Horror Literary Agents 2025-2026 – Find all literary agencies and literary agents for horror writers and authors here, including the most powerful and reputable literary agents for horror fiction. You’ll also find horror agent facts and statistics, tips about how to query horror book agents, and horror author success stories. You can use our free List of Book Publishing Agents to find horror literary agents looking for both new and established writers. For example: Kristin Nelson with Nelson Literary Agency; Alec Shane with Writers House; and Merrilee Heifetz with Writers House.
The official Directory of Literary Agents™ has bios and contact information for all horror book agents, including the Best Publishing Agents at the Top Literary Agencies. Our list is comprehensive and it includes both new and established horror literary agents. You’ll find author representatives with large literary agencies, and independent horror book agents with Boutique Literary Agencies. You can also use the Book Agent Directory and Database to conduct Literary Agents Near Me searches such as: Literary Agencies NYC, Literary Agencies California, Los Angeles Book Agents, etc.
Facts and Statistics About Horror Literary Agents
Horror literary agents represent one of publishing’s most enduringly popular and rapidly evolving genres. Horror fiction consistently draws dedicated readers eager for compelling tales of suspense, fear, and the supernatural. Here are insightful facts and statistics about horror literary agents and the broader market:
- Steady Market Growth: The horror genre has witnessed robust growth, with book sales increasing approximately 20% over the last several years, driven in part by popular streaming adaptations and readers’ ongoing fascination with psychological thrillers and supernatural elements.
- Wide Range of Subgenres: Horror literary agents actively seek manuscripts across diverse subgenres, including psychological horror, supernatural horror, gothic fiction, paranormal thrillers, dark fantasy, and horror-comedy. This diversity makes the genre highly adaptable to changing reader tastes.
- Media Adaptation Potential: More than 35% of successful horror novels are adapted for film, television, or streaming platforms. Agents specializing in horror literature are often connected to the entertainment industry, positioning their authors effectively for cross-media opportunities.
- Rise of Diverse Voices: Horror literary agents are actively championing increased representation. Recent publishing data indicates a noticeable surge in horror fiction authored by traditionally underrepresented groups, spotlighting diverse cultural myths, folklore, and unique perspectives on fear and the supernatural.
How to Query Literary Agents for Horror
If you’re a horror author seeking representation, it’s essential to tailor your approach specifically to horror literary agents. These SEO-optimized tips will help your manuscript stand out and appeal directly to agents specializing in horror fiction:
1. Identify Horror Literary Agents Open to Submissions
Start your agent search using targeted keyword phrases such as “horror literary agents accepting submissions,” “agents seeking supernatural thrillers,” or “best literary agencies for horror novels.”
Utilize reputable resources such as QueryTracker, Manuscript Wish List (MSWL), and Publishers Marketplace to pinpoint literary agents actively seeking horror manuscripts.
2. Clearly Define Your Horror Subgenre
Specify your manuscript’s particular niche within horror clearly and prominently in your query letter (e.g., gothic horror, psychological suspense, paranormal horror, supernatural thrillers, or folk horror).
Optimize your query with keywords that precisely reflect your subgenre, such as “psychological horror novel,” “haunted house thriller,” “dark paranormal fiction,” or “cosmic horror.”
3. Highlight Your Unique Twist on Horror Tropes
Horror literary agents look for originality—stories that explore new fears, offer fresh takes on classic horror tropes, or reinvent familiar concepts in compelling ways. Briefly and explicitly emphasize what makes your horror manuscript stand out.
Reference successful comparable horror authors or titles to clearly communicate your book’s audience and market potential without suggesting imitation (e.g., “Fans of Shirley Jackson’s psychological suspense and Stephen King’s supernatural narratives will resonate with my novel’s chilling premise.”).
4. Convey Your Ability to Create Suspense and Atmosphere
Horror literary agents want manuscripts that captivate readers with suspenseful storytelling and immersive atmosphere. Demonstrate your strengths clearly in your query by mentioning key elements like psychological depth, atmospheric tension, or expertly-crafted scares.
Briefly illustrate how these suspenseful elements drive your story’s tension and character development, hooking readers from beginning to end.
5. Follow Submission Guidelines Precisely
Horror literary agents receive substantial query volumes. To significantly improve your chances, meticulously adhere to each agent’s submission guidelines regarding query format, synopsis length, and manuscript excerpt requirements.
