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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.

1207 agents · 679 currently open to submissions

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Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, adult fiction, young adult, middle grade, short stories, narrative nonfiction, memoir, historical fiction

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

Leigh Feldman Literary is particularly interested in historical fiction, contemporary YA, literary fiction, memoir and narrative nonfiction. The agency is not interested in adult or YA paranormal, fantasy, science fiction, romance, thrillers, mysteries or picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter and the first ten pages of the manuscript or proposal to query@lfliterary.com.

Last checked 18 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, science fiction, fantasy, horror, young adult, middle grade, science, history, narrative nonfiction, graphic novels, comics

Wants: Query letter, first five pages, synopsis

Looking for

Eddie represents literary fiction, science fiction, fantasy, horror, YA, middle grade, science, history, narrative nonfiction, graphic novels, and comics. He is looking for groundbreaking, genre-defining books that reflect the whole spectrum of human experience, with particular interest in fresh and diverse voices.

How to submit

Submit through Eddie's QueryManager form with a query letter and roughly the first 5 pages pasted below the query. A 1-3 page synopsis may be included. Do not send attachments except art samples for graphic novels.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Picture books, chapter books, middle grade, graphic novels, young adult, new adult, select adult, illustrators, commercial fiction, contemporary, fantasy, dystopian, mystery, horror, romance, science fiction, humour

Looking for

Hollie Michaels is building a list across children's and adult work. In picture books she wants humour of all kinds including dark and wacky, kids being kids, commercial fiction, and nonfiction told in an engaging way, and is not a good fit for didactic or lesson-based books. In middle grade and chapter books she wants commercial, contemporary, fantasy, dystopian, mystery and horror with humour, heart and a strong voice. She takes graphic novel pitch packets at chapter book, middle grade and young adult level, preferring author-illustrators, though writers with a real background in comics are welcome. In young adult she wants commercial, fantasy, dystopian, romance, science fiction and horror. In new adult she wants romance, fantasy and genre mashups. In adult she is selective and looking for humour and a unique voice across commercial, science fiction, dystopian and romantic comedy, cosy and witchy fantasy, and supernatural or speculative horror. She also represents illustrators working in traditional and digital styles and does not accept AI-generated work.

How to submit

Submit to Hollie Michaels through her official QueryTracker form. The form asks for a bio, the book title, word count, genre, a covering letter, a synopsis and the first twenty pages pasted in, with artwork or a portfolio link where relevant. Martin-Newens accepts submissions by email or through QueryTracker only, asks writers to put QUERY and the title in the email subject line, and asks that only one representative at the agency is approached at a time. Mention publisher submission history and previous publishing credits if you have them, and tell the agency straight away if you receive an offer of representation.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via QueryTracker
Represents

Romance, lgbtq and stories, literary romance, gothic romance, romantasy, paranormal romance, romcoms

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

Looking for

David is actively seeking romance projects, especially LGBTQ+ stories, literary romance, gothic romance, romantasy, paranormal romance, charming romcoms, and cozy seasonal reads.

How to submit

Submit to David through the QueryTracker link supplied on the official L. Perkins Agency page.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via QueryTracker
Represents

Young adult fiction, science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, historical fiction, romantic comedy

Wants: Query letter, first five pages

Looking for

Bridget is open to all genres of YA and has a soft spot for layered emotional contemporary, sophisticated or unusual SFF, and immersive historical fiction. She also represents literary SFF, historical fantasy, literary fiction with genre elements or interesting structure, contemporary fiction with speculative elements, and adult rom-coms.

How to submit

Submit through Bridget's QueryManager form with a query and the first five pages. She is open for the first ten days of every month except December.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Narrative nonfiction, idea-driven nonfiction, literary fiction, journalism, technology, business, history, cultural criticism

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, proposal, ai disclosure

Looking for

Laura Usselman represents narrative and idea-driven nonfiction and select literary fiction. In fiction, she likes distinctive prose with memorable characters. In nonfiction, she is especially seeking striking literary nonfiction, deeply reported journalism from the worlds of tech and business, immersive narrative history that illuminates the present, and smart cultural criticism on film, music, art, or sports.

How to submit

Email a query letter and the first 10 pages of the manuscript or proposal in the body of the email to luquery@skagency.com. SKLA asks writers to disclose in the query if they have used or intend to use AI tools to assist in creating the work.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, children's literature, young adult, adult literature, romance, kidlit

Looking for

Elisa Houot is a literary agent at The Seymour Agency and head of the French office. She represents authors writing from picture books to adult literature and is the French foreign-rights agent for the agency. She is especially on the lookout for new voices in kidlit and romance.

