Dream Team at AMLA

Ami McConnell Literary Agency serves traditionally published, hybrid published, and self-published authors.

Our company was formed in 2024 in our hometown of Nashville, Tennessee in a joyful, serendipitous happening. After successfully partnering on WriterFest—a two-day conference that inspires, empowers, and connects creatives—Sara Wigal and Ami McConnell joined forces to champion authors, bringing together their collective 50+ years of publishing and publicity experience. As that mission gained traction, like-minded women joined “AMLA.”

Together, we’re a dream team—and proud to be a literary agency founded and located in the American South. Our team includes longterm Tennessee residents and natives (what we like to call “Nashville Unicorns”), but they all have experience living and traveling in other publishing hubs like Seattle, Los Angeles, New York City, Boston, and many more places, and every year agents travel to conferences across the country—and even the globe!

AMLA authors enjoy traditional literary agent representation, access to a la carte writer services, and/or via hybrid publishing services (including imprints Abston Books, Banana Banana Books, and Betty Fay Books). We abide by the ethics guidance of the Association of American Literary Agents.

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Ami McConnell, Founder
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Mary Elizabeth Colton,Literary Agent
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Sara Wigal, Executive Director
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Dorena Williamson, Literary Agent
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Danielle Marshall, Publishing Consultant & Editor
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Maddie Law, Junior Agent & WriterFest Managing Director

  • "Ami is a joy to work with, professionally and personally. She is a true wordsmith who knows how to spin a tale and capture the heart of a person’s story."

    —Stephanie Rische, senior editor of nonfiction books, Tyndale House Publishers

  • "Working with Betty Fay Books was the best decision I made for my novel. This small and dedicated team not only knows this industry, they know how to make authors feel empowered. Their kindness, professionalism, and expertise is just what every author needs. I couldn't have become a published author without Betty Fay Books!"

    —Randi Smith, Young Adult Author of ADA HOLLOWAY’S HAD ENOUGH, 2026

  • “Ami McConnell is an extraordinary editor with a laser eye for story that is innate and can’t be learned in even the best university. I have been blessed to work with her on 40 + fiction books, and she has shaped my writing in career-changing ways. Book by book, suggestion by suggestion, Ami taught me what it takes to craft a book that reaches hearts.”

    —Bestselling Author Colleen Coble

  • “After completing the manuscript for my second book – I had no idea how to go about pitching it to agents. I had begun circulating a proposal but kept hearing that it needed more structure and depth. Ami helped me to polish and refine my book proposal, I felt like I was handing over my baby but she was gentle and sincere throughout the creative process. Soon after the the proposal was complete, I was astonished there were multiple offers of representation and my second book “Psyche’s Awakening – A Guide to Healing Through the Wisdom of Greek Myth’ quickly sold at pre-empt to Harper One (Harper Collins) – the home of my favourite book ‘The Alchemist’. It was a pinch me moment. My experience working with Ami was so wonderful – my only regret is that I didn’t reach out to her six months earlier!”

    —r. Gillian O’Shae Brown, author of Psyche’s Awakening – A Guide to Healing Through the Wisdom of Greek Myth, coming Fall 2026

  • “Ami McConnell taught me more than I can ever express. She encouraged me and shared brilliance that lives on the pages of my book— and became my friend in the process. I will never forgot when she asked, ‘What gift are you offering?’ That changed everything. So grateful God blessed my life with her!”

    —Caroline C. Barney, author of Pull Yourself Together: How to Connect to a Life You Love

  • “In our literary agency work at Yates & Yates we care about helping our clients develop and write excellent manuscripts for their works. When we have an author who requires the professional assistance of a collaborator, it is important for us to help our clients work with the best. Ami McConnell is a collaborative writer extraordinaire. She not only has the skills and experience to deliver the highest quality work, but she has a heart for her clients and her work product. We are grateful when we can pair Ami up with one of our clients. When we do that, we know that we can depend on Ami to deliver the highest quality work and in a very timely manner.”

    —Sealy Yates, Senior Partner, Yates & Yates

  • “I enjoyed working with Ami during the idea and development process for my book, Blue Skies. She helped me map out my thoughts and structure them in a way that is meaningful and entertaining to readers.”

    James Barnett, president of DaySpring Cards, author of Blue Skies

  • “Thank you, Ami McConnell, for your talent, teamwork, enthusiasm, prayers, and most of all patience with me.”

    —Candace Cameron Bure, actress, producer & bestselling author of Kind Is the New Classy

  • “Ami McConnell was my editor for nine novels over a six-year period. She showed a true gift at every step of the publishing process, from guidance on story ideas to the editorial structure of the finished novel. What is more, she has remained a friend throughout. She matches her wisdom of the book world with a truly caring heart. She is both excellent at her work, and uniquely gifted.”

    —Davis Bunn, international bestselling author of The Book of Hours

  • “Ami McConnell, you are such a great writer. You added so much to this book and made it better.”