6. Additional Resources for Horror Authors: Consider utilizing these websites for publishing trends, publishing deals, and industry insights: Publishers Marketplace, Writer’s Digest, and QueryTracker.
Some of the Most Popular and Reputable Literary Agencies that Represent Horror Authors
- BookEnds Literary Agency (Gillette, New Jersey)
- David Black Agency (Brooklyn, New York)
- Gelfman Schneider/ICM (New York, New York)
- Janklow & Nesbit Associates (New York, New York)
- Ken Sherman & Associates (Los Angeles, California)
- KT Literary (Highlands Ranch, Colorado)
- Ladderbird (Milford, Connecticut)
- Lee Sobel Literary Agency (Middletown, New Jersey)
- McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Philip Spitzer Literary Agency (East Hampton, New York)
- The Seymour Agency (Naples, Florida)
27 of the Most Reputable Horror Literary Agents
- Alexandra Levick with Writers House (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Anne Tibbets with Donald Maass Literary Agency (Brooklyn, New York) – AALA Member
- Bethany Weaver with Weaver Literary & Management (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) – AALA Member
- Chelsea Hensley with KT Literary (Highlands Ranch, Colorado) – AALA Member
- Chris Lotts with The Lotts Agency (Brooklyn, New York) – AALA Member
- Christa Heschke with McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Cole Lanahan with The Seymour Agency (Naples, Florida) – AALA Member
- Dorian Maffei with Kimberley Cameron & Associates (Tiburon, California) – AALA Member
- Ginger Clark with Ginger Clark Literary (Orange, Connecticut) – AALA Member
- Helen Breitwieser with Cornerstone Literary Agency (Los Angeles, California) – AALA Member
- James McGowan with BookEnds Literary Agency (Gillette, New Jersey) – AALA Member
- Jemiscoe Chambers-Black with Andrea Brown Literary Agency (Palo Alto, California) – AALA Member
- Jennifer Weltz with Jean Naggar Literary Agency (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Katelyn Dougherty with Paradigm Literary and Talent Agency (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Kent Wolf with Neon Literary (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Kim Lionetti with BookEnds Literary Agency (Gillette, New Jersey) – AALA Member
- Kim Lombardini with Philip Spitzer Literary Agency (East Hampton, New York) – AALA Member
- Lauren Spieller with Folio Literary Management (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Leah Pierre with Ladderbird (Milford, Connecticut) – AALA Member
- Michael Curry with Donald Maass Literary Agency (Brooklyn, New York) – AALA Member
- Mina Hamedi with Janklow & Nesbit Associates (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Penelope Burns with Gelfman Schneider/ICM (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Sarah Gerton with New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Savannah Brooks with KT Literary (Highlands Ranch, Colorado) – AALA Member
- Stephanie Rostan with Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Susan Graham with Einstein Literary Management (South Orange, New Jersey) – AALA Member
- Susan Raihofer with David Black Agency (Brooklyn, New York) – AALA Member
Literary Agents for Horror Authors Accepting Submissions
Horror Book Agents (A-B)
- Aiden Siobhan with Laura Dail Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Alexander Slater with Sanford J. Greenburger Associates (New York, New York)
- Alexandra Levick with Writers House (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Ali Herring with Spencerhill Associates (Bradenton, Florida)
- Amy Brewer with Metamorphosis Literary Agency (Los Angeles, California)
- Amy Giuffrida with Belcastro Agency (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Amy Nielson with The Purcell Agency (Gurnee, Illinois)
- Andrew Dugan with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC (New York, New York)
- Anna Zinchuk with David Black Agency (Brooklyn, New York)
- Anne Tibbets with Donald Maass Literary Agency (Brooklyn, New York) – AALA Member
- Arley Sorg with KT Literary (Highlands Ranch, Colorado)
- Bailey Tamayo with Sanford J. Greenburger Associates (New York, New York)
- Bethany Weaver with Weaver Literary & Management (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) – AALA Member
- Brittani Harris with Gold Dust Literary Agency (Haslet, Texas)
Horror Book Agents (C-D)
- Carey Blankenship-Kramer with Belcastro Agency (Niles, Ohio)
- Carleen Geisler with ArtHouse Literary Agency (Roselle, Illinois) – AALA Member