How to submit

Query Elisa Houot through her official Seymour Agency QueryManager link: https:// queryManager.com or ElisaHouot.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Children's books, picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, children's nonfiction, author-illustrators

Wants: Query letter, contact information, publishing history, first three chapters, brief synopsis, picture book manuscripts, full chapter book manuscript, proposal, sample chapters, illustration samples

Looking for

Shannon Gallagher is an agent at Wernick & Pratt Agency, which specializes in children's books from picture books through young adult literature and represents both authors and illustrators. Shannon is open to all formats from picture books through YA. She is drawn to energy, command of language, characters with attitude, subversive humor, assured voice, atmosphere, emotion in illustration, whimsy, playfulness, and a sense of mischief. The agency is especially interested in author-illustrators in picture books, humorous young chapter books with strong voice, and literary and commercial middle grade or YA novels.

How to submit

Email submissions to submissions@wernickpratt.com and indicate that you are submitting to Shannon Gallagher. Include contact information, referral if any, whether the submission is exclusive, background and publishing history, and any other work available. For novels, attach the first 3 chapters and a brief synopsis. For picture books, attach 2 different manuscripts. For chapter books under 7,500 words, attach the full manuscript. For MG or YA nonfiction, send a synopsis or proposal and 3 sample chapters. Illustrators should attach PDF samples and include a portfolio link.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult fiction, children's books, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, family saga, magical realism, mystery, crime fiction, suspense, coming of age, story collections, journalism, history, cultural criticism, true crime, middle grade, mental health, science, political activism, environmentalism

Wants: Query letter, brief bio, first fifteen pages

Looking for

Reiko Davis represents both adult and children's books. On the adult side she seeks literary and upmarket fiction and narrative nonfiction, including historical and contemporary novels set in the U.S. and internationally, ambitious multigenerational family sagas, novels that rewrite what it means to be American today, stories with speculative or magical elements, offbeat novels with troubled but lovable protagonists, mystery/crime/suspense with a literary edge, later-in-life coming-of-age stories, linked story collections, immersive journalism, gap-filling history, cultural criticism, true crime that sheds light on larger social issues, and the occasional book on writing craft. In children's books she is actively looking for middle grade projects with big questions, emotional truth, storytelling, humor, and heart, plus MG nonfiction in mental health, science, political activism, environmentalism, and narrative history.

How to submit

Email Reiko Davis at reiko@defliterary.com with Query and the project title in the subject line. Include a brief description of the project, a brief relevant bio, and for fiction the first 15 pages pasted in the body of the email. Do not send attachments. DeFiore prefers electronic queries, does not represent original screenplays, teleplays, or theater plays, and allows multiple DeFiore agents at once if disclosed.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Nonfiction, psychology, history, memoir, humor, pop culture, illustrated books, self-help, big idea nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, marginalized voices

Looking for

Rachel Sussman is an agent at Chalberg & Sussman. She represents a wide range of serious and unserious nonfiction, including psychology, history, memoir, humor, pop culture, and illustrated titles. She is open to queries for nonfiction only and is especially interested in thought-provoking self-help, big idea, and narrative projects from historically marginalized voices.

How to submit

Email Rachel Sussman at rachel@chalbergsussman.com for nonfiction queries. Chalberg and Sussman lists her as open to nonfiction only.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, bipoc voices, underrepresented voices, immigrant narratives, middle eastern stories, political and social justice, pop culture, current events, cookbooks

Wants: Query letter, project summary, first five pages

Looking for

Parik Kostan is a literary agent at DeFiore and Company. She is interested in both fiction and nonfiction and wants stories that center BIPOC and underrepresented voices. She is particularly drawn to immigrant narratives, Middle Eastern stories, the intersection of political and social justice, pop culture and current events, and cookbooks that inspire readers to get into the kitchen and try new things.

