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7 Insider Secrets to Get a Top Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal
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Literary Agent Directory
Important: Visit each agent’s website (links in their listings below) to see if they’re open to submissions before querying.
- You are searching within category(ies): Young Adult Fiction
Biography
Steven Malk is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. Steven is the third generation of his family to be involved in children’s books, as both his mother and grandmother owned children’s bookstores. He opened a West Coast office for Writers House in 1998, and represents a wide range of authors and illustrators, including Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith, Marla Frazee, Kadir Nelson, Sara Pennypacker, Jennifer Donnelly, Brett Helquist, Sonya Sones, Adam Rex, Deborah Wiles, and Cynthia Rylant, among others.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Commercial Fiction | General Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mainstream Fiction | Paranormal Fiction | Romance | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction |
Biography
Erin Malone is a literary agent with WME Books. Erin has been a literary agent at WME since 2006. Prior to books she worked in film/TV. She represents fiction as well as narrative (personal and investigative) and platform-driven nonfiction, and occasional lifestyle titlesÑprimarily in the areas of psychology, science, culture, and food. More than any specific genre, sheÕs drawn to good stories and distinct points of view. Among the clients she represents are #1 New York Times bestselling authors, major book club selections, Thurber Prize finalists, Hugo and Edgar Award nominees, Fulbright Scholars, Goodreads Choice Award winners, and combinations thereof. She is looking to work with writers who make us think, as well as those who provide a great escape. She ascribes ardently to Carrie FisherÕs adage that Òif life werenÕt funny it would just be true, and thatÕs unacceptable.Ó Originally from the Midwest, she worked in WMEÕs NYC office before moving to LA, where she lives with her husband, a writer, and their two kids.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller |General Nonfiction | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Food Drink | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | Lifestyle | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Narrative Nonfiction | Psychology | Science |
Biography
Alyssa Maltese is a literary agent with Root Literary. She says: ÒGetting to be an early champion for authorsÕ work is a huge privilege, and a responsibility for which I am deeply grateful. IÕm excited to find and uplift books that you canÕt put down, books that surprise you, books that make you think, and, above all else, books that help people.Ó
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents | Member of the AALA |Juvenile Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horror | Romance | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction |History | Lifestyle | Mind Body Spirit | Narrative Nonfiction |
Biography
Jay Mandel is a literary agent with WME Books. Jay, the worldwide head of WME Books, joined the company in 2001 after beginning his career at the Virginia Barber Literary Agency. He represents a wide range of both fiction and nonfictionÑfrom international literary work to suspense thrillers, investigative journalism, political theory, history, popular science, business, technology writing, memoir and sports.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | General Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Suspense Fiction | Thriller |General Nonfiction | Autobiography | Biography | Business Book | Celebrity | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Film Entertainment | Gift Novelty | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | Memoir | Military War Nonfiction | Money Finance | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Politics | Pop Culture | Reference | Religion | Science | Spirituality | Sports | Technology |
Biography
Hannah Mann is a literary agent with Writers House. She says: “IÕve been with the agency since 2013 and am a senior agent representing children’s fiction and nonfiction, from young picture books through middle grade and young adult, and all the hybrids in between–including graphic novels. I love flawed characters, mystery, family dynamics, underdogs, regular dogs, and unexpected settings, but voice (that goes for words OR art) is almost everything.”
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Romance | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |
Jennifer March Soloway
Andrea Brown Literary AgencyAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Online Form >Biography
Jennifer March Soloway is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Jennifer joined the Andrea Brown Literary Agency in 2016, after a career in marketing and public relations. Agenting is her dream job. She loves working with writers and illustrators, and nothing gives her greater joy than to help an author elevate their story. She is most drawn to emotionally compelling voices and fresh perspectives underrepresented in literature.
Please send Jennifer:
Adult literary thrillers and horror (she is a suspense junkie, who loves to be scared). Throw in dash of (bad) romance, and sheÕs hooked!
YA novels in any genre (thrillers, gothic, humor), but especially literary stories about ordinary teens, focused on family, relationships, sexuality, mental illness, or recovery.
MG novels full of humor and heart, including adventures, mysteries, spooky-but-not-too-scary ghost stories, contemporary, and grounded fantasy.
Stories that blurs the lines between the real and the imagined in any category.
Picture books with surprise endings that make her laugh.
Eye-catching illustration with a distinct style.
ThatÕs her wish list, but you might have something she has never considered before, and it might be absolutely perfect for her. Surprise her!
