Our Team of Experts

Esther Fedorkevich

FOUNDER & CEO

Esther Fedorkevich is the founder of The Fedd Agency. She launched her career in 1997 as a salesperson for a major book publisher. Within six months, Esther sold a million dollars in products. From there she went to work for Dave Ramsey, a New York Times best-selling author and television host with a nationally syndicated radio program. She worked in the publishing department, selling and marketing Dave’s books and other projects, and fell in love with book publishing. When Esther was pregnant with her first child, her entrepreneurial spirit was charged and decided to venture out on her own, selling books and ideas as a literary agent. 

Esther founded The Fedd Agency in 2003 and began investing in authors. Her first client came to her for help when William Morris could not secure a book deal, even after pitching it for two years. With her innovative intervention and her acute business sense and selling skills, Esther got the author a three-book deal within two months. Esther continues to hone her innate marketing and sales talents, coupling that with a passion for selling life-changing books. Esther firmly believes she doesn’t just represent authors, she represents and builds futures. 

Using her natural entrepreneurial sensibilities, Esther also negotiates deals for film, television, and other derivative products. Additionally, The Fedd Agency offers agency guided publishing and audio book production services. Esther lives in Austin, TX and has and two rockstar kids, Alexi Jane and Paul Gregory. In her spare time, you can find Esther shooting hoops, swinging a golf club or tennis racket, reading, or cooking gourmet meals for her family and friends.

Her favorite book is How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

Khloe Tobien

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Khloe is Esther’s executive assistant. Her role at the Fedd Agency is to strategically organize meetings, events, and tasks to optimize members of the teams’ time and keep productivity on track. Landing on the more Type A side of life, she loves being able to provide administrative assistance, implement organizational strategies, and manage calendars.

After graduating from The University of Texas with a degree in Corporate Communications and a minor in American Sign Language, Khloe has been honing her skills in event management, brand marketing and fostering meaningful connections through conversation. She currently lives in Austin as a devoted dog mom constantly searching for new trails and experiences.

Her favorite book is Gone Girl and anything written/recommended by Gillian Flynn.

Danielle Hale

VICE PRESIDENT

As vice president of The Fedd Agency, Danielle is in charge of day to day operations and developing new products or services, overseeing acquisitions or other strategic initiatives. She has worked at large tech corporations; Qualcomm and Berkshire Hathaway in marketing, sales and operations so she understands the big picture.

Danielle began with TFA in 2019 and created new revenue opportunities growing the company business. She is a key part of the executive team, making our clients feel at home as we champion each of our book projects.

Her favorite book is Little Women; it inspires her to dream big, have fun, and be kind.

Brittney Bossow

Director of Client Relations

Brittney is our Director of Author Relations here at The Fedd Agency. She is the go-to gal for all things project management, production coordination, and getting a book from a spark of an idea to a book in hand. Mariah acts as a partner and champion to our authors throughout the entire process.

After graduating from Colorado State University with a degree in Business Administration and Management, Brittney began working as executive assistant under CEOs at startups looking to get systems in order and communicate at the most efficient level possible. A Colorado native, Brittney currently lives in Austin, where she enjoys any and every outdoor activity.

Her favorite book (at the moment) is Scary Close by Donald Miller.

Katelyn Smith

Editor

Katelyn is a member of the editorial team, working with traditionally published authors to help craft their ideas into a unique book proposal. With a heart for people and a love of storytelling, Katelyn is excited to combine her passions to help authors’ put their best foot forward.

Katelyn graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in public relations before attending the Denver Publishing Institute. Katelyn loves spending time with her family and friends, supporting Austin’s local hockey and soccer teams, and dreams of traveling around the world while reading as many books as she can get her hands on.

Her favorite book is Persuasion by Jane Austen because she loves a good love letter.

Ginny Koch

ACCOUNTANT

Ginny is the office manager and bookkeeper in the office. Her role at The Fedd Agency combines her two loves: books and accounting. She thrives on making sure office supplies are stocked and the books are balanced.

Ginny has worked in accounting for over 30 years. She started her career with an air charter service, but has also worked in education and development. She lives in Austin with her husband and two of her four children. She likes to bake, read, craft, and work in the yard in her spare time.

Her favorite book is Pride and Prejudice, which she enjoys more and more each time she reads it.

Brad Lackey

Literary Agent

Hailey Merlo

PHOTOGRAPHER/ MARKETING DESIGNER

Hailey is the photographer and videographer here at The Fedd Agency, as well as our social media manager. Bringing her passion and skills from her own business, Hailey Merlo Media, Hailey is able to aid our team and our authors in providing the best media possible for your book or project! Hailey’s work reflects her heart for people and for Christ as she strives to capture the moments that make us who we are.

Hailey graduated from The University of Arkansas with a degree in advertising and public relations and a minor in marketing. She loves to spend time with her friends and family, which includes lots of traveling to cheer on the Razorbacks or to wakesurf and snowboard.

Her favorite book is The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller.