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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

Adult fiction, crossover, young adult

Wants: Query letter, first 15 pages

Looking for

Maria is looking for adult, crossover, and YA fiction across genres that feature compelling characters, complex relationships, and immersive settings (real or imagined).

How to submit

Please send your query letter, contact information, and the first 15 pages of your manuscript via email to mministeri (at) gingerclarkliterary (dot) com with "mcm query" in the subject line.

Last checked 13 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, children's nonfiction, illustrated books

Wants: Contact information, bio, synopsis or proposal, sample chapters or manuscripts, portfolio link

Looking for

Emily Mitchell represents authors and illustrators from picture books to YA and is accepting new clients in all genres for children. Wernick & Pratt is most interested in author-illustrators in picture books, humorous young chapter books with strong voice, unique and compelling chapter books, and literary or commercial middle grade and YA novels.

How to submit

Email submissions to submissions@wernickpratt.com and indicate that you are submitting to Emily Mitchell. Send contact information, referral information if any, whether the submission is exclusive, background and publishing history, and format-specific materials: first three chapters and brief synopsis for novels, two different picture book manuscripts for picture books, full manuscript for chapter books, synopsis or proposal plus three sample chapters for MG or YA nonfiction, or PDF samples and a portfolio link for illustrators.

Last checked 13 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult fiction, non-fiction, ya, middle grade, children's

Looking for

Jennifer Weltz has sold books domestically, internationally, and for film for over three decades. She takes on an author's career rather than just a single project, serving as business manager, confidant, task master, preliminary editor, and matchmaker. She is very careful and selective about signing on new authors.

How to submit

Please only submit your query to one agent at the agency. Your query should include a brief description of your work and a short author bio.

Last checked 13 Oct 2026Via Form
Represents

Literary fiction, women's fiction, historical fiction, romance, mystery, suspense, memoir, narrative nonfiction, history, current affairs

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

Looking for

Elizabeth is interested in literary fiction, women's fiction, historical fiction, romance, mystery/suspense, memoir, narrative nonfiction, history, and current affairs.

How to submit

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

Last checked 13 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult fiction, non-fiction, ya, middle grade

Looking for

Alice Tasman represents a diverse range of writers with an emphasis on fiction. She is drawn to distinctive voices and unique perspectives, and she particularly enjoys discovering debut writers. She is dedicated to nurturing and developing her clients' careers over the long term.

How to submit

Submit a query to one agent only at the agency. Your query should include a brief description of your work and a short author bio. Find Alice Tasman's specific submission instructions by clicking her name on the submissions page at https://www.jvnla.com or submissions. The agency does not accept queries by regular mail or AI-generated queries or manuscripts.

Last checked 13 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Narrative non-fiction, women's fiction, thrillers, young adult, middle grade, picture books, cookbooks, literary works, suspense, horror, speculative fiction, popular science, astrology, tarot, lifestyle, humor

Wants: Query letter, first chapter

Looking for

Literary works, women's fiction, thrillers/suspense and especially interested in works with horror elements, speculative fiction and spooky reads for both adult and children's markets. For non-fiction: narrative works, books on popular science (especially space), astrology, tarot, cookbooks, lifestyle, and fun/interesting works in humor category

How to submit

Query via email to dca@doncongdon.com with 'Query' and agent's full name in subject heading

Last checked 13 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

Veronica Goldstein is drawn to distinctive voices with a fresh story to tell and a strong sense of urgency, especially Americans whose stories have been underrepresented in publishing and international writers. She represents narrative and personally-driven nonfiction about feminism, pop culture, science, technology, politics, and the natural world, as well as literary and upmarket fiction with an original, contemporary voice and can't-put-it-down storytelling.

How to submit

Please email query letters to mail@dclagency.com, and paste the first ten pages of your manuscript below your letter. You are encouraged to address your email to a specific agent who you think might be the right fit. Emails with attachments will not be opened.

Last checked 13 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult fiction, science fiction, fantasy, horror, thriller, mystery, historical fiction, romance, commercial fiction, literary fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Anne represents adult fiction, with public listings and author-facing materials emphasizing genre and commercial fiction including science fiction, fantasy, horror, thriller, mystery, historical, romance, commercial, and literary fiction.

How to submit

Submit through Anne Tibbets' QueryTracker or QueryManager form. Do not query Anne at the same time as another Donald Maass Literary Agency agent.

Last checked 13 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, historical fiction, suspense, magical realism, multicultural fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, journalism, travel, popular science, women's issues, parenting, food writing, young adult, business, sports, pop culture

Wants: Query letter, bio, publishing history, proposal or manuscript status

Looking for

Felicia Eth is interested in literary accessible fiction, historical and suspense novels with a literary bent that transcend genre, magical realism or multicultural fiction, narrative nonfiction including memoir, journalism, unusual travel books, popular science, psychological and social concerns, women's issues, fresh parenting ideas, and culinary writing. She may occasionally consider strong short story collections, crossover YA, idea-driven business books, sports books, and pop culture.

How to submit

Send an email query to feliciaeth.literary@gmail.com or submit by hardcopy to the agency address. For fiction, write a query letter introducing yourself, the book, and your writing background, and wait for a response before sending sample pages unless requested. For nonfiction, introduce the idea, what has already been written, your background and expertise, and your platform.

Last checked 13 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, narrative nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

Giuliana Vasile is an avid fiction reader with a deep appreciation for transportive novels that inspire a sense of romance in the modern age. In nonfiction she is drawn to fresh narrative voices and books that foster and satiate curiosity.

How to submit

Email query letters to mail@dclagency.com and paste the first ten pages of the manuscript below the letter. Address the email to Giuliana Vasile if she is the intended agent. DCL permits submitting to more than one agent at a time if the query letter indicates which agents are being queried. Emails with attachments will not be opened.

Last checked 13 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

New adult, young adult, middle grade, picture books, romantasy, mystery, speculative fiction, comedy, romantic comedy

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Estelle Laure edits picture books, middle grade, young adult, and new adult at Folio Jr. and shares a list with Emily van Beek. She is looking for new adult coming-of-age stories with series potential, romantasy, cozy mystery, high-concept speculative fiction, family drama, comedy, rom-coms, high-concept YA with bold voice and emotional connection, carefully chosen imaginative middle grade, funny or mischievous middle grade, and picture books by author-illustrators with award-worthy artwork and diverse stories.

How to submit

Email Estelle Laure directly at estelle@foliolitmanagement.com. Her official profile says queries to her should also be considered queries to Emily van Beek.

Last checked 13 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult fiction, young adult, contemporary fiction, upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, family saga, coming-of-age, rom-com, narrative nonfiction, memoir, self-help, sports, humor, pop culture, business, science, technology, social justice, human rights, feminist issues

Wants: Query letter, first five pages, full proposal

Looking for

JL is reviewing fiction and nonfiction projects: adult and YA contemporary, upmarket and commercial fiction, family stories, coming-of-age, rom-coms, plus prescriptive and narrative nonfiction, memoir, style, fashion, art, culture, mental health, spirituality, self-help, sports, humor, pop culture, business, science, tech, social justice, human rights and feminist issues.

How to submit

Submit a query letter and first five pages or full nonfiction proposal through the Next Level Lit QueryManager form. Do not query JL by email.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, histories, biographies, science, food, sports, fiction, thriller, mystery, romance, young adult, middle grade, sci-fi

Looking for

Non-fiction, especially narrative nonfiction histories, biographies, international current events, finance, science and sports; fiction, particularly in the young adult, middle grade, mystery, sci-fi and thriller categories.

How to submit

Send queries by email to jeff (at) jenniferlyonsliteraryagency (dot) com

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Fantasy, romance, mysteries or thrillers, select horror, literary or upmarket, commercial science fiction

Looking for

Fantasy: standout world building, compelling characters & voices, dark fantasy, cozy fantasy with an edge. Romance: mystery romance & romantic suspense, why-choose, unusual settings or communities, historical-with-a-twist, dark romance. Mysteries/Thrillers: unusual structures/unreliable narrators, cross-genre elements. Open to select horror, literary/upmarket, and commercial science fiction with standout hooks and strong writing. Interested in working with fan writers who are looking to explore trad pub!

How to submit

Use QueryManager link provided

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Historical fiction, narrative history, historical fantasy, comedic mystery, book club fiction, genre bended and blended fiction, science for the non-scientist, essays, memoir

Looking for

All 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 submit

Query Frannie

Last checked 12 Oct 2026
Represents

Commercial and niche fiction and nonfiction, ya, speculative fiction, commercial fantasy, women's fiction, historical fiction, sci-fi, paranormal, unconventional westerns, pop-culture, music, history, health, inspirational, narrative nonfiction

Looking for

Both commercial and niche fiction and nonfiction. Fiction interests include YA, speculative fiction, commercial fantasy, women's fiction, historical fiction, sci-fi, paranormal, unconventional westerns, and anything with unique, well-drawn characters and a dark or offbeat sense of humor. Her nonfiction interests include pop-culture, music, history, health, inspirational (but not spiritual), and extremely well-written narrative nonfiction.

How to submit

Please submit your query or proposal via QueryTracker

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via QueryTracker
Represents

Upmarket fiction, literary fiction, cultural criticism, journalism, memoir, essay collections, illustrated projects

Wants: Query letter, first 3 chapters, full proposal

Looking for

Upmarket and literary fiction with strong sense of place, cultural criticism, journalism, memoir/narrative, and essay collections

How to submit

Query Clare at cmao@sjga.com under the subject line 'QUERY – project title.' Include your query letter and the first 3 chapters (fiction) or full proposal (nonfiction)

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, speculative fiction, select literary fiction, narrative history, narrative nonfiction

Looking for

Adult sci-fi/fantasy manuscripts, historical fiction, select literary fiction, narrative history and narrative nonfiction. Fantasy: Epic Fantasy, Grimdark, High Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Military/Naval Fantasy, Crime and Caper Fantasy, Historical Fantasy, Humorous Fantasy, Steampunk, Dragon Fantasy. Science Fiction: Space Opera, Dystopian Sci-Fi, Literary Sci-Fi, Climate/Environmental, Space Western

How to submit

Query Darryl

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via QueryTracker
Represents

Women's fiction, historical fiction, romance, contemporary fiction, narrative nonfiction, prescriptive nonfiction, gift nonfiction, true crime, pop culture, motivational or self-help, business, finance, wellness, spiritual, diet, parenting, lifestyle

Wants: Query letter, book proposal for nonfiction

Looking for

Transportive upmarket and commercial fiction, strong female voices, sweeping love stories, historical fiction, new adult, romantic comedies, quirky mysteries, family dramadies, psychological thrillers, and broad nonfiction topics.

How to submit

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

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, science fiction, thriller, horror, true crime, romance, young adult, cookbooks, interior design, gardening, parenting, self-empowerment, memoir, biography

Wants: Query letter, proposal, sample pages

Looking for

Christine J. Lee is an Associate Literary Agent with interest in full-length literary fiction, sci-fi, thrillers, horror, true crime, romance, YA, cookbooks, interior design and gardening, parenting, self-empowerment, and memoirs or biographies touching on race, sex, class, and identity.

How to submit

Submit through The Leshne Agency's official QueryManager route or email a query letter to submissions@leshneagency.com, but do not do both. Email subject lines should begin with QUERY followed by the title. For fiction, include author information, title, genre, word count, hook or tagline, brief synopsis, comp titles, and 10-20 sample pages. For nonfiction, include a complete proposal with overview, table of contents, chapter outline, target audience, marketing or promotion plans, comps, bio, and at least two fully written sample chapters.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email or QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, character-driven genre fiction, nonfiction, science, arts, pop culture, history, current events

Wants: Query letter, proposal, manuscript

Looking for

On the fiction side, Eloy is especially interested in literary fiction along with character-driven, elevated genre fiction. In nonfiction, Eloy is always eager to be introduced to an under-explored subject, no matter the exact field of study—so long as the writer can make their passion infectious. He's looking for obsessives who can take a single topic and explode it into a vast, multidisciplinary inquiry.

How to submit

Please send your query letter, proposal, and or or manuscript to submissions@neonliterary.com. Please specify in the subject line of your email whether you are querying Kent, Anna, or Eloy.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult fiction, adult nonfiction, young adult, children's books, romance, romantasy, fantasy, science fiction, thriller, paranormal romance, urban fantasy, southern gothic, memoir, humor, gift books, bipoc voices, queer voices, chronically ill voices

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, sample chapter, ai disclosure

Looking for

Patrice Caldwell is Founder and CEO of The Caldwell Agency and a literary agent. Her list is focused on adult fiction and nonfiction, YA, and children's books. Her official QueryManager notes broad interests across adult, YA, and children's work, including romantic fantasy, retellings, thrillers, memoir, humorous or tabletop nonfiction, science fiction, paranormal romance, urban fantasy, southern gothic, family dynamics, and work by BIPOC, queer, and chronically ill writers.