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Gothic Fiction | Graphic Novel | Horror | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Satire | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |
Biography
Tracy Marchini is a literary agent with the BookEnds Literary Agency. She joined BookEnds in June 2016 as the first picture book and illustration agent. Prior to building a list at BookEnds, she had over ten years of experience in children’s literature, either at an agency or as a freelance editor and children’s book reviewer. She is thrilled to represent a list of debut and award-winning creators of fiction, non-fiction and illustration for children and teens.
Growing up, Tracy made it a personal goal to read every Nancy Drew Case Files in her schoolÕs library and still has a soft spot for a good girl detective story. As an adult, she loves the sense of possibility in childrenÕs and young adult literature Ð and can still empathize with the soul-crushing feeling that is mandatory gym class.
As a children’s author, her picture book debut Chicken Wants A Nap (Creative Editions) was called “A surprising gem” in a starred Kirkus review and was nominated for the 2019 Bridge to Reading Picture Book Awards. Her sophomore picture book, Princesses Can Fix It! is forthcoming (Page Street Kids, May 2021). She holds an MFA in Writing for Children from Simmons College and a BA in English, concentration in Rhetoric from Binghamton University.
Tracy is looking for picture book, chapter book, middle grade and young adult manuscripts across most genres, including contemporary, mysteries, magical realism, historical fiction, graphic novels and non-fiction. She is also looking for picture book illustrators and author-illustrators. She is not a good fit for YA horror, true crime, hard sci-fi, or high fantasy.
Above all, she looks to build a just and inclusive list full of the sense of possibility and wonderment of childhood, and strives to uplift BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse and disabled voices in children’s literature.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Authors and Illustrators Only |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction |
Biography
Kendra Marcus is a literary agent with BookStop Literary Agency. Kendra started BookStop Literary Agency in 1984 and since then the agency has grown to be one of the most well-known and well respected agencies for children’s book writers and illustrators. Kendra gravitates toward texts and illustrations for quirky and funny picture books. She is also interested in stories with Hispanic or Latino characters and unusual nonfiction, and is always thrilled to find unforgettable and vivid voices or stories that will bring her to tears.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Graphic Novel |Biography | Parenting |
Biography
Rick Margolis is the founder and owner of Rising Bear Literary Agency. For nearly 15 years, I worked for School Library Journal, the worldÕs largest reviewer of books for young readers. As SLJ Õs executive editor, I had the pleasure of interviewing many remarkable childrenÕs book creators, including Kate DiCamillo, Mo Willems, Katherine Paterson, Gene Yang, Rita Williams-Garcia, Markus Zusak, Rebecca Stead, and Jon Klassen. One of the best parts of my job was writing a monthly interview column, ÒUnder Cover,Ó which highlighted new and promising authors and illustrators (like John Green, Suzanne Collins, and Stephenie Meyer) who went on to have amazing careers. Along the way, I also met many publishers and childrenÕs book editors. Because IÕve read so much and so widely, I have a strong sense of the stories that appeal to them, and I know the literary market well. And for some reason, almost every year I was able to predict the winner of the Caldecott Medal, which honors the yearÕs best-illustrated book.
Although I loved my stint at SLJ, I was ready for a new challenge. But not just any job would do.
I wanted to find one that felt like my true callingÑone that I was wild aboutÑand that could contribute something of value to the world. I also wanted to stay connected to kidsÕ booksÑbecause I love them and because I was once a reading specialist (working with students who struggled to read) and I know firsthand what a profound difference the right book can make in a young personÕs life.
