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Introduction
Thinking of publishing your book in 2025 and hoping to land a literary agent? You’re not alone—and you’re smart for planning ahead. Literary agents are often the bridge between you and a successful book deal. In this article, we’ll explore eight standout literary agents actively seeking new manuscripts this year, what they’re looking for, and how to catch their attention.
We’ll also link to some of the best author resources to guide you along the way—because landing an agent is just one part of your writing journey.
Why Literary Agents Matter More Than Ever in 2025
The Changing Landscape of Publishing
Publishing in 2025 is evolving faster than ever. AI-generated books, digital platforms, and self-publishing have exploded—but traditional publishing still holds prestige, distribution power, and marketing clout. Literary agents help authors break into that competitive space.
Want to explore both sides? Check out our detailed guides on traditional publishing and self-publishing.
The Gatekeepers of Traditional Success
Agents don’t just pitch your book—they shape your manuscript, negotiate contracts, and connect you with top editors and publishers. They’re your advocate and strategist.
What Literary Agents Are Looking For in 2025
Genre Trends
Agents are craving fresh voices in genres like:
- Diverse Young Adult (YA)
- Climate Fiction (Cli-Fi)
- True Crime Memoirs
- Graphic Novels
- Mindfulness & Self-Help Nonfiction
Keep your genre tight and marketable. Dive deeper into genre-building via our book idea and writing process resources.
Marketability and Voice
In 2025, it’s all about unique voice + reader-ready manuscripts. If your book doesn’t scream “hook me!” in the first page, you’re probably not ready.
Need help tightening your manuscript? Explore manuscript steps and writing tips.
How to Get on a Literary Agent’s Radar
Crafting the Perfect Query Letter
Think of your query letter as your book’s Tinder profile. Clear, sharp, irresistible.
Need tips? We’ve got some solid query tips just for you.
Building an Author Platform
More agents are scouting authors with visible platforms—blogs, newsletters, social media presence. If you want to make a serious author career, check out our guide on author career.
8 Literary Agents Looking for Books in 2025
1. Sarah Jennings – YA & Contemporary Fiction
What She Wants
Sarah is on the hunt for bold, emotional YA and crossover fiction with feminist themes, mental health representation, or coming-of-age stories with sharp humor.
How to Submit
Sarah accepts queries via her agency’s website. Include the first 10 pages of your manuscript. She’s agenting via Starseed Literary.
2. Marcus Kim – Science Fiction & Fantasy
What He’s Seeking
Marcus is all about big world-building with tight character arcs. He wants sci-fi that addresses climate change or economic collapse, and fantasy that avoids tired tropes.
How to Get in Touch
He prefers queries via QueryManager and responds within 6 weeks. Read submission guidelines carefully—Marcus despises info dumps.
3. Eliza Cortez – Memoir & Nonfiction
Her Preferences
If your story dives deep into identity, culture, resilience, or mental health, Eliza wants to see it. She’s also interested in journalistic nonfiction and true crime.
Submission Details
She requires a proposal, full outline, and sample chapters. She’s open to marginalized voices and first-time authors.
Explore more tools for nonfiction authors under author tools.
4. David Ngata – Thriller & Horror
What He Loves
Think twisty psychological thrillers or horror grounded in real-world fears. David is especially looking for diverse protagonists and tight plotting.
Where to Reach Him
David’s open for queries via email only—subject line must include “Query: Thriller.” Include first 5 pages and a one-paragraph bio.
5. Hannah Brooks – Historical Fiction & Romance
Looking For
Hannah loves untold stories from women’s perspectives—especially WWI/WWII settings. She’s also building a romance list with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC representation.
Best Submission Practices
Query via form only. Add comp titles and relevant credentials. She wants to see strong female voices.
Find your niche in independent author content or learn to publish resources.
6. Quinn Patel – LGBTQ+ & Diverse Voices
What Quinn Represents
Quinn is actively looking for intersectional narratives—especially from underrepresented communities in fantasy, literary fiction, and narrative nonfiction.
How to Pitch Quinn
Use the agency form and be honest about your lived experience. Quinn wants stories rooted in reality, no matter the genre.
7. Linda Chen – Picture Books & Middle Grade
Linda’s Wishlist
Linda loves whimsical picture books with emotional resonance and middle-grade stories about family, resilience, and change.
How to Approach Her
Include full manuscript for picture books or the first three chapters for middle grade. Email queries accepted.
Check out helpful writing content on book draft and new author.
8. Alex Murphy – Literary Fiction & Experimental Work
What Stands Out to Alex
Voice-driven, boundary-pushing fiction that challenges norms—Alex is all about unique forms, mixed media, and deeply philosophical themes.
Query Instructions
Submit a synopsis, full bio, and first 20 pages. Alex encourages authors to explain why their work matters now.
Mistakes to Avoid When Pitching Literary Agents
Ignoring Submission Guidelines
Seriously—don’t send attachments when they ask for plain text. You’ll be ignored faster than spam mail.
Rushing the Process
Writing a book is like aging whiskey. Take your time to revise and edit. Use tools from book publishing and publish book sections.
Self-Publishing as an Alternative Path
When You Should Consider It
Can’t land an agent? Don’t wait around forever. Self-publishing empowers you to control every part of your book’s journey—and many authors make more money doing it.
Learn more about this route through our self-publishing guide and publishing hacks.
Resources to Support Your Self-Publishing Journey
Conclusion
Landing a literary agent in 2025 is competitive—but absolutely doable if you’ve got the right manuscript and approach. These eight agents are actively looking for stories that move them, entertain them, or open their eyes to something new. Follow submission guidelines, craft a killer query, and be persistent.
And remember, whether you go traditional or self-publish, there’s no single “right” path—just the one that’s right for you.
FAQs
1. What’s the best way to find more literary agents?
Check publisher websites, QueryTracker, Manuscript Wish List, and Twitter/X. Or keep an eye on intuitsbook.com for updates.
2. How do I know if my manuscript is ready to submit?
Get feedback, revise multiple times, and ensure it fits a clear genre. Start with manuscript steps.
3. Can I query multiple agents at once?
Yes—this is called a simultaneous submission. Just don’t send the same email to 50 people at once.
4. What if an agent asks for an exclusive submission?
You’re not obligated to agree unless you’re really interested. Consider the agent’s track record first.
5. Do I need a finished manuscript to query?
For fiction, yes. For nonfiction, a proposal and sample chapters are fine.
6. What should I include in my author bio?
Any writing experience, related life experience, or platform info. Keep it brief.
7. How long should my query letter be?
Aim for 250–350 words. Short, sharp, and focused on the hook.