How to submit

Submit to Patrice Caldwell through her official QueryManager or QueryTracker form. The form asks for author details, project details, genre, query letter, AI disclosure, and the first 10 pages or one sample chapter for nonfiction. Patrice notes that she may forward queries to Caldwell Agency colleagues if she thinks they are a better fit.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, mystery, historical fiction, biography, memoir, history, young adult fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

He is particularly drawn to historical fiction and voice-driven narratives, especially when both dark and humorous. He is also looking for realistic young adult fiction.

How to submit

Query by email only. Query letters should be no more than two pages and should include a convincing overview of the book project and information about the author and his or her writing credits. Address queries to the specific agent.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, non-fiction, children's books

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

She values strong and unique narrative voices and represents bestselling and award-winning writers of compelling fiction, non-fiction and children's books.

How to submit

Query by email only. Query letters should be no more than two pages and should include a convincing overview of the book project and information about the author and his or her writing credits.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative non-fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Jody represents both literary and upmarket fiction, as well as narrative nonfiction. She enjoys books that are beautifully written while also containing a rich storyline, and she's especially looking for deeply drawn characters and voice-driven narratives. She's interested in untold stories, misunderstood populations, and anything that's plugged into the current cultural conversation. In nonfiction, she's seeking narratives related to culture, social justice, sports, food, history, literary memoir and journalism.

How to submit

Query by email only. Query letters should be no more than two pages and should include a convincing overview of the book project and information about the author and his or her writing credits.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email
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 12 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, non-fiction, children's

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

She is often drawn to voice-driven writing with a sense of playfulness or sharpness, strong geographical sensibility, or work that thoughtfully explores culture, recent history, or current human experience.

How to submit

Email query letters to mail@dclagency.com and paste the first ten pages of your manuscript below your letter. Encourage addressing email to a 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.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Biography, history, current affairs, international relations, politics, arts, sciences, sports, popular culture, literary fiction, genre fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

He is looking for engaging stories that make complex ideas accessible to the curious reader and bold arguments that challenge the conventional wisdom. He is also interested in finding new, compelling voices in literary and genre fiction, especially novels that bridge the gap between the two.

How to submit

Query by email only. Query letters should be no more than two pages and should include a convincing overview of the book project and information about the author and his or her writing credits.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, literary memoir, children's books, idea-driven non-fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Gail represents works of literary fiction, idea-driven non-fiction, literary memoir and children's books that she loves most to read.

How to submit

Query by email only. Query letters should be no more than two pages and should include a convincing overview of the book project and information about the author and his or her writing credits.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, non-fiction, memoir, narrative non-fiction, history, biography, food writing, cultural criticism, graphic novels, young adult fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Emily seeks voice-driven literary fiction and non-fiction, including original writing that jumps off the page. She is drawn to beautifully crafted writing, characters that come fully alive on the page, and stories rooted strongly in their setting. Humor is always welcome.

How to submit

Query by email only. Query letters should be no more than two pages and should include a convincing overview of the book project and information about the author and writing credits.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, historical fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, investigative journalism, popular history, children's books

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

She is looking for fresh, lyrical, and voice-driven writing, suspenseful plots, emotional narratives, transporting settings, and unforgettable characters. Books that grapple with the dynamics of relationships (of all kinds, but especially from a female perspective), have a grounded speculative bent, or explore the current cultural landscape are all of perennial interest.

How to submit

Query by email only. Query letters should be no more than two pages and should include a convincing overview of the book project and information about the author and his or her writing credits.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

Eleanor Jackson represents authors of fiction and non-fiction in a wide range of categories, including literary, upmarket and commercial fiction, memoir, essays, food, science and history. She loves narrative nonfiction with a strong voice and outsider perspective, and novels with great storytelling and deeply imagined worlds. She looks for writers who span genres and take risks with their work.

How to submit

Please email query letters to mail@dclagency.com, and paste the first ten pages of your manuscript below your letter. We encourage you to address your email to a specific agent who you think might be the right fit. Submitting to more than one agent at a time is permitted, but please indicate in your letter which agents you are querying. Emails with attachments will not be opened.

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, children's, young adult, non-fiction

Looking for

Query Letter, First Ten Pages

How to submit

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

Last checked 12 Oct 2026Via Email

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