To make a long story short, after lots of praying and scores of meetings with some very insightful folks (and a fair amount of snacking), I launched Rising Bear Literary Agency, LLC, specializing in what I most love: picture books, early chapter books, and middle-grade fiction and graphic novels with unforgettable characters.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Authors and Illustrators Only |Picture Book | Chapter Book | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | New Adult Fiction |
Victoria Marini
High Line Literary Collective/Volume FiveAccepting SubmissionsQuery Method(s): Online Form >Biography
Victoria Marini is a literary agent with Volume Five and part of the High Line Literary Collective. She began her career as a literary agent at Gelfman Schneider and ICM Partners before joining the Irene Goodman Agency in 2016. Originally from rural Pennsylvania, she moved to New York in 2003, and began her literary career as an assistant at Sterling Lord in 2007. She is interested in both Upmarket & Commercial Adult, Middle Grade, and Young Adult and fiction with compulsive hooks, strong plotting, and well-drawn characters. From Literary page-turners, to commercial suspense, to magical realism, whimsical adventure, edgy sci-fi & grounded fantasy, she is always looking for unforgettable off-the-page characters, high concepts, and unique voices. She is a sucker for quirk, mystery, small town hysteria, atmosphere, secrets, things that go bump in the night, a bit of charm, a twist of magic, or a dash of humor.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | General Fiction | Gothic Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horror | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Science Fiction | Speculative Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Western Fiction | Women’s Fiction |
Biography
Evan Marshall is president of The Evan Marshall Agency and Indie Rights Agency. He is an award-winning literary agent specializing in fiction. Evan has held senior editorial positions at Houghton Mifflin, Ariel Books, New American Library, Everest House and Dodd, Mead, where he acquired national and international bestsellers. An expert on fiction writing, he has served as a contest judge for Wattpad and is a NaNoWriMo Mighty Catalyst for Literary Righteousness. He authored the classic writing guide The Marshall Plan¨ for Novel Writing in 1998. It is now available as How To Write A Novel-The Marshall¨ Plan Software, co-created with Martha Jewett. The Marshall Plan¨ takes the frustration out of writing and delivers successful results fast. He is a graduate of Boston College. Evan is the author of ten traditionally published mystery novels in the Hidden Manhattan series and Jane Stuart series, called ÒMiss Marple liteÓ by Kirkus Reviews.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Young Adult Fiction |Christian Fiction |Action Adventure | BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Erotic Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horror | Inspirational Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mainstream Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Paranormal Fiction | Religious Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Western Fiction | Women’s Fiction |
Biography
Beth Marshea is the owner and Lead Agent at Ladderbird Literary Agency. She has a BA in Literature and a Masters in Business Administration and is always looking for new and exciting ways to bring more diversity into publishing and beyond. Outside of agenting, Beth, teaches writing in her local community with a focus on bringing reluctant writers and readers into the magical world of books. She loves the outdoors and is also a certified lifeguard.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions |Picture Book | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Horror | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Biography | Business Book | Celebrity | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Film Entertainment | History | How-To | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Memoir | Money Finance | Multicultural Nonfiction | Narrative Nonfiction | Politics | Pop Culture | Psychology | Science | Technology | Travel | True Adventure | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Taylor Martindale Kean is a literary agent with the Full Circle Literary. She is a literary agent with Full Circle Literary, representing primarily middle grade fiction, young adult fiction, and illustrators. She is a graduate of The College of William and Mary, where she studied English and Hispanic Studies.
Taylor is looking for young adult fiction and literary middle grade fiction, across all genres. She is interested in finding unique and unforgettable voices in contemporary, fantasy, historical and magical realism novels. She is looking for books that demand to be read. More than anything, Taylor is looking for diverse, character-driven stories that bring their worlds vividly to life, and voices that are honest, original and interesting. Clients include: Emery Lord, Tirzah Price, David Bowles, Sylvie Lacroix, Anoosha Syed, Isabel Strychacz, Gloria Amescua, Federica Fabbian, Olivia Sua and more. When not working, Taylor can be found traveling, cooking, spending time with loved ones, or (surprise!) lost in a good book.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Authors and Illustrators Only |Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction |
Biography
Allegra Martschenko is a literary agent with _Ladderbird. As both a writer and an editor, Allegra brings a well-rounded perspective to author-agent relationships and prioritizes championing diverse voices. They have a degree in architecture with a minor in creative writing from Princeton University and have worked at Princeton University Press, Cornell University Press, and the University Press of Colorado shepherding books into the world.
_
They love books that love you back: sweeping stories, characters with big hearts, and prose that inspires. When theyÕre not reading, you can usually find them gardening, crafting, or wrestling their misbehaving cats.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Black Literary Agents | New Literary Agents |Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | Commercial Fiction | Fantasy | LGBTQ Fiction | New Adult Fiction | Science Fiction |
Biography
Rebecca Matte is a literary agent with the Bradford Literary Agency. She joined Bradford Literary Agency as Contract Manager and agency assistant in 2022 before moving on to take on her own clients. Prior to working at Bradford, she worked as assistant to Executive Agent Laura Rennert at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, where she provided editorial and contract support for a wide array of books across genre and age range. Rebecca began her professional life as an IP and contracts lawyer for several prominent law firms in New York City, and now seeks to use those skills to raise up authors and help them succeed. A writer herself, Rebecca plans to be a highly editorial agent who will work with authors to help them bring their vision to reality on the page.
