Happy Wednesday, writers!
Here are 20 agents who opened to queries in the past week (July 29 - August 4), along with information about what they’re looking for, some of their published titles, and their query link.
If you missed last week: 12 other agents opened to queries. Check out the list here!
Note that some of these agents may already be closed to queries.
Best of luck, and happy querying!
This newsletter is purely informational and is not an endorsement of any particular agent or agency.
1. Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary Agency
Eva is looking for voice-driven YA and romance 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 play that blurs the line between acting and truth.
She loves 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.
Her ideal submission has a strong romantic arc, sharp banter, and a joyful tone even when exploring grief or growth. Queer and diverse voices are always welcome, as well as stories featuring invisible chronic conditions; at her core, she wants stories that celebrate love in all its forms.
In Adult Fiction, Eva represents Romance (all subgenres but inspirational), Fantasy, and select Upmarket/Women’s Fiction and Mystery/Thriller. She also represents all subgenres of Young Adult Fiction and select Middle Grade Fiction (literary and fantasy).
Before you hit submit on any queries please verify her #MSWL page.
Published titles: Spell Bound by F.T. Lukens, Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura, The Summer of Broken Rules by K. L. Walther
2. Sera Rivers of Speilburg Literary Agency
Sera believes that words have the power to change lives, and she’s looking to represent authors and illustrators who want to make the world a more inclusive, welcoming place for us all. Sera seeks stories that grab her attention from the first page and take her on a wild ride of emotions; stories that move and inspire readers to evaluate their own selves and strive for something more. Her most favorite books make her laugh, cry, and feel so connected to the characters that her heart aches for them when she reads the last page.
Sera is open to select genres in adult fiction on the first 7 days of each month! In Adult Fiction, Sera’s interests include subversive horror, magical realism, grounded science fiction, grounded fantasy, speculative, and contemporary fiction that comments on social injustice. In addition to these genres, she is also looking for underrepresented authors in the vein of Emily Henry.
To find out more about Sera and what she’s looking for, check out her MSWL.
Published titles: All Aboard the Alaska Train by Brooke Hartman, Benita and the Night Creatures by Mariana Llanos
3. Marilyn Biderman of Transatlantic Literary Agency
Marilyn is open to upmarket women’s fiction, or, said another way, accessible literary fiction. She loves stories about women and families, and is always keen to advance issues of social justice. She is open to historical fiction as well.
Published titles: The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters, The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer, The Long Hello by Cathie Borrie
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4. Stefanie Molina-Santos of Looking Glass Literary & Media
Stefanie reps kidlit through adult fiction and nonfiction and prioritizes underrepresented authors, especially BIPOC authors, across the board. Her favorite submissions usually have something to say about the world we live in, whether it’s subtle or in your face. They nearly always center some kind of healing or empowerment, and often center joy. Happy- or hopeful-ever-afters are a MUST!
In MG and YA she loves gutsy, messy main characters in a layered narrative–bonus if there are sports, niche subcultures/hobbies, or world-saving involved. She is open to all genres in MG and YA, but prefers gutsy contemporary and grounded fantasy, social and social-ish horror, and mystery with a strong sense of adventure.
In Adult fiction, she is seeking all things cozy across genres (including horror and sci-fi), as well as mysteries, thrillers, suspense, grounded fantasy, social/social-ish horror, women’s fiction, and high-concept, plot-forward romance, with a strong preference for BIPOC protagonists overall. As of late, she is on a romance and cozy fantasy kick! She adores grumpy/sunshine, enemies/frenemies-to-lovers, magical familiars (Shadow the hellhound has her heart) and companion animals in general, bi rep, pining, academics, witches, band geeks, and other lovable nerds.
In Adult nonfiction, she is hunting for cookbooks and baking books from people of color, including first, second, third (& so on!) -gen immigrants finding their ways back to their roots, as well as health/fitness-centric, body-neutral cookbooks; and nonfiction that sits at the intersection of advocacy and the following: sports and exercise science, health and fitness, nutrition, medicine, and animals; though any nonfiction intersecting with advocacy is welcome in her inbox.
Published titles: It Started with a P by Brittany Pomales, A Roof! by Stephanie Ellen Sy
5. Patricia Nelson of Looking Glass Literary & Media
Patricia represents young adult and middle grade fiction in all genres, adult book club/upmarket fiction (including upmarket fiction with speculative and horror elements), and the whole spectrum of commercial women’s fiction — everything from lighter beach reads and romcoms to darker stories with a mystery or suspense thread. Across the board, she looks for stories that hook her with a unique plot, fantastic writing, and complex characters that jump off the page. She enjoys working closely with both debut and established authors to build successful long-term careers.
Find more about what Patricia’s looking for on her MSWL.
Published titles: The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh, A Duchess a Day by Charis Michaels, The In-Between Bookstore by Edward Underhill
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6. Lindsay Guzzardo of Keystone Literary Agency
Lindsay is a literary agent of adult fiction and nonfiction, where she applies her comprehensive market knowledge and keen editorial instinct to identify and nurture exciting talent for Keystone Lit.
She is drawn to high-concept, commercial premises well told and will consider adult fiction and narrative nonfiction with a clear, marketable, compelling hook, and strong voice.
Published titles: All the Lights Above Us by M. B. Henry, The Friendship Breakup by Annie Cathryn, Trailer Park Parable by Tyler Zed
7. Hannah Andrade of Bradford Literary Agency
Hannah likes to think of herself as an editorial-focused agent and is particularly eager to acquire BIPOC/underrepresented voices. She is prioritizing stories of joy where identity isn’t the focus and is especially excited about stories rooted in history, mythology, and legends, particularly those that are lesser-known or underrepresented in traditional publishing.
Hannah is very interested in stories that explore the intricacies of multicultural identities. She loves stories of immigration (not relegated to America) and of first/second generation Americans who struggle balancing the values of their country with the culture and heritage of their parents (as in the tv shows Ramy or Gentefied). As a Mexican-American, she would particularly love to see the stories that she grew up with showcased in new and creative ways.
For more details on what she’s looking for, please check out her Manuscript Wish List.
Published title: Choir Grrrl by Ashley Granillo
8. Cate Hart of Harvey Klinger, Inc.
Cate specializes in historical, whether in young adult, women’s fiction and romance, or narrative nonfiction. She is particularly drawn to oft-forgotten stories of the past and underrepresented voices, and especially personal to her is unexplored Southern history and culture. She also loves high-concept fantasy in YA and adult fiction.
You can find more details on her website.
Published titles: Aces Wild by Amanda DeWitt, Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym Martineau, Nemesis and the Swan by Lindsay Bandy
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