Submission Guidelines
Use Query Manager to submit
Queries sent to the old Submissions email after November 1, 2018 will not be reviewed. Instead we ask that you resubmit your query via Query Manager as outlined on this submissions page. Paper queries submitted via US Mail or any other means will not be reviewed nor returned.
Send your queries to the right agent.
Scroll down to the "Agent Wish Lists" section on this page to see what our agents are looking for. Click the "Query Now" button for the agent you would like to query. For fiction, please only query if your manuscript is complete and edited. Please ensure the draft is most final and do not send updated drafts unless the agent requests further updates. For non-fiction, please send a query letter and book proposal.
Do not query multiple TKA agents simultaneously
If the agent you queried feels your project would be better suited for one of her or his colleagues, she or he will share it. However, if the agent you queried passes, you are free to then query another agent.
Our agents have a wide range of tastes and preferences.
The agents of The Knight Agency are currently looking for material in a wide spectrum of genres. However, we are NOT currently accepting screenplays.
Response Times
We pride ourselves on fast responses, however sometimes our current client needs and other professional responsibilities prevent us from answering queries in the timelines we aim for. In general, we strive to respond to all queries within 2-4 weeks of receipt, but we ask that you check an agents Query Manager page for timeline updates before following up on a project. If your response still seems overdue, please do not hesitate to follow up via the link provided when you submitted your project.
Choose the correct genre
Make sure to specify the correct genre for your book, and don't query agents for categories they aren't seeking. If an agent is not presently accepting queries in your genre, pick a different agent who is currently open to that genre.
Agent Wish Lists
Deidre Knight,
Senior Agent and President
Right now, I’m being very selective, but am seeking new authors in the areas of women’s fiction, "Romantasy," thriller (except espionage/political), romcom, queer lit, mainstream fiction/commercial fiction, as well as contemporary romance with high concepts that can be published in a bigger way. Please only send novels over 60K in length. Also seeking nonfiction in the categories of sports, business, finance, cookbook, pop culture, current affairs, gardening, health and fitness, history, home décor and design, lifestyle, parenting, memoir, and travel. The nonfiction categories are not exhaustive, so be sure to check query manager if you don’t see a particular category here.
I’m not currently open for fantasy submissions, but I should re-open to them this summer.
Pamela Harty,
Vice President of Sales/Agent
currently closed to submissions
I’m looking for rom-com, cozy mysteries, and historical fiction. For non-fiction, I'd like health and wellness, advice and relationship, and true crime.
Elaine Spencer,
Vice President of Operations/Agent
I’m looking for historical fiction focused on lesser-known women who made big waves with lasting impacts in their relationships and circles. I also loved fictionalized accounts of very specific moments in history. Fiona Davis, Chanel Cleeton, and Ariel Lawhon are all wonderful examples of this type of storytelling. I would also love to find new diverse, millennial voices in romance, women’s fiction and cozy mysteries. And I’m always open to platform-driven nonfiction content in a wide range of categories across the lifestyle, wellness, and business space.
• I would love to see more historical women’s fiction exploring unique moments in history with a strong sense of place. Fiona Davis, Chanel Cleeton, and Ariel Lawhon are all wonderful examples of the type of story that will grab my attention.
• On the contemporary side of the women’s fiction spectrum I want stories that will speak to readers personally, characters who will get in your head and cause reason for personal reflection. I love contemporary Suburban Dramadies (think Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty or even the modern classic Little Children by Perrotta). I’m also always interested in sweeping family dramas that bridge over into the commercial space such as Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng or All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin. I loved The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin, Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill Clegg, and This is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel.
• I love stories with strong southern themes. To me this means an overwhelming sense of another time (even if its in a contemporary novel); stories about a place steeped in ancient traditions and family expectations, unique cultural oddities and loveliness
• Fictionalized Stories featuring hot topics in the news and/or from the daily realities of modern pop-culture.
• In Romance I’m looking for urban-set contemporary romantic comedies. I know I’m one of a million but The Hating Game has been at the top of my favorites list for awhile. I also like stories featuring strong “underdog” modern heroines. In my view this can take a lot of directions, someone from a marginalized background, someone with an uncommon upbringing, a person who has overcome all the odds, etc.
• I’m a big fan of domestic suspense but it would really have to be stand out in a currently crowded space to grab my attention. It must have high stakes, a sympathetic protagonist, and a unique easy to spot hook
• I’m also really growing my list in the non-fiction space. I’m interested in narrative, prescriptive and gift nonfiction in a vast arena spanning from true-crime (especially as it relates to its lasting impact on history, a place or a group of people such as Missoula by Jon Krakauer or Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann), pop-culture, motivational/self-help, how-to guides, female empowerment, humor (especially humorous memoir), diet, platform-driven social media brands, modern parenting, and lifestyle to name a few.
