Seeks Authors with Fresh Perspectives
Colorado Springs, CO, December 16, 2020 — 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.”
Further information and submission information is available at www.gardner-literary.com.