    —Loretta Lynn, multiple-Grammy-award-winning singer/songwriter & author of Me & Patsy Kickin’ Up Dust

  • “It was a privilege to partner with Ami McConnell. She is a gifted editor who had the unique ability to deliver important (and sometimes hard to hear) insight about my writing while also inspiring me to strive for excellence. Her passion for this project was palpable, and her heart for the reader was evidenced in her attention to detail. Ami was an invaluable partner and I’d be honored to work with her again.”

    —Jeannie Cunnion, author of Mom Set Free

  • “Ami McConnell is one of the most gifted editors with whom I've had the pleasure to work. Like a sculptor chipping away at the marble, Ami is able to see the potential hidden in any manuscript and offer suggestions for making the final product shine. Her keen insights bring clarity and focus to any project, and her insights draw each author into a deeper understanding of their own purpose in writing. Ami understands what a book needs in order to best represent the author's intentions, and she knows what will appeal to readers. Any author who works with Ami will find themselves growing as a writer and will end up with a much better manuscript.”

    —Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent 

  • “Ami McConnell is the best. She knew how to draw the finer things out of me. She encouraged me and challenged me to go deeper. She gave me the freedom to find my own voice. She was thoughtful and contemplative about every manuscript, not looking to do a repeat of a previous work but to find the best for that story. She loves her authors. Professional and skilled, she's also a friend. Any author new or old would be blessed and better-for-it by working with her.”

    —Rachel Hauck, New York Times  bestselling author of The Wedding Dress

  • "Ami is one of the most talented writers, editors, and publishing professionals I know. You'll be in great hands with Ami, no matter what you need. Do yourself a favor and reach out to Ami. You'll be so glad you did.”

    —Mary Hollingsworth, Publisher

  • “Ami is much-loved and highly respected among authors. I have enjoyed interacting with her over the years and have valued her commitment to raising the bar of excellence in fiction."

    —Donna Kehoe, Executive Director, The Christy Award 

  • “There are times in life when our skills need a boost. When our best efforts need a champion. When the constant striving to meet a goal may find us weary; this is when we need a guide. Ami McConnell is that guide. She fearlessly clears the path in the forest of your words, sending you back on your way toward a finished manuscript. Ami demonstrates a level of professionalism that is both refreshing and reassuring. Not only is she an expert editor, Ami brings warmth and heart to her work, honoring your voice each step of the way. Thank you, Ami, for nurturing, protecting, and guiding my new book.”

    —Kelly McDaniel LPC, NCC, Psychotherapist & author of Ready to Heal; Breaking Free of Addictive Relationships and Mother Hunger; A Path for Daughters to Reclaim Lost Maternal Love

  • “Working with Ami has been a career highlight. She brings out the absolute best in my work, on both the macro and the micro level. I wish she could edit all my books!”

    —Lis Wiehl, New York Times bestselling author of Snapshot

  • "I spent 3 years crafting my life's work and was at a dead end. Almost to the point of surrendering the book and just throwing in the towel. That is where Ami McConnell stepped in. She took a skeleton of a manuscript and sculpted it into something I'm not only proud and honored to have written, but something that is helping so many people find true healing. Ami is truly a gift and incredibly talented!”

    —Carlos Whittaker, author of Reconnected: How 7 Screen-Free Weeks with Monks and Amish Farmers Helped Me Recover the Lost Art of Being Human, Moment Maker and Kill the Spider

  • "Ami’s experience, insight, and editorial direction and attention to detail are gold to novelists like me. She was an invaluable champion during the writing and release of my thrillers The Progeny and Firstborn.”

    —Tosca Lee, New York Times bestselling author of Progeny

  • "Ami McConnell is a rare talent, a savvy businesswoman with an expansive heart. She possesses as singular ability to hold a corporation's multiple (and sometimes conflicting) values at the forefront of her efforts in a way that wisely serves everyone's best interests. Whenever I lost sight of the big picture, Ami stepped in to remind me. She is a true visionary and workhorse, and I hope to work for her again someday very soon."

    Erin Healy, author of House of Mercy

  • “Working with Ami has been an enriching experience. From our first interaction, I could tell she was knowledgeable and passionate about her craft, abundantly kind and patient to deal with a new author and extremely professional. As we worked together in my project, Ami proved to have a unique skill to turn complex ideas into fascinating stories that everyone would love to read. She was very receptive of my feedback and made sure that I was absolutely satisfied with the output of her work before calling it final. Ami defines the high standard for editorial services without any doubt, and I am beyond grateful that she agreed to work with me.”

    —Gonzalo Cordova, productivity strategist & author Individual Development Plan 2.0

  • “Ami McConnell is a magician. She took my content and “Charlie Brown Christmas Tree-ed” it so it was still in my voice but so much easier to read. I highly recommend working with Ami!”

    —Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., bestselling author of Get Out of the Red Zone: Transform Your Stress and Optimize True Success

  • “I never imagined that I would gain a new friend while working with Ami on my book. Her gift of writing and story telling is a direct result of her incredible ability to listen and ask the right questions. I’m so grateful for our new friendship and couldn’t imagine doing my project without her.”

    —Kirsten Watson, author of Sis, Take a Breath and podcast host of Why or Why Not with the Watsons

  • "My experience working with Ami on Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café and The Christmas Candle has been nothing short of wonderful. She is skillful, encouraging and creative. I have nothing but a positive endorsement for her work."

