people who want to break into the nonfiction market? First, be passionate about and invested in, a subject. Do your homework: read, read, read, in the age group you’re writing for. Find mentor texts. Be ready to articulate why your book is one the world can’t live
without. Don’t be afraid to take risks.

And last but not least – are you a dog person or a cat person? And do you have a pet?
I’m just slightly more of a dog person, but sadly our home is currently without a pet, as our miniature schnauzer passed away almost a year ago.

If you have a nonfiction project that will knock the socks off Andrea - please contact her at Transatlantic Submissions.

Congratulations to Doreen Robinson! You have won a query letter critique with the multi-Award winning Michelle Medlock Adams. Michelle has written over 90 books including her newest release I Love You Bigger Than the Sky. Michelle is promotional wizard and talented editor. Doreen - you are in for a treat!!
Good things happen to people who read the Nonfiction Ninja Blog!
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​Stacey Graham knows how hard it is to be a writer. She's a published author herself, and brings this compassion and understanding to her job as agent at 3 Seas Literary. She also brings her passion for strange-but-true stories, creepy or quirky nonfiction, and leading haunted writing retreats.

With her experience as an author, screenwriter, and freelance editor, Stacey helps writers produce work that publishers love. She comes to 3 Seas Literary after five years as an agent at Red Sofa and is excited to learn what new adventures are on the horizon. 

Nonfiction Ninjas caught up with Stacey and asked her a few questions.

Why did you become a literary agent?
While my own projects were out with my agent, I loved the behind-the-scenes process and wanted to dig into the business side of publishing more. It was a natural fit!

What excites you most about working in publishing?
I love seeing writers taking chances and breaking out of what they felt were limits and discovering they were only minor roadblocks. 

What are you looking for in nonfiction projects?
I would love to see more quirky nonfiction in my inbox. The more offbeat, interesting, and truly odd projects always capture my attention. I would also like more how-to books, craft books, and hobby books such as antique collecting or sports such as sumo.

Are there specific topics that interest you?
History, archaeology, antiques, adventures, exploration, collecting (mini-museums), weird places. 

What trends are you seeing in the industry?
I see a lot of biographies of fantastic people and their stories that haven't been explored in depth before. It's exciting!

Who is your ideal client?
I love to represent writers that are prepared to put in the work of being a professional writer. It's a lot harder than it looks! Revisions, proposals, understanding the long haul of submission, acceptance, and finally publication can take up to two years (or longer) on one manuscript plus marketing and promotion to follow. Writers become business people so enjoying the process is key. 

Are you more interested in PB, MG, YA, or all three?
Middle grade.

What do you want to see in a nonfiction proposal?
I like to see a solid plan for marketing and promotion, plus a succinct and well-thought-out overview that focuses on the core of the project. 

What are some of your favorite kidlit nonfiction books?
The Magician and the Spirits by Deborah Noyes
Pink is for Blobfish by Jess Keating
The Boxcar Children Guide to Adventure: A How-To for Mystery Solving, Make-It-Yourself Projects, and More by Gertrude Chandler Warner

What advice can you give to people who want to break into the nonfiction market?
Scour history books, magazines, and websites for stories to spark an idea to build on and become an expert in that subject. Start building a platform early (articles, conferences, podcasts, blogs) so editors and agents see that you've done the research and that you have a plan for the project. 

And last but not least – are you a dog person or a cat person? And do you have a pet?
I am a human person. Most dogs and cats are not able to type as well as I can to answer these questions. 

Think you have a manuscript that Stacey would love? 
Then submit your query here.
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Congratulations to Susan Latta! She is the winner of a query critique with the lovely Linda Skeers. 
Linda is the award winning author of both picture books and middle grade nonfiction. Her most recent book, DINOSAUR LADY tells the story of paleontologist pioneer, Mary Anning.
Best wishes Susan! The Nonfiction Ninjas got your back!!

Caryn Wiseman know her business! With a an MBA from the Anderson School at UCLA, Caryn knows how to negotiate a great deal for her clients and help them understand the book business. As an agent For Andrea Brown Literary, Caryn has sold over 450 books including the New York Times bestseller THE STRANGE CASE OF ORIGAMI YODA BY Tom Angleberger.

Caryn joined the agency in 2003 after spending over a decade in the business world. She is a senior agent and exclusively represents children's authors. Caryn is always on the look out for great nonfiction writers.
Nonfiction ninjas were thrilled to catch up with Caryn and learn a little more about her.

