Introducing Gardner Literary

 

Hey friends! I’ve opened a new agency. Here’s the full press release:

Literary agent Rachelle Gardner, formerly of Books & Such Literary Management, announces the formation of Gardner Literary, a full-service agency representing diverse authors at the crossroads of faith and culture.

Gardner has been an agent since 2007 when she joined WordServe Literary. She moved to Books & Such in 2012, where she established her reputation by representing powerful voices in the Christian market. She represented the late Rachel Held Evans for the entirety of her book publishing career and continues to represent Evans’ estate. She represented the New York Times bestseller, I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown.

Gardner will bring many of her established authors to the new agency, including Sarah Bessey (Jesus Feminist), Kaitlin Curtice (Native), and Kathi Lipp (Clutter Free). She also brings several authors of popular Christian fiction, including Kristy Cambron, Sarah Ladd, and Catherine West. The coming year will see debut books from popular Instagrammers Terry Stokes, Candice Benbow, Marcie Alvis-Walker, and Cole Arthur Riley.

Janet Kobobel Grant, founder and president of Books & Such, says, “When Rachelle approached me about starting her own agency, I couldn’t disagree with her reasoning: she wanted to do as I had in 1996 when I started Books & Such—explore what an agency that reflected her passions would look like. After nine years of working together, I’m reluctant to see her leave, but I know we’ll remain close friends and colleagues. I wish her every success.”

Moving forward, Gardner plans to continue working in both the Christian and general markets. She will represent a diversity of authors, focusing on up-and-coming voices in the faith community as well as explorations of social issues. She’ll also represent a limited catalog of fiction.

“I’ve always seen it as my mission to elevate important voices that might otherwise not be heard,” Gardner says. “I started by focusing on women, and eventually began actively seeking authors of color. I’m fascinated by books that expand my awareness and make me think a little deeper—but I also love being entertained by good fiction! My list reflects my eclectic interests.”

Submission information is available at www.gardner-literary.com.

Rachelle Gardner

Literary agent at Gardner Literary. Coffee & wine enthusiast (not at the same time) and dark chocolate connoisseur. I've worked in publishing since 1995 and I love talking about books!

6 Comments

  1. Maco Stewart on December 21, 2020 at 1:44 PM

    Congratulations, Rachelle, and may the wind be at your and your agency’s backs throughout 2021. To your continued success and your support for us the writers–cheers!



  2. Danny Griffin on December 20, 2020 at 8:38 AM

    Congratulations on your latest endeavor. Hope you are wildly successful, and I hope to engage your services soon.
    Respectfully,
    PawRamon Author of THE ROBINS NEST and COON CREEK.



  3. Penny McGinnis on December 17, 2020 at 11:58 AM

    This is wonderful news! Congratulations in your new endeavor.



  4. Lisa Jordan on December 17, 2020 at 9:13 AM

    You are an inspiration! So proud of you for going after your dreams. Thank you for being my fairy godmother agent. I’m so blessed to have had ten wonderful years with you.



  5. Jack Broderick on December 16, 2020 at 1:00 PM

    Rachelle – Certainly a big/brave step considering how 2020 has shaped up! Your primary interests; books on Christianity & Women caught my eye. Current manuscript, “Religion & The Feminine Spirit” challenges the 2nd class Religious status women of faith endure in the 21st Century. I am clearly not in your publishing wheel house; however, it would be my pleasure to offer you a beta manuscript read, valuing your feed-back!
    Respectfully,
    Jack Broderick



  6. Richard Mabry on December 16, 2020 at 8:37 AM

    Rachelle, best of luck in your new enterprise. You got me started on the road to publication, and for this I will always be grateful..