BOOKS | DIGITAL | MEDIA
OUR PEOPLE
Liz Nealon, Founder
Liz is the former Publisher of StarWalk Kids Media, an award-winning digital publishing company that she co-founded with author Seymour Simon (2012-2016). She has unique and specific experience in children's digital publishing, with extensive knowledge of the US Schools & Libraries sector. Liz is also experienced in working with international partners, generating international reprint and sub-rights deals for dozens of books.
In her previous life Liz was an award-winning executive producer and children's media industry leader who played an integral role in shaping the indelible youth brands Sesame Street, Kidz Bop, and MTV. She served as Worldwide Creative Director for Sesame Street and traveled the world as Senior Vice President of MTV International Programming, reconceiving the popular music brand for Europe, Brazil, Japan and Australia.
Liz is a big reader of both non-fiction and literary fiction. For her list, Liz is particularly looking for Modern Women’s Fiction (no fantasy or Regency); True Crime with a strong, literary voice; memorable Narrative Non-Fiction; Art/Illustrated titles for adults; Illustrated Middle Grade (both fiction and non-fiction). She is committed to representing diverse voices and would be over the moon if she could acquire a captivating LGBTQ RomCom for YA readers. Member: AALA
Twitter: @liznealon Facebook: @liznealon
LinkedIn: Liz Nealon
Anissa Dorsey, Associate Agent
Anissa has spent 20+ years working in all facets of entertainment representation, content development and production, beginning in film production and moving into television radio, music, live action, and animation. Anissa has also worked in creating web content, gaming, music, creative development, casting, and current programming.
As Director of Development at Cartoon Network, Anissa developed new shows and revamped classic DC Comics Justice League, Batman, Legion of Superheroes, and Teen Titans. She developed shows with high-profile talent and high-profile properties such as Hanna-Barbera’s Scooby-Doo, The Jim Henson Company’s The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, Warner Bros’ The Goonies and The Lost Boys. She also has experience working with independent publishers and up-and-coming cartoon and comic book creators. Anissa enjoys reading cookbooks, non-fiction, YA, and of course, comics.
Anissa is seeking to represent graphic novels for all ages, and is looking to sign both authors and illustrators suitable for this endeavor. Member: AALA
Twitter: @anissadorsey777 Instagram: @ezreaderspawn LinkedIn: Anissa Dorsey
Mona Kanin, Associate Agent
Inspired by imagination and content creation, Mona spent 25 years designing, writing and making non-fiction media for broadcast, non-broadcast, print, and the web. Mona helped define the audience, the medium, and the message for The Human Genome Project, Weston Woods, PBS, several of the Discovery Channels, and others. Her work won top national awards.
Before she was a producer, Mona was a librarian at the Boston Public Library & for several years managed a small book shop in D.C. She's always sought to forge connections—between visuals and words, trust and the collaborative process, content and authenticity/emotion. She believes in the power of books to create more empathic beings.
She is seeking smart, resonating projects including literary fiction, memoirs that read like fiction, & non-fiction for adults that speaks to today's cultural currents. She's closed to non-referral PB and MG fiction queries at least until Spring, 2022, when she'll re-evaluate. Authenticity/own voices always essential. Member: AALA
Twitter: @kaninmona
Ismita Hussain, Assistant Agent
Ismita is a Georgia native and graduate of Emory University, where she studied Human Health and Italian. During college, she also worked for various Atlanta area hospitals in departments ranging from neonatal to geriatric care. In her Desi household, she grew up speaking Bangla, Hindi, and Urdu.
Ismita is seeking literary fiction, health-related non-fiction, YA, and short story collections. Some of her favorite authors are Flannery O’Connor, Cormac McCarthy, Oscar Wilde, and Tom Perrotta. Ismita is especially drawn to fiction with a Southern setting, gritty realist writing, and any books that explore health or disability. Ultimately though, she’s a sucker for writing with a great sense of humor. Member: AALA
Twitter: @ismita
Gabriella Melendez, Spring 2022 Intern
A recent graduate of the University of Maryland, Gabriella is working towards her goal of promoting diversity and underrepresented voices in fiction with specific interest in Young Adult. She was previously a prose editor for UMD's literary journal, STYLUS, as well as an editor for their academic journal. Gabriella is also a graduate of the Denver Publishing Institute, where she focused her efforts on learning about the different divisions of publishing and ways to promote diversity. She is excited to learn from and work with each team member as an intern at Great Dog Literary.