Literary Agents

Book proposals come together much more easily when the author has confidence and clarity on their target audience.

A step-by-step guide to finding literary agents, plus how to select the right agent for you and your work.

If you've given up on the self-publishing route and want to try traditional publishing, then there are several approaches you can take to interest agents.

Is it better to look for a literary agent first, or to approach editors and publishers? Much depends on the commercial potential of your work.

Learn how to pitch your nonfiction book to agents and publishers—whether you're writing memoir, narrative nonfiction, or prescriptive nonfiction.

Callen Martin has joined the agency and will represent children’s and YA science fiction and fantasy fiction.

The agency specializes in children’s books and will represent both authors and illustrators. Colvin previously founded Little, Brown Ink.

Author Justina Ireland has joined as an agent, seeking both adult and children’s fiction. She is currently closed to queries.

Previously a scout and book-to-film agent, Phoebe Schmidt is primarily interested in upmarket science fiction and fantasy.

Bond Literary Agency and Copps Literary Services have merged to form Confluence Literary Agency.

Storm Literary Agency founder Essie White has launched a new agency representing authors and illustrators.

Charlie Serabian represents genre fiction and select nonfiction; Jess Taylor represents primarily YA and new adult.

Bill Ames was previously an acquiring editor at Triumph Books, where he focused on sports publishing.

Brian King is seeking YA and adult fantasy and romantasy. He has years of experience writing and working for Barnes & Noble.

Starling will represent children’s authors and illustrators as well as authors of adult fiction and nonfiction.

Lindsay Guzzardo has launched Keystone Literary Agency, which represents a broad range of fiction and nonfiction for adults.

Brooks was previously at Jean V. Naggar Agency. She seeks a wide range of fiction and nonfiction and is currently open to submissions.

Most recently an editor at Riverhead, Calvert Morgan looks to represent “writers of vision and ambition.”

Arizona Bell has joined as an agent, specializing in nonfiction that tackles resilience, belief, and the human spirit under pressure.

This marks a return to agenting for Laura Mamelok; she was previously with Susanna Lea for a decade.

The agency welcomes Lily McMahon; Pete Mulvihill, of Green Apple Books; and Lynn Grady, who is also the new vice president.

Aashna Avachat has joined as an agent, building a list of children’s and adult fiction in various genres and select nonfiction.

Victoria Harris, previously an editor at Oxford University Press, and Darryl Oliver, previously at Random House, have joined as agents.

Barry Harbaugh has joined (formerly known as Waxman Literary Agency). He was previously an editor at Spiegel & Grau.

Abigail Fenton will join Ampersand as an agent in September; she was previously editorial director at HQ Digital and a freelance editor.