Leslie Zampetti - Founder & Literary Agent
Leslie Zampetti launched Open Book Literary after experiences with Odom Media Management, Dunham Literary, and The Bent Agency.
A former librarian in special, public, and school libraries, Leslie’s focus is on the right book at the right time for the reader. Having negotiated with organizations from Lexis-Nexis to elementary school PTAs, she obtains terms that favor her clients while building satisfying relationships with publishers. And after cataloging rocket launch videos for NASA & model rocket ships for elementary school, she welcomes working with the unexpected challenges that pop up in publishing.
Leslie serves as Secretary, Board Member, and on the Communications and Programming Committees of the Association of American Literary Agents, and she is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
Leslie received her B.A. in English from Wake Forest University and her M.L.I.S. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is a writer herself, familiar with querying from both sides of the desk. A frequent presenter at conferences, workshops, and retreats, you can follow Leslie on social media @literarylesliez .
Open Book Literary is pleased to partner with Jennifer Uram for contracts and the Rights People for foreign rights.
Jennifer A Uram - Contracts Consultant
A Pittsburgh native and Penn State University alum, Jennifer started her career in publishing in New York with The Berkley Publishing Group as a Contracts Assistant.
Using her B.A. in Comparative Literature, a no-nonsense but empathetic nature, and a keen eye for crafting policy and procedure, Jennifer rose to Director of Contracts for G.P. Putnam’s Sons, Penguin Press, and Riverhead, with Penguin, including during the merger with Random House.
Jennifer brings her 25+ years of experience and expertise to bear on every contract she consults on for her clients, including Open Book Literary.