Young Adult

Twitter Alert

Carey Blankenship-Kramer at Belcastro Agency, MSWL and Carey's MSWL.

Bethany Weaver at Weaver Literary.

Nina Leon at Perez Literary and MSWL.

Interview Alert

Literary Agent Interview: CoCo Freeman Interview and Query Critique Giveaway

CoCo Freeman at Linda Chester Literary Agency

“What age groups do you represent—picture books, MG, and/or YA? What genres do you represent and what are you looking for in submissions for these genres?

I represent YA, MG and picture book fiction across genres. Fundamentally, I am looking for well-conceived, well-constructed stories from authors who understand their genres and their target audience ... In middle grade and YA I am looking for stories that explore and address contemporary coming-of-age themes regardless of whether they’re presented through a fantastical lens. I am drawn to immersive science fiction/fantasy and horror, but also appreciate a grounded, resonant modern story.”

Agency and MSWL.

Deal Alert

Susan Hawk | Upstart Crow Literary

‘‘Susan represents work for children and teens only: picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult, along with some non-fiction for young readers.

Susan believes that books can change lives — inspire a passion for reading and story; unlock imagination and empathy; move readers to feel, think, wonder, examine, explore, to laugh really hard. Books invite joy.

Books that tell the stories of people, places, and cultures that have been overlooked and ignored for too long are at the top of her list.

She’s drawn to projects that are character-driven, tightly plotted, and have a singular, specific voice; always on the hunt for:

• Layered, flawed, completely human characters.

• Writing that’s confident, vivid, addictive; work that’s both ambitious and wise.

• Humor is important, even in a narrative that’s dark or sad or edgy.

• Sense of place matters—precise, expressive settings delight her.

• Both literary and commercial work. Send her your high-concept and hooky; your award-winners; the books that will become backlist gold.

• She wants to be surprised—there’s nothing like the feeling that you’re reading something entirely new.

She looks for projects that know kids are smart and perceptive and feeling deeply; that make the reader feel seen. If you’re creating work that could be described as generous, nuanced, and at ease with complexity, she’d love to read it.’’

*Susan is open to queries for one week per month: Nov 11-17.

Agency, Twitter, Publisher’s Marketplace and MSWL.

Rebekah Von Lintel | Embolden Media Group

‘‘What Rebekah Loves

Rebekah loves compelling concepts, culturally significant trade books, and writers with wonderful storytelling abilities. 

CHILDREN’S

For children’s books, she focuses primarily on YA and middle grade, and her tastes vary broadly in those areas. She also considers select children's picture books.’’

Agency.

Jemiscoe Chambers-Black | Andrea Brown Literary Agency

“I am currently building a diverse list of authors and illustrators. While I represent a wide range of age groups, I am currently only open to authors writing middle grade, young adult, and adult fiction, illustrators, and author-illustrators. Across the board, and regardless of age group or genre, I am interested in writing that contains authentic emotional resonance--whether it brings on the giggles or tears or both.”

“Young Adult:

• Contemporary

• Romance—rom com, contemporary - can also have speculative elements

• Thriller/Horror.”

Agency, Personal site, Twitter, Publisher’s Marketplace and MSWL.

Rebecca Sherman | Writers House

“YA: I’m looking for books with something to say—books that make me laugh, and characters that truly remind me of how confounding and wonderful (ridiculous! frightening! glorious!) adolescence can be. I enjoy contemporary stories of young love and growing up. I am not the right person for your high fantasy/SF submission, however I am game for a novel with fantastical elements in the world we know/urban fantasy/magical realism). Super-edgy and/or issue-driven books aren’t for me either.”

Agency, Twitter and Publisher’s Marketplace.

