358 agents · 206 currently open to submissions
Middle grade fiction targets readers aged 8-12, though the category stretches from early chapter books like the Magic Tree House series to sophisticated novels close to young adult territory. 130+ agents represent middle grade across fantasy adventures, contemporary realistic fiction, historical narratives, and the growing graphic novel segment. Publishers distinguish between younger middle grade, usually ages 8-10, and older middle grade, usually ages 10-12, with different expectations for complexity and themes. Contemporary middle grade often explores family changes, school pressure, and identity questions, while fantasy can run from whimsical quests to darker adventures with genuine peril. When preparing submission materials, keep the protagonist, word count, humour, and danger aligned with an 8-12 reader. Romance should not drive the plot; friendship, agency, and a child's-eye view of the problem usually matter more.
Fiction, non-fiction, adult books, juvenile books, illustrators
Query Letter, First 10 Pages
Writers House asks writers to email a query letter and the first 10 pages of the manuscript to one agent at a time, postal submissions are not accepted.
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
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.
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.
Adult fiction, children's books, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, family saga, magical realism, mystery, crime fiction, suspense, coming of age, story collections, journalism, history, cultural criticism, true crime, middle grade, mental health, science, political activism, environmentalism
Wants: Query letter, brief bio, first fifteen pages
Reiko Davis represents both adult and children's books. On the adult side she seeks literary and upmarket fiction and narrative nonfiction, including historical and contemporary novels set in the U.S. and internationally, ambitious multigenerational family sagas, novels that rewrite what it means to be American today, stories with speculative or magical elements, offbeat novels with troubled but lovable protagonists, mystery/crime/suspense with a literary edge, later-in-life coming-of-age stories, linked story collections, immersive journalism, gap-filling history, cultural criticism, true crime that sheds light on larger social issues, and the occasional book on writing craft. In children's books she is actively looking for middle grade projects with big questions, emotional truth, storytelling, humor, and heart, plus MG nonfiction in mental health, science, political activism, environmentalism, and narrative history.
Email Reiko Davis at reiko@defliterary.com with Query and the project title in the subject line. Include a brief description of the project, a brief relevant bio, and for fiction the first 15 pages pasted in the body of the email. Do not send attachments. DeFiore prefers electronic queries, does not represent original screenplays, teleplays, or theater plays, and allows multiple DeFiore agents at once if disclosed.
Middle grade, young adult, science fiction, fantasy, romance, women's fiction, inspirational fiction, horror, dystopian
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, pitch, first three chapters
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Fiction, non-fiction, adult books, juvenile books, illustrators
Query Letter, First 10 Pages
Writers House asks writers to email a query letter and the first 10 pages of the manuscript to one agent at a time, postal submissions are not accepted.
Fiction, non-fiction, adult books, juvenile books, illustrators
Query Letter, First 10 Pages
Writers House asks writers to email a query letter and the first 10 pages of the manuscript to one agent at a time, postal submissions are not accepted.
Fiction, non-fiction, adult books, juvenile books, illustrators
Query Letter, First 10 Pages
Writers House asks writers to email a query letter and the first 10 pages of the manuscript to one agent at a time, postal submissions are not accepted.
Fiction, non-fiction, adult books, juvenile books, illustrators
Query Letter, First 10 Pages
Writers House asks writers to email a query letter and the first 10 pages of the manuscript to one agent at a time, postal submissions are not accepted.
Fiction, non-fiction, adult books, juvenile books, illustrators
Query Letter, First 10 Pages
Writers House asks writers to email a query letter and the first 10 pages of the manuscript to one agent at a time, postal submissions are not accepted.
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
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.
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.
Fiction, non-fiction, adult books, juvenile books, illustrators
Query Letter, First 10 Pages
Writers House asks writers to email a query letter and the first 10 pages of the manuscript to one agent at a time, postal submissions are not accepted.
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, contemporary fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, speculative fiction, horror, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, graphic nonfiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, history, investigative journalism, nature, science, food, travel, pop culture, cultural criticism
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages, full outline, sample art
Jane Chun is interested in stories centering marginalized communities and prose that is cinematic and atmospheric with good rhythm. In fiction and nonfiction she is drawn to compelling, fresh voices with intimacy, rich inner worlds, and emotional depth. She is interested in literary, upmarket, and commercial fiction across adult, middle grade, and young adult; select nonfiction; and graphic novels or graphic nonfiction. In fiction she is open to contemporary, historical, fantasy, science fiction, speculative, and horror. In nonfiction she is looking for memoir, narrative nonfiction, history, investigative journalism, books about nature, climate and science, and books about food, travel, pop culture, and cultural criticism.
