Sobi-Dee Burbano is an actively list-building Associate Literary Agent at Jackson Literary Agency who hunts for emotionally propulsive fiction—romance, fantasy, thrillers, and multigenerational stories—across adult, young adult, and middle grade.
In brief
Burbano is early in her agenting career and explicitly building her list, which means she is likely more open to debut writers and takes more risks than a senior agent with a full roster.
Her personal reading life is anchored in romance across all its flavors—including fantasy and paranormal romance—so that genre sits at the very core of her taste, even when she talks broadly about thrillers or sci-fi.
She came up through five years as a personal assistant and beta reader before interning at LCS Literary Services, then being promoted—meaning she has hands-on editorial instincts, not just deal-making experience.
No confirmed sales record is publicly available, so this is a developmental bet: ideal for writers who want close collaboration at the ground floor of an agent's career.
Her wishlist skews toward hook-driven, emotionally intense fiction; academic literary experimentation and quiet character studies are unlikely fits.
Lately
In a May 2025 social introduction post, Burbano confirmed she is actively seeking submissions as an Associate Literary Agent, presenting her wishlist publicly to the writing community and signaling she is in active list-building mode.
What Sobi is looking for
Romance is Burbano's deepest personal passion — she reads it constantly across all subgenres, with a noted affinity for fantasy and paranormal romance. Bold, emotionally charged love stories with real heat and stakes are her sweet spot. Expect a warm reception for anything with a page-turning romance at its center.
She wants fantasy that transports — worlds that feel genuinely different, not thinly disguised contemporary settings. Paranormal and fantasy romance hybrids are an especially strong fit given her reading preferences. The emphasis is on immersive escapism rather than hard-system worldbuilding.
Her love of true crime documentaries and puzzle-solving maps directly onto twisty, suspenseful fiction. She gravitates toward psychological and domestic thrillers with sharp hooks, unreliable situations, and reveals that reframe everything. Books that keep her guessing to the final page are the target.
She specifically calls out multigenerational narratives as something she actively wants — stories that trace a family or community across time, with emotional depth and rich character dynamics. BIPOC-centered family sagas would be a natural match given her broader interests.
Sci-fi that prioritizes emotional immersion and escapism over hard-science extrapolation is most likely to land. She wants to be taken 'out of this world into another,' so the emphasis should be on wonder and character rather than technical rigor.
Explicitly listed as a category she represents, and consistent with the agency's broader mission. Stories centering BIPOC characters and experiences across any genre are welcomed — this is less a standalone category and more an identity lens she actively applies across her list.
She is open to middle grade alongside YA and adult, though no specific MG preferences have been elaborated. Writers should ensure their MG submission still leads with a strong hook, bold characters, and emotional propulsion — the same standards she applies at every age level.
Contemporary and women's fiction sit within her stated scope, especially when they carry emotional weight, relatable relationships, or a mystery thread. Pure quiet literary fiction without commercial momentum is less likely to excite her.
Crime and mystery fiction are on her list, informed by her personal love of true crime. She is drawn to the puzzle and reveal structure, so plots with satisfying architecture and genuine tension will resonate more than cozy or low-stakes mysteries.
Not the right fit
Taste fingerprint
How to query Sobi
Send your query and the first ten pages of your manuscript to her query email address; the agency asks writers to allow up to 45 days for a response before following up.
Lead with your hook — Burbano is explicit that a book must grab her from page one. Your query letter's opening line should do the same work your first chapter does.
Mention the genre and age category clearly up front (adult, YA, or MG); she covers all three and distinguishing them matters.
If your book is a romance-genre hybrid (e.g., fantasy romance, paranormal romance), call that out explicitly — it is squarely her personal reading passion and likely to get a warmer read.
True crime fans write great psychological thrillers — if your thriller has a puzzle-box structure or a reveal that reframes earlier events, lean into that in your pitch.
BIPOC-centered stories are explicitly welcome; if yours centers a BIPOC character or community, naming that is not only appropriate but likely advantageous.
She is a new agent actively building her list, so a debut writer with a strong manuscript has a genuine shot — do not self-select out because you lack prior publication credits.
Do not query her email listed on the agency page as 'not for queries' — use the submissions address provided in the wishlist guidelines.