Agent Alert: 20 New Openings
Agents who have newly opened to queries (April 30 - May 6)
Happy Wednesday, writers!
A lot of agents opened to queries this past week, so we’re splitting up the list into two installments (look out for the second part on Friday!).
Here are 20 agents who opened to queries in the past week (April 30 - May 6), along with information about what they’re looking for, some of their published titles, and their query link.
If you missed the last week: 3 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.
Jenniea Carter of New Leaf Literary and Media
Jenniea Carter is drawn to emotionally rich, voice-driven stories across age categories, with a particular love for narratives that highlight identity, mental health, and complex relationships. In adult and crossover fiction, she's seeking swoony romances, messy-but-relatable protagonists in their 20s and 30s, steamy paranormal tales, cozy mysteries with heart, and thrillers that tackle systemic issues. Her YA taste leans gothic, high-stakes, and heartbreaking — with a soft spot for morally gray characters and haunting cultural horror. She’s also eager for whimsical yet emotional middle grade in the spirit of Studio Ghibli, and picture books that make her laugh while celebrating individuality and mental health.
For more information about what Jenniea is looking for, visit her MSWL here.
Published titles: Cool. Awkward. Black. by Karen Strong, Llama Quest by Megan Reyes and Kay Davault
Mary C. Moore of Aevitas Creative Management
Mary represents a wide range of fiction as an Aevitas agent based in the Bay Area. She likes to work with clients long-term, and is comfortable representing multiple genres/age-ranges that an author is interested in, although prefers to begin a partnership in one genre before jumping to another. She is currently hoping to find layered and deeply satisfying upmarket fiction, bookclub fiction with light speculative elements, and SFF stories with fresh worlds and nuanced themes. Her taste is eclectic, so if you are unsure, query her anyway. You can find out more on her personal website.
Published titles: The Unbroken by C.L. Clark, The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei, Woven in the Moonlight by Isabel Ibanez
Erica Bauman of Aevitas Creative Management
Erica is most interested in commercial novels that feature an exciting premise and lyrical, atmospheric writing; imaginative, genre-blending tales; speculative worlds filled with haunting, quietly wondrous magic; fresh retellings of mythology, ballet, opera, and classic literature; sharply funny rom-coms; graphic novels for all ages; fearless storytellers that tackle big ideas and contemporary issues; and working with and supporting marginalized authors and stories that represent the wide range of humanity.
Published titles: Waiting in the Wings by Tiffany Haas and Jenna Glatzer, The Adventures of Qai Qai by Serena Williams and Yesenia Moises
Maggie Cooper of Aevitas Creative Management
Maggie is seeking imaginative, genre-bending literary fiction, beautifully told queer stories, and smart, feminist vacation reads. She loves retellings of classic stories, epistolary novels, and well-earned happy endings. While she doesn’t typically work on hard science fiction or fantasy, she is drawn to stories that blend realism with the speculative, including magical realism and fabulism. She is particularly interested in cozy or quirky fantasy, especially when it overlaps with her other areas of interest. Maggie values structural innovation, precise and unique language, and books that make the world a weirder, kinder, or more joyful place.
In nonfiction, Maggie is looking for graphic projects with a literary sensibility, self-aware creative nonfiction, and books with a quirky, joyful, or humorous perspective. She is always interested in projects that explore food, literary culture, gender, sustainability and climate crisis, social justice, education, and timely cultural conversations.
Published titles: Raft of Stars by Andrew Graff, Museum Bums by Mark Small and Jack Shoulder, The Strange Inheritance of Leah Fern by Rita Zoe Chin
Christine Goss of FinePrint Literary Management
Christine is drawn to stories with high stakes and tension. The first pages must draw her in with action and curiosity. Lyrical writing, along with emotionality, physicality, and interiority, are all key components Christine looks for in a manuscript.
Christine is generally interested in romance, historical fiction, book club fiction, and fantasy. Non-fiction and graphic novels covering a specific range of topics are also of interest. Championing marginalized voices is important to Christine as she seeks to include BIPOC, LGTBQ+, and neurodivergent (and more) authors on her list.
Ella Marie Shupe of Belcastro Agency
Through both adult and young adult titles, Ella acquires mysteries and suspense/thrillers. Historical thrillers are especially intriguing. She leans toward female and diverse protagonists engaged in complex relationships. Also, a well-developed atmosphere is crucial. If the only woman in your story is the victim, please do not submit.
Adult science fiction, fantasy, and women’s fiction are all on her list, but she is extremely picky. Only a standout science fiction, a well-developed fantasy world, or an emotionally charged women’s fiction will get her attention.
You can find more details about what she’s looking for on her MSWL.
Published titles: Hunting the Truth by Kathleen Donnelly, Curse Breaker: Guild Assassin by Berley Kerr, Tattoo Rampage by Dave Jackson
Morgan Wilson of Belcastro Agency
With over a decade of work in classrooms across the Midwest, Morgan wants to uplift the stories that their students needed so that everyone can see themselves on the page using magic, finding love and defeating the bad guy. They are dedicated to being an agent for change in the publishing industry and working with marginalized voices so that every child and adult can experience the joy of a book that speaks to them.
They are only open to receiving work from authors who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, ND, and/or DIS. Find more on their MSWL.
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
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