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Jill Marr
Literary Agent at Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency
Professional Background
Jill Marr is an accomplished literary agent and an expert in the world of commercial fiction and nonfiction, particularly known for her focused emphasis on mysteries, thrillers, and horror, as well as women's commercial fiction and historical narratives. With a keen understanding of the publishing landscape, Jill is not only committed to promoting the work of seasoned authors but is also always on the lookout for new voices that resonate with today's readers. Her extensive experience in various writing and marketing roles has equipped her with a unique perspective that bridges the gap between creative storytelling and market viability.
With an impressive portfolio of nonfiction that resonates with themes of personal growth and inspiration, Jill has worked on many noteworthy projects. Some of her recent works include Nick Groff's "Chasing Spirits," which is a captivating exploration of the paranormal, and Fred Stoller's "Maybe We’ll Have You Back," which brings humor and heart together in a narrative that is both engaging and perceptive. Other notable titles in her catalog include Christina Pesoli's "Get Over It," Scott Bonn's intriguing examination in "Why We Love Serial Killers," and a critical look at education through "America’s Greatest 'Failing' School" by Kristina Rizga, showcasing her wide-ranging ability to represent diverse topics.
Not limited to nonfiction, Jill also extends her expertise to fiction, where she represents a variety of genres including thrillers, mysteries, and engaging historical tales. Among her impressive fiction titles are Robert Pobi’s "Bloodman" and "River of the Dead," as well as the thrilling series by David Freed, known as the Cordell Logan series. Each project not only reflects Jill’s commitment to quality literature but also her understanding of the market, as she seeks stories that capture a wide audience, ensuring they are not just read, but cherished.
Education and Achievements
Jill's foundational education in English, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University-California State University, set the stage for her career in writing and literature. Her studies at the School of Creative and Performing Arts provided her with a unique lens through which she views storytelling, merging creativity with an understanding of performance and audience engagement. This diverse educational background informs her approach as a literary agent and a writer.
Additionally, Jill's professional journey has taken her through numerous significant roles. Serving as a literary agent at the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency, Jill has honed her skills in identifying market trends and author potential, making her an indispensable asset to the agency. Her previous work as a freelance writer across various platforms such as Baker & Taylor Marketing and Levy Home Entertainment has enriched her understanding of content creation and marketing strategies, bridging the worlds of publishing and audience connection.
Her role as a Content Director at MoreFocus, Inc. and experience in public relations and marketing has further solidified her reputation as an expert communicator, skilled at promoting literature in a compelling manner that resonates with readers. Her early career as a PR and Marketing/Assistant Agent at Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency illustrates her commitment to a holistic understanding of the publishing industry, ensuring that her authors are well-supported throughout their publishing journeys.
Notable Works
Jill has an impressive collection of upcoming and published works that showcases her commitment to bringing high-quality content to the literary market. In nonfiction, her impressive resume boasts contributions to engaging titles such as:
- Chasing Spirits by Nick Groff, published by NAL
- Maybe We’ll Have You Back by Fred Stoller, a Skyhorse release
- Doulas A. Wissing's Funding Our Enemy from Prometheus Books
- Get Over It by Christina Pesoli, published by Seal Press
- Why We Love Serial Killers by Scott Bonn, from Skyhorse
- ***America’s Greatest
Failing
School*** by Kristina Rizga via Nation Books
- Rocking the Pink by Laura Roppé, Seal Press release
- Argyle Armada: Life with America's Top Pro Cycling Team by Mark Johnson from VeloPress, among many other titles.
In the realm of fiction, Jill has successfully navigated the publication of gripping narratives that explore complex themes and characters. Key titles include:
- Bloodman and River of the Dead by Robert Pobi under Thomas & Mercer
- Three Souls by Janie Chang, a noteworthy HarperCollins release
- Corrupt Practices by Robert Rotstein from Seven Stories Press
- The exciting Cordell Logan thriller series from David Freed published by The Permanent Press.
- Madam by Cari Lynne and Kellie Martin from Plume
- And several more titles that reflect her expertise in the genre of thrillers and crime narratives.
Jill Marr is a name synonymous with quality literature. She is a dedicated advocate for authors and stories that challenge, engage, and entertain. Her experience as a literary agent combined with her background in writing, marketing, and public relations allows her to not only support her authors effectively but also to connect them with readers in meaningful ways. With a focus on commercial fiction, she is committed to bringing imaginative stories to life and ensuring they find their rightful place in the literary world.