US Young adult (YA) Literary Agents

Adult general fiction, women's fiction, young adult, middle grade, chapter books, narrative non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Adult general fiction and debut, women's fiction, especially friendship stories and romance, young adult issue-driven, middle grade friendship stories and mysteries, as well as chapter books (both fiction and nonfiction), narrative nonfiction for adults on topics such as health, pop culture, and memoir.

All submissions should be sent through Query Tracker. Query should include agent personalization, metadata with title, word count, age range, genre and comp titles, pitch paragraph, and author bio. Include synopsis and first ten pages.

Horror, thriller, mystery, suspense, paranormal, urban fantasy, western, speculative fiction, romance, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Paige seeks commercial horror, thriller, mystery/suspense, paranormal, urban fantasy, western, speculative fiction, select romance, and informative nonfiction. She is especially interested in hearing from Canadian authors but is not exclusively limited to them.

All submissions should be sent through Query Tracker. Include query letter, synopsis, and first ten pages. Query should contain agent personalization, metadata with title or word count or genre or comps, pitch, and author bio.

Board books, picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, contemporary, narrative non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

She loves highly commercial Board Books, quirky and clever picture books, rich narrative nonfiction, commercial chapter books, and contemporary or genre-bent Young Adult. She's always seeking stories that center neurodiverse, disabled, and LGBTQ+ characters.

All submissions should be sent through Query Tracker. Query should include agent personalization, metadata with title or word count or age range or genre or comp titles, pitch, and author bio. Include synopsis and first ten pages.

Fantasy, science fiction, horror, young adult, thriller, romance

Lisa is interested in fantasy and science fiction with complex systems, cohesive worldbuilding, moral ambiguity, non-Western settings, marginalized protagonists, and stories driven by character choices. She also wants horror, YA fantasy, YA horror, YA science fiction, YA thriller, and YA romance, and likes non-traditional narrative structures.

Lisa is closed to unsolicited queries. Do not send queries by email.

Adult fiction, young adult, children's literature

Synopsis, Sample Pages

Complete a form available on genre submission pages (fiction, nonfiction, children's or Young Adult, and photography or illustration). Include a synopsis and the first fifty pages or first three chapters of manuscript for fiction.

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, narrative non-fiction, prescriptive non-fiction, business, pop culture

Wants: Query letter

Fargis is looking for upmarket women's fiction, book club fiction, and middle grade fiction that blurs the line between literary and commercial. She does not want romance, high fantasy, true crime, poetry, or children's picture books.

Review individual agent biographies and submit query addressed to one agent at submissions@stonesong.com. Include the word query in the subject line. For fiction, include the first chapter or first 10 pages pasted into the body of the email. For nonfiction, include bio, credentials, social media analytics, previous publications, and platform information. Do not send attachments.

Historical narrative, biography, offbeat fiction, nonfiction, children's books, nature writing

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

William has a long-running interest in historical narratives, biography, slightly offbeat fiction and nonfiction, children's books, and nature writing.

William Reiss is closed to submissions according to the current John Hawkins and Associates agent profile.

Women's fiction, historical fiction, mystery, romance, romantic comedy, horror, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, humor, nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Courtney represents women's fiction, historical fiction, mysteries, romance and rom-coms, horror, science fiction and fantasy, YA novels, humor, and nonfiction. Her list emphasizes work from underrepresented voices.

Check Handspun submission status and submit through the agency query system when open. Query each project once with the agency.

Fiction, nonfiction, children's, illustration, memoir, journalism, political nonfiction, literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, poetry

Wants: Closed to unsolicited queries

Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency represents fiction, nonfiction and children's book authors and illustrators, with a focus on diverse voices and previously untold stories through its SLM partnership.

Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency is not accepting submissions.

Romance, contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, speculative romance, horror romance, monster romance, dark romance, dystopian romance, new adult romance, romantasy, speculative fiction, women's fiction, historical fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, young adult, upper middle grade, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, first chapter, synopsis

She is looking for high-concept, commercial-leaning stories with propulsive and accessible narratives. She particularly wants dark romance, horror/monster romance, genre-mashups, fresh takes on historical romance and dystopian, mystery/thriller and suspense stories with female protagonists, and cozy crime stories with humor and charm.

