Our Team
Barbara Tolley (she/her)
President & CEO
After receiving her PhD in Romance Languages from UNC-CH, Barbara moved to New York to work in publishing, beginning with the French Publishers Office, and then as a scout for Christina McInerney. In 2002, she succeeded Christina as the president and CEO of the company, now known as “Barbara Tolley and Associates”. She is a Writers Omi Board Member, and speaks French and English.
Jean Fassler (they/he)
Literary Scout
Jean joined BTA in September 2024, after graduating from Vassar College the previous May with their BA in English and Theater. He has previously interned for Alloy Entertainment and Wheelhouse Literary. Jean primarily scouts nonfiction titles. They speak English, and they are based in Brooklyn.
Gayle O’Rourke (she/her)
Literary Scout
Gayle joined BTA in May 2024, after previously working as a Scouting Assistant at West Wind Literary Scouting. She graduated from Temple University with a BA in English and a Minor in Japanese. She now heads the children's division of BTA and assists with adult fiction coverage. Gayle speaks English and Japanese, and is based out of Philadelphia.