Jessica Larios-Zarate is a literary agent with Wave Literary. In regards to fiction, Jessica gravitates towards: commercial fiction, contemporary upmarket fiction, literary fiction, mystery/thrillers, and speculative fiction. She is particularly invested in stories that feature LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, neurodivergent, and/or disabled protagonists, especially when the books are not issue-driven. As for nonfiction, Jessica is interested in: narrative nonfiction and historical nonfiction. In terms of historical nonfiction, she seeks: Ancient History, Historical Expeditions, Civil Rights Movements, and Indigenous History Books; no War History, please. Learn more about Jessica here.

Kimberly Monaghan is a literary agent with The Purcell Agency. Kimberly is also a traditionally published author, with credits from Chicago Review Press and Highsmith/Upstart. Her book Organic Crafts was featured in US Magazine after it was given to actress Julia Roberts as a baby shower gift, and it was referenced in the best-selling book Pregnant with the Stars. She is the host of the award-winning literary citizenship project, Books Uplift. Currently building her client list as an Associate Literary Agent, Kimberly is looking forward to expanding it in the following genres: Suspense/Thrillers (Romantic, Detective, Domestic, Legal/Action, Mysterious, Military, Psychological, Political, Police/Crime, and Spy); Romance: (Inspirational, Sweet, and Contemporary—think Southern and Hallmark). Learn more about Kimberly here.

Kaylyn Aldridge is a literary agent at Metamorphosis Literary seeking commercial, upmarket, and literary fiction for adult and new adult audiences. In particular, romances with dark psychological or thriller elements, dark comedies and satires centered on women’s issues or sociopolitical themes, and women-centered horror. Outside these genres, she seeks fiction that is strange, sharp, emotionally raw, fearless, and voice-driven. Stories centering Black/POC and LGBT+ characters are a plus, as well as unreliable narrators and characters who are plain terrible.​ Learn more about Kaylyn here.

Gordon Warnock is a literary agent at Fuse Literary. Gordon seeks large-platform nonfiction in which the book itself is not the primary goal but instead is the result of a greater, sustained effort. In nonfiction, he seeks: memoir and biography; food narrative/studies/history; graphic and illustrated nonfiction; essays on social issues; pop/punk/geek culture; historical narrative; pop-science; humor; and how-to. In fiction, he represents high-concept suspense, psychological thrillers, horror, book club women’s fiction, literary fiction from marginalized perspectives, and graphic novels for adults / young adults / middle grade. Learn more about Gordon here.

Kim Carson Bodie is a literary agent with Susan Schulman Literary Agency. Kim is interested in reading adult commercial, upmarket, and literary fiction, horror, slipstream, bookclub-with-an-edge, creative nonfiction, pop culture, essay, and select memoir—particularly projects that feature strong voice, experimental structure, bold risks, and big swings. Kim gravitates toward themes of adolescence, monstrosity, class, innocence, memory, healing, freakishness, community, otherness, identity, the body, the natural world, and the concept of home. She will read anything that takes place at a carnival. Please keep in mind: She does not represent YA, MG, or children’s books. (She is open to new adult, though.) “I’m probably not the best fit for high fantasy or other speculative projects without grounded elements, in addition to pure romance or thrillers, with the exception of projects that use suspense as a tool to examine suprising social, scientific, cultural, or political elements of the world at large. I welcome #OwnVoices projects and am particularly interested in representing authors from diverse backgrounds.” Learn more about Kim here.

Eric Smith is a literary agent at Neighborhood Literary, with a love for young adult books, literary fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction. Eric is eagerly acquiring fiction and nonfiction projects. He’s actively seeking out new, diverse voices in young adult (particularly sci-fi and fantasy), middle grade, and literary and commercial fiction (again, loves sci-fi and fantasy, but also thrillers and mysteries). In terms of nonfiction, he’s interested in cookbooks, pop culture, humor, middle grade, essay collections, and blog-to-book ideas. Learn more about Eric here.

