The Bindery is a literary agency that serves both first-time and established writers. We secure competitive book deals for our clients and work for their publishing interests in a wide variety of formats, mediums, and genres. We are also members of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA).

Launched in 2017, The Bindery now consists of a team of literary agents committed to providing targeted, experienced, and strategic publishing guidance for each author we serve, anchored by shared values of professionalism, mutual respect, publishing expertise, strategy, editorial development, and love for books.

Each of our agents represents a carefully curated roster of authors writing and publishing in diverse categories, and together we have nearly 100 combined years of publishing experience working for companies such as Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and many others. Books written by our authors have won major literary awards, hit numerous bestsellers lists, and sold millions of copies.

We work with our authors to set and achieve long-term writing goals, develop compelling book proposals, dream up marketing and publicity ideas, and negotiate book deals with publishers of all kinds. Our collaborative approach, multi-disciplinary background, and deep knowledge of industry best practices set our authors up to publish well. At the center of our work is a commitment to diversity, because it’s the right thing to do and makes the world a better place.

See what kinds of book projects each of our literary agents are currently seeking.

ALEXANDER FIELD

Founder & Literary Agent

Alex Field launched The Bindery after 20 years of work in book publishing and journalism as an editor and publisher, including a short stretch at the Los Angeles Times right out of college. Prior to launching The Bindery, he served as vice president and publisher for several imprints of Penguin Random House.

As a reader, he falls for books that rarely sit on the same shelf, including anything by Wendell Berry, James Baldwin, or Mary Oliver; the latest novel by N.K. Jemisin, Michael Chabon, Naomi Novik, or Dave Eggers; an obscure title about Radiohead and philosophy, a memoir about a pilgrimage, or the biography of a writer/director, entrepreneur, or bookseller. As a result, he represents authors writing in categories such as, religion & spirituality, memoir & biography, self-help, pop culture, parenting, advice and relationships, and very select fiction projects, including science fiction & fantasy. You can submit queries to Alex through Query Tracker here.

Field grew up on the beaches of Southern California. Today, he and his family live along the front range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

INGRID BECK

Managing Director

After earning her bachelor’s degree in English literature from Kansas State University, Ingrid Beck spent more than 17 years working in book publishing, serving in diverse roles such as acquisitions editor, managing editor, and editorial director. Ingrid joined The Bindery in 2019 as managing director and oversees day-to-day operations, proposal development, client relations, scheduling, and a variety of other special projects.

Representing a diverse list of clients in multiple genres, she loves collaborating with authors to help refine their messages to reach their intended audiences. Ingrid is seeking compelling nonfiction proposals in the following categories: practical self-help, mindfulness, mental health and wellbeing, religion and spirituality, social and cultural issues, and lifestyle.

A passionate and voracious reader, Ingrid strives to keep up with the latest buzzworthy reads in both fiction and nonfiction. When she’s not reading, Ingrid enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with her extended family, especially her sixteen nieces and nephews.

TRINITY McFADDEN

Senior Literary Agent

Trinity McFadden joined The Bindery in 2020, after having worked in traditional publishing for more than a decade in editorial and public relations roles for both trade and academic imprints. Her undergraduate education in philosophy, English, and journalism is supplemented by her master’s degree in business administration. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband and daughter.

While her interests are broad, Trinity is especially seeking to promote under-represented voices with growing platforms. She values excellent writing combined with fresh ideas, especially around messages of liberation. If a book can help a reader understand themselves or the world in a new or better way, she’s intrigued. Her specialties include compelling practical and narrative nonfiction in categories including social & culture issues, feminism, religion & spirituality, history, biography, reportage, subcultures, and mental health & wellness. Queries can be sent to Trinity here.

ANDREA HEINECKE

Literary Agent

Andrea Heinecke brings a broad publishing background to every project she represents, having worked as an editor, publicist, and literary agent with award-winning authors writing both fiction and nonfiction for adults, youth, and children. 

Andrea represents bestselling and critically acclaimed authors—thoughtful and diverse women and men who contribute to the culture and dialogue of our world. She has been a literary agent for over a decade and currently represents authors in a variety of categories including religion and spirituality, advice and relationships, psychology, self-help, parenting, and humor.

Her love for the written word began early in life and took her to Seattle Pacific University, where she majored in English Literature. She has served within her community and industry as a board member for the Henri Nouwen Society and a member of the Coronado Junior Woman’s Club. She lives in California with her family.

JOHN BLASE

Associate Literary Agent

John Blase spent over a decade as an editor and ghostwriter in traditional publishing working with such names as Eugene Peterson, Ann Voskamp, and Brian Zahnd. During that time, he penned two books with his name on the spine—one of them a self-published poetry endeavor titled The Jubilee. At the end of the day, he tries to live by writer George Saunders’ advice: “Stop trying to teach the world something and instead refuse to be boring.”

John and his wife, Meredith, lived in Colorado for almost twenty years but recently moved back to Arkansas. They have three children, all grown now and out living their one wild and precious lives.

John’s long been a culture junkie hooked on everything from the drama of “Hill Street Blues” (which dates him) to the wonder of Game of Thrones to the thoughts of Ta-Nehisi Coates to the poetry of Taylor Swift. And he still mourns the loss of Anthony Bourdain. While loving all genres of literature, he admits a weakness for fiction, short stories, and memoir. A good story, well-told, he simply finds hard to resist.

We are fierce advocates

We are not just interested in selling books. We’re actually interested in our authors as human beings, and helping them build writing careers. We’re committed to working with our clients individually to develop each book concept, proposal, and manuscript—and advocating fiercely for their interests.

We value relationships

Publishing is all about relationships. Each member of our team has cultivated deep relationships with publishing professionals across the industry in a variety of disciplines. In addition, we highly value each author relationship, striving to know and serve our clients well.

We Plan for the long-term

Our desire is for each client to build a sustainable career as an author. Therefore, we work to create a strategic long-term plan that leads to great publishing partnerships and successful book launches, providing wise counsel at every step along the way.

We are HOnest and responsive

Our clients are our top priority, and we make every effort to be available to talk throughout the process. We also give honest feedback, constructive criticism, and detailed editorial or marketing advice when needed.

We develop every book concept

Our team possesses the editorial expertise, marketing and publicity background, and publishing experience to craft compelling book concepts and proposals that will help our authors find the right editor and publisher for their books.