Martin Literary Management, the Los Angeles-based literary agency headed by Sharlene Martin (who famously steered If I Did It to Beaufort Books last fall on behalf of the Goldman family) announced yesterday that it had hired Ginny Weissman to run a new office in Chicago. Weissman's diverse background includes stints at the Chicago Tribune, producing television documentaries (which won her two Emmys), and representing inspirational authors like John St. Augustine and Rev. Dr. Terry Cole-Whittaker.

"I have known Sharlene Martin for over a decade and I have been very impressed with her self-made success and considerate management style," Weissman told me when contacted by email about her new position. "I was already managing one author and have been approached by many authors looking for representation who I have referred to Sharlene. When she asked me to open up the Chicago office and head up the Mind, Body, Spirit Division, it was a wonderful opportunity and a perfect fit. Books in that genre truly have changed my life. I am looking forward to finding authors and projects that will make a difference for others and in the world."

Weissman is the second agent to join Martin in the last three months; back in November, former editor Ronnie Gramazio was tapped to head MLM's New York office.