United States Literary Agents

Commercial fiction, suspense, thrillers, mysteries, crime fiction, historical novels, historical suspense, romance, women's fiction

Commercial fiction, writers with distinctive voices in suspense, thrillers, mysteries, crime fiction, historical novels and historical suspense, romance, and women's fiction

Check agent's submission page

Literary fiction, upmarket commercial women's fiction, narrative nonfiction, children's books

Literary fiction and upmarket, commercial women's fiction. Narrative nonfiction. Children's books, especially middle grade and young adult.

Email queries only at jenniferlyonsagency (at) gmail (dot) com

Domestic thrillers, horror, african american literature, micro-histories, biography, memoir

Domestic thrillers, horror, African American literature, micro-histories and biography/memoir

Check agent's submission page

Thriller, suspense, horror, fantasy, romantasy, magical realism, speculative fiction, romance, mystery, women's fiction, historical fiction, young adult, middle grade, picture books

Wants: Query letter

Vicky is interested in adult thriller and suspense with psychological, paranormal, supernatural or gothic elements, horror, dark fantasy, romantasy, magical realism, mystery, women's fiction, historical fiction, young adult horror and fantasy, middle grade, and picture books from author-illustrators.

Vicky's CMA profile links to QueryManager but states that she is currently closed to queries. CMA asks writers to query only one CMA agent at a time.

Commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, historical fiction, fantasy, crime, adult fiction

Alice Speilburg represents commercial fiction and narrative nonfiction for the adult market. She is drawn to culturally relevant nonfiction, especially by journalists, and in fiction has particular interest in immersive historical adventures, myth-based fantasy, and atmospheric crime.

Alice Speilburg uses QueryManager. Her official agency profile says she is open to queries on the 10th through 16th of each month, but the linked QueryManager page currently says she is not accepting queries at this time and may close when she reaches capacity.

Literary fiction, nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, science, nature, social justice, politics, health, food writing, culture, graphic novels

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Adrienne has a strong interest in literary fiction and nonfiction. Wales Literary Agency represents narrative-driven nonfiction, memoir, science, nature, social justice, politics, health, food writing, culture, literary fiction, and graphic novels.

Wales Literary Agency is currently open to submissions by referral only.

Fiction, nonfiction

Kim Perel is Agent & Founder at High Line Literary Collective. Her official profile says she is passionate about discovering unique voices and is particularly excited by leaders and artists whose point of view cuts through the noise and connects with readers in a way that creates a new understanding about an important aspect of life.

Kim Perel is currently closed to submissions according to her official High Line profile and the official High Line submissions page.

Children's books, picture books, middle grade, young adult

Wants: Query letter, sample pages, portfolio

Essie White is founder/literary agent at Storm Literary Agency, a boutique agency focused on quality literature from authors and illustrators, especially children's books.

Essie White is closed to submissions according to Storm Literary Agency's official submission guidance.

Narrative nonfiction, idea-driven nonfiction, history, religion, spirituality, politics, personal development, business, cultural issues

Wants: Query letter, proposal

Roger represents narrative and idea-driven nonfiction in history, religion and spirituality, politics, personal development, business, and cultural issues by leading scholars, journalists, activists, and musicians.

Roger Freet is currently closed to queries.

Fantasy, horror, science fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, first 3-4 pages

Josh wants forbidden magic, ancient rituals, epic space battles, and everything in between. Gothic fantasy and horroromance are high on his wishlist, but he is open and interested in all subgenres of fantasy, horror, and science fiction. He is drawn to stories with a strong voice and three-dimensional characters.

Send a query letter with a synopsis of your book, your bio, and the opening 3 or 4 pages embedded in the body of your email. Do not send an attachment without a request to do so.

Upmarket fiction, literary fiction, speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, dystopian, middle grade, young adult, picture books, lgbtq and, marginalized voices

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Lisa likes upmarket and literary fiction with lyrical prose, memorable characters, and fast-moving plots, especially stories about friendships, parents and children, or people facing hardship due to gender. She is also interested in speculative fiction with literary/upmarket writing, cozy fantasy, sci-fi/fantasy partly set in our world, middle grade and young adult speculative work, and high-concept picture books.

Lisa Gouldy is currently closed to queries, and email submissions will not be considered.

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, mystery, thriller, middle grade, young adult, history, biography, current events, long-form journalism, popular science, children's books

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Gina represents literary and upmarket fiction and narrative nonfiction for adults and children. In fiction she looks for upmarket novels, mysteries and thrillers, middle grade, and young adult. Nonfiction interests include history, biography, current events, long-form journalism, and popular science.

Gina Maccoby is currently closed to submissions. When open, email a query with the word QUERY in the subject line to query@maccobylit.com with no attachments. Check the official agency site for reopening.

Cozy mystery, adventure, romance, time travel

Susan is fond of charismatic characters, twisty plots, and happy endings, and is particularly interested in cozies with a snarky and spirited heroine, crossover adventure fiction with a touch of romance, time travel, and characters who pursue artistic or creative passions.

