John Grisham’s literary agent – who is it and how can you submit your book to John Grisham’s literary agency for consideration?
Scroll below to find out who John Grisham’s literary agent is and get free access to the world’s most comprehensive Directory of Literary Agents.
You can also click here to see our Top Literary Agent Search Results.
Photo of John Grisham by Cirt
* * *
Who Is John Grisham’s Literary Agent?
Before he got famous John Grisham worked at a small Mississippi law practice, squeezing in time before going to the office and during courtroom recesses to work on his hobby—writing. One day at the courthouse, Grisham overheard the harrowing testimony of a twelve-year-old rape victim and was inspired to start a novel exploring what would have happened if the girl’s father had murdered her assailants. Getting up at 5 AM every day to get in several hours of writing time before heading off to work, Grisham spent three years on A Time to Kill, published in 1988.
The day after Grisham completed A Time to Kill, he began working on a story about a young hotshot attorney lured to an apparently perfect law firm that was not what it appeared. When John Grisham’s literary agent sold film rights for The Firm to Paramount Pictures for $600,000, Grisham became a hot property. The Firm spent 47 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list. The successes of The Pelican Brief, which hit #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, and The Client, which debuted at #1, confirmed Grisham’s reputation as the master of the legal thriller.
Grisham lives with his wife Renee and their two children Ty and Shea. When he’s not writing, Grisham devotes time to charitable causes, including most recently his Rebuild The Coast Fund, which raised 8.8 million dollars for Gulf Coast relief in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. He also keeps up with his greatest passion: baseball. The man who dreamed of being a professional baseball player now serves as the local Little League commissioner. The six ballfields he built on his property have played host to over 350 kids on 26 Little League teams.
* * *
David Gernert – John Grisham’s Literary Agent
John Grisham’s literary agent is David Gernert with The Gernert Company. John Grisham’s literary agent spent the first fourteen years of his publishing career at Doubleday, the last six as Editor-In-Chief. He left Doubleday in 1996 to start The Gernert Company, believing his experience as a publisher would give him some unique insight into the representation of authors. John Grisham’s literary agent lives in Pound Ridge with his wife and four children.
John Grisham’s literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial *
NONFICTION: Celebrity * Music * Pop Culture * Sports *
RECENT DEALS FOR JOHN GRISHAM’S LITERARY AGENT DAVID GERNERT
Fiction – John Grisham’s Literary Agent
Playing for Pizza to Stephen Rubin at Doubleday by John Grisham’s book agent David Gernert.
Childen’s Fiction – John Grisham’s Literary Agent
Theodore Boone to Don Weisberg and Julie Strauss-Gabel at Penguin Children’s by John Grisham’s book agent David Gernert at The Gernert Company.
Nonfiction – John Grisham’s Literary Agent
John Grisham’s first nonfiction book, about death row inmate Ronald Keith Williamson, to Stephen Rubin at Doubleday by John Grisham’s book agent David Gernert at The Gernert Company.
International – John Grisham’s Literary Agent
French rights to Theodore Boone to Philippe Robinet at OH! Editions, by Rebecca Gardner at The Gernert Company on behalf of John Grisham’s book agent David Gernert.
Film – John Grisham’s Literary Agent
Calico Joe to Chris Columbus’ 1492 Pictures, with Columbus adapting and directing by John Grisham’s book agent David Gernert.
The Testament to producers Mark Johnson and Hunt Lowry, along with 821 Entertainment Group, in a six-figure deal, by by John Grisham’s book agent David Gernert.
The Associate to Paramount, with Lorenzo di Bonaventura producing (he worked on films of A Time to Kill and The Client as an executive), about a student about to graduate from Yale Law School who is manipulated into joining a big law firm and given privileged information about a multibillion-dollar lawsuit, by John Grisham’s book agent David Gernert.
Playing for Pizza to Phoenix Pictures, with Mike Medavoy, Arnie Messer, and David Thwaites producing by John Grisham’s book agent David Gernert.
The Innocent Man to Warner Independent Pictures, for producers George Clooney and Grant Heslov at Smoke House, in a major deal, for seven figures, against gross points, by John Grisham’s book agent David Gernert.
Television – John Grisham’s Literary Agent
Ford County to Universal Media Studios and Working Title, with Jon Robin Baitz (Brothers and Sisters) adapting, to develop for NBC by John Grisham’s literary agent David Gernert.
* * *
Contact John Grisham’s Literary Agent
Find contact information for John Grisham’s literary agent and every book agent FREE in our Directory of Literary Agents Area.