Submit queries only through QueryManager. Include a query letter, first chapter, and synopsis for fiction. Include genre and word count in the cover letter. Query only one agent at a time.

Picture books, chapter books, middle grade fiction, young adult fiction, adult fiction, middle grade nonfiction, young adult nonfiction, adult nonfiction

Award-winning authors and illustrators of picture books and chapter books that present the world in unique and unusual ways, with characters that live vividly on and off the page. In nonfiction across middle grade, young adult, and adult categories, book ideas and platforms that tell untold stories by creators offering a distinctive perspective on current issues, hopes, and fears of both today and tomorrow.

Tricia accepts queries by request or referral, or from people who have attended conferences where she is faculty. Submit your query through the contact page on her website or through the agency's contact and submissions form.

Romantasy, cozy fantasy, horror, science fiction, fantasy, southern gothic

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Cheyenne is interested in manuscripts from historically excluded communities, gritty or dark romantasies, cozy fantasy with high stakes, feminist-leaning horror, horror-romance crossover, grounded science fiction, epic fantasy, Southern Gothic, and speculative stories with folkloric and atmospheric elements.

Check Handspun submission status and submit through the agency query system when open. Query each project once with the agency.

Children's books, fiction, nonfiction

See source page for more info

Marcia is not open to submissions at this time

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, graphic novels, ya, middle-grade, poetry, picture books

Fiction that breaks her heart, non-fiction that blows her mind. Literary fiction, commercial or upmarket fiction, funny or whimsical middle-grade fiction, contemporary or speculative YA fiction, narrative-driven non-fiction

Rachel is currently closed for submissions

Literary fiction, upmarket commercial fiction, ya, middle grade, crime fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction

Literary and upmarket commercial fiction (including select young adult and middle grade), crime fiction, memoir, and narrative nonfiction

Currently closed for unsolicited submissions

Mystery, thriller, sf, fantasy, romance, ya, memoir, humor, pop culture, health and wellness, cooking, self-help, pop psych, new age, inspirational, technology, science, writing

Mystery/thriller, SF/fantasy, romance, YA, memoir, humor, pop culture, health & wellness, cooking, self-help, pop psych, New Age, inspirational, technology, science, and writing

Check agent's submission page

Horror, speculative fiction, romantasy, fantasy, gothic, magical realism, contemporary romance, picture books, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first 20 pages for graphic novels

#OwnVoices Horror, Speculative, and Romantasy; Horror including body horror, femgore, horror romance, monster horror, folk horror; Gothic romance; Magical Realism; Indigenous/First Nations works; Cozy fantasies; Picture books with climate change and environmental STEAM themes

Submit through QueryManager

Literary fiction, upmarket commercial women's fiction, narrative nonfiction, children's books

Literary fiction and upmarket, commercial women's fiction. Narrative nonfiction. Children's books, especially middle grade and young adult.

Email queries only at jenniferlyonsagency (at) gmail (dot) com

Science fiction, fantasy, romance, young adult

Wants: Query letter, first chapter, synopsis

Rebecca seeks character-driven stories with strong friendships and relationships, fantasy romance, stories of self-discovery and reinvention, queer romance particularly featuring f/f, bi, pan, trans, ace and other underrepresented identities, and fantasy worlds that are wholly original or drawn from non-medieval European backgrounds.

Submit queries through QueryManager with a query letter, first chapter, and synopsis. Include genre and word count in the cover letter.

Horror, gothic romance, grounded fantasy, thriller, mysteries, commercial fiction, science fiction, speculative fiction, historical fiction, erotic fiction

Wants: Query letter, 10-20 pages, synopsis

She seeks horror across almost all subgenres and age categories, gothic romance, grounded fantasy, thrillers and mysteries with non-cop protagonists, commercial fiction, science fiction, speculative fiction, historical fiction featuring BIPOC and queer characters, and adult erotic fiction especially featuring BIPOC and LGBTQIA characters. She particularly welcomes stories by Honduran authors and Latine/x authors from Central America and the Caribbean.