- Caroline Trussell with Metamorphosis Literary Agency (Los Angeles, California)
- Catherine Ross with Corvisiero Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong with Marsal Lyon Literary Agency (Solana Beach, California) – AALA Member
- Chelsea Hensley with KT Literary (Highlands Ranch, Colorado) – AALA Member
- Cherry Weiner with Cherry Weiner Literary Agency (Dacula, Georgia)
- Chris Lotts with The Lotts Agency (Brooklyn, New York) – AALA Member
- Christa Heschke with McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Christine Cohen with Virginia Kidd Agency (Milford, Pennsylvania)
- Christine Lee with The Leshne Agency (New York, New York)
- Claire Draper with Azantian Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Cole Lanahan with The Seymour Agency (Naples, Florida) – AALA Member
- Connor Goldsmith with Fuse Literary (La Honda, California)
- Courtney Paganelli with Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Danai Christopoulou with The Tobias Literary Agency (, )
- Danya Kukafka with Trellis Literary Management (New York, New York)
- Debbie Deuble Hill with Independent Artist Group (Los Angeles, California)
- Des Salazar with Metamorphosis Literary Agency (Los Angeles, California)
- Desiree Wilson with Looking Glass Literary & Media (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Dorian Maffei with Kimberley Cameron & Associates (Tiburon, California) – AALA Member
Horror Book Agents (E-J)
- Elena Reiss with The Ambrosia Literary Agency (Mount Vernon, Ohio)
- Ernie Chiara with Fuse Literary (La Honda, California)
- Frances Black with Literary Counsel (New York, New York)
- Georgana Grinstead with The Seymour Agency (Naples, New York)
- Ginger Clark with Ginger Clark Literary (Orange, Connecticut) – AALA Member
- Hannah VanVels Ausbury with Belcastro Agency (Niles, Ohio)
- Helen Breitwieser with Cornerstone Literary Agency (Los Angeles, California) – AALA Member
- Helen Lane with The Booker Albert Literary Agency (York, Pennsylvania)
- Italia Gandolfo with Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management (New York, New York)
- James McGowan with BookEnds Literary Agency (Gillette, New Jersey) – AALA Member
- James Mustelier with The Bent Agency (New York, New York)
- Jemiscoe Chambers-Black with Andrea Brown Literary Agency (Palo Alto, California) – AALA Member
- Jennifer DeChiara with Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Jennifer March Soloway with Andrea Brown Literary Agency (Palo Alto, California) – AALA Member
- Jennifer Weltz with Jean Naggar Literary Agency (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Jennifer Wills with The Seymour Agency (Naples, Florida)
- Jessica Mileo with InkWell Management (New York, New York)
- John Cusick with Folio Literary Management (New York, New York)
- Jordan Breindel with Literary Counsel (New York, New York)
Horror Book Agents (K-L)
- Kate Rogers with KO Media Management (Everett, Washington)
- Katelyn Dougherty with Paradigm Literary and Talent Agency (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Katherine Odom-Tomchin with Folio Literary Management (New York, New York)
- Katie Shea Boutillier with Donald Maass Literary Agency (Brooklyn, New York) – AALA Member
- Kelsey Day with Aragi Agency (New York, New York)
- Ken Sherman with Ken Sherman & Associates (Los Angeles, California)
- Kent Wolf with Neon Literary (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Kiana Nguyen with Donald Maass Literary Agency (Brooklyn, New York)
- Kim Lindman with Stonesong Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Kim Lionetti with BookEnds Literary Agency (Gillette, New Jersey) – AALA Member
- Kim Lombardini with Philip Spitzer Literary Agency (East Hampton, New York) – AALA Member
- Kima Jones with Triangle House (New York, New York)
- Kurestin Armada with Root Literary (Los Angeles, California) – AALA Member
- Laura Cameron with Transatlantic Agency (New York, New York)
- Laura Gruszka with Writers House (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Lauren Spieller with Folio Literary Management (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Leah Moss with Steven Literary (Williamsburg, Virginia)
- Leah Pierre with Ladderbird (Milford, Connecticut) – AALA Member
- Lee Sobel with Lee Sobel Literary Agency (Middletown, New Jersey)
- Leila Campoli with Stonesong Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Leslie Varney with Prentis Literary (Kent, Washington)
