MARK O'BRIEN
ASSOCIATE AGENT
Mark O'Brien joined Azantian Literary Agency in 2024 with nine years of experience in the book publishing industry. Prior to ALA, Mark interned at Entangled Publishing, Stonesong, Triada US Literary Agency, and Writers House, and worked as Sales Coordinator at NetGalley for three years. Mark has also worked as a freelance editor and sensitivity reader, as well as a volunteer with organizations like #DVpit, Tessera Editorial, and Quillers SWANA. Authors Mark has worked with in these roles include Becky Albertalli, Kelly Loy Gilbert, Victoria Aveyard, Ryan La Sala, Lydia Kang, J. Elle, Gabe Cole Novoa, Varian Johnson, Jessica Kim, Sayantani DasGupta, and many more.
WISHLIST
Across genres, age groups, and categories, Mark loves lyrical prose he can get lost in, wordplay, and a sense of humor. As a queer, neurodivergent person himself, Mark is especially excited about working with queer, neurodivergent, BIPOC, and disabled creators.
MIDDLE GRADE
In middle grade, Mark gravitates toward whimsy, levity, and humor in tone, even if the premise is serious. Think The Serpent’s Secret by Sayantani DasGupta, Holes and Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar, The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis, or The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell.
YOUNG ADULT
In young adult, Mark is looking for contemporary realistic fiction, as well as realistic with a twist, a la Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King or The Art of Starving by Sam J. Miller. Some of his favorites include Picture Us in the Light by Kelly Loy Gilbert, I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson, Every Day by David Levithan, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart, and the works of Becky Albertalli, Angie Thomas, and Ryan La Sala.
ADULT FICTION
In adult fiction, Mark is looking for all sorts of queer romance. Some of his favorite authors in romance are Cat Sebastian, Alexis Hall, Helen Hoang, Timothy Janovsky, Kennedy Ryan, and Meryl Wilsner.
NONFICTION
In nonfiction, Mark’s tastes lean accessible, queer, and neurodivergent. Think Here for It by R. Eric Thomas, Hola Papi by John Paul Brammer, What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo, The New Masculinity by Alex Manley, and Hi Honey, I’m Homo! by Matt Baume.
ANTI-MSWL
Mark is not the best fit for horror, thrillers, picture books, novellas, poetry collections, and stories centering intense violence and/or gore.