All ALA agents use Query Manager. Submit to one agent at a time, but if one agent passes, you can submit to up to three agents at ALA. Submit 10-20 polished pages for novels.

Picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, upmarket fiction, political journalism, graphic books, memoirs

Wants: Query letter, first five pages, full manuscript for picture books

She typically looks for picture books that straddle piercing humor and heart, lyrical middle grade, and daring, sharp Young Adult. She loves graphic novels and memoirs that share lesser-known pieces of history and those quieter slices of life. She especially adores stories of all genres if they are from around the world and speak to multigenerational diaspora experiences.

Send a query letter and the first five pages of your manuscript within the email. If it is a picture book, include the entire manuscript. Only submit to one agent at a time.

Children's books, adult fiction, picture books

Query Letter, First Five Pages

Send a query letter and the first five pages of your manuscript within the email with no attachments. If it is a picture book, include the entire manuscript.

Fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, thriller, graphic novels, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, bio, sample pages

Shannon seeks dark gothic fantasy, horror across all speculative levels, science fantasy that blurs magic and science, mysteries with cinematic feel, and graphic novels with found families or unsettling elements. She values experimental styles, unreliable narrators, excellent prose, strange concepts, botanical uncanniness, and stories incorporating religious elements.

Submit via QueryManager only. Select one agent to submit to initially. Include polished query letter, bio, and appropriate sample pages based on format.

Fantasy, science fiction, horror, contemporary romance, mysteries, thriller

Wants: Query letter, bio, 10-20 pages

She intends to represent marginalized authors and is especially seeking to uplift indigenous voices and voices from the Global South. She's particularly keen on growing her contemporary romance, thriller, and horror lists. She's looking for K-drama-style high-stakes romance, queer rivals-to-lovers sports romance, sapphic romantasy, BIPOC vampire horror with social commentary, and sex-positive, kink-positive contemporary romance.

All ALA agents use Query Manager. Submit to one agent at a time with a polished query letter, bio, and 10-20 polished pages for novels.

Fantasy, adventure, romance, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, sample pages

Morgan is seeking Middle Grade and Young Adult fantasy/adventure with a particular interest in graphic novels. She is also interested in picture books, Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult romance. She loves unique narratives, strong voices, and impressive world-building but is also drawn to small-town vibes and sports settings.

Submit query letter with synopsis, bio, and opening 3-4 pages embedded in email body. Do not send attachments without request.

Middle grade, young adult

Wants: Query letter, bio, sample pages

She is excited to find middle grade novels across all genres, including adventure, horror, historical, imaginative, and funny books with relatable voice and strong friendship themes. For young adult, she seeks exciting high-concept commercial novels, contemporary fiction, thrillers and mysteries, historical fiction, fantasy, magical realism, and especially smart space opera or grounded science fiction.

All ALA agents use Query Manager. Submit to one agent at a time with a polished query letter, bio, and 10-20 polished pages for novels.

Contemporary fiction, literary fiction, historical fiction, lgbtq, fantasy, magical realism, science fiction, pop culture, memoir, humor, creativity, craft, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter

She is primarily interested in fiction for adults, young adults and middle grade readers in contemporary fiction, literary fiction, historical fiction set in the 20th Century, LGBTQ issues, fantasy, magical realism, and science fiction. In non-fiction, she represents books by authors with demonstrable platforms in pop-culture, memoir, humor, creativity, and craft. She is also interested in graphic novels and memoirs for all ages.

Submit query via QueryManager only. No snail mail submissions will be considered.

Fantasy, horror, science fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, first 3-4 pages

Josh wants forbidden magic, ancient rituals, epic space battles, and everything in between. Gothic fantasy and horroromance are high on his wishlist, but he is open and interested in all subgenres of fantasy, horror, and science fiction. He is drawn to stories with a strong voice and three-dimensional characters.

