Where to Find Literary Agents

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