Miriam Kriss

Miriam Kriss – Editor

Literary agent with 20+ years of experience in NY helping authors hone their work, resulting in numerous NYT bestsellers for debut writers.

Overview

I am a literary agent with 20 years in New York publishing, experienced in developing and selling all genres of both adult and children's commercial fiction. My passion is helping writers hone their voices and discover their strengths.

Since starting as an agent in 2004, I've helped take numerous debut authors from the slush pile to the New York Times Bestseller List. I always like to say that authors should write their first draft for themselves and their second draft for their audience. Part of that process is fully understanding who their audience is, and what that audience will respond to. With that foundation, authors are able to craft both their manuscript and their pitch to encompass the story they want to tell in a way that will make people excited to read it. Developmental editing has always been a big part of what I've done for my clients and I'm excited to do the same for Reedsy authors in my spare time.

Editorial suggestions, even from a practiced eye, are just that--suggestions. They are meant to ensure your book reaches its full potential. It's been said that when people tell you something's wrong or doesn't work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong. I relish the opportunity to help make sure the story you have on the page lives up to the story you're eager to tell.

[Please note that in order to avoid any conflict of interest, I cannot act as an agent for projects I have edited via Reedsy.]

Services
Fiction
Children's Fantasy Mystery & Crime Romance Science Fiction Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Golden Apple Agent of the Year Award Winner 2009

Work experience

Codex Literary

Jul, 2023 — Present
Our mission is to cultivate, champion, and celebrate authors' authentic voices. Combining the intimacy and personalized attention of a boutique agency with a global perspective and a commitment to nurturing creativity, we take pride in being more than representatives – we are partners in the journey.

Irene Goodman Literary Agency

Apr, 2004 — Jul, 2023 (about 19 years)
I helped take numerous debut authors to the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists during my tenure.

Miriam has 94 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Keri Lynn E.

Keri Lynn E.

Nov, 2025

Pinned
Miriam was FANTASTIC. I appreciated her valubable detailed feedback and constructive criticism, and her availibility to answer questions so I could better understand the feedback. Highly recommended!
Dave D.

Dave D.

Nov, 2025

Pinned
Great feedback coming from an informed position. Very quick to respond and thorough in response.
Brian L.

Brian L.

Jul, 2025

Pinned
Miriam puts in the work and delivers exceptional edits. She gave me some great advice and was charming and delightful throughout our work together. Miriam found some things that others totally missed, was diligent, and impressively detail orientated. I'd absolutely work with Miriam again and reco...
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Maria Lua B.

Maria Lua B.

Feb, 2026

Very helpful! I was able to uncover a better hook for my story-type. She also helped me make my query letter and synopsis clearer.
Victoria R.

Victoria R.

Jan, 2026

I enjoyed working with Miriam. She was clear and concise with telling me what she offered and her plan to achieve what I wanted, and Miriam returned my project right on time. I am pleased with her knowledge and expertise on query letters and editing the first 3 chapters of my manuscript. I am ex...
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