I studied English literature and Art History at the University of Hong Kong and UCLA, and have a master’s from Durham University (UK). A lifelong desire to inspire people and culture led me to enriching jobs in the arts & entertainment, education, and legal industries. In 2018, I enrolled in a publishing certificate program and, after a stint at McClelland & Stewart/Penguin Random House, joined WCA in 2019 as International Rights Associate. Over the years, I’ve happily grown my client list as an agent and represent authors to publishers in North America. A highlight of mine is speaking with writers at events like those by Writing Day Workshops, the Festival of Literary Diversity, Festival of Faith and Writing, and SCBWI, and in graduate and college classrooms.
Overall, I’m currently looking for upmarket & book club fiction and non-fiction for adults:
Fiction: I’m on the lookout for upmarket & book club novels (propulsive storytelling with beautiful and accessible language) and strongly encourage those submissions. I’m seeking high stakes contemporary novels with a big and unique hook (a secret, a mystery, a critical event and its fallout) that ask timely questions, spark important conversations, and subvert expectations. Novels that keep me reading tend to explore felt and flawed characters, complex motivations, layered relational dynamics, and diasporas and communities, whether set against grand and sweeping landscapes or cozy and intimate settings. Through reading, I want to feel, laugh, cry, and be more surprised by what I don’t know than sure of what I already know. I also enjoy historical fiction (that’s a key way I learn history!) and stories that center on pivotal events during lesser-known-to-me time periods. As someone who always has a classic in her TBR pile, retellings or reimaginings of global classics interest me, as well as stories inspired by mythology and folklore (though I’m not looking for sci-fi or fantasy).
Non-fiction: I’m very keen to work with journalists, researchers, field experts, thought leaders, and emerging writers on full-length book projects about business, food, health & wellness, history, personal growth/self-improvement, pop culture, religion/spirituality, science, sociology, and sports. I’m looking for strongly researched books that illuminate, investigate, challenge, build on current cultural conversation, and encourage deep reflection, as well as practical books that combine expert insights, lived wisdom, and reader takeaway.
What I’m looking for: Some authors of fiction and non-fiction who aren’t my clients, but whose work point to the kinds of voices I’m always eager to discover in new submissions, include: Jabari Asim, Kate Bowler, Virginia Evans, Bonnie Garmus, John Green, Janice Y.K. Lee, Pik-Shuen Fung, Shilpi Somaya Gowda, Yaa Gyasi, Gail Honeyman, Rachel Khong, Robin Wall Kimmerer, R.F. Kuang, Kyo Maclear, Tommy Orange, Maria Reva, and Souvankham Thammavongsa, to just name a few.
I’m not looking for: children’s books (picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and YA) fantasy, horror, poetry, scholarly projects, short stories, thriller, and works created using AI. Though I represent a selection of children’s book writers, I’m only representing works by existing clients and considering referrals at the moment.
When not reading manuscripts, I’m walking my spunky dog, playing music with friends, looking for vintage gems and cozy coffee shops, and listening to too many audiobooks.
Member of PACLA