Founded by Lori Steel in 2024 and based in the Washington DC area, we are a full-service, boutique literary agency representing authors, illustrators, and graphic novelists with an emphasis on children’s and young adult literature, and select titles for the crossover and adult markets. From nurturing talent to navigating the complexities of the industry, SteelWorks provides creative mentorship and career management, guiding clients through each step of the publishing process, with an eye to making the best deals possible for their career goals.

Community is key at SteelWorks Literary, where our clients and partners work in tandem to champion stories that entertain, spark curiosity, empower readers, and deepen the conversation. 

In addition to consistent and transparent communication, the SWL team cultivates partnerships by making regular trips to New York City to meet with publishing colleagues, attend conferences, and participate in book-related events. And with many years of working with children, books, and the industry as a whole in a variety of roles, SteelWorks’ extensive understanding of craft, the literary canon, and publishing landscapes bring a unique perspective to each project and its potential in the marketplace.

Finally, we combine purpose with perspective. While upholding high standards, we endeavor to strike a balance with the inherent joy the creative process brings, from inception to publication.