A.J. Van Belle (they/them) is a literary agent at the Booker Albert Literary Agency. A.J. is actively building a diverse list and welcomes queries from marginalized writers. In young adult and adult fiction, they’re seeking horror, thriller, and science fiction / fantasy with dark and atmospheric elements. They’re also open to select MG across all genres. In all categories, they’re drawn to books that merge literary sensibilities with compelling plotlines. Some of their favorite authors include Paolo Bacigalupi, Nnedi Okorafor, Jordanna Max Brodsky, Yangsze Choo, Natasha Pulley, T. Kingfisher, and Jenna Satterthwaite. In nonfiction, they’re seeking fresh ideas in science, popular science, self-help, and health/wellness from authors with established platforms. As a scientist who has published NSF-funded research in ecology, they welcome queries from authors whose expertise links with evolution, ecology, statistics, microbiology, and biogeoscience. Learn more about AJ here.

Leticia Gomez is the editorial director for Kensington Books and Dafina. Leticia is the Editorial Director for Dafina Books, an imprint of Kensington Publishing Corp., which focuses on high-quality fiction and nonfiction that centers on race, identity, and its impact on our experiences. Launched in 2000 as the first African-American imprint, Dafina has led the market for more than twenty years in highlighting voices of color. Leticia is actively seeking to acquire multicultural fiction and nonfiction of all genres, including literary fiction, commercial fiction, historical fiction, romance, mystery, and narrative nonfiction of all genres with a focus on authors of color (BIPOC) hailing from all walks of life, as well as specific nonfiction projects for marginalized communities. As a literary agent, Savvy Literary is now an industry leader specializing in Self-help, Narrative Non-fiction, Memoir, True Crime, Spiritual/Inspirational, Political/Current Affairs, Suspense/Thriller, Family Drama, and the Young Adult market. Championing the work of minority writers continues to be a top priority for the agency. Blending her experience as an author, literary/film/television agent and acquisition editor, she is truly excited to spearhead her very own Hispanic book imprint Café con Leche Books. Learn more about Leticia here.

Jacqui Lipton is a literary agent with Raven Quill Literary Agency. Jacqui represents authors of novels, novels-in-verse, and nonfiction from middle grade through adult. She is particularly interested in nonfiction titles for both children and adults. She is not currently seeking high fantasy, and considers science-fiction selectively. Children’s stories with animal protagonists are not the best fit for her. She holds an M.F.A. in Fiction from Vermont College of Fine Arts and regularly teaches classes on writing and on legal aspects of publishing around the country. Learn more about Jacqui here.

Des Salazar is a literary agent with Metamorphosis Literary. They seek: Romance, Fantasy, Horror, LGBTQ+, Literary Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, New Adult, Science Fiction, and Young Adult. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Des Salazar holds an MFA in Fiction having completed a thesis containing translations of stories and poems from an archived journal and reflection essays. Learn more about Des here.

Renee Runge is a literary agent at Spencerhill Associates. She is actively building her list in all genres of middle grade and young adult fiction. Her taste can be summed up as “eclectic,” and she is drawn to high-concept commercial projects with a literary aura, unexpected hooks, strong A/B plots, and distinct voices. She’s especially passionate about supporting diverse and underrepresented creators from all backgrounds, with the hope that every child can one day see themselves in the pages of a book. A lover of anthropomorphic characters, she dreams of repping the next blockbuster animal novel or series. Her favorite feeling is being moved to tears by a book’s last chapter. Learn more about Renee here.