How to submit

Submit through DeFiore and Company's official How to Submit form. If unsure who best to query, include a brief summary of the novel or nonfiction project, a short description of why you are writing it, relevant credentials, and the first 5 pages for fiction. DeFiore accepts and prefers electronic queries, does not represent original screenplays, teleplays, or theater plays, and allows multiple DeFiore agents at once if disclosed.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Graphic novels, illustrated books, prose fiction, genre fiction, bilingual projects, international projects, illustrators

Looking for

Paloma Hernando is an agent at Ayesha Pande Literary. She built a list focusing on graphic novels and illustrated books and is also accepting prose works. She seeks well-told stories with passionate drive behind them, genre stories told in new ways, strong visual styles, illustrators for literary projects, and bilingual or international projects.

How to submit

Submit through Ayesha Pande Literary's official query form and select Paloma Hernando. APL asks writers not to submit to multiple APL agents simultaneously, if you have not heard back after 8 weeks, you may withdraw and submit to another APL agent. Queries submitted through mail or the contact page are not accepted.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Literary fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translation, narrative nonfiction, international fiction

Wants: Query letter, reading material

Looking for

Sandra Pareja is an agent at Massie McQuilkin & Altman. She is looking for authentic, unconventional literary voices in fiction, nonfiction, and sometimes poetry. She reads and edits in English, Spanish, and Italian at a native level, can tackle manuscripts in French, Portuguese, and Catalan, and will consider works from other languages if attached to an English translator. Her official profile says she specializes in groundbreaking literary fiction from Spanish, English, French, and Italian and has an eye out for ambitious narrative nonfiction.

How to submit

Email Sandra Pareja directly at sandra@mmqalit.com and strive to include as much reading material as possible. MMQA accepts electronic submissions only, does not represent screenplays, and asks writers not to query more than one agent at the agency at one time.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult romance, romantasy, mystery, cozy mystery, adult fantasy, picture books, science fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter, first five pages, full proposal, artwork sample, portfolio link

Looking for

Katie Gisondi is mainly looking for adult romance, fantasy, mystery, or any mix of the three. She likes spicy adult romance with a distinct voice, romantasy, fun escapist reads, cozy mysteries with unique settings and quirky narrators, locked room mysteries with charming casts, adult fantasy of any type, select picture books, strong unique hooks, diverse voices, high stakes, and high concept. Her official QueryManager also says she is most actively seeking romance, cozies, paranormal, and mysteries, and she will only consider picture books from author-illustrators.

How to submit

Submit to Katie Gisondi through the QueryManager link on LDLA's official submissions page. LDLA accepts queries via QueryManager only, asks writers to submit to one agent at a time with one project at a time, and expects a complete manuscript or proposal. QueryManager asks for a query letter, the first 5 pages or a full nonfiction proposal, and an art sample or portfolio link for picture book author-illustrators.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Memoir, essay collections, wellness, cookbooks, women's fiction, book club fiction, fiction

Wants: Query letter, first twenty-five pages

Looking for

Mia represents smart books for smart women, including bestselling memoir, platform-driven essay collections, wellness, cookbooks, women's fiction, character-driven fiction, stories that play with form, and book club fiction.

How to submit

Email queries@parkfinebrower.com and specify Mia Vitale plus the category and genre in the subject line. Adult fiction submissions should include a query letter and roughly the first 25 pages. Nonfiction submissions should include a query letter.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Middle grade, young adult, science fiction, fantasy, romance, women's fiction, inspirational fiction, horror, dystopian

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, pitch, first three chapters

Looking for

Ali Herring represents a broad range of upmarket and commercial fiction, including middle grade and young adult fiction in all genres, adult contemporary, horror, science fiction, speculative fiction, fantasy, dystopian, thrillers, suspense, romance, women's fiction, southern fiction, and inspirational romance. Her current QueryManager form says she is only open to vampire fiction, Greek gods and goddesses fiction, dystopian fiction, and grounded fantasy, any age.

How to submit

Submit to Ali Herring only through her official QueryManager link. Spencerhill asks writers to query only one agent and accepts no email or paper submissions. Ali's current form asks for a concise pitch with plot arc and stakes, query letter, synopsis, one-sentence pitch, comparable books, AI-use disclosure, and the first three chapters or full nonfiction proposal.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

General fiction, literary fiction, anthology, biography, business, cooking, health, history, politics, current affairs, humor, lifestyle, memoir, narrative nonfiction, parenting, pop culture, reference, sports, true crime, general nonfiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Bill focuses heavily on sports and nonfiction, with AALA-listed interests including biography, business, cooking, health, history/politics/current affairs, humor, lifestyle, memoir, narrative nonfiction, parenting, pop culture, reference, sports, true crime, general nonfiction, general fiction, and literary fiction.

How to submit

Contact Bill Ames at bill@amesliterary.com for submission instructions, which vary based on genre, length, and topic.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, young adult, upmarket fiction, book club fiction, mystery, suspense, historical fiction, literary horror, grounded science fiction, grounded fantasy, narrative nonfiction, cultural criticism, history, pop culture, aapi voices, underrepresented voices, lgbtq and

Wants: Query letter, sample pages, proposal

Looking for

Amy represents fiction, nonfiction, and YA. She is seeking upmarket and book club fiction, mystery or suspense elements, propulsive plots with beautiful writing, historical fiction, literary horror, grounded SFF by women of color, coming-of-age stories, global retellings, expert-driven narrative nonfiction, cultural criticism, history, pop culture, YA with murder and intrigue, immigrant stories, queer stories, girls working for justice, and light-hearted contemporary YA.

How to submit

Use the QueryManager route linked from Amy Bishop-Wycisk's Trellis profile and review her current wishlist before querying.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Picture books, graphic novels, chapter books, middle grade fiction, young adult fiction, new adult fiction, adult fiction, adult non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, first chapter, synopsis, full manuscript, sample chapter, book proposal

Looking for

Picture books that are funny, unexpected, character-centric, interactive, or cover nonfiction/history. Middle-grade fiction with interactive elements, adventure/mystery stories with offbeat protagonists, and stories for kids who need consistent input. Young Adult/New Adult fantasy with big relationships, high-impact dangerous books, urban fantasy, and soapy drama. Commercial adult fiction including compelling fantasy, thrillers with bite, horror with romance, and weird feminist genre work.

How to submit

Submit through QueryManager only. Fiction requires query letter, first chapter, and synopsis. Picture books need query and entire manuscript. Nonfiction needs full proposal with sample chapter.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Health, wellness, self-help, parenting, nutrition, cooking, baking, cocktails, mind body spirit, lifestyle, nature, gardening, narrative nonfiction, business, pop culture, memoir, reference, sports

Wants: Query letter, platform information, author qualifications

Looking for

Coleen focuses on nonfiction, including health, wellness, inspirational self-help, parenting, nutrition, cooking, baking, cocktails, mind-body-spirit, lifestyle, nature and gardening, narrative nonfiction, business, pop culture, memoir, reference, and sports.

How to submit

Email queries only to coleen@theosheaagency.com or rights@theosheaagency.com. Include a brief summary and platform or qualifications. No attachments.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Business, finance, how-to, reference, science, technical nonfiction, technology, general nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, book proposal

Looking for

Jessica is focused on technical and business book projects, including business/finance, how-to, reference, science, technology, and other practical nonfiction.

How to submit

Submit through Jessica Haberman's contact route. Her AALA profile points writers to the contact page for submissions.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Historical fiction, upmarket fiction, mystery, thriller, narrative nonfiction, science, creative nonfiction, psychological suspense

Wants: Query letter, book proposal

Looking for

Gisa is open to historical fiction, upmarket fiction, and narrative nonfiction. Inspired Ink is especially drawn to compelling voices, emotionally resonant storytelling, immersive settings, psychological suspense, creative nonfiction, science-related nonfiction, and work that lingers beyond the final page.

How to submit

Submit through Gisa Seeholzer's Inspired Ink Literary QueryTracker form.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Picture books, novelty books, early readers, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, children's fiction, children's nonfiction, authors, illustrators

Wants: Cover letter, contact information, referral information, exclusive status, publishing history, first three chapters, synopsis, picture book manuscripts, full chapter book manuscript, proposal, sample chapters, portfolio link

Looking for

Linda Pratt works with authors and illustrators who create work in all genres of children's literature, fiction and nonfiction. Her Q&A says she is drawn to stories exploring other cultures, fish-out-of-water stories, larger-than-life supporting characters, smart and witty dialogue, historical fiction with urgent stakes, elements of magical realism, emotional truth, and the unexpected when it fits the characters and story.

