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Jim McCarthy

Closed
Dystel, Goderich & Bourret LLC·US

Agent profile summary

Represents
literary fictioncommercial fictionfantasymysteryromancenarrative non-fiction
+4 morememoirhistorypop culturechildren's non-fiction
Looking for
Query Letter, First 25 Pages
How to submit
QueryManager
View source·Agent page
Recently verified·Last verified: 2 May 2026
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Jim McCarthy is a literary agent at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret LLC based in US. Their list focuses on genres including literary fiction, commercial fiction, and fantasy. Currently closed to submissions, with responses usually within 8 weeks. Submissions via QueryManager. For current guidelines, check the agent's own submission page linked below.

Age Categories

Adult, Young Adult, Middle Grade

Response Time

Usually responds within 8 weeks

Notes

VP and senior agent with over twenty years at the agency. Query only one agent at this agency at a time.

Other agents at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret LLC

Miriam Goderich

Dystel, Goderich & Bourret LLC

Open
RepresentsLiterary fiction, commercial fiction, genre fiction, narrative non-fiction, pop culture, psychology, history, science, art, business books, biography, memoir
Looking forShe looks for commercial fiction and is interested in brilliant novels, fun beach reads, gripping nonfiction narratives, inspirational memoirs or biographies, and instructional self-help titles.
How to submitSend query letter via email with full query in body of email, not as attachment. Include first 25 pages of manuscript for fiction or proposal with sample chapter for nonfiction in the body of the email below the query letter.
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Michael Bourret

Dystel, Goderich & Bourret LLC

Closed
RepresentsChildren's fiction, picture books, middle grade fiction, young adult fiction, commercial fiction, literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, middle grade non-fiction, graphic novels
Looking forOffbeat projects that break the mold, with particular interest in queer and BIPOC literature and writers. He wants to read something that moves him and connects on an intellectual, emotional or spiritual level. He specifically wants to see more middle grade fiction and nonfiction, and graphic novels.
How to submitSubmit only via Query Manager. Include query letter in body and first 25 pages of manuscript for fiction or proposal with sample chapter for nonfiction. For picture books, include full text and dummy or sample art if available. For graphic novels, include first 25 pages of script plus illustrated pages if author or illustrator.
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Agents with overlapping taste

Andrea Somberg

Harvey Klinger Literary Agency

Open
RepresentsLiterary fiction, commercial fiction, upmarket women's fiction, romance, thriller, mystery, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, young adult fiction, middle grade fiction, memoir, narrative non-fiction, popular science, parenting, pop culture, humor, how-to, self-help, lifestyle, travel, interior design, crafts, business
Looking forAndrea represents a wide range of fiction and nonfiction, including projects for adult, young adult and middle grade audiences. She actively seeks literary and commercial fiction, upmarket women's fiction, romance, thrillers, mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction. In nonfiction, she seeks memoir, narrative nonfiction, popular science, parenting, pop culture, humor, how-to, self-help, lifestyle, travel, interior design, crafts, and business.
How to submitSubmit via email with a short synopsis of your work, author bio, and the first five pages of your manuscript pasted into the body of the email. No attachments.
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Michele Mortimer

Darhansoff & Verrill Literary Agents

Open
RepresentsLiterary fiction, historical fiction, crime, mystery, thrillers, horror, women's fiction, romance, young adult fiction, memoirs, essays, narrative nonfiction
Looking forLiterary fiction; historical fiction; sophisticated genre (crime, mystery, thrillers, horror); upmarket character-rich women's fiction and smart romance; realism-based young adult fiction; memoirs, essays, and narrative nonfiction. Nonfiction interests include: music, sports, wellness, the natural world, animal welfare, feminism, true crime, sociology, and culture both pop and serious.
How to submitSubmissions strictly via dedicated email address: submissions@dvagency.com
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Cate Hart

Harvey Klinger Literary Agency

Open
RepresentsHistorical, women's fiction, romance, fantasy, mystery, psychological thriller, middle grade, young adult, narrative non-fiction, history, film, TV, theatre, pop culture, music, commercial fiction
Looking forShe specializes in Historical fiction, whether in Young Adult, Women's Fiction and Romance, or narrative nonfiction. She is particularly drawn to oft forgotten stories of the past and underrepresented voices, and especially personal to her is unexplored Southern history and culture. She also loves high-concept fantasy in Young Adult and Adult fiction.
How to submitSubmit queries through QueryManager only. Include a short synopsis of your work, author bio, and the first five pages pasted into the submission form. No attachments. Do not query more than one agent at Harvey Klinger at a time.
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Laura Rennert

Andrea Brown Literary Agency

Open
RepresentsLiterary fiction, commercial fiction, thriller, horror, science fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction, historical fiction, picture books, middle grade, young adult, romance, mystery
Looking forLaura would love to find fantasy, spec fiction, alternate history, and horror with fresh, original, unexpected reimaginings. She seeks retellings that reinvent underlying traditions, gothic suspense or thrillers, romantasy that is more romantic fantasy than fantasy romance, high concept rom-coms, and sexy historical romance. She also wants thrillers and mysteries with dynamic, unexpected characters and rich psychological insights.
How to submitClick on the QueryManager link in the agent's bio, follow the prompts, and complete all required fields including a short query letter with a description of your work, previous publishing credentials, a short author bio, contact information, and for novels: first 10 pages of text.
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Frannie Dove

The Caldwell Agency

Open
RepresentsHistorical fiction, narrative history, historical fantasy, comedic mystery, book club fiction, genre bended and blended fiction, science for the non-scientist, essays, memoir
Looking forAll things history. Commercial and upmarket historical fiction that challenges and educates readers, particularly those that explore the margins of history books and those from marginalized perspectives. Book club fiction, essays and memoirs, history and science
How to submitQuery Frannie
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Danielle Marshall

Jane Rotrosen Agency

Check availability
RepresentsWomen's fiction, literary fiction, book club fiction, contemporary romance, historical fiction, mystery, suspense, memoir, self-help nonfiction
Looking forFresh voices in women's fiction, literary fiction, book club fiction, contemporary romance, historical fiction, mystery and suspense, as well as memoir and selected self-help nonfiction
How to submitVisit agent's website for details
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This profile was last verified on 2 May 2026. PairPi tracks UK literary agents' submission guidelines against their own websites. If you spot something wrong, please email hello@pairpi.com.