Agents
BARBARA POELLE
PRESIDENT & CEO
Barbara Poelle opened the doors of Word One Literary in 2023 after 16 years with the Irene Goodman Agency. She has found success placing literary and upmarket fiction, suspense, horror and thrillers, and is actively seeking her next great client in those genres, but is passionate about anything with a unique voice. Barbara is also the author of Funny You Should Ask: Mostly Serious Answers to Mostly Serious Questions About the Publishing Industry where she demystifies the mysteries of this career for authors at every stage.
What to Submit to Barbara:
Barbara is looking for high octane thrillers, edgy mysteries, and literary, upmarket and commercial adult fiction. Further, if your critique partner has ever said your work reminds them of either Jordan Peele or Tina Fey, now would be the time to leap into her queries inbox. Barbara is not looking to acquire new Young Adult, Middle Grade or Picture Books, but will consider an industry referral in any genre.
SYDNIE THORNTON
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR:
Sydnie has sharpened her editorial eye at top literary agencies and has worked to develop and shape manuscripts from the initial conception to line edits since 2018. Sydnie knows every manuscript deserves a discerning and bespoke edit as each round presents new opportunities for author growth, and she enjoys providing in-depth critiques as their original vision turns into an unforgettable novel, fueling multi book offers, bestseller statues and film deals for Word One clients.