Check agent's submission page

Narrative nonfiction, memoir, science, nature, social justice, politics, health, food writing, culture, literary fiction, graphic novels

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Wales Literary Agency represents narrative-driven nonfiction, memoir, science, nature, social justice, politics, health, food writing, culture, literary fiction, and graphic novels.

Wales Literary Agency is currently open to submissions by referral only.

Ya, mg, upmarket genre fiction, women's fiction, psychological thrillers, sf or f, psychology, self-help, cookbooks, narrative nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, bio, first 5-10 pages

YA, MG, upmarket genre fiction (especially women's fiction, psychological thrillers, and SF/F), psychology, self-help, cookbooks, narrative nonfiction, works that speak to life in the twenty-first century

Send a short description, short bio, and 5-10 pages of text pasted into the body of the email. I do not open attachments

Adult fiction, adult nonfiction, children's books

Eclectic list of talented authors and illustrators

Check agent's submission page

Women's fiction, commercial fiction, fantasy, young adult, romance, lgbt, middle grade, memoir, narrative nonfiction, personal finance, business, true crime, sports, popular culture, self-help, religion, health, parenting

Wants: Query letter, book proposal for nonfiction

High-concept book club fiction, queer fiction, destination novels, emotionally satisfying reads, cozy fantasy, horror with modern commentary, and adult dystopian fiction

Use The Knight Agency submissions page and the relevant QueryManager link, do not query multiple TKA agents simultaneously.

Health, parenting, southern history, african-american interest, business, motivation, romance, young adult, children's, middle grade, christian living

Wants: Query letter, book proposal for nonfiction

Rom-com, cozy mysteries, historical fiction, health and wellness, advice and relationship, and true crime

Use The Knight Agency submissions page and the relevant QueryManager link, do not query multiple TKA agents simultaneously.

Fiction, nonfiction, american history, european history, american studies, political theory, race studies, cultural studies, literary fiction, music, art history, sports, graphic novels

Wants: Cover letter, CV, manuscript

Christopher Vyce is founder and literary agent at The Brattle Agency. His interests include American and European history, American studies, political theory, race studies, cultural studies, literary fiction, music, art history, sports, and graphic novels.

The Brattle Agency submission period is currently closed. The official submissions page says the next open period begins October 1, 2026. During an open period, writers should send a cover letter, a CV if appropriate, and enough of the manuscript to give a full impression to submissions@thebrattleagency.com.

Middle grade, young adult, children's fiction, children's nonfiction

Beth Phelan is a Senior Literary Agent at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency. She represents middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction. She gravitates toward stories and characters that inspire, anything with humor and the bittersweet, powerful and unique storytelling, offbeat contemporary fiction, immersive fantasy, and profoundly resonant voices.

Beth Phelan is currently closed to queries according to the official Gallt and Zacker submissions page. GZLA asks writers to query only one GZLA agent at a time and to choose another agent only if the first passes.

Picture books, middle grade, young adult, children's books, illustrators, commercial fiction, literary fiction, diverse voices

Marietta B. Zacker is Co-owner and Literary Agent at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency. She is always looking for visual and narrative stories that reflect the world as it is rather than narrow bubbles, loves books that make readers feel, and avoids projects that set out mainly to teach a lesson. Across young adult, middle grade, and picture books, she looks for stories where young readers can identify with the actions and reactions of the characters, not the perspective of the author or illustrator, and where diversity is inherent and authentic. She is excited by soulful, insightful, well-crafted literary or commercial projects for any age group from young adult to the youngest readers.

Marietta B. Zacker is currently closed to queries according to the official Gallt and Zacker submissions page. When GZLA agents are open, the agency asks writers to choose one person to query, query only one GZLA agent at a time, and use the agent link on the submissions page.

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, select non-fiction

See source page for more info

Check agent's submission page

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, speculative fiction, magical realism, mystery, suspense, memoir, pop culture, science, social commentary

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

She is looking for upmarket fiction, both literary and commercial, with dynamic characters and elevated language, enjoying elements of speculative fiction, magical realism, mystery, and suspense. In nonfiction, she seeks unusual personal narratives, pop culture and science, and social commentary.

Email query letters to mail@dclagency.com and paste the first ten pages of your manuscript below your letter. Address your email to the specific agent. Submitting to more than one agent at a time is permitted, but indicate which agents you are querying. Emails with attachments will not be opened.

Nonfiction, mystery or suspense or thriller, historical fiction, contemporary or commercial, sapphic romance

Stories that reveal the truths of what it means to be a human in our difficult, often oppressive, world. Always looking for writing from historically underrepresented groups, with special place for LGBTQIA+ folks

Submit through QueryManager

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, thriller, horror, science fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction, historical fiction, picture books, middle grade, young adult, romance, mystery

Wants: Query letter, author bio, sample pages

Laura 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.

