About Us

Like the authors we represent, Adams Literary is committed to excellence. We have assembled a network of dedicated professionals—including agents, lawyers, accountants, marketers and editorial consultants—who help ensure our clients have the best possible representation and counsel.

Tracey Adams

Tracey Adams founded Adams Literary in 2004, after nearly a decade with literary agencies McIntosh & Otis and Writers House. Prior to becoming an agent, she worked in the marketing and editorial departments of Greenwillow Books and Margaret K. McElderry Books.

A graduate of Mount Holyoke College, Tracey speaks frequently about her profession and the children's book industry at conferences across the country. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the Association of Author Representatives. In her spare time, Tracey enjoys being a member of her industry book group, as well as test-marketing picture books with her daughter, pictured with Tracey above.

Karen E. Riskin

Karen Riskin was an editor at Dial Books for Young Readers for four years before joining Adams Literary. Like Tracey, she began her career at McElderry Books. Karen specialized in picture books for 4- to 8-year-olds, and also edited award-winning chapter books and novels.

Some of the honors her books have received are the Sydney Taylor Award, the American Booksellers Pick of the List, and inclusion in the American Library Association's Notable Children's List.

Karen is a frequent speaker at SCBWI conferences across the country. A graduate of Tufts University, she is an avid sports fan and enjoys traveling, hiking, eating, and spending time in Riverside Park with her husband, Daren, and their dog, Sammy.

Josh Adams

Josh Adams has spent more than a decade in media and communications. Prior to helping Tracey launch Adams Literary, he led teams of creative and business professionals in developing the editorial strategy and positioning of several national publications.

A media management specialist, he has traveled the world advising companies on their marketing and communications programs.

A graduate of Dartmouth College, Josh received his MBA from Columbia Business School, where he studied finance and accounting, and was awarded the Abe Shuchman Memorial Award in Marketing.

A technophile, Josh nevertheless enjoys collecting antique typerwriters and first-edition books.