- Lindsay Howard with New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. (New York, New York)
- Lisa Rodgers with Jabberwocky Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Liv Ivanov with Creative Media Agency, Inc. (New York, New York)
- Logan Harper with Jane Rotrosen Agency (New York, New York)
- Lynnette Novak with The Seymour Agency (Naples, Florida)
Horror Book Agents (M-R)
- Macey Howell with WordLink, Incorporated (Enola, Pennsylvania)
- Martha Perotto-Wills with The Bent Agency (New York, New York)
- Maximilian Ximenez with L. Perkins Agency (Lori Perkins Agency) (Riverdale, New York)
- Michael Curry with Donald Maass Literary Agency (Brooklyn, New York) – AALA Member
- Mina Hamedi with Janklow & Nesbit Associates (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Morgan Wilson with Belcastro Agency (Niles, Ohio)
- Naomi Eisenbeiss with InkWell Management (New York, New York)
- Natalie Obando with Ladderbird (Milford, Connecticut)
- Noah Ballard with Verve Talent & Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Olivia Coleman with New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. (New York, New York)
- Patrice Caldwell with New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. (New York, New York)
- Penelope Burns with Gelfman Schneider/ICM (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Penny Moore with Aevitas Creative Management (New York, New York)
- Rachel Ridout with Harvey Klinger (New York, New York)
- Ramona Pina with BookEnds Literary Agency (Gillette, New Jersey)
- Rebecca Podos with Rees Literary Agency (Boston, Massachusetts)
- Rick Lewis with Martin Literary Management (Mill Creek, Washington)
Horror Book Agents (S-Z)
- Sadie Hartmann with Europa Content Ltd. (Brooklyn, New York)
- Sandra Proudman with Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency (South Orange, New Jersey)
- Sara Camilli with The Sara Camilli Agency (Hummelstown, Pennsylvania)
- Sarah Gerton with New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Savannah Brooks with KT Literary (Highlands Ranch, Colorado) – AALA Member
- Spencer Hoeflich with The Ambrosia Literary Agency (Mount Vernon, Ohio)
- Stephanie Rostan with Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Stephanie Winter with KO Media Management (Everett, Washington)
- Susan Graham with Einstein Literary Management (South Orange, New Jersey) – AALA Member
- Susan Raihofer with David Black Agency (Brooklyn, New York) – AALA Member
- Tara Severance with The Ambrosia Literary Agency (Mount Vernon, Ohio)
- Tess Weitzner with Frances Goldin Literary Agency (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Thais Carreira Afonso with Azantian Literary Agency (Irvine, California)
- Timothy Travaglini with Transatlantic Agency (El Segundo, California)
- Tricia Skinner with Fuse Literary (La Honda, California)
- Trinica Sampson-Vera with New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. (New York, New York)
- Trodayne Northern with Prentis Literary (Kent, Washington)
- Valentina Sainato with Jabberwocky Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Vaughne Lee Hansen with Virginia Kidd Agency (Milford, Pennsylvania)
- Vicky Weber with Creative Media Agency, Inc. (New York, New York) – AALA Member
- Zach Honey with FinePrint Literary Management (New York, New York)
- Zoe Howard with Howland Literary (New York, New York)
- Zoë Plant with The Bent Agency (New York, New York)
Literary Agencies that Represent Horror Authors
Literary Agencies for Horror Novels (A-K)
- Aevitas Creative Management (New York, New York)
- Andrea Brown Literary Agency (Palo Alto, California)
- Aragi Agency (New York, New York)
- ArtHouse Literary Agency (Roselle, Illinois)
- Azantian Literary Agency (Irvine, California)
- Azantian Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Belcastro Agency (New York, New York)
- Belcastro Agency (Niles, Ohio)
- BookEnds Literary Agency (Gillette, New Jersey)
- Cherry Weiner Literary Agency (Dacula, Georgia)
- Cornerstone Literary Agency (Los Angeles, California)
- Corvisiero Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Creative Media Agency, Inc. (New York, New York)
- David Black Agency (Brooklyn, New York)
- Donald Maass Literary Agency (Brooklyn, New York)
- Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC (New York, New York)
- Einstein Literary Management (South Orange, New Jersey)
- Europa Content Ltd. (Brooklyn, New York)
- FinePrint Literary Management (New York, New York)
- Folio Literary Management (New York, New York)