Click 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.

Children's fiction, picture books, middle grade fiction, young adult fiction, commercial fiction, literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, middle grade non-fiction, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages, writing sample

Offbeat 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.

Submit 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.

Young adult, middle grade, children's books

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

Kelly is a senior agent and contracts director at KT Literary and is actively building a client list. Her publishing background centers on children's and young readers' work.

Kelly Van Sant is currently closed to queries according to KT Literary's official agents page.

Middle grade, young adult, picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, upmarket fiction

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

Kari represents middle grade and YA at the heart of her list, plus picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, and upmarket fiction.

Kari Sutherland is currently closed to queries according to KT Literary's official agents page.

Query letter

See source page for more info

Find their QueryManager form and follow the form's instructions to upload your query letter and other requested information.

Adult fantasy, young adult fantasy, science fiction, horror, speculative fiction, upmarket fiction, literary fiction, mystery, thriller, crime fiction, young adult contemporary

Wants: Query letter, first twenty pages, synopsis, comparable books

Ernie Chiara specializes in adult and young adult fantasy, science fiction, and horror, speculative upmarket and literary fiction, BIPOC mystery, thriller, and crime fiction, and young adult contemporary. He wants character-driven stories with layered worldbuilding, original settings, immersive plotting, propulsive pacing, genre blends, distinct voice, and complex characters.

Ernie Chiara is currently closed to unsolicited queries and is considering queries by personal referral or event request only. When open, he accepts submissions exclusively through QueryManager, email and social-media queries are deleted unread.

Picture books, chapter books, middle grade fiction, young adult fiction, adult fiction, middle grade nonfiction, young adult nonfiction, adult nonfiction

Award-winning authors and illustrators of picture books and chapter books that present the world in unique and unusual ways, with characters that live vividly on and off the page. In nonfiction across middle grade, young adult, and adult categories, book ideas and platforms that tell untold stories by creators offering a distinctive perspective on current issues, hopes, and fears of both today and tomorrow.

Tricia accepts queries by request or referral, or from people who have attended conferences where she is faculty. Submit your query through the contact page on her website or through the agency's contact and submissions form.

Children's books, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, genre fiction, thrillers, historical fiction, romance, mysteries, science fiction

Wants: Query letter, full manuscript, illustration samples for children's books

Clever voices and unreliable narrators, stories told from diverse perspectives, rich world building, strong character dynamics, and firsts—first love, first heartbreak, first loss, first divorce, etc. Novels featuring smart, strong, funny, and fierce women

Email queries with specified subject headers to designated addresses

Picture books, middle grade, young adult, children's literature, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter, author bio, sample pages

Kelly champions writers and artists in nearly every category, format, and age group within children's literature. She works with debut authors and illustrators as well as bestsellers and award-winning creators.

Click on the QueryManager link in the agent's bio, follow the prompts, and complete all required fields including a short query letter with description of your work, previous publishing credentials, short author bio, contact information, and sample work as specified for your format.

Picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, adult fiction, contemporary, fantasy, romance, suspense, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, author bio, sample pages

She loves both contemporary and fantasy as well as the spooky and unexpected. She loves multi-generational stories, matrilineal magic, and is always happy to see high-concept contemporary romance. She also enjoys darker suspenseful reads and loves atmospheric settings that feel like a character. For picture books, she works on both fiction and nonfiction with interest in environmental and STEM themes, animals, emotional intelligence, and books for youngest readers including vehicle books.

Submit through QueryManager with query letter, author bio, publishing credentials, contact information, and sample pages. For novels: first 10 pages. For picture books text only: full manuscript. Response even if passing.

Science fiction, fantasy, graphic novels, picture books

Wants: Query letter

Kurestin wants to work with creators who are creatively ambitious, who have a wide range of ideas and are always pushing themselves to write what's most interesting and challenging to them. She's particularly drawn to illustrators with a strong sense of dynamic use of panels and movement on the page, and always loves a creature.

Submissions should be sent via Query Manager. Submit to one agent at a time at Root Literary.

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, thrillers, mystery, historical fiction, young adult, nonfiction, health, science, environment, true crime, memoir, spirituality

Elizabeth Kracht represents literary and commercial fiction, women's fiction, thrillers, mysteries, historical fiction, crossover YA, and nonfiction. She appreciates writing with depth, an introspective voice, thematic layers, multicultural themes and characters, and strong settings. Her nonfiction interests include high concept, health, science, environment, prescriptive nonfiction, investigative nonfiction, true crime, voice- or adventure-driven memoir, sexuality, spirituality, and animal or pet stories.

Elizabeth Kracht is currently only open to queries and pitches through conferences, online events, workshops, and referrals. Kimberley Cameron and Associates uses QueryManager for submissions and asks writers to tailor submissions to each agent's interests, but her public QueryManager page currently says she is not accepting unsolicited queries.