Have You Written a Book? Here are 4 Literary Agents Open to Submissions Now!

 

This post was created November 2026. If you're reading later it doesn't mean you've missed the boat. Literary agents open and close their inboxes regularly. If their inbox is closed, it only means they are taking time to read other submissions, respond, and then reopen when they have time and space to give your manuscript the full attention it deserves.

If you see an agent you are interested in, vet further. Make sure their wishlist hasn't changed. Make sure you are following their submission guidelines. Make sure they are a good match for you and your work!

You will spend your career with a good literary agent, so it is worthwhile to do your research. 

Chelsea Hensley

Mad Woman Literary Agency

What:  Chelsea represent Children’s Books and Adult projects – fiction and nonfiction

Children’s: Picture Book Author/Illustrators, Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Mysteries, Fantasy Sci-Fi; YA Mysteries, Thriller Suspense, Horror

She says on MSWL: “I’d love to see picture books with some potential new classic characters of all kinds. I like sweet animal characters but would also like to see contemporary, human characters on adventures. In books featuring human characters, I am very, very partial to these characters being BIPOC. As far as text, I like the lyrical and poetic as well as the fun and funny, and while I enjoy a gentle and affirming ode, I’m moreso geared toward stories with a strong narrative. I’m also open to picture book biographies, particularly those of lesser discussed and contemporary figures. 

Adult Horror, Mysteries, Suspense, Thrillers, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Nonfiction (women’s sports (particularly women’s soccer), pop culture and media criticism, astrology, and tarot)

 

MSWL : https://manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/chelsea-hensley/

 

Where to Query:  Query Manager

 

Jessica Saint Jean

Root Literary

What: Graphic novels, picture books, picture book author/illustrators (Primary Focus: Illustrators and author-illustrators, plus a select number of standalone writers.)  Jessica says her taste leans to upmarket fiction (think literary prose meets page-turning commercial). On PM she says, “Creatively, my tastes are wide-ranging but mostly "upmarket" – meaning books with literary depth and impeccable craft that are also accessible and entertaining. I like working on books that genuinely appeal to kids without talking down to them, and that their grown-ups can appreciate in their own way too.”

More Details:  Per Publisher’s Marketplace, “ I primarily represent illustrators and author-illustrators, along with a select number of writers, who work across all illustrated formats and genres in children's publishing – from board books and picture books to middle grade and graphic novels.

I'm drawn to creators who share my deep passion for children's books – who appreciate the role of children's literature as nourishment and entertainment for kids, and as a rich literary art form. I'm looking for writers and illustrators who work hard on their craft; who understand their books' audience (kids!); who read widely and know how their work fits within the current market; and who hope to build a professional publishing career.”

 

Where: Query Tracker

 

 

Lee Melillo

Speilburg Literary Agency

WHAT: YA and Adult

SPECIFICALLY:  Lee (she/they) represents YA and adult fiction across genres, with a particular focus on upmarket and literary fiction, speculative fiction, and genre-blending thrillers/mysteries. They also represent a selective list of adult nonfiction about entertainment and pop culture.

Where to Query:  Query Tracker Form

 

Cece Lyra

Wendy Sherman Associates, Inc. Literary Management

 

What:  In adult fiction, upmarket is Cece’s sweet spot, though CeCe is also interested in commercial fiction with a distinctive voice and literary fiction with propulsive elements. She is actively acquiring across genres, including book club, thrillers, horror, suspense, mysteries, family sagas, dark comedies, historical fiction, light speculative fiction, magical realism, smart romances, and genre mashups. 

Non-fiction psychology, wellness, health and medicine, self-development, spirituality, women’s issues, current affairs, pop culture, and select memoir.

Wondering what upmarket fiction is: Think mash-up of literary (gorgeous writing) meets commercial (hook!). Upmarket is that perfect combo of the elevated writing, depth, and character-focus of literary books meets the fast-paced, high-concept, high-stakes page-turning plot of commercial books. I always think of The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. Search up other examples for a cleaner understanding.

WHERE TO QUERY AND HOW: 

Please send all email submissions to submissions@wsherman.com.  Per their guidelines, “We ask that you include your last name, title, and the name of the agent you are submitting to in the subject line. For fiction, please send a query letter and the first 10 pages of your manuscript pasted in the body of the email.  We will not open attachments unless they have been requested.  For nonfiction, please send your query letter and author bio.”