 Why did you become a literary agent?  I have been an agent for 17 years, and it's a second career for me, but it's definitely the one that I was meant to do!  I have been a voracious and critical reader all my life, and agenting was the perfect way to combine my love of books and reading, social justice, and my business education and background.
 What excites you most about working in publishing? Three things:  1)  That I actually get to make a small difference by bringing children's books that matter into the world 2)  that I still get a thrill when I walk into a bookstore and see a book that I represented on the shelf 3)  that every day is different, so I'm never bored
 What are you looking for in nonfiction projects? Nonfiction that reads like fiction, whatever the category
Are there specific topics that interest you? Social justice in any form is my number one interest
 What trends are you seeing in the industry? The market for picture book bios (a particular love of mine) is saturated; there's a growing market for older nonfiction and graphic novel nonfiction; a market for narrative nonfiction for younger kids that isn't picture book bio, but is fun and non-institutional; also a great interest and respect for getting the historical facts right, rather than whitewashing them
 Who is your ideal client? Someone who does their homework; who understands the research and permissions process that's involved with nonfiction; someone who understands issues of diversity and inclusion, and who is willing to look at a question from more than one angle; someone who is willing to ask the hard questions about who should tell a story;  someone who is willing to take narrative or format risks to tell a story in an interesting way
 Are you more interested in PB, MG, YA, or all three? All three, and graphic novels in particular
 What do you want to see in a nonfiction proposal? All of the standard proposal stuff, including sample chapters.
What are some of your favorite kidlit nonfiction books? All of my clients' books, of course, like those by Debbie Levy, Don Tate, Kelly Starling Lyons, Sarah Albee, Jennifer Berne, Amy Novesky, Sarah J. Marsh, Susan Wood, or the forthcoming TRUE OR FALSE by Cindy L. Otis.  For nonclient books, I'd say The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater, Unpresidented by Martha Brockenbrough, March by John Lewis and Nate Powell, They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, anything by Steve Sheinkin
 And last but not least – are you a dog person or a cat person? And do you have a pet? Definitely dog, but small dog.   I have a cockapoo named Olivia, who serves as my office assistant.

If you have a project that you think would be right for Caryn - you can contact her through her query manager account. 
Happy querying!

Congratulations to Sue Heavenrich! She is the first winner of a query critique. 
​Sue will receive a query critique from Nonfiction Ninja Peggy Thomas! 
Peggy is the award winning author of FULL of BEANS, HENRY FORD GROWS A CAR, FARMER GORGE PLANTS A NATION and numerous other great titles.
Good luck, Sue!
​Nonfiction Ninjas are cheering you on!!

​Heather Cashman is a scientist, writer, avid reader, and author cheerleader. She cheers on her clients and their projects at Storm Literary Agency where she's an Associate Literary Agent and Agent Mentor.

Heather grew up with a with a book in one hand and a microscope in the other. She loves science and has a degree in biochemistry. Her fascination with science and the world around her is one of the reasons she enjoys working with nonfiction authors and their manuscripts. She also enjoys reading and writing syfy and likes to use her science knowledge to build unique and compelling  worlds. 

Before joining Storm Literary Agency, Heather interned for three years at The Bent Agency and Entangled Publishing. She’s helped authors from the pre-query stage to acquisitions, and she’s also worked as a freelance editor and consultant for traditional and non-traditional publishing.

The Nonfiction Ninjas were excited to have the chance to ask Heather a few questions.
 Why did you become a literary agent?
I loved editing and seeing my client and mentee manuscripts getting picked up and sometimes even getting six-figure deals. It was thrilling! I also love pitching from my days with Pitch Wars. SO FUN! And working with authors and editors is extremely enjoyable and makes me happy. It's like not working when I'm at work.

What excites you most about working in publishing?
Getting back edits that surpass my wildest imagination. Which is pretty wild.

What are you looking for in nonfiction projects?
I really enjoy a variety of topics and formats. The more creative the better. I enjoy narrative or straight nonfiction. I especially like books that teach in a fun and new way, especially books that would do amazing things or become something other than a book. Like Odd Dot has a book about bees and beehives that becomes a beehive!

Are there specific topics that interest you?
My biochemistry background leans me more toward STEM projects, I'm also fascinated with people and places and times in history. I love to learn!  

What trends are you seeing in the industry?
Biographies are a really hard sell right now. Things need to be more out of the box, and it helps if they have a crossover appeal into the commercial side as well as school and library.

Who is your ideal client?
Someone who is Hardworking, creative, fun, easy to communicate with, appreciates me, and understands the ins and outs of the industry.

Are you more interested in PB, MG, YA, or all three?
All three for sure. Today's kids are very self motivated and love to learn.

What do you want to see in a nonfiction proposal?
The standard proposal with a pitch, bio, outline, platform, and sample chapters as well as bibliography. If you have extra ideas for backmatter, games, activities, so much the better.

What are some of your favorite kidlit nonfiction books?
Flower Talk: How Plants use Color to Communicate by Sara Levine, Ill. Masah D'Yans
Fly Girls: The Daring American Women Pilots Who Helped Win WWII by P. O'Connell Pearson
The Boy who Harnessed the Wind by Willian Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer

​What advice can you give to people who want to break into the nonfiction market?
Do your research. I get proposals all the time for subjects and people that have already been done. It's okay to do something again, but it has to have a different twist or spin that makes it different information than what's already out there. And if you can research what's been sold on Publisher's Marketplace, that's important too. Imprints don't like to compete, so it's difficult to sell duplicates or overlaps.

And last but not least – are you a dog person or a cat person? And do you have a pet?
I'm a dog person with a cat. My sweet puppy who loved me as much as I loved her died a few years ago, and the kids went to college and left kitty behind. Yes, lots of sad sighs. But I still love her and care for her as if she were a dog even though she's very indifferent--unless I'm serving her. But I still brush her every morning with a real hairbrush that she stole from my husband.

If you think your work might be a good fit for Heather, please follow her submission guidelines.