Christina Hogrebe
- Dec 28, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 11
Christina Hogrebe is a literary agent at the Jane Rotrosen Agency in New York City, where she has worked for over twenty years. She represents a wide range of commercial fiction, including women’s fiction, domestic suspense, romantic comedy, and historical fiction. Known for her strategic approach to author career development, Hogrebe focuses on cultivating lasting relationships and helping clients expand their readership across traditional and digital publishing markets.
Christina Hogrebe: Two Decades of Building Careers in Women’s and Commercial Fiction at Jane Rotrosen Agency
Christina Hogrebe has spent over two decades at the renowned Jane Rotrosen Agency (JRA), where she has built an impressive career as a literary agent. Starting as an assistant in 2003, Christina quickly demonstrated her talent for nurturing authors’ careers, earning a reputation as a tireless advocate for writers at every stage of their journey. Her keen editorial insight, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to her clients have solidified her place as a trusted and respected figure in the publishing world.
Over the years, Christina has worked with an array of authors, from debut novelists taking their first steps into the literary world to seasoned bestsellers whose works consistently captivate readers. Her ability to identify unique voices and cultivate lasting relationships has been instrumental in her clients' successes, both creatively and commercially. She is known for her hands-on approach, offering guidance in everything from manuscript development to career strategy, and for championing projects that resonate deeply with audiences.
At JRA, Christina has been a driving force behind many bestselling titles, navigating the evolving publishing landscape with a forward-thinking mindset. Her expertise spans a variety of genres, and she is especially passionate about books that challenge conventions and tell stories that matter. Whether negotiating complex contracts, strategizing marketing plans, or offering unwavering support, Christina’s dedication to her authors underscores her belief in the transformative power of storytelling.
Educational Foundation and Focus
A graduate of Franklin & Marshall College and the Denver Publishing Institute, Christina brings a strong educational foundation to her work. She has a particular passion for representing female voices and specializes in general fiction, women’s fiction, and suspense. Christina's areas of focus include:
Domestic suspense
Mystery
Romantic comedy
Historical fiction
Works with British themes
Christina’s ability to identify market trends and her strategic, data-driven approach to career development set her apart. She crafts visionary strategies tailored to each author’s unique voice, ensuring they reach their full potential in a competitive marketplace.
Notable Clients and Success Stories
Christina has guided a diverse range of authors to prominence, representing some of the most celebrated voices in contemporary fiction. Notable authors she has worked with include:
Freida McFadden is a bestselling author renowned for her gripping psychological thrillers and medical humor novels, captivating millions of readers worldwide. Her works, including the acclaimed The Housemaid series, have achieved widespread success, earning spots on bestseller lists such as The New York Times, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal. A practicing physician specializing in brain injury, Freida masterfully weaves her medical expertise into her storytelling, adding authenticity and depth to her narratives. Her literary achievements are further amplified by her collaborations with major publishing houses and her loyal fan base, solidifying her as a powerhouse in the thriller genre.
Kristin Harmel is a bestselling author celebrated for her poignant and evocative historical fiction novels, which have captivated readers around the globe. Her works, including The Book of Lost Names, The Forest of Vanishing Stars, and The Paris Daughter, have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times and USA Today. Known for her meticulous research and richly drawn characters, Kristin’s stories often explore themes of resilience, love, and the impact of history on personal lives. She is also a co-founder and co-host of the popular Friends & Fiction web show and podcast, which has become a beloved community for book lovers and authors alike. Her literary accomplishments, partnerships with major publishers, and enduring connection with readers solidify her reputation as a leading voice in historical fiction.
Robyn Carr is a bestselling author celebrated for her heartwarming and emotionally rich novels that have resonated with millions of readers worldwide. Best known for her Virgin River series, which inspired the hit Netflix adaptation, Robyn has penned over 50 novels spanning romance, women’s fiction, and contemporary fiction. Her works have consistently topped The New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists, cementing her as a beloved figure in the literary world. With her signature blend of relatable characters, compelling storytelling, and small-town charm, Robyn has forged lasting connections with her readers. Her partnerships with major publishers and the global success of her stories continue to define her legacy as one of contemporary fiction’s most cherished authors.
