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United States Literary Agents

Literary agents based in the United States. Browse verified listings with submission guidelines, open status, and direct links to agency websites.

1224 agents · 684 currently open to submissions

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Represents

Thriller, horror, historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, adult fiction, board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books, middle grade, young adult fiction, young adult non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, author bio, first 10 pages

Looking for

Lara is currently open to adult fiction queries only. She seeks thrillers, horror with purpose, historical fiction that feels immediate and hooky, and grounded and unexpected science fiction and fantasy. She is always excited to see unreliable narrators, twisty mysteries, eerie settings, psychological horror, and character-driven stories with sparks of magic.

How to submit

Submit through QueryManager with a short query letter, author bio, contact information, and first 10 pages of text for novels. Complete the required fields in the submission form.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, thriller, mysteries, speculative fiction, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages

Looking for

Kirby represents both literary and commercial authors. He seeks manuscripts that straddle the fence with upmarket expression combined with a genre element or plot device. For literary work, he's drawn to rich, sweeping stories that encompass a time or place, or tightly written, narratively innovative stories with award potential. His commercial interests include thrillers, mysteries and speculative fiction. He also represents nonfiction from leaders and journalists in science, culture and current affairs, plus pop culture including music and comedy.

How to submit

For fiction submissions, send an informative description, a brief synopsis and the first ten pages. For non-fiction submissions, send an informative description, a full outline, and the first ten pages of the manuscript. Include the sample pages in the body of the email below your query. Direct your submission to an individual agent and send your material to submissions@janklow.com.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, thriller, speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, young adult

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, brief bio, title/genre/word count

Looking for

Literary/commercial novels that tackle timely issues and uncomfortable relationship dynamics. High-concept, character-driven novels with one foot in genre. Delightful and emotionally engaging novels that can be read repeatedly. Character-driven thrillers, speculative, science fiction and fantasy that illuminate the world through imagined worlds.

How to submit

Submit through Query Manager with a brief bio including writing credentials, title or genre or word count, query letter, and first ten pages.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Commercial fiction, horror, non-fiction, young adult horror

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Lane represents a broad range of commercial fiction and serious nonfiction. In fiction, he is especially interested in projects broadly defined as horror. He is always looking for projects by underrepresented voices both in horror, fiction in general, and nonfiction. In nonfiction, Lane focuses on the sciences, cultural studies, history, pop-culture, and celebrity projects.

How to submit

Submit through Query Manager only. Fiction requires completed manuscript. Nonfiction requires full-length proposal. Cannot query multiple agents simultaneously.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, non-fiction, pop culture, criticism, fantasy

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages

Looking for

Jessica represents fiction across the literary and commercial spectrum, journalistic nonfiction, and select pop culture and criticism. She is drawn to intimate narratives that examine complicated relationships, great love stories, immersive fantasy worlds, and propulsive plots grounded by unforgettable characters. In nonfiction, she seeks fresh, thoroughly-reported narratives that examine systemic injustice focusing on individuals impacted by climate change, women's rights, mental health, and race relations.

How to submit

For fiction submissions, send an informative description, a brief synopsis and the first ten pages. For non-fiction submissions, send an informative description, a full outline, and the first ten pages of the manuscript. Please include the sample pages in the body of the email below your query. Please direct your submission to an individual agent.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Middle grade fiction, young adult fiction, picture books, narrative non-fiction, commercial fiction

Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages, synopsis

Looking for

For middle grade and young adult fiction, he seeks authentic kids' voices and rousing, high concept stories with realistic settings and science fiction preferred over fantasy. He is eager to find the next great picture book author/illustrator. For adults, he actively looks for narrative nonfiction in music, sports, history, popular science, big think, performing arts, health, business, memoir, military history, and humor, plus commercial fiction but is very selective.

How to submit

Send query letter via email with full query in body, include first 25 pages of manuscript for fiction or proposal with sample chapter for nonfiction in body below query. For picture books include full text and dummy or sample art as PDF attachments no larger than 20MB. Query only one agent at agency at a time.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, chapter books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, author bio, sample pages, portfolio link

Looking for

Middle grade in all genres with children finding their space in their world, especially strong-willed underdogs or quirky, misunderstood, or overlooked children. Picture books that are funny and character-driven, beautifully written, or milestone moments with emotional endings. Commercial action-packed chapter book series for emerging readers.

How to submit

Query via QueryManager with query letter, author bio, contact information, and sample pages. For picture book texts, must submit 3 completed texts and query only on the 1st day of each month. For illustrators, include portfolio link.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, narrative non-fiction, science, history, medicine, economics

Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages, synopsis

Looking for

She seeks plot-driven literary and smart commercial fiction, and narrative nonfiction across subjects including history, medicine, science, economics and women's issues. She looks for passion, erudition, and storytelling skill in every case.

How to submit

Send query letter via email with full query in body, include first 25 pages of manuscript for fiction or proposal with sample chapter for nonfiction in email body. Query only one agent at agency at a time.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, literary fiction, memoir, biography, history, science narratives, medical narratives

Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages

Looking for

Jane is interested in women's commercial fiction and big think non-fiction. She loves to read commercial and literary fiction, memoir, biography and history, with particular interest in current events, politics, legal subjects, science and medical narratives.

How to submit

Send query letter via email with full query in body, include first 25 pages of manuscript for fiction or proposal with sample chapter for nonfiction in email body. For picture books, include full text and dummy or sample art as PDF attachments under 20MB.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, memoir, narrative non-fiction, science, religion, nature writing, reportage

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

She seeks strong stories and exhilarating ideas in reportage, memoir, narrative nonfiction, science, religion, nature writing, and fiction. She loves writers who extend empathy, resist all manner of tyrannies, and entertain, wanting pages that whip by and spark wide conversation.

How to submit

For fiction submissions, send an informative description, a brief synopsis and the first ten pages. For non-fiction submissions, send an informative description, a full outline, and the first ten pages of the manuscript. Include the sample pages in the body of the email below your query. Direct your submission to an individual agent and send your material to submissions@janklow.com.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative non-fiction, cultural criticism, memoir

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

Chris represents literary and upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, cultural criticism, and memoir.

How to submit

Direct your submission to an individual agent and send your material to submissions@janklow.com. For fiction: send an informative description, brief synopsis and first ten pages in the body of the email. For non-fiction: send an informative description, full outline, and first ten pages in the body of the email.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Popular history, science, narrative non-fiction, pop culture, memoir, literary fiction, horror, genre fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages

Looking for

He is actively acquiring popular history and science, narrative-driven nonfiction, smart pop culture, and outward-looking memoir. He seeks books that will shift paradigms, understanding of the world, and ourselves. In fiction he seeks select plot-driven literary and literary-crossover novels, particularly elevated horror or genre-inflected narratives.

How to submit

For fiction submissions, send an informative description, a brief synopsis and the first ten pages. For non-fiction submissions, send an informative description, a full outline, and the first ten pages of the manuscript. Include sample pages in the body of the email below your query. Direct your submission to an individual agent.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, literary fiction, women's fiction, thriller, mystery, psychology, science, history, biography, diet, health, fitness, how-to, self-help, narrative non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, author bio, synopsis, first five pages

Looking for

Harvey loves great adult commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction books with a strong narrative voice in all disciplines, written by authors who already have an established professional platform in their field of expertise.

How to submit

Submit via email with a short synopsis of your work, an author bio, and the first five pages of your manuscript pasted into the body of your email. Do not send attachments.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Grounded genre fiction, upmarket romance, psychological thrillers, folk horror, book club fiction, narrative non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, one sentence pitch, first 20 pages, comparable books, biography

Looking for

Gracie is interested in grounded genre fiction, upmarket romance, psychological thrillers, folk horror, book club fiction, and narrative nonfiction examining culture and social issues. Across young adult and adult categories, she's interested in underrepresented voices, inventive storytelling, and delicious prose.

How to submit

Submit via Query Manager only. Include query letter, one sentence pitch, first 20 pages, and comparable books. Do not query via email.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, thriller, romance, fantasy, science fiction, horror, historical fiction, women's fiction, young adult

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, first 5 pages

Looking for

She is interested in a wide range of fiction and always on the lookout for underrepresented authors. In general, she loves quirky-off beat storytelling that can deliver heartfelt and thoughtful messaging, characters with richly developed relationships, and stories that center around a fantastical or often-overlooked setting.

How to submit

Make your submission letter to the point and as brief as possible. Include a short synopsis of your work, an author bio, and the first five pages of your manuscript pasted into the body of your email, no attachments please. Do not query more than one agent at Harvey Klinger, Inc. at a time.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Music history, music journalism, memoir, biography, narrative non-fiction, media, film, tv, essay, literature, pop culture, young adult fiction, middle grade fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, first five pages

Looking for

David specializes in music-related nonfiction, biography, narrative nonfiction, and young adult and middle-grade fiction. He seeks contemporary, adventure, thriller, and mystery in Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction.

How to submit

Make your submission letter to the point and as brief as possible. Include a short synopsis of your work, an author bio, and the first five pages of your manuscript pasted into the body of your email, no attachments please.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Narrative non-fiction, horror, thriller, speculative fiction, historical fiction, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

Chad is interested in narrative nonfiction with a strong emotional pull from journalists and writers who challenge the status quo. For fiction, he is particularly drawn to novels that are more character or plot-driven, horror and thrillers that are as inventive as they are suspenseful, speculative and historical fiction that offer a nuanced perspective on place, and graphic novels that push the boundaries of the genre.

How to submit

For fiction submissions, send an informative description, a brief synopsis and the first ten pages. For non-fiction submissions, send an informative description, a full outline, and the first ten pages of the manuscript. For graphic novel submissions, send 10 illustrated pages with text (attached as a PDF) and a synopsis in the body of the email below your query. Please include the sample pages in the body of the email below your query and direct your submission to an individual agent.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

Anne's interests are broad, but quintessentially encompass the classic "good read" and anything, be it fiction or nonfiction, that illuminates the world in a fresh way. She believes that we tell stories to understand ourselves and the world we live in, and that those stories can transport us to different worlds, times and places, as well as revealing the mysteries of nature and the truths and complexities of the human heart and mind.

How to submit

Direct your submission to an individual agent and send your material to submissions@janklow.com. For fiction submissions, send an informative description, a brief synopsis and the first ten pages. For non-fiction submissions, send an informative description, a full outline, and the first ten pages of the manuscript. Include the sample pages in the body of the email below your query.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, middle grade fiction, young adult fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

She seeks characters who feel in-between, stories of self-discovery and character growth, explorations of sibling relationships and intergenerational families, and stories from creators whose voices have been traditionally underrepresented. She values cultural specificity and stories borne from personal experience.

How to submit

Submit through QueryManager with query letter, author bio, contact information, and first 10 pages for novels or full text for picture books. Include synopsis and confirm work is not AI-generated.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary 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

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, first five pages

Looking for

Andrea 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 submit

Submit 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.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Historical, women's fiction, romance, fantasy, mystery, psychological thriller, middle grade, young adult, narrative non-fiction, history, film, tv, theatre, pop culture, music, commercial fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, first 5 pages

Looking for

She 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 submit

Submit 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.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Adult fantasy, adult science fiction, adult speculative, young adult fantasy, young adult lgbtqia and fiction, crossover fantasy

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, target audience description

Looking for

Davis accepts queries for Young Adult adult or crossover books with speculative elements. She seeks adult science fiction and fantasy, adult speculative fiction including women's fiction, horror, and suspense with speculative elements, Young Adult fantasy/crossover fantasy, and Young Adult LGBTQIA+ fiction. Romantasy is welcome in all fantasy categories.

How to submit

Submit through QueryManager form with complete query letter, full synopsis including spoilers, and target audience description with comp titles.

Last checked 31 May 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Adult fantasy, speculative fiction, thriller, suspense, book club fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

James is currently looking for adult fantasy, speculative fiction, thrillers, suspense, and book club fiction. He seeks works from diverse, marginalized, and/or underrepresented voices and is eager to find plot-driven books with strong characters, commercial hooks, and memorable prose.

How to submit

Submit through QueryManager form linked from agent profile. Include query letter and other requested information as specified in the form. Query only one BookEnds agent at a time.

Last checked 31 May 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Picture books, author-illustrators, nonfiction picture books, middle grade, young adult, contemporary fiction, light fantasy, near-future dystopian, speculative fiction, psychological thriller, mystery, literary ghost stories, women's fiction, memoir, bipoc voices, diverse voices

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages, picture book manuscript, portfolio

Looking for

Allison is looking for author-illustrator picture books, nonfiction picture books, middle grade with voice and a strong main character, YA contemporary coming-of-age, fantasy grounded in reality, near-future dystopian and high-concept speculative work, psychological thrillers, twisty mysteries, literary ghost stories, women's fiction, and memoir. She is interested in diverse and BIPOC voices.

How to submit

Email Allison Remcheck at the spelled-out SLS submissions address listed on the Stimola submissions page. Picture book manuscripts should be attached as Word documents, dummies or portfolios as PDFs, first ten pages of middle-grade, YA, and adult fiction should be pasted in the email, a synopsis attachment is welcome.

Last checked 26 May 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, thriller, book club fiction, cinematic fiction, film and television adaptation

Wants: Query letter, first twenty-five pages

Looking for

Charlotte works with Celeste Fine on bestselling fiction. She is seeking surprising thrillers, book club novels with staying power, and atmospheric, cinematic stories that can expand into film and television.

How to submit

Email queries@parkfinebrower.com and specify Charlotte Cohen Sunderland plus the category and genre in the subject line. Adult fiction submissions should include a query letter and roughly the first 25 pages in the body of the email.

Last checked 26 May 2026Via Email
Represents

Nonfiction, practical lifestyle, how-to, wellness, mindfulness, cookbooks, narrative nonfiction, history, cultural criticism, ecology, food, social justice, illustrated books, literary estates

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Jenny represents award-winning nonfiction, including practical lifestyle and how-to projects, wellness and mindfulness, cookbooks, narrative nonfiction about history, cultural criticism, ecology and the natural world, food, and social justice. For adults and kids, she loves highly designed books that inform and inspire through text and image.

How to submit

Submit through Sterling Lord Literistic's submissions page and choose only one SLL agent to query. The agency says it can only respond if interested in seeing more material.

Last checked 26 May 2026Via Online Form
Represents

General fiction, mystery, romance, suspense, thriller, fantasy, science fiction, juvenile fiction, business, finance, mind body spirit, lifestyle, cookbooks, african-american

Wants: Query letter, sample pages, proposal

Looking for

Felice and ArtHouse Literary represent a diverse and eclectic list, with particular interest in new voices, diverse perspectives, general fiction, mystery, romance, suspense/thriller, speculative fiction, juvenile fiction, business/finance, mind/body/spirit, lifestyle, cookbooks, and African-American work.

How to submit

Submit through the ArtHouse Literary QueryManager form listed on Felice Laverne's Publishers Marketplace profile.

Last checked 25 May 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Nonfiction, how-to, health, wellness, science, technology, nature, outdoors, true crime, history, investigative journalism, international relations, sports, parenting, business, illustrated books, brand books

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

John is building a wide-ranging nonfiction list including how-to, health and wellness, science, technology, nature and outdoors, true crime, quirky history, investigative journalism, international relations, sports, parenting, business, illustrated books, and brand-led book programs.

How to submit

Email john@defliterary.com with QUERY: at the beginning of the subject line, followed by the book title. Include a brief description of yourself and the project. Attachments are not opened unless requested.

Last checked 25 May 2026Via Email
Represents

Novelists, memoir, narrative nonfiction, celebrity books, academic nonfiction, journalism, commercial fiction, literary fiction

Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages

Looking for

Lisa represents novelists and memoirists with narrative urgency, dramatic tension, multi-faceted characters, and a transporting sense of place, as well as experts, celebrities, academics, and journalists writing across nonfiction categories.

How to submit

Email the first ten pages of the manuscript or proposal to lgsubmissions@defliterary.com in the body of the message. No hard-copy submissions and no attachments.

Last checked 25 May 2026Via Email
Represents

Young adult, new adult, adult fiction, speculative fiction, genre fiction, fantasy, mystery, romantasy

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Ramona is looking for YA, New Adult, and adult stories, especially fiction with speculative elements, genre mashups such as horror/romance or fantasy/mystery, found family, heists, magic, enemies-to-lovers romantasy, strong lore, and world-building.

How to submit

Submit through Ramona Pina's QueryManager form linked from her BookEnds profile. BookEnds asks writers to submit to one BookEnds agent at a time and follow the form instructions.

Last checked 16 May 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Popular culture, natural history, travel, adventure, sports, nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, sample pages

Looking for

Adam is interested in popular culture, natural history, travel and adventure, and sports, especially books with a fresh perspective or new analysis by or about mavericks in those fields.

How to submit

Submit electronically to the appropriate agent at the address listed on the official submissions page. For adult nonfiction, send query letter, proposal, outline, author bio, and three sample chapters up to 30 pages pasted in the email. Only query one agent at a time.

Last checked 15 May 2026Via Email
Represents

Middle grade, young adult, new adult, adult fiction, fantasy, dystopian, mystery, horror, contemporary fiction, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, science fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Jenissa is looking for middle grade, YA, New Adult and adult projects, especially high-concept fantasy, near-future dystopia, mysteries in fresh settings, genre-blending horror and coming-of-age contemporary work centered on strong emotional journeys.

How to submit

Submit through Jenissa Graham's QueryManager form from her official BookEnds profile.

Last checked 15 May 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Nonfiction, popular reference, business, health, psychology, poker, spirituality, self-help, humor, cookbooks, pop culture, biography, women's issues, decorating, crafts, music

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Sheree is currently only considering nonfiction, including popular reference, business, health, psychology, poker, spirituality, self-help, humor, cookbooks, pop culture, biography, women's issues, decorating, crafts, music, and related adult nonfiction.

How to submit

Email a one-page nonfiction query in the body of the email to shereebee@aol.com. Put Query and your name in the subject line. Do not send attachments unless requested.

Last checked 15 May 2026Via Email
Represents

Middle grade, young adult, romance, science fiction, fantasy, commercial fiction, contemporary fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

She is looking for characters who aren't afraid to stand up for their convictions and beliefs. She's open to all genres of middle grade and especially loves stories that push the Middle Grade boundary. She represents all genres in Young Adult and in adult fiction adores swoony romances, light science fiction or fantasy, commercial fiction, and heartwarming or heart wrenching contemporaries. She enjoys feminist stories that highlight women's experiences, strong female friendship narratives, unique voices, diverse perspectives, vivid settings, and stories that explore tough topics.

How to submit

Submit through QueryManager with query letter, 1-2 page synopsis, and sample pages of either 3 chapters or first 30 pages. Format submissions with double spacing, Times New Roman 12pt font, 1 inch margins, and indent each new paragraph.

Last checked 2 May 2026Via QueryManager

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