How to submit

Email submissions to submissions@wernickpratt.com and indicate that the submission is for Linda Pratt. Include contact information, referral information if applicable, exclusive or non-exclusive status, background and publishing history, and any other work available for consideration. For novels, attach the first 3 chapters and a brief synopsis. For picture books, attach two different manuscripts. For chapter books under 7,500 words, attach the full manuscript. For MG or YA nonfiction, send a synopsis or proposal and 3 sample chapters. Illustrators should attach PDF samples and include a portfolio link. Do not send the same submission to multiple Wernick and Pratt agents simultaneously.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Debut fiction, horror, new adult, science fiction, fantasy, romance, general fiction, literary fiction, business, finance, cooking, health, history, politics, current affairs, lifestyle, parenting, pop culture, science, sports, advice, relationships

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Irene is open to adult fiction and nonfiction across commercial and literary categories, including debut fiction, horror, new adult, science fiction/fantasy, romance, general fiction, literary fiction, business/finance, cooking, health, history/politics/current affairs, lifestyle, parenting, pop culture, science, sports, advice and relationships.

How to submit

Submit through Irene Kaster's QueryTracker form. HJLit does not accept unsolicited manuscripts by email.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via QueryTracker
Represents

Debut fiction, horror, new adult, paranormal fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thriller, romance, general fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis

Looking for

Liz focuses on dark fiction at the intersection of fantasy, romance, thriller, and horror. AALA lists interests in debut fiction, horror, new adult, paranormal, science fiction/fantasy, thriller, romance, and general fiction.

How to submit

Use the current Myth Literary submission route. AALA notes that nonfiction is closed, and asks for a complete query letter and full synopsis including spoilers.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Narrative nonfiction, current events, history, journalism, science, literary fiction, commercial fiction, young adult

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Andy encourages queries for narrative nonfiction, current events and history, journalism, science, literary and commercial fiction, and young adult fiction. He does not want poetry, short stories, adult romance, science fiction and fantasy, adult or teen paranormal, or film scripts.

How to submit

Email queries to andyrossagency@hotmail.com. Keep the query under half a page, put Query in the email subject line, state the project category in the first sentence, and include a short book description and writing qualifications.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult nonfiction, graphic novels, picture books

Wants: First four pages of graphic novel or complete graphic novel proposal, self-illustrated picture book manuscript with at least two pages of full-color illustrations

Looking for

Visual storytellers and their captivating art-driven literature. Adult non-fiction writers who are determined to break apart conventional wisdoms

How to submit

Please *only submit* - attached as a pdf to a brief email introducing yourself, including 'Query' in the subject line

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Cinematic speculative fiction, literary horror, fairytale retellings, coming-of-age, nonfiction

Looking for

Character-driven books with heart and humor. She is looking for cinematic speculative fiction like Kaliane Bradley's The Ministry of Time or Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Mexican Gothic; literary horror and imaginative fairytale retellings like Christina Henry's Lost Boys or The Chronicles of Alice; gut-wrenching coming-of-age books like Milkman by Anna Burns or Maurice by E.M. Forster; and well-researched, inspiring nonfiction like Why We Swim by Bonnie Tsui

How to submit

Please submit queries here

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via QueryTracker
Represents

Narrative nonfiction, prescriptive nonfiction, memoir, sports, health, business, political books, pop culture, social justice, women's issues, underrepresented voices, commercial fiction, literary fiction, illustrated books, graphic novels, young adult, middle grade, children's books

Wants: Query letter, nonfiction proposal, overview, table of contents, chapter outline, target audience, marketing plan, competitive titles, author bio, sample chapters, synopsis, comparable titles, ten to twenty sample pages

Looking for

Lisa Leshne is most passionate about narrative nonfiction and memoir highlighting extraordinary stories from diverse voices, women, underdogs, and leaders. She mainly acquires in sports, business, political, health, prescriptive, and pop-culture genres, and is always seeking exceptional literary and commercial fiction. The agency is especially interested in narrative and prescriptive nonfiction with social justice, women's issues, and underrepresented voices; sports, health, business, political, and pop-culture topics; exceptional commercial and literary fiction; and select illustrated, graphic novel, young adult, middle grade, and children's books.

How to submit

Submit through The Leshne Agency's official QueryManager form for fastest response, or email submissions@leshneagency.com with a query letter. Do not do both. For email queries, put QUERY as the first word in the subject line followed by the title. For nonfiction, include a complete proposal with overview, table of contents and chapter outline, target audience, marketing or promotion plans, comparable titles, bio, and at least 2 fully written sample chapters. For fiction, include author information, title, genre, word count, hook or tag-line, brief synopsis, inspiration if relevant, comparable titles, and 10-20 sample pages.

Last checked 17 Oct 2026Via QueryManager

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