Send a query letter with a synopsis of your book, your bio, and the opening 3 or 4 pages embedded in the body of your email. Do not send an attachment without a request to do so.

Fiction, graphic novels, middle grade, young adult, adult fiction, fantasy, science fiction, historical fantasy, magical realism, psychological horror, literary fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

She is currently only open to graphic novel proposals. She seeks explorations of love, friendship, or familial bonds against fantastic backdrops, obscure retold fairy tales, women and girls in STEM, quirky middle grade, modernized mythologies, psychological horror/thrillers with speculative elements, literary and near-future science fiction, historical fantasy, magical realism, and internally consistent epic fantasy.

All ALA agents use Query Manager. Submit to one agent at a time. Include polished query letter, bio, and follow manuscript guidelines: novels submit 10-20 pages, graphic novels submit proposal with 10-20 sample pages and 2-4 full colored pages.

Upmarket literary fiction, literary non-fiction, picture books, middle grade fiction, middle grade non-fiction, young adult fiction, young adult non-fiction

Wants: Query letter

She seeks first and foremost voice, a strong narrative, memorable characters, unusual premises, and underrepresented people, places, and perspectives, including #OwnVoices writers and stories.

Starting January 2026, queries must be submitted through QueryManager only. Address query to the agent you think would be the best fit. Only send one query to Dunham Literary as agents share queries with each other when appropriate.

Fiction, narrative non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first five pages

Juvenile and adult fiction and eye-opening narrative non-fiction, particularly stories of the natural world, visible or invisible, including the human mind and body, or of people and events previously overlooked. She is also taking on a select group of illustrators.

Visit the About Us page for information about agents, their individual interests, and their query guidelines. Include a brief summary of your novel or scope of your non-fiction project, a short description why you're writing the project, any specific credentials you have for writing the book, and the first five pages for fiction only.

Science fiction, fantasy, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, first three chapters

DongWon Song represents science fiction and fantasy for adults, young adult, and middle grade readers as well as select non-fiction.

To query DongWon Song, please email your query letter and the first three chapters of your novel or your full non-fiction book proposal.

Commercial fiction, women's fiction, romance, mystery, thriller, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter

Lauren is particularly interested in adult and Young Adult commercial fiction, especially women's fiction, romance, mysteries, and thrillers, as well as select non-fiction titles.

Query via QueryTracker platform at the link provided on her profile page.

Fiction, nonfiction, children's books, illustration

Ariana Philips represents a diverse range of award-winning fiction and nonfiction for adults and children, as well as talented illustrators. She loves to find new talent and work with clients to develop strong manuscripts and proposals. Her philosophy is to take on an author for the duration of their career and help guide them through the ever-changing publishing landscape.

Ariana Philips is an agent at the Jean V.

Adult fiction, adult non-fiction, children's books, historical fiction, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, romance, fantasy, science fiction, biography, memoir, middle grade, young adult, picture books

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first 10 pages

In Adult Fiction she seeks captivating settings and relatable characters that highlight virtues like empathy and self-sacrifice in historical, literary/upmarket, romance, or fantasy/science fiction genres. In Adult Non-fiction she wants well-researched titles that make complex topics accessible, biography and memoir that connect diverse readers, and books about poverty and justice. For children's literature, she loves books that can be read aloud and shared with families, especially middle grade, and seeks books with hopeful, informative, or lyrical tones.

Starting January 2026, queries must be submitted through QueryManager only. Address your query to the specific agent you think would be the best fit. Only send one query to Dunham Literary as agents share queries with each other when appropriate.

Fantasy, historical fiction, thriller, mystery, pop science, narrative non-fiction, history

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, sample pages

Claire seeks fantasy (especially non-western inspired worlds), historical fiction, thriller, and mystery with romantic or political subplots and immersive settings. She wants characters who chose to be heroes and stories with symbolic resonance. In nonfiction, she seeks pop-science books that use data to tell clear stories, narrative nonfiction between journalism and ethnography, and new histories touching present issues.

Send query letter with synopsis, bio, and opening 3-4 pages embedded in email body. Do not send attachments without request.