Laurie Abkemeier

Laurie Abkemeier is a seasoned literary agent currently self-employed and associated with DeFiore and Company since 2003. She has over 30 years of experience in the publishing industry, having begun her career as an editorial assistant at Simon & Schuster before moving to Hyperion, where she served as a senior editor. During her time at Hyperion, she acquired and edited numerous bestselling nonfiction titles, including five New York Times bestsellers.123

Professional Background

• Education: Laurie graduated from Wells College with a degree in Communications in 1992.2
• Career Path:
  • Simon & Schuster: Started as an editorial assistant (1992-1994).
  • Hyperion: Promoted through the ranks to senior editor (1994-1998), where she was responsible for numerous bestselling titles.
  • DeFiore and Company: Joined as a literary agent in 2003, representing a diverse range of authors, including journalists, academics, and artists.134

Areas of Interest

Laurie specializes in nonfiction and is particularly interested in:

• Narrative nonfiction about remarkable individuals or achievements.
• Investigative journalism.
• Topics in history, science, medicine, nature, sociology, and technology.
• Humor and pop culture.123

Notable Achievements

Laurie has successfully facilitated many book-to-screen adaptations, including the blockbuster movie Marley & Me and the CW drama Hellcats. Her eclectic roster of authors reflects her commitment to diverse voices, including those from historically marginalized communities.34

Current Focus

As a literary agent, Laurie seeks engaging narratives with a strong voice. She is open to unsolicited queries via email and encourages new authors to reach out.45