PairPi

Young Adult (YA) Literary Agents

660+verified agents400open nowLast reviewed21 Jul 2026

PairPi is a verified literary agent directory for writers looking for representation. Save shortlists, check submission details, and track every submission in one place.

Start a free account →

YA is not adult fiction with younger characters. The voice has to live inside teenage urgency, and the stakes have to matter in the teenage world, whether the book is romance, fantasy, contemporary, or thriller. The market is large and trans-Atlantic, but the opening pages still do most of the work. This page shows agents who explicitly represent YA. The broad search toggle catches more who'd consider it under children's, teen fiction, new adult, or a wider commercial list.

Looking for young adult (YA) agents in a specific country?

Find the best fits for your young adult (YA) manuscript

Describe your book in a sentence or two. Smart Search ranks open agents whose taste actually matches.

Try Smart Search →
Or use filters to refine →

Agents representing young adult (YA)

Open agents first
Represents

Speculative fiction (sff or fantasy or horror or romantasy etc.)

Looking for

Speculative fiction broadly: epic/urban/historical fantasy, SF (space opera/near future), horror (folklore/gothic), weird/high-concept, action/adventure/espionage, underrepresented voices

How to submit

Email submission@bell-lomax.co.uk with a short synopsis covering the entire plot, the first three chapters (no more than 50 pages, double spaced), and a covering letter including details of any previously published work. Do not address submissions to more than one agent.

Last checked 19 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

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

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
Represents

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

Looking for

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

How to submit

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

Last checked 21 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Narrative nonfiction, biography, memoir, commercial fiction, romance, women's fiction, historical fiction, mystery, thriller, cozy mystery, middle grade, young adult

Looking for

Carrie Pestritto represents projects across a range of genres and is drawn to immersive writing, engaging voices, meticulous world-building, and compelling premises. LDLA lists her interests as adult narrative nonfiction, biography/memoir, commercial fiction with a literary twist, fresh chick-lit, romance, upmarket women's fiction, near-historical fiction from about the Gilded Age on, mystery/thrillers for a female audience, cozies, and high-concept commercial MG and YA in contemporary, historical, mystery/thriller, horror, or fantasy genres, especially featuring POC or marginalized characters, high stakes, and exciting plot lines.

How to submit

Carrie Pestritto is currently closed to queries. LDLA accepts queries via QueryManager only and says writers should submit to one agent at a time with one complete project. Carrie's official linked QueryManager page says she is not accepting queries at this time and suggests checking colleagues' bios while she is closed.

Last checked 21 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Science fiction, fantasy, paranormal mysteries, queer romance, speculative fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

Science fiction with feels; Immersive Fantasy; Heists with paranormal/supernatural elements; Genuine Magical Realism; Queer Romance and alternative relationship structures; Speculative fiction that falls between genre cracks

How to submit

Submit through QueryManager

Last checked 21 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Middle grade, young adult, adult genre-blending upmarket and literary fiction, accessible sci-fi and fantasy, high concept rom-coms, memoir, essays, wellness titles

Looking for

Middle Grade and Young Adult projects (fiction and non-fiction), adult genre-blending upmarket and literary fiction, accessible sci-fi and fantasy, high concept rom-coms, and memoir, essays, and wellness titles in the non-fiction space

How to submit

Currently closed to queries, save for referrals and conferences

Last checked 21 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Mystery or thriller, historical, ya contemporary, new adult, narrative nonfiction, memoir

Looking for

Genre fiction, such as Mystery/Thriller, Historical, YA contemporary, and New Adult, as well as Narrative Nonfiction and Memoir, with a particular interest in underrepresented voices, untold multicultural stories, and any high concept or genre-bending works

How to submit

Currently closed for submissions

Last checked 20 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

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

Looking for

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

How to submit

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

Last checked 19 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

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

Looking for

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

How to submit

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

Last checked 19 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

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

Looking for

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

How to submit

Email queries with specified subject headers to designated addresses

Last checked 16 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, picture books, young adult

Wants: Query letter, sample chapter

Looking for

Seth is looking for new voices, original ideas, and breathtaking creative angles in both fiction and nonfiction.

How to submit

Seth Fishman is currently closed to queries. The Gernert Company asks writers to email info@thegernertco.com when querying open agents, indicate which agent they are querying, and include a query letter plus a sample chapter if appropriate.

Last checked 13 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, thriller, mystery, historical fiction, young adult, narrative nonfiction, parenting, relationships

Wants: Query letter, sample chapter

Looking for

Ellen likes women's upmarket and commercial fiction, smart original thrillers and mysteries, sweeping or revisionist historical fiction, witty YA with big topics, narrative nonfiction, and books on parenting and relationships.

