Jackie Kaiser

I would be nowhere without Team Westwood’s nimble and kind advocacy (from TV rights to foreign rights, from adult books to kids lit.) I am forever grateful to Jackie Kaiser - a rare and beautiful combination of publishing navigator and editorial sage. For over ten years, Jackie has been my huge-hearted captain and literary Jedi Master.

Kyo MaclearAuthor of Birds Art Life

Prior to becoming a literary agent, I spent a decade as executive editor at Penguin Canada. My experience there—considering submissions, working with agents, negotiating offers, reviewing contracts, editing manuscripts, and collaborating with my colleagues in design, production, marketing and sales—informs everything I do as an agent. I feel extremely lucky to have worked with so many talented, smart and hardworking writers and publishing people in both of these roles.

What I’m looking for at WCA

I’m in this business because I love books that have the power to bring people together, articulate something crucial or profound, transform the reader, or offer a window onto a world we wouldn’t otherwise access. Fresh, distinct writing typically tops my list, but within that I’m seeking unusual perspectives, exceptional ideas, high concept approaches, and stories we truly need. I’m always interested in hearing from passionate experts with new and interesting things to say about their fields. Oh, and I love to cry.

Due to the volume of work I’m currently handling, I regret that I am not able to consider unsolicited queries.

When I have the capacity to do so again, I will update this page. Most of my new clients come to me by referral.

Young readers

I take pride in representing a small, carefully curated roster of children’s authors and illustrators, and would love to make room for another exceptional author-illustrator. Some of my favourite books in the world are picture books.

I’m not the right agent for

SF, Fantasy, Crime, Mystery, Thrillers, Horror, Romance, Chick Lit, Cookbooks, Travel, Poetry, or Screenplays. I’m generally not a fan of dark or gritty subjects; I prefer to be inspired, moved, educated, awed.

I’m extremely proud of my clients!

Among the many awards their books have won are the Man Booker Prize, the Commonwealth Writers Prize, the Scotiabank Giller Prize, the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction, the RBC Taylor Prize, the Governor General’s Award, the Trillium Award, the Orange Award for New Writers, the BC National Award for Canadian Nonfiction, the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize, the Redbridge Book Award, the California Young Reader’s Medal, the Silver Birch Award, and more.

About me

I grew up in Paramus, New Jersey, which had the dubious distinction at that time of being the shopping centre capital of America. Three of my favourite recent non-WCA books are Jenny Offill’s Dept. of Speculation, Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal, and Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor and Park. I’ve spoken about editing, agenting and publishing at IFOA, the Adelaide Festival of Writers, the Humber School for Writers, Wilfrid Laurier University, Concordia University, University of Prince Edward Island, and George Brown College. I adore my amazing clients, and most of the time I know I have the best job in the world.

Founding member of PACLA

I have been with the Westwood Agency for over twenty years and never had a moment’s regret. They are wonderful. In my opinion Jackie Kaiser is one of the best literary agents in the world!

Rosemary SullivanAuthor of Stalin’s Daughter

Selected Clients