Nicole Payne is a literary agent with Copps Literary.
Many moons ago, a book-loving nerd was given a chance to live out her childhood dream of being a literary agent. Starting from reader to intern, Nicole Payne ultimately became an agent in the summer of 2016. Now she embarks on a new journey, joining Copps Literary Services in 2023.
In general, I represent young adult and adult fiction novels, preferably in romance, women’s fiction, literary fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, and speculative fiction. They hold a special place in my heart. As I slowly delve into nonfiction, I would love to see more science-based books, especially biology and forensic, as well as medicine, travel, and cookbooks in my queue. I’m also actively seeking diverse voices and stories across the board. Give me all the books!
Specific things I want to see:
In general:
Stories that have amazing voice, killer plot, magical words, and a uniqueness that can’t be matched
More diverse voices and stories written by BIPOC authors
Fiction likes:
Time travel romances with a twist
Romantasy
More than just the stereotypical rom-com but still cute and with great chemistry and banter.
STEM or STEAM-related books
Exotic settings- looking for non-European
Mythology – Egyptian, Norse, Chinese (no Greek, please)
Contemporary Fantasy, High Fantasy, Low Fantasy, and Dark Fantasy
Vampires (different than Twilight), Zombies, Aliens, or Psychics
Unique take on fairy tale retellings
Books focusing on body positivity
Books with flawed characters – love character growth and fine with Happy For Now as long as they’re working on bettering themselves to achieve that Happily Ever After
Books with unreliable narrators- there’s nothing better than being sent down dozens of wrong rabbit holes
Redemption stories
Nonfiction likes:
Pop science- books in the biology, forensics, technology, and medicine realm but told in an engaging way and not like a typical textbook
Cookbooks- looking for Eurasian, or African specific recipes with a story
Health and wellness – would love something inspirational and uplifting and focus on body positivity
Spiritual/inspirational/religious – would love to follow a spiritual journey of enlightenment in some way
I’m NOT looking for:
Picture/chapter books
Middle grade
Political novels
Poetry Collections
Novellas or stories less than 50K
Erotica
Previously published novels (please only send unpublished ones)
Specific Things I DON’T want to see:
In paranormal fiction, no ghosts or genies. Witches are fine as long as there’s a unique take on them
In fantasy, not looking for teen girl who unknowingly has powers and must save the world
Stories that start with the character waking up from a dream or nightmare
Stories that start with the character being followed by a person in a hooded cloak
Stories that start with the setting or weather (ie: “It was the winter of …” or “It was a beautiful fall day…”)- show not tell
Stories that start with backstory. Prefer stories that start right where the scene is happening and the backstory is woven in later
The 2025 Oklahoma Writing Workshop 