In general, Rebecca absolutely loves adult and YA science fiction/fantasy and queer romance. But no matter the settingÑbe it a far off kingdom beset by magic or around the corner in BrooklynÑRebecca seeks out books that feature diverse, complex characters in deeply rooted relationships, platonic and romantic. A well-crafted romance will make her heart sing, while a beautifully detailed friendship will elevate any book to an instant favorite. She also gravitates towards inherently hopeful stories of self-discovery and reinvention at all ages, particularly those that center questions of gender and sexuality. She tries to bring magic to every moment of life, and loves books that do the same.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | New Literary Agents | Member of the AALA |Young Adult Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Fantasy | Historical Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Magical Realism | Romance | Science Fiction |
Biography
Jennifer Mattson is a literary agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Jennifer represents authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators who bring a distinct point of view to their work, and who tell stories with multiple layers. In middle grade and YA both, her heart beats faster for stories that cascade from a mind-expanding premise. She also loves survival stories and losing herself in Dickensian sagas (WOLVES OF WILLOUGHBY CHASE!), and enjoys watching characters puzzle their way through problems. She has a special soft spot for middle grade about resilient kids sorting out the messiness of life.
Jennifer has worked previously as an editor at Dutton Children’s Books and as a Books for Youth staff reviewer at Booklist. Two fun facts: she spent a summer giving tours at Emily DickinsonÕs house, and has a coauthor credit in THE OFFICIAL EASY-BAKE OVEN COOKBOOK. Jennifer is based in Chicago, where, when not reading, she spends her free time in dance classes or jogging the lakefront.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | Fantasy | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery |Biography | History | Illustrated | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Memoir | Science |
Biography
Shari Maurer is a literary agent with the Stringer Literary Agency. Shari graduated from Duke University with a degree in English, and later studied Dramatic Writing at NYU. Following a stint at The ChildrenÕs Television Workshop on international productions of Sesame Street, she published both novels and non-fiction, and worked as a writer and editor. Shari has also written Parenting & Lifestyle columns for several websites. A mother of three, she lives in New York with her husband.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Humor Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | New Adult Fiction | Satire | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Biography | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction | Parenting | Science |
Biography
Juliana McBride is a literary agent with the Rebecca Friedman Literary Agency. She began her career in New York City at Random House in 2000. After a decade working with all the in-house and third-party publishers, she and her husband (and twin daughters) embarked on their second act in California producing and selling wine. She never gave up her penchant for good stories though; enter act three. Juliana loves commercial and literary fiction, young adult novels, and fantasy. I mean, who doesnÕt secretly believe in magic? Like any true bookworm, Juliana is looking for transcendent stories that linger.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | New Literary Agents | Member of the AALA |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Literary Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |
Biography
Margret McBride is a literary agent with the Margret McBride Literary Agency. She began a career that served her love of books in New York, working at Random House in New York. Her office was next door to the editor of the Doctor Seuss books. As postcards and missives from the author came to the editor, the editor would share them with her. The picture over his desk, the view of La Jolla from Ted GeiselÕs studio was a clue to her future. In 1980, she was living in La Jolla, and opening her literary agency and having fun times with Ted and his wife Audrey. In her ÒNew York YearsÓ in publishing she worked in the marketing departments of Random House and Ballantine Books, and as the Director of Publicity at Warner Books, and Director of Publicity, Promotions and Advertising for Pinnacle Books. Knowing what the media wants and readers love to read set the stage for her immediate success as an agent.
In 1981, year later, she sold a small book to William Morrow (Harper Collins) by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson MD, called THE ONE MINUTE MANAGER. Thirty years and millions of copies later, the 30th Anniversary Edition THE NEW ONE MINUTE MANAGER was published. Two other bestselling parables followed years later: Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul and John Christensen (Hachette Books) will next year celebrate their the 20th Anniversary of FISH! A Remarkable Way To Boost Morale and Improve Results. Bob Burg and John Mann have just passed their tenth anniversary with Portfolio, their hugely successful, GO-GIVER A Little Story About A Powerful Business Idea.
She is a member of the Association of Authors Representatives (AAR) and the AuthorÕs Guild. She is past-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the board of The La Jolla Playhouse located on the campus of the University of California at San Diego. La Jolla Playhouse is internationally renowned for creating some of the most exciting and adventurous work in American Theater, over 101 world premieres, 52 new works, 37 productions to BroadwayÑamong them JERSEY BOYS, MEMPHIS, THE WHOÕS TOMMY, Billy CrystalÕs 700 SUNDAYS, I AM MY OWN WIFE, and JUNK.