Submit to Jane Chun through her official QueryManager form. If QueryManager is not working, email queryjane@transatlanticagency.com, but do not submit through both methods. For email queries, include the book title, category or genre, word count or estimated page count for graphic work, and author bio. Fiction should include a brief introduction, synopsis, and first ten pages in the body of the email. Nonfiction should include a brief introduction, full outline, and first ten pages of the manuscript in the body of the email. Graphic novels or nonfiction should include a brief introduction, synopsis or outline, and at least five illustrated pages with text, or ten script pages and sample art if five pages are not available.
Picture books, middle grade, young adult, children's fiction, illustrated books
Fiona Kenshole represents children's and YA authors from picture books to older teenage. She is hungry for middle grade, especially animal stories, stories about the natural world and saving the planet, funny books, commercial YA page-turners, quirky contemporary, humor, unreliable narrators, wilderness adventures, immigrant stories, sister stories, practical feminism, ghost stories, and funny picture books, especially clever British-style humor and author-illustrators.
Submit to Fiona Kenshole through the official Submit Here link on her Transatlantic profile, which points to QueryMe. Transatlantic asks writers to review each agent's mandate, submit to one agent at a time where possible, disclose simultaneous Transatlantic submissions, and not submit by mail.
Middle grade, young adult, romance, science fiction, fantasy, commercial fiction, contemporary fiction
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages
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.
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.
Adult literary fiction, book club fiction, narrative non-fiction, children's books, historical fiction, family sagas, memoir, self-help, young adult, middle grade
Wants: Query letter, first chapter, brief bio, book description
She responds to voice and character-driven stories that draw her in and give her a new perspective on a world she doesn't know, or make her think more deeply about a world she does know. She seeks books with a heart and writers with wonderful storytelling abilities. She is particularly interested in finding emerging and underrepresented voices, and loves books that focus on diversity and explore the experiences of BIPOC people.
Send an email query to querymiriam@defliterary.com with a brief description of your book, a brief relevant bio, the first chapter pasted in the body of your email, and what you feel the heart of your book is in one or two sentences. Attachments will not be opened.
Picture books, middle grade, young adult, children's nonfiction, horror, fantasy, mystery, thriller, historical fiction, adult fantasy
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, sample pages
Christa is actively acquiring for all age groups in children's, is taking picture books sparingly, and prioritizes BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse, and disabled writers. She is interested in contemporary, horror, fantasy, mystery/thriller, historical, and very sparse adult fantasy.
Query Christa through her official QueryManager link. For children's and YA, include query letter, synopsis, first three consecutive chapters up to 25 pages, author bio, and any relevant illustrations.
Young adult, middle grade, picture books, contemporary fiction, contemporary fantasy, fantasy, speculative fiction, suspense, romance, historical fiction
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, sample pages
Daniele is open to YA, middle grade, and picture books. She prioritizes contemporary but is also open to contemporary fantasy, selective fantasy/speculative, suspense, romance, and historical, especially lyrical, literary, voice-driven work by diverse authors.
Query Daniele through her official QueryManager link. For children's and YA, include query letter, synopsis, first three consecutive chapters up to 25 pages, author bio, and any relevant illustrations.
Picture books, middle grade, young adult, non-fiction
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages
Short, punchy picture books that are humorous and have a strong marketing hook. Non-fiction picture books, especially biographies or stories with a historical angle. Literary and commercial middle-grade and Young Adult across all time periods and genres.
Submit a query letter, three chapters and a brief synopsis in a single document. For picture books, submit the entire manuscript. Use the online submission form and select Rachel Orr as your agent.
Fiction, narrative nonfiction
Wants: Query letter
Doug has been an agent at Sterling Lord Literistic since 2003. His list consists of fiction and narrative nonfiction for all ages, ranging from literary to commercial work.
Submit through Sterling Lord Literistic's submissions page and choose only one SLL agent to query. The agency says it can only respond if interested in seeing more material.
