Have you written a fantasy book that you really believe has the potential to be a blockbuster?
You’ll need to find a book publishing house as a next step.
You’re probably aware that major publishers usually don’t accept unsolicited manuscripts directly from authors, and usually want a literary agent to send in a submission.
The following banner is an affiliate one. That means Writing Tips Oasis receive a small % of the sale if you purchase The Novel Factory, but at no extra cost to you:
Therefore, to help you find an agent we’ve created this post.
Continue reading to learn about 19 top fantasy fiction literary agents.
1. Michaela Whatnall
Situated in New York City, Michaela Whatnall is one of the best agents at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret LLC. Although she’s only been at the 28-year-old company for three years, she has garnered the attention of fantasy novelists.
Since she studied English, linguistics, and publishing in college, Michaela packs a diverse interest. Thus, she loves accepting authors whether they cater to teens or adults. In fact, one of her favorite books is K. O’Neill’s multi-award-winning children’s fantasy novel The Tea Dragon Society.
Michaela is looking for fiction authors of general fantasy, urban fantasy, and magical realism. Moreover, the same genre applies to novels for middle-grade readers and young adults. Her profile page contains a link for query submissions.
2. Laura Crockett
Laura Crockett works at Triada US Literary Agency, which is headquartered in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Her literary preferences vary in genres and reader demographic, but they all feature superb character writing and high-stakes conundrums.
Like Michaela Whatnall, this agent thrives in the market for YA and adult readers. Fantasy novels that are partly inspired by folklore and real history immediately get her attention. Similarly, Laura prefers fantasy titles with believable worldbuilding, explaining her love for Louisa Morgan’s A Secret History of Witches.
To seek representation from Laura, you can send a digital query. Her email is stated in her section on the agents page.
3. Cate Hart
In 2019, Cate Hart continued her sprawling career in the publishing industry by moving to Harvey Klinger at 55th Street, New York City. Since then, she has reinforced her status as one of the go-to literary agents for fantasy, romance, and historical fiction.
With her degree in theater and history, Cate applauds projects that seek to better represent marginalized identities in literature. Furthermore, she welcomes novelists who explore magical realism, urban fantasy, and fantasy romance.
If you’ve read Cassandra Clare’s best-selling The Infernal Devices series, you already know what Cate is searching for in fantasy fiction. The link to her Query Manager is listed in her about section.
4. Paul Lucas
As one of the oldest and finest agencies in New York City, Janklow & Nesbit Associates only accepts the top individuals to be its agents — and Paul Lucas is one such professional. He’s been in the company for 15 years and boasts a mighty client list of novelists.
Aside from sci-fi and historical fiction, fantasy is one of Paul’s genre specialties in fiction. He represents James Islington, the Australian writer of An Echo of Things to Come. Also, Paul manages R. A. Salvatore, the man behind several top-selling titles set in the Forgotten Realms from Dungeons & Dragons.
Paul is currently open to submissions. You must include a concise synopsis and a sample of your novel.
5. Michael Curry
Celebrating 10 years in the agency this year, Michael Curry is one of the members of the Donald Maass Literary Agency. Located in Brooklyn, New York City, he’s interested in writers with a unique storytelling voice and an indisputable mastery of writing.
Michael represents many acclaimed novelists. Some of them received nominations and accolades at the World Fantasy Awards and the Nebula Awards. For example, his list includes Premee Mohamed (Beneath the Rising, A Broken Darkness) and Nick Mamatas (Move Under Ground, I Am Providence).
Interested authors can email their queries to Michael.
6. Rebecca Matte
Before showcasing her agenting skills at the San Diego-based Bradford Literary Agency, Rebecca Matte served at premiere law firms and the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. It didn’t take long before she built her own client list, especially since her writing experience helps her find promising writers.
Rebecca enjoys reading sci-fi and fantasy whether it’s a YA novel or adult fiction. However, she slightly leans more toward fantasy. She’s on the lookout for works like TJ Klune’s sensational The House in the Cerulean Sea, a fantasy novel with romantic, urban, and LGBTQ+ aspects.