Margret previously served on the Library Board of the University of California at San Diego and under her five-year direction, the UCSD Writers Conference attracted a distinguished faculty of publishers, editors and agents, as well as international participants.
Margret is interested in a wide range of commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction, historical fiction, medical suspense, legal thrillers, and stories featuring strong female protagonists.
Her nonfiction interests include biographies and memoirs, history, psychology, health, self-improvement and business, especially entrepreneurship, management, and finance. She also has had a weakness for perfectly executed, mind-blowing business parables.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Horror | Humor Fiction | Inspirational Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Satire | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Western Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Animals | Art | Biography | Business Book | Celebrity | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Environment | Film Entertainment | Fitness | Food Drink | Gardening | Gift Novelty | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Medical Medicine | Memoir | Money Finance | Multicultural Nonfiction | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Nature | Politics | Pop Culture | Psychology | Science | Self-Help | Spirituality | Technology | Travel | True Adventure | True Crime | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Rachel McCain is a literary agent with the Gold Dust Literary Agency. She says: “I accept nonfiction, adult fiction, YA fiction, and childrenÕs literature (fiction or nonfiction). I do not accept romance, erotica or religious/spiritual.
I love nonfiction with a historical element (think Show Me a Hero). I absolutely love nonfiction stories that are unknown and/or overlooked. Dark and gritty stories are especially welcome (think Random Family and Grand Central Winter).
In regards to fiction, I would love to find the next Alice Walker or James Baldwin. I would love something set in New York. I also love YA fiction with series potential Ð think Goosebumps, BabysitterÕs Club, The Princess Diaries. I am looking for the next Meg Cabot and R.L. Stine.
For childrenÕs literature, I want something with diverse and unique characters.
Make sure you hook me into your writing, from beginning to end. I need imagery. Dare to be creative. Also, please edit your writing thoroughly before you submit.”
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Black Literary Agents | New Literary Agents | Member of the AALA |Juvenile Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Literary Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | New Adult Fiction | Women’s Fiction |General Nonfiction | Biography | BIPOC Nonfiction | History | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | Lifestyle | Memoir | Multicultural Nonfiction | Narrative Nonfiction | Pop Culture |
Biography
Bridget McCarthy is a literary agent with the McCormick Literary. Bridget McCarthy (they/she) is a literary agent and oversees contracts and domestic subrights. They are seeking literary and commercial fiction, young adult fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and cookbooks. They are a graduate of Fordham University.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Literary Fiction |Cookbook Cooking | Memoir | Narrative Nonfiction |
Biography
Jim McCarthy is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, LLC. Jim interned for Dystel, Goderich & Bourret while studying urban design at New York University. Upon graduating, Jim realized he would much rather continue working with books than make the jump (as he had originally intended) to the field of city planning. Eighteen years later, he remains at DG&B as a VP and agent. As an avid fiction reader, his interests encompass both literary and commercial works in the adult, young adult, and middle grade categories. He is particularly interested in literary fiction, underrepresented voices, fantasy, mysteries, romance, anything unusual or unexpected, and any book that makes him cry or laugh out loud. In addition to fiction he is also interested in narrative nonfiction whether it be memoir, historical, science, pop culture, or just a darn good polemic.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Horror | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Satire | Science Fiction | Short Story Collection | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Art | Biography | Celebrity | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Film Entertainment | History | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Memoir | Multicultural Nonfiction | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Pop Culture | Psychology | Travel | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Sean McCarthy is a literary agent and the owner of the Sean McCarthy Literary Agency. He began his publishing career as an editorial intern at Overlook Press and then moved over to the Sheldon Fogelman Agency. He worked as the submissions coordinator and permissions manager before becoming a full-time literary agent. Sean graduated from Macalester College with a degree in English-Creative Writing, and is grateful that he no longer has to spend his winters in Minnesota.
He is drawn to flawed, multifaceted characters with devastatingly concise writing in YA, and boy-friendly mysteries or adventures in MG. In picture books, he looks more for unforgettable characters, off-beat humor, and especially clever endings. He is not currently interested in high fantasy, message-driven stories, or query letters that pose too many questions.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Authors and Illustrators Only |Picture Book | Chapter Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Graphic Novel |
Biography
Shawna McCarthy is a literary agent with The McCarthy Agency.
