Whether kidlit or adult, historical or a modern romcom, WD is here to help you find the perfect champion for your manuscripts with our ever-popular annual agent roundup. Featuring a mix of both new and established agents actively building their client lists, our roundup outlines exactly what the agents are looking for in their inboxes and how to submit to them. We’ve reached out to each agent to get the scoop on their most current tastes and dislikes, so all you need to worry about is crafting the perfect query. Pay close attention to each agent’s profile, because one agent’s advice might be another agent’s pet peeve.
Analieze Cervantes
Harvey Klinger Literary Agency
PERRIS, CALIF. HARVEYKLINGER.COM @AUTHOR_ANALIEZE
FICTION INTERESTS: Middle-grade: contemporary (something cute, out of the box, character desire that molds the main character); mystery (twists and turns, young detective, something out of the box, cute voice); sci-fi (cute voice, a young scientist/inventor on the brink of discovering something that shapes the main character and is meaningful to them, think Meet the Robinsons). Young adult: sci-fi (dystopian feel, think The Divergent series, hacking, neurolinks, artificial intelligence blended with reality); contemporary romance (think If He Had Been With Me and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, a sweet romance that develops over time and makes me want to believe in love again); rom-coms (a love story that provides comedic elements, meeting in a unique moment/setting); mystery (think “Riverdale,” twists and turns, should not give me any hints); paranormal (vampires, werewolves, a blend of reality and fiction with a love story—no zombies); crime fiction (thorough investigation of murders and other cases, strong main character with a clear desire); LGBTQ (a love story that progresses over time, no triangles); thriller/suspense (cliff-hangers—“I want to be on the edge of my seat.”). Adult: psychological thriller/suspense (think Karin Slaughter’s The Good Daughter); mystery (“twists and turns—I want a surprise ending, should not give me hints on who ‘dun’ it”); contemporary romance (a love story that conquers all, no love at first sight); romantic suspense (a love story with suspense elements webbed in); rom-coms (a love story that provides comedic elements, meeting in a unique moment/setting); paranormal (vampires, witches, etc. A blend of reality and fiction with a love story—no zombies); sci-fi(soft sci-fi, blending the two worlds); crime fiction (“I want to feel connected to the main character [who] clearly shows their desire to solve a case.”). DOES NOT WANT: “Anything fantasy, but might be interested in magical realism.” Short story collections; inspirational works, including religious overtones; picture/chapter books; erotica; nonfiction; memoir; graphic novels; horror; Westerns; novellas; anything political; poetry; screenplays. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Submit a query letter, synopsis, and the first five pages of your manuscript at QueryManager.com/AnaliezeCervantes. TIPS FOR WRITERS: “Don’t give up, ask questions, learn the industry, attend conferences, join support groups, and understand the business the best you can. There are many people who are willing to help you.”
Jennifer Chen Tran
Bradford Literary Agency
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. BRADFORDLIT.COM @JENCHENTRAN
“I’m looking for contemporary women’s fiction, upmarket fiction, literary fiction (particularly by marginalized writers), and select rom-coms with BIPOC, LGBTQIA, or otherwise marginalized characters. On the children’s side, I acquire picture books, MG, and YA, but am particularly interested in graphic novels and visually driven narratives.” “For adult titles, I acquire broadly in the category of nonfiction, from business books to cookbooks, select memoir (with a platform), lifestyle and travel, visually driven books, sports, parenting, and health. For children’s titles, I’m looking to build my list for children’s nonfiction, particularly focused on STEM and stories featuring trailblazing individuals.” Debut comics collection by Natalya Lobanova (TarcherPerigee); by Dr. Elizabeth Landsverk (guidebook to dementia, Kensington); by Stuart Palley (narrative nonfiction, Blackstone). “I’m not interested in science fiction or fantasy at the moment (but open to some speculative fiction).” For fiction, send a query letter along with the first chapter of your manuscript and a synopsis. “For nonfiction, I require a full proposal, including a query letter and “Try not to compare yourself to other writers—every writer has a unique path to publication. Focus on your craft and the rest will follow.”