Shannon Lechon is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. In middle grade, I’m looking for horror, thrillers, mysteries, and action-packed adventure. I’m happy to receive both speculative stories with fantastical or sci-fi elements, or grounded ones set entirely in our world. In young adult, I am looking for fantasy, science fiction, horror, and mystery/thrillers. In adult fiction, I am looking for fantasy, science fiction, horror, and mystery/thrillers. In graphic novels, I am looking for young adult and adult fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, and horror. For graphic novels, I am only interested in taking on author/illustrators or author/illustrator duos. Please do not submit graphic novel proposals or scripts without either being an artist or having an artist attached. In nonfiction, I am looking for select adult nonfiction proposals. I’m very interested in memoirs about specialized careers like the beekeepers of Honey and Venom, as well as proposals (both memoir or entirely research-centric) on health and the medical industry, such as The Sleeping Beauties and What My Bones Know. Mental health, illness, and trauma recovery narratives like In the Dream House are also welcome. Learn more about Shannon here.

Nicole Payne is a literary agent with Confluence Literary. “In general, I represent young adult and adult fiction novels, preferably in romance, women’s fiction, literary fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, and speculative fiction. They hold a special place in my heart. As I slowly delve into nonfiction, I would love to see more science-based books, especially biology and forensic, as well as medicine, travel, and cookbooks in my queue. I’m also actively seeking diverse voices and stories across the board. Give me all the books!” Learn more about Nicole here.

Bethany Jett is a literary agent with MacGregor & Luedeke. She seeks a variety of adult fiction, adult nonfiction, Christian works, and children’s picture books. In adult fiction, she seeks: psychological thriller, domestic thriller, suspense, cozy mysteries, historical, book club / upmarket, women’s fiction, romantic comedy, historical romance, romantic suspense, Regency romance, and magical realism. In adult nonfiction, she seeks cookbooks, how-to, self-help, Christian living, lifestyle, home & garden, gift, Bible studies. In children’s picture books, she leans heavily toward 1) Highly commercial concepts with strong hook appeal, like How to Babysit a Grandpa or How to Catch a Unicorn; and 2) Classic, literary-type prose or emotionally layered storytelling like BIG or The Rough Patch. Learn more about Bethany here.

Bridgette Kam is a literary agent with Westwood Creative Artists. “I’m currently looking for upmarket & book club fiction and nonfiction for adults. I’m on the lookout for upmarket & book club novels (propulsive storytelling with beautiful and accessible language) and strongly encourage those submissions. I’m seeking high stakes contemporary novels with a big and unique hook (a secret, a mystery, a critical event and its fallout) that ask timely questions, spark important conversations, and subvert expectations. As someone who always has a classic in her TBR pile, retellings or reimaginings of global classics interest me, as well as stories inspired by mythology and folklore (though I’m not looking for sci-fi or fantasy). In nonfiction, I’m very keen to work with journalists, researchers, field experts, thought leaders, and emerging writers on full-length book projects about business, food, health & wellness, history, personal growth/self-improvement, pop culture, religion/spirituality, science, sociology, and sports. Though I represent a selection of children’s book writers, I’m only representing kidlit works by existing clients and considering referrals at the moment.” (No new children’s book pitches please.) Learn more about Bridgette here.

Olivia Emerick is a literary agent with Metamorphosis Literary Agency.  With her experience in the literary and theatrical spaces, she values collaboration, communication, and human stories. She is passionate about advancing authors’ careers while respecting their artistic visions. Outside work, she enjoys writing poetry and attending local theatre productions. Under the umbrella of commercial fiction for young adult and adult audiences, she is looking for manuscripts in the romance, fantasy, mythology, dark academia, dystopian, horror, and thriller genres. Learn more about Olivia here.

Mindi St. Peter is a literary manager at BAMbooks. In fiction, she seeks: action/adventure, children’s, commercial, crime, domestic thriller, erotica, family saga, fantasy, general, graphic novel, historical, horror, humor, LGBTQ, literary, middle grade, mystery, new adult, picture books, psychological thriller, romance, thriller, women’s fiction, young adult. In nonfiction, she seeks: humor, LGBTQ, memoir, pop culture. Favorite sub-genres: contemporary romance, contemporary YA, literary, middle grade, magical realism, narrative nonfiction, psychological thrillers. Learn more about Mindi here.

