About Karen Gantz Literary Management
Books have the power to spark intellectual inquiry and elevate leadership. They have the transformative tools of inclusion, justice and humanity. As an agency we look for books which celebrate our understanding of the world and make us see our world differently. We want to inspire readers through the power of story and find books that illuminate the human experience and add to the human tapestry of our times. We seek writers with both intelligence and acute care to celebrate our understanding of the world.
We represent a wide range of writers, including authors of best-selling non-fiction, storytellers, historians, journalists and academics who are experts in their fields.
Karen Gantz Literary Management is a literary agency with a particular interest in books on current affairs and history, memoirs, and the works of professors who are performing cutting-edge research, narrative nonfiction across a broad range of topics. We are drawn to engaging points of view and a strong, clear narrative voice.
The agency is involved in all stages of a book's development including the collaboration agreement with the writer, advice regarding the book proposal, presentations to the publisher, negotiations including the legal work for the publishing agreement and other rights to be negotiated, and public relations to ensure the best possible media coverage. Karen meets with editors weekly, identifying those who are hands-on and are the most passionate advocates for her authors. We oversee the disposition of audio, foreign language translations and television and film rights. Our agency works for three purposes: as lawyers to negotiate publishing agreements, option agreements and other entertainment deals, as literary agents to help in all aspects of the publishing field.
About Karen Gantz
Karen Gantz is a highly experienced legal professional based in New York City, specializing in entertainment, copyright, and literary property law. As the President of Karen Gantz Literary Management, she represents numerous authors and manages international rights for their works and options for TV and film. Karen is actively involved in professional organizations and has served on various boards, including as a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Intellectual Property in the Department of Commerce during the Clinton Administration, currently chairing the 250th anniversary celebration of the Declaration of Independence for New York Humanities and as a member of Board of Directors of the American Jewish Joint Distribution committee for many years. Karen is a fervent warrior for EndJewHatred and an active chair for the National Coalition Against Censorship.
In addition to her legal career, Karen is a published author herself, having penned Taste of New York: Signature Dishes from the Best Restaurants and Superchefs: America’s Emerging Royalty. Karen’s “Artists’ Rights” Op-ed was published in the New York Times protecting authors’ rights of integrity against the distortion and mutilation of their work. Karen is committed to promoting literacy, advocating for free speech, and supporting Israel and children at risk. She advocates for truth, freedom, and merit against hate, bigotry, and disinformation.
We help structure proposals, pitch and present to publishers, coordinate with in-house publicity departments, and complete all of the legal work. Karen Gantz is a literary agent, speakers' agent and a literary property lawyer.
About Hester Malin
Born and raised in Bath, England, Hester moved to New York for a year abroad studying English Literature and Art History at NYU and start her career in the literary world. As an assistant literary agent in the Karen Gantz Literary Management, she follows anything with a strong voice and exacting style, but especially loves narrative non-fiction and YA.
She has been published in various college magazines as well as being the Arts and Culture editor of Misc. Magazine, copy editor of Frontier Magazine and co-editor of October Hill Magazine. She is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, and will continue to build her career in the publishing industry while seeking out innovative and compelling writers.
About Joyce Starr
Dr. Joyce Starr is an author coach, book editor and book proposal writer. A former White House official, think tank expert and author of over 20 books in diverse fields, she helps shepherd Karen Gantz Literary Management book projects to success. Keenly aware of what publishers require, Dr. Starr's insightful comments, proposals and submission letters often shorten the distance to contract offers. Appreciating the hopes and dreams of writers, feedback includes:
“Dr. Joyce Starr added her unique and special touch to every chapter. She was a Godsend throughout this journey.” – Mike Turpen, former Attorney General of Oklahoma, Turpen Time
“Dr. Joyce Starr did a superb job of weaving my text into a persuasive and succinct photography book that was accepted by a leading house. – Dr. Cathy Greenblat, photographer, Love, Loss & Laughter: Seeing Alzheimer’s Differently
“Joyce, This book is only possible because of your superb coaching and guidance.” – Barb Dehn, Hot Guide to a Cool, Sexy Menopause