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7 Shocking New Changes At Curtis Brown Ltd New York: What The 2025 Ownership Shift Means For Authors

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The landscape of literary representation in New York has undergone a massive, structural shift, with Curtis Brown Ltd. (CBL) recently changing hands, marking a new era for the storied agency. As of the most current reports, the New York branch, which has been a pillar of the publishing world since its founding, is now under the sole ownership of a long-time veteran, signaling a fresh direction for one of the industry's most respected firms. This transition, a major piece of news in late 2024 and early 2025, promises to redefine the agency's focus and its approach to discovering and nurturing new literary talent for the years 2026 and 2027. This article will dive deep into the recent changes at Curtis Brown Ltd. New York, providing the freshest details on the new leadership, the current agents on staff, and the specific genres they are actively seeking. For authors looking to query one of the industry's most prestigious agencies, understanding these new dynamics is absolutely crucial.

The New Era: Elizabeth Harding’s Acquisition and Leadership

The most significant and transformative news for Curtis Brown Ltd. New York is the change in ownership. The agency, which was previously co-owned by Timothy Knowlton and Ginger Knowlton, has been acquired by Vice President and children's book agent, Elizabeth Harding. This acquisition places a highly respected and successful agent at the helm, ensuring the agency's future is guided by someone deeply embedded in the contemporary publishing market.

Key Leadership and Agent Profiles

The strength of Curtis Brown Ltd. is its roster of experienced agents, many of whom have built careers on discovering and championing award-winning authors. The current team is a blend of seasoned veterans and dynamic new additions, all actively building their lists.
  • Elizabeth Harding (Owner, VP, Agent): Now the owner and VP, Elizabeth Harding is a powerhouse, especially in the Children's and Young Adult (YA) space. Her list includes *New York Times* bestsellers and winners of the Newbery, National Book Award, Printz, and Coretta Scott King awards. [cite: 14 (from step 1)] She is actively seeking high-concept Picture Books and Middle Grade/Young Adult fiction.
  • Ginger Knowlton (Agent): A highly established agent who previously co-owned the agency. She remains an active agent, focusing on Fiction, Middle Grade, and Young Adult (YA) genres. She continues to represent significant deals, including a recent one slated for Fall 2025 publication. [cite: 8 (from step 1)]
  • Steven Salpeter (Agent): A key agent at the New York office, he brings a broad range of interests to his list. [cite: 4 (from step 1)]
  • Monika Woods (Agent): She joined Curtis Brown as a literary agent and is a crucial part of the agency's contemporary growth. [cite: 4 (from step 1)]
  • Katherine Fausset (Agent): A long-standing agent at the firm, she is a consistent presence in the New York office.
  • Jonathan Lyons (Agent): Another active agent on the New York team, his specific genres are detailed in the agency's submission guidelines.
  • Alexandra Franklin (Agent): A member of the current New York team who is actively accepting submissions. [cite: 15 (from step 1)]

The Hottest Genres and Recent Deals (2024-2025)

To understand what Curtis Brown Ltd. is truly looking for, authors must look at the deals the agents are closing right now. The agency is committed to finding new writers and nurturing long-term careers. [cite: 12 (from step 2)] The recent rights reports from late 2024 and early 2025 offer a clear snapshot of the genres and authors currently dominating their pipeline for 2026 and 2027 publications.

Elizabeth Harding's Powerhouse YA and Children's List

The new owner, Elizabeth Harding, has been particularly active in securing major deals, solidifying the agency's strong presence in the Children's and YA market. Her recent deals include:
  • A new project with Kelly Andrew, Rebecca Barrow, and Hayley Kiyoko, with publication set for Spring 2026.
  • Deals with major YA authors Julie Murphy and Natalie C. Parker, as well as a project with Noelle Monét, slated for Winter 2027.
  • New books by Laura Nowlin, Amalie Howard, and S. Hati, with publication scheduled for Spring 2026.
These deals highlight a strong appetite for high-profile, diverse, and commercially viable Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction. Authors querying this agency should note the high-level of success and marketability in these titles.

The Legacy of Literary Excellence and Topical Authority

The New York office of Curtis Brown Ltd. has a history that stretches back over a century, having been formed in 1914 as a branch of the famed London agency. [cite: 6 (from step 1)] This long-standing connection to the global Curtis Brown Group provides the New York branch with unparalleled topical authority and access to international rights and film/TV opportunities. The agency's commitment extends beyond just selling books; they are involved in initiatives like the Literary Agents of Change Fundraiser, demonstrating a dedication to evolving the publishing world. [cite: 9 (from step 1)] The agency’s focus is on discovering new writers and building strong, long-term careers, a mission that continues under the new leadership. [cite: 12 (from step 2)] The agents are known for their hands-on approach, dealing with the editing, publishing, and overall career management of their authors. [cite: 7 (from step 1)]

How to Query Curtis Brown Ltd. New York in 2025

Querying a prestigious agency like Curtis Brown Ltd. requires precision and adherence to their specific guidelines. The agency is located at Ten Astor Place, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10003. [cite: 6, 10, 13 (from step 2)]

Tips for Prospective Authors

1. Research the Agent: With the recent ownership change, it is more important than ever to specifically research which agent is the best fit. Do not send a Young Adult novel to an agent who only handles literary fiction. Use the recent deal data (authors like Julie Murphy, Laura Nowlin, Kelly Andrew) to confirm the agent's current taste. Agents like Ginger Knowlton and Elizabeth Harding have clear, but distinct, focuses on children's and YA literature.

2. Follow Submission Guidelines: Always check the agency's official website or a reputable source like QueryTracker for the most up-to-date submission requirements. While the core mission remains the same—seeking stories that will "transform the way I think, feel and believe how the world works," as stated by the UK side's Jonny Geller—the specific requirements for things like query letter formatting, sample pages, and contact information can change. [cite: 12 (from step 1)]

3. Target the Right Genre: The New York office has a strong, visible emphasis on children's books, from Picture Books to Middle Grade and Young Adult. While they also represent adult fiction and non-fiction, a significant portion of their recent major deals falls into the youth market. Ensure your manuscript aligns with the agent's known list. The partnership with Faber and The Conversation Insights for a writing prize in late 2024 also suggests a continued interest in high-quality, thought-provoking non-fiction and academic work. [cite: 16 (from step 1)]

The acquisition by Elizabeth Harding is not just a change of name on the door; it is a signal that Curtis Brown Ltd. New York is actively investing in its future, particularly in the most dynamic sectors of the publishing industry. For authors seeking representation in 2025 and beyond, the agency remains a top-tier destination, eager to discover the next generation of bestsellers like Rebecca Barrow and Hayley Kiyoko.
7 Shocking New Changes at Curtis Brown Ltd New York: What the 2025 Ownership Shift Means for Authors
curtis brown ltd new york
curtis brown ltd new york

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