Geffen Semach is a literary agent with Westwood Creative Artists. Fiction: I am looking for general upmarket fiction; horror, thriller and suspense; sci fi, speculative, fantasy and romantasy; as well as select concept-driven romance and literary novels. I am drawn to genre-blending novels that tackle human complexity, thoughtful world-building, strong emotional resonance, and bold voices and concepts. I love novels with teeth that make me feel viscerally—either grounded or unsettled—and nuanced characters that feel both fresh and challenging.   Nonfiction: I am interested in journalism in the vein of social commentary, pop culture, politics, art and media; expert-driven writing relating to medicine and mental health, sex and relationships, and money; as well as exceptional memoir. For me it is the balance of an authoritative voice with accessibility. Particularly books that explore complex, often systemic issues—from politics to psychology to culture—told from a personal or human-centered lens. Please connect with me if you are an expert with a strong voice and an idea to share. I am happy to chat with writers who are at the beginning stages of forming an idea to craft a proposal together. I encourage submissions from underrepresented writers including 2SLGBTQI+, BIPOC, and/or disabled. Learn more about Geffen here.

Rachel Estep is a literary agent with D4EO Literary Agency. She is seeking: literary fiction; mainstream fiction; all types of middle grade and young adult (especially that centers underrepresented voices); voicey, high-stakes psychological thrillers; stories that mess with your head in the best way; gothic fiction that blends deep senses of foreboding with modern themes; true crime projects that dig deeper than the headlines and center empathy alongside the horror; queer romcoms that bring the banter, the swoon, the spice, and a whole lot of heart; historical fiction driven by complex, unforgettable women in the style of Marie Benedict. Learn more about Rachel here.

Najla Mamou is a literary agent with Savvy Literary Services. In nonfiction, Najla gravitates towards narrative nonfiction, true crime, memoir, biography, identity, business/economics, leadership, and stories inspired by lesser known people, professions and crafts (builders, designers, architects), musicians/artists/creators, daredevils, athletes, etc. In fiction, she seeks adult and new adult. She is prioritizing realistic sci fi thriller, military sci fi, unique sleuth mystery, intergenerational stories, strong female leads, migration/immigration, underrepresented protagonists (especially from marginalized communities), stories set in distant futures wanting to return to Earth and experiencing humanity, alternating timelines, backwards timelines, or dual timeline that interweaves a present-day investigation with a historical crime. In both fiction and nonfiction, she seeks underrepresented stories and writers across all genres. She is not requesting young adult, middle grade or children’s. Learn more about Najla here.

Sheila Madonia-Maberry is a literary agent with BAM Management. Sheila is seeking fresh voices across several genres. “I enjoy manuscripts that allow readers to experience cultures and perspectives different from their own. “I am primarily interested in representing: crime, thriller, psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, domestic thrillers; mystery (traditional and cozy); domestic fiction; historical fiction (covering adult, young adult, and middle grade); fantasy (historical fantasy, fantasy grounded in reality, cozy fantasy); horror; dystopian and speculative fiction (including middle grade and YA).” She also reps select young adult and middle grade projects across her genres. Learn more about Sheila here.

Paul S. Levine is a literary agent and the founder of Paul S. Levine Literary. He is also an attorney. His fiction interests include adventure novels, mainstream fiction, mysteries, romance, thrillers, and women’s fiction. His nonfiction interests include business/commerce, pop culture, how-to, self-help, politics/law, relationships, and sports. With almost 40 years of experience in the entertainment and book industries, Levine is one of the few lawyers on the West coast who also understands the world of book publishing; as such, he is able to act as both literary agent and publishing attorney for his clients. Learn more about Paul here.

Frannie Dove is a literary agent at The Caldwell Agency. “I love books that change and challenge the way we interact with the world, especially stories that explore the margins of the history books. I’m eager to champion stories that stir book club conversation, inspire readers to engage with their local communities, and bring people together around the dinner table. Genres I seek: historical fiction, narrative history, historical fantasy, comedic mystery, book club fiction, genre bended and blended fiction (especially with some history), science for the non-scientist, and essays with wisdom to share.” Learn more about Frannie here.

