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US Young Adult (YA) Literary Agents Open to Submissions

321+ United States young adult (YA) literary agents whose current PairPi record says they are open to submissions. Each listing includes a source link and last-checked date.

321+ verified agents · 321 currently open

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Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, mystery, thriller, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, middle grade, biography, history, pop culture, sports, business, wellness, narrative nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio

Looking for

Jonathan represents a select fiction and nonfiction list including mysteries, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, middle grade, biographies, history, pop culture, sports, business, wellness, and general narrative nonfiction.

How to submit

Email a query through the protected email listed on the Lyons and Salky literary representation page with a synopsis and short author biography in the body of the email. Do not include attachments or sample chapters.

Last checked 18 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, literary fiction, young adult, children's books, biography, memoir, music, popular science, politics, social justice, adult illustrated, cookbooks, sports, health and wellness, fashion, art, design, popular culture

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Thompson Literary is always on the lookout for both commercial and literary fiction, as well as young adult and children's books. Nonfiction is their specialty, with interests including biography, memoir, music, popular science, politics, social justice, adult illustrated, cookbooks, sports, health and wellness, fashion, art, design, and popular culture.

How to submit

All agents at Thompson Literary Agency are now accepting queries through Query Manager. Please click to view agent bios, which have specific query instructions for each.

Last checked 18 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Narrative non-fiction, memoir, historical fiction, literary fiction, history, pop culture, cultural studies, women's studies, natural history, children's

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

Katherine loves books that explore the lesser-known territories of human experience.

How to submit

For fiction, include a cover letter listing previously published work, a one-page summary and the first five pages in the body of the email (not as an attachment). For non-fiction, query first. When a proposal is requested, include an author biography, overview, chapter-by-chapter summary, marketing and publicity plan, analysis of competitive titles, and sample chapters or text.

Last checked 18 Oct 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult fiction, young adult, middle grade, narrative nonfiction, memoir, commercial fiction, mystery, thriller, magical realism, horror, rom-com, women's fiction, science fiction

Wants: Pitch

Looking for

Jen represents adult, YA and middle-grade fiction, plus narrative nonfiction and memoir. She does not represent picture books, novellas or high fantasy.

How to submit

Email Jen Nadol with a pitch at Jen.Nadol@theunteragency.com. If there is no response within three months, consider it a pass.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
Represents

Upmarket fiction, suspense, romance, book club fiction, young adult, nonfiction, cultural and social issues, journalism, lgbtq and, pop culture, science and technology, social justice, psychology, pop science, reportage, media, contemporary culture

Wants: Query letter, one sentence pitch, comparable books, first thirty pages, full nonfiction proposal, portfolio link, ai disclosure

Looking for

Lauren E. Abramo represents a small list of clients at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret with interests across a wide range of categories and genres, focused on books by and about people from communities not well represented in publishing. Her fiction list is primarily upmarket but accessible, including suspense, romance, and book club fiction. Her nonfiction interests include social justice intersections, especially pop culture, psychology, pop science, reportage, media, and contemporary culture.

How to submit

Submit to Lauren E. Abramo through her official QueryManager form. DGB asks writers to query one agent at a time. The form asks for book and author details, a query letter, one-sentence pitch, comparable books, AI disclosure, and the first 30 pages for fiction or a full proposal for nonfiction, illustrated projects may include an online art sample or portfolio link.

Last checked 16 Oct 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, women's issues, children's books, picture books, middle grade, young adult, history, science, pop culture, memoir, big ideas, graphic novels, subsidiary rights, film rights, television rights, stage rights

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages, outline, picture book dummy, graphic novel sample

Looking for

Susan Schulman is Founder and Literary Agent at Susan Schulman Literary Agency. The agency represents its own clients domestically and internationally and specializes in subsidiary rights. It has particular interest in fiction and nonfiction books for, by, and about women and women's issues, all levels of children's books including picture books, middle grade, and young adult, history, science, pop culture, memoir, and authors/projects that explore big ideas about the world and being human. Susan is currently looking with particular interest for projects in the vein of The War That Ended Peace, Caste, Quiet, and 1599.

How to submit

Send submissions to the individual agent best positioned to represent the work, using the official Susan Schulman Literary Agency submissions guidance. For fiction, send a description, brief synopsis, and first 10 pages pasted below the query. For nonfiction, send an informative description, full outline, and first 10 pages pasted below the query. For picture books, send a project description, complete outline, dummy, and at least one full-color sample. For graphic novels, send 10 illustrated pages with text as a PDF and a synopsis in the email body.

Last checked 16 Oct 2026Via Email

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