What Are Women’s Fiction Literary Agents Looking for Right Now?
This Is What You Missed at #MSWL’s First BlueSky Event . . .
A few weeks ago Manuscript Wish List hosted their first ever BlueSky #MSWL event where literary agents and editors are invited to share in real time exactly what they hope to find in their inboxes.
Previously the #MSWL events were held on Twitter/X, but it seems, as with many authors and writers, they too have left behind its notorious issues (and obnoxious CEO) for the more supportive BlueSky atmosphere. If you’re not on BlueSky yet (or even if you are), you can find a “starter pack” for following literary agents here. Simply select “Follow All” and you’ll instantly follow 100+ literary agents, many of whom will post exactly what they’re looking for right now. (You can also find starter packs to follow Women’s Fiction Writers Association members on the WFWA’s closed member Facebook group.)
If you’re currently in the pitching stage, you know that while QueryTracker is an incredibly helpful research tool, it’s not always easy to determine the specifics of what agents are looking for or even if their profiles are up to date. #MSWL gives you a peek into exactly what these lit agents are looking for right now. Here’s a round-up of what 10 participating literary agents seeking women’s fiction say they’d like to see right now . . .
Taj McCoy, Laura Dail Literary Agency, @tajmccoy.bsky.social. “MSWL . . . Adult Fiction: Mysteries, thrillers & cozies; contemporary romance and romcoms; upmarket women's fiction”
Sarah N. Fisk, Tobias Literary Agency, @sarahnfisk.bsky.social. “a lot more Upmarket Women's Fiction/Book Club Fiction and Adult Mystery/Thriller from queer folks and BIPOC women . . . Begging for books that both have Something to Say and are extremely addictive/fun/compulsive.”
Jennifer Weis, The Weis Agency, @theweisagency.bsky.social. “I’m looking for . . . #WF that hooks readers on characters & their stories . . . #Hs & contemporary are welcome.”
Courtney Miller-Callihan, Handspun Literary, @handspunlit1.bsky.social. “I'd love: . . . high concept women's fiction”
Annie Bomke, Annie Bomke Literary Agency, @abliterary.bsky.social. “I also like commercial mysteries and women's fiction if they have a super funny voice.”
Ginger Hutchinson, Movable Type Management, @movabletypemgmt.bsky.social. “I'm looking for commercial and upmarket women's fiction—especially thrillers, rom-coms, mysteries and select horror . . . HISTORICAL: underrepresented identities & unconventional heroines. Dual timelines, family secrets, lost histories. The setting should feel immersive. I'd love to see a nomadic set of characters—travel by train/ship/on foot. I'd love a Harlem Renaissance novel, or the next Lessons in Chemistry . . . BOOK-CLUB: Found family, complex female relationships, and stories of reinvention. A strong hook, rich settings, and high stakes. A tight timeframe with elements of mystery or romance. Give me an epic love story between best friends, a character-driven mystery. Celeste Ng, Brit Bennett, Liz Moore . . . SETTINGS: I'd love to see unexpected destinations, less-traveled and unexplored in literature. Richly researched historical cities. Coastal + Mountain towns. Adventure-filled plots driven by a rugged landscape. Campus novels (!!) as well as summer camps and retreats. Suburbia w/ a twist.”
Jen Babakhan, Books & Such Literary Management, @jenbabakhan.bsky.social. “As a new literary agent building my list, I’m looking for: Christian living, self help, psychology, Christian devotionals & Bible studies, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, women’s fiction . . .”
Renee Fountain, Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management, @reneefountain.bsky.social. “Here’s what I’m looking for right now! 👩❤️👩 Women’s Fiction: In Five Years vibes . . . NOTE: for Women's Fiction: In Five Years is a Rebecca Serle book.”
Rossano Trentin, Trentin Agency, @rossano.bsky.social. “I’m currently accepting manuscript submissions for the following fiction genres: literary fiction, family saga, high-concept women’s fiction, crime & mystery.”
Marilyn Biderman, Transatlantic Agency, @marilynblitagent.bsky.social. “Looking for a very narrow category: women's historical fiction about Mizrachi and Sephardic Jews”
You can read the full thread here.
Thanks for this! I'm new to Bluesky, and I just followed the starter pack for literary agents!
Very helpful!