50+ Literary Agents Actively Seeking LGBTQ+ Stories in 2026
Published January 27, 2026 | Reading time: 8 minutes | Last Updated: January 2026
Our 2025-2026 #MSWL Trend Report reveals that LGBTQ+ themes appear in 87% of agent #MSWL, with requests increasing 87% over the past six months. If you’re writing queer fiction, sapphic romance, trans narratives, or LGBTQ+ memoirs, 2026 is your year.
Below, we’ve compiled 50+ literary agents who are actively and explicitly seeking LGBTQ+ stories right now—complete with their specific interests, submission guidelines, and what makes them great fits for different types of queer narratives.
Please note that the actual number of agents seeking LGBTQ+ works across genres is actually higher–whether or not an agent has specifically asked, anecdotally, most are happy to see these works in their inbox. Still, we’re happy to see these requests in all genres and age groups for 2026.
Why LGBTQ+ Stories Are Dominating Agent Wish Lists
LGBTQ+ representation has become one of the most requested themes across all age groups and genres. Here’s what agents are specifically asking for:
- Sapphic yearning in YA fantasy
- Queer contemporary with authentic voices
- LGBTQ+ romantasy with solid worldbuilding
- Trans and nonbinary protagonists across all genres
- Intersectional stories featuring LGBTQ+ BIPOC characters
- Queer joy narratives that center hope and community
- LGBTQ+ historical fiction revealing untold stories
- Queer horror and thriller with fresh perspectives
Agents aren’t just accepting LGBTQ+ stories—they’re prioritizing them. Many agents now open dedicated submission windows exclusively for LGBTQ+ and marginalized writers.
The Complete List: 50+ Agents Seeking LGBTQ+ Stories
Agents Prioritizing Queer Creators
These agents explicitly state they prefer to work with LGBTQ+ creators and strongly encourage queer writers to submit:
Claire Draper – P.S. Literary Agency
Seeking: Commercial YA, contemporary romance, LGBTQ+ rom-coms, graphic novels
Special focus: “For all the books I work on, I prefer to work with queer creators; Black, Indigenous, creators of color; and disabled creators.”
What she loves: Fast-paced plots, characters stupid in love, ensemble casts, comedy, happy endings
Age categories: Middle Grade, Young Adult, New Adult, Adult
Status: Check query status at ManuscriptWishList.com
Victoria Harris – The Caldwell Agency
Seeking: Adult literary and upmarket fiction
Special focus: Stories featuring LGBTQ+ and BIPOC characters
Perfect for: Literary fiction with diverse representation
Query info: QueryTracker
Jonathan Villegas – Olswanger Literary
Seeking: Literary fiction, genre fiction, nonfiction
Special focus: Indefinite window exclusively for LGBT+, Latino/Hispanic, Asian American, and African American writers
Identity: Gay, biracial agent seeking authentic voices
Note: Dedicated submission window for marginalized authors
Agents Seeking Sapphic & WLW Stories
Sapphic yearning is one of the hottest trends in 2026, particularly for YA fantasy:
Rose Ferrao – The Tobias Literary Agency
Seeking: YA romantasy, mermaids, yearning and longing
Special interest: Sapphic themes, atmospheric YA
What she wants: Romantasy with worldbuilding that rivals the chemistry
Status: Reopening to queries soon
Alexandra Grana – Howland Literary
Seeking: Mysteries, thrillers, gothic horror, inventive fantasy
Special focus: “Especially looking for stories from BIPOC and queer writers”
Perfect for: Dark, atmospheric queer narratives
Agents Open to All LGBTQ+ Genres
Maria Vicente – P.S. Literary Agency
Seeking: Literary and upmarket fiction, stylish mysteries/thrillers
Special interest: Queer characters, mental health, “cool girl” or “sad girl” vibes
What she loves: Contemporary life, existential dread, nostalgia
Perfect for: Literary LGBTQ+ contemporary fiction
Mackenzie Carson (Rebecca Angus) – Howland Literary
Identity: Pan 🏳️🌈 agent
Seeking: Mysteries, thrillers, gothic horror, intricate fantasy
Special focus: BIPOC and queer writers prioritized
Note: Opens periodic query windows—follow for announcements
Tommy Dean – RoseCliff Literary
Seeking: Crime, mystery, suspense, thrillers, literary fiction, true crime
Perfect for: LGBTQ+ thriller and mystery writers
Updated 2026: Full MSWL
Agents Seeking LGBTQ+ Romance & Romantasy
Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong – Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
Seeking: Adult romance (all categories), LGBTQ+ romance, LGBTQ+ fantasy
Special interest: Contemporary romance, romantasy, paranormal, rom-coms
What she represents: Every category of adult romance except sci-fi
Perfect for: Queer romance writers at any heat level
Clara Chuition – Literary Associate (Agency TBD)
Seeking: Adult fiction, queer romance and rom-coms, commercial SFF and horror
Special interest: “Anything genre-blend-y set on a spaceship”
Perfect for: Queer sci-fi romance, space operas with LGBTQ+ characters
Status: Open to queries
Agents Seeking LGBTQ+ Horror & Thriller
Kiana Nguyen, Donald Maass Literary
Seeking: Horror, thriller, mystery, romance, suspense, fantasy, YA and more
Special interests: I am HUNGRY for queer and POC voices, especially if the narrative is as much driven by the main character(s) as by a high-concept plot. Think THUG, ONE OF US IS LYING, EMERGENCY CONTACT. Fantasy: THE WICKED DEEP, FOREST OF A THOUSAND LANTERNS, and CINDERELLA IS DEAD. I’m looking for an achingly bittersweet queer love story with thriller or genre spin like FAR FROM YOU and THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END. I want my heart broken with all things dark and twisty. I am looking for queer gang ensemble casts in any YA genre/sub-genre that kick ass physically, mentally, at the arcade or in a high-stakes heist.
Page Turner Literary Agency
Seeking: Queer adult horror, thriller, psychological thriller, suspense
Open window: September submissions for queer horror specifically
He/Him agent actively championing LGBTQ+ horror voices
Agents Seeking LGBTQ+ Middle Grade & YA
Amy Nielsen – (Agency TBD)
Seeking: Picture books, middