Query Submission

Send a Query to Claire Cavanagh at The Rights Factory

For 2024 I am currently seeking non-fiction projects on a range of topics including pop culture/celebrity, gift books, memoir, hybrid memoir, biography, history, art, fashion, cultural criticism, and society/culture.

I am always keen to dive into niche topics and sub-cultures, including deep dives on pop culture obsessions and analyses or insights into real or imagined communities. I gravitate towards projects which treat ‘shallow’ topics as crucial and worthy of critique (think Poptimism).

Also welcome are any biographical or historical works that uncover forgotten figures particularly those from underrepresented communities.

I am eager to work with academics to shape academic work into trade publications including on social/cultural issues and ‘big idea’ topics.

While still open to queries for conventional memoirs, please keep in mind that I will only consider these projects if there is a really unique tale to tell. I am also eagerly looking to acquire hybrid memoirs. I love when an author can provide insight to a wider topic while allowing us to see the personal such as Gay Bar: Why We Went Out by Jeremy Atherton Lin.

Finally, I am also acquiring gift books particularly those which provide humorous takes on pets, astrology, modern mysticism, food, and culture.

Step 1. Tell us about the author

Fill in these author-related fields.

First Name: (required)

Last Name: (required)

E-Mail Address: (required)

Biography: (required) Tell us a little about yourself and any writing credentials you may have.

Website Address: (if you have one)

Blog Address (if you have one)

Have you previously published other books? Yes No

Have you ever been represented by a literary agent before? Yes No

If you previously self-published a book, about how many copies were sold in the first year?

If this query is a referral, who referred you?

Step 2. Tell us about the book

Fill in these book-related fields.

Title: (required)

Genre: (required) This agent only represents the genres shown in this list. Selecting an inaccurate genre will result in a rejection. If your book's genre is not shown here, please go to QueryTracker for a list of agents who do represent your genre.

Word Count: (required) Enter the approximate WORD count of your book. Enter numbers only. Do not include any letters or special characters.

Is this book currently published or has it ever been published before? Yes No

Query Letter: Tips for formatting and pasting text Enter your query letter for this book. (Tips for formatting and pasting text) Do NOT paste images into this field. Pasting large blocks of text can take several minutes. Please be patient.

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Synopsis: (required) Tips for formatting and pasting text Enter a short synopsis of your book. (Tips for formatting and pasting text) Do NOT paste images into this field. Pasting large blocks of text can take several minutes. Please be patient.

The First 3 Chapters of Your Book (or full book proposal if non-fiction):
(If your book is shorter than this (such as a picture book) please include the entire text.) Upload the first 3 chapters of your book, or your full book proposal if your book is non-fiction..

Acceptable file formats: doc, docx, pdf.
File Size Limit: 2 MB (same as 2,000 KB) (Get help for large files)

Pitch: Enter a one sentence pitch for your book.

Describe the Potential Target Audience for Your Book: Who will want to read your book. For example, girls under 12, fans of John Grisham, etc. (500 characters or less)

Similar Books: List some books that are similar to yours. (500 characters or less)

Step 3. For Artists and Illustrators

Provide illustrations or art samples, if applicable.

Link to online art samples or portfolio: (if you have one)

Upload Sample Artwork or Illustrations

Acceptable file formats: doc, docx, pdf.
File Size Limit: 2 MB (same as 2,000 KB) (Get help for large files)

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Final Step: Submit Your Query

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