About Us

5OL Olga Filina

Olga Filina

Literary Agent and Partner

Olga Filina brings over twenty years of book industry experience to her work as an agent. From bookseller and buyer at national and independent bookstore chains, to director of literary festivals, library board member, publishing consultant, independent editor, book reviewer, and founding member and executive treasurer of the Professional Association of Canadian Literary Agents (PACLA), she has the specialized knowledge to find the best direction for her clients’ work.

Olga is currently looking for narrative and prescriptive non-fiction projects across all categories, literary and book club fiction, historical fiction, crime, mystery, suspense, and memoir with exceptional writing, focusing on underrepresented voices. In the children’s space, she is looking for middle grade fiction with memorable characters, contemporary YA, and non-fiction across all categories,

Ali McDonald

Literary Agent and Partner

In fourteen years as an international literary agent, Ali McDonald has represented many award-winning and bestselling authors and illustrators. Specializing in children’s and young adult literature, she works on projects ranging from concept and novelty books, board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books, and graphic novels, to middle grade, young adult, and new adult fiction and non-fiction. Her select list of clients includes The New York Times bestselling author Laura Nowlin (If He Had Been With Me and This Song is (Not) For You), Hugo-award-winning Emily Pohl-Weary (Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl), and Governor General’s Award and Crime Writers of Canada Award-nominated and Best Book-listed author Jo Treggiari (Blood Will Out, The Grey Sisters, and Heartbreak Homes), among select others.

Ali is currently accepting submissions on referral only.

5OL Ali McDonald
5OL Cassandra Rodgers

Cassandra Rodgers

Literary Agent and Partner

A literary agent for over nine years, Cassandra Rodgers has worked with a diverse group of clients on both adult fiction and non-fiction projects. Her clients’ books have been featured in publications such as Oprah, New York Times, and USA Today.

Focused exclusively on adult work, Cassandra is looking for upmarket commercial fiction, historical fiction, and suspense. On the non-fiction side, she is looking for fresh views on topics such as politics, history, science, finance, and sports. Inspiring and meaningful memoirs are always on her wish list.

(Temporarily closed to submissions.)