Notes
Accepting Submissions |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Mystery | Paranormal Fiction | Romance | Science Fiction |Autobiography | Biography | History | Memoir | Military War Nonfiction | Science | Technology |
Biography
Cameron McClure is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. Cameron McClure joined the Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2004. She represents a small and select group of authors and specializes in fiction. She is especially looking for projects that combine genre style plotting with literary quality writing. SheÕs up for anything speculative, and is interested in seeing science-fiction and fantasy, literary fiction, mystery and suspense, and projects with multi-cultural, international, environmental, and GBLT themes. SheÕs also drawn to projects that explore subcultures or topics that havenÕt quite broken into the mainstream. Some of her clients include Robert McCammon, Robert Jackson Bennett, Amy Alkon, Emily Winslow, Brian Francis Slattery, Molly Tanzer, Randy Henderson, Sarah Pemberton Strong, and Steve Bein.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | Member of the AALA |Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | Chick Lit | Commercial Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Crime Fiction | Erotic Fiction | Espionage Military Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Horror | Humor Fiction | Inspirational Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Magical Realism | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Religious Fiction | Satire | Science Fiction | Short Story Collection | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Upmarket Fiction | Western Fiction | Women’s Fiction |Biography | Business Book | Cultural Social Issues | Current Events Affairs | Dating Relationships Sex | Environment | Film Entertainment | Fitness | Food Drink | Health Wellness | History | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Memoir | Military War Nonfiction | Money Finance | Multicultural Nonfiction | Music | Narrative Nonfiction | Nature | Parenting | Photography | Politics | Pop Culture | Psychology | Science | Technology | Travel | True Adventure | True Crime | Women’s Issues |
Biography
Taj McCoy is a literary agent with the Rees Literary Agency. She has a law degree from Southwestern Law School and a bachelor’s degree in Business Law from California State University, Northridge. Taj trained as an agent under Fuse Literary, and has previously served as a Pitch Wars mentor and as co-program manager for Diverse Voices, Inc.Õs DVdebut program. Her Adult Fiction is published through MIRA and Canary Street Press of Harlequin/HarperCollins.
Taj is building her list in Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction, Young Adult, and Middle Grade, as well as looking for illustrators. SheÕs passionately seeking BIPOC and queer creators who highlight parts of their cultures and experiences. She is an advocate for body positivity in publishing, and loves to highlight intersectionality. Taj aims to widen the entryway for marginalized authors into the publishing industry, and to normalize Black joy, fat joy, celebrations of culture, and love without limitations.
Notes
Accepting Submissions | New Literary Agents | Member of the AALA |Picture Book | Juvenile Nonfiction | Middle Grade Fiction | Middle Grade Nonfiction | Young Adult Fiction | Young Adult Nonfiction | Action Adventure | BIPOC Fiction | Commercial Fiction | Crime Fiction | Family Saga | Fantasy | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Literary Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | New Adult Fiction | Romance | Thriller | Women’s Fiction |Art | Biography | BIPOC Nonfiction | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Dating Relationships Sex | Food Drink | Gift Novelty | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Illustrated | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Memoir | Mind Body Spirit | Multicultural Nonfiction | Narrative Nonfiction | Photography | Poetry | Pop Culture | Reference | Self-Help | Sports | Travel |
Biography
Caitlin McDonald is a literary agent with the Donald Maass Literary Agency. She joined DMLA in 2015, and was previously at Sterling Lord Literistic. She represents adult and young adult speculative fiction, primarily science-fiction, fantasy, horror, and related subgenres, as well as contemporary fiction about geeky characters. She also handles a small amount of nonfiction in geeky areas, with a focus on feminist theory/womenÕs issues and pop culture. Caitlin grew up overseas and has a BA in Creative Writing from Columbia University.
Notes
CLOSED to Submissions | Member of the AALA |Middle Grade Fiction | Young Adult Fiction | Action Adventure | BIPOC Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Fantasy | General Fiction | Graphic Novel | Historical Fiction | Horror | Humor Fiction | LGBTQ Fiction | Multicultural Fiction | Mystery | Romance | Satire | Science Fiction | Suspense Fiction | Thriller | Western Fiction |Animals | Art | Beauty Fashion Style | Business Book | Cookbook Cooking | Cultural Social Issues | Diet Nutrition | Environment | Film Entertainment | Food Drink | Gift Novelty | Health Wellness | History | How-To | Humor Nonfiction | Journalism | LGBTQ Nonfiction | Lifestyle | Money Finance | Multicultural Nonfiction | Narrative Nonfiction | Nature | Pop Culture | Psychology | Science | Self-Help | Technology | Travel | Women’s Issues |