Sarah Morgan
Sarah Morgan is a bestselling author renowned for her uplifting and emotionally engaging contemporary romances and women’s fiction. With over 90 novels to her name, her works have been translated into multiple languages, earning her a global fan base. Sarah’s books, including The Christmas Sisters and A Wedding in December, have consistently appeared on The New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists and have been recognized with prestigious awards such as the RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America. Known for her vivid storytelling, charming characters, and heartfelt themes of love, friendship, and family, Sarah’s novels have become a go-to for readers seeking joy and escapism. Her strong partnerships with leading publishers and her enduring popularity with readers solidify her status as a powerhouse in contemporary fiction.
Christina’s hands-on approach extends beyond manuscript development, as she collaborates with her clients to navigate publishing’s evolving landscape, secure impactful deals, and identify opportunities in new markets.
Strategic and Visionary Leadership
Christina Hogrebe’s approach to literary representation is defined by her ability to understand her clients’ unique needs and ambitions, combined with a keen awareness of the shifting dynamics in the publishing industry. She excels at crafting tailored strategies for each author, ensuring their work is positioned to resonate with readers and stand out in a competitive market.
Her leadership shines in her use of data-driven decision-making. For instance, Christina often employs market analytics to identify emerging trends and reader preferences, enabling her to position her clients’ books for maximum impact. This approach has been particularly effective for authors like Freida McFadden, whose psychological thrillers consistently top bestseller lists. By leveraging market insights, Christina helped McFadden transition from a self-published author to a mainstream success, securing partnerships with Poisoned Pen Press for print distribution while maintaining McFadden’s control over digital rights.
Christina’s ability to navigate complex negotiations has also been a cornerstone of her leadership. For Robyn Carr, the author of the Virgin River series, Christina played a pivotal role in securing deals that expanded the reach of the series, including its adaptation into a Netflix hit. This transition not only amplified Carr’s visibility but also introduced her work to a global audience, further cementing her reputation as a leading voice in romance fiction.
Additionally, Christina’s focus on accountability fosters long-term success for her clients. She works closely with authors like Kristin Harmel, providing career guidance that has propelled Harmel’s historical fiction, such as The Book of Lost Names, to international acclaim. Her efforts extend beyond traditional publishing, identifying opportunities for translations, audiobooks, and cross-platform marketing to expand authors’ reach.
By blending innovative strategies with a deep understanding of her clients’ strengths and goals, Christina Hogrebe ensures that her authors remain competitive in an ever-changing media environment. Her strategic leadership has not only elevated individual careers but also exemplified what’s possible when creativity and data-driven insights come together.
A Legacy of Championing Storytelling
Throughout her career, Christina Hogrebe has demonstrated a passion for storytelling and an exceptional ability to champion distinctive voices. By combining her extensive experience with a collaborative, client-focused approach, she continues to leave a lasting impact on the literary world, connecting authors’ works with readers and ensuring their success on a global stage.
"After more than 20 years in publishing—all of them at JRA—Christina Hogrebe has built a reputation as a tireless advocate for her clients’ goals. She represents authors at every stage in their careers, but feels she is at her best when working to take the achievements of established authors to the next level. Driven by data and accountability, Christina prides herself on understanding clients’ needs and helping to cultivate opportunities for them in the changing media landscape. A graduate of Franklin & Marshall College and the Denver Publishing Institute, Christina is drawn to the kind of fun, escapist stories that also spark lively debate in her book club, especially in the areas of fantasy, thriller, and romance, and would love to champion an author underrepresented in those categories."
Agent Highlights
Name: Christina Hogrebe
Agency: Jane Rotrosen Agency
AAR Member: No
Email: chogrebe@janerotrosen.com
Website: Jane Rotrosen Agency
Fiction Genres: Literary Fiction, Chick Lit, Mystery, Commercial Fiction, Women's Fiction, Humor/Satire, Romance, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Thrillers/Suspense, Middle Grade
Nonfiction Genres: Food & Lifestyle, Memoirs, Narrative, Humor, Journalism
Current Status: Accepting queries
Special Interests:
Interested in young adult and middle grade fiction (but not children's picture books or fiction for ages 8 and under)
Loves novels featuring Southern settings, suburbia, coming-of-middle-age plots, family sagas, or emotionally moving stories
Seeks well-researched thrillers
Selects nonfiction projects that read like fiction, especially memoirs exploring life experiments
Looks for motivated authors focused on career and long-term growth
Does Not Represent: Science fiction, manga, politics, or children's picture books
Submission Guidelines: Submission Guidelines
Education: Graduate of the University of Denver Publishing Institute and Franklin & Marshall College
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