FOUNDING AGENT + ROYALTY MANAGER

Twenty-five years ago, Sandra Bond planted her publishing-industry flag in Denver and founded Bond Literary Agency, proving that you absolutely can turn a microbiology degree from the University of Colorado into a thriving literary career.

Since then, Sandra has built a carefully curated roster of both debut and established authors across adult commercial and literary fiction, mystery/thriller/crime fiction, and YA. On the nonfiction side, she champions narrative works, accessible science writing, business books, and history. Her clients' books have traveled the world through multiple translations and are making the jump to screen with film options.

Now she's thrilled to continue championing her brilliant, award-winning authors in this exciting new chapter.

FOUNDING AGENT + CONTRACTS MANAGER

​An internship at a boutique literary agency sparked everything for this starry-eyed book lover. In 2010, Elizabeth Copps drained her savings, left Florida, and moved to New York City to break into publishing.  After a decade with Maria Carvainis Agency, she founded Copps Literary Services in 2021 in her current hometown of Englewood, CO. She brings 16 years of publishing experience and an award-winning client list to this new adventure.

Elizabeth's philosophy is simple: build relationships across the industry that are equitable, transparent, and built to last.

She represents thought-provoking ​upmarket and commercial fiction ​f​or adult, YA, and middle grade​ audiences and is particularly drawn to stories with lush prose, complex characters, and creative genre blends. She gravitates toward boundary-pushing horror + speculative fiction and is interested in the exploration of psychological terror, gothic atmospheres, macabre humor, or horror reflecting our socio-political anxieties. She has a particular soft spot for dark mythology and folklore retellings and unexpected love stories.

FOUNDING AGENT + SUBRIGHTS LIASON

Becky LeJeune's origin story begins at the Denver Publishing Institute in 2007, where she connected with Sandra.

After DPI, Becky spent two years as managing editor for a cookbook imprint, followed by five years as an acquisitions editor at The History Press. In 2014, she came full circle and joined Sandra at Bond Literary Agency, proving that sometimes the best career moves are the ones that bring you home.

Becky represents adult and teen fiction across a deliciously wide range: general fiction, horror, mystery/thriller, historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy. And yes, she still has a special place in her heart (and on her shelf) for cookbooks—because a good agent knows that great stories feed the soul, but great recipes feed everything else.

AGENT

Nicole Payne's path to becoming a literary agent began as many great stories do—with a book-loving nerd living out her childhood dream. After working her way up from reader to intern, she officially became an agent in the summer of 2016. In 2023, Nicole joined forces with Elizabeth Copps at Copps Literary Services, and is now happily embarking on a new journey with Confluence Literary Agency.

Nicole is drawn to stories with unforgettable voice, compelling plot, exquisite prose, and that ineffable quality that makes them impossible to put down. She represents young adult and adult fiction across romance, women's fiction, literary fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, and speculative fiction. She's particularly eager to champion diverse voices and stories that reflect our rich, varied world.

On the nonfiction side, Nicole is expanding her list with a focus on science-based works—especially biology, forensics, and medicine—as well as travel narratives and cookbooks that transport and inspire.

Nicole is not currently seeking early readers, middle grade, political novels, or erotica.

AGENT

Rose Conway joins Confluence Literary Agency as an expansion of her dedicated work to inform and empower authors in the dynamic industry landscape.

Her publishing career began with a fortuitous internship at Simon & Schuster U.K. There, she first learned about the role of a "Literary Agent” and directed her career to being the ultimate cheerleader, critic, confidante, and champion for creative writers. In 2021, she diverted to explore hybrid publishing as the editorial manager for a leading professional publisher, ensuring that creative writers could earn a living and have the flexibility to pursue their own projects. Two years later, witnessing authors navigate mounting obstacles in the publishing landscape with increasingly contradictory and inconsistent advice, Rose founded Foreword Literary Consulting, LLC as a trusted resource for strategic guidance.

As an Agent with Confluence Literary Agency, Rose channels her consulting expertise into author representation. Her list focuses on stylistically subversive and thematically layered fiction: work that leads with artistry and allows deeper themes to emerge naturally. She seeks upmarket and smart commercial fiction with inventive structures, emotional depth, and distinctive voices. Think braided narratives, unexpected POVs, and prose that takes creative risks. In building her list, Rose is interested in career-oriented writers and her goal is to help authors lay the foundation for sustainable career growth. Rose holds a Masters in Publishing from London College of Communication and a double Bachelor of Arts in English and Communication Studies from Villanova University. She lives in Columbia, Maryland with her husband.

INTERN

Samantha Smith has always loved reading and stories, making storyboards on her walls and organizing book clubs with her friends from an early age. After teaching abroad, her love of reading was reinvigorated, inspiring her to pursue the publishing industry. She loves engaging in discussions about compelling narratives.  

A big fan of speculative fiction, Samantha especially loves fantasy and sci-fi, but has a special place in her heart for romance. She is drawn to stories with fresh perspectives and emotional depth. Recently, she has started to broaden her horizons to include more literary fiction.