This directory of literary agents was prepared for my own use, some folks found it useful so I posted it online and update once or twice a year. It is more or less alphabetical, and targets those agents who represent (or represented in their careers) such commercial genres as thrillers, mysteries, suspense, romance, etc. Most of those agents also represent mainstream, literary and other genres, for instance -- horror, fantasy, sci-fi, or non-fiction.
Some agents may temporarily suspend representation of certain genres, or stop accepting proposals altogether. Writers are advised to do further research before submitting material to any agents listed here, to make sure that they are legit, active in their field, and have a track sales record.
Keep in mind that agenting is a very competitive business (not as competitive as being a writer, naturally) where things change frequently -- people move places, some drop out of the game or their requirements change temporarily. Verify agency affiliations before submitting your manuscript.
The directory of publishers and editors concentrates on those who publish commercial fiction, such as the fiction genres mentioned above. As with literary agents, most of these publishers also take on other genres, mainstream novels, as well as non-fiction.
Writers should note that some discrepancies are inevitable. Book publishing industry is changing, and so are the people employed within it. Some editors switch houses, or positions within same house, other are laid off and join literary agencies only to resurface again in an editorial position. I do not list imprint afiliation for particular editors -- this list is a one person operation and it is impossible for me to keep up with the changes of this nature. Furthermore it is impossible to keep a completely updated list, even well known and established directories are obsolete by the time they hit the stands. Writers are encouraged to use these directories as a starting point, and to verify every entry before submitting material.
Special note to my Canadian friends: although you might hear from agents and editors that no commercial fiction will be represented or published in Canada, this should not stop you from pursuing your dream, as these statements are utterly untrue. Canadian publishers are accustomed to receiving government handouts, or taxpayers' money to publish books, and thus they like to brag about printing books of literary value that qualify them for grants, thus implying that commercial fiction does not. Often it is true that commercial fiction offers little more than shallow entertainment, but it does not mean that it is not published. What it means is that you must convince the publisher that by accepting your manuscript for publication they will indeed receive the grant. This is true with small, or independent presses, such as Anansi, as well as with multinational giants who run Canadian operations.
Contact me if you are listed here and need something updated.
