United States Literary Agents Open to Submissions

Adult fiction, crossover, young adult

Wants: Query letter, first 15 pages

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

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.

Literary, commercial, mystery, thriller, suspense, romance, business, history, politics, current affairs, memoir, health, wellness, sports, humor, pop culture, pop science, pop psychology

Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages

In terms of fiction, he is seeking literary, commercial, mystery, thriller, suspense and romance. In terms of non-fiction, he is looking for business, history, politics, current affairs, memoir, health, wellness, sports, humor, pop culture, pop science, and pop psychology.

Address your query to the attention of the agent you feel is the best match for your work. Include the first ten pages of text only within the body of your email for adult fiction, adult memoir, adult non-fiction essay collection, or children's fiction and non-fiction.

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, history, memoir, culture, politics, science, natural history

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, first 30 pages

Literary and commercial fiction that put immersive storytelling and authentic emotional consequences front and center. In nonfiction, deeply reported narrative nonfiction, history and singular memoir

Send query letter and first 30 pages (fiction) or query letter and book proposal (nonfiction) to aram@mmqalit.com with 'Query' in subject line

Literary fiction, book club fiction, grounded speculative, horror, thrillers, narrative nonfiction, practical nonfiction, poetry, ya

Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages

Literary and book club fiction, grounded speculative, horror, thrillers, narrative and practical nonfiction, as well as select poetry and YA

Email queries directly to Ashley at ashley@mmqalit.com with word 'query' and project title in subject line, include first 10 pages in body of email

Women's fiction, upmarket adult, commercial adult, domestic suspense, literary mystery, thrillers, historical, contemporary romance, book club fiction, pop science, business, psychology, cookbooks, memoirs, lifestyle, narrative non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages

In terms of fiction, she is seeking women's fiction, upmarket adult, commercial adult, domestic suspense, literary mystery and thrillers, historical, contemporary romance, and smart book club fiction. In terms of non-fiction, she is looking for pop science, business, psychology, cookbooks, unique memoirs, lifestyle (health, wellness, relationships, parenting), narrative, and platform based non-fiction

For fiction queries, please format email subjects as 'Fiction: TITLE or GENRE or CREATOR NAME' and non-fiction queries as 'Non-Fiction: TOPIC or TITLE or CREATOR NAME'

Narrative nonfiction, creative nonfiction, big-idea books, journalism, culture, spirituality, religion, philosophy

Daring nonfiction that pushes boundaries and changes conversations. Voice-driven narrative and creative nonfiction, big-idea books, high-stakes journalism with receipts, fresh slants on culture and creativity, meaningful explorations of spirituality, religion, or philosophy

Check agent's submission page

Literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, history, current affairs, science, investigative journalism, cultural criticism

Wants: Query letter, bio, first 10 pages

Bold voices and writers with a strong point of view; in nonfiction, she seeks perspective-changing ideas packaged in narrative form

For fiction submissions, please include your query letter, bio, and the first 10 pages of your manuscript in the body of your email. For nonfiction submissions, please include your query letter and bio and proposal if available.

Mystery, high-concept suspense, domestic suspense, psychological thriller, book club women's fiction, commercial fiction, crime fiction, underrepresented voices

Wants: Query letter, first twenty pages

Michelle Richter is Vice President of Fuse Literary. She represents leaders in the crime fiction community, award-winners, and debut authors, and wants to boost underrepresented voices in her favorite genres. She is especially eager to find high-concept crime fiction with catchy hooks, twisty plots, and complex lead characters. She likes emotionally engaging fiction with a voice that immediately identifies the author, and welcomes BIPOC, LGBTQ, and disabled voices in fiction. She loves twists, unreliable narrators, isolated locales and locked rooms, stories of family secrets, friendships, and sibling relationships, and book club fiction that makes readers think and feel.

Submit to Michelle Richter only through QueryManager. Fuse says unsolicited submissions to email or social media will be deleted unread. For conference, press, or rights inquiries only, use michelle@fuseliterary.com.

