Alexandra Levick
Writers House, LLC.
My Manuscript Wish List®
Writers House was founded in 1973 with a vision for a new kind of literary agency, one that would combine a passion for managing a writer’s career with an integrated understanding of how storytelling works. With this two-pronged philosophy, Writers House has played a critical role in developing the careers of hundreds of novelists and non-fiction authors. We believe in offering our clients not only our expertise in negotiating contracts, but in contributing to all phases of the editorial and publishing processes. Our goal is to maximize the value of our clients’ work by providing hands-on editorial and marketing advice, as well as leading the way in branding, licensing, and selling film/TV, foreign, audio, dramatic, and serial rights.
Alexandra Levick (she/her) is a senior literary agent at Writers House, LLC. developing her picture book, middle grade, young adult, and adult lists. Previously, she worked with the agency at large as the Media Rights Manager for film and tv, helping to match clients to coagents, negotiating film deals, and taking meetings with producers, studios, and co-agencies. Prior to that, she worked with Writers House Senior Vice President, Merrilee Heifetz, Senior Agent Rebecca Sherman, covered for Senior Agent Stephen Barr’s paternity leave, and covered for Senior Agent Brianne Johnson’s family leave. Alexandra has worked as a bookseller in both the adult and children’s markets, as well as on the house side of the publishing business in publicity. She holds a Masters of Science in Publishing: Digital and Print Media, with a specialization in Media Content Development from New York University and a Bachelor of the Arts in English, with a concentration in Creative Writing from the University of Rochester.
I’m not the right agent for soapy books about murder, crime scene investigations, police procedurals, true crime, satire, military thrillers, or erotica.
Particular topics/ideas I’m intrigued by for any age… Â
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‘I do not write dark books. I write candles. I write fire.’ – Laurie Halse Anderson
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I had a wonderful conversation with my client, Nic Yulo, about dark books and she said something very astute: ‘I like dark, but I like hope. Don’t put me in the pit without giving me a ladder!’ This is exactly what I’m looking for!
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Books that ask BIG questions
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Complex characters and layered narratives (this goes for side characters, too!)
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Unapologetic and intersectional feminist narratives
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Healthy, nuanced portrayals of masculinity
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Humor, most particularly in the midst of darkness
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Atmospheric YA horror
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Literary and socially-conscious horror
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Anything inspired by myths, folklore, or legends particularly those that have been born out of diaspora or are non-western in origin
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Dark futures / apocalypse with a touch of hope
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Outbreak / contagion discussed in a new and innovative way
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A novel in seasonal movements
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A YA that takes a nuanced and hard look at relationship violence
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A confined setting (ex: a cargo ship)
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YA space book a la CONTAGION by Erin Bowman
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Adventurous middle grade taking on the great, wide world
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Rural stories that rebuff stereotype
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Anything involving the ocean
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Romances that make you stop in your tracks
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Please note, a touch of whimsy is always, always welcome.
Are you a visual person? Me too!
Take a peek through my #MSWL Pinterest board.
Anything you shouldn’t send me?Â
Yes, your racist, misogynist, ableist manifesto. Don’t send me that.
I’m not the right agent for soapy books about murder, crime scene investigations, police procedurals, true crime, satire, military thrillers, or erotica.
 I am not currently accepting submissions for picture book text-only authors or screenplays.
Does your book involve murder? Some things you should know before submitting to me:
- If your book is about a murder investigation or is a police procedural, it is NOT right for me.
- If your book is about a serial killer, it is NOT right for me.
- If your book includes murder in the background, but isn’t ABOUT murder, it is likely fine. Particularly if it falls in the SFF space.
- If you have personally lost someone you love to murder and you’re writing about what that feels like, I may be a good fit for you.
- I do ask that if your book includes murder in any capacity that you please include a trigger warning in your query.
Fun facts about me:
I love cooking! Ina Garten is my favorite go-to for recipes, closely followed by Smitten Kitchen.
I danced (mainly ballet and contemporary) for more than 20 years.
Submission Guidelines
Submissions should be emailed to alevicksubmissions@writershouse.com
Alexandra Levick is currently OPEN to unsolicited queries.
Please send your personalized query letter along with your first ten pages (both of which should be pasted into the body of the email, NO ATTACHMENTS) to me through QueryManager:https://QueryManager.com/QueryAlexandraLevick or if you need accommodation to alevicksubmissions (at) writershouse.com. I love hearing a bit about the intention behind your work.
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Please note:
– You may only query ONE agent within Writers House at any given time. If/when they pass, you may send a query to another Writers House agent.
– I will only review one project per person at a time, though you’re more than welcome to mention other projects you’re working on.
– I will aim to be back to you within six weeks; if at such time you haven’t heard from me, please do feel free to check in.
– If you receive an offer of representation, please let me know as soon as possible. If you are still open to hearing from other agents at that point, please let me know the date by which you’ll need an answer.
– I do not accept physical/mailed submissions and any that are received will be recycled unopened.
Consultations
Vital Info
Favorite sub-genres:
Contemporary YA, Feminism, Gothic Horror, Historical Fantasy, Literary Middle Grade, Literary Noir, Literary YA, Middle Grade Horror, Narrative Nonfiction, Social Issues, Speculative Fiction, Speculative Middle Grade, Upmarket YA, YA horror
I’d like the next…
Shirley Jackson. Octavia E. Butler. Laurie Halse Anderson. Emily Henry. Susanna Clarke. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. The Ministry of Time. The Wicked Deep. The Buffalo Hunter Hunter. We Are Definitely Human. Shrinking. Watchmen. LOST. Severance. Foundation. Ramalama Bang Bang. Are You the One?. Fabulous Sisters. Somebody That I Used to Know.
My favorites include…
Interstellar. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The Lord of the Rings. Slow Horses. This Is Life with Lisa Ling. The Walking Dead. Constellation. CBS Sunday Morning. KPop Demon Hunters. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The Good Place. The Great British Bake Off. Salt Fat Acid Heat. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Doctor Who. World of Dance. Sherlock. Grand Designs. Vikings. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.