* * *
* * *
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
Hi am the author of all life matters. I would like to have some information on how can I make a difference in the world with such a great story.
Hi Luis,
I’m happy to help if possible… but I want to make sure you know that I’m a former literary agent turned author coach. Now I help authors get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals.
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you click here to access all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/. Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a good Friday!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Reading & enjoying an older book of Mr. Grisham called The Summons. I am troubled by the “volume” of money this character Ray keeps moving around in storage units. Essentially, 1 million dollars of 100 dollar bills is less than 1/2 of a cubic foot. So, 3-million dollars of 100’s would be less than 1.5 cubic feet and would easily fit into a normal suitcase!! Did John do his homework on this? I am amazed that this wasn’t vetted out prior to publishing. Sorry for this rant but it really bugs me!
Hi John, story is important but those little details matter too. Glad you’re paying attention. 🙂
If you’re trying to get an agent, and you haven’t already done so, make sure you also click here to access all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/. Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great day,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mark, I am wanting to ask Mr. Grisham about his red meat allergy as I have a very severe case just discovered this year. Thanks Brian Allen
Hi Brian,
Unfortunately we don’t forward any requests or messages to the literary agents or authors listed on our websites.
If you want help with anything else, related to obtaining an agent, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Warm greetings sir, i’m Naphtalie writing from India. i am in final year in a law university hear. I have authored three books and i need a publisher that will give me grace and a little chance to hear my story.I was actually inspired by John Grisham from my first year in the university when i saw ‘THE FIRM’
Hi Naphtalie,
Welcome, I’m happy to help if possible…
By the way, in case you’re wondering, most literary agents in the United States will consider any book if it has appeal for the American market. In other words, the primary focus and value of the work needs to include content that an American reader can relate to. As long as you do that, you can write about anything, anyone, and anyplace.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great day!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I am seeking your help with author, john grisham for a real life story mystery.
If he is interested with investigative sources, I can provide facts and theories.
Currently, I am seeking other writers as well. It is not my full intention of profiting so to speak off my case. Rather, I need the story to be published before I decease from my injuries over seas by government contract.
Thank you for your consideration.
Hi Pam,
Unfortunately we don’t forward any requests or messages to the literary agents or authors listed on our websites.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I would like to get direct contact with Mr. Grisham. I have a proposition for him.
Hi Jim,
I’m posting my response again (what I can remember of it anyway) because your original comment (and my response) were accidentally deleted yesterday… and I want to be sure you got my reply.
Unfortunately we don’t forward any requests or messages to the literary agents or authors listed on our websites. But, if I can help you with anything else, let me know. I do want to make sure you know, however, that I’m a former agent. Today I’m a coach and consultant helping authors get top agents, publishers, and book deals. To that end, I have several websites devoted to helping authors get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. You can see a complete list here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/websites/.
Plus…
Don’t miss out on my upcoming Q&A CALLL that I’ll be doing live with authors on Saturday, Nov. 21st. You can listen online and/or ask questions. See how you can participate here at http://thebestsellingauthor.com/radio-show/. Would love to see you there if you can make it.
Also…
If you haven’t already done so, click here now for access to all the valuable resources in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
I’m also happy to answer any questions that you have online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if you’re serious and believe we’re a good fit, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here (there is a fee for that): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, assuming you’re an author, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work… and I’ll point you in the right direction.
Have a great weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi my story is compelling if it weren’t painfully sad and Hollywoood couldnot write my 10’s under the patriot act and nightly drugging and I am a 40 yr old cat lady and was tortured cia enhanced, I was a means to end so the gov could interrogate terroists and I should not be alive what I went thru. there is so much more you may have about my story it’s at national level and Obama is not closing it so my kitties and I are sad. John do you practice law if so will you help us close this case tired
Hi Holly, this isn’t Mr. Grisham’s website and, Unfortunately, we don’t forward any requests to authors listed on our websites. But I might be able to help you in another way.
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you take advantage of all the resources (no cost) on our main website here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. I’m also happy to answer any questions that you have online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if you’re serious and believe we’re a good fit, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here (there is a fee for that): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
And I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction.
