About Me
I am an associate agent at the London-based literary agency Pérez Literary and Entertainment. Prior to joining PLE, I interned at the Irene Goodman Literary Agency (NYC) where I had the privilege of learning from some of the best agents in the industry, before working at High Spot Literary as a junior agent for two years. I love the world of publishing – for the past two years I have been invited by The New School university in New York to meet with MFA in Creative Writing students to advise them on their master’s theses “manuscripts” and understanding the publishing process. My first deal was a three-book deal with Gollancz (Hachette UK) – I look forward to finding and helping other aspirant authors succeed in the publishing world!
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts (Film & Television and
Media & Writing) University of Cape Town
Bachelor of Information Science (Hons) (Publishing) University of Pretoria
AGENTING
I represent middle grade, young adult, and adult fiction across all genres, and have a particular love of fantasy. I’m always looking for a unique and original hook that makes a manuscript stand out. I especially enjoy fantasy romance, magical academia, commercial fiction, and horror. As a literary agent, I have the privilege of working closely with authors as they navigate the editorial and publishing process.
For more details on my interests, check out my MSWL.
Please note that I only accept queries through Query ManagerEDITORIAL SERVICES
I am delighted to say that I am now open to private editorial clients. I can’t wait to help aspiring authors on their publishing journey.
PLEASE NOTE THAT I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OFFER AGENT REPRESENTATION TO ANYONE PAYING FOR MY PRIVATE EDITORIAL SERVICES. THESE EDITORIAL SERVICES ARE OFFERED IN MY PRIVATE CAPACITY AND ARE NOT IN ANY WAY ASSOCIATED WITH PEREZ LITERARY AND ENTERTAINMENT.
I’m excited to share my professional expertise and industry knowledge on how to strengthen your manuscript and querying package. My goal is to help you feel confident when starting your publishing journey.
I have the following offerings:
QUERY PACKAGE REVIEW
Perfect for authors starting their querying journey. This service offers a thorough edit of your full query package. This includes an editorial assessment or developmental edit of the first three chapters or ten pages of your manuscript. Also included, is an edit of both your query letter and synopsis.
QUERY LETTER REVIEW
A query letter is a first impression. A strong query letter can help secure an agent’s interest in your manuscript. I will teach you how to structure your letter, the correct language to use, and how to deliver a memorable pitch.
DEVELOPMENTAL EDIT
Perfect for authors who have completed their manuscript and edited it as much as they can on their own. My detailed editorial letter will serve as guide to perfecting your final draft. I will address both the smaller details of your writing, as well as the broader strokes of your manuscript. I will provide line edits in your manuscript, as well as a detailed editorial letter that will cover everything from character development, pacing, to world-building.
EDITORIAL ASSESSMENT
Great for newer authors in the drafting stage, or those with a finished first draft. My editorial letter provides broader guidance on how to improve the overall strength of your manuscript, as well as editorial direction with suggested points of revision.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
I am open to all ages and genres. Contact me for a quote – ninaleonediting@gmail.com.
CONTACT NINA
