Jacklyn Saferstein-Hansen

I am a literary agent, writer, editor, and general book, film/TV, and pop culture enthusiast. I work at Renaissance Literary & Talent, a boutique full-service literary agency in Los Angeles representing authors of commercial fiction, nonfiction, and illustrated books.

I love stories — from any time period, in any medium, fact or fiction. Fascinated by ancient myth and the hero’s journey since childhood, I studied English, Classical Civilization, and Medieval Studies for my undergraduate degree and Screenwriting for my graduate degree, both at Boston University. I’m originally from Omaha, Nebraska and don’t think I’ll ever lose that friendly Midwestern disposition.

Agenting

I represent a diverse list of authors of fiction, nonfiction, and illustrated books. I’m always looking to add new clients to my list and love the thrill of diving into a new manuscript. You’ll grab me instantly with a distinct voice on the page, endlessly complex characters, and confident worldbuilding. I’m especially interested in historical fiction, women’s fiction, mystery/thriller, and fantasy on the fiction side, and history, politics, culture, popular science, and Jewish issues on the nonfiction side.

Writing

I write in-depth pitches for my clients’ books regularly, and write jacket copy for clients’ backlist titles published in-house at Villa Romana Books, the publishing arm of Renaissance Literary & Talent. I curate and write the introductions for collections of short fiction by famed suspense writer Cornell Woolrich, whose literary estate we represent. These collections are published in paperback and ebook by Villa Romana Books. I am versatile and can easily shift from sales-oriented pitch writing to press releases to academic literary criticism. I’m a great researcher, adept at gathering and analyzing information from primary and secondary sources.

Editing

I have a great eye for detail, whether that’s spelling and grammar or the intricacies of a narrative thread woven through a story. I’m nimble editorially, able to give developmental and line edits as well as copyedits. I’m familiar with AP, MLA, Chicago and APA styles, and can adapt to any style guide.