Brent Taylor | TriadaUS Literary Agency

“Young Adult:

I am open to every type of YA you could possibly imagine, from fantasy to contemporary. I love YA that captures the dichotomies of being young—how, as a teen, you yearn for freedom, but at the same time it’s incredibly scary for so many parts of your life to be changing. My favorite YA novels are bittersweet, authentic portrayals of what it’s like to be figuring out who you are, what this world is, and how those two things fit in with one another. Some of my favorite YA novels are The Vast Fields of Ordinary by Nick Burd, Dig by A. S. King, Ordinary Girls by Blair Thornburgh, and Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. Neal Shusterman’s novels (particularly the Arc of a Scythe series) are a great example of the type of smart, commercial, and high-stakes YA that I love. Some YA authors I’m proud to represent include Phil Stamper and Jason June. I’m passionate about young adult fiction that helps teen readers discover and live as their most authentic selves. I’ve represented a lot of contemporary YA in the past, and I’d love to work on more thrillers, fantasy, and speculative YA in the future.”

Agency, Personal site, Twitter, Publisher’s Marketplace and MSWL.

Tanya McKinnon | McKinnon Literary

“In children's books, I represent the gamut from picture books through chapter books and middle grade readers, to young adult.”

“Recent titles:

• Don't Wait: Three Girls Who Fought for Change and Won by Sonali Kohli

• Feminist AF: A Guide to Crushing Girlhood by Brittney Cooper, Chanel Craft Tanner and Susana Morris.”

Agency, Twitter and Publisher’s Marketplace.

Ellen Goff | HG Literary

“Ellen’s own list consists of YA writers and illustrators, as well as middle grade and picture book writers. She is also a member of HG Literary’s foreign rights team.

She is interested in all genres and formats of YA, especially anything spooky, historical fiction, martial arts, graphic novels, and novels-in-verse. Ellen might be convinced on a nonfiction project if it involves food. She has a soft spot for Shakespeare as well as southern stories that remind her of her home state of Kentucky.”

Agency, Personal site, Twitter, Publisher's Marketplace and MSWL.

Sarah Gerton | New Leaf Literary & Media

“Sarah Gerton is an Associate Literary Agent and Subrights Associate at New Leaf Literary & Media. She is seeking fiction and select narrative nonfiction for middle grade, young adult, and crossover adult readers. She’s eager to read YA and MG fiction of all genres; on the adult side, she is primarily interested in sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. Across the board, she gravitates toward unforgettable characters and striking prose.”

Agency, Twitter and MSWL.

Lori Kilkelly | LK Literary Agency

“Now, with more than 100 books under contract and titles with every major trade publisher, she is dedicated to continue bringing meaningful, funny, informative, and moving children's and young adult literature to market, created by an incredibly talented group of authors and illustrators.”

Agency, Twitter and Publisher's Marketplace.

Emily Mitchell | Wernick & Pratt Agency

‘‘Emily is accepting new clients in all genres for children.’’

‘‘Recent titles:

• How She Died, How I Lived by Mary Crockett

• Running Full Tilt by Michael Currinder.’’

Agency and Twitter.

Wendi Gu | HG Literary

“Wendi represents everything in the young reader space, from preschool to young adult, with some select adult fiction and nonfiction. She is looking for picture books that straddle humor and heart, lyrical middle grade, and daring, sharp YA. She loves a visually striking board book, as well as graphic novels that share lesser-known pieces of history and those quieter slices of life. She especially adores stories of all genres if they are from around the world, multigenerational diaspora experiences, and books that teachers, librarians, and parents might find as helpful tools for challenging subjects.’’

Agency, Twitter and MSWL.

Mary Cummings | About Great River Literary

“I represent fiction, literary nonfiction and poetry for children and teens, from board and picture books to middle grade (including chapter books) and young adult. (No adult projects, please)..”

‘‘Top of my list for young adult novels:

A strong - but not romantic - relationship between two main characters. Prefer realism over fantasy, but not dark or gritty.

My tastes are pretty broad. I particularly like warmth. Also good are humor, adventure, and quirky charm. Kindness is important to me. I like adorable and cute. I like sad and satisfying. I like gorgeous and lyrical. I like wondrous. I really like love. I like energetic and unconventional. I like serious and poignant. (I know. As I say: my tastes are pretty broad).’’

Agency, Personal site and Publisher’s Marketplace.