Children's, young adult, romance, science fiction, fantasy, middle grade
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, sample pages
She enjoys clever, heartfelt, and commercial middle grade and Young Adult in prose or graphic novel format across genres. In adult science fiction and fantasy, she seeks contemporary fantasy, near future science fiction, and romantic fantasy. She's drawn to character-driven stories about family and friendships from diverse protagonists, especially those passionate about arts, STEM, activism, and geeky fandoms.
Submit through QueryMe.Online or thaole platform. Do not send queries to multiple agents at SDLA. Include query letter, 1-page synopsis, brief bio with publishing history, and first 10-15 pages for fiction.
Young adult fiction, middle grade fiction, graphic novels, women's fiction, romance, historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, horror, psychological thriller, narrative nonfiction, biography, culture, social justice, history
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first five pages, comparable books, full nonfiction proposal, ai disclosure
Michelle Witte founded Mansion Street Literary Management and represents MG and YA fiction, graphic novels, adult fiction, and narrative nonfiction. In YA she is looking for rom-com, historical, science fiction and fantasy, horror, psychological thrillers, and mashups of those categories; in MG, fun voices in adventure, contemporary, mystery, humor, horror, speculative, science fiction and fantasy, plus select graphic novels. In adult fiction she seeks women's fiction, romance, and speculative work. For nonfiction she is interested in biographies, culture, social justice, and history with a fresh lens and a personal element.
Submit to Michelle Witte through the official QueryManager link on the Mansion Street submissions page. Her form asks for project details, query letter, synopsis, comparable books, AI disclosure, and the first 5 pages or a full proposal for nonfiction. Mansion Street says if you do not hear back within 8 weeks, consider it a pass.
New adult or adult: romance, romantasy, and fantasy, young adult, middle grade, picture books
New Adult/Adult: Romance, Romantasy, and Fantasy, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Picture Books. NOT interested in Graphic Novels for any age group or Early Readers, Chapter Books, or Board Books.
Use QueryTracker submission form
Children's, young adult, adult fiction, picture books, illustration
Ammi-Joan Paquette represents a wide range of children's and young adult authors and illustrators, and a select list of authors writing for adults. She is most excited by strongly voiced, bold stories that take risks and have depth and resonance. Tight pacing and rich, evocative language especially catch her eye. She accepts queries only by referral, or from creators who attend events where she is presenting.
Submit your query using the submissions form available on the agency website. Contact the agency through their online form for non-submission inquiries.
Mg, ya, graphic novels, contemporary romance, horror, speculative sci-fi, book club fiction, non-fiction
Wants: Query letter, bio, first 5-10 pages
Stories about identity, family relationships, and travel. MG, YA, & Graphic Novels. Contemporary romance, horror, speculative sci-fi, and book club fiction. Non-fiction submissions and illustrators
Send a short description, short bio, and 5-10 pages of text pasted into the body of the email. I do not open attachments
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
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.
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.
Adult fiction, non-fiction, ya, middle grade, children's
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.
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.
Adult fiction, non-fiction, ya, middle grade
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.
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.
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
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
Query via email to dca@doncongdon.com with 'Query' and agent's full name in subject heading
New adult, young adult, middle grade, picture books, romantasy, mystery, speculative fiction, comedy, romantic comedy
Wants: Query letter
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.
Email Estelle Laure directly at estelle@foliolitmanagement.com. Her official profile says queries to her should also be considered queries to Emily van Beek.
Fiction, nonfiction, children's, adult, teen
Wide ranging tastes—born out of deep curiosity and a passion for great writing in all its forms and for all readerships
Email submissions
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
Children's
Wants: Query letter, first ten pages
He is keen to develop partnerships with authors and artists who wish to look beyond the obvious and strive for the exceptional.
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.
Picture books, mg fiction, ya fiction, adult commercial fiction, fantasy, mystery or thriller, upmarket women's fiction
Picture Books: Author/Illustrators ONLY. MG fiction: funny, mad-cap adventures; epic fantasy; magical realism; high-concept twists; strong plots and voices. YA fiction: commercial and high-concept fiction (all genres). Plot-driven and escapist books. Humor, imagination, adventure, romance. Adult commercial fiction (accessible fantasy, mystery/thriller, upmarket women's fiction). Fun, escapist reads. Great hooks. Great writing.
Use QueryManager link provided
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