About Us

The JLA Mission

At The Jackson Literary Agency, we represent books that evoke heartfelt emotions and fervent conversations among our readers. Our mission is to mentor and develop authors, particularly those from underrepresented communities, and help them build a brand of quality and authentic reads.

Michelle Z. Jackson

Founder + Agent

The Jackson Literary Agency was founded by Michelle Z Jackson in July 2025.

Twenty-five years ago, Michelle began her literary journey when she wrote and self-published her first book. In 2014, she became a traditionally published author with Urban Christian, a division of Penguin Random House. Michelle  then went on to write for Brown Girls Publishing before self-publishing and co-authoring more romances. Driven by a desire for excellence, Michelle honed her writing craft, learning from some of the best in the business before securing contracts with Harlequin's Mira, Special Edition and Love Inspired imprints. Prolific, Michelle has penned over 30+ romance and/or women’s fiction novels.
 
A lifetime educator, Michelle enjoys cultivating and helping other authors achieve their literary goals. In 2021, Michelle decided to pursue a career as a literary agent. To accomplish this, she participated in Carly Watters’ Literary Agenting course, landed a yearlong internship with Olswanger Literary before acquiring her own clients as a Literary Associate. Michelle then transitioned to LCS Literary Services as a Literary Agent.

While growing her client list, Michelle interned with AALA Literary Agents of Change for two years, where she mentored under two agency owners for well-established literary agencies, as she secured deals and made connections with major publishing and indie imprints. Due to her strong work ethic, Michelle was promoted to Senior Literary Agent at LCS Literary Services before opening her literary agency. She is an active member of AALA.

Authors who work with Michelle can expect professionalism, a collaborative relationship, as well as open and honest communication during their journey to publication.
 
Skills
Developmental Editing
Line Editing 
Content Editing
Copyediting 
Crafting Proposals 
Drafting Synopsis 
Submission Preparation
​Contract Negotiations
​Project Management
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​​Email: [email protected] (not for queries)
Publisher's Market Place Page for Michelle

Sobi-Dee Burbano

Associate Literary Agent

Sobi-Dee Burbano earned her Associate’s Degree in Arts, but her true passion has always been reading. She discovered a love for books as a child and that has carried on through adulthood. When she is not caring for her young children, as a mother of two, the kindle is her best friend. She loves reading romance of all genres including fantasy and paranormal. 

Sobi began her literary career as Michelle’s personal assistant and beta reader. After five years, she then interned at LCS Literary Services before being promoted to an assistant literary agent. As she develop her career in agenting. Sobi is excited to work with aspiring authors and is now actively building her list. Sobi is a proud member of AALA.
 
Skills
Content Editing
Proofreading
Crafting Proposals 
Drafting Pitch Letters
Submission Preparation
Social Media Management

​​Email: [email protected] (not for queries)
Publisher's Market Place Page for Sobi

Catherine Ross​

Contracts Consultant

Catherine Ross is a trial attorney based in Washington, D.C., with focus in civil litigation and contracts. A former literary agent, she hopes to combine her knowledge of the publishing industry and her passion for books to provide legal guidance to authors, such as contract consulting and negotiation.​

Aniya Mercadel​

Literary Intern

Aniya is a New Orleans native, a full-time pharmacy analyst, and a passionate advocate for Black literature. She has a particular love for Black Romance and Black Historical Fiction. Aniya is the creator and moderator of Vintage & Black Book Club, a community that highlights Black historical fiction while uplifting and celebrating Black authors across all genres through engaging discussions and panels. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and also runs the Bookstagram page @thewellreadpharmacist, where she shares book recommendations and educational content centered on literature and prescription medications.

Daniela White​

Literary Intern

Daniela White is a fourth-year student at Penn State studying English and Digital & Print Journalism, as well as attaining a Master's degree in Creative Writing. Through her passion for reading and writing, she hopes to gain more experience in the publishing and literary fields with her role as an intern.