Tamara Kawar

Tamara Kawar – Editor

10 years experience at top NYC agencies editing proposals, manuscripts, queries. Specialty in speculative, genre fiction, & comics

Overview

I'm a literary agent and freelance editor looking to use my editorial expertise and market savvy to help writers improve their novels, proposals, and query packages. I studied Comparative Literature at Princeton University and earned a master's degree at Columbia University before starting my career in publishing at Macmillan, Writers House, and CAA.

As an agent, I represent a diverse list of award-winning and bestselling authors and author-illustrators. I specialize in middle grade, YA, and adult genre & speculative fiction, including science fiction, fantasy, horror, romance, and historical, along with graphic novels of all kinds. I'm a true SFF nerd and love all fantasy and science fiction subgenres.

I've sold books to all big 5 trade publishers, including Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins and more, and have been a faculty member and panelist at a number of writers conferences, speaking both on craft and the business of publishing.

The editorial process is one of my favorite aspects of the job. Reading closely, evaluating plot, pacing, characters and more, and brainstorming story solutions, are all incredibly rewarding. I aim to provide clear, thoughtful, and actionable feedback that remains in service to a writer's vision for the work and to their unique voice. My notes and comments will highlight strengths as well as identify opportunities to improve. The ultimate goal is always to make your book the best and strongest version of itself!

Looking forward to reading your work!

*Please note that working with me as an editor on Reedsy is separate from working with me as a literary agent. If you wish to query me for literary representation please visit QueryManager.*

Services
Fiction
Comics & Graphic Novels Epic Fantasy Horror LGBTQ Fiction Middle Grade Space Opera Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

DeFiore & Company

Jun, 2022 — Present
Represent author and author-illustrator clients in the adult and children's markets. Edit and sell multiple projects a year.

CAA

Mar, 2017 — May, 2022 (about 5 years)
Edited and sold book projects in middle grade, YA, and adult fiction and nonfiction. Worked with and provided editorial notes on proposals and novel drafts by agency clients including Geraldine Brooks (Horse), Maya Motayne (Nocturna), Raj Patel (Inflamed), Linden Lewis (The First Sister) and many more.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Our Hideous Progeny: A Novel

McGill, C.E.

Harper

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Just Between Us: A Graphic Novel

Kon, Adeline

Dial Books

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Call Me Traitor

Maxwell, Everina

Tor Books

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
The Desert Talon (The Crowns of Ishia Book 2)

Lowachee, Karin

Rebellion Publishing Ltd.

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Here and Queer

Ellis, Rowan

Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
From the Belly

Nahil, Emmett

Tenebrous Press

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Ocean's Echo (The Resolution Universe)

Maxwell, Everina

Tor Books

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Lost Ark Dreaming

Okungbowa, Suyi Davies

Tordotcom

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
King of Dead Things (King of Dead Things Duology)

Holness, Nevin

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Frizzy: A Graphic Novel

Ortega, Claribel A.

First Second

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment

Tamara has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Teri S.

Teri S.

Jul, 2026

Tamara was extremely respectful, knowledgeable, and responsive to every message. Her feedback on my query letter and sample was precise and actionable. She helped me sharpen the letter and trim the sample so it’s tighter and help call out some grammar errors. Thanks to her, I have a much clearer ...
Read more

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