Maria Ribas is a Stonesong Literary Agency agent who works exclusively in nonfiction, with particular depth in cookbooks, lifestyle, and practical self-help—and a growing appetite for narrative-driven business, psychology, and women's empowerment titles.
In brief
Maria Ribas represents nonfiction only—no fiction of any kind, ever. Writers with even a hint of fiction should look elsewhere.
The core of the list is practical and lifestyle-oriented: cookbooks, DIY/maker projects, home design, pets, humor, and health. If a book solves a real problem in an approachable way, that's the sweet spot.
A distinct secondary lane exists for narrative nonfiction in business, psychology, women's issues, and inspiration—strong voice and platform are the entry ticket here.
Ribas has expressed a strong personal pull toward Southern food and culture, and toward books that empower women—projects hitting either note have an insider advantage.
Query status is unverified; writers should confirm the current submission window directly on the Stonesong website before sending anything.
Lately
Ribas has publicly stated a personal enthusiasm for Southern food, drink, and culture, noting that they split time between Virginia and New York City — this regional affinity makes Southern-rooted food and lifestyle projects a particularly warm pitch.
What Maria is looking for
Cookbooks sit at the center of Ribas's list. There is a notable pull toward Southern food and drink specifically — Ribas has flagged this as a personal passion. Strong author platform and a fresh angle (a regional tradition, a specific technique, a cultural story) are key differentiators.
Ribas has explicitly called out wanting more books rooted in the maker movement — titles that teach readers how to bootstrap their way to any goal, whether that's a craft skill, a home project, or an entrepreneurial endeavor. The DIY ethos and practical, step-by-step delivery are the draws.
Wellness titles are welcome when they offer a genuinely new solution or reframe an existing problem in a practical, accessible way. Generic diet books without a fresh perspective are unlikely to stand out.
Home and lifestyle titles fit naturally within Ribas's broader practical nonfiction lane. Projects that blend a distinctive aesthetic sensibility with actionable guidance are the best fit.
Ribas is open to self-help with a strong, distinctive voice — humor is a welcome flavor. Books that are both useful and enjoyable to read, rather than purely prescriptive, align with the overall approachability Ribas prizes.
Pet books are part of the lifestyle portfolio. Practical guides, personality-driven narratives, and category-defining titles all have a place here.
Ribas works with narrative nonfiction in a defined set of categories: business, women's issues, inspirational writing, and psychology. The emphasis is on authors who inspire and empower — particularly women writing for women — combined with a unique voice and a credible platform. This is a secondary lane to the practical/lifestyle core, but a real one.
Not the right fit
On Maria's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Maria
Include the word 'query' in the subject line of your email — this is explicitly required and helps ensure the message clears spam filters.
Paste the first chapter or first ten pages of your work directly into the body of the email. Do NOT send attachments; they will not be read.
Lead your query with your platform — Ribas explicitly calls out 'unique voices and strong platforms' as attention-getters. Quantify your audience and credibility upfront.
Frame your book around the fresh perspective or new solution it offers. Generic category books without a distinctive angle are a hard sell; lead with what makes yours different.
If your book touches Southern food, culture, or drink — or speaks directly to women's empowerment — name that clearly and early. These are personal enthusiasms for Ribas, not just categories.
For DIY or maker projects, emphasize the practical, step-by-step empowerment angle. Ribas is drawn to books that help readers bootstrap their way to a goal.
Confirm the current query status and any updated submission guidelines on the Stonesong agency website before sending — status was unverified at time of this profile.