10 literary agents who represent speculative fiction

 

Let's assume you have your spec-fic novel (be it fantasy, science fiction, horror or otherwise) polished and ready to be published. What comes next? Usually it's the search for a literary agent who will represent you to publishing companies and get you that book contract.

Now, a common question is: Do I have to have a literary agent to get published?
Answer: No. 

Longer answer: No, but it really helps. The unfortunate fact is a lot of publishers don't accept unsolicited (read "unagented") manuscripts these days. Literary agents are the front-runners in the publishing industry, sifting through hundreds and thousands of authors and novels so that they can present publishers with the best out there. 

Sure, there are publishers who still accept manuscripts straight from the author, but these submissions are often relegated to a slushpile and read by unpaid interns, while agents can often get your proposal straight to editors. 

To get you started, here is a list of 10 literary agents who represent speculative fiction. But do your research. Remember that not all of them are looking for the same thing within the wide universe of SF genres. Some are more paranormal romance, while others like more hard science fiction, and some just have such a huge client list already that they are very picky about who else they bring on. Plus, some want only email queries, while others only want postal ones. Every literary agent has different requirements, and sticking to them helps you avoid auto-rejections. Check them out, get to work on that query letter, and good luck!

10 Literary Agents who represent Speculative Fiction:

1. Donald Maass - President of the Donald Maass Literary Agency in NYC. One of his associates, Jennifer Jackson, also represents numerous bestselling fantasy authors (such as Jim Butcher). 

2. Jenny Rappaport - Owner of the Rappaport Agency, which specializes in science fiction, fantasy, romance, and young adult.

3. Joshua Bilmes - Head of the JABberwocky Literary Agency. No email queries. Check out Joshua's blog here.

4. Matt Bialer - An agent at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, he represents fantasy, science fiction, thrillers, and mysteries.

5. Nadia Cornier - An agent at Firebrand Literary, Nadia looks for YA, paranormal, and adult science fiction and fantasy.

6. Eleanor Wood - President of the Spectrum Literary Agency, and also the agent for the Science Fiction Writers of America organization. 

7. Kristin Nelson - Head of the Nelson Literary Agency, located in Denver, CO. Also has a wonderfully informative blog.

8. Barbara Bova - Head of the Barbara Bova Literary Agency. No children's literature or poetry.

9. Ethan Ellenberg - Founder of the Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency. His site has some great articles that cover various aspects of the publishing industry.

10. Rachel Vater - Currently on hiatus from receiving queries, Rachel is an agent at Folio Literary Management and represents YA, urban fantasy, and narrative nonfiction.