Luke Janklow | Janklow & Nesbit

‘‘Luke Janklow represents an eclectic and broad list of authors with multiple talents ranging from imaginative storytelling to broadcast and print journalism, politics and entertainment. There is one governing principle to Luke’s taste: books that are prime examples of their type, successful at what they’re trying to be…with natural storytelling and strong voices...In fiction, satire is a particular personal favorite, as is high concept science fiction, big ambitious novels, humor, thrillers/spy stories and young adult.’’

Agency.

Elizabeth Harding | Curtis Brown

“Elizabeth Harding represents authors and illustrators of juvenile, middle-grade and young adult fiction.”

“I am actively am seeking new clients in the areas of children's fiction and non-fiction (chapter books, middle grade and YA) and picture books.”

Agency, Twitter and Publisher's Marketplace.

Jenny Bent | The Bent Agency

“I’m currently looking for literary and commercial fiction and young adult fiction as well as select non-fiction in the areas of self-help and lifestyle. My client list is diverse and I welcome submissions from BIPOC authors.

In young adult fiction, I’m pretty open to genre — I love fantasy, rom-coms, suspense, contemporary, almost anything except for sci-fi. I do notice that my YA taste does tend to skew towards older readers, more in a crossover direction.”

Agency and Publisher’s Marketplace.

Rachel Beck | Liza Dawson Associates

‘‘What she’s looking for

Rachel believes that the right book can change or heal a life, and she wants to find those. But she’s also interested in lighter fiction that helps you escape or simply makes you laugh after a tough day … More specifically, she’s looking for:

• Contemporary young adult—no fantasy, but apocalyptic, cyberpunk, etc., okay. She’s primarily drawn to heavy, issue-driven YA that goes after topics such as mental health, sexual assault, eating disorders, abuse, trauma, suicide, LGBTQ issues, dealing with death/grief, etc … She would love to find a book about a trans character going through the experience, or a book that highlights the importance of a movement, much like The Hate U Give did—perhaps for the MeToo movement or mass shootings.’’

Agency and Twitter.

Cyle Young | Cyle Young Literary Elite

‘‘What kinds of works are you looking to represent?

YA, middle grade, and chapter books, genre fiction (especially romance, Amish romance, love stories), and speculative (sci-fi and fantasy), picture books and board books, non-fiction (parenting, leadership, ministry, and self-help), movie and screenplays.’’

Agency, Twitter and Publisher's Marketplace.

Myrsini Stephanides | Arc Literary Management

“In the children’s world, she is looking for early readers, middle grade and young adult fiction; graphic novels for all reading levels; narrative or illustrated non-fiction for all reading levels; picture books by writer-illustrators (no scripts without illustrators already attached).

Myrsini welcomes submissions (adult and children’s) from authors and creators with diverse backgrounds who have been misrepresented or marginalized and want to share their work with the world.”

Agency, Twitter and Publisher’s Marketplace.

Eddie Schneider | JABberwocky Literary Agency

“What I’m Looking For

Major changes are underway here in the U.S., both in terms of reading devices and demographics, and any time something comes along to disrupt the status quo, it presents tremendous artistic and economic opportunities, as well as new points of entry to right historical wrongs. These changes dovetail nicely with what I desire most—books that are groundbreaking, genre-defining, and reflect the whole spectrum of human experience.

No matter the genre, I have a long-running interest in working with authors who bring fresh and diverse voices to the literary conversation, especially those who come from historically marginalized groups. All people should be able to see themselves reflected in the stories they read, as well as in those who pen them...

Fiction

Young Adult: My favorite YA novels tend to be both character- and concept-driven, while embracing the intensity of emotion that characterizes a lot of the best YA fiction. A couple (non-client) favorites published in recent years include Laini Taylor’s DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE and AMERICAN STREET by Ibi Zoboi.”

Agency, Personal site, Twitter and Publisher's Marketplace.

Nicki Richesin | Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary Agency

“Nicki represents literary and upmarket fiction, and young adult fiction… She is particularly interested in discovering underrepresented voices from around the world exploring identity, feminism, and social diversity.”

