Bio: Julian Vance
Senior Literary Agent & Founding Partner | Redwood International Literary
Julian Vance is a prominent figure in the publishing world, uniquely positioned as a “bridge agent” between the editorial legacy of Manhattan and the narrative innovation of California. While the industry often demands specialization, Julian has built his reputation on the belief that a powerful story doesn’t belong to a single shelf. His “omnivore” approach to agenting allows him to spot trends before they go mainstream—seeing how a true-crime podcast in LA can become a prestige narrative non-fiction title in NY, or how a quiet literary novel can be packaged for a global streaming adaptation.
The Dual-Coast Strategy
Julian maintains a “rolling office” philosophy. His New York team, based in the Flatiron District, focuses on the nuts and bolts of traditional publishing: deep editorial development, rigorous contract negotiation, and long-standing relationships with the “Big Five” publishers.
Simultaneously, his California presence in Santa Monica serves as a creative lab. Here, he works closely with film scouts, showrunners, and digital creators to ensure his authors’ intellectual property (IP) is leveraged across every possible medium. This bi-coastal infrastructure allows him to:
- Pitch to Editors by Day: Leveraging NYC time for traditional book deals.
- Meet with Producers by Night: Utilizing the West Coast’s proximity to the film and television industry.
A Portfolio Without Borders
Julian’s “all-genre” interest is more than a preference; it is a business model. By representing a diverse roster, he protects his clients from market volatility. His current “Wish List” (MSWL) is a testament to this range:
- The “Unputdownable” Commercial: High-stakes thrillers with a distinct “California Noir” edge.
- The “Heart-Wrenching” Literary: Multi-generational sagas that explore the immigrant experience in America’s urban centers.
- The “Prescriptive” Non-Fiction: Science-backed wellness from West Coast experts or investigative journalism from the heart of the East Coast.
- The “Speculative” Edge: Fantasy and Sci-Fi that pushes the boundaries of world-building.