Jen Newens, Senior Literary Manager
Children’s, MG/YA, Kid's Graphic Novels, and Adult Food & Drink

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At different phases of her publishing career, Jen has been an author, editor, and publisher, giving her experience in all sides of the business. She comes to us after a seven-year stint as publishing director at West Margin Press, an Ingram Content Group company. There, she acquired a wide range of different genres, but holds a special place in her heart for young people’s literature. She began to acquire graphic novels in 2019 and sees it as an exciting and burgeoning way to tell children’s stories. 

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A subject matter expert in food and drink titles, Jen spent two decades as a cookbook editor and writer (she even went to culinary school!). She’s experienced in working with celebrity chefs, business owners, cooking brands, and food bloggers, as well as accomplished home cooks.

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In her role as Senior Literary Manager, Jen applies her 360-view of the publishing business to MLM, seeking out fresh, original voices and developing exciting new talent. On the children's side, Jen is interested in picture books with sharp writing and compelling messages; MG/YA stories that resonate with the challenges faced by today’s youth; and graphic novels with quirky narration and original art. In the food and drink space, Jen is keen to find original takes on popular topics, books that reveal a riveting personal story, and books with a health and wellness slant. 

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The following are on Jen’s current wishlist, but she’s always open to hearing new ideas. 

Childrens/MG/YA/Graphic Novels 

•    Books that portray historically excluded voices, disability, neurodivergent characters, LGBTQ topics

•    Regional books with national crossover potential

•    Author/illustrators with strong storytelling skills and a clear vision

•    Children’s activity books

•    Quirky and humorous stories

•    Cat content (she’s crazy for cats)

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Adult Books

•    Cooking

-New takes on current trends

-Chef books (especially underrepresented groups)

-Weeknight Cooking

-Food Bloggers with Unique Stories

•    Drinks (mocktails and the NA lifestyle; fresh takes on wine and cocktails)

•    Health, Wellness, Diet, and Chronic Illness

•    Lifestyle topics

•    Self-help

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Please submit queries here: http://QueryManager.com/JenNewens

Follow her on Twitter @JenNewens

Picture Book Spotlight | Agent Spotlight: Jen Newens