Fiction, nonfiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction, young adult, history, biography, memoir, journalism

Diverse group of fiction and nonfiction writers, including literary and commercial novelists for adults and young readers, historians, biographers, memoirists, journalists, strategists, adventurers, and entertainers

Online submission form

Adult commercial fiction

See source page for more info

Ashlee is only accepting submissions via her personal QueryManager link.

Upmarket fiction, literary fiction

See source page for more info

Esty is only accepting submissions via her personal QueryManager link.

Literary fiction, prescriptive nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first 20 pages

Adult literary, upmarket, and commercial fiction as well as memoir, narrative and prescriptive non-fiction, and cookbooks

Carrie is only accepting submissions via her personal QueryManager link. Please include your title, word count, genre, query letter, synopsis, and 20 sample pages in the form provided.

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

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.

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

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

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!

Use QueryManager link provided

Adult fiction, thriller, psychological thriller, historical fiction, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, book club fiction, young adult romance

Wants: Query form, first five pages unless form specifies otherwise

Jillian Schelzi is a junior agent at HG Literary. She is primarily looking for adult fiction, especially psychological thrillers, shocking twists, page-turning suspense, and rich historical fiction set against war. She also likes mental-health representation, darker and challenging themes, literary and upmarket fiction, book club fiction, and YA romance. She is not looking for middle grade, picture books, religious books, fantasy, romantasy, or horror.

Submit through Jillian Schelzi's official QueryTracker form. HG Literary accepts electronic submissions only and asks writers to query one agent at a time. Unless the agent-specific form says otherwise, HG requests a query letter and the first five pages. HG does not represent screenplays or religious fiction.

Fiction, middle grade, young adult, science fiction, fantasy, african-american fiction, literary fiction, mystery, thriller

Wants: Query form, first five pages unless form specifies otherwise

Jon Cobb is a literary agent at HG Literary. He reads all genres of fiction and has particular interest in contemporary middle grade and YA, science fiction and fantasy, African-American fiction, literary fiction, mysteries, and thrillers. He also has a soft spot for track and field, geek culture, weird science, and cutting-edge technology.

Submit through Jon Cobb's official QueryMe.Online form. HG Literary accepts electronic submissions only and asks writers to query one agent at a time. Unless the agent-specific form says otherwise, HG requests a query letter and the first five pages. HG does not represent screenplays or religious fiction.

Literary fiction, mystery, suspense, memoir, cookbook

Upmarket fiction with strong commercial potential, particularly mystery, suspense, and psychologically layered narratives. Also select cookbooks and literary memoir from exceptional storytellers whose work resonates with national media and has film and television potential.

Submit through Query Manager at QueryManager.com or QueryLoriGalvin. Lori only accepts submissions via this platform.

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, cultural history, current affairs, memoir, politics, science, sports, technology

Literary and commercial fiction, as well as nonfiction spanning cultural history, current affairs, memoir, politics, science, sports, and technology. Nonfiction interests range widely from data and surveillance to sports, food culture, and military history. Particularly interested in authors and projects with the potential for both critical recognition and commercial success.

Submit queries through the contact and submissions form available on the Aevitas Creative Management website, or contact the agency by phone at and 1 (212) 765-6900.

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, romantic comedy, memoir, psychology, narrative nonfiction, literary studies, art history, popular science, philosophy, cultural studies

Wants: Query letter, first five pages, picture book manuscript, referral note if applicable

Alex Reubert is a literary agent at HG Literary. He is pursuing books that demand he keep reading by style or story, including literature in translation, novels set outside the U.S., upmarket and literary fiction, narrators looking back on their lives, upmarket romantic comedy, memoir, psychology, narrative nonfiction, literary studies, art history, popular science, philosophy, cultural studies, and prose by poets or musicians.

Submit to Alex Reubert through his official QueryManager link. HG Literary asks for electronic submissions only. Unless an agent-specific form asks otherwise, send a query letter and the first five pages in the body of the query, no attachments. If it is a picture book, include the entire manuscript. Mention referrals in the first line. Query only one HG Literary agent at a time.

Fiction, non-fiction, picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, adult fiction, adult non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

She seeks marginalized creators and diverse stories, prioritizing BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, genderfluid, neurodiverse, and disabled voices. She wants stories about found families, cozy grounded fantasy, queer love and community, magic and witches, heartbreak with hope, dark moody Young Adult/Adult writing, and narrative nonfiction about sciences and humanity.

