Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency (JVNLA) has acquired cookbook-focused literary agency the Ekus Group, which will operate as a boutique culinary division. Owner Sally Ekus will head up representation of cookbook and lifestyle titles as senior literary agent, assisted by literary associate Ty Billman, and will open her client list to nonfiction writers outside the culinary space.
The acquisition includes the entire Ekus Group backlist. Ekus clients include such cookbook authors as Elizabeth Andoh, Frankie Gaw, Sandra Gutierrez, Meathead, and Toni Tipton-Martin. Ekus will continue offering consulting services, author trainings, and such educational programs as her How to Write a Cookbook course.
“I have long admired the Ekus Group’s expertise in cookbook representation and Sally’s passion for untold culinary stories,” Jennifer Weltz, partner and president at JVNLA. “Welcoming Sally to our agency means JVNLA is at the forefront of one of the fastest growing niches in publishing, food and lifestyle, an area we are excited to expand.”
The Ekus Group was founded as a culinary book PR firm in April 1982 by Lisa Ekus, and transitioned into full-service agenting in 2000. Lisa Ekus got her start in publishing working for JVNLA founder Jean Naggar, who established her eponymous shingle in 1978. In spring 2022, Sally Ekus took the reins of the group from her mother.
“In many ways, this agency alignment is like coming home,” Sally Ekus said in a statement, “which for someone who has worked in a family business for 15 years is saying a lot.”
This article has been updated with further information.
