Brigitte Dale

I am an associate editor at St. Martin’s Press, where I’ve been since 2021 when I completed my master’s degree in history. My passion for storytelling inspired my transition from academia to publishing. I read widely across genres and am actively building my list in both adult fiction and nonfiction. Some of my notable titles at St. Martin’s include the New York Times bestseller Taylor Swift Style, the beautiful historical novel The Sunflower House, the brilliant memoir/cultural criticism The Good Mother Myth, and the delightful rom-com The Austen Affair, among many others.

Fiction: 

On the fiction side, I’m seeking upmarket women’s fiction/book club novels with a big hook. I especially love complex female dynamics: friendships, sisters, or mothers and daughters. Characters are everything, but pace and plot need to be strong as well. Some examples include GHOSTS by Dolly Alderton, REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES for something slightly genre-bending, and THE WEDDING PEOPLE.

I love historical fiction, especially if it sheds light on previously untold women’s stories. Historical fiction should draw me in, make the unfamiliar feel  accessible, and most importantly, feel relevant to today. My favorites include GREAT CIRCLE by Maggie Shipstead, THE GREAT BELIEVERS by Rebecca Makkai, and THE ALICE NETWORK by Kate Quinn. Many of these feature multiple timelines, which I love when well-executed.

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.

Nonfiction:

In nonfiction, I focus on books that tell compelling stories about pop culture, politics, history, and feminism. I have a master’s degree in history and I always love compelling narrative nonfiction that ties contemporary social and political issues to their historical roots. I’m open to any narrative nonfiction with a confident voice, especially if it features an underrepresented perspective. Examples include GOOD AND MAD by Rebecca Traister, TRICK MIRROR by Jia Tolentino, THE SECRET HISTORY OF WONDER WOMAN by Jill Lepore, and CULTISH by Amanda Montell.

I am also delighted by memoirs that combine platform, voice, and expertise, in which the writing shines as much as the story itself, like KNOW MY NAME by Chanel Miller and MAYBE YOU SHOULD TALK TO SOMEONE by Lori Gottlieb.

Finally, I love nonfiction that combines fun and function. FINANCIAL FEMINIST by Tori Dunlap is a great example of accessible nonfiction that empowers readers.

My overarching desire is to tell stories that leave you thinking long after the book has ended. I seek voices that grab you instantly and demand to be heard, strong writing at the line level, and stories that center diverse women’s experiences.

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***********@st*******.com

I only accept agented submissions.