530 agents · 321 currently open to submissions
Young adult fiction in the United States has a heavier publishing machine behind it than most writers expect, with dedicated YA imprints, school-and-library channels, and film scouts watching the bigger breakouts. The market runs from contemporary issue-driven novels to fantasy series with multi-book potential. The Hate U Give and Six of Crows show how wide the lane can be: one rooted in contemporary realism, the other in high-concept fantasy with an ensemble cast. Publishers usually target readers aged 12 to 18, though plenty of adults read YA too. When submitting to US agents who represent YA, look closely at whether they lean contemporary, fantasy, romance, thriller, or crossover. 200+ agents on this page represent young adult fiction, but the useful shortlist is the one that matches your book's shelf, age range, and pressure point.
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, 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, 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, mystery, thriller, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, middle grade, biography, history, pop culture, sports, business, wellness, narrative nonfiction
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Katherine loves books that explore the lesser-known territories of human experience.
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.
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
Jen represents adult, YA and middle-grade fiction, plus narrative nonfiction and memoir. She does not represent picture books, novellas or high fantasy.
Email Jen Nadol with a pitch at Jen.Nadol@theunteragency.com. If there is no response within three months, consider it a pass.
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.
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.
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.
Literary fiction, science fiction, fantasy, horror, young adult, middle grade, science, history, narrative nonfiction, graphic novels, comics
Wants: Query letter, first five pages, synopsis
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Young adult fiction, science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, historical fiction, romantic comedy
Wants: Query letter, first five pages
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.
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.
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.
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.
Graphic novels, illustrated books, prose fiction, genre fiction, bilingual projects, international projects, illustrators
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Use the QueryManager route linked from Amy Bishop-Wycisk's Trellis profile and review her current wishlist before querying.
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