Agency, Twitter and Publisher’s Marketplace.

Connor Eck | The Eck Agency

“His authors are novelists, journalists, producers, professors, humorists, creative directors, athletes, and change-agents. He is most interested in books that tug at the heart strings, stimulate the mind, and have an emotional arc. Connor loves championing underrepresented authors and original thinkers with diverse backgrounds. He is known for his personable, transparent approach, dynamic editorial and pitching skills, and for his ardent advocacy of his authors.

He focuses on adult fiction and nonfiction and ghostwriting collaborations. He selectively represents young adult and considers picture books by referral only.”

Agency, Twitter and MSWL.

Kristin Nelson | Nelson Literary Agency

“MSWL:

• Young-adult novels that pack a serious or a delightful emotional punch delivered in a contemporary setting, #ownvoices, or in a past, future, or imagined world.”

Agency, Twitter and Publisher’s Marketplace.

Hillary Jacobson | CAA

‘‘I am actively building a list consisting of upmarket, literary, and commercial fiction, YA… I read widely and am on the hunt for any and all writing that provokes a strong emotional reaction, adds an important perspective to the cultural conversation or forces the reader to challenge what they think. (Or ideally all of the above!) …

For YA:

• I am a sucker for anything that can be (accurately) pitched as GOSSIP GIRL meets X, like ANNA K or THE THOUSANDTH FLOOR…

• High-concept contemporary with a killer voice

• Contemporary fantasy/speculative

• Historical from unique perspectives and/or with a magical twist.

• Always a plus if you can subvert the tropes of the genre!’’

Agency, Twitter, Publisher’s Marketplace and MSWL.

Ginger Clark | Ginger Clark Literary

‘‘On the children’s side she represents middle grade and young adult fiction and non-fiction.’’

‘‘Recent titles:

• A Thousand Sisters: The Heroic Airwomen of the Soviet Union in World War II by Elizabeth Wein

• They Went Left by Monica Hesse.’’

Agency and Twitter.

Allegra Martschenko | Ladderbird Literary Agency

“Allegra is looking for beautifully written science fiction and fantasy books in the young adult and adult space. Their top priority is elevating stories and authors traditionally marginalized in publishing and they are always on the hunt for gorgeous prose. 

In the SFF space they’re open to anything and everything so long as the language is gorgeous. They appreciate family stories (including found family), stories about intergenerational conflict, meddling gods, and works that pull from several genres. They especially appreciate books that don’t take themselves too seriously, even when dealing with heavy topics. Allegra aims to represent ambitious authors, ones who write because they love slotting together new stories into intricate puzzles.

YA & CROSSOVER

Allegra prefers older YA and is open to crossover. Here they are again open to science fiction and fantasy only (though a variety of sub genres are very welcome)—think books with big emotions and writing that’s sharp enough to bite.”

“I only represent marginalized writers. I define “marginalized” the same way We Need Diverse Books does (scroll down to Our Definition of Diversity).”

Agency, Twitter and MSWL.

Sam Farkas | Jill Grinberg Literary Management

“In Young Adult and Middle Grade, my favorites are always bold, out-of-the-box books with strong hooks and irresistible writing. In these categories, especially, I like to be surprised.

In YA, I’m drawn to:

• fun and fast-paced high-stakes fantasy that pays homage to beloved tropes while still making them feel fresh

• weird; books like Grasshopper Jungle and Spontaneous, that take on the unexpected and the bizarre

• voice-driven, beautifully written contemporary that doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects

• tightly plotted thrillers and mysteries; think The Inheritance Games, Trouble Is A Friend of Mine, and Sadie

• atmospheric horror in the vein of She Is A Haunting and Wilder Girls.”

Agency, Twitter and MSWL.

Erin Harris | Folio Literary Management

“For teen readers, I am seeking YA contemporary; YA thrillers and suspense; and YA with speculative elements – though I remain open to being surprised by what captures my imagination and heart!”

“In YA, she is looking for bold contemporary realistic stories, #ownvoices fantasy, and thrillers.”

Agency, Twitter and Publisher’s Marketplace.