- Frances Goldin Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Fuse Literary (La Honda, California)
- Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency (South Orange, New Jersey)
- Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management (New York, New York)
- Gelfman Schneider/ICM (New York, New York)
- Ginger Clark Literary (Orange, Connecticut)
- Gold Dust Literary Agency (Haslet, Texas)
- Harvey Klinger (New York, New York)
- Howland Literary (New York, New York)
- Independent Artist Group (Los Angeles, California)
- InkWell Management (New York, New York)
- Jabberwocky Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Jane Rotrosen Agency (New York, New York)
- Janklow & Nesbit Associates (New York, New York)
- Jean Naggar Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Ken Sherman & Associates (Los Angeles, California)
- Kimberley Cameron & Associates (Tiburon, California)
- KO Media Management (Everett, Washington)
- KT Literary (Highlands Ranch, Colorado)
Literary Agencies for Horror Novels (L-Z)
- L. Perkins Agency (Lori Perkins Agency) (Riverdale, New York)
- Ladderbird (Milford, Connecticut)
- Laura Dail Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Lee Sobel Literary Agency (Middletown, New Jersey)
- Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Literary Counsel (New York, New York)
- Looking Glass Literary & Media (New York, New York)
- Marsal Lyon Literary Agency (Solana Beach, California)
- Martin Literary Management (Mill Creek, Washington)
- McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Metamorphosis Literary Agency (Los Angeles, California)
- Neon Literary (New York, New York)
- New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. (New York, New York)
- Paradigm Literary and Talent Agency (New York, New York)
- Philip Spitzer Literary Agency (East Hampton, New York)
- Prentis Literary (Kent, Washington)
- Rees Literary Agency (Boston, Massachusetts)
- Root Literary (Los Angeles, California)
- Sanford J. Greenburger Associates (New York, New York)
- Spencerhill Associates (Bradenton, Florida)
- Steven Literary (Williamsburg, Virginia)
- Stonesong Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- The Ambrosia Literary Agency (Mount Vernon, Ohio)
- The Bent Agency (New York, New York)
- The Booker Albert Literary Agency (York, Pennsylvania)
- The Leshne Agency (New York, New York)
- The Lotts Agency (Brooklyn, New York)
- The Purcell Agency (Gurnee, Illinois)
- The Sara Camilli Agency (Hummelstown, Pennsylvania)
- The Seymour Agency (Naples, Florida)
- The Seymour Agency (Naples, New York)
- The Tobias Literary Agency (, )
- Transatlantic Agency (El Segundo, California)
- Transatlantic Agency (New York, New York)
- Trellis Literary Management (New York, New York)
- Triangle House (New York, New York)
- Verve Talent & Literary Agency (New York, New York)
- Virginia Kidd Agency (Milford, Pennsylvania)
- Weaver Literary & Management (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
- WordLink, Incorporated (Enola, Pennsylvania)
- Writers House (New York, New York)
Horror Author Success Stories
Representation by dedicated horror literary agents has launched numerous successful careers, resulting in bestselling books, popular film adaptations, and lasting literary impact. Here are three notable horror author success stories demonstrating the power of quality literary representation:
Stephen King (The Shining, IT, Misery)
Stephen King’s legendary success began when a horror literary agent recognized the exceptional potential of Carrie. King’s unique ability to blend supernatural and psychological horror catapulted him into bestseller status. His agent’s savvy positioning has resulted in over 350 million books sold worldwide and numerous iconic film and TV adaptations.
Paul Tremblay (A Head Full of Ghosts, The Cabin at the End of the World)
Paul Tremblay’s breakthrough horror novels achieved critical acclaim due largely to strategic literary representation. His horror literary agent successfully marketed his novels, securing adaptations and positioning Tremblay as a prominent voice in psychological horror, earning numerous awards including the Bram Stoker Award.
Alma Katsu (The Hunger, The Deep)
Alma Katsu’s unique blend of historical fiction and supernatural horror quickly garnered attention thanks to her horror literary agent’s strategic guidance. Her novels, notably The Hunger, gained widespread acclaim and option deals, establishing Katsu as a leading voice in historical horror with powerful crossover appeal.
