After nearly forty years as an editor and publisher, I've worked in virtually every area of book publishing, from hardcover and paperback publishing to direct marketing, book clubs, book packaging, and literary representation.

As a literary agent, I represent nonfiction authors in categories such as narrative nonfiction, memoir/biography, business, health, science, technology, history, and politics. I look to represent authors who are thought leaders in business, journalism, government, and academia and have unique and newsworthy book ideas.

Having also helped launch the careers of many bestselling fiction authors, I represent voice-driven upmarket and commercial fiction, especially literary fiction, psychological suspense, and crime fiction.

I take on very few projects and have a small, select client list. So I can devote a lot of time and attention to each of my authors. I think of myself as a fierce advocate for my clients and believe few literary agents are as invested as I am in helping advance an author's career.

Here's how I work:

As a Literary Agent: Mel Parker Books can act as a literary agent for authors with submission-ready book proposals and manuscripts. For these traditional agenting services for submissions and manuscripts the author has already completed, Mel Parker Books charges standard literary agency commissions to market the project to publishers and take clients through the publishing process.

As an Editorial and Publishing Consultant: For authors who need direction in the creation of a proposal, extensive re-focus of an existing project, and significant developmental editorial work, Mel Parker Books can provide a wide range of editorial and consulting services on either a fee basis, an enhanced commission for representation, or as a joint venture partnership, depending on the scope of work required.

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