Claire Gerus

Claire is a literary agent, editor, and author, with more than 30 years' experience assessing the publishing potential of fiction and nonfiction writers. Claire has often been involved in creating new lines of books for publishers, including a health imprint for Kensington Books, a new line of romances for Harlequin, and books on spirituality for business publisher, Adams Media. She also consults for new startup independent publishers. 

She is always looking for talented writers with an important message to share, whether via nonfiction or fiction. Her favorite genres are self-help, psychology, true crime, spirituality, short stories, alternative healing, and anything that promises to transform the reader in a positive way.

For Masters ProCritiques, she will read the submissions of up to 15 authors of up to 20 pages. She will focus on readability, the writer's intention behind the proposed book, and (of course) grammar, style, theme, and its relevance to readers' lives. Authors will receive an edited copy of the submitted material, along with a verbal overview of her findings.

A literary agent and publishing consultant for WordWise Media Services. He’s a native of Los Angeles, and a storyteller almost from birth: poems, articles, business letters, and advertising copy. But like most writers he kept a day job, waiting for his big break. He majored in business at Los Angeles City College, and had two books published.

One thing led to another; Steve established his editing business in 2005, handling hundreds of books on every subject from Bible study to yoga to credit repair. He managed a writers’ conference for several years, and mentored hundreds of aspiring authors. Finally, in early 2011, he branched out as a literary agent. He has placed his clients’ works with Dutton, Thomas Nelson, Tyndale, Potomac, David C. Cook, Praeger, Writer’s Digest Books, and others. Several clients have won prestigious awards for their works.

Today he’s in demand as a speaker for writers’ events. Swimming, gardening, and cooking keep his hands busy in-between. He lives in sunny Southern California with his wife Ruth and son Bradley.

Steve is interested in representing a wide range of fiction and nonfiction books for children and adults. (But no erotica, horror, poetry, short stories, picture books, or screenplays.)

Paul has over 1,600 editors in his database to whom he has sold over 150 fiction and Nonfiction books. As an entertainment lawyer, he has written the legal contracts for several books adapted as movies-for-television. With over a quarter of a century of experience in the entertainment and book industries, he is one of the few lawyers on the West coast who also understands the world of book publishing; as such, he is able to act as both literary agent and publishing attorney for his clients.

Highly aware of market trends and editors’ preferences, Mr. Levine limits himself to representing projects that he believes in and feels certain he can sell.

For Masters ProCritiques, Mr. Levine will read and critique: General fiction, Mystery, Romance, Reference, Biography, Computers / Technology, Business/investing/finance, History, Mind/body/spirit, Health, Travel, Lifestyle, Cookbooks, Sports, African-American, Science, Memoirs, Autobiographies, Narrative Nonfiction.

Please submit the first chapter of 20± pages (appx. 2500 words) with a synopsis of the story or concept. He will meet with you to discuss his review at the conference during a personal meeting.

Eric L Miller

3ibooks stands for Inspire, In-tune, Invoke Action. Miller's specialty is in the marketing of your dream. His job is to help you, the author, promote yourself through your work. He facilitates positive change along with the nuts and bolts of the process of writing, publishing, and promoting your book.

Book development and creation is a spiritual calling for him. 

His thoughts surround the words that draw the eye to the page and attract a person˙s interest to keep reading. He value books as cultural artifacts, and helps authors of all stripes and creeds to create them. Whatever it takes to create a good book.

Eric developed and implemented bestselling books from the ground up. Publishing is the ultimate collaborative enterprise, and he has been instrumental in coordinating and executing editorial, marketing, and sales functions contributing to a book˙s overall success. A book he spearheaded by a master sommelier, restauranteur, and public television personality in Chicago sold 15,000 copcies in six months. Another book he developed and oversaw was a history of Cook County Hospital by a doctor in the trenches of that troubled institution and it became a Chicago Tribune bestseller.

Eric focuses on getting solid results for authors using proven methods and problem-solving tools. He reconciles and transforms experiences of his clients and allow their brilliance to shine through. He work one-on-one with new and established writers to achieve optimal results in writing, book marketing, sales, and distribution.

Please submit the first chapter of 20± pages (appx. 2500 words) with a synopsis of the story or concept. He will meet with you to discuss his review at the conference during a personal meeting.

Areas of interest include:

Thrillers, Suspense, Mysteries Romance (Classic), True Crime & Legal Drama, Thrillers, Suspense, Mysteries, (Fantasy/Paranormal), Memoirs, Autobiographies, Horror,New Age, Spiritual, Self-Help Spiritual, Mainstream & Realistic Fiction, Poetry, Non-Fiction Current, Historical, Chick Lit, Drama (Screen, Television & Stage), Erotic, Business, Finance, Investing

Tisha Morris

Tisha Morris is the founder of Morris Entertainment Law where she represents diverse voices in publishing, TV, and film. Tisha is an entertainment attorney, literary agent, and self-help author of five published books, who has been featured on ABC˙s Live With Kelly and Ryan, Hay House Radio, Today.com, Elle Decor, ABC News, Well + Good, and a contributor to Spirituality & Health Magazine. Tisha holds a degree in law, economics, and interior design with certifications in yoga, feng shui, and coaching.

Tisha advises and represents clients using her entrepreneurial experience, legal and publishing expertise, and practical wisdom to help clients realize their potentials and strategize for optimal success. Tisha is passionate about helping other creatives tell their story and manifest their projects for a better world.

Tisha is a member of the Beverly Hills Bar Association, LA County Bar Association, Women in Film, and co-Ambassador of the Author˙s Guild - Los Angeles Chapter. When not practicing law, Tisha lives in Ojai, CA with her wife, poodle, two stepcats, and works on becoming a legal thriller novelist.

Areas of interest include:

NONFICTION with particular interest in self-help, business, health and wellness, psychology, grief, spirituality, women’s interests, social trends, narrative non-fiction, and prescriptive memoir.

Andy Ross

Mr. Ross founded the Andy Ross Agency in 2008. Prior to that he was the owner of the legendary Cody's Books in Berkeley for 30 years.

He will read non-fiction genres including: narrative non-fiction, science, journalism, history, and current events. He will read literary, commercial, and YA fiction. He prefers realistic writing. No paranormal or fantasy.

For Masters ProCritiques, Andy will be accepting up to 15 submissions. For fiction please include a draft query letter and the first 10 pages(double spaced) in a Word file. He will focus on style and readability. For non-fiction, please provide a draft book proposal and query letter. Andy will comment on the format and whether the material will be convincing to a non-fiction acquisition editor. Andy will provide an edited copy of the material with track changes as well as a personal meeting.

Ken Sherman

Ken's literary Agency (Ken Sherman & Associates) was established in 1989 in Beverly Hills. He handles book, film, and television writers and often sells film and TV rights to books.

Ken is looking for passionate storytellers who understand the importance of submitting quality, ready-to-be-published work to publishers, studios, or production companies. He'll talk to you about how to professionally prepare your manuscript or screenplay no matter how rough your work is at this point.

He's looking for fiction and non fiction books of all types for potential book publication, as well as those projects that have the potential to become feature films, television movies, or television series. Originality and passion are key- -there's nothing like finding a diamond in the rough and helping shape a new career. And it has nothing to do with age.

For the Master's Pro Critique, please submit your query letter along with the first 15-20 pages of your book or screenplay, and he will review your work as he does any work coming into his agency. He'll discuss with you face-to-face what works and what doesn't, and hopefully work with you to find a way to help move your work to a higher professional level.