Jess Regel
Founder & Agent
Hi! I’m Jess. I started Helm Literary with the goal of helping writers take control of their careers.  I believe my job as a literary agent is to help writers steer that ship (couldn’t resist at least one sea-faring pun!) First and foremost, I work to make sure my writers are compensated for their incredible work, but I’m also their guide to navigating the industry as a whole. No nonsense, no smoke and mirrors. Just the pure magic of publishing books.
What’s my story? As a flashlight under the covers, tripping over curbs while read-walking, never leave home without a book, lifetime reader, I thought I’d found my dream job when I started working at my local library in Iowa. Then one day, I stumbled upon the inciting incident of my professional life: I shelved The Writer’s Digest’s Guide to Literary Agents.
The summer of 2002, I moved to New York City to intern at the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency. Over the next decade, I worked my way through each department: royalties, contracts, audio, foreign, film, and domestic. I also began taking on my own clients (most of whom I still represent to this day.)  In 2013, I moved to Foundry Literary + Media where I continued to grow my list of award winning, bestselling writers. (And truly just wonderful people.) 
Today, Helm is a full-service literary agency, representing fiction, nonfiction, and children’s book authors. I've hired a team of industry veterans to support me in my back office and in my subsidiary rights department, that way I can focus on selling books.  Because the truth is, nearly two decades into my career, I still get giddy every time I call an author with an offer from a publisher. 
Dream job!
I am currently closed to unsolicited queries, but Claire Harris is open! You can find her guidelines here.​​​​​​​
Claire Harris
Literary Agent
Hi there! Claire Harris here. I’m a literary agent at Helm Literary representing a wide range of fiction and nonfiction for adult readers. I’m looking for projects with unique voices, interesting writing styles, compelling characters, and unexplored perspectives. I work with authors at all stages of their careers, and I love helping authors get their debut book deals. You can find books I’ve worked on listed on a variety of bestseller lists, including The New York Times, USA Today, and more. When I’m not reading, you can find me taking long walks around the city, drinking too much iced tea, and crafting.
I’m actively acquiring both fiction and non-fiction for adults, especially projects that shine a spotlight on people, places, and events that are often overlooked or not given the attention they deserve. In fiction, I’m looking for horror, standalone psychological thrillers, mysteries, and romcoms. I’m seeking diverse characters and authors, stories that twist and subvert classic tropes, and strong female leads. I especially likes friendship stories, revenge stories, and sharp voices across all genres, and I have a soft spot for stories with a tie to the Midwest or the South, but I’m also interested in small town settings in other areas. In nonfiction, I’m primarily looking for cultural criticism, true crime, pop culture, lifestyle guides, and illustrated gift books for adults. I love books that present an untold perspective or bring a fresh take to a well-loved topic. I’m looking for strong voices across all genres, regardless of topic and tone.
For more info about my wishlist specifics, the books I’ve worked on, and my current client list, click here.