On Wednesday, January 14, Paragraph hosted literary agents Melissa L. Edwards from The Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency, and Heather Alexander from Pippin Properties.

Heather Alexander (L) and Melissa L. Edwards (R)

Melissa L. Edwards is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and Vanderbilt Law School. She is a member in good standing of the New York State bar. While Melissa began her career as a commercial litigation attorney, she always maintained aspirations to work in publishing. At present, Melissa handles foreign rights for Aaron Priest and she is actively reading to develop her own list.

Melissa's taste ranges in genre from classic Victorian literature to hard-boiled crime dramas. She is interested in reading international thrillers with likeable and arresting protagonists, light-hearted women's fiction and YA, female-driven (possibly small-town) suspense, and completely immersive fantasy. Ultimately, Melissa is looking for a book that will keep her glued to the couch all day and night, and continue to occupy her thoughts for weeks later.

Heather Alexander, an agent with Pippin Properties, came to Pippin after six years in children's book editorial at Dial. She represents authors and illustrators of picture books, middle grade, and young adult. One of her favorite projects has been the hilarious graphic chapter book series, Mr. Pants, by Scott McCormick and RH Lazzell. Keep your eyes out for The Thing About Yetis by Vin Vogel, The Spider Ring by Andrew Harwell, and Thank You, Octopus by Darren Farrell. Heather is always on the lookout for interesting well-drawn characters, a cool hook, and a new angle. Her dream projects are about those moments that change a person forever, where the world will never be the same. Funny is a fast way to her heart, but beautiful writing will keep it, and she leans toward boy books with girl appeal.