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.