Pelham Literary Agency

If you are looking for an agent who does power
lunches, this agency is not for you. We usually eat
more modestly, in the vicinity of our desks. We keep in
touch with publishers through phone calls and e-mails.
But this frugality can also work in your favor.

"Working on a novel with Jim Meals was a pleasure. He
provided valuable editorial insights which helped me to
produce my first novel, 'The Highest Bidder'. Jim also
displayed a fine professional approach in finding a
publisher for the novel."
- B.H.B. Harper, "The Highest Bidder"

The Pelham Agency is unique in another respect. We are a two man
agency. Our small operation offers special advantages to new writers.
The Pelham Agency does not have entry level employees whose
responsibility is to deal with the slush pile. We do not employ part time
readers whose primary commitment is to their day job. Every manuscript
that comes to our agency receives a careful reading and assessment,
either by Howard Pelham or Jim Meals.

When we submit a manuscript we begin with those
publishers whose acceptance would be the most
lucrative. But we don't stop there. If the big publishers
refuse a manuscript we will search out every small
publisher and small press that could possibly be
interested in the work. Many larger agencies shun the
smaller publishers because of the modest commission.
The Pelham Agency will investigate every possible
market for a manuscript because we deem it to be in
our best interest. A small agency is a bit like a brash
young gunfighter in a western novel. We want plenty of
notches on the handle of our gun.