For authors who are new to the query trenches, it can be difficult figuring out where to find literary agents. In this post I’ll share some of the most common resources authors use to browse prospective agents, and I’ve also populated a list of agencies that you can Google one at a time.
Manuscript Wishlist
Manuscript Wishlist (#MSWL) is a service that allows literary agents to post their bios, what they’re looking for, and links to their websites or Query Manager submission forms. You can also browse the #MSWL hashtag on Twitter to see specific concepts and ideas agents have tweeted about.
Query Tracker
Query Tracker is a service with many functions, including the ability to track and manage your own submissions, but it also has a database of over 1,700 literary agents accessible through browsing or searching.
Poets & Writers Literary Agent Database
P&W Literary Agent Database allows you to sort literary agents by genre before browsing. This service hosts a smaller list of agencies but could still be useful.
Twitter Pitch Contests
A Twitter pitch contest is another great way to find literary agents. A pitch contest is an event that invites authors to pitch their book in a single tweet with relevant hashtags that allow literary agents and publishers to browse and “like” those that pique their interest. A “like” from an agent is an invitation to submit–sometimes when the agent is otherwise closed to queries.
Twitter Pitch Contests include PitDark (for horror and books with dark themes), MoodPitch (allows authors to include a moodboard with the tweet), DVPit (focused on marginalized authors), and SFFPit (for science fiction and fantasy authors).
List of Literary Agencies
If you’d rather Google one agency at a time and find agents the old fashioned way, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most prominent and recognizable literary agencies in the world. Bear in mind that you should vet each agency on your own to verify their legitimacy and that they’re the right fit for you, and that this list is by no means exhaustive.
Inkwell Management
Writers House
The Book Group
ICM Partners
Janklow & Nesbit
Sanford J. Greenburger
Sterling Lord Literistic
Trident Media Group
Curtis Brown
Nelson Literary
LGR Literary
BookEnds Literary
Aevitas Creative
New Leaf Literary
Irene Goodman Agency
Jane Rotrosen Agency
Frances Goldin Literary
Transatlantic Literary
PS Literary
Folio Literary
Donald Maass Literary
Renaissance Literary
Liza Dawson Associates
Zoe Pagnamenta Agency
Betsy Amster
Brandt & Hochman
Cooke McDermid
Bradford Literary
Fletcher & Co.
Waxman Agency
David Black Literary
Sandra Dijkstra Literary
McCormick Literary
Lowenstein Associates Literary
Book Haven
Knight Agency
Dystel & Goderich Literary
Marsal Lyon Literary
Victoria Sanders Literary
DeFiore & Company
The Gernert Company
Fuse Literary
The Seymour Agency
High Spot Literary
Harvey Klinger Literary
Europa Content
The Whalen Agency
Marly Rusoff & Associates
The Bent Agency
Scovil Galen Ghosh Agency
Pippin Properties, Inc
Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary Agency
Park & Fine Literary and Media
Mel Parker Books, LLC
Laura Langlie Agency
Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency
Triada US Literary Agency
The James Literary Agency
Myers Literary Management
The Friedrich Agency
The Stuart Agency
Frances Goldin Literary Agency, Inc.
Helm
LaunchBooks Literary Agency
Don Congdon Associates
Helen Rees Literary Agency
ICM Partners
The Wylie Agency
Root Literary
Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency
Cornerstone Literary Agency
Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency
Barbara Braun Associates, Inc.
Andrea Brown Literary Agency
YRG Partners
Olswanger Literary LLC
The Leshne Agency
Need help with your query letter or manuscript?
I hope this post will help make it easier for you to find literary agents. If you’re interested in additional help with querying or editing your manuscript, I’m a freelance developmental editor who specializes in manuscript critiques, developmental editing, and refining query letters and sample pages for querying authors. For more information, visit my services page.
Tory
Tory Hunter Books 