Do your homework. Check out their Do’s and Don’ts. Be as well prepared as possible.

 

 

4 Literary Agents Whose Inboxes are OPEN to Receiving Submissions Today

Hello, Authors and Illustrators!

Literary agents open and close their inboxes, so they have time to read and respond to query letters. As of today, here are four agents who are currently open to receiving query letters. Good luck!

Ryan Nuzzo

Speilburg Literary Agency

WHAT: YA and Adult

SPECIFICALLY: Science fiction, fantasy, LitRPG, horror, and romance in both adult and YA and would love to open doors for underrepresented voices.

Ryan says, “I  am interested in both adult and YA stories that aren’t afraid of doing something new within their genre or taking risks with narrative structure. Underrepresented voices and queer leading characters are appreciated even outside of romance. Genres I’m mostly looking for include science fiction…LitRPG, horror, and romance (all in both adult and YA). I’m also happy to work with hybrid authors. Sidenote -he is temporarily closed to fantasy.

Where: Query Tracker Form

 

Rena Rossner

Bradford Literary Agency

What:  Picture Books, Chapter Books, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Adult fiction and non-fiction.Literary, Historical, Horror, Fantasy and SciFi, Romance and Thrillers

Specifics: “She loves a good thriller or mystery – be it suspense/domestic/paranormal/historical and is not afraid of the dark. In fact, she loves horror and anything dark, especially if it’s dark and literary. Rena loves historical fiction. She’d love to find a literary romantasy. She’d love to see a shapeshifter or vampire story which feels like it’s never been told before. She is very much looking for Young Adult literature. Jewish stories will always have a special place in her heart.”

Bonus Notes: Per website, “Rena is a highly editorial agent, willing to work with clients to hone their talent. She is highly collaborative, loves to brainstorm with clients and often works with them to build books and ideas from the ground up.” 

Eva Scalzo

Speilburg Literary Agency

WHAT & SPECIFIC: Per her agency website, Adult, YA (Romance, Fantasy, Romantasy, and select Upmarket/Women’s Fiction and Mystery/Thriller, Historical mystery/gothic horror:), and select Middle Grade (literary and fantasy). Per Eva, “voice-driven YA and crossover romance and romantasy that balances heart, humor, and hope—stories where falling in love helps characters discover who they are. Think high-concept setups with emotional depth: the summer that changes everything, the cruise that goes hilariously off course, the fantasy quest that doubles as a love story, or the school play that blurs the line between acting and truth.

I love lush, escapist settings—coastal towns, vibrant cities, magical kingdoms, faraway ships—and stories that make readers feel like they’re on an adventure while falling in love.” Want to read more? Go here.

Bonus Notes: On Query Tracker, Eva says, “I'm excited to take a look at your pitch and ask that you include your full query letter and paste in the first three chapters of your manuscript in the appropriate locations on [the query tracker] form! 

Check out her MSWL

Where to query:  Query Tracker Form

 

 

Mary C. Moore  

Aevitas Creative Management 

WHAT:  Adult Fiction and Nonfiction. Query Tracker indicates that her openings include fiction & nonfiction. Everything from nonfiction gardening, tech, and pets to historical fiction, mystery, romance, thriller

 

One quote on MSWL, Mary says,

My taste is pretty eclectic, so if you’re unsure, query me anyway! I’m currently seeking:

·        Upmarket, “Book Club” fiction that provokes discussion

·        Speculative fiction that can crossover to a larger audience a la Mexican Gothic

·        Women’s Fiction and Romance

·        Thrillers and Mysteries centered around out-of-the-ordinary characters

Where: Query Tracker: Mary C. Moore of Aevitas Creative Management 

 

 

Opportunity to Submit Your Children's Book - Three Agents and One Publisher

Here are three agent who represent children's book; and here is a publisher who takes unagented writers. I recommend finding a literary agent to help you with your career. But some people enjoy success working directly with publishers. Good luck!

*And remember, sometimes an agent closes their inbox for a period of time, so they can have a chance to catch up on submissions. Some agents assume you are submitting simultaneously. Some agents ask for an exclusive submission for two weeks. Take care to read all the guidelines. 

