Have you written a novel with a comic plot and are looking for publishers who you can send your manuscript to? If so, here are 19 top publishers of humor books.
If on the other hand you’re looking for literary agents for humor books, below you’ll find 19.
1. Daniel Greenberg
If you’re looking to collaborate with a literary agent who’ll represent your humor titles, Daniel Greenberg is your best bet. Specializing in popular culture, narrative non-fiction, memoirs, and humor, he is up and willing to take any project with a pertinent personal connection. Over the last couple of years, he has collaborated with leading critics, novelists, TV-show writers, and performance artists on their humor titles, and almost all his collaborations have turned out to be staggeringly successful.
Daniel is native of the city of New York, and he graduated with a degree in honours from the Wisconsin College. A year later, he also managed to bag a new degree in European History, before finally deciding to choose his career as a literary agent. Daniel has worked with Penguin Random House and Roberto Santachiara Literary Agency prior to his current gig at Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency. He established this agency with two other supremely talented agents, and right now, he’s looking to add new, talented authors to his growing portfolio. So if you specialize in humor titles with the right dose of pun and satire, feel free to reach out to him on this page.
2. Madeleine Milburn
The founder and director of Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency, Madeleine has launched the careers of numerous bestselling authors, among which we can name Gail Honeyman and Fiona Barton. Uplifting fiction, young funny fiction, edgy comedy tackling contemporary issues, true crime, and thriller are just a few of the genres she is currently interested in. Regardless of the genre, though, your story should have something that sets it apart from the rest, whether it involves quirky storytelling or thought-provoking ideas. If you feel like Madeleine would be suitable for your project, make sure to read the submission guidelines before reaching her.
3. Luke Janklow
Luke Janklow is yet another exceptionally talented literary agent who represents a wide range of authors in different genres. But despite representing several leading non-fiction authors, Janklow harbours a special interest for humor and satire titles. He is personally fond of authors who have a natural flair of storytelling in a funny, yet bold way. Janklow holds a degree in Cinema Studies and Art History from the Wesleyan University, after which he decided to come up with a literary agency of his own. Currently, he is interested in working on both fiction and nonfiction projects, particularly when it comes to satire, humor, thrillers/spy stories, and a few more. So, if you write on a similar vein, contact him on this page, but only after reading the submission guidelines.
4. Monika Verma
Monika Verma is a supremely talented literary agent who’s more than willing to represent your humor titles. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the Wellesley College, and spent a significant chunk of her time studying at Oxford University. In both places, she spent plenty of time devouring Victorian novels, which encompass one of her favourite genres. Monika started her career by serving as the administrative director for the Los Angeles Youth Newspaper, non-profit teen-published newspaper popular among middle-graders. In 2006, she joined the Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency and has been working there ever-since. Some of her clients include humorists Nick Offerman and Allie Brosh, and blogger duo Tom & Lorenzo. Monika is always willing to work with new authors, so if you have some humor titles to share, reach out to her on this page. However, she also specializes in pop culture, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and in style and fashion titles.
5. Jane Graham Maw
With more than 25 years’ experience in publishing, Jane Graham Maw is one of the most talented veteran agents to be featured on our list. She initially worked in the contracts and marketing department as an editor, before finally switching paths to be the publishing director of Harper Collins. After a short stint in the publishing house, she then decided to come up with a literary agency of her own. So, she collaborated with Jennifer Christie to come up with Jane Graham Maw Literary Agency, which is now regarded as one of the leading UK agencies handling nonfiction. At this agency, Jane actively represents humor and satire titles that aren’t just rib-tickling, but are also equally intelligent. So, if you think your works follow the same vein, reach out to her on this page.
6. Lindsay Davis Auld
Currently working as an agent at the Writer’s House, Lindsay Davis Auld is your go to option for humor, children’s and young adult, fantasy, romance, as well as for magical realism titles. Even more, she is also fond of friendship stories, historical fiction, adventure, and of a few other genres. Lindsay holds a degree in literature, and she decided to pursue her career as a literary agent right after graduation. Over the last couple of years, she has represented some quality works from both leading and amateur authors, and luckily enough, she’s always looking for more. So, if you think your humor titles can spark her interest, contact her on this page.
7. Jennifer Christie
With an experience in advertising of more than one decade, Jennifer is your go-to option for humor and satire titles. She started her career as a PR agent at The Rowland Company before moving to advertising with Ogilvy and Mather. After a couple of years, she joined Jane Graham Maw in coming up with the Graham Maw Christie Literary Agency. Here she represents all non-fiction titles including humor. So, if you’re looking to collaborate with them, contact them on this page right away.
8. Jordan Hamessley
Based in San Francisco, Jordan Hamessley comes with nearly a decade of experience in the publishing and editorial industry. She started her career at Penguin Young Readers at Egmont, USA, and there has been absolutely no looking back in her career ever since. After her short stint at Penguin, Jordan decided to switch paths as a literary agent and that is exactly how she came to work for New Leaf Literary Agency. She is currently a literary agent here, and, over the last couple of years, she has represented some excellent children’s fiction and humor titles. Although she primarily specializes in fiction, Jordan is always fond of contemporary middle grade and young adult titles that come with the right dose of humor. So, if you think your works match her requirements and your manuscript is complete, contact her on this page right away.
