Diego Harrison

I’m Diego Harrison, a literary agent at SBR Media and Association of American Literary Agent member, with 15 years experience in the publishing industry and a deep love for books across many genres. I’m looking for unique voices and storytellers who I can help reach unlimited success.

I am resolute in connecting my clients with the top publishers in the world, both big and small, as well as maximizing returns on works. This includes strategic partnerships and opportunities to elevate my clients to the highest financial and career gains.

What I’m looking for:

First and foremost, a well-written and engaging story, with a unique voice – a real plus is a new spin on an old trope. I’m open to new authors as I love to develop careers, but also enjoy working with established authors who want to fully exploit their rights and expand their brand.

Before you submit, know what a high concept pitch is and include it in all submissions. Make sure your manuscript is double spaced with proper headers, and run it through grammar and editing programs. Look for repeat words and phrases, and get rid of them! Don’t start every sentence the same way, either.

A high concept pitch is not a teaser that tells me nothing about the book. It’s juicy with real meat on the story.

Wishlist genre-specific notes:

• Fantasy / Sci-Fi: This is a heavily flooded genre, so your project must stand out with exceptional writing and a high concept pitch. I’m essentially closed to submissions in this genre, but I still will consider something special.
• Romantasy: This genre is starting to be overbought. I’ve had good success, but I need a high concept pitch and exceptional writing.
• Horror: I love horror. I love zombies. Give me well written. Give me great concepts, great dialogue and drag me into the setting so that I need the lights on when I read. If I don’t feel that, it’s not for me.
• Thriller: I would love to find a good domestic thriller. Where are you?! I can’t find it. I love crime thrillers, too. Bring it on. But that doesn’t mean paranormal and time travel. I’d prefer present day settings, but sometimes another time period can work. I love the 80’s but I need it to work on the page. And again, I need a high concept pitch.
• Young Adult: I love a good YA across genres, but I need to feel like the character is the age you say they are. This is a popular genre so please be original. If it’s like everyone else’s pitch, it won’t stand out.
• Middle Grade: Kids talk like kids. Think about that if you’re writing a middle grade book.
• Children’s Picture Books: I need the artwork. That is a must. Please do not send without it.
• Non-Fiction / Memoir: Please make sure you have a properly construction prospectus / front matter.
• Romance: I love a good romance—I’m married to a romance author! A romance that is funny and cute is a big yes for me. I love dark and atmospheric as well. Just make sure the romance is well developed and I get character growth. I also love a good romantic suspense, but I think there is a real skill to writing this genre. It has to be the right amount of suspense and romance, woven just right.
• Military Action: I am a huge Gray Man and Reacher fan. Orphan X, too! I’d love to find a book that fits in with these loves.
• Crime Fiction: I love a good detective novel, but it needs to be present day. An ex-cop, a current cop, or FBI agent are always good. I’m open to different situations. I love a good PI or retired cop, too! Surprise me. I’m just not finding period pieces to sell well, at least right now.
• Mystery: I have a real liking for cozy mysteries! The cozier, the better.

Guidelines & Details