How to submit

Ellen Coughtrey is currently closed to queries. The Gernert Company asks writers to email info@thegernertco.com when querying open agents, indicate which agent they are querying, and include a query letter plus a sample chapter if appropriate.

Last checked 13 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Upmarket fiction, women's fiction, romance, contemporary romance, romantic comedy, romantic suspense, fantasy romance, paranormal romance, mystery, suspense, thriller, psychological thriller, young adult, contemporary ya, ya mystery, ya thriller, ya fantasy

Wants: Query letter, first five pages

Looking for

Christine is interested in upmarket fiction, women's fiction with crossover or multicultural appeal, romance including contemporary, romantic comedy, mystery/suspense, fantasy/paranormal, mainstream mystery/suspense, psychological thrillers, and emotionally layered contemporary, mystery, thriller, or fantasy young adult.

How to submit

Book Cents is currently closed to new submissions except by referral. When open, submit e-queries through the site submit button with a query and the first five pages. Book Cents does not send personalized responses unless interested.

Last checked 13 Jul 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Middle grade fiction, middle grade non-fiction, ya

Looking for

Middle grade fiction (7+/9+), middle grade non-fiction, teen/YA fiction. Does not accept picture books, under-7s, adult books, poetry/rhyming, or hard copy. UK/Europe-based clients only

How to submit

Complete the online form at http://www.the-bia.com or submissions, attaching your opening 50 pages or 3 chapters and synopsis (fiction) or 2-page proposal (non-fiction) as Word documents (.doc), labelled with full title and author name. Use single line spacing, 12-point font, standard formatting. One submission per writer only. Submissions are currently closed.

Last checked 12 Jul 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Middle grade fiction, middle grade non-fiction, ya, teen fiction

Looking for

Middle Grade fiction for ages 7+ and 9+, Middle Grade non-fiction including biographies and handbooks, and teen and Young Adult fiction for ages 12+, 14+, and 16+. All genres and sub-genres considered within these age ranges. Writers must be based primarily in the UK or Europe.

How to submit

Submissions are currently closed. When open, submit via the online form at http://www.the-bia.com or submissions. Include the opening 50 pages or 3 chapters as a Word document, a synopsis of no more than one side of A4 (fiction), or a detailed 2-page proposal (non-fiction), plus book title, intended readership, and a brief author biography. Files must be labelled with full title and author name, sent as Word documents only, in standard formatting, single line spacing, 12-point font. One submission per writer.

Last checked 11 Jul 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Children's books, middle grade, young adult

Looking for

Sandra Proudman is listed by Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency as a team member/agent. The official submissions page did not expose a detailed current Sandra-specific wishlist in this run because she is currently closed to queries.

How to submit

Sandra Proudman is currently closed to queries according to the official Gallt and Zacker submissions page.

Last checked 10 Jul 2026
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, young adult, adult fiction, fantasy, science fiction, horror, romance

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

Alexandra Levick is growing picture book, middle grade, young adult, and adult lists. She is interested in author-illustrated picture books and illustration portfolios, spooky or strange middle grade, YA across contemporary, fantasy, science fiction, and adjacent genres, and adult speculative, genre-bent, upmarket, literary, romance, horror, and fantasy work. She likes distinctive voice, strong themes, transportive stories, complex characters, layered narratives, intersectional feminist work, humor in dark stories, atmospheric YA horror, socially conscious horror, non-Western or diaspora folklore, dark futures with hope, ocean stories, rural stories, confined settings, and romances that stop her in her tracks.

How to submit

Alexandra Levick is currently closed to unsolicited queries. When open, she asks writers to query only one Writers House agent at a time and to send a personalized query letter plus the first ten pages pasted into the body of the email with no attachments through QueryManager, or by accommodation email only if needed.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, creative nonfiction, women's fiction, historical fiction, romantic comedy, contemporary fiction

Wants: Query letter, first five pages

Looking for

Andrea Cascardi represents fiction and nonfiction for adult and children's authors and illustrators. Her official submissions page says she has broad taste but fiction needs an unforgettable voice, smart plotting, a big hook, and unique perspectives. She wants MG and YA with heart, humor, diverse characters, magical realism, pacy adventures, multilayered historical fiction, rom-coms, illustrated middle grade, graphic novels, MG nonfiction, graphic novel memoir, adult women's fiction, twentieth-century historical fiction, rom-coms with a twist, and contemporary fiction with voice, heart, and humor.

How to submit

Andrea Cascardi is currently only open to submissions through professional referrals, writing conferences or contests she personally attends, and queries she requests through social media pitch events. If she requests a submission, send the first five pages embedded in the query. Her contact page states she is currently not open to submissions.

