Agent Alert: 14 New Openings
Agents who have newly opened to queries (March 26 - April 1)
Happy Monday, writers!
Since so many agents opened to queries last week, we split up the list into two installments, so here’s your bonus list!
Here are 14 agents who opened to queries last week (March 26 - April 1), along with information about what they’re looking for, some of their published titles, and their query link.
If you missed last week: 17 other agents opened to queries last week. Check out the list here!
Note that some of these agents may already be closed to queries.
We’ll be back with this week’s list on Wednesday. Best of luck, and happy querying!
This newsletter is purely informational and is not an endorsement of any particular agent or agency.
Jennifer Kim of Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency
Jennifer is most interested in literary fiction, speculative fiction, and translated fiction for the adult market, unusual history, journalism, politics, and pop-culture and music history.
She is particularly drawn to eccentric and unusual stories and values a distinct narrative voice and a strong sense of place. She loves literary fiction with genre elements (horror, sci-fi, or fantasy), but isn't a great fit for high fantasy or straightforward science fiction. She's a fit for anything described as gothic, alternative, or weird, ghost stories that explore culture and trauma, family sagas (both blood and chosen), and anything that dismantles oppressive systems (think Decolonising the Mind by Ngugi wa Thiong'o). As a third culture kid, she’s interested in stories that reflect that experience.
In general, Jennifer loves literary writing, with challenging themes, experimental plots and eccentric characters. She is excited to add writers of diversity (including, but not limited to, all ethnicity, sexual orientation, mental and physical health, and socioeconomic status) to her client list.
Elizabeth Copps of Copps Literary Services
Elizabeth is looking for thought-provoking stories with commercial appeal that spark discussion across adult, young adult, and middle grade fiction.
She loves lush, atmospheric prose and complex, vivid characters who are irreverent, witty, and wise. She's particularly excited by stories that blend genres in unexpected ways.
Find more details about what Elizabeth is looking for on her agency website.
Published titles: The Boatman’s Daughter by Andy Davidson, Promises of the Heart by Nan Rossiter, Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi
Chelsey Emmelhainz of Copps Literary Services
Chelsey is building a highly selective list, focused mainly on adult fiction and nonfiction. Regardless of genre, she is always looking for authentic storytelling and to elevate diverse voices.
In fiction, Chelsey loves high-concept adult fiction that expertly weaves complex, layered conflicts into a fast-paced narrative. She wants to see what your characters do when pushed to their limits. Her target genres include: horror, supernatural thriller, suspense, mystery, romance, and upmarket commercial fiction. Her ideal projects feature fresh, high-concept hooks and multifaceted, layered conflicts. She is especially interested in unique takes on modern relationships—be they romantic, platonic, or familial.
In non-fiction, while drawn to adult narrative nonfiction that features strong storytelling and author voice, Chelsey is ultimately seeking projects that aim to entertain while they educate. She gravitates toward American history, hidden history, true crime, platform-driven nonfiction in the social sciences (especially concerning politics, feminism, and social justice), as well as deep dives into specific subjects with a prescriptive approach, aiming to help the reader live a better life, such as Johann Hari’s Stolen Focus. Regardless of topic, Chelsey’s nonfiction authors bring a well-rounded platform and unparalleled expertise to their chosen subject matter.
Published titles: Death in the Details by Katie Tietjen, Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey
Elana Roth Parker of Laura Dail Literary Agency, Inc.
Elana is currently looking for high-concept, commercial middle-grade and YA fiction. The more fun and escapist, the better. She’s also looking for adult commercial fiction (romance, romcom, mystery/thriller, upmarket women's fiction). She’s open to accessible fantasy/sci-fi. Fun, escapist reads. Great hooks. Great writing.
You can find more details about what she is looking for on her website.
Some published titles: The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin, The Ivies by Alexa Donne, The Betrothed by Kiera Cass
Samantha Wekstein of Thompson Literary Agency
In YA, Samantha loves creative and epic fantasies, but she is also drawn to realistic stories with multi-dimensional female characters. She is always interested in elevating diverse voices, particularly through feminist narratives. She is seeking middle grade of all stripes, but especially stories that deal with themes of friendship, adventure, or encountering tragedy for the first time. She is also on the lookout for whimsical, meaningful, and funny picture books. On the adult side she is drawn to commercial voices in Romance, Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction, Sci-Fi and Fantasy.
For more information on her tastes, please click here.
Published titles: American Shield by Aquilino Gonell and Susan Shapiro, The Seventh Sun by Lani Forbes, World in Between by Kenan Trebincevic and Suzan Shapiro
Cole Lanahan of The Seymour Agency
Cole is actively looking for all genres of YA, all genres of adult romance, psychological suspense in the vein of The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine, and thrillers in the vein of Verity by Colleen Hoover and I’m thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid. In nonfiction she is looking for humor, business, self-help, lifestyle, and arts and crafts books.
Some published and upcoming titles: Barely Even Friends by Mae Bennett, What We Wish For by Melody Maysonet, Love Camera Action by Noel Stark
Lauren Scovel of Laura Gross Literary Agency
Lauren is passionate about amplifying underrepresented stories and voices, with a particular interest in literary and upmarket-crossover fiction, narrative nonfiction, and contemporary children's books (middle grade and young adult). She is drawn to projects with timely, distinctive stories, propulsive plots, and diverse casts of characters.
For more details on specific interests, visit her Manuscript Wishlist.
Published titles: Just Lizzie by Karen Wildrid, Dead Weight by Randall Horton, Lord The One You Love is Sick by Kasey Thornton
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