Lastly, a word to the wise. A reputable agent never asks for money. An agent only gets paid when you get paid. 

Shannon Gallagher

Wernick & Pratt: About the agency: Wernick & Pratt Agency specializes in children’s books. Our current client list includes authors and illustrators at all stages of their careers, from debut novelists to award-winning, experienced picture book creators. We are always open to finding and nurturing new talent, though we can take on only a limited number of new clients each year.

Interview with Shannon Gallagher: https://wernickpratt.com/agents/qa-with-shannon-gallagher/

Shannon represents:

PB, MG, YA (fiction and nonfiction)

 

 

Emily Mitchell

Wernick & Pratt: About the agency: Wernick & Pratt Agency specializes in children’s books. Our current client list includes authors and illustrators at all stages of their careers, from debut novelists to award-winning, experienced picture book creators. We are always open to finding and nurturing new talent, though we can take on only a limited number of new clients each year.

Emily represents:

Middle Grade

Picture Book

  • Picture Book, Author

  • Picture Book, Author/Illustrator

  • Picture Book, Illustrator

 

GUIDELINES FOR WERNICK & PRATT (both agents) Please read their submission guidelines carefully here: https://wernickpratt.com/submissions-policy/

And then email (address to a specific agent) to submissions@wernickpratt.com, addressed to one agent only, Do not send the same submission to multiple agents at W&P.

• The email should include the following information:
• A description of your manuscript(s) 
• Your publishing history, if any
• Your current contact information, including your website, if you have one
• Whether you were referred to us by a current client or other publishing colleague
• Whether your submission is exclusive to us (ideally for one month), or nonexclusive
• If you write for multiple ages/formats, please send the manuscript(s) you feel are the strongest. You can describe in your cover email any other manuscripts that are ready for submission.
• Please make sure to review your email and manuscript for spelling and grammar, as minor errors can affect our reading experience.
• We do not accept submissions via social media or snail mail, nor do we accept submissions on behalf of someone else (e.g., an “agent” sending us work by another writer).

·       FOR PICTURE BOOK MANUSCRIPTS+

·       Two (2) complete manuscripts, sent either as attachments (.docx or .pdf only; we cannot accept .pages) or embedded in the body of the email. In the current picture book market, manuscripts should be no more than 750 words.

LRA

 

Liza Fleissig, with her business partner Ginger Harris-Dontzin, opened the Liza Royce Associates (LRA) in early 2011.

They have an adult arm of the company and they have LRA Kids. Check out their books at this link: 

 

“We are open to exclusive submissions barring any exceptions. However, due to the large volume we receive daily, we are unable to personally respond to each one. If you do not hear from us within 2 weeks of submitting your query, regretfully we did not find your project to be a good fit for our current list.

We only receive queries via email at submissions@lizaroyce.com. Please include a brief synopsis, a little information about yourself, including any social/media platform and/or marketing ideas you may have, but do not send any attachments as they will not be opened at this stage in the process.

EK Books

Here's What they say:

"We publish children’s picture books aimed primarily at readers aged 4 to 8. Our motto is “books with heart on issues that matter” — acceptance and belonging, neurodiversity, a grandparent with dementia, a new country, a new school.

Every EK book is written and illustrated by a human being. Our authors bring lived experience and proven expertise; our illustrators are some of the most skilled in the trade. Three decades in publishing has taught us to value our creators and the relationships we build together. We proudly back our titles well past their first season — and our authors well past their first book. If this sounds like YOU, THEY'D love to see your work. 

October 12 2026 Four Literary Agents Open to Receiving Query Letters from Adult and Children's Book Writers

 

Julie Gourinchas

Literary agency: Bell Lomax Moreton

Query window: The 1^st -7^th of every month

Query window for BIPOC creators: permanently and year round.

Julie (she/they) is an agent who is championing an award-winning, selective list focused on upmarket and literary adult and new adult fiction across a wide variety of genres. Please note, no pb, mg, or ya. Julie does not represent children’s books.