Kat Kerr is a literary agent with Donald Maass Literary Agency. Kat feels strongly about supporting programs like We Need Diverse Books and is passionate about creating space in this industry for those from historically marginalized communities. She is actively seeking to grow her client list and is particularly hungry for magical realism, literary leaning speculative (fantasy) and science fiction, women’s fiction, YA works with a lot of heart, and narrative nonfiction with something to say. In fiction, she seeks literary, upmarket, women’s, rom-coms, multicultural, speculative, magical realism, family saga, young adult, and select sci-fi and fantasy. In nonfiction, she seeks narrative nonfiction and journalistic nonfiction tackling current affairs and social justice issues, particularly covering topics of racism, immigration, LGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, and poverty. She also represents select biographies and memoirs. Learn more about Kat here.

Gabrielle Harbowy is a literary agent with Corvisiero Agency. Gabrielle is seeking science fiction, fantasy, paranormal mysteries, queer romance, and genre-bending speculative fiction. She loves these genres in adult, new adult, and young adult fiction. She loves reading diverse books, characters that come alive and immersive worlds, and tropes turned on their heads. She would like to see queerness, neurodiversity, and disability represented and normalized, both in the world and on the page. ​Her passions include music, travel, tabletop roleplaying games, crocheting and needlepoint, tattoo art, everything Finnish (except lutefisk), outer space, and the Oxford comma. ​Note: Corvisiero Literary Agency does not represent already-published work, poetry, short story collections, or novella-length fiction at this time. Learn more about Gabrielle here.

Tali Shammas is a literary agent with Storm Literary Agency. In adult fiction, she seeks fantasy (all sub-genres), horror, science fiction, thriller, mystery, romance, rom-com, suspense, women’s fiction, upmarket / book club fiction, and genre blends combining any of the above. She also represents pockets of both young adult and middle grade fiction. In nonfiction, she seeks funny, authentic, and brutally honest stories, like anything by Jenny Lawson and Belle Burden’s STRANGERS; unique and niche topics; and coffee table books. Learn more about Tali here.

Rebecca Love is a literary agent with Booker Albert Literary Agency. From a young age, she has been fascinated with epic worlds like LOTR and The Way of Kings. Books with romantic elements like Ella Enchanted, The Goose Girl, and The Cruel Prince all have places in her top ten. She also adores historical fiction like The Wednesday Wars and iconic masterpieces like Monica Hesse’s They Went Left, but her all-time favorite novel has to be the grounded fantasy The Scorpio Races. Her favorite tropes are houses-with-personality (think House of Leaves or The Haunting of Hill House), zombie apocalypses like in the book World War Z, and underwater worlds. Regardless of genre, Rebecca is looking for stories that have good pacing, grounded worlds, and believable characters. She is interested in fantasy of all kinds and anything that has a good hook. She loves YA and MG historical fiction. Learn more about Rebecca here.

Jeanne De Vita is a literary agent with Martin Literary Management. I’m currently open to most commercial genre fiction, and I especially encourage new authors, indie authors, and authors underrepresented in traditional publishing to pitch. I am always open to LGBTQIA+ authors and #OwnVoices stories. Genre fiction is my happy place: romance, romantasy, thriller, horror, mysteries, speculative fiction, and more. (She is not a good fit for contemporary YA, most memoir, middle grade, picture books, or Christian/inspirational.) Learn more about Jeanne here.

Diego Harrison is a literary agent with SBR Media. He is seeking romantasy, horror (love zombies!), thriller (domestic, crime, high concept — not paranormal), young adult (including YA across genres), middle grade, children’s picture books from author-illustrators, nonfiction and memoir with a properly construction prospectus / front matter, romance and romantic suspense, military action, crime fiction, mystery and cozies. He will consider select fantasy and science fiction if it has exceptional writing and a high concept pitch. Learn more about Diego here.