Brigitte Dale

I joined St. Martin’s Press in 2021 and in the years since, it’s been a joy to build a diverse list ranging from serious nonfiction to pop culture, and heartfelt historical fiction to devourable book club fare. Across the board, I seek voices that grab me instantly and demand to be heard, strong writing at the line level with a big hook to hold it together, and stories that center women’s experiences in fresh or surprising ways.

Fiction: 

On the fiction side, I’m seeking upmarket women’s fiction/book club novels. I especially love complex female dynamics: friendships, sisters, or mothers and daughters. I also love historical fiction, especially if it sheds light on previously untold women’s stories, makes the unfamiliar feel accessible, and most importantly, feels relevant to today. I also acquire select rom-coms if there’s a unique hook that would allow it to break out to a crossover/upmarket audience. Though I’m not a fantasy person, I do love light speculative elements and retellings of fairytales or classic literature. My ideal novel combines a propulsive plot with characters who come alive in my imagination. A few favorites include GHOSTS by Dolly Alderton, THE WEDDING PEOPLE by Alison Espach, LADY TREMAINE by Rachel Hochhauser, and THE ALICE NETWORK by Kate Quinn.

Nonfiction:

For nonfiction, I focus on books that tell compelling stories about pop culture, politics, history, and feminism (and sometimes all of the above). I have a master’s degree in history and I always love narrative nonfiction that ties contemporary social and political issues to their historical roots. I enjoy collaborating with academics and journalists to channel their expertise into an accessible book for trade audiences. It’s thrilling to develop ideas with people who know their subject matter better than anyone else—whether that’s a blogger who intimately understands her audience, a teacher writing from deep personal experience, or an athlete describing the paralympic stage. Examples of my taste in nonfiction include GOOD AND MAD by Rebecca Traister, TRICK MIRROR by Jia Tolentino, THE SECRET HISTORY OF WONDER WOMAN by Jill Lepore, CULTISH by Amanda Montell, and FINANCIAL FEMINIST by Tori Dunlap.

My list:

Some of my notable titles include New York Times, USA Today, and international bestsellers such as Taylor Swift Style, a cult-favorite pop culture fashion book; Wild for Austen, a delicious and deeply researched exploration of Jane Austen’s writings and legacy; and The Sunflower House, a heartfelt historical novel. Other critically acclaimed recent and forthcoming books include novels like The Austen Affair and The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton, and nonfiction titles such as The Sea Captain’s Wife, The Good Mother Myth, and Taylor Swift: The Debut Years, among many others. 

I am NOT the right fit for fantasy, horror, or graphic descriptions of violence, self-harm, or psychiatric institutions.

Submission Guidelines

Please send submissions to br***********@*******ns.com

I only accept agented submissions.