Connecting voices and ideas
in our ever-changing world.
© 2024 Next Level Lit
Hello
& Welcome
NEXT LEVEL LIT is a boutique literary agency representing authors who use their voices to create change and bring evolution through storytelling.
The journey from a book idea to a book-on-the-shelf can be daunting, but having a well-informed guide helps transform those jitters into excitement. NEXT LEVEL LIT takes clients through every step of the book publishing process: from developing book ideas that get traction with publishers, to finding the best partners for podcasts, film, TV and more, the resources at NEXT LEVEL are designed to do just that--take your work to the next level. Let’s go!
NEXT LEVEL LIT is based in New York City and founded by JL Stermer.
A native New Yorker, JL has worked in theater, fashion, network TV and hospitality before finding her way to publishing. After attending Temple University in Philadelphia and The Fashion Institute of Technology, JL earned her BA in English from Columbia University.
With over a decade of agenting experience prior to starting NEXT LEVEL LIT she and her team are uniformly dedicated to getting authors book deals that build and grow careers.
When she's not at her desk, JL can be found roaming the city streets feeling energized by the creativity bubbling up through the heaviness of the pandemic. She loves park benches, preferably with coffee and a donut.
About
JL Stermer
Photo by Joe Glasgow
BOOKS
AUTHORS
AS SEEN ON
CONTACT
Questions, requests, comments?
Send me a message at jlstermer@nextlevellit.com and I'll get back to you.
Note: I do not accept queries to my inbox, please use the submission form below.
CONSULTATION SESSIONS
JL Stermer is now offering one-on-one consultations for writers looking to have a focused conversation about where they are on their publishing journey. Whether you're just getting started with a new idea or would like some insight on your current strategy, these sessions will leave you feeling inspired about the next steps to becoming a published author.
SUB RIGHTS
For interest in film or dramatic rights please email me directly: jlstermer@nextlevellit.com
For Foreign Rights please contact Taryn Fagerness:
taryn.fagerness@gmail.com tarynfagernessagency.com
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Next Level Lit is currently reviewing fiction and non-fiction projects.
Please use this form to submit your query letter + the first five pages of your manuscript or book proposal.
Fiction: adult & YA, contemporary, upmarket, commercial: family stories, coming-of-age, rom-coms, general fiction that is giving readers a new perspective on a world they already know OR a peek into a world they wish they knew.
Nonfiction: prescriptive, narrative, memoir: style & fashion, art & culture, mental health, spirituality, self-help, sports, humor, pop culture/business/science/tech, social justice, human rights, feminist issues, men’s issues, projects that are on the leading edge of important conversations we are having today.
Queer, neurodivergent, POC, and all underrepresented voices are always welcome!
Due to the volume of submissions, I am unable to respond to every query, but please know that each is read and considered with care. If we are a potential match, you will hear back within in 4-6 weeks.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your work and ideas. Putting yourself out there is the first step and the hardest part!