9. Suzy Evans
With a Ph.D. in History from UC Berkeley, Suzy Evans is an author, attorney, and literary agent at the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency. In terms of adult books, she is interested in nonfiction, humor, parenting, health, philosophy, history, and a few others. However, middle grade and young adult projects are on her list as well. As the ghostwriter of a #1 New York Times bestselling author, she surely is familiar with all the aspects of the industry, thus being aware of what it takes to find the right publisher. If you’re in need of an agent that can handle your project properly, don’t hesitate to reach her (after checking out the submission guidelines, of course).
10. Joy Tutela
A literary agent at the David Black Literary Agency since 1998, Joy Tutela works with numerous bestselling authors and business leaders, among which we can name Jenny Stanford, Jim McCann, Susan Packard, and Danny Seo. She graduated from Wellesley College and later worked for the Harvard Business School Press. Her range of interests is rather wide, and it includes humor, cooking, entertainment, business, and self-help. Unfortunately, Joy is unable to consider any unsolicited queries at the moment, but you can still check their page for updates once in a while.
11. Alyssa Taylor
Born and raised in California, Alyssa Taylor is one of our top picks for your upcoming humor title. She started her career at the New England Review, followed by a short stint at the United Talent Agency. Eventually, she landed a gig at the Fletcher and Company, and has been working here ever since. At this new agency, Taylor works on humor and satirical titles that have an underlying social message. In terms of nonfiction, she is interested in genres like psychology, health, and fitness. If you love writing books on the same line, you can always reach out to her on this page.
12. Roseanne Wells
A literary agent at The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency since 2012, Roseanne Wells earned degrees in Literature and Dance from the Sarah Lawrence College only to discover her passion for publishing during a W. W. Norton internship. Underrepresented authors, genre crossing, and marginalized stories are particularly of interest for her. When it comes to the adult market, she wants projects on humor, history, travel, memoir, science fiction and fantasy, and more. At the same time, middle grade and young adult manuscripts of all genres are welcome. If you feel like Roseanne would be a good choice, don’t hesitate to contact her.
13. Melissa Richeson
Melissa Richeson started her journey at Apokedak Literary Agency as an intern in 2018, only to become an associate agent a year later. With a degree in Marketing and a background in literature, Melissa also has experience as a writer, with her works reaching The Washington Post and Space Coast Parent, among others. As a literary agent, she wants projects in the range of children’s books, from picture books all the way up to young adult. Humor, especially when it comes to chapter books, is a must. If you want to work with Melissa, all you have to do is email her at melissa.richeson@apokedakliterary.com – make sure to include all the information specified here.
14. Elizabeth Bennett
If you love penning down witty and intelligent children’s, middle grade, or young adult titles, Elizabeth Bennett is your go-to option. Currently working with the Transatlantic Literary Agency, Bennet has already represented several best-selling humor titles that aren’t just rib-tickling, but that also approach contemporary issues in an unconventional way. As of now, she is seeking new authors to join her growing list. So, if you have a flair for humorous books that tackle current trends or issues contact her on this page right away.
15. Fiona Kenshole
Primarily representing children’s, middle grade, and young adult titles, Fiona is one of the best options for your character-driven humor works. Like Elizabeth Bennett, Fiona too works at the Transatlantic Literary Agency, where she represents witty and intelligent children’s fiction. Luckily enough, Fiona is currently open for new submissions. So, if you’ve written something on a similar vein, reach out to her on this page.
16. Claire Wilson
With previous experience in publishing rights and sales, Claire Wilson became a member of the RCW Literary Agency in 2007, and a director in 2015. In time, she managed to add numerous prize-winning and bestselling authors to her list, and is currently searching for children’s, young adult, and adult authors. Claire is particularly interested in humor, compelling concepts, and strong voices, so, if you feel like your project fits at least one of these criteria, you should submit your work at clairewilson@rcwlitagency.com. However, make sure to read the guidelines first.
17. Andrea Somberg
With an experience of over 15 years as a literary agent, Andrea Somberg is a member of the Harvey Klinger Literary Agency. She is currently interested in a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres, among which we can name humor, cooking, memoir, narrative, mystery, fantasy, and commercial fiction. Plenty of her clients’ books have become New York Times and USA bestsellers, so she surely knows what publishers are looking for. If you want to collaborate with her, make sure to read the submission guidelines first.
18. Adrienne Rosado
Adrienne Rosado is a leading agent who focuses on both adult and children’s fiction, especially if dark humor is involved. Interestingly, she also represents some select genres in terms of non-fiction, and humor is one of the top genres among them. Rosado currently works as a literary agent at the Stone Song Literary Agency. She does not accept children’s picture books and poetry, but she is interested in multicultural fiction, in stories of atypical people, and in LGBTQ+ works, among others. So, if you’ve written a title on a similar note, reach out to Rosado on this page.
19. Lauren E. Abramo
A literary agent at DG&B since 2005, Lauren has a degree in English from the New York University and another one in Irish Studies from NUI Galway. Although she is particularly looking for middle grade and accessible adult fiction, she is also interested in adult narrative nonfiction, especially when it comes to humor, pop science, psychology, and a few others. If you want to send her your work, you should read the submission guidelines first.
Are you aware of any other literary agents for humor books? Tell us more in the comments section!
I am Ruposhree, a regular happy-go-lucky girl with not-so-regular (read extraordinary) dreams. I love reading, obsessing over random TV series, dreaming of unrealistic vacations, and most importantly, trying my hand at writing. I want to believe that I somehow have a way with words and maybe one day I’ll manage to see and be everything that I ever dreamt of!