Kelly is a literary agent at the Serendipity Literary Agency, a published poet, and a certified copy editor with a bachelor’s degree in English from Pace University. She is a member of New York Women in Film & Television (NYWFT), Women in Film (WIF), the Editorial Freelance Association (EFA), and the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA), where she sits on the Copyright Committee. She serves as a panelist on “The Business of Adaptations for Film & TV,” a biannual webinar presented by NYWIFT and occasionally hosted by WIF. Kelly is also a ghostwriter and developmental editor, as well as a screenwriter with a feature-length film in development. She regularly participates in pitch slams and contributes as a panelist at writing and publishing conferences, including AWP, SCBWI, ThrillerFest, Crimebake, Writing Day Workshops, the Writer’s Digest Conference, Hampton Roads Writer’s Conference, the Next Bestsellers Workshop, and has taught classes on synopsis writing, query letters, perfecting your pitch, and character development at a number of these events. Prior to joining Serendipity Literary Agency, Kelly provided manuscript analysis for the D4EO Literary Agency. She has served as an editor for the literary arts magazine Pen & Brush and as a writing coach for the academic consulting company Brattlestreet.

What She’s Looking For:

Kelly considers herself a generalist who is drawn to lyrical writing and strong voices. She is especially interested in nonfiction (narrative, practical, prescriptive, academic, commercial, and trade), where she looks for memoirs, true crime, self-help, business, nature, travel writing, medical, STEM, psychology, health and fitness, music and film, food and drink, investigative journalism, social theory, and cultural commentary. She looks for expert-driven, platform-driven, and subject-driven nonfiction, big idea books, and critical works that offer analysis and commentary from a fresh, new angle. She enjoys working with musicians, television personalities, athletes, and other pop culture figures to help translate their stories or expertise onto the page. She is seeking books that examine the human story—where culture, history, and social theory meet lived experience. Kelly has a minor in psychology and loves learning what makes people think, act, and behave the way they do. The truth is often stranger than fiction, so Kelly is actively looking for the next great true crime manuscript with a murderous and methodical plot. She is also looking for adult fiction, specifically psychological thrillers, suspense, horror, and humor. She enjoys fast-paced, plot-driven fiction with twists, turns, and jaw-dropping moments. She is drawn to stories about leadership, overcoming adversity, and beating the odds. Stories that are told from a unique psychological vantage point are always of interest. Kelly loves multi-layered protagonists who struggle between what is right and wrong and anti-heroes who are villainous but endearing at the same time. Some of her favorite books that perfectly master this include Dearly Departed Dexter, You, American Psycho, Fight Club, Psycho, Interview With the Vampire, Dracula, and My Sister, the Serial Killer. Kelly also represents a limited number of children’s projects, including picture books and young adult titles, with a particular interest in stories that feature Vikings, pirates, or mythology.

What She’s NOT Looking For:

Kelly is not looking for romance, book club fiction, sci-fi, high fantasy with extensive world building, parenting books, or religious works, unless it’s in the context of cultural commentary or critical analysis.