David Moldawer

A book either solves the reader’s problem or it doesn’t. Most don’t, not because the author lacks expertise, but because the proposal never forced the hard questions: Who exactly is this for? What moment in their life do they need it? Why this book, why this author, why now?

I’ve spent 25 years asking those questions from every seat in the room. As an editor at publishing imprints like Portfolio and St. Martin’s Press, I acquired and edited books including The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman, The Sports Gene by David Epstein, and Idea Man by Paul Allen. As a collaborator, I helped shape proposals for Atomic Habits by James Clear and Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal. Today I’m a literary agent at Writers House, where my list covers business, personal development, popular science, and narrative nonfiction.

Most agents have sat at one of these seats, occasionally two. I’ve sat at all three. I know what editors look for in a proposal because I was one. I know what it takes to build a book from a raw idea because I’ve done it many times. That combination is my primary credential.

Submission Guidelines

NONFICTION ONLY: If you think I’d be interested in your work, e-mail with a query letter including your credentials, an explanation of what makes your book unique, and a synopsis, along with 10 pages, all in the body of the email. No attachments, please. Please include the title and your name in the subject heading. I make every attempt to respond to all queries, generally within six to eight weeks.

All proposals receive careful consideration. This takes time, so please be patient. If I request your manuscript, I prefer that you send it to me on an exclusive basis.

Please do not query two agents at Writers House simultaneously.

Guidelines & Details