Round House Literary Agency — New York

Your ideas
deserve to reach
the world.

We help scientists, researchers and thinkers turn transformative ideas into books that reach mainstream audiences.

Join our next retreat About us
How we work
A true thinking partner from first idea to published book
Unique approach
Neuroscience of human change and of producing great writing
Our focus
Business, science, wellbeing, social impact and ideas that change the world
Our partners
From debut voices to established authors ready to go bigger
About the agency

Turning transformative ideas into books that change minds.

The most important ideas often stay trapped inside academic papers, conference talks, and the minds of experts.

We exist to bring them to a wider audience.

We represent scientists, researchers, and thought leaders whose books can shift how people think, lead, heal, and understand the world. Our neuroscience-informed approach shapes every stage, from framing a thesis to structuring a chapter, so ideas do not just inform. They stick.

We are as much a creative and intellectual partner as we are a literary agency.

Our team

The team.

Dr. David Rock
Dr. David Rock
Founder & Principal Agent

One of the world's leading experts on the human brain, Dr. David Rock coined the term "NeuroLeadership" and co-founded the NeuroLeadership Institute, which advises two thirds of the Fortune 100.

Author of five books, including Your Brain at Work and the forthcoming Good with Humans (November 2026), he brings a brain-based approach to thesis, structure, and voice, and helps authors find the right publisher.

Books by Dr. Rock, as author
Good with Humans Harper Edge, 2026
Your Brain at Work Harper Business, 2009
Quiet Leadership Harper Collins, 2006
Coaching with the Brain in Mind Wiley & Sons, 2009
Dr. Clélia Compas
Dr. Clélia Compas
Operational Director

A humanitarian leader and researcher with a PhD in Social Anthropology, Dr. Clélia Compas has spent her career on the world's most pressing social issues, with research and writing that reach international audiences, including the United Nations.

French-born and internationally minded, she is drawn to books at the intersection of human rights, identity, and society.

What we represent

Books built for impact.

Business & leadership
Health, wellbeing & psychology
Memoir & narrative non-fiction
Spirituality & inner life
Social & humanitarian non-fiction
Science & ideas
Educational & academic crossover
Impact fiction
Personal development & transformation
What we offer

Full-service representation, from manuscript to market.

We partner with each author across five stages. Every stage is shaped by how ideas take hold and how books get read.

01

Sharpen the idea

We pressure-test and clarify your central argument before you write a chapter. A strong thesis is what makes a book sell and a reader remember.

02

Shape structure and voice

We build the architecture, framing, and narrative voice that carry your ideas to the widest audience without losing their rigour.

03

Write with the brain in mind

We apply neuroscience research on focus, habit, and cognitive load to help you do the deep work and finish. Your ideas get structured the way readers actually absorb them.

04

Place with the right publisher

We match your book to the editors who will champion it, then negotiate the deal that serves you best.

05

Manage every right

We handle print, audio, film, and foreign territories so you can stay focused on the writing.

We also host seasonal writing retreats in New Paltz, led by David Rock and Douglas Rushkoff. Focused time in nature to move your book forward alongside other writers.

Submissions

Closed to queries.

We are not taking any queries at this time

Our list is currently full and we are not accepting new submissions. In the meantime, the best way to work with us is to join one of our writing retreats in New Paltz.

Join our next retreat
FAQ

Common questions.

Do you charge reading fees?
Never. Any agency that charges to read your work is not legitimate.
Do you accept simultaneous submissions?
Yes. Please inform us promptly if you receive an offer elsewhere.
What commission do you charge?
10% for domestic US representation. 20% on foreign and film/TV rights.
Do you work with debut authors?
Absolutely. We have a particular passion for debut voices with transformative ideas.
Can I resubmit after a pass?
Yes, if you have substantially revised the work. Please mention the earlier submission.
Do you represent screenplays?
No. We handle film and TV rights for existing client books only.
Contact

Get in touch.

General enquiries

info@rhliterary.com

Location

New York City, United States

We represent authors worldwide from our office in New York City.


Submissions are accepted through our online form only. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts by post.