What she’s seeking:

• upmarket and literary horror
• upmarket and literary speculative fiction.
• “weird girl lit”
• dark academia
• gothic fiction
• fantasy
• romantasy
• genre punk
• genre-blending historical fiction with a literary edge

Their website has more (and fun) details here. 

Submission method: Query Tracker here (1st-7th of the month except BiPoc creators year round)

 

Kelsey Evans

Agency: July First Literary

When: Open now

What: high concept adult horror, adult mystery, thriller, suspense, romance, fantasy + paranormal (adult fiction only)

Where: Query Tracker click here

 

Eva Oakes

Literary agency: Transatlantic Agency

Query window: Open now

Eva is particularly on the hunt for upmarket and literary fiction

What she’s seeking:

·       Upmarket fiction

·       Literary fiction

·       Stylish thriller

·       Mystery

·       Sometimes speculative fiction sneaks onto her wishlist

·       Selective narrative-driven nonfiction (hybrid memoir, cultural criticism, investigative reporting)

 

Their website has more (and fun) details here: https://transatlanticagency.com/about-us/agents/oakes-eva/

Submission method: Queries can be sent to eva@transatlanticagency.com, and please put “Query: …” in the subject line. Authors are encouraged to email a cover letter with a sample/excerpt of the book in question. Please submit a maximum of 20 pages. Embed the sample/excerpt into the email after the cover letter.

Ms. Andi Twaddle

Spencerhill Associates

Andi’s books

What: Agency website says “Andi is looking for upmarket and commercial fiction for the adult & new adult markets. Across all genres, Andi wants stories that are dark, gritty, visceral, and perhaps a bit unhinged (okay, a lot unhinged). Please send her Romance - particularly Romance blended with Horror or Fantasy, fresh sports romance, and historical or contemporary with a magical or speculative bent. All spice levels welcome, but please no religious/inspirational romance, erotica, non-con, or dub-con. Andi particularly loves Sci-Fi and Fantasy - from grounded to epic - but must have the character first to be fully invested. She is open to a wide range of Horror, with a strong preference for indigenous North American (Canada & US) voices and anything that feels like mythology or folklore. Andi will also be looking for select Women's Fiction and Book Club fiction with dark, feminist vibes, gallows humor, and/or a speculative edge.

 

In KidLit, Andi is looking for Graphic Novels (author/illustrator only) for early readers to a young middle grade audience. She is also seeking Picture Books (authors and author/illustrators welcome) particularly with a subversive, wry, or quirky bent.

​

 

Where: Submission Guidelines https://www.spencerhillassociates.com/submissions

 

 

 

CLOSED BEFORE POST WENT LIVE – Keep an eye out for the next time she opens!

Kelli Marshall

Literary agency: Storyteller Talent Agency

Query window: darn - just closed(and she says that her typical response time is 8 weeks 😊 Not all agents provide a typical response time, so this is nice info!)

What she’s seeking: (note*her current top include adult romance and narrative nonfiction)

·       Adult Romance

·       Narrative Nonfiction

·       New Adult

·       Horror

·       Cozy Mystery

·       Urban Fantasy

·       Suspense

·       Commercial Fiction

Check out more details here on her wish-list page: https://www.storytellertalent.com/queries/manuscript-wishlist

 

Where to Query Kelli: Their Form found here: https://www.storytellertalent.com/queries/submissions?agent=kelli

 

 

October 5, 2026 Submission Opportunities for Children's Book Writers and Adult Fiction and Nonfiction Writers

 

Submission Opportunities for Children's Book Writers and Adult Fiction and Nonfiction Writers

Katherine Odom-Tomchin

Agency: Folio Literary Management (by the way, Folio Junior is the arm of the agency dedicated to children’s literature)

What: Fiction and nonfiction for Adults (her website says she does not currently represent MG or YA even though query tracker has “YA” as an option)

Says, “For fiction, I most enjoy dark, mind-bending narratives, often with a unique world-building element, that strike a chord with their audience. Whatever the genre - horror, science fiction, psychological thrillers, etc. - I find myself struck by stories that reveal some dark, hidden facts about the people or world around us. That said, I also have a soft spot for LGBTQIA+ romance, which I read guiltily while the latest horror novel sits judging me from my bedside table.”

Submission guidelines here  https://www.foliolit.com/submit

Where to Query: Please visit her Query Manager page, linked here, to submit.

