Irene Goodman, Literary Agent Irene Goodman is an active literary agent, currently accepting submissions.
About Irene Goodman
Irene Goodman is the founder and principal agent of the Irene Goodman Literary Agency and has been a prominent literary representative for more than three decades. During her career she has sold more than 1,500 books and has worked with bestselling authors including Linda Lael Miller, Sharyn McCrumb, Diane Haeger, Leslie Carroll and Debbie Macomber. Her experience spans commercial and upmarket fiction as well as topical nonfiction, with particular strength in historical fiction, mystery, thriller, romance and young adult publishing.
Goodman looks for books that combine strong commercial appeal with quality writing and substance. She is especially receptive to fiction with narrative drive, memorable characters, a distinctive premise and a clear understanding of its market. Her nonfiction interests include business, health, politics and history, food and cookbooks, pop culture, Jewish interest, Francophilia and lifestyle subjects. After many years operating a larger multi-agent firm, Goodman has recently streamlined the agency and is concentrating more selectively on her own projects and clients.
Irene Goodman Submission guidelines
Goodman is currently accepting email queries.
For fiction, the agency's current submission guidance calls for the query and first ten pages pasted into the email rather than sent as attachments.
Goodman has traditionally requested a slightly unusual order: first ten pages, followed by a short synopsis, followed by the query letter at the bottom of the email. Her query address is:
irene.queries@irenegoodman.com
For nonfiction, the agency asks for a polished query and will request a proposal if interested; unsolicited attachments should not be included.
Irene Goodman also conducts periodic charity auctions in which writers can receive a professional critique of the first 50 pages, or approximately 15,000 words, of a manuscript. Goodman evaluates elements including plot, characterization, setting, pacing, writing quality and commercial potential. Proceeds from the auctions benefit charitable organizations including the Foundation Fighting Blindness and Hearing Health Foundation. Critiques are generally returned within approximately one month.
Hints
Critiques of partial manuscripts are available, with all proceeds going to charity.