If you want to have her as an agent, click on “Submit Query” on Rebecca’s page on the agency website.
7. Whitney Ross
Whitney Ross is a literary agent at Irene Goodman, an agency on 24th Street, New York City, with a rich history spanning four decades. Thanks to her academic background in English literature and publishing, she quickly made a name for herself in other big companies like Tor and Macmillan.
Nonfiction isn’t out of the equation but Whitney’s specialty lies more in fiction. In particular, she’s into genres like romance, historical fiction, and fantasy. After all, this agent was previously the editor of Eric Van Lustbader (The Ring of Five Dragons) and Susan Dennard (Windwitch, Witchshadow).
At present, she’s raring to represent fantasy authors. This applies to YA, middle-grade, and adult fiction.
8. Annelise Robey
Remarkably, Annelise Robey has been an integral part of the Jane Rotrosen Agency for more than half of its lifetime, which isn’t a small feat since the New York City business has been around for nearly 50 years. And like other agents on the team, she always seeks to build long-lasting connections with her clients.
Annelise devotes much of her time to understanding what her writers want to achieve as an artist and someone who needs to earn a living. Consequently, her favorite genres in fiction range from fantasy to women’s fiction.
Have you completed several chapters of your fantasy novel? If so, you can submit a query to Annelise via an online contact form.
9. Stephen Barbara
Another exceptional agent from New York City is Stephen Barbara. Working at Inkwell Management and originally residing in Connecticut, his tenacity for storytelling and handling situations has been apparent since his college days. Prior to his current company, he was a part of HarperCollins and the Donald Maass Agency.
Stephen has a keen eye for stellar fantasy authors. Going through his list, you’ll spot Lauren Oliver, writer of the mystery fantasy middle-grade novel The Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street. Then there’s Ethan Aldridge and his children’s fantasy graphic novel Estranged.
While he represents a big list already, he’s more than eager to see fresh voices in the literary sphere. Go to the contact page for the full submission instructions.
10. Michael Harriot
Over at 9th Avenue in New York City, Michael Harriot takes on high-pressure responsibilities as the senior vice president of Folio Literary Management. Apart from his executive duties, he manages an eclectic list filled with celebrities, athletes, and best-selling authors.
To add, many of Michael’s clients have landed on the New York Times Best Seller list. In fantasy fiction, he handles Jeff Salyards (Veil of the Deserters, Chains of the Heretic) and Zachary Jernigan (No Return).
Michael wants novels that prove the unmistakable artistry of their authors. He also likes eccentric and spirited writing. To send your query, visit his profile page.
11. Pam Gruber
The Irene Goodman Literary Agent in 24th Street, New York City, is proud to have a lot of remarkable agents accepting fantasy fiction authors. Aside from Whitney Ross, there’s Pam Gruber, an agent who’s very familiar with editorial tasks as well due to her stay at Rebel Girls and the Hachette Book Group.
No matter the genre or age rating, Pam wants fiction titles to always grab her attention before she flips to the second page. Likewise, she adores complex female characters and truly immersive worldbuilding. Fantasy works must feel sensible and well-realized instead of totally random.
Authors of fantasy (middle-grade, YA, and adult) should check her QueryManager if they’re interested, the link to which is on her profile page.
12. Jim McCarthy
Jim McCarthy is a long-time agent and vice president at the New York-based Dystel, Goderich & Bourret LLC. Surprisingly, he didn’t initially intend to enter the publishing industry since his college years focused on urban design. These days, however, he’s more than happy to explore his love of fiction and nonfiction.
His interests vary and include romance fiction, literary novels, and fantasy. Stories that pack a powerful punch and resonate with readers are highly valuable to him. Furthermore, Jim’s fantasy picks can range from urban fantasy to magical realism whether for young or adult audiences.
Are you ready to send your query? Visit his profile page and click his Query Manager link.
13. Stuti Telidevara
Over at Broadway, New York City, Park & Fine Literary and Media has assembled a team of outstanding agents. One of its newest and most active members is Stuti Telidevara. She’s only been with the agency for about two years, but this Harvard University graduate knows that her future is bright in this industry.