 

Josey Dunham

Agency: Kimberley Cameron & Associates LLC

When: Open now

What:

·       Middle Grade

·       Young Adult

·       New Adult

·       Adult: Chick Lit, Contemporary, Crime/Police   Mystery, Romance, Women's Fiction
   

Where: Query Tracker here https://querytracker.net/agent/22724

 

 

 

Daniele Hunter

Agency: McIntosh & Otis

When: Open Now

What: Children’s and Teens’ books (PB, MG, YA). Specifically, she says, “While my heart lives in contemporary stories, I also love contemporary fantasy and ghost stories and am selectively open to other genres. I know it sounds cliché, but I’ve been happily surprised by what I fall in love with!”

Wish list page: Check out MSWL to discover details about her taste in PB, MG, and YA here https://manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/daniele-hunter/

Where: Query Tracker :  https://querytracker.net/query/ddhunter

 

Cece Lyra

Agency: Wendy Sherman Associates

When: Open now

What: Nonfiction and Adult Fiction (upmarket, literary, book club, thriller, historical, romance, speculative, and love stories) – elements that pique her interest in a submission include - mother-daughter relationships, sisters and best friends, family secrets, dark humor, love triangles, competitive subcultures, outsider looking in, rich settings

She says, “She is drawn to books with strong hooks and smooth writing, told with originality, nuance, and authenticity” and believes “believes that stories are empathy-generating machines capable of healing, connecting, and enacting true change.”

Check out her wish list: https://cecilialyra.com/query-wishlist/ 

Where: Submit to submissions@wsherman.com

Submission Opportunity: 4 Literary Agents OPEN (or opening soon!) for Query Letters

 

September 28, 2026: At the time of writing this, the following four agents are open to receiving query letters. It's important to know that agents will close her inboxes when “full” (FULL = so many queries to manage that the agent needs time to read and catch up). But don't fret. They will re-open - they want to find new talent!  Because agents can receive a few thousand emails in one month, the agents open and close their inboxes regularly.  WHY OPEN AND CLOSE: This practice is a respectful way to allow the agent to manage their workload while also giving  the querying authors an answer in a reasonable timeframe.

   

1.           Taj McCoy

AGENCY: Starling Literary + Media  

WHEN: Open now!

WHAT:

·       Adult: fiction -  steamy romance, comedy-forward rom-coms, exciting mysteries and nonfiction -cookbooks, memoirs or biographies

·       YA: angsty, emotional love stories, rom-coms, challenging coming-of-age stories, exciting mysteries and thrillers, and witty teens who embrace their cultures and differences.

·       Middle Grade: fun adventure stories, thrilling fantasies; characters who embrace diversity

·       Here wish list includes this note from the MSWL website: “I am building my list in Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction, Young Adult, and Middle Grade, as well as looking for illustrators. I’m passionately seeking BIPOC and queer creators who highlight parts of their cultures and experiences. I am an advocate for body positivity in publishing, and love to highlight intersectionality. I aim 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.”

WHERE TO QUERY: Query Tracker https://querytracker.net/agent/14117

 

 

2.          Syrone Harvey

AGENCY: Belcastro Agency 

When: Open now!

WHAT: Picture Books + adult fiction

-         Query tracker list the following

Fiction

Chick Lit

Children's

Commercial

Contemporary

Family Saga

Graphic Novel

Historical

Humor/Satire

Literary Fiction

Middle Grade

Multicultural

New Adult

Picture Book

Religious/Inspirational

Romance

Thrillers/Suspense

Upmarket

Women's Fiction

Young Adult

 

WHERE TO QUERY: Query Tracker: https://querytracker.net/agent/16794

 

 

3.          Monica Odom

AGENCY: Odom Media Management 

When: Open now!

WHAT: Here is what MSWL says, “Monica is seeking: Nonfiction by authors with demonstrable platforms in the areas of: pop culture, illustrated/graphic design, food and cooking, humor, history and social issues. She is also looking for narrative nonfiction in these areas, and some memoir. She loves to see a personal project turn into something original and surprising.”

