4 New Agents Seeking Fantasy, YA, Horror, Memoir, Fiction, Nonfiction, Kidlit and more

Updated 8/25/21

Here are four new agents actively building their client lists. Elle Thompson is interested in a wide variety of genres within YA and Adult fiction. Jen Nadol is seeking fiction and general nonfiction as well as all types of children’s literature (picture books, middle grade, and young adult). Jolene Haley represents middle grade, young adult, and adult fiction. Haley Casey wants adult, YA, and MG fiction.

Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change.

You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.

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Ms. Elle Thompson of Triada US Literary Agency 

CLOSED TO QUERIES

Elle Thompson joined Triada US as a literary assistant to Uwe Stender and is now looking to build her list with stories that are evocative, intelligent, and character-driven. She is interested in a wide variety of genres within YA and Adult fiction.

 

What she is seeking: In YA, she is most excited for high fantasy that features sweeping world-building and character-driven narratives; romantic fantasy filled with heists, fresh takes on lore, or lush adventure narratives; contemporary fiction that features relatable and charming voices going through periods of growth, discovery, and fresh takes on familiar problems; and horror/thriller, innovating on women as victims or antagonists, exploring terror in fresh ways, and examining how the myriad troubles of youth can be played out and communicated through the unknown. LGBTQIA+ representation is of particular importance to her across all genres.

 

In adult fiction, Elle is currently seeking smart horror rooted in terror (particularly with gothic elements, special attention paid to atmosphere, and horrors that set themselves around the house or that have a historical rooting); cozy mysteries that evoke the countryside and the home; literary fiction that explores grief, historically centered and character-driven stories, or relationships (platonic or romantic, and I am particularly interested in stories that center the relationships and friendships of women); historical fiction centering on individual moments of change for either the environment or the protagonist and that is strongly character-focused; dark academia takes on thrillers, horror, or evocative literary fiction; women’s fiction that offers stand-out protagonists and ensemble casts; and fantasy of all kinds.

 

How to submit: Please send an email with QUERY and the manuscript title in the email’s subject line. In the body of the email, please include your query letter and the first ten pages of the manuscript. EMAIL: elle@triadaus.com

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Ms. Jen Nadol of The Unter Agency 

Jen Nadol has worked in publishing for over ten years, first as a Young Adult author with novels published by Bloomsbury USA and Simon and Schuster. After a one year internship with Entangled Publishing, she joined The Unter Agency as an Associate Agent. Jen is originally from Reading, PA, graduated from American University with a BA in literature and has lived in Washington D.C., Boston, NYC, and now, an old farmhouse north of the city with her three sons. She is not currently considering picture books.

What she is seeking: Fiction and general nonfiction, with a particular interest in memoir, food/cooking, nature/environment, biography, pop culture, travel/adventure, true crime, politics and health/fitness and all types of children’s literature (picture books, middle grade, and young adult).

How to submit: Send your query to Jennifer@theunteragency.com. "Please know that we have received the query and will be in touch if we are interested in pursuing your work, but if you do not hear from us within 3 months, please assume that your work is out of active consideration."

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Ms. Jolene Haley of Donald Maass Literary Agency

Jolene Haley joined the Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2022. She has been in the publishing industry since 2012 on both the publisher and agency sides in editorial, marketing, publicity, contracts, and agent positions. She has worked for literary agencies such as Marsal Lyon Literary Agency and The Bent Agency. Her well-rounded experience and extensive background in PR and marketing provides a unique perspective and a solid foundation to support authors as they build their careers.

What she is seeking: Jolene represents middle grade, young adult, and adult fiction. She is drawn to original concepts, compelling characters, and stories with plot twists that keep her guessing. In all genres, she welcomes diverse stories and characters that reflect the world we live in.

How to submit: Use her query manager HERE.

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Ms. Haley Casey of Creative Media Agency 

Haley Casey has always had a special place in her heart for stories, but it was when she wrote her first chapter book in fifth grade that her true love of literature was realized. In 2015, she graduated from The University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing, and that fall, she attended the Denver Publishing Institute. She began her full-time career at Ogden Publications, where she was an editor for four years. There she worked with a variety of authors across multiple magazines, wrote articles, edited podcasts, and even styled photos—anything to add some creativity to her days. In 2020, she interned at Metamorphosis Literary Agency and Creative Media Agency, Inc. before stepping into her role as a junior agent at CMA.

What she is seeking: Adult, YA, and MG fiction. "Send me anything that focuses on minority voices, including POC, LGBTQ+, disability, and mental health issues. I love thoughtful and meaningful magical realism for any age group, nuanced character relationships, urban fantasy, clever fairytale retellings, and reimagined classics "

How to submit: Send a query letter and first five pages of text to query@cmalit.com.