“Make sure your book has narrative momentum – something to keep us turning the pages.” —Jade Wong-Baxter, Frances Goldin Literary Agency
Every other year, the Writers’ League of Texas brings notable literary agents and book editors to Austin for its Agents & Editors Conference. As we look ahead to the 31st A&E Conference, taking place June 26–28, 2026, we’re happy to share Q&As with some of our visiting agents and editors here.
An Interview with Jade Wong-Baxter
Jade Wong-Baxter joined the Frances Goldin Literary Agency in 2021, after spending three years at Massie & McQuilkin Literary Agents. She received her B.A. in English Literature and Chinese from Vassar College. Jade is looking for adult literary and upmarket/bookclub fiction, as well as narrative nonfiction.
In fiction: Jade is drawn to stories that combine a compelling voice with clear narrative momentum. She particularly enjoys coming-of-age narratives; novels exploring queer identity; stories set within a specific subculture or hidden world; grounded speculative (no high fantasy or science fiction, please); a strong sense of place; AAPI and Asian diaspora stories; and novels about immigrant families. In nonfiction: across genres, Jade enjoys projects that weave together specific personal narrative with a broader sociological curiosity. She is particularly looking for cultural criticism, social justice-oriented journalism, linked essay collections, and AAPI history or culture. Across all genres, Jade is seeking stories by and about people of color, as well as the perspectives of marginalized identities.
Jade’s clients include Chris Belcher (PRETTY BABY, Avid Reader; a 2022 Lambda Literary Award Finalist); Delia Cai (CENTRAL PLACES, Ballantine, 2023); Hannah Matthews (YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE, Atria, 2023); and Courtney Preiss (WELCOME HOME CAROLINE KLINE, 2024, a USA Today Bestseller).
How would you describe your personal approach to working with an author?
Jade Wong-Baxter: Very hands-on and editorial – I love getting into the big structural edits with writers.
What do you look for in a debut author?
JWB: A confident narrative voice on the page combined with a great premise and clear follow-through on that premise; and a willingness to collaborate and trust me through the ups and downs of the publishing process.
What’s one piece of advice you find yourself giving time and time again?
JWB: Make sure your book has narrative momentum – something to keep us turning the pages. So many manuscripts that come in have beautiful voice or characters but not enough pushing the reader along in the story.
What excites you the most about the publishing industry today?
JWB: There’s so much more diversity among authors and the types of stories they’re able to tell!
Tell us about a recent book/project that you worked on that excited you and you want everyone to know about?
JWB: SONG FOR ANOTHER HOME by Bora Lee Reed – a beautiful upmarket debut and family story about two cousins separated in 1950s Korea who have to find their way back to one another over the course of one year. It’s being published by S&S this July, and is a great read if Pachinko made you cry but you’d like something a little shorter.
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Thanks, Jade!
Click here for more information on the 2026 Agents & Editors Conference, a weekend-long event in Austin, TX (June 26-28) that focuses on the craft of writing, the business of publishing, and building a literary community.
