Samantha Fabien (she/her) is a literary agent at Root Literary, representing bestselling authors. Samantha is interested in high-concept, commercial and upmarket fiction with all-or-nothing stakes. Belonging to several intersectional identities and surrounded by an equally diverse community, Samantha has a deep-held passion for stories that feature, highlight, and uplift marginalized and underrepresented voices. Her background includes a Bachelor’s in PR and Journalism from Seton Hall University and a certificate from the Columbia Publishing Course. Previously, she was also an International Rights Manager and held support roles at various agencies, including Ayesha Pande Literary and Writers House. Over the past decade, Samantha has also worked and volunteered with organizations, including the Mentorship Committee within Literary Agents of Change (LAOC), Gotham Writers, Steamy Lit Con’s Romancing the Craft, SCBWI, and the New York Writing Room, among others.

Prior to joining New Leaf, Suzie graduated film school, earned her Masters of Education, taught high school English, and coached a swim team. In her spare time, she read everything she could, which prompted her move to publishing. She got her start as an intern at FinePrint Literary Management where she was hired as an assistant before making the move to literary agent. She’s been part of the team at New Leaf Literary & Media since its inception in 2012. Suzie represents all brands of children’s and adult fiction. She loves women’s fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, and debut fiction. On the children’s side, she is interested in select YA and MG. Suzie loves strong characters and voice-driven stories that break out of the typical tropes of their genres, and she’s always looking for unique new voices in stories. For more info on her clients, recent sales and forthcoming projects, please go here.

Receive feedback on their pitches.

All 20 semifinalists receive enhanced written feedback on their pitches.

Each of the 10 Finalists receives a 30-minute pitch strategy call with NYT bestselling authors C.J. Redwine and Mary Weber. Bring your pitch, your questions, and your next goal!

One winner receives a 30-minute call with Samantha Fabien, literary agent at Root Literary — a direct, no-pressure conversation with an agent actively looking for the kinds of stories she loves. You also receive 3 months of free membership in the Red Herrings Society, Writer's Sanctuary's exclusive writers' group, so the momentum doesn't stop when the contest ends.