Submit through Query Manager during the first week of each month (1st-7th). Select one agent at a time. Submit 10-20 polished pages for novels, complete manuscript for picture books, proposals for graphic novels and nonfiction.

Children's fiction, children's non-fiction, picture books, chapter books, middle grade, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter, author bio, sample pages

She is drawn to stories with a distinct voice, unexpected wit, aggressive pacing, punchy and/or emotionally resonant endings. She is especially eager to see authentic explorations of underrepresented cultures, relationships, and identities.

Submit via QueryManager only during the first 15 days of each month. Include query letter, author bio, and sample pages as specified in agency guidelines.

Visit agent's website for details

See source page for more info

Query via QueryManager or email query@newleafliterary.com with word 'Query' in subject line plus agent's name

Science fiction, fantasy, mystery, suspense, horror, speculative fiction

Wants: Query letter, first 5 pages, comparable books

Cameron is especially looking for projects that combine genre style plotting with literary quality writing. She is interested in anything speculative, including science fiction and fantasy, mystery and suspense, horror, and projects with multi-cultural, international, environmental, and LGBTQIA+ themes.

Fill out the online form at the QueryTracker link. Include query letter with genre and word count, first 5 pages pasted in the body, and comparable books. Do not query via email.

Literary fiction, mainstream fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, historical fiction, contemporary women's fiction, young adult, middle grade, memoir, biography, history, business, psychology, pop culture, popular science

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first 5 to 10 pages, writing credentials

Maria Carvainis Agency represents a wide range of fiction and nonfiction with special interest in literary and mainstream fiction, mystery, suspense, thrillers, historicals, contemporary women's fiction, young adult and middle grade, memoir, biography, history, business, psychology, pop culture, and popular science.

Email a query letter, a synopsis of the work, the first 5 to 10 pages, and a note of any writing credentials to mca@mariacarvainisagency.com. Attachments must be Word documents or PDF files. Queries are also accepted by post.

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

Wants: Query letter, first twenty-five pages

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

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

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

Wants: Query letter

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

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

Chick lit, commercial, contemporary, cozy fantasy, cozy romantasy, crime, detective, police, family saga, fantasy, fantasy: magical realism, fantasy: urban, graphic novel, historical, horror, lgbtq and, literary, middle grade, military, espionage, multicultural, mystery, new adult, offbeat, quirky, romance, romantasy, suspense, thriller, upmarket, women's fiction, young adult

Query Letter, Synopsis, One Paragraph Pitch, Comparable Books, First 10 Pages

Submit through Query Manager. Unsolicited queries sent to his email address will be deleted unread.

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

Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages

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

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

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

Wants: Query letter

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.

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.

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

Wants: Query letter

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.

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

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

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

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.

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

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

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.

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

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, genre fiction, narrative non-fiction, pop culture, psychology, history, science, art, business books, biography, memoir

Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages, writing sample

She looks for commercial fiction and is interested in brilliant novels, fun beach reads, gripping nonfiction narratives, inspirational memoirs or biographies, and instructional self-help titles.

Send query letter via email with full query in body of email, not as attachment. Include first 25 pages of manuscript for fiction or proposal with sample chapter for nonfiction in the body of the email below the query letter.

Non-fiction, memoir, popular science, narrative non-fiction, psychology, medicine, health, animals, nature, spiritual

Wants: Query letter, sample pages, proposal

Leslie is looking for well-written nonfiction in a broad range of topics including memoirs with a distinctive point of view, animal stories and insights into animal behavior, psychological and spiritual perspectives that change people's lives, popular science that excites and informs, therapies and spiritual practices that inspire and heal, and narrative nonfiction on subcultures or events whose stories have not been told before or are told in a fresh way.

Send query letter via email with full query in body of email, not as attachment. Include first 25 pages of manuscript for fiction or proposal with sample chapter for nonfiction in body of email below query letter. Query only one agent at this agency at a time.

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

Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages, synopsis

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

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

Picture books, middle grade, chapter books, illustration

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

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

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