Nikki Terpilowski (RALEIGH CONFERENCE ONLY) is a literary agent with Holloway Literary.

She is seeking: romance; women’s fiction; Southern gothic; alternate histories; grounded science fiction and fantasy; speculative thrillers, Westerns (traditional and fresh takes in contemporary, historical, mystery, romance); multi-generational women’s fiction (standalone or series) about an African-American family (showing Black joy, family dynamics/relationships, etc. not racism, discrimination and oppression as part of their experience); young adult fiction; and nonfiction on the craft of writing or screenwriting, North Carolina history, culinary, hobbies, arts and crafts, plants/herbs.

After achieving a B.A. in English and Marketing, with a minor in creative writing and a graduate degree in international relations, Nikki who has been a bookworm from way back decided she wanted to learn more about the publishing industry.

She interned in the industry while working in marketing communications and then established Holloway Literary in 2011. You can find her @AWomanReading on Twitter and Instagram discussing her favorite topics: books, wine, beer & whiskey, history, travel and southern living.

WISHLIST SPECIFICS:

Romance:

Looking for excellent writing and voice, relatable, likable heroines, dashing Alpha rakes, old tropes, fresh spins.

Aphrodite And The Duke by JJ McAvoy
Tying The Scot by Jennifer Tretheway
Royally Screwed by Emma Chase (with a lower heat level)

Young Adult & YA Speculative:

Beautiful atmospheric settings, princess-core, interesting world-building, high stakes.

Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton
The Selection by Kiera Cass
Interview With The Robot by Lee Bacon

Speculative Fiction (Sci-fi & fantasy):

Dark, spooky, propulsive fiction.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
My Soul To Keep by Tananarive Due
Midnight Is A Lonely Place by Barbara Erskine

Women’s Fiction:

Family relationships, small towns, emotional, secrets.

Big Lies In A Small Town by Diane Chamberlain
The Favorite Daughter by Patti Callahan Henry
The Recipe Box by Viola Shipman
Island Of Sweet Pies And Soldiers by Sara Ackerman
The Marriage Of Opposites by Alice Hoffman

Domestic Thrillers:

Scary, psychological, page-turners.

Behind Closed Doors by BA Paris

Science Fiction/Alternate Realities

Looking for super-grounded fiction with speculative elements, often within a government, military or research-based context.

Underground Airlines by Ben Winters
The Rise And Fall Of D.O.D.O by Neal Stephenson
Version Control by Dexter Palmer

Thrillers:

ISO espionage and military thrillers by BTDT authors with threats beyond the usual suspects.

The Expats by Chris Pavon
Red Widow by Alma Katsu
One Second After by William R. Forstchen

Southern Nonfiction:

Would love to find interesting, alternative, controversial ideas, and voice-driven Southern history.

The Best Cook In The World by Rick Bragg
The Secret Life Of Bacon Tait

Not Looking For

Plots that focus on the Mafia
Mysteries featuring professional detectives/investigators
Grief/Trauma/Loss-based plots or themes
Cozy mysteries
Plots that focus on murder/serial killers/death
WWI/WW2/Vietnam-war era historical settings
Crimes against children
Assaults of any kind
Legal thrillers/courtroom dramas
Hot mess heroines