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9 New Agents Seeking Nonfiction, Picture Books, Kidlit, YA, Fantasy, Memoir, Graphic Novels and more

3/14/2024

Taj McCoy

Here are nine literary agents actively seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients.

All of these agents work for established agencies with good track records. They are looking for all genres.

Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change.

NOTE: Don't submit to several agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another. (Some small agencies share. Be alert to a notice that "a no from one is a no from all.")

You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.
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Syrone Harvey of Belcastro Agency

Syrone is an impassioned literary professional, a vibrant force of creativity in the world of books. With an eclectic background in publication, editorial services, and project management, Syrone is dedicated to supporting authors at every step of their writing journey. Syrone is on a mission to be the ultimate “bookend” for authors, providing them with the personalized support they need to shine at every stage of their literary journey.

With her sharp editorial eye and a keen sense for market trends, Syrone is the ultimate guide for authors navigating the ever-changing landscape of publishing. Whether it’s guiding debut novelists or supporting seasoned writers seeking a new direction, she is passionate about building long-lasting relationships with her clients. She takes a patchwork quilt approach with her authors—every story is unique and one-of-a-kind. She will walk the literary journey with enthusiasm, expertise, and a shared commitment to bringing exceptional stories to readers worldwide.

What she is seeking:

Nonfiction:

Autobiography/Memoir
Food/Drink
How To/DYI
Humor
Religion
Self-help
Christian
Women’s Issues
Lifestyle
Inspiration
Cultural/Social Issues

Picture Books
Middle Grade
Young Adult
Adult Fiction:

Contemporary Fiction
Christian Fiction
Family Saga
Historical Fiction
Literary Fiction
Contemporary Romance
Women’s Fiction
Funny Women’s Fiction
Humor/Satire
Commercial
Multicultural

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Ms. Molly Ketcheson of Wolfson Literary Agency

Molly Ketcheson holds an undergraduate degree from the University of St Andrews and an MA in Creative Writing and Publishing from City, University of London. Prior to joining WLA in 2024, Molly held prestigious internships at multiple publishing companies, where she gained a keen understanding of the international publishing landscape and a love for joyful and impactful fiction.

What she is seeking: She is actively building her list in commercial and upmarket fiction, as well as select literary fiction, fantasy, and YA titles. She is particularly drawn to books with a unique premise, lyrical prose, complex women, and stories that are, ultimately, hopeful. Molly is passionate about the power of fiction, and is excited to work with her clients to bring books that matter into the world.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Ms. Isabel Lineberry of Perez Literary & Entertainment (UK)Isabel graduated in 2021 from Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University with dual degrees in English Literature and Business Entrepreneurship. Just a few months later she was in Scotland pursuing an MLitt in Fantasy at the University of Glasgow. She wrote her Masters thesis on Tamora Pierce and is a fan of Ray Bradbury, Octavia Butler and Samantha Shannon.

What she is seeking: I represent YA and New Adult and am particularly interested in Contemporary Romance, Romantasy and Fantasy. I am always attracted to the character and voice first, so give me romantic tension that has me giggling, a villain who is as charming as they are evil or a group of characters who have me watching their conversations as if it's a tennis match.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.
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Max Moorhead of Massie & McQuilkin Literary AgentsMax Moorhead began his publishing career at The New Republic as an editorial fellow before joining Massie & McQuilkin in 2019 in a junior role. Over the years he has cultivated a client list while also managing backlist titles by Russell & Volkening clients including Annie Dillard, Eudora Welty, Bernard Malamud, Barbara Tuchman, and Marian Engel. Raised in New Hampshire, he graduated with honors from The New School earning a B.A. in Creative Writing.

What he is seeking: As an agent he specializes in literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, biography, cultural history, and memoir. In fiction: he is drawn to beautiful writing, unforgettable characters, family stories, socially engaged writing, and compelling plots.

How to submit: Please send queries to the attention of Max Moorhead at max@mmqlit.com. Please note that he only responds to queries in which he is interested. If you haven’t heard from him in 4-6 weeks, your project is not a good fit for him.

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Ms. Emily Barrett of The Blair Partnership (UK)I was previously the Publisher of Sphere Non-Fiction at Little, Brown and have worked across the whole gamut of non-fiction, helping authors including experts and influencers turn their books into bestsellers, award-winners and major rights-sellers.

What she is seeking: I’m looking for commercial or upmarket non-fiction which is written with a clear reader in mind, whether that’s to inform or entertain them, or improve their life in some way.

How to submit: You can submit to Emily at: emilysubmissions@theblairpartnership.com

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Gabrielle Harbowy of Corvisiero Literary Agency

Gabrielle Harbowy has more than 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, from her entry into the field as a pricing analyst at Scholastic, to becoming a full-time editor and part-time writer. A third-generation reader of fantasy and science fiction, a love for the speculative is in her blood. Gabrielle was Managing Editor at Dragon Moon Press for a decade, has worked with award winners and international bestsellers, and is passionate about elevating the authors around her. A three-time published novelist, short story author, and award-nominated anthologist, Gabrielle has spoken, given workshops, and run D&D and Pathfinder games at numerous conventions. She is a member of SFWA, IAMTW, and the LGBTQ+ Editors Association. Her passions include music, travel, tabletop roleplaying games, crocheting and needlepoint, tattoo art, everything Finnish (except lutefisk), outer space, and the Oxford comma.

What she is seeking: Gabrielle is seeking science fiction, fantasy, paranormal mysteries, queer romance, and genre-bending speculative fiction. She loves reading diverse books, characters that come alive and immersive worlds, and tropes turned on their heads. She would like to see queerness, neurodiversity, and disability represented and normalized, both in the world and on the page.

How to submit: Use Marisa Corvsiero's querymanager and address your query to Gabrielle.

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Lisa Gouldy of Corvisiero Literary Agency

Lisa Gouldy is a passionate writer and reader of stories that stretch the imagination and reveal important truths about the world around us. Trained as an attorney, Lisa moved from the legal world into the literary one nearly a decade ago in search of stories less constrained by reality. The literary community in Seattle welcomed her in, and Lisa connected with writers everywhere from coffee shops to Hugo House, from PNWA to SCBWI, from conferences to critique groups. Assisting others with their writing journeys, it turned out, was as much fun as creating her own. As an apprentice with the Corvisiero Literary Agency, Lisa seeks to guide writers through the publishing process the way she once helped clients access the courts.

What she is seeking: Lisa loves stories with lyrical writing, memorable characters, and fast-paced plots that keep her guessing. In adult fiction, she devours upmarket and literary titles with complex protagonists, and has a special hunger for stories with speculative elements. Her sweet spot is a novel with a world much like ours, but with fantasy, sci-fi, or dystopian additions that illuminate real-life issues in a unique way. In children’s literature, Lisa particularly enjoys middle grade fantasy and young adult novels with a speculative bent, as well as picture books that make her (and her daughter) laugh.

How to submit: Use Marisa Corvsiero's querymanager and address your query to Lisa.

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Ciara Smith of Corvisiero Literary Agency

Ciara earned her Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and joined a small press as a freelance editor. She was raised by an editor who instilled in her a love of reading and writing. In her youth, she penned short stories, but left writing behind when she joined the US Navy. But, of course, that love for words never wavered even during her service, and she readily volunteered to edit and review any and all paperwork, reports, and regulations she could get her hands on. After becoming a parent to two beautiful daughters, she decided to leave the military to pursue various creative arts and returned to her first love of writing and editing.

What she is seeking: Ciara has a wide range of interests from YA to NA and Adult. Particularly she's interested in:

Fantasy that's a little unconventional and weird. Or cozy like LEGENDS & LATTES.
Would love to see African or Asian second worlds and/or mythologies à la THE POPPY WAR, KAIKEYI, and THE GILDED ONES, and morally gray characters like GIDEON THE NINTH.
Science Fiction that really makes me wonder about the world and possibilities like POST HUMAN and THE OUTSIDE.
Also love cozy in science fiction, A LONG WAY TO A SLOW ANGRY PLANET, and morally gray characters like in THE MURDERBOT DIARIES.
Literary Speculative/Dystopian Fiction that makes me worry about the world in the way THE HANDMAID'S TALE and THE POWER did.
Romance that's a blend with another genre, like Romantasy, or Romantic Thriller/Suspense.
Historical Fiction that will make me cry like THE MIDWIFE OF AUSCHWITZ or that have the same feeling as reading Jane Austen.
Horror that reflects feminist rage or body horror that makes me squirm. Not excessively gorey, just highly uncomfortable.
Military fiction that shows the complex feelings of serving, both in war time and in between, or the transition to civilian life
Any genre blending of the above.
In all of these, I would love ND, disabled, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC #ownvoices.

How to submit: Use Marisa Corvsiero's querymanager and address your query to Ciara.

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Taj McCoy of Rees Agency

Junior Agent Taj McCoy (she/her) has a law degree from Southwestern Law School and a bachelor's degree in Business Law from California State University, Northridge. Taj trained as an agent under Fuse Literary, and has previously served as a Pitch Wars mentor and as co-program manager for Diverse Voices, Inc.’s DVdebut program. Her Adult Fiction is published through Mira/HQN. Taj is building her list in Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction, Young Adult, and Middle Grade, as well as looking for illustrators. She’s passionately seeking BIPOC and queer creators who highlight parts of their cultures and experiences. She is an advocate for body positivity in publishing, and loves to highlight intersectionality. Taj aims to widen the entryway for marginalized authors into the publishing industry, and to normalize Black joy, fat joy, celebrations of culture, and love without limitations.

What she is seeking:

FICTION (Adult, YA, MG)

MG Fantasy and adventure, crushes, romcom
YA/MG voicey coming of age, embracing identity and/or traditions of culture, Black joy, girls in STEM, romance, romcom, mystery, humorous contemporary fiction
ADULT romance, romcom, romantic suspense, mystery, cozy mystery, family saga, women's fiction, thriller

NON-FICTION (Adult, YA, MG, PB):
Send in a query once you have a complete book proposal, a detailed outline, and sample chapters. In your query letter, make sure you tell me why you’re the best person to write this book.

NF picture books only
Illustrated table/survey books
A/MG historical, narrative
Adult memoir, narrative, empowerment, self-help, pop culture, humor, engaging how

ILLUSTRATORS: Please only upload artwork in the upload section if you are an illustrator seeking representation––this is NOT a space for full manuscripts or other artwork. For illustrators, please use the query letter space to tell me about yourself––tell me about the work that you'd like to do with representation? For instance, are you primarily focused on picture books, or are you open to chapter books, MG, YA, GN? Covers? Do you also write picture books, or is art the primary focus?

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

10 New Agents Seeing Genre Fiction, SFF, YA, Picture Books, Kidlit, Nonfiction, Memoir and more

2/20/2024

Sara Kornienko

Here are ten new literary agents actively seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients.

All of these agents work for established agencies with good track records. They are looking for all genres.
Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change.

NOTE: Don't submit to several agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another. (Some small agencies share. Be alert to a notice that "a no from one is a no from all.")

You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.
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Ms. Brandy Vallance of Barbara Bova Literary Agency

After more than two decades in the world of publishing, Brandy has joined Barbara Bova Literary Agency, and she is looking forward to being a champion of amazing writers and outstanding books. Throughout the years, Brandy has been a Writing Coach, a Story Consultant, and an international Publishing Specialist. For hundreds of writers, her mentorship has broken the chains of fear and self-doubt. From teaching Master Classes to sitting at quiet tables, Brandy loves helping people explore their deepest truths.

What she is seeking: I represent these genres, but I am also not limited to these genres: historical fiction, historical romance, historical mystery, romance, literary, women’s fiction, Southern fiction, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, adventure, speculative, inspirational, thriller.

How to submit: Read guidelines HERE.
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Sara Kornienko of Barbara Bova Literary Agency

Sara holds a M.A. in English and a B.A. in English with minors in Creative Writing and Journalism from Florida Gulf Coast University. During her Master’s program, she was the Co-Editor-in-Chief of Florida Gulf Coast University’s literary journal, Mangrove Review. Currently, Sara teaches writing courses at her alma mater. As an educator and avid reader, she believes stories have the power to connect us, forge understanding, and foster healing. She is passionate about sharing her love of writing and helping others find their unique voice so they can tell their own stories.

What she is seeking: Ms. Kornienko is interested in contemporary and historical fiction, fantasy, and suspense.

How to submit: Read guidelines HERE.
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Salma Begum of Greyhound Literary (UK)

Having come from editorial at Picador (Pan Macmillan), Zaffre and Manilla Press (Bonnier Books UK), Salma is keenly aware of what it takes for a book to win a publishing contract. As an agent, Salma works closely on manuscript development while always considering marketability and timing to give her authors the best shot at finding their readership.

What she is seeking: Story is non-negotiable for Salma, regardless of whether the work is a high-concept horror or a literary doorstopper. Her submission wishlist includes a sweeping love story set against a gritty urban backdrop like An Olive Grove in Ends by Moses McKenzie; ingenious tales of time travel such as All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai and the TV series Devs; and a masterfully crafted multi-generational epic like A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth.

In non-fiction, she is looking for subject experts, journalists and memoirists who appreciate long-form literature and can breathe life into an idea, an event, a memory. Her non-fiction wishlist includes interrogations of social media use and its sometimes-devastating consequences as explored in the Netflix docudrama The Social Dilemma; captivating music writing such as Grime Kids by DJ Target and On Michael Jackson by Margo Jefferson; and ground-shifting journalism like An Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe.

Salma has published the work of a number of prize-winning poets. As an agent, her preference is for the colloquial, rhythmic, or playful, written with the ambition of forming a cohesive collection. She is keen to work with spoken word poets who are looking to bring their work to the page.

How to submit: Follow the agency guidelines HERE.

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Jessica Lee of A.M. Heath (UK)

I’m an Associate Agent here at A.M. Heath, assisting Victoria Hobbs and Euan Thorneycroft as well as actively building my own list of authors. This includes HÄN Archive co-curator and journalist Anastasiia Fedorova, Ewan Gass, and Danielle Vrublevskis. Alongside Euan Thorneycroft, I also co-agent Zad El Bacha, winner of the 2022 Peggy Chapman-Andrews First Novel Award.

What she is seeking: In fiction, I’m drawn to a combination of formal precision and big feeling, and enjoy things that trouble or unsettle binaries and structured ways of being. I like works about desire: even better if they come with a good dry voice, a surreal touch, and clarity of expression. In non-fiction the same applies. I admire work about art-making and craft, political writing that interrogates established modes or ideologies, and sharp-voiced memoir.

How to submit: Send submissions to jessica.lee@amheath.com.

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Ms. Nadia Lynch of Talcott Notch Literary Services

Upon earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southern New Hampshire University, I worked as a paralegal in the structured legal realm. Yet, the allure of a career merging structure with the limitless creativity found in literature was irresistible. As a newly appointed Junior Literary Agent, I am thrilled to continue my journey in the world of literature, combining my love for books with a dedication to supporting authors through the publishing process.

What she is seeking: I am interested in upmarket, literary, historical, young adult, and women’s fiction, especially narratives that showcase resilient female protagonists. While these genres anchor my reading repertoire, I’m invigorated by books that push boundaries and challenge my perspectives.

In non-fiction, I enjoy delving into subjects that expand my understanding. History, philosophy, alternative medicine, and self-improvement books are among my preferred genres, each offering a unique lens to explore and absorb new insights.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Philip Gwyn Jones of Greyhound Literary (UK)

Made in Wales, educated there and in Yorkshire, trained in London, now living under Cambridgeshire’s dreaming skies, Philip has had the privilege of having the world opened up to him by the book business, participating in many editorial fellowships and literary festivals worldwide. He has served it as a Trustee and President of the Royal Literary Fund and as Trustee of English PEN for about a decade apiece, was a Creative Writing Fellow at Oxford Brookes University, and currently does his national service on the Grants Panel of the Books Council of Wales.

What he is seeking: Philip believes there is nothing more thrilling than first reading a style, a character, an idea, a fusion, a vision never encountered before. He is proud to have been the first British publisher to have spotted the originality in and offered a contract to Patrick Ness, Jenny Erpenbeck, Julian Gough, Jhumpa Lahiri, Kathryn Schulz, Magnus Mills, Naomi Klein, Ben Marcus, Mark Lynas, Azadeh Moaveni, Gavin McCrea, Melissa Broder, Anthony Doerr, Eleanor Catton, Zadie Smith, Karl Ove Knausgaard, Katherine Boo and Anna Burns, amongst others. As an agent, he is looking for their equals in invention, intelligence and impact.

How to submit: Read submission guidelines HERE.
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Ms. Sally M. Kim of Andrea Brown Literary Agency

Sally spent more than fifteen years in children’s book marketing and publicity at a variety of publishers including Macmillan, Penguin, and Chronicle Books. More recently, she has worked as an independent consultant for global children’s book publishers and literacy-related non-profits. Sally lives in San Francisco, California, and she spends most of her free time taking videos of her cat.

What she is seeking: Please send Sally fiction and non-fiction submissions in the following categories: picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and graphic novels. Across all categories, Sally is especially eager to see authentic explorations of underrepresented cultures, relationships, and identities.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.
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Jessica Leeke of Madeleine Milburn Agency (UK)

Jessica Leeke began her career in advertising in New York City before enjoying more than fifteen years as an editor at Bloomsbury, Simon & Schuster and most recently Penguin Michael Joseph where she was a fiction publisher.

What she is seeking: Book club fiction that ignites conversation; unique voices; novels with a razor-sharp pitch; ideas based on a true story; cloistered settings; twists; strong characters and unforgettable settings; books with an emotional punch.

How to submit: Please follow submission guidelines HERE.

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Katie Erickson of Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency

Katie Erickson joined The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency in 2024, after previously interning at the agency, and after over a decade working as a freelance illustrator for clients such as Humpty Dumpty magazine. She is currently working on her Master's Degree in Creative Writing and Illustration. When she's not reading, writing, or illustrating, she can be found playing board games or taking long walks with her family.

What she is seeking: Katie represents picture books, as well as middle-grade and young-adult literature.

How to submit: Please submit your query via her querymanager HERE.

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Ms. Jenna Satterthwaite of Storm Literary AgencyJenna Satterthwaite reached agenting sideways, as many do. She didn’t know agenting existed until she wrote her first novel back in 2014 and learned she had to do this thing called “querying.” Fast forward many years during which she wrote many novels and became agented herself, and she had an aha moment. Agenting was the nexus where her two decades of business experience in sales, pitching, project management and contract negotiation met her decade of bookish experience. After completing internships with Liza Dawson Associates and Rees Literary, Jenna joined Storm as an agent in 2024.

What she is seeking: Omnivorous in her taste, Jenna is seeking to represent adult, Young Adult and Middle Grade commercial fiction in most genres, SFF, graphic novels from middle grade to young adult, adult non-fiction, memoir, and very select picture books. (See submission guidelines for more details.) Jenna is also fully bilingual English/Spanish, so dual language projects are most welcome!

How to submit: Follow her guidelines HERE.

7 New Agents Seeking SFF, Thrillers, Rom-coms, Memoir, Horror, LGBT, Nonfiction and more

2/14/2024

Laurie Dennison

Here are seven new literary agents actively seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients.

All of these agents work for established agencies with good track records. They are looking for all genres.
Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change.

NOTE: Don't submit to several agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another. (Some small agencies share. Be alert to a notice that "a no from one is a no from all.")

You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.
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Ms. Laurie Dennison of Creative Media Agency

After earning her master’s degree from the University of Florida, Laurie Dennison began her career as an English teacher. She then spent over ten years working as a freelance writer and editor in desktop publishing, including serving as a Pitch Wars mentor for five years. In 2022 she attended the Denver Publishing Institute, leading to an internship at Creative Media Agency, Inc. before stepping into her role as an associate agent and internship coordinator at CMA.

What she is seeking: Adult: Romance, Contemporary, Light fantasy/paranormal grounded in the real world, Book Club Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Domestic Suspense, Commercial Mystery/Thriller. Nonfiction: Memoir, Narrative, Women’s Issues, Practical Nonfiction (Pop Culture, Education, Social Science)
Young Adult: Contemporary, Suspense/Thriller/Mystery, Light Fantasy/Paranormal, Light Science Fiction, Nonfiction

How to submit: Follow submission instructions HERE.

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Ms. Maria Napolitano of KT Literary

Maria Napolitano began her career in publishing as a book scout, where she fell in love with the process of matchmaking books with just the right editors and publishers around the world. She went on to work in subrights and as an agent, and joined kt literary as foreign rights manager and agent in 2024. In foreign rights, Maria is a native New Yorker and Cornell graduate who currently lives in Astoria, Queens with a sourdough starter named Ryeley.

What she is seeking: As an agent, Maria represents a broad range of fiction, from commercial rom-coms to radical speculative fiction, subversive thrillers, and upmarket book club fiction. She is drawn to character-driven stories, unusual perspectives, genre-bending works, and supremely pitchable high concepts. Read more about Maria's wish list on her website.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Ms. Yael Levy of Olswanger Literary

I’m a Literary Associate for Olswanger Literary with years of experience in publishing as an author and developmental editor. Seeking manuscripts that bravely explores the human condition, social structures, the world…Iconoclasts welcome!

What she is seeking: Fiction: Action/Adventure, Commercial, General, Science Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy. Non-Fiction: Business, Journalism, Memoir, Science, "Big Idea/Think", #ownvoices, Diaspora Narratives, Politics/Current Affairs, Popular Science/Psychology.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Ms. Jackie Kruzie of Focused ArtistsJ/ackie has worn many hats in the literary world including librarian, writer, editor, and literary associate. She was an acquisitions editor for an Indie publisher before completing a 6-month internship with Olswanger Literary and joining the team at Focused Artists.

What she is seeking: I represent several genres including graphic novel, historical fiction, horror, mystery, paranormal/supernatural, thriller, western, and women’s fiction. My heart belongs to picture books, but I am also interested in chapter books for early readers, middle grade, and YA though my YA list will be limited .

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Lauren Bajek of Liza Dawson Associates

Lauren Bajek joined Liza Dawson Associates as an assistant in 2021. Previously, she was a bookseller and the science fiction and fantasy buyer for the Elliott Bay Book Company, where she championed books in translation and books by women, queer people, and people of color.

What she is seeking: Lauren is currently building a select list of fiction and nonfiction, with an emphasis in SFFH, upmarket speculative fiction, craft/DIY nonfiction, and science/nature nonfiction. Across the board, she is drawn to literary prose, queer and anticolonial perspectives, unusual or hybrid forms, and an ambitious sense of imagination. She is always interested in animal cognition, translation, and sentient houses.

How to submit: If you are interested in querying Lauren, please send a query and first three chapters or 25 pages pasted into an email to querylauren@lizadawson.com.

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James Farner of JABberwocky Literary Agency

James Farner (he/him) is an Agency Assistant for JABberwocky Literary Agency, directly assisting COO Brady McReynolds. He was born and raised in the Midwest, received his bachelor’s degree in English writing and religious studies from the University of Oklahoma (where he interned with award-winning literary magazine World Literature Today), and moved to New York City to attend The New School for Social Research’s Liberal Studies master’s program

What he is seeking: Mysteries and thrillers.

How to submit: Use his querymanager HERE.

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Anna Zinchuk of David Black Agency

Anna joined the team at DBA in spring of 2022 to assist David Black. She holds a BA degree in Film Studies from the University of Iowa, and prior to joining DBA she worked as a project editor for a college-level publisher.

What she is seeking: Anna is interested in a wide array of fiction, and is particularly passionate about stories that explore human complexity, with themes like mortality, grief, and loss, especially stories in which the ending is melancholic or ambiguous.

In literary fiction, her preferences lean towards coming-of-age narratives and contemplative stories. In the realm of genre fiction, she's captivated by the allure of fantasy and magical realism, with a healthy touch of romance. Regardless of the genre, Anna appreciates clever writing infused with humor, and seeks stories that keep her on the edge of her seat, whether from despair, horror, adoration, or joy. While embracing both YA and adult fiction, her specific interest lies in the 'new adult' sub-genre, which seamlessly combines plot elements of YA fiction with the maturity of adult storytelling.

How to submit: To query Anna, please send a short synopsis of your story and paste the first 50 pages of your manuscript into the body of an email to azinchuk@dblackagency.com. While she cannot respond to every query, she will reach out to any that she is interested in within 6 weeks.

14 New Agents Seeking Genre Fiction, Nonfiction, Memoir, YA, LGBT, Children's Books and more

1/17/2024

Hillary Fazzari

Here are fourteen new literary agents actively seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients.

All of these agents work for established agencies with good track records. They are looking for all genres.

Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change.

NOTE: Don't submit to several agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another. (Some small agencies share. Be alert to a notice that "a no from one is a no from all.")

You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.

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Ms. Hillary Fazzari of Bradford Literary Agency

Hillary Fazzari (she/her) joined the Bradford Literary Agency as the agency’s assistant in 2022 before moving into agenting in 2023. Prior to that, she had interned at Writers House and served as a long-term reader and editor for another literary agency. She is a highly editorial agent and is looking for high concept, high stakes stories with deep character development and gorgeous, commercial prose.

What she is seeking: Overall, she acquires primarily Middle Grade and YA, and is open to any genre in those areas, including graphic novels. In New Adult and Adult, she acquires more selectively and is open to:

Rom-coms;
Romantasy;
SFF with strong romantic elements; important female, queer, and/or nonbinary characters; and emotive plotlines; and
Very select narrative nonfiction that focuses on history.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.
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Sobi-Dee Burbano of LCS Literary Services

Sobi-Dee Burbano earned her Associate’s Degree in Arts, but her true passion has always been reading. She discovered a love for books as a child and that has carried on through adulthood. When she is not caring for her young children, as a mother of two, the kindle is her best friend. She loves reading romance of all genres including fantasy and paranormal. Sobi is excited to work with aspiring authors and is now actively building her list. She is looking for unputdownable stories with bold, courageous characters who take you down an emotional journey of perseverance. She enjoys getting lost in a great drama-filled fantasy and also hopes to escape into a romance that makes her fall in love with love again.

What she is seeking:

Adult Fiction: Contemporary, Commercial, Fantasy, General, Historical, Horror, Humor, Literary, Mystery, New Adult, Paranormal, Psychological Thriller, Romance, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Women’s Fiction
Young Adult Fiction: Adventure, Contemporary, Dystopian, Fantasy, Historical, Horror, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Middle Grade: Adventure, Contemporary, Dystopian, Fantasy, Humor, Mystery, Paranormal, Sci-Fi

How to submit: Use the agency's querymanager HERE.

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Michelle Jackson of LCS Literary Services

Originally from Jamaica, West Indies, Michelle is now a literary agent with LCS Literary. She began her agenting career as an intern and then a Literary Associate with Olswanger Literary. She is also a published author and has earned educational degrees from New York University, SUNY at StonyBrook, Teachers College Columbia University and Argosy University. Michelle looks forward to bringing adult fiction and select young adult and non-fiction works of new authors to the masses, especially BIPOC and underrepresented authors. She is also a content editor and loves developing and working with new authors to help them hone their craft

What she is seeking: Michelle Jackson represents books that evoke heartfelt emotions and fervent conversations among readers. Her mission is to mentor and develop authors, particularly those from underrepresented communities, and help them build a brand of quality and authentic reads. Michelle has a soft spot for fellow educators who are writers and for stories featuring educators. She is also looking for those who want to write category romances–she also loves Amish romances!

Adult Fiction: Commercial, Historical, Humor, New Adult, Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Thriller, Women’s Fiction
Sub-genres: Contemporary Romance, Multicultural, Psychological Thrillers, Romantic Comedy, Romantic Suspense
Young Adult Fiction: Contemporary, Historical, Christian, Romance
Nonfiction: Biography, True Crime, Self-Help, Relationships, Cookbooks, Narrative, Spirituality, select Memoirs

How to submit: Use the agency's querymanager HERE.

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Jynastie Wilson of LCS Literary Services

During a childhood that was spent devouring the pages of both fantasy and contemporary novels alike, Jynastie Wilson discovered that there was magic within these pages, one that was much more complex than the fact that they happened to offer a place of escape and distraction. Instead, she found that these novels had the magic to make people feel a little less alone — specifically those that came from various marginalized communities, such as she did.

What she is seeking: Jynastie is looking for a variety of projects in both Adult and Children’s genres.

Adult: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, and stories written by LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and/or other marginalized authors.
Young Adult: Contemporary, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Historical, Horror, and stories written by LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and/or other marginalized authors.
Middle Grade: Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Historical, Horror, and stories written by LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and/or other marginalized authors.
Childrens: Picture Books, Chapter Books, and stories written by LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and/or other marginalized authors.

How to submit: Use the agency's querymanager HERE.

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Ms. Shabnam Banerjee-McFarland of Odom Media Management

Shabnam Banerjee-McFarland (she/her) is an Associate Agent at Odom Media Management. Throughout her career, she has worked in independent media aimed at providing tools, resources, and frameworks that support movement-building. As an editor, she has worked with New York Times bestselling authors, speakers, and activists on books and digital training products on topics of intersectionality, racial and gender justice, decolonization, identity, and community organizing. She received her B.A. from University of California, Berkeley and M.A. from Columbia University in American Studies focusing her research on gender, race, and media.

What she is seeking: Right now, she is most focused on non-fiction books about racial capitalism and closing the racial wealth gap, decolonization, and an intersectional, gender-inclusive approach to equity and equality.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.
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Ms. Kate Rogers of KO Media Management

Kate Rogers is a University of Washington graduate with a double major in English and Cinema Media Studies. She has worked in customer service at Vroman's Bookstore in her hometown of Pasadena, California, and as the Assistant Director for Communications and Marketing for Stevens Court Community Council in Seattle.

What she is seeking: Kate loves MG, YA, and Adult graphic novels and prose, primarily contemporary realistic fiction, horror/thriller, romance, sci-fi, women’s fiction, and narrative non-fiction. She is interested in diverse, character-driven narratives that subvert familiar tropes or conventions. Kate is not currently seeking out anything younger than MG or fantasy-heavy stories.

How to submit: Follow submission guidelines HERE.
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Ms. Tamanna Bhasin of The Rights Factory

Having realized her passion for literature far outweighed her childhood dream of fashion design, Tamanna earned her BA in English Literature and History from the University of Toronto. After honing her skills by working with various literary journals and editorial internships, Tamanna joined The Rights Factory as an Associate Editor in 2020. With a keen eye for detail cultivated through her prior editorial work, Tamanna seamlessly transitioned into publishing. Her dedication to diverse narratives shines through as a literary agent—where she now combines her love for reading with her expertise in spotting compelling manuscripts across genres.

What she is seeking: Adult: Fantasy, historical fiction, and romance. YA/MG: Fantasy and historical fiction.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.
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Ms. Mara Hollander of FinePrint Literary Management

Mara joined FinePrint in 2023 and became an associate agent in 2024. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Georgetown University (Hoya Saxa!) and a PhD at Pitt Public Health. She’s lived in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and now Charlotte, but calls DC and NYC home. In her free time, she writes fantasy novels, watches a shocking amount of figure skating, roots for the Washington Nationals, and daydreams about petting dogs.

What she is seeking: Mara is actively seeking to represent authors from communities traditionally underrepresented in publishing, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA, people who are disabled, and people who are chronically ill.

In fiction, Mara is seeking accessibly-written genre novels for Adult and YA audiences that rip your heart out and make you forget the world around you. In particular, she’s looking to represent fantasy (including political and romantic/romantasy), light sci-fi, romance, thrillers/mysteries (including political), and women’s fiction. She is not the best fit for literary fiction, historical fiction (historical romance is okay), or work written for middle graders or younger audiences.

Mara is also interested in narrative nonfiction for adult audiences about mental illness and/or substance use disorders and the American health care system.

How to submit: To query Mara, send an email to submissions@fineprintlit.com and write "Dear Mara" in the body of the email.
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Julie Gourinchas of Bell Lomax Moreton Agency (UK)

Julie Gourinchas (she/they) works across the agents’ various lists and provides editorial and administrative support where needed. Prior to her time at BLM, she was managing editor for a transcontinental literary consultancy, and later transferred into freelance editorial work where she worked closely with a number of agents and their clients.

