Agent Alert: 11 New Openings
Agents who have newly opened to queries (March 11 - 17)
Happy Wednesday, writers!
Here are 11 agents who opened to queries in the past week (March 11 - 17), along with information about what they’re looking for, some of their published titles, and their query link.
If you missed last week: 7 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. Jessica Regel of Helm Literary
In adult, young adult, and children’s fiction, Jessica is looking for books that are compulsive, contagious, and creative. She is particularly interested in “conversation starters”—books that bridge the literary-commercial divide, combining a high concept with beautiful writing—and voice-driven contemporary stories. She is always looking for characters who tell a story from a unique perspective and offer a fresh way of seeing the world.
As someone who had no personal connection to the publishing world before she began, Jessica is passionate about discovering underrepresented voices and books by historically excluded writers.
Published titles: All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood, Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth, The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith
2. Laura Crockett of Triada US Literary Agency
Senior Literary Agent Laura Crockett is interested in upmarket, character-driven adult and YA fiction with emotional depth, compelling stakes, and diversity. In both markets she is seeking fantasy — epic, historical, folklore/fairytale, horror, gothic, and dark academia — and contemporary realistic fiction perfect for book clubs. In the adult market only, she is also seeking historical fiction that brings a new perspective to the table.
Learn more about what Laura is looking for on her MSWL.
Published titles: These Violent Delights series and Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong, The Jasmine Throne and Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri, and Malice by Heather Walter
Ready for feedback that takes your story to the next level?
“Because of Alyssa’s feedback on my query letter, I was able to obtain a reputable agent who then sold my book to a top 5 publisher!”
—Bailey Evers, contemporary romance author
3. Stefanie Rossitto of The Tobias Literary Agency
Steffi is currently looking for historical fiction, and funny, witty, modern romances. She also enjoys anything and everything medieval as well as exciting historical romances and/or fiction based on real characters.
Some books Steffi has recently enjoyed are: Kwan’s SEX AND VANITY, Gilbert’s CITY OF GIRLS, Allende’s A LONG PETAL OF THE SEA, Hilderbrand’s 28 SUMMERS. Other all time favorites are everything and anything Mary Balogh, Katherine Neville’s THE EIGHT, Diana J. Gabaldon’s OUTLANDER series, and Benedict Wells’ THE END OF LONELINESS.
Published titles: Not in My Book by Katie Holt and The Gods Time Forgot by Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez
4. Ruth Gila Berger of Red Sofa Literary
If you’ve been told to shut up and stay in the margins where you belong, Ruth wants to be your champion. Representation matters, and she is interested in queer writing and writers who identify as BIPOC or neurodiverse.
Ruth represents narrative nonfiction, memoir, essay collections, graphic novels, and select fiction. She is not a good fit for high fantasy and science fiction with elaborate world-building.
Learn more about her tastes and what she’s looking for on her agency’s website.
Psst: I wrote a book! Check it out ☺️
5. Matthew Valdez of Megibow Literary Agency
Matthew’s love of literature began as a teenager when his mom handed him a copy of TWILIGHT after years of being a reluctant reader. In adult fiction, he’s currently looking for fantasy across all subgenres, horror, romance, and commercial / upmarket / book club/literary fiction. In YA, Matthew’s currently looking for fantasy, contemporary, paranormal, thriller, and romcom.
You can read more about the oddly specific things Matthew’s looking for on his MSWL, including LGBTQ+ baseball romcoms, horror novels that feature dysfunctional families, and historical novels that center on a specific person’s history with alternating timelines.
Check out 6 more agent profiles:
