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 who have a unique and newsworthy book idea.

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 of all kinds.

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

“As our agent, Mel Parker exceeded our wildest expectations in supporting us in the development and production of our first book. He acted as a mentor and guide throughout the whole process. Challenging us to step out of our comfort zone. Guiding us when we were uncertain. Always being available and accessible if we had questions. Simply put, without Mel’s unwavering support and drive our book would still be a hope and a dream.”
—Linda Adams, Abby Curnow-Chavez, Audrey Epstein and Rebecca Teasdale, authors of The Loyalist Team

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