Stuti’s English degree equips her with the necessary knowledge to ascertain what exactly good writing entails, particularly in fantasy fiction for middle-grade, YA, and adult readers. Plus, her previous work at Orbit Books helps a lot too.
Writers can specifically mention Stuti when they send their queries to the agency. In addition, what you need to attach to your email depends on whether you’re working on adult fiction or children’s literature.
14. Andrea Somberg
Joining Cate Hart at New York City’s Harvey Klinger Literary Agency is Andrea Somberg. For more than two decades, she honed her agenting skills to gather some of the most compelling voices in fiction and nonfiction.
To say that Andrea’s author list is full of award-winners and best-sellers would be an understatement. While she’s looking for more fantasy writers, this agent already has notable names like Nebula Award recipient Fran Wilde (The Ship of Stolen Words) and the similarly renowned Sarah Beth Durst (The Bone Maker).
Do you want to be her next successful author client? Read the submission guidelines and contact details on the agency website.
15. Shannon Hassan
Shannon Hassan works at the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency in Solana Beach, California. Before this, she offered her professional expertise at Arnold & Porter and Fulcrum Publishing — and she earned her law degree from the prestigious Harvard University.
Given Shannon’s long-established status as an agent, she’s well-acquainted with authors of both literary and commercial titles. Many of her clients primarily serve adult readers while others craft fantasy stories for kids, which is exactly the case for Frank L. Cole, author of the magical The Potion Masters trilogy.
Writers are advised to attach sample pages to their query letters. Shannon’s email address is available on her about page.
16. Sarah N. Fisk
Headquartered in New York City (with offices in Boston and Nashville as well), The Tobias Agency is home to Sarah N. Fisk. Their client representation is second to none, which is amazing to hear. Why? Sarah was in mechanical engineering right until 2011 when they discovered their passion for the written word.
What is Sarah looking for in a novel? Stories that deftly examine what people accept as normal in society and gender are great draws. Similarly, they want diverse characters who reflect the differences of people in real life. For the fantasy genre, Sarah craves writing that really transports readers into a magical world.
Like other agents on the list, Sarah has a link to her Query Manager on her about page.
17. Matt Bialer
With 36 years under his belt, Matt Bialer’s expertise in the publishing industry is undeniable. Even before entering Greenburger on 5th Avenue, New York City, he was already mastering his skills at other top-tier agencies.
Matt covers fiction and nonfiction. Still, his hold over some of the best fantasy authors out there is hard to miss. He manages Stephen R. Lawhead, the highly respected author of fantasy fiction like the Song of Albion trilogy and the Dragon King series. Likewise, Matt represents Patrick Rothfuss, writer of The Name of the Wind.
Your query must include the initial few chapters of your fantasy novel. For more information, head to his profile page.
18. Zoë Plant
Before Zoë Plant became an agent for the Bent Agency in Richmond London, this professional was part of many publishing companies. Moreover, she stayed in Russia for a while and meticulously studied two languages (including Spanish) in college.
The commercial appeal of a book is important to her. And the same goes for sound worldbuilding and riveting storytelling. For a good idea of her preferences, check the work of her clients such as Hannah Matthewson (Witherward) and Rhiannon Williams (Ottilie Colter and the Narroway Hunt).
Right now, Zoë is open to fantasy titles for middle-grade, YA, and adult readers. Read the submission guidelines before you send her a query.
19. Ciara Finan
Like Zoe Plant, Ciara is a London-based agent with diverse interests in literature. Working for the iconic (and 123-year-old) company Curtis Brown, she hopes to find more authors whose identities need more representation in the industry.
Ciara is well-acquainted with countless genre tropes. Thus, she’s elated when stories defy expectations and turn conventional expectations and plot twists around. Moreover, she’s interested in YA and adult fantasy fiction that seamlessly weaves romantic, political, and/or gothic elements into the story.
Writers only need to prepare a few chapters and their book synopsis. Ciara’s contact information is on her profile page.
Are you aware of any other fantasy fiction literary agents that should be on this list? Please tell us about them in the comments box below!
Shikha Pandey is a creative, content and script writer based in Mumbai, India.