• Beyond the above specific parameters I love stories featuring animals (ok, starring animals!), cooking/food/wine, world-travel, secret or underground societies, “clubs” of all sorts (knitting, book, widows, etc)., weddings, vacation spots, sports-influence
Lucienne Diver,
Agent
My list is incredibly full at the moment. Still, I can’t bring myself to stop reading anything with a unique premise, particularly involving concepts that are relevant to the sociopolitical challenges of today and particularly with diverse voices.
Most wanted for me: a novel that keeps me on the edge of my seat with characters I care about deeply. I enjoy fresh perspectives and surprising turns. I don’t want to feel as though I’ve heard it before or can anticipate where the novel is going before it even gets there.
Recent and upcoming titles include THE CITY WE BECAME by N.K. Jemisin, BITTER FALLS by Rachel Caine, WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING by Alyssa Cole, THE GHOST TREE by Christina Henry, and THE DARK ARCHIVE (Invisible Library #7) by Genevieve Cogman.
Nephele Tempest,
Agent
I’m currently seeking submissions in the following genres: women’s contemporary or historical fiction; contemporary or historical single-title romance; adult real-world or secondary-world fantasy; adult science fiction.
In all categories/genres, I am looking for stories featuring:
- Underrepresented characters/diverse POVs, whether by gender, race, sexual orientation, etc.
- #ownvoices stories
- Found families
- Strong sibling relationships, especially sisters or large families
- Excellent world building
- Fish-out-of-water stories
- “New” settings, places that have not been overdone
- Strong writing/prose, distinctive voices, new twists on familiar tropes, and/or high concepts
- Strong hooks
- Smart characters who demonstrate blind spots/flaws/their humanity
Specifically, I’d love to find any of the following:
- High-concept/breakout romance with a strong secondary narrative in addition to the HEA, especially rom-coms or something with a lighthearted thread. (Featuring diverse couples of all types.)
- Women’s fiction that features a long-time female friendship or close-knit sisters; would love a travel/road-trip novel, but no Thelma-and-Louise endings.
- A heroine looking at a slow/late career start/finding themselves in mid-30s to late-40s/reinventing themselves.
- Unconventional/self-made/entrepreneurial heroines.
- Fresh, creative re-imaginings of classics.
- Dual/multiple timelines.
- Magic or magical realism, especially non-Western.
- Historical fiction set between the early-nineteenth and mid-twentieth centuries, especially that does not focus on WW2 directly.
- Historical fiction with a literary tie-in.
- Literary-leaning witch novel: women’s fiction/historical/fantasy, especially something set in modern-day Salem.
Favorite recent(-ish) reads include RED, WHITE, AND ROYAL BLUE by Casey McQuiston, THE BROMANCE BOOK CLUB series by Lyssa Kay Adams, LOVE LETTERING by Kate Clayborn, BOYFRIEND MATERIAL by Alexis Hall, PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND OTHER FLAVORS by Sonali Dev, HAMNET by Maggie O’Farrell, THE IMMORTALISTS by Chloe Benjamin, NINTH HOUSE by Leigh Bardugo, THE TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY by Alix E. Harrow, REPUTATION by Lex Croucher, Themis Files series (SLEEPING GIANTS, WAKING GODS, and ONLY HUMAN) by Sylvain Neuvel, WRITERS AND LOVERS by Lily King, and THE DINNER LIST by Rebecca Serle.
Melissa Jeglinski,
Agent
• I would really love to find a project that captures my attention immediately. For me, this means a strong opening chapter, wonderfully engaging characters, unexpected twists and turns, and a very satisfying ending. No projects over 100k words, please.
• Contemporary Romance which is lighter in tone, has a sense of humor and a premise that is out of the box. Diverse characters welcome.
• Historical Fiction set in periods other than WWII. Also looking for contemporary and historical intertwined timelines. Prefer strong female protagonists.
• Cozy Mysteries with a unique premise but no paranormal edge. Planned series a plus.
• Middle Grade fiction with a heartwarming message or just pure entertainment. Fun and flawed realistic characters. Contemporary and historical settings but no paranormal or fantasy.
Recent and upcoming titles include Aimie K. Runyan’s ACROSS THE WINDING RIVER, Sarah Warburton’s ONCE TWO SISTERS, Ginger Garrett’s NAME TAGS AND OTHER SIXTH GRADE DISASTERS, and Rosemarie Ross’s FINISHED OFF IN FONDANT.