Represents

Literary fiction, memoir, graphic novels, picture books, middle grade, young adult, adult

Wants: Personalized pitch letter, first five pages

Looking for

Anjali Singh focuses on literary fiction and memoir and represents graphic novel writers and illustrators across all age ranges.

How to submit

Anjali Singh is currently closed to queries except by referral. For permitted referral queries, send a personalized pitch letter with the first five pages of the manuscript in the body of the email and the project title in the subject line to queries@anjalisinghagency.com. She will likely respond only if interested.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, speculative fiction, fantasy, science fiction, poc fiction, intersectional fiction, young adult, middle grade, women's fiction, suspense, thriller, romance, lgbtq and fiction, children's fiction, mystery, horror, literary fiction, memoir

Looking for

Autumn Frisse is listed by Prentis Literary under Acquisition and is described as the agency gatekeeper who gives submissions a thorough look-through and can pass suitable work on for consideration. The agency focuses on high-quality fiction, speculative and other, with rare memoir, and centers traditionally marginalized groups. The official genres page lists fantasy/science fiction, POC and intersectional fiction, young adult and middle reader, women's fiction, suspense/thriller, romance, LGBTQ+ fiction, children's fiction, mystery, horror, literary fiction, and limited memoir.

How to submit

Prentis Literary's official submissions page says submissions are closed and that submissions will be discarded. Do not submit unsolicited material while closed.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Form
Represents

Fantasy, romance, young adult

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

Looking for

Brianna is interested in fantasy, romance, and young adult.

How to submit

Brianna is currently closed. When Holloway is open, email submissions@hollowayliterary.com with the required subject header, query content, word count, genre, pitch, author bio, and first 15 pages pasted in the body.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

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

Wants: Closed to queries

Looking for

Carrie Hannigan is a partner and literary agent at HG Literary. She specializes in children's books and represents a select, limited list of adult books. Her profile highlights children's, YA fantasy, and select adult nonfiction clients.

How to submit

Carrie Hannigan is closed to queries. HG Literary's official profile and submissions page both state that Carrie is closed to queries.

Represents

Adult romance, romance, graphic novels, young adult, contemporary ya, memoir, adult nonfiction, lgbtq and, multicultural, art, cooking, crafts, diy, environmentalism, plants, animals, parenting, media criticism, feminism, queer theory, new adult

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Claire represents adult romance, graphic novels, young adult, nonfiction, memoir, and select picture books. They prefer funny, lighthearted, romantic, hopeful books with fast pace, high stakes, emotional development, commercial accessibility, a romantic main or subplot, and a strong hook.

How to submit

Claire is currently closed to queries. When open, submit through QueryManager only, the agency says email submissions will not be reviewed. Queries should address them as Claire or Mx. Draper.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, fiction, memoir, biography, self-improvement, spirituality, contemporary issues, narrative nonfiction, nonfiction, young adult

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Cynthia Cannell Literary Agency represents fiction as well as memoir, biography, self-improvement, spirituality, and nonfiction on contemporary issues.

How to submit

The agency contact page says it is not currently accepting unsolicited queries. The public contact email is info@cannellagency.com, but writers should not send unsolicited queries while closed.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, literary fiction, genre fiction, graphic novels, narrative nonfiction, memoir, young adult, children's literature

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

Dara represents a wide range of fiction and nonfiction, including literary and genre fiction, graphic novels, narrative nonfiction, memoir, young adult, and children's literature. She is drawn to social issues, historically under-represented voices, found and chosen family, crossover appeal, high concepts, clever premises, and strong character development.

How to submit

Dara is currently closed to queries. When open, submit through her official online query form. Do not query two Hill Nadell agents simultaneously.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Fiction and non-fiction, children's

Looking for

Eddie Bell has vast experience in publishing and co-founded Bell Lomax Moreton after serving as Executive Chairman and Publisher at HarperCollins. His official profile says he is not currently open to submissions.

How to submit

Eddie Bell is not currently open to submissions. Bell Lomax Moreton has general submission guidelines for the agency, but Eddie Bell's official profile specifically states that he is not currently open to submissions.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Narrative nonfiction, historical fiction, young debut authors

Looking for

Heather is particularly interested in narrative nonfiction, historical fiction, and young debut authors with strong voices.

How to submit

Heather Mitchell is currently closed to queries. Gelfman Schneider says any queries not following current guidelines are deleted unread and that all listed agents are currently closed or referral-only.

660+ agents we've verified represent young adult (YA) specifically. Many others represent broader categories like commercial fiction or genre fiction — try Smart Search to find those too.

More Age Categories Genres

Age-Led Searches

Young Adult (YA) Agents by Country

Find the right literary agent

Filter the full directory by genre, country, submission method, and open status, then save agents and track your submissions.

Browse all agents