Jess Taylor

An agent with Martin-Newens Literary Management (see other agents at this agency).

About

Jess discovered her passion for publishing when she crafted her first book pitch for a high school research project. After falling in love with persuading others to read the stories she adored, she earned her BFA in creative writing from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she also completed the publishing certificate program. She spent six years acquiring children's books, YA, nonfiction, and fiction for a Virginia-based publisher before opening an online bookstore dedicated to her first love: young adult literature.
Jess finds great joy in getting books into readers' hands and loves working with authors from all publishing backgrounds. She champions books with diverse characters and settings and is currently building her list in the following genres:

Country

United States

AI Policy

Human-created work only; no AI use allowed

6 members set this agent as a Favorite.

Fiction Open

Young Adult: My knowledge of YA is extensive, as I've been reading the genre for over twenty years and freelance editing YA novels for two. From icons like Meg Cabot and Sarah Dessen to rising stars like K.L. Walther, Rebecca Danzenbaker, and Laura Taylor Namey, I love them all.
I'm open to any subgenre except tech-heavy science fiction. I adore fresh and unique concepts as well as tried-and-true tales. Retellings of myths, fairy tales, or classic stories are always appreciated, and I love a good paranormal romance (especially if there are mermaids).
New Adult: I am specifically open to new adult romance titles featuring characters under twenty-five and focused on coming-of-age stories.
Romance: Witchy and cozy fantasy romances will always be on my TBR pile. If you have a book like The Kiss Curse, Love's a Witch or The Nightmare Before Kissmas, I want to read it.

Audience:

Open to a broad Audience, including: Adults, Young adults.

Genres:

Fantasy Open to all/most Subgenres
Mystery/Crime Open to all/most Subgenres
Romance Open to all/most Subgenres, including: Romantic Fantasy

Lengths:

Novel

Styles:

Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary, Mainstream.

Topics:

Folklore/Mythology: General, Ancient mythologies, Fairy tales, See guidelines.

Submissions:

Method: QueryTracker.
Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.

Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary.

No recent cover image of a book represented by Jess Taylor available.

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Jess Taylor Submission Statistics

The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the agency or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics.

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Accuracy

We have received 1 report within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information.

Other Information

Most recent response reported was received on 03 Aug 2026.
Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 21 Jul 2026.
Date compiled: 15 Sep 2026 06:54 UTC (3 hours, 13 minutes ago).

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Your Submissions

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Lindsey Aduskevich
Regina Bernard-Carreno CLOSED
Delia Berrigan Fakis CLOSED
Rob Broder
Jeanne De Vita
Anthony Flacco CLOSED
Clelia Gore CLOSED
Natalie Grazian CLOSED

Thomas Hill CLOSED
Rick Lewis DNQ
Sharlene Martin
Hollie Michaels
Jen Newens
Charlie Serabian
Kristen Terrette

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Dates

Last Updated: 18 Aug 2026

We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year.