What they are seeking: Julie is drawn to uncommon voices and striking, intelligent writing—whether it be vibrant and floral or tense, quick, and sparse—as well as texture in both tone and setting, and she loves anything spiky, toothy, and dark. While the literary-speculative is her sweet spot, she considers herself genre agnostic within literary fiction, and remains open to compelling and well-executed genre overlap. These include:

historical fiction, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries (also including and indeed encouraging alternate history);
gothic fiction (specifically regional gothic with a strong sense of place);
dynamic-led (e.g. friendships, family, etc) dramas with high emotional stakes;
searing contemporary fiction centred on themes of identity and belonging;
speculative science fiction addressing the relationship between humanity and technology;
dark westerns;
magical realism;
female-led horror, especially featuring mangled nature or cosmic, Lovecraftian vibes;
dark academia;
speculative “fantasy” with only drips of magic, preferably set in the real/human world.

She is keenly interested in hearing from authors traditionally underrepresented in the industry, including but not restricted to writers of colour; queer, trans, and nonbinary writers; working class writers; disabled writers; etc.
Folkloric, literary, and mythological retellings are a special favourite, particularly when approached from a fresh, imaginative perspective; she’d also love to see a sharp, literary story exploring humanity’s relationship to technology in the vein of Black Mirror. Likewise, a New Weird story exploring the effects of climate change on humanity and society, in the vein of Jeff VanderMeer or China Miéville, would not go remiss. On rare occasion, a moody psychological suspense story, where a heady sense of atmosphere reigns, is welcome. Also, more terrible women please.
In non-fiction, Julie is keen to read in the narrative and “big ideas” spaces, particularly in the realms of politics, history, and the social sciences.

How to submit: Follow submission guidelines HERE.
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Miriam Cortinovis of ArtHouse Literary Agency

Born and raised in Italy, Miriam (they/she) moved to Chicago as a teenager and has since earned a BA in Creative Writing and an MA in Writing & Publishing from DePaul University. After an excellent internship at Aevitas Creative Management, for which she also freelance read, she landed at ArtHouse Literary as an intern. They became Associate Agent through intense months of professional growth and supported learning. When not reading or writing SFF fiction of their own, Miriam enjoys playing videogames with their partner and scheming on Dungeons & Dragons with her friends. Their MSWL is inspired by all these speculative passions on top of their non-binary, bisexual, and chronically ill identity.

What she is seeking: Miriam is eagerly looking for everything and anything speculative across most age ranges (Adult, Young Adult, and Middle Grade). Miriam takes an interest in Young Adult Contemporary novels that draw on their fascination with American high school from immigrant perspectives and with summer camps/adventures, in the veins of YOU SHOULD SEE ME IN A CROWN. They’re also looking for queer YA Horror & Thriller the likes of HOW TO FIND A MISSING GIRL and HOLLOW.

Miriam is also on the lookout for selective works of literary fiction and creative nonfiction. For everything listed above, they’re also highly interested in novellas.

How to submit: Read submission guidelines HERE.
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Carleen Geisler of ArtHouse Literary Agency

Carleen comes from a background in technical writing and content marketing. When she found the world of publishing, she fell in love and dove in head first: starting her own author career as well as an internship at ArtHouse. She works on both sides with equal passion, and loves to help authors discover their "why" and curate their careers.

What she is seeking: For fiction, Carleen is looking for adult contemporary stories across genres. She loves suspense, especially if it comes with a dose of weird (think GOOD RICH PEOPLE by Eliza Jane Brazier or BUNNY by Mona Awad), and dark stories are her typical go-to. She is okay with mild speculative elements if they are close to real-world or very grounded. She loves the strange and whimsical, as well as the dark and dreadful. She likes romance, but prefers it to be part of a "bigger picture" story (think THE ARC by Tory Henwood Hoen), or at least that it has a great b-plot. She is especially interested in stories told from the voices of women, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities. She loves morally grey characters, or stories where no one is really good in the end, and craves finding something that breaks the norm of a trope in a satisfying way. She prefers shorter stories over long ones (still within novel standards though, please!) and is happy to consider manuscripts that bend or combine genres.

How to submit: Read submission guidelines HERE.
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Esty Loveing-Downes of ArtHouse Literary Agency

Esty holds a BFA in creative writing from Ringling College of Art + Design and is currently an MFA candidate in fiction at Queens University of Charlotte. Aside from serving as a daily editor for the Southern Review of Books, she joined the teams at Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency and Tobias Literary Agency before joining the ArtHouse Literary Agency team and becoming an Associate Literary Agent.

What she is seeking: Esty is looking for romance, upmarket fiction, YA, genre-blending sci-fi, picture books, and select nonfiction and literary fiction. She’s also looking for genre-blending sci-fi or speculative fiction like THE NIGHT CIRCUS, magical realism like Carmen Maria Machado’s HER BODY AND OTHER PARTIES, or nonlinear, poetic work like THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE THE TIME WAR. She’d also love to see “romantasy” with strong leads like A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES and CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE, fae stories with romance tropes like THE CRUEL PRINCE, character-driven journeys like THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE, or the fairy tale vibes of SPINNING SILVER.

How to submit: Read submission guidelines HERE.

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Ms. Rebecca Lawrence of The Booker Albert Literary Agency

After graduating with a B.A. in Professional Writing, Rebecca completed internships with Christian Indie Publishing Association and ArtHouse Literary Agency before moving to Booker Albert Literary Agency.

From a young age, she has been fascinated with epic worlds like LOTR and The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. Books with romantic elements like Ella Enchanted, The Goose Girl, and The Cruel Prince all have places in her top ten. She also adores historical fiction like The Wednesday Wars and iconic masterpieces like Monica Hesse's They Went Left, but her all-time favorite novel has to be the grounded fantasy The Scorpio Races. Her favorite troupes are houses-with-personality (think House of Leaves or The Haunting of Hill House), zombie apocalypses like in the book World War Z, and underwater worlds.

What she is seeking: Regardless of genre, Rebecca is looking for stories that have good pacing, grounded worlds, and believable characters. She is interested in fantasy of all kinds and anything that has a good hook. She would love to see more scary YA and MG historical fiction.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.
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Ms. Gabriela Laracuente Sanchez of Howland Literary

Gabriela Laracuente Sanchez had the opportunity to join the Howland team as an intern while completing a BA in English: Editing, Writing, and Media with a minor in Women’s Studies from Florida State University. During this time, she was also the Editor in Chief of The Experience and Editorial Assistant of the Kudzu Review. These experiences led her to help authors navigate the publishing process as a Publications Project Manager. She lives in Dickinson, Texas. Gabriela has since rejoined the Howland team and represents adult fiction and nonfiction.

What she is seeking: In adult fiction, she is looking for literary and upmarket works that have strong cultural influences—especially from Hispanic and Latine backgrounds. She wants to see works that explore topics of cultural identity, complex family dynamics, womanhood, and characters adapting to new spaces. She is also interested in projects that are multilingual and utilize code-switching, incorporate elements of magical realism and speculative fiction, and incorporate elements of food writing. In adult nonfiction, she is looking for cookbooks of Latin-American and Caribbean cuisine.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

5 New Agents and a New Agency Seeking Literary and Commercial Fiction, Poetry, Short Stories, Nonfiction, Memoirs and more

12/19/2023

Pieter Swinkels

Here are five new literary agents and a new agency actively seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients.

All of these agents work for established agencies with good track records. They are looking for all genres.

Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change.

NOTE: Don't submit to several agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another. (Some small agencies share. Be alert to a notice that "a no from one is a no from all.")

You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.
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Mr. Pieter Swinkels of Transatlantic Literary Agency

Pieter Swinkels worked as Chief Content Officer at Rakuten Kobo for the past twelve years, leading Kobo’s global publisher relations, the self-publishing platform Kobo Writing Life, the Kobo Originals publishing program, and the launch of Audiobooks and Kobo Plus subscriptions. Before that, Pieter was Publisher at the premiere Dutch publishing houses De Bezige Bij and Meulenhoff Publishers in Amsterdam, where he published bestselling and critically-acclaimed authors such as Elizabeth Gilbert, Ann Patchett, Aravind Adiga, Damon Galgut, Sebastian Barry, Jhumpa Lahiri, Mohsin Hamid, Rachel Cusk, Paolo Giordano, Robert Harris and Karin Slaughter.

Pieter holds a Cum Laude MA degree in English Language & Literature from the University of Amsterdam, and a MPhil in Irish Literature from Trinity College Dublin. He lives and works in Toronto.

What he is seeking: He represents literary fiction and nonfiction authors, as well as corporate publishing clients from around the world.

How to submit: Submit queries to querypieter@transatlanticagency.com
Authors are encouraged to email a cover letter with a sample/excerpt of the book in question. Please submit a maximum of 20 pages. Embed the sample/excerpt into the body of the email after the cover letter. Submit an author bio/publishing history and a synopsis. Please note if other agents are also considering the project and do not submit to Pieter if you have already submitted to another Transatlantic Agent.
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Mark Tavani of David Black Literary Agency

Mark Tavani has a degree in Creative Writing from the University of Pittsburgh. He circumnavigated the globe as a student on Semester at Sea and later worked as a forestry aid in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. He is an adjunct professor with NYU's School of Professional Studies and lives with his wife, his daughters, and a headstrong dog in Rutherford, New Jersey.

Mark started his publishing career in 2000 with Ballantine Books and spent over 23 years with Penguin Random House, Bantam, Del Rey, and G.P. Putnam's Sons. He edited bestsellers and award-winners across numerous categories of fiction and nonfiction, including books by Jim Abbott, Steve Berry, C.J. Box, Robert Crais, Justin Cronin, Clive and Dirk Cussler, Jeffery Deaver, George Dohrmann, Lisa Gardner, Jack McCallum, Lisa Scottoline, Bill Simmons, and R.L. Stine. He is now thrilled to have joined the David Black Literary Agency, where he represents both fiction and nonfiction.

What he is seeking: Mark is interested in a wide range of literary and commercial fiction, including book club novels, thrillers, mysteries, speculative fiction, and historical fiction. He is looking for fiction that entertains and enriches the lives of readers.

He is keen to discover nonfiction that illuminates or inspires. He looks forward to working with experts, journalists, and memoirists, especially those in the spaces of sports, history, wellness, narrative nonfiction, and big ideas. Mark also represents collaborative writers who partner with authors in such spaces.

How to submit: For fiction, he asks for the first 50 pages of a manuscript pasted into the body of an email; for nonfiction, he asks for a pitch by way of email. He cannot respond to every submission he receives, but will respond to any that he is interested in. Send material to: mtavani@dblackagency.com
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Ms. Angelique Tran Van Sang of Felicity Bryan Literary Agency (UK)

I joined Felicity Bryan Associates as an agent after seven years as an editor at Bloomsbury, where I worked with authors such as Reni Eddo-Lodge and Kamila Shamsie, and published Jenny Zhang, Olivia Sudjic and Saba Sams amongst others.

What she is seeking: At FBA I am building a list of writers of fiction, non-fiction and select poetry, with a particular openness to authors who can work across these forms. As a former editor, I enjoy working with writers to develop their work at both structure and line level for submission to publishers.