Kristy Hunter,
Agent
• I’m actively building my list and searching for projects that surprise me with their uniqueness. I often find that it’s the story I least expect that pulls me in and doesn’t let go. It all comes down to the voice and a strong hook!
• I’m always looking for OwnVoices projects and projects featuring a diverse cast of characters across all genres.
In adult fiction, Im looking for:
• High concept women’s fiction such as ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE by Gail Honeyman and THE HUSBAND’S SECRET by Liane Moriarty. As well, as stories that are literary but with commercial appeal such as LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE by Celeste Ng and LILY AND THE OCTOPUS by Steven Rowley. I especially love projects that capture the complicated nature of family.
• Rom-coms set in wonderful urban settings such as THE HATING GAME by Sally Thorne and CRAZY RICH ASIANS by Kevin Kwan
• Mainstream titles with hints of magic like THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE by Audrey Niffenegger and THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern.
In YA fiction, Im looking for:
• Fantasy projects that allow me to be transported in a way that feels new and fresh. I’d especially love to find a contemporary fantasy with a wonderful atmospheric setting. I also wouldn’t say no to paranormal…but it would truly have to be something I haven’t seen before
• Magical realism
• Historical projects that are serious in nature like CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein, as well as those that are more playful like THE GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE by Mackenzi Lee. I especially love historical mysteries and projects set in the Victorian and Regency periods.
• Cotemporary YA stories that are fun and unique, and overall present the perfect escape—even if they address larger issues. THINK DUMPLIN’ by Julie Murphy, TO ALL THE BOYS I LOVED BEFORE by Jenny Han and WHEN WE COLLIDED by Emery Lord.
• Thrillers and mysteries—either contemporary or historical. My favorites include LITTLE MONSTERS by Kara Thomas and WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart.
In MG fiction, Im looking for:
• Contemporary projects in the vein of THE FIRST RULE OF PUNK by Celia Pérez, WHERE THE WATERMELONS GROW by Cindy Baldwin, and WISH by Barbara O’Connor (I’m a sucker for a pet!).
• Quirky mysteries that could be part of a larger series and stories involving shifting friend groups
• Light fantasy and magical realism such as THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON by Kelly Barnhill and A SNICKER OF MAGIC by Natalie Lloyd
Recent and upcoming titles include Kelly Powell's MAGIC DARK AND STRANGE, Liselle Sambury's BLOOD LIKE MAGIC, and Loriel Ryon's INTO THE TALL, TALL GRASS
Travis Pennington,
Media and Marketing Director, Associate Agent
currently closed to submissions
Fiction
- Young adult and Middle Grade, particulary high concept with a great voice
- mystery and psychological thrillers
- Christian fiction in any genre, from thrillers in the vein of Joel C. Rosenberg or Tim LaHaye, to contemporary titles such as The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton, to Historical Romance such as An Uncommon Woman by Laura Frantz
- Young Adult Christian Fiction such as There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones, The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson, or Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren
Nonfiction
- Inspirational Memoirs such as Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton, Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic, Grace, Gold, and Glory by Gabrielle Douglas, Shaken by Tim Tebow, and More Than My Scars by Kechi Okwuchi
- Apologetics Christian Theology
- General Christian non-fiction
Janna Bonikowski,
Associate Agent
I am currently looking for imaginative, high-concept stories across genres in young adult fiction. On the adult side, I am again looking for high-concept stories in women’s fiction, romance, cozy mysteries, psychological thrillers, and historical fiction.
I’m eager to find stories that can hook a reader with one sentence, especially if they are well-crafted, inclusive stories with tight pacing, authentic characters, and a fresh, distinctive voice. I love re-imaginings of classic stories with unique twists; joyful stories that leave me smiling; heart-wrenching, emotionally layered love stories; and stories that make me laugh out loud. I’m open to all things magical, and I would love to see some fresh paranormal ideas as well as new angles and twisty takes in psychological thrillers, anything gothic, anything in horror. If your story can be described using any of these words or phrases, it might be a good fit for me: Sassy. Bold. Memorable. Unique. Hilarious. Family focused. Friendship focused. Sparks conversation. Found family.
Right now, I’m not the right fit for intense, issue-driven books; books featuring gun violence or suicide; or kids-in-peril stories.
There are others at the Knight Agency who would be a better fit for nonfiction; memoir; middle grade; adult fantasy or science fiction; thrillers of the medical, legal, military type; or inspirational stories.
I do not represent poetry, screenplays, short story collections, or picture books.