Have a good night,
– Mark
There is a book that needs to be written. One about the horror of being falsely accused of a crime. And the life-long struggles that occur even after being proven innocent. Not only for the victim of the false accusations, but for his entire family. And all the outrageous lies that somehow are never made public – yet are forever haunting. We have this story – and it needs to be written. We cannot imagine anyone other than Mr. Grisham to tell this story. Would love an opportunity to discuss
Hi Maureen, we don’t forward messages to Mr. Grisham and don’t represent him. We offer resources and coaching to authors seeking agents and traditional publishers. If you’re looking for a literary agent, and you haven’t already done so, I suggest you become a member of my online community now here (it’s fr*ee): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Then make sure you also listen to the FIRST audio training recording in my online audio library (once you’re in the members only area, look for the link the says “Audio Training Library”). You can also post more questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/how-to-be-a-bestselling-author/ask/. And, if/when you’re able, register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/. I’ll help in any way that I can. Mark
My dad….I love your books and “The Street Lawyer” is what I am reading now…I am a legal assistant for many, many years and now am thrown in the world of elder care with my father…and I am stunned at how awful it is and dad is private pay…he will die soon and even on hospice the facility he is in now neglects him and no one really cares…which is really sad…the system is broken….Ken is the kindest gentlest man and I watch him neglected in each setting since I moved him from his home
Hi Patty, this isn’t John Grisham’s website and we don’t forward messages to him. Sorry for any confusion. Mark
Where to begin? I’m a former Elkhart Lk, WI cop who’s a Wisconsin Serpico who has stumbled upon way more small town (Kiel, New Holstein) and county (Manitowoc and Calumet) sheriff corruption that my life is now in danger. This all starter over a harmless budget cutting comment I made to a very insecure Kiel High school secretary. I now have 3 incredible felony charges for crashing a public/private event. This ongoing story is too complex but I’m willing to tell all!
Hi Mich’l, sounds like you’ve been through a lot and potentially have a good book. If you’re asking me what you should do next, you have two choices. First, you can take some time to look at our list of websites here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/websites/. I recommend you start with the Literary Agent Undercover website. Read some of the articles there and listen to the first recording in the audio library. If you want to go faster and/or do everything you can to increase your odds of getting your book out there in a big way, sign up for an introductory coaching call here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/. You can also, at any time, post a question for me online. I’m happy to help. Mark
I have an idea for a fiction story line. I am not a writer, buy hopeing John Grisham would be interested enough to listen regarding the different story themes! The book would include murder, medication, medical labs & insurance companies. The setting of this story is in the South. There are labs that have just started doing this particular testing.
Regards,
Patricia Gregson
Hi Patricia, unfortunately we don’t pass ideas along to Mr. Grisham. But I wish you all the best and hope you find a home for your story idea. Mark
i have what I believe would make for an excellent John Grisham book and movie that containing a story about police brutality, prosecutorial malfeasance, and 15 corrupt Judges in the same case from April 10, 2009 until February 27, 2015, that never had probable cause for the unlawful traffic stop that needs to be exposed.
Hi James, we don’t pass ideas to Mr. Grisham but wish you all the best in getting your story our there. Mark
Very helpful, thanks!
Hi Akahsa, enjoyed talking with you today. Have a great Friday and weekend! Mark
Good Morning David Gernet. After closing our bookstore and retiring, I started seriously collecting Signed First Printings by my 27 favorite authors. Unfortunately 11 of authors were no longer living; however, I have managed to have all but three of the living authors of my complete collections signed. I would really appreciate it if John Grisham could and would sign my collection. Is there any possibility that he would do this? Very cordially, Jack Hastings San Diego, CA
Hi Jack, this is not David Gernet’s website and we don’t represent John Grisham. Please look carefully at the page where you posted your request and you’ll find information about how to reach David. Warm wishes. Mark
Hi y’all,
I have a true life experience as a RN who was selected to be on a jury. When my nurses notes were entered and highlighted as evidence… May I please ask for Mr. Grisham to contact me. I would like to work together and tell my story as a work of fiction?
Please call. (337) 258-7969
Best,
Kim Gisclaire
Hi Kim, we don’t represent Mr. Grisham. You’ll have to locate his information online and find his contact information there. All my best. Mark
Sir. We have a story to tell about a real life murder. We have a transcript of approx. 4,000 pages. The subject is now in prison but is suspected in another that is years old. would you be interested in writing a book about my deceased daughter? [ her husband did it while she was pregnant ] The Sheriff is looking into the matter of the second murder.
Thanking you in advance,
Fay L. McMahan [ Mother of deceased ]
Hi Fay, I had a website glitch (having issues) that caused some of my comments to disappear so my apologies for the delay. I don’t personally ghostwrite books. Here are the three ways that I work with authors: https://literary-agents.com/book-marketing/. All my best. Mark