Agent Spotlight: Bill Contardi

This week's Agent Spotlight features Bill Contardi of Brandt and Hochman Literary Agents, Inc. 
About: "Bill Contardi has expanded upon a long career as an editor and dramatic rights agent to include literary representation. His areas of interest are voice-driven young adult and middle grade fiction, commercial thrillers and general fiction, psychological suspense, spirituality and memoir. " (Link)
Status: Open to submissions.
What He's Looking For:

FICTION: literary fiction, commercial fiction, thrillers, middle grade, young adult

NONFICTION: Religion, spirituality, multi-cultural, memoir

From AgentQuery:
"I am looking for a fresh, smart voice, in control of the story which has some resonance to today. A story that hits the ground running with drama and fully developed characters and takes me to a new place. Writers, including multi-cultural, with a point of view, something to say which will appeal to an audience that enjoys wit and intelligence." (Link)
What He's Not Looking For:
Comix, Graphic novels, Erotica, Poetry, Puzzles, Games, Romance, Business, Investment, Cooking, Food, Wine, Crafts, Hobbies, DIY, Health, Diet, Home, Garden, Mind, Body, Spirit, Music, Musicals, Parenting, Family, Politics, Current affairs, Professional, Reference, Relationships, Family, Science, Technology, Early readers
Editorial Agent?
Yes, he requests revisions and editorial changes as needed.
Web Presence:
Brandt and Hochman Literary Agents, Inc. Website
AAR member.
AgentQuery, QueryTracker
Clients:
Gregory Funaro, Robert Beatty, Alyson Noel, Helena Ku Rhee, Cindy Pon, Sorayya Khan, Mary Jane Nealon among others.
Sales:
As of 3/2011, Mr. Contardi is listed on Publisher's Marketplace as having made 3 deals in the last 12 months, 3 six-figure+ deals, and 31 overall.  Recent deals include 1 memoir, 2 young adult.
NOTE: PM is rarely a complete representation of sales. From Mr. Contardi: One picture book to Random. In PW. By Ru Khee. The Paper Kingdom in Fall 2017.
Query Methods:
E-mail: Yes (preferred).
Snail-Mail: No.
Submission Guidelines (always verify):
E-mail:  Query only.
Snail-mail:  No.
Query tips: 
“Yes, I am always looking for writers. I prefer an email with a plot synopsis and an author bio. Some writing experience is always helpful -- that shows dedication to honing one's craft. I am looking for really good writing, with freshness and point view and relevance.” (Link)
Response Times:
Mr. Contardi generally responds within minutes to a few days, occasionally taking longer.  His response time on requested material seems to fall within days to a couple weeks.  Despite his quick turnaround, don’t be too hasty to followup if you don’t hear back right away.  Agent response times fluctuate.
What's the Buzz?
In the business of books and dramatic rights for over 40 years.
Worth Your Time:
Interviews:
Agent Perspectives: Bill Contardi at Class of 2k10 (06/2010).
Contact:
Please see the Brandt and Hochman Literary Agents, Inc. website for contact information.
Profile Details:
Last updated: 1/10/18
Agent Contacted For Review? Yes
Last Reviewed by Agent: 1/22/18
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Have any experience with this agent? See something that needs updating? Please leave a comment or e-mail me at natalieiaguirre7(at)gmail(dot)com

Note: These agent profiles presently focus on agents who accept children's fiction. They are not interviews. Please take the time to verify anything you might use here before querying an agent. The information found herein is subject to change.