She is also seeking: Literary Fiction, Upmarket fiction, Most actively seeking adult projects but open to YA and MG (especially nonfiction projects and illustrated projects)

Check out robust details at Manuscript WishList (MSWL)

 Check out the "submissions guidelines" page 

WHERE TO QUERY: Query Tracker https://querytracker.net/agent/5396

 

4.          Julie Romeis Sanders 

AGENCY: East West Literary Agency (she changed agencies recently)

 

When: My gut says opening any day now - she is currently making her transition over to East West Literary Agency, so keep your eyes open!! Remember -Agents open and close their inboxes regularly. It’s a respectful way to allow them manage their workload while also giving authors an answer in a reasonable timeframe.  

Regarding your query letter, Julie says, “You can expect to hear from me within four months.

WHAT:  Children’s Books. She is only seeking manuscripts for children ages 0-14, no young adult or adult books

Where: Query Tracker

 

 

 4 Literary Agents Open to Submissions

  *Posting 9.21.2026

Danielle Burby 

Literary agency: Mad Woman Literary

Query window: Currently open.

What she’s seeking:

• Fantasy: Girls with swords, feminist fairy tales, folklore, creepy forests, and protagonists who challenge systems and break rules.
• Romance: LGBTQ+ love and heartwarming love stories.
• Contemporary fiction: Complex female characters, sister stories, toxic friendships, complicated family dynamics, and social justice themes.
• Other interests: Seaside novels, quirky adventures, and whimsy.

Submission method: QueryManager.

What else you might want to know: * YA and Adult​

Narratives about complex female characters, seaside novels, girls with swords, fantasy, LGBTQ+ love, sister stories, toxic friendships, feminist fairytales, social justice themes, folklore, creepy forests, complicated family dynamics, quirky adventures, protagonists who change systems and break rules, heartwarming love stories, and whimsy.

Jen Tran

Glass Literary Agency

·       WishList:

·       Horror (Young Adult and Adult): Coming-of-rage stories and feminist narratives told from a female perspective.

·       Writing style: Especially interested in prose reminiscent of CJ Leede, with dark humor welcomed.

·       Comparable titles: The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim and the movie Obsession.

Where: Glass Literary Submission Form: https://glassliterary.com/submissions/

 

Alex R. Gehringer

Literary agency: Bright Agency

Open now

Query window: Fall/Winter 2026. No specific closing date shown to close.

What she’s seeking:

• Adult fiction
• New adult fiction: Refer to her Manuscript Wish List for genre details.
• Illustration and artwork: Open to portfolio submissions.
• Children graphic novels

Submission method: Online form here.

Website: https://thebrightagency.com/us/literary

 

What else: Alex is accepting both author queries and artist portfolios. Her recent post directs authors to her MSWL page for her full adult and new adult fiction wishlist.

WHERE: Query Tracker https://querytracker.net/agent/19462

 

WHAT ELSE: She says she is “drawn to imperfect good guys and redeemable villains, found families, enemies or friends to lovers, fake relationships, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, rivals, and other unlikely pairings.”

ALEX on QUERY TRACKER here: https://querytracker.net/query/3894

And

3 Emily Fernandez 

Agency: The Bright Agency

WHAT: this article will help: https://thebrightagency.com/uk/case-studies/interview-with-an-agent-emily-fernandez

Promotion Announcement: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc05WcBDkIO/

WHERE TO SUBMIT: She says, “If you would like to be considered for my list, or other agents, follow the submission guidelines on the Bright Agency website to be considered.” 

Agency announcement on September 3^rd: “The Bright Agency Announces Senior Appointments in its US Office. The Bright Agency has promoted Alex Gehringer to Head of Illustration in America; and Emily Fernandez has been promoted to Agent.”

Alex: “Her initial focus will be on strengthening relationships with the next generation of publishing professionals and assessing how the agency can best support editors and art directors in a quickly evolving marketplace. Additionally, Alex will retain a small list of authors and illustrators while growing an adult fiction list in her continued role as Managing Agent.”

 

EMILY: “Emily Fernandez has been promoted from Associate Agent to Agent, following on nearly five years of steady growth and experience while an associate agent.”

Literary agency: Bright Agency

Query window: Not specified in this particular post.

 

SUBMISSION WEBSITE: https://thebrightagency.com/us/submissions/new