Frequently Asked Questions

About working with AB

  • I am open to submissions by Query Manager (linked here through my agency) or by referral from someone I already work with. I am always open to submissions and happy to share with my colleagues if in conflict with one of my other titles or not my specific area of expertise.

  • I’m not just focused on landing the deal—I’m a true partner to my clients from the very first pitch to long after the book hits shelves. With a strong background in branding, strategy, and content creation, I help my authors craft not only a compelling book but also a clear, comprehensive promotional plan that drives sales and supports long-term success.

    In addition to agenting, I also run a boutique book publicity firm, which means my clients benefit from an added layer of support. From organizing U.S. book tours to activating their networks and uncovering every opportunity for visibility, I make sure no page is left unturned when it comes to launching their books into the world. I’m in it with my clients every step of the way—because their message deserves to be heard far and wide.

  • This is a moving target but I do update my MSWL quarterly with more general ideas of topics I’m looking for, share ideas on my instagram stories, and will list ideas in every monthly newsletter from here.

  • For nonfiction, you never need a completed manuscript to sell your book. You can have one, but know that we will sell it based on a proposal. I go into depth about proposals on Substack for you to learn more about that process.

    If you have a large platform and feel that a book is a good next step in growing your brand and community, we can chat about what that book might look like and if I’m the right person to help you with that.

  • I am always open for submissions and can only guarantee a review of the work if sent through those channels listed above. This is likely the case with all agents, so check their websites for submission guidelines before DMing them.

  • What my clients have in common is a unique combination of influence, integrity, and drive. Most have built substantial audiences on social media by consistently showing up with value, authenticity, and expertise in a particular area—whether it's wellness, food & beverage, business, personal development, or something else entirely. Their communities trust them not only for information, but for real guidance.

    They’re also incredibly hard workers—people who aren't afraid to roll up their sleeves and do the work. They’ve earned their platforms by being passionate, honest, and deeply committed to helping others. Now, they’re ready to take the next step: to translate their lived experience and hard-won knowledge into a book that can create even more impact, reach new audiences, and leave a lasting legacy.

  • 1/3 from queries, 1/3 from referrals from clients/editors/agents, and 1/3 from my own scouting.

  • Yes, though I only sell English language books. As an agency, we pair with a team that specializes in translating English language works, a benefit for our authors guaranteed as a client.

  • I exclusively rep nonfiction because I am an avid reader of literary fiction. As a mom to three young children, I cannot escape too often from my home to recharge or find some peace. Reading is my one activity I can do at anytime to come back to myself. If I worked on fiction, my leisure reading would feel like work and I’d read as an agent and not as a normal human reader. I cannot sacrifice that time.

    Plus, because fiction manuscripts are completed before they are sold so the agent acts as an editor and really leans in to shaping that work with their clients. I am humble enough to know that, that is not one of my skills. While I’d like to get better, there are other agents that are far better suited for representing fiction than me. In fact may of these fantastic fiction agents work at the agency, I’m grateful to call them my colleagues. If I have a client that wants to also write fiction, we will work with a second agent at my agency to represent that work.

About Book Publicity

  • For a book to be successful, an author has to lean into the parasocial relationships built through social media, embrace digital and in-person events, and have their book available wherever books are sold.

  • Typically PR agencies focus their efforts on securing high-profile media coverage such as morning shows, national media outlets, and local news media. While this press can be beneficial for awareness, it doesn’t often lead to book sales and comes with a hefty price tag.

    My recommendation to clients is to put that money towards strategic tactics with proven success like book tours and in-person events.

  • We will meet with the publishing team for a marketing meeting approximately 6 - 8 months ahead of the book launch. This will give us insight to what and how they plan to support the book. However, publishers tend to rely on traditional PR practices and can not guarantee any media coverage.

  • Find ways to talk about your book to everyone you know, even without talking about your book. Tell your family, friends, and network about your book and encourage them to pre-order. Post consistently and engage with your audience on digital platforms to establish your expertise on the book topic.

  • There are some exclusive perks to having AB as your agent!

    As an AB client, you will get:

    We can’t promise book sales but we can promise we will ensure that you feel that we did everything we could to promote your book!

  • Absolutely! Reach out to meredith@highlinepublicity.com

About publishing in general

  • Amanda will likely write a longer post on Substack that will be linked here, but quickly, does it tell her (1) what your book is, (2) why it is needed now, and (3) why you are the best person to tell that story. Convince her with those three things and she’ll keep reading.

  • This really depends on your genre. For advice/science/reporting, Amanda can help clients position themselves to find a good publishing partner even as they are the early stages of their platform building. For food, design, and other more-expensive-to-produce books, you will need a platform that can show a community already bought in to your brand. No matter your topic, you need to be out there regularly talking about it in the press, on social, and at events.

  • Publishing is slow and nuanced and never going to work on anyone’s timetable. Every book’s journey is different but everything happens on its own time when it is suppose to happen. If you need something out by a certain deadline, make that clear to the agent you are querying and discuss those expectations up front to make sure everyone is comfortable.

  • Find an agent. Amanda was an unagented author before she was an agent. You don’t know what you don’t know and you should not sign anything without a professional reading over it. And not your friend or cousin who is a lawyer of some kind, a professional who knows the standard rights, monies, and protections that authors deserve. If you do the work to find the right agent for you, their commission will never be missed.

  • You are an expert at what you do, part of being an expert is knowing what you cannot do and finding someone you trust to handle that for you. Like an accountant, lawyer, photographer, they have perfected their craft and will help you shine through their work. Your book should be no different.