Meet Renan Rossner: Unveiling The Deborah Harris Agency

Rena Rossner, a powerhouse in the publishing industry, has carved a notable niche for herself as the founder and agent at The Deborah Harris Agency. With a career spanning over two decades, Rossner has been instrumental in shaping the literary landscape, particularly in the realm of young adult and middle-grade fiction. Her agency, established in 2013, is a beacon of quality, representing a diverse roster of authors who have consistently delivered compelling stories to young readers.

Rossner's journey in the publishing world began as an assistant at Writers House, where she honed her skills and developed a keen eye for emerging talent. She later moved to Gaggery, Plotz, and Stuart, ascending to the position of senior literary agent, before setting out on her own to establish The Deborah Harris Agency.

The Deborah Harris Agency: A Brief Overview

The Deborah Harris Agency is a boutique literary agency that prides itself on nurturing both established and debut authors. Rossner's personal touch and meticulous approach to submissions ensure that her clients' work receives the attention it deserves.

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The agency's name pays homage to Rossner's literary idol, Deborah Harris, a passionate advocate for children's literature. This tribute underscores the agency's commitment to fostering quality writing for young readers.

The Agency's Focus: Young Adult and Middle-Grade Fiction

At the heart of The Deborah Harris Agency lies a deep commitment to young adult and middle-grade fiction. Rossner is drawn to stories that brim with authenticity, emotional depth, and relatable characters, making them translatable to a global audience.

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She represents a broad spectrum of sub-genres within this space, ranging from contemporary realistic fiction to fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction. Rossner's interest extends to diverse perspectives, reflecting her belief in the power of storytelling to foster empathy and understanding among young readers.

The Agency's Submission Process and Representation Style

Rossner's submission guidelines are straightforward and approachable, signaling her agency's dedication to providing clear paths for potential clients. She emphasizes the importance of sending querying writers the full manuscript, given her belief in assessing a book's overall strength rather than just a query letter or sample chapters.

Established authors and debuts alike can expect committed representation from Rossner. She actively engages in editorial work, helping her clients refine their manuscripts and present their best work to publishers. Additionally, Rossner leverages her extensive industry connections to ensure her clients' work reaches the right hands.

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Notable Clients and Awards

The Deborah Harris Agency's roster boasts an impressive array of authors whose works have been featured in prominent media outlets and have earned industry accolades. Rossner's clients include New York Times bestsellers, National Book Award Finalists, and winners of the Printz, Odyssey, and Odyssey Honors, among other prestigious awards.

Some standout titles represented by the agency include "Dry" by Neal Shusterman, a gripping exploration of a dystopic future; "The Boy in the Black Suit" by Jason Reynolds, a poignant coming-of-age story; and "The Poet X" by Elizabeth Acevedo, a stunning novel-in-verse that explores identity, family, and the transformative power of poetry.

The Agency's Role in Diversity Initiatives

The Deborah Harris Agency is deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in children's literature. Rossner actively seeks out manuscripts by authors from underrepresented backgrounds and is passionate about amplifying voices that have historically been marginalized.

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In addition to representing diverse authors, the agency supports initiatives aimed at increasing the visibility and accessibility of diverse books. Rossner has been instrumental in the creation of programs like #Kidlitweneed, an online initiative that highlights the need for diverse characters and stories in children's literature.

In an ever-evolving publishing landscape, Rena Rossner and The Deborah Harris Agency stand steadfast in their commitment to quality storytelling for young readers. From her meticulous approach to manuscript submissions to her unwavering support for diversity, Rossner's passion and dedication to the craft continue to shape the future of young adult and middle-grade literature. As her agency grows, so too does its influence, ensuring that the voices of tomorrow's great storytellers are heard loud and clear."