Agent Alert: 10 New Openings
Agents who have newly opened to queries (March 12 - 18)
Happy Wednesday, writers!
Here are 10 agents who opened to queries in the past week (March 12 - 18), along with researched information about what they’re looking for, some of their published titles, and their query link. The first half (5) agent profiles are free.
Best of luck, and happy querying!
If you missed last week: 11 other agents opened to queries last week. Check out the list here!
Note that this newsletter is purely informational and is not an endorsement of any particular agent or agency.
1. Jennifer Jackson of Donald Maass Literary Agency
As a seasoned literary agent with a passion for guiding fresh voices to success, Jennifer is seeking innovative ideas that challenge the conventional and captivating narratives that inspire. She is seeking novel and novella-length adult or YA fiction, with a strong interest in grounded science fiction, futurism, space opera, second-world fantasy, secret histories, gothic fiction, dark academia, and horror—though she’s open to anything within the SF/F/H realm or adjacent speculative categories. She loves stories that evoke a sense of wonder and surprise, keeping readers hooked into the early hours.
She’s particularly drawn to storytellers who push boundaries and grow in their craft, citing inspiration from Elizabeth Bear, Martha Wells, Tamsyn Muir, and Kerstin Hall. She also has an interest in regional fiction where setting and time period are integral, whether within speculative genres or not. Jennifer welcomes writers at all stages of their careers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds or with fresh, unexpected perspectives.
Published titles: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan, Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
2. Michelle Brower of Trellis Literary Agency
Michelle’s list spans the spectrum of literary and commercial fiction, from thought-provoking story collections to page-turning thrillers. She is primarily interested in work that focuses on storytelling and emotional connection, rather than formal experimentation, and believes that the best reading experience engages both the heart and the head. She is looking for book club novels (a commercial idea with a literary execution), literary fiction, literary suspense, genre fiction for a non-genre audience, and upmarket women’s fiction. In non-fiction, she is looking for a personal story that illuminates a greater subject. Michelle also very selectively represents literary Young Adult fiction. In all of these areas, she is looking to support underrepresented voices.
You can find more details about what Michelle’s looking for on her MSWL.
Published titles: The Girl Who Came Home by Hazel Gaynor, Lock Every Door by Riley Sager, The House Girl by Tara Conklin
3. Lindsay Auld of Writers House
Lindsay is particularly drawn to fantasy, mysteries, historical fiction, friendship stories, romance, magical realism, adventure, and books with humor—light, dark, or both. She’s especially eager to see manuscripts from diverse and underrepresented authors and artists. A lifelong book lover, she’s passionate about bringing fresh voices, characters, and stories to readers.
Published titles: I’m Gonna Push Through by Jasmyn and Shannon Wright, A Creature Was Stirring by Heather Piercynski and Skylar Hogan, What if, Pig, by Linzie Hunter
4. Maggie Sadler of Corvisiero Literary Agency
Maggie is actively building her client list with a distinct focus on adult literary fiction. Adventurous with a love of the weird and wild, Maggie seeks propulsive, character-driven, and genre-bending projects by ambitious storytellers who flirt with magic and mayhem.
You can learn more about Maggie and her wishlist here.
5. Lauren Spieller of Folio Literary Management
Lauren is drawn to books that strike a balance between commercial appeal and timeless storytelling, especially those with a strong hook and upmarket, voice-driven writing. She loves stories that keep her on the edge of her seat, make her laugh out loud, sweep her off her feet, or are simply so compelling she stays up too late reading. She has a particular soft spot for genre-bending narratives, fresh takes on familiar topics or time periods, and stories that take bold creative risks.
In middle grade, she’s looking for high-concept contemporary, magical fantasy, exciting historical, and spooky horror/mystery, as well as graphic novels set in our world. In young adult, she gravitates toward speculative fiction (fantasy, magical realism, and horror), big-hook contemporary, romance and rom-coms, suspense/thrillers, and graphic novels. For adult, she’s seeking upmarket/book club fiction, suspense/thrillers, immersive upmarket or literary SFF and horror, romantasy, hilarious rom-coms, and swoony upmarket romance, along with the occasional unique nonfiction project with an established platform. She’s always interested in genre blends and stories told from underrepresented perspectives.
Published titles: Flower Crowns & Fearsome Things by Amanda Lovelace, What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall, Las Juegos de la Reina Sol by Nisha J. Tuli
Check out 5 more agent profiles:
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Agent Alert to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.