    Max Lucado, New York Times bestselling author of Traveling Light

  • “Ami is far more than a book editor. She a book whisperer. When my agent introduced us, I was at a standstill; completely stuck; deadline looming; dread in my core. My beloved book was somehow slipping through my fingers and I couldn’t figure out how to stop it. Ami didn’t hesitate to jump into the mess. She found the beautiful parts, gently guided me back to my path, helped me reframe the narrative, and I finished my book. In the process, Ami became a dear friend. My only regret is not bringing Ami into the process earlier. I could not recommend her more highly.”

    —Melissa d’Arabian, Food Network Star & New York Times bestselling author of Tasting Grace

  • "Ami is amazing to work with. She is flexible with her time and really values the author's voice. She dives right into the subject and emotions of the book. I am very thankful for her!"

    —Rachel Cruze, #1 New York Times bestselling author & host of The Rachel Cruze Show

  • “Ami McConnell is simply one of the best book professionals working today! She’s an intuitive and skilled editor, always honest and always constructive. She’s a talented writer and resourceful strategist. And she’s a thoughtful and compassionate advocate for readers everywhere. My book is so much better because of Ami’s editorial expertise, encouragement, and insight. I can’t wait to work with her on my next project!”

    —Dudley Delffs, author of The Faith of Dolly Parton

  • "Before working with Ami, I had no idea a fiction editor could transform a book while still staying so true to my voice. She has an incredible instinct for finding the places pixie dust could be added. She helped me see my scenes and characters in a brand new way that brought them to life and made the story pop off the page. This book simply would not be what it is today without Ami's guidance, skill, and encouragement that helped me realize my vision for the story. She's a brilliant delight of an editor."

    —Conor Grennan, author of The Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted

  • “One of the reasons I went into the sciences in college was to avoid having to write papers. Fast-forward 30 years. My experiences as a physician tugged at me to write a book & share my knowledge. Where would I start, I thought? I wrote my book 3 times & threw all 3 out. I did not like them. I was missing something. The 4th time I was armed with direction & Ami McConnell’s ability to bring my ideas and thoughts to life on paper. My dream of my first book was realized, and I could not be more grateful I had Ami in my corner helping this science minded non-professional writer realize the dream. And, I must admit, it’s a really good book thanks to Ami’s expertise. What a gift.”

    —Dr. Kevin Hoffarth, MD, IFMCP, Functional Medicine: The New Standard

  • “I had the privilege of working with Ami McConnell on five of my novels. Her expertise in editing, as well as character and story development, allowed each book to go to another level. But beyond her gifting as an editor are a thoughtfulness and excellence with which she approaches each project and each individual author. She saw me. Not just my story but me, the author, impacting even my personal growth as well. She is a joy to work with and a craftsman in the gift of story.”

    — Denise Hildreth Jones, bestselling authorSavannah from Savannah

  • "It has been a privilege to work with Ami. It’s like iron sharpening iron. Ami is a talented editor."

    —William Paul Young, New York Times bestselling author The Shack

  • "It was such a joy working with Ami. She's not like any editor I've ever worked with. She reads the book as an advocate for other readers. She showed me how to shift my work from an academic appeal to my peers to, instead, transform the hearts of everyday people. I couldn't have done it without her."

    —Bobby Schuller, host of The Hour of Power & author of You Are Beloved

  • "Ami is a joy to work with, professionally and personally. She is a true wordsmith who knows how to spin a tale and capture the heart of a person’s story."

    —Stephanie Rische, senior editor of nonfiction books, Tyndale House Publishers

  • “Ami served as my primary editor on numerous novels, and I’m convinced there is no one in the business more skilled than she. Ami is adept at helping authors make their stories more compelling, their characters more complex, and their plots more layered. She can pinpoint areas of weakness and provide suggested solutions. Not only is she incredibly insightful, but she is generous in affirming an author’s areas of strength and an absolute delight to work with.”

    —enise Hunter, bestselling author of Barefoot Summer

  • "I’ve worked with five fiction editors during my career, but Ami has to be my favorite. Her ideas and suggestions were always spot on. She made each book the best it could be. And what was particularly amazing about Ami is that she was always timely. If she said something would be done by a certain time, it would be."

    —April Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Face of Betrayal

  • “Ami not only has a great eye for stellar content, but brings infectious enthusiasm to the process. It’s a treat getting to work with her on my authors’ projects.”

    —Christopher Ferebee, Agent, Ferebee Literary 

Book publishing is a multi-billion dollar,

global entertainment industry.

Book publishing is changing rapidly.

And we like it that way.

There will always be skeptics and naysayers. When scribes wrote down oral histories, ancient Greeks worried human memorization abilities would decline. With the invention of the first press, scholars claimed book values would plummet. When the Kindle hit the consumer market in 2007, many feared soulless digital versions would displace print books. With each technological adjustment, storytellers adapt. And the market does too.

At AMLA, we’re publishing experts navigating the business of books with excellence and empathy. We help authors elevate their craft and careers. We’re good at it—and we love what we do.