Meet Agent Dani Segelbaum
Born and raised in Minneapolis, Dani is a graduate of Boston University’s College of Communication, where she studied journalism and political science. She has been a voracious reader for as long as she can remember. Dani began her publishing career as an editorial assistant at HarperCollins Publishers, focusing primarily on highly designed nonfiction titles. She currently works as a junior literary agent at New Leaf Literary & Media, helping clients to achieve their best work. She lives in New York City.
Dani hopes to work with authors from diverse backgrounds to tell stories that are important to them. Her typical preferences include contemporary fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, women’s fiction, popular culture, lifestyle, and cookbooks.
Find out more by following her on Twitter.
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How long have you been an agent, and what did your career path look like?
I have always been a voracious reader, but I fell into this industry by accident! I was a journalism and political science major in college and wanted to write for a newspaper or a magazine . . . until I realized I didn't. Working in the publishing industry was always this fantasy job that I knew existed, but I didn't know I could actually do it. A friend who worked at HarperCollins Publishers suggested I look into the industry and apply for an editorial assistant role at the publishing house. I thank my lucky stars that I got the job! After two years of working at a publishing house, I realized I wanted to switch to working at an agency. I've been at New Leaf Literary & Media for almost two years.
What's your favorite part of your job?
I love connecting with debut and experienced authors to help them brainstorm their next and best work. Debut authors are often so enthusiastic about their work, and it is such a collaborative experience for both of us.
What do you look for in an author to potentially represent?
I love working with authors from diverse backgrounds to tell stories that are important to them. Authors that are smart, dedicated, and passionate about their writing always stand out.
What do you look for in a project to potentially represent?
I truly love reading a variety of stories. I typically look for projects in the contemporary fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, women’s fiction, popular culture, and food/cookbook genres.
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