Finding a literary agent can be hard. Finding one who fits your needs and who is open to submissions when you’re ready to query is even harder. WD has gotten a jump start on the process to make your search a little easier. We’ve found 20+ literary agents whose interests range from picture books, middle-grade, and YA to genre fiction for adults, from literary fiction to historical nonfiction, true crime, and cookbooks. In addition to the wide variety of writing they’re looking for, the agents themselves represent a diversity of experience from veteran agents at boutique agencies to up-and-comers at established agencies. Don’t discount either—both offer their own benefits, as you’ll read in many of the tips offered by the agents. You just need to know what your priorities are.
So, use this roundup as a starting point for your research, but don’t let it be your only research. Visit the agency websites and agents’ Twitter accounts. See what resonates with you and then, when you begin your querying, be sure to follow the agent’s specific querying guidelines. Each agent has a system to make their review process as seamless as possible and you only increase your chances by tailoring your submission to their standards. That said, querying can be tough as it is and mistakes happen to all of us, so be kind to yourself when one inevitably slips through.
Whether you end up finding an agent through this list, with someone else at one of their agencies, or someone else entirely, WD wishes you the best of luck on your journey to publication.
REGINA BERNARD-CARRENO (SHE/HER)
Martin Literary
Management
NEW YORK CITY
@TINKERWITHWORDS
FICTION INTERESTS: Right now, I am looking for contemporary middle-grade novels that are full of friendship, trials/tribulations, and a little magical realism. In the adult fiction space, I would love to see some rom-coms/clean romance. Diverse and OWN voices/writers are welcome in kidlit and adult genres! NONFICTION INTERESTS: I’d love to see cookbook projects, artisan-related manuscripts, DIY/craft/herbal/food & farming books. Herbalism and self-care. RECENT SALES: There are a couple of things in the kidlit space happening that I can’t announce yet. DOES NOT WANT: I am not the right agent for full-on magic or fantasy. In nonfiction, I am not interested in crime (whether true crime or fiction) dealing with crimes against children and/or women. I am also not interested in self-help although body/self-care is welcome as mentioned above. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Send me your best query and the first 10 pages of your manuscript via email (available on agency website). Paste your materials in the body of your email, not as an attachment. TIPS FOR WRITERS: Read a lot in your genre to make sure you know where your project fits comfortably. Please make sure that the agent you’re querying represents the genre/work that you are submitting. Please submit exactly as guidelines request. If you’re querying, make sure your project is at its best and ready to send off should you get a request for the full manuscript. Be patient! However, if you receive an offer of representation, be sure to update any/all agents that have your materials. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Sure, it’s great to know the “rules” but make sure what’s right isn’t more rule-following than strong writing. Have fun! This is a challenging process but could be enjoyable if you let it be.
ERNIE CHIARA (HE/HIM)
Fuse Literary
BOSTON, MASS.
@ERNIECHIARA
I’m seeking underrepresented voices in fantasy, sci-fi, and horror for adult, young adult, and middle-grade readers. by Cassandra Newbould to Peachtree Teen for publication summer ’23; by Meredith Mooring to Rebellion for publication spring ’24; by Katharine J. Adams to Orbit Books in a three-book pre-empt for publication fall ’23; by Aman Bedi to Gollancz at auction for publication summer ’24. I prioritize work by writers from traditionally under-published communities, since working toward correcting the imbalance in whose stories end up After reviewing my Manuscript Wish List at to see if what you’ve written is a good fit for me, you can submit your query letter and the first 20 pages of your completed manuscript through the form at . There’s so much writing advice out there and not all of it is good. Always consider the source when you’re reading a piece of writing advice and be sure to do your research. But, I think, if I had to give one piece of advice that’ll never steer you wrong, it’s this: Read, read, read. Read within your genre, read outside your genre. Read everything you can that was published within the past few years in the genre you’re writing. It’ll help you understand not only what’s selling, but where your book fits into the current market. And it’ll help when you’re coming up with comparison (comp) titles, which should always be recent. But most importantly, it’ll help your writing. It’s like Stephen King said: “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”
