About the Agency

Books, their writers, and their agents tell the story of Sanford. J. Greenburger Associates. Its prestigious reputation, built representing such icons as Kafka and Sartre, provides the foundation for the dynamic and independent spirit of the agency today. With over two dozen New York Times bestsellers in two decades, SJGA provides representation to contemporary authors including Nelson DeMille and Dan Brown.

SJGA was founded in 1932 by Sanford J. Greenburger, who specialized in representing European writers and publishers in the U.S., as well as internationally. He pioneered the editorial scouting business, advising European publishers which American writers to translate and publish.

The current era for SJGA began with the vision of Francis Greenburger, Sanford's son, when he assumed management of the agency after his father's death in 1971. The agency was converted into an agents' collaborative, which included SJGA agents and affiliated agents such as The Nicholas Ellison Agency, and the late Diane Cleaver.

Large enough to be a full service agency, including international rights, but small enough to manage and service clients personally, SJGA works closely with authors to edit and fine-tune proposals, refine concepts and ensure that the best work reaches editors. The agents freely share information and expertise, creating a collaborative partnership unique to the industry. The combined result is reflected in the numerous successes of the agency's authors.