In fiction I am looking for novels, short story collections and novellas that strike the heart and intellect in equal measure, that feature protagonists on the margins, and the full and complex lives of those not often represented in literature. I’m drawn to fresh and unexpected subversions of known narratives, the subtleties of class conflict, and writing that challenges, whether in form or content. Examples of novels I’ve admired recently: Kick the Latch by Kathryn Scanlan, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton and Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis.

In non-fiction, I’m interested in oral and narrative histories, explorations of contemporary political and philosophical issues, gripping investigative journalism, as well as literary and cultural criticism and biography. Works I’ve admired recently range from The Right to Sex by Amia Srinivasan and The Years by Annie Ernaux, to Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe and the work of Janet Malcolm and Helen Garner.

How to submit: Follow submission guidelines HERE.
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Ms. Donya Dickerson of Aevitas Creative Management

Donya Dickerson has edited multiple award-winning and bestselling titles, including New York Times bestselling author Joseph Michelli; The Wall Street Journal bestseller Work Better Together by Jen Fisher and Anh Phillips; and The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestseller Arrive & Thrive by Susan Brady, Janet Foutty, and Lynn Perry Wooten.

Before joining Aevitas, Donya was the Associate Publisher for the Business Trade list at McGraw Hill, where she acquired books by CEOs, highly respected thought leaders, and top industry experts, and built multiple partnerships with global training companies. She’s worked with Crucial Learning, Keller Williams, Deloitte, Zenger Folkman, and other renowned organizations. Prior to McGraw Hill, Donya acquired books for Writer’s Digest on the craft of writing and the business of publishing. She has a BA in English and Philosophy from William Jewell College and a Master’s in Comparative Literature with an emphasis in Fiction Writing from the University of Cincinnati.

What she is seeking: Donya focuses primarily on nonfiction in the categories of business, personal development, self-help, pop culture, science, technology, history, and parenting. She is looking for breakthrough thinking, experts with a fresh voice, and new approaches to solving the problems people face daily. She is especially drawn to books that help others be their best self and succeed in both their professional and personal lives.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.
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Mr. Eloy Bleifuss Prados of Janklow & Nesbit Associates

After studying journalism, Eloy’s first job in publishing was at Simon & Schuster editorial. He switched to the agency side when he joined Janklow & Nesbit Associates in 2019. In addition to working alongside Kirby Kim and Paul Lucas, Eloy is cultivating a growing list of fiction and nonfiction clients.

What he is seeking: Eloy is drawn to genre-blurring fiction and writers with a clear point-of-view. He’s looking for atmospheric horror, thrillers set in an under-explored time or setting, and character-driven speculative fiction. When it comes to nonfiction, he enjoys reading a broad sweep of categories from science writing and forgotten histories to pop culture and relatable self-help. Whether it is fiction or nonfiction, he is a fan of writing that is dark, strange, funny, and queer.

How to submit: Follow submission guidelines HERE.
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In addition to the above agents, here is a new Canadian literary agency.

The Ballpoint Agency is a new, artist-centred literary agency with many enthusiasms, but mostly books. They currently serve a small roster of writers with focused attention, creativity and care. The three founders have 75 years of professional experience between them:

Dave Bidini has spent 25 years writing books, earning valuable insight into the industry from an artist’s perspective.

Warren Sheffer has 20 years as a lawyer, representing authors and performers and specializing in intellectual property law.

Janet Morassutti has 30 years of publishing industry experience, most recently as a founder and managing editor of a non-profit newspaper.

Read submission guidelines HERE.

7 New Agents Actively Seeking Horror, Thrillers, Westerns, Military, Speculative Fiction, Nonfiction, Kidlit and more

11/16/2023

Nour Sallam

Here are seven new literary agents actively seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients.

All of these agents work for established agencies with good track records. They are looking for all genres.
Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change.

NOTE: Don't submit to several agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another. (Some small agencies share. Be alert to a notice that "a no from one is a no from all.")

You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.

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Ms. Nour Sallam of P.S. Literary Agency

Nour Sallam is an associate agent at PSLA representing adult fiction and non-fiction. She first joined the PSLA team as an intern in 2022 before becoming a literary assistant. Nour has previously worked in editing, podcasting, communications, and journalism. She got her start at the University of British Columbia where she studied English Literature and Political Science. She then completed her publishing certificate at Toronto Metropolitan University.

What she is seeking: Nour is acquiring both fiction and non-fiction for adults. As an Arab woman and an immigrant, she particularly loves books of any genre that feature BIPOC characters, complex and nuanced histories, power dynamics, or social and political issues.

How to submit: Read submission guidelines HERE.
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Mr. Jake Lovell of Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency

Jake joined SDLA in 2023. He earned his MA in Literature and Writing Studies from CSU San Marcos in 2021. He is also a veteran, having joined the Army in 2008. During his time he was promoted to Sergeant and served on two deployments overseas. Born and raised in Southern California, Jake proudly comes from a mixed cultural background and is second generation Chicano on his mother’s side.

What he is seeking: He is actively looking for adult fiction and non-fiction. He is interested in upmarket fiction, with an emphasis on: Gothic, horror, thrillers, westerns, military, and speculative fiction (supernatural, paranormal, UFOs, etc…; think Jordan Peele or 10 Cloverfield Lane). When it comes to fiction, he loves dark stories that cause readers to question turning off the lights before bed. Dark stories permeate through all cultures, backgrounds, and histories, and he wants to hear them. His tastes lean more in the vein of The Hunger by Alma Katsu, The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones, Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica, and works by Paul Tremblay, Mona Awad, and Colson Whitehead. In general, he’s especially drawn to character driven stories written in distinct and diverse voices.

On the non-fiction front, Jake is looking for captivating stories and perspectives that stay with readers and keep them coming back. He is especially interested in working with historians, up-and-coming scholars looking to transition to trade readership, journalists, doctors, veterans, and people with unique takes on important issues. Think: Freakonomics, Outliers, A Molecule Away From Madness, Columbine, American Sniper, Empire’s Workshop, and The Fact of a Body.

How to submit: Use his querymanager HERE.

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Ms. Paula Weiman of ASH Literary (UK)

Paula (they/them) joined the ASH Literary team in 2023 as an Agent after a career in literary scouting and educational publishing. Based in New York and with a background in foreign rights, they bring an international approach to selling their clients’ work. Their goal is to help as many children as possible to see their experiences represented on the page for the first time.

What they are seeking: Children's and YA literature.

How to submit: Send your query to submissions@ashliterary.com

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Mr. Noah Grey Rosenzweig of Triangle House

Noah Grey Rosenzweig grew up in New Jersey before moving to D.C. in 2017 and graduating from Georgetown University. He was previously a literary assistant at Ross Yoon Agency, and just completed the editorial fellowship with Grove Atlantic and Roxane Gay Books.

What he is seeking: Noah is interested in representing both fiction and non-fiction. He is a reader of all fiction but has a particular love for literary, climate, and speculative fiction, as well as the occasional YA novel. He has an eye out for stories that hold up a mirror to our culture in new ways, and he's especially interested in queer and trans coming-of-age fiction.

They are also looking for narrative non-fiction that chronicles recent history, cultural trends, technology, and social rules that explain why and how we live in our current world. Above all, Noah is looking for work that is subversive — in prose, style, or subject.

How to submit: Use his querymanager HERE.

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Ms. Erica McGrath of Writers House

Before joining Writers House, I studied Visual Arts and English at SUNY New Paltz and interned at not-for-profit art organizations like The Center for Photography at Woodstock and Musee Magazine. Now, combining my literary and artistic passions with my business sensibilities, I’m dying to read your work! As a Cancer sun, Virgo rising, and the eldest daughter of four siblings, I come well equipped as an intuitive, organized, and dedicated advocate. I am a passionate collaborator eager to support authors on this emotional journey to create lasting and inspiring projects.

What she is seeking: I’m looking to work with authors and illustrators across all age ranges, in genres ranging from picture books to middle grade and YA, to adult literary fiction and nonfiction.

How to submit: Please email your submission to emcgrath@writershouse.com. The email subject line should contain “query”, and please include a query letter, synopsis, and approximately 10-15 sample pages of your work (or sample artwork/manuscript for picture book and graphic novel submissions.)
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Mr. John Blase of The Bindery

John Blase spent over a decade as an editor and ghostwriter in traditional publishing working with such names as Eugene Peterson, Ann Voskamp, and Brian Zahnd. During that time, he penned two books with his name on the spine—one of them a self-published poetry endeavor titled The Jubilee. At the end of the day, he tries to live by writer George Saunders’ advice: “Stop trying to teach the world something and instead refuse to be boring.”

What he is seeking; John’s long been a culture junkie hooked on everything from the drama of “Hill Street Blues” (which dates him) to the wonder of Game of Thrones to the thoughts of Ta-Nehisi Coates to the poetry of Taylor Swift. And he still mourns the loss of Anthony Bourdain. While loving all genres of literature, he admits a weakness for fiction, short stories, and memoir. A good story, well-told, he simply finds hard to resist.

How to submit: Read submission guidelines HERE.
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Ms. Jenny Simpson of Paper Literary (UK)

Jenny began her publishing career at ICM Partners in New York in the subsidiary rights department. She was promoted to agent in 2021, handling all domestic subsidiary rights on behalf of the department, with a focus on audiobook and first serial rights. She has negotiated and sold rights at significant six-figure levels on behalf of prize-winning and bestselling authors and journalists. During her time at ICM (now CAA), Jenny worked across the Publishing and Podcasting departments, servicing clients in their ventures into the original audio and podcast marketplaces.

What she is seeking: I am on the hunt for commercial fiction and select nonfiction titles on health and wellness-related topics. I always lean towards stories about domestic family dramas, adult and female friendships, and contemporary romances with a modern edge. I am constantly thinking about the various paths life can take you, so any story that incorporates a time loop (think OONA OUT OR ORDER by Margarita Monitmore), spans one’s lifetime on a specific anniversary or season (ONE DAY by David Nicholls) or has that Sliding Doors-esque quality (THE VERSIONS OF US by Laura Barnett).

I now reside in Belgium with my husband and dog, a Corgi named Olive! If you have a story that elaborates on the expat experience, particularly its impact on family life, marriages and friendships, please send my way! Similarly, I will always pick up a book set in a boarding school to take me back to my teenage self, a la Curtis Sittenfeld’s PREP and FOSTER DADE EXPLORES THE COSMOS by Nash Jenkins.

My nonfiction taste leans towards topics on self-improvement and self-discovery. I love approachable books with digestible scientific research that help improve everyday life for all. In other words, I always want to learn, but never want to feel too intimidated by the material. In a similar vein, I enjoy reading first-hand accounts from individuals navigating wellness obstacles on a path towards self-improvement, for example GROUP by Christie Tate.

How to submit: Read submission requirements HERE.

11 New Agents Seeking Kidlit, Women's Fiction, Memoir, Genre Fiction, Nonfiction, Graphic Novels and more

10/10/2023

Jenniea Carter

Here are eleven new literary agents actively seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients.

All of these agents work for established agencies with good track records. They are looking for all genres.
Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change.

NOTE: Don't submit to several agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another. (Some small agencies share. Be alert to a notice that "a no from one is a no from all.")

You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.
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Ms. Kathleen Foxx of The Rights Factory (CANADA)

Kathleen joined The Rights Factory as an editorial assistant in early 2023 and was promoted to Assistant Agent in the fall of the same year. She has an editorial background, running a freelance fiction editing company. Kat is also a writer and is heavily involved in the online writing community. She also produces/hosts the #badasswriters podcast, edits audio for The Shit No One Tells You About Writing podcast, and is a founder/host of #MoodPitch.
Outside of creative work, Kat enjoys travelling, photography, creative cooking, hiking, and spending time in Ontario’s beautiful cottage country. She’s a proud mom of five kids. She *loves* cats, coffee, chocolate, cheese, Argentinian wine. Outlander, This Is Us, You’ve Got Mail, John Krasinski, Ryan Reynolds, and Tom Hanks are favourites!

What she is seeking: In fiction, she’s looking for Adult and YA thriller/mystery/suspense, gothic and supernatural horror, historical fiction (preferably pre-20th century), historical fantasy (witches, ghosts, time travel, past lives, etc.), and romcom and romance (light spice). She also enjoys fairytale/folklore retellings and some speculative fiction, anything nostalgic, anything to do with past lives and soul connections, haunted houses, ancestry, and midwifery/natural childbirth. Kat *loves* creepy, scary stories that makes her eyes water and gives her goosebumps! For Upper MG, she’s pretty much open to genres provided it’s cute and has a good message. Across ages and genres, stories that normalize blended, single-parent, adoptive, racially and/or culturally diverse, and same-sex families are high on her list.

For nonfiction, Kat is seeking memoirs that read like fiction, motherhood/natural pregnancy and childbirth/midwifery/planned unassisted births, single parenthood (especially if paired with overcoming an abusive relationship with the other parent), past life/reincarnation, the “brotherhood” mentality of law enforcement, narcissistic abuse recovery, true crime, wine/food/travel, a history of witches and witchcraft, and ancient locations/civilizations.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.
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Ms. Rosie Pierce of Curtis Brown Group, Ltd. (UK)

I joined Curtis Brown in 2018, after a couple of years in editorial at an independent publisher in Edinburgh. I now work alongside Felicity Blunt on her list of talented authors, and I am building my own list. I love working editorially with writers on their manuscripts - it is one of my favourite parts of my job.

What she is seeking: I read widely and across genres, and I am looking for both literary and commercial fiction. I love family dramas, ghost and horror stories, psychological suspense, murder mysteries, gripping thrillers, and big-hearted romantic comedies.

How to submit: Please email the first three chapters/10,000 words and short synopsis (for fiction) or proposal (for non-fiction) to rosie.pierce@curtisbrown.co.uk.

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Ms. Trinica Sampson-Vera of New Leaf Literary & Media

Trinica graduated from Antioch College with a degree in Creative Writing and French. After several editorial internships during college, she moved to Austin and found an unexpected home in social services, where she worked for five years as a case manager to those experiencing chronic homelessness. Prior to beginning at New Leaf, she worked as an independent editor with Salt & Sage Books and Writing Diversely.

What she is seeking: Children's, YA and adult fiction and nonfiction, graphic novels. Trinica Sampson-Vera is passionate about championing diverse voices and particularly loves speculative fiction; adventurous, character-driven stories with largely emotional stakes; stories featuring Caribbean characters/settings; and stories where queer characters find happy endings.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.
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Jenniea Carter of New Leaf Literary & Media

Harlem born and raised, Jenniea graduated from City College of New York with a B.A in Creative Writing and Asian Studies. With haste, she moved to Japan to explore the world outside the concrete jungle. After years of exploration, she returned home with a revitalized zeal for the literary world. Her first endeavor led her to Kinokuniya Bookstore where she honed her knowledge of book buying, merchandising, and selling. Soon after; Jenniea found herself home at New Leaf on Joanna’s team, eager to uplift and amplify marginalized voices. When she is not between the pages of a book, Jenniea can be found bingeing mystery documentaries and animation.

What she is seeking: Children's and adult fiction and nonfiction, graphic novels. She is eager to uplift and amplify marginalized voices.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.
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Ms. Sophia Ramos of New Leaf Literary & Media

Hailing from South Florida, Sophia has always had a passion for books, earning a Masters of Science in Publishing from NYU. Prior to joining New Leaf, Sophia worked as a literary scout sourcing projects for international clients, and later moved into foreign rights and international sales where she rounded out her understanding of publishing as a global industry. You can usually find Sophia and her dachshund Sunny in the kitchen or the craftroom making something Instagram-worthy. She is a Diet Coke enthusiast and champion axe thrower.

What she is seeking: Genre fiction, Picture Books, Kidlit, SFF, Short Stories. She loves to read stories that were written for the kids who had to grow up too fast and books that redefine family, love, and madness.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Ms. Jes Trudel of The Rights Factory (CANADA)

Jes Trudel (she/her/mx) has been devouring stories longer than she can remember. Her favourite childhood books were Jack London adventures (which she never really outgrew). Jes' experience includes working as a freelance editor for 15+ years, teaching creative writing to people around the globe, and founding WritingCommunity.ca in 2020 when the whole world went digital. She's been a guest presenter with SCBWI, the 12x12 Picture Book Challenge, Write For Kids, and TSNOTYAW podcast, and has contributed to BoldFace, Children's Book Insider, and the SCBWI blog. She joined The Rights Factory in 2023 as an editorial assistant. As an editorial agent, Jes works with her clients to develop their manuscripts into the best version they can be.

What she is seeking: Children's Literature

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.
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Ms. Rebecca Williamson of Sheldon Fogelman Agency

Rebecca Williamson enthusiastically joined Sheldon Fogelman Agency in 2023 after working with St. Martin's Publishing Group at Macmillan and Triada US Literary Agency. Rebecca began her agenting journey at the Columbia Publishing Course. She graduated from the State University of New York at Geneseo with a double major in English (creative writing) and Communication (journalism & media).

What she is seeking: Rebecca Williamson is passionate about all children's books, from picture books through young adult.

How to submit: Follow the agency's guidelines HERE.
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Ms. Valentina Sainato of JABberwocky Literary Agency

Valentina (she/they) is an agency assistant at JABberwocky assisting Eddie Schneider. She also handles all merchandise and third-party licensing proposals.

She graduated from Cal Poly SLO with a B.A. in English and has lived in New York City ever since. Outside of their literary interests, Valentina is a dancer of many different styles, a video game lover, and a ~very~ amateur digital artist.
Before joining JABberwocky, Valentina worked as an Events Manager with Barnes & Noble on the Upper West Side, where they hosted a huge variety of author events, book clubs, children’s activities, and more. She has also interned at Foundry Literary + Media, Folio Literary Management, and the Feminist Press at CUNY.

What she is seeking: Horror is my favorite genre to read, and I’m looking for lots of different flavors here. If it’s spooky, eerie, disorienting, thrilling, existential, or even horror-lite, I want to read it. Blends with sci-fi/fantasy are also welcome!

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Mr. Beniamino Ambrosi of The Cheney Agency

Beniamino Ambrosi is from Bari, southern Italy, and has a master’s degree in Languages and Literature from the University of Florence. He graduated from the PhD program in English Language Literature at the University of Florence. During and after graduate school, he worked as a literary translator, translating Paul Murray and Salvatore Scibona into Italian, among others. He moved to New York in 2009, and worked as a literary scout at Maria B. Campbell Associates for over a decade, advising international book publishers in over 20 countries, as well as film/TV clients such as Warner Bros. and Netflix. He made the switch to agenting at the end of 2021, joining The Cheney Agency as foreign rights director, and starting his list as agent. A Zev Birger Jerusalem Fellow, Beniamino currently serves on the Young Professional’s Committee of Words Without Borders.

What he is seeking: Beniamino Ambrosi represents English-language nonfiction and literary fiction, and authors in translation.

How to submit: Please send a query letter briefly describing your project and professional background, along with up to three chapters of sample material. Queries may be sent by email to submissions@cheneyagency.com.
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Ms. Bridgette Kam of Westwood Creative Artists (CANADA)

My career in publishing began when I interned at McClelland & Stewart while pursuing Ryerson’s publishing program. Before entering the publishing world, I worked in the arts, communications, education, and legal industries in Toronto and Hong Kong. I earned my BA in English and Art History in Hong Kong and an MA in Medieval and Renaissance literature in Durham, UK. I grew up watching TVB dramas and immersed in Cantopop culture, and I’m proud to be fluent in Cantonese and to be able to speak Mandarin conversationally.

What she is seeking: In narrative non-fiction, I’m drawn to fresh, unique, diverse, and well-informed voices, especially pop culture, social issues, popular history, big ideas, current affairs, and popular science. I’m also interested in practical non-fiction: self-improvement, health, and lifestyle.

In fiction, I’d love to see submissions in the vein of Nancy Jooyoun Kim’s The Last Story of Mina Lee and Asha Lemmie’s Fifty Words for Rain.

In children’s literature, I’m especially interested in fiction and non-fiction picture book texts, middle grade fiction, and illustration.

How to submit: Please read submission guidelines HERE.
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Amy Nielsen of The Purcell Agency, LLC

Amy Nielsen spent nearly twenty years sharing her love of books with young readers on the other side of the writing aisle as a youth librarian. Daily immersion in story took root, and she started penning her 2024 YA debut, Worth It, behind her checkout desk. Amy also has a background in television production and creates book trailers for authors to use as a marketing tool. She started Mayflower Media where she works collaboratively with writers to bring the heart of their stories from the page to the screen.

What she is seeking: Picture Books: I’ll be looking for hyperbolic, zany storylines that teach a life lesson (even subtle) or ones with laugh-out-loud moments written simply to entertain.
Middle Grade: I’ll be looking for fast-paced stories mostly set in a contemporary setting that feature characters that think, act, and talk like real middle graders.

Young Adult: I’ll gravitate toward contemporary issue-driven plots where teens find themselves in situations they aren’t equipped to handle, but eventually figure it out.

Adult Fiction: I’ll lean into contemporary women’s fiction where the main characters are shattering glass ceilings despite obstacles, and defying stereotypes.

General Wishes: As the mother of an autistic child, I’d appreciate any story that features characters across the autism spectrum written authentically and free from stereotypes. I’m also always game for any fairy-tale retelling or re-imagining, especially if pulled into a contemporary setting. I would love any age range where a dystopian plot mirrors a current social issue. Think Handmaid’s Tale versus the current political landscape of abortion. Or how the political landscape is impacting marginalized communities such as the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

8 New Agents Seeking Cookbooks, Kidlit, Horror, LGBTQ, Women's Fiction, SFF, and more

9/21/2023

Laura Gruszka

Here are eight new literary agents actively seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients.

All of these agents work for established agencies with good track records. They are looking for all genres.
Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change.

NOTE: Don't submit to several agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another. (Some small agencies share. Be alert to a notice that "a no from one is a no from all.")
You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.
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Ms. Laura Gruszka of Writers House

Laura Gruszka is a junior agent at Writer's House.

What she is seeking: Juvenile fiction, Picture books, Middle grade, Young adult, Graphic novel, Graphic memoir, Literary horror, Literary weird, Literary genre. I’m looking for authors and illustrators of children’s books for all ages—picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels. I’m also open to adult graphic novels and adult literary fiction.

My priority as a junior agent is uplifting traditionally underrepresented voices and stories in publishing. This applies to every category of books I am looking for. If you are a creator who is part of a marginalized community—regardless of whether you are specifically writing about identity—please send your work my way!

How to submit: Read query guidelines HERE.
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Ms. Kara Rota of Thompson Literary Agency

Kara Rota has joined Thompson Literary Agency as a senior agent. Previously Kara worked at Macmillan, acquiring and editing cookbooks, mind/body/spirit projects and other nonfiction for multiple Macmillan imprints including Flatiron and St. Martin’s Press. Most recently, she worked as an Executive Editor at Chicago Review Press, acquiring narrative nonfiction, music, and pop culture titles.

What she is seeking: Kara is excited to represent nonfiction authors including activists, artists, witches, and revolutionaries; cookbooks about more than food, parenting books that see care work as central to social change, illustrated projects that inspire delight, and other nonfiction books that seek to change the world.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE
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Ms. Leah Moss of Steven Literary

Leah Moss graduated from Lake Forest College in 2020, where she studied Creative Writing, Publishing, and Digital Media Design. A lifelong reader, she's spent the past few years working at libraries and has always dreamed of working in the book publishing industry. When she isn't being a professional bookworm, Leah can probably be found playing her harp or tending to her Stardew Valley farm.

What she is seeking: Picture books, YA, new adult, romance, fantasy. Stories from marginalized writers. I’m particularly interested in uplifting BIPOC voices, but I also really want to see work from LGBTQ+.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.
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Ms. Mara Cobb of Martin Literary Management

After earning my master's degree in English, achieving over fifty publications, and serving as the editor-in-chief for a small literary journal, I completed a year-long publishing internship learning the ins and outs of Martin Literary Management. I am thrilled to become part of the MLM family and am most excited about coming alongside fresh and seasoned writers to help them reach their full potential.

What she is seeking: Currently, I am looking for Adult Nonfiction and Women's Driven Fiction. For Women's Driven Fiction, I am particularly interested in books with strong female heroines who are in their 20s. The gap between YA Fiction and Adult Fiction is one that I am passionate about continuing to bridge.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.
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Aiden Siobhan of Laura Dail Literary Agency, Inc.

Aiden Siobhan graduated from UNC School of the Arts in 2023 with a Filmmaking BFA specializing in Screenwriting and Animation. Before becoming an agent, they interned at LDLA and were an Author Mentor Match mentee in 2022. When they’re not binge reading an LGBTQ+ YA novel, they work as the Art Director for two alternative newspapers, attend film festivals for their documentary projects, and go on road trips with their fiancé and dog.

What they are seeking: MG and YA fiction: all genres, all fantasy subgenres. Diverse ensemble casts, clever voicey protagonists, action-packed, fast paced, ALL the tropes, high personal stakes, and compelling villains. Not the best fit for multiple POVs or stories about war. NO talking animals. Adult Horror: psychological, cerebral. Contemporary, historical, and/or with speculative/paranormal elements. NO visceral horror/slashers. Adult Romance: LGBTQ+ romances only. All genres. Enemies or friends to lovers, meet-cutes, strong independent women, fresh stories with strong hooks, and genre blending. Graphic Novels: Author-Illustrators only. MG, YA, and Adult in all genres, fiction & nonfiction. Anything that fits categories above.

How to submit: Use their querymanager HERE.
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Mr. Jack Mozley of Perez Literary & Entertainment

The son of a mining engineer and a poet, Jack naturally ended up with a doctorate in quantum physics and a love of Science Fiction, each using, as they do, a little of the extraordinary to understand the everyday.

When not squinting at a spreadsheet, Jack can be found with his nose in a book or graphic novel. He is a huge fan of classic SF, especially Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov, as well as Iain M. Banks and China Miéville. Growing up, he devoured every issue of 2000 AD and remains an Alan Moore devotee.

Jack holds a PhD in Quantum Physics from École Normale Supérieure in Paris, France and an MPhys from the University of Oxford. He is fluent in French, speaks basic Spanish, and has lived in four countries.

What he is seeking: Jack is currently open to Science Fiction queries only.

How to submit: Use his querymanager HERE.
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Ms. Andie Smith of The Booker Albert Literary Agency

Andie Smith is a Junior Agent at The Booker Albert Literary Agency where she started out as a Literary Intern in 2022. She is also a writer and editor of multiple genres. Andie has previously served as an writer and editor for several local newspapers and magazines in Central Florida and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Administration. When she’s not agenting, she’s spending time with her husband and two kitties or hanging out at Disney World.

What she is seeking: Andie is currently looking for Young Adult or Adult genres including but not limited to contemporary, romance, thriller, speculative, dystopian, issue-driven, fantasy, eco-fiction, and sci-fi.

She loves anything that can transport her into a new world and has a habit of getting emotionally attached to strong characters. Her favorite tropes are enemies-to-lovers and fake-to-real relationships. As an autoimmune advocate, Andie would love to see stories with MC’s embracing life through all disabilities, from those that are more obvious to invisible ones.

Andie is not accepting picture books, middle grade, or nonfiction at this time. She is not the best fit for any genres of religion, horror, poetry/prose, or historical fiction. While not a total dealbreaker, Andie tends to shy away from stories with on-the-page cheating, abuse, rape, and reference to self-harm and/or suicide (off-page references ok)

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.
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Ms. Jacklyn Saferstein-Hansen of Renaissance Literary & Talent

Jacklyn Saferstein-Hansen hails from Omaha, Nebraska, and came to Los Angeles by way of Boston University.

What she is seeking: She's on the hunt for fresh nonfiction in the following areas: wellness/nutrition/food, mental health, history, science, pop culture, and Jewish issues. She's interested in helping academics make the jump to the trade market. In fiction, she's partial to novels with a distinct voice (the weirder the better) and quirky characters in the genres of women's fiction, historical fiction, thriller/mystery, and fantasy.

How to submit: Send your query to query@renaissancemgmt.net

12 New Agents Seeking Fantasy, Kidlit, Picture Books, YA, Nonfiction, Memoir, Romance, Horror and more

8/15/2023

Alison Thompson

Here are twelve new literary agents actively seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients.

All of these agents work for established agencies with good track records. They are looking for all genres.

Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change.

NOTE: Don't submit to several agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another. (Some small agencies share. Be alert to a notice that "a no from one is a no from all.")

You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.
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Ms. Alison Thompson of The Bukowski Agency (CANADA)

Alison joined the Bukowski Agency as an intern while enrolled in Toronto Metropolitan University’s publishing program. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts with a major in English and minor in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. After graduating, Alison spent a few years working in law and in the non-profit arts and culture sector before pursuing her passion for books.

What she is seeking: Alison is currently building her client list and accepting new submissions. She is primarily looking for character-driven genre fiction and compelling non-fiction.

How to submit: Follow the agency's submission guidelines HERE.
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CoCo Freeman of Linda Chester Literary Agency

CoCo Freeman recently joined the agency. She is a graduate of Bard College with a B.A. in Written Arts. Before joining Linda Chester, CoCo worked for Tom Yoon Productions developing projects and editing existing material.

What she is seeking: CoCo is looking for smart adult commercial fiction, mysteries, thrillers, historical fiction, young adult, middle grade and select picture books.

How to submit: CoCo Freeman is accepting queries at coco@lindachester.com. Please include a short synopsis along with the first two chapters in the body of the email.

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D. Patrick Miller of Linda Chester Literary Agency

D. Patrick Miller joined the Chester Agency as an Associate Agent in 2023. He continues to independently provide editing, manuscript assessments, and Assisted Publishing services to new and working writers under his long-established company Fearless Literary Services.

Whar he is seeking: His fields of interest include spirituality, human potential, health and wellness, creativity, and the arts.

How to submit: Patrick Miller is accepting queries at dpatrick@lindachester.com. Please include a short synopsis along with the first two chapters in the body of the email.
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Ms. Valerie Frankel of Aevitas Creative Management

Valerie Frankel has collaborated with celebrities, public figures, and experts on more than thirty books, including two #1 New York Times bestsellers, Unhinged by Omarosa Manigault Newman and Melania and Me by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff. Other bestsellers she’s ghostwritten include Stay Hungry by Sebastian Maniscalco and A Shore Thing by Snooki. Before becoming a ghostwriter, Frankel, a Dartmouth grad, has been an award-winning journalist and author (she’s written twenty-one books under her own name, novels, memoirs, and self-help guides), and served as Articles Editor at Condé Nast’s Mademoiselle for a decade. She’s based in Brooklyn, New York, and loves cats.

What she is seeking: Valerie is interested in non-fiction (memoir, health and wellness, business, lifestyle) and fiction (thriller, mystery, romance, YA).

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.
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Ms. Yezanira Venecia of JABberwocky Literary Agency

Yezanira Venecia grew up in Texas and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She started her career in publishing seven years ago and previously held editorial positions at Skyhorse Publishing, Soho Press, and Melville House.

What she is seeking: YA and Adult Fiction: When it comes to fiction, I’m not tied down to one specific genre, although I do love crime fiction/horror, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and graphic novels (including manga).

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.
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Mira Landry of Corvisiero Literary Agency

Born and raised in British Columbia, Mira Landry has lived on four continents, traveled to over eighty countries, and now resides in Colorado with her husband where she still seeks adventure in both real life and on the page. After a decade building her own business as a photographer, she’s eager to help authors turn their art into a career. As a Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers member, she’s dedicated to building writing and literary communities through events and educational programming, and was co-chair for their Colorado Gold Conference. She has a Bachelors in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia and a Certificate of Creative Writing from Simon Fraser University.

What she is seeking: Mira is seeking upmarket adult fiction, ideally character-driven literary explorations with efficient, stunning prose and commercially appealing plots. She’d love to see experimental, artful writing that reels her in with continuously building tension and curiosity. She likes when speculative aspects are well-woven amid the protagonist’s journey and mostly set within our current reality without too many dragons, vampires, or aliens. She prefers romance that is embedded in women’s fiction, and mysteries rich in visceral settings and complex characters. Mira would specifically love to see more work from Indigenous/First Nations authors, as well other historically marginalized and underrepresented voices.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Micah Brocker of Corvisiero Literary Agency

Micah Brocker has spent the last five years in the business world helping entrepreneurs and artists fulfill the financial and legal knowledge needed to succeed. It has been her lifelong dream to foster careers for all artists, in particular authors and screenwriters. At Corvisiero Literary Agency, she is interested in fostering her client’s careers from the start and building their businesses with them. Located in Seattle, WA, you can find her hiking or running in the rain when she is not indoors reading with her trusty cat at her side.

What she is seeking: In both film and novels, she is interested in YA contemporary stories that deal with messy relationships and issues that can help young adults put words to their experiences. She is also looking for YA science fiction and urban fantasy that provide an escape while still helping us connect to the everyday troubles of growing up. In adult fiction, she loves women’s fiction and upmarket fiction that deals with burdensome secrets, messy relationships, and a character with a deep desire to change their life, the world etc., especially with a psychological, sci-fi, or romantic twist!

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Catherine Ross of Corvisiero Literary Agency

Catherine is a recent graduate of Howard University School of Law. Always knowing that her love of books would somehow find its way into her career, Catherine strived to learn about publishing and copyrights law. Along the way, she fell in love with agency work as well. Catherine hopes to bridge both legal and agent services together to serve clients at each stage of the process, and is excited to learn more from Corvisiero.

What she is seeking: Catherine loves anything from the fantasy genre, from urban to high fantasy, young adult to new adult, she’ll read it all! But honestly she loves anything that has strong world-building, complex characters, and a twist. When Catherine is not reading (a rarity) she is likely watching old horror films or finding new places to travel.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Alexandra Grana of Corvisiero Literary Agency

Alex is a recent graduate of the University of Toledo College of Law. She has always loved writing and literature, having completed her B.A. in Professional Writing at Miami University, and is excited to dedicate herself to helping fellow writers pursue publication. When she isn’t reading, she can be found trying a new recipe in the kitchen or prepping for her next DnD session.

What she is seeking: Alex’s favorite genres are fantasy and horror. She is a sucker for a good magic system, reimagined fairy tales, and poetic prose. Stories by marginalized writers are of particular interest to her.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Morgan Hughes of FinePrint Literary Management

Morgan Hughes grew up in the midwest before relocating to Texas as soon as she turned eighteen. There, she attended Texas Tech University and earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English literature. Morgan was previously an intern and Agency Assistant at Pippin Properties before joining FinePrint Literary in 2023 as an Associate Agent. She currently lives in Texas with her husband and their dog.

What she is seeking: Morgan is seeking Middle Grade and YA fantasy / adventure with a particular interest in graphic novels. She is also interested in YA, New Adult, and Adult romance. She loves unique narratives, strong voices, and impressive world-building, but is also drawn to small town vibes and sports settings. She is currently not seeking picture books, science-fiction, thrillers/mysteries, or nonfiction.

How to submit: To query Morgan, send a query letter to submissions@fineprintlit.com and write "Dear Morgan" in the body of the email. Include the opening 3 or 4 pages embedded in the body of your email.
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Ms. Lisa Rambert-Valaskova of Transatlantic Literary Agency

Lisa Rambert-Valaskova has a law degree from the University of McGill and a degree in French Language and Literature from the University of Toronto, Trinity College. Prior to joining Transatlantic she worked with several agents and authors as an independent literary consultant and editor. After living in Ottawa, Rome, Toronto, Prague, New York and (almost) Paris (twice!) – she now lives in beautiful Montreal with her husband, three children, and a sweet-as-honey Small Munsterlander named Tessa.

What she is seeking: Lisa is ONLY open to children’s picture book and middle grade queries at the moment.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Carey Blankenship-Kramer of Belcastro Agency

After growing up surrounded by books and people who loved to read them, Carey dreamed of bringing more books to the hands of avid readers like herself. She graduated from Berry College with a dual degree in English and Creative Writing. She later received her master’s in Writing and Digital Communications from Agnes Scott College. She has experience working with both publishing houses and literary agencies and loves her role as Junior Agent at Belcastro Agency. As an editorial agent, she loves working closely with her authors to ensure their stories come to life on the page.

What she is seeking: While her sweet spot is horror and middle grade, Carey’s tastes are wide and varied. From mystery to fantasy to science fiction, she loves anything that can draw her in and have her rooting for the main characters.

Specifics Across All Genres and Age Groups:

Diverse stories from Ownvoices.
HORROR. Horror, horror, horror! If you have something remotely spooky, Carey wants to see it.
Neurodiversity rep. As someone with ADHD, anxiety, and depression, neurodiversity is extremely important to Carey.
Queer stories, especially those with happy endings.
Quiet, coming of age stories for MG audiences, especially if the word count is on the smaller side with a twinge of magic.
Stories with animal sidekicks / main characters / or just fluffy pals. Especially horses.
Video game stories.
Dragons! Or anything with mythological creatures.
Tennis centered books.
Stories set in the South.

Middle Grade

Adventure
Contemporary
Fantasy
Graphic Novel
Historical
Horror
Mystery
Paranormal
Science Fiction
Literally everything. Carey LOVES Middle Grade.

Young Adult

Adventure
Contemporary
Fantasy
Graphic Novel
Horror
Mystery
Paranormal
Science Fiction

New Adult/Adult

Contemporary
Fantasy
Horror
Mystery
Romance
Science Fiction

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

4 Established Agents Seeking Genre Fiction, Literary Fiction, Kidlit, YA, Nonfiction and more

6/28/2023

Caitlyn Mahony

Here are four established agents open to queries right now. All work with reputable agencies with good track records.

Caitlin Mahony represents romance, genre, and commercial fiction. She loves a hard-won, epic love story (historical and contemporary), a transporting fantasy or sci-fi novel that helps parse earthly questions, a delightful beach read, or a pulse-pounding thriller.

Jenny Savill is looking for literary fiction, literary and commercial women’s fiction, psychological suspense, gothic thrillers and stories with a touch of creeping horror, ghost stories, historical fiction (the whole gamut – including alternate histories), and memoir as well as children's and young adult literature.

Ingrid Beck is seeking compelling nonfiction proposals in the following categories: practical self-help, mindfulness, mental health and wellbeing, religion and spirituality, social and cultural issues, and lifestyle.

Marin Takikawa is looking for literary fiction, YA, and memoirs.

Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change.

NOTE: Don't submit to several agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another. (Some small agencies share. Be alert to a notice that "a no from one is a no from all.")

You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.
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Ms. Caitlin Mahony of William Morris Endeavor

Caitlin has been at WME since 2016. Caitlin’s clients include bestselling romance authors Chloe Walsh and Shantel Tessier, fantasy author Henry Neff, among others. Caitlin is passionate about breaking out authors who originate from the self-publishing world, and bringing new opportunities their way—whether it’s a transition to traditional publishing in the US and UK, translation and audio deals, or merchandising.

What she is seeking: She represents romance, genre, and commercial fiction. Caitlin is looking for books that offer a total escape and full immersion, in either this world or an imagined one. She loves a hard-won, epic love story (historical and contemporary), a transporting fantasy or sci-fi novel that helps parse earthly questions, a delightful beach read, or a pulse-pounding thriller; and is always looking to get swept up in something that you can’t put down.
How to submit: Submissions should be emailed to cma@wmeagency.com

Caitlin would love to see your query letter (including a bio) and the first chapter of your manuscript. For previously self-published work, a link to your website, Goodreads, Wattpad, and/or Amazon page would be great too.
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Ms. Jenny Savill of Andrew Nurnberg Associates Ltd

Jenny joined Andrew Nurnberg Associates in 2002. She represents authors writing for both children and adults.

What she is seeking: On the adult side, she’s looking for literary fiction, literary and commercial women’s fiction, psychological suspense, gothic thrillers and stories with a touch of creeping horror, ghost stories, historical fiction (the whole gamut – including alternate histories), and memoir. High fantasy is not her thing, though she is partial to a story with a speculative thread running through it. Her roster of adult authors includes internationally bestselling novelist Natasha Pulley, Shirley-Jackson winner Catriona Ward, writer of the darkly comic Sweetpea series C J Skuse, and graphic novelist Fred Fordham.

On the children’s side, she’s always on the look-out for new voices in 7+, Middle Grade and Young Adult writing. Her authors include Matt Brown, Keren David and Hana Tooke.

How to submit: Follow the agency's guidelines HERE.
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Ms. Ingrid Beck of The Bindery

After earning her bachelor’s degree in English literature from Kansas State University, Ingrid Beck spent more than 17 years working in book publishing, serving in diverse roles such as acquisitions editor, managing editor, and editorial director. Ingrid joined The Bindery in 2019 as managing director and oversees day-to-day operations, proposal development, client relations, scheduling, and a variety of other special projects.

What she is seeking: Ingrid is seeking compelling nonfiction proposals in the following categories: practical self-help, mindfulness, mental health and wellbeing, religion and spirituality, social and cultural issues, and lifestyle.

How to submit: Email your query to info@thebinderyagency.com. Please include the following in the body of your email: a clear summary of your book concept, an author biography, the table of contents (for nonfiction), at least two sample chapters, relevant contact information, and any publishing history. Include the word “QUERY” in the email subject line and if you’ve completed a book proposal, please attach that document to your email. You may address your query to one agent or to The Bindery as a whole.
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Ms. Marin Takikawa of The Friedrich Agency

Before joining TFA in early 2021, I got my start as an assistant to three agents at Foundry Literary + Media, following internships at The Book Group, Folio Literary Management, and Triada U.S. Born in Tokyo and raised in Singapore and NYC, I graduated from the University of Rochester with degrees in English and Business. In addition to building my own list, I support Molly Friedrich and Lucy Carson, and handle audio rights for the agency.

What she is seeking: I’m an eclectic reader, and hope that my list will showcase this range as well—in addition to fiction and nonfiction, I also am looking to represent select YA.

For adult fiction, I’m looking for character-driven upmarket and literary fiction. In particular, I’m always driven by the need to understand people and discover the various kinks that aren’t visible from the surface—what drives them? What do they desire most but can’t get? I’m particularly enamored by genre-bending works, fiction with a speculative or magical bent, literary suspense, narratives about complex family relationships, and those that subvert forms of power, specifically neocolonialist ones. My tastes in YA are similar, although with more focus on speculative concepts and maybe surprisingly, contemporary rom-coms like LOVE & GELATO, ANNA & THE FRENCH KISS, and TELL ME THREE THINGS.

In nonfiction, I gravitate toward memoirs that balance personal narratives with engaging and insightful research and/or cultural analysis. I’m also looking for narrative nonfiction that is resistant and radical in nature, that questions why we have the institutions, ideas, and systems we have in place. I often think about the legacies of colonialism, how it haunts and perpetuates in various forms in the modern age (such as the environment and in capitalism), but also about collective action and its sense of possibilities and what the future could look like. I’d love to hear from you if your work is in this space.

Regardless of category, I’m looking for a singular voice that will guide me through any literary terrain and is not afraid of pushing against the status quo. And above all, it’s important to me that my list is filled with writers from historically underrepresented communities, as well as diasporic voices.

How to submit: Please email your query (no sample pages) to mtakikawa@friedrichagency.com

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