melaniefigueroa

About Melanie

I'm a literary agent at Root Literary, where I've been since 2018, and a member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA). I have an M.S. in Creative Writing & Book Publishing from Portland State University and a B.A. in English Rhetoric & Composition from California State University, Long Beach—training that gives me a solid foundation in both the craft and the commercial side of book publishing.

I represent a selective list of adult fiction and children's literature. I tailor my editorial approach to each project, and I'm a strategic, data-focused negotiator who loves to dig in and get the best possible deal for my clients.

I grew up in a multicultural, blended family in Southern California, so I'm drawn to stories that navigate identity, relationships, and culture. I keep my list intentionally focused so I can be a hands-on, accessible partner. My clients can expect clear feedback, responsive communication, and thoughtful advocacy from submission through publication and beyond. Off the clock, I'm probably baking to unwind or walking my chocolate lab, Oakley.

75+
Deals negotiated
U.S., foreign & translation
60+
Books placed
Across adult & children's

Ready to connect?

Explore my manuscript wishlist on Publishers Marketplace, then send your query when your materials are polished and ready.

Query guidelines View manuscript wishlist

How I work

  1. Editorial development

    Clear feedback to elevate characters, structure, pacing, and positioning before submission.

  2. Targeted submission

    Curated submission list, strategic timing, a strong pitch presenting clear positioning, and consistent communication.

  3. Deal & rights guidance

    Transparent negotiation with careful attention to terms and subrights so each contract sets you up for success.

  4. Sustainable careers

    Candid communication, strategic goal setting, and a creative partner who helps you plan your next step.

Select Publishers

See recent sales

Background

2018 - Present

Agent at Root Literary

Prior

Editorial project manager & freelance editor

Notable clients & partners

  • Disney Publishing
  • Lucas
  • Walter Foster Jr.
  • Macmillan Learning
Education

M.S., Creative Writing & Book Publishing, Portland State University


B.A., English Rhetoric & Composition & Certification in Technical Writing, California State University, Long Beach

Nationwide & Global Representation

Partnering with dozens of authors across the United States and worldwide.

Working with Root Literary

When you work with me, you’re backed by Root Literary—our reputation, deep editor relationships, and deal‑making power.

We're a tight-knit team of veteran agents and former in-house professionals with commercial instincts and a career focused approach. We have strong editorial relationships, a robust contract database, and use real-time market intel to inform how we position each book and negotiate each contract.

Featured Root Literary titles

Why authors trust the team

  • Data-supported negotiations

    A contracts database spanning thousands of publishing agreements across imprints and houses that allows us to push for strong advances, royalties, and terms.

  • 24/7 guidance

    A resource portal with answers from experienced agents about common industry questions keeps clients informed and in control of their career.

  • Subrights specialists

    An in-house merchandising and licensing agent and strong foreign/translation and film/TV co-agent partners help build author brands and coordinate subrights opportunities so your stories travel beyond the page.

  • Industry reputation

    An established track record built on good books, strong submissions, clean business practices, and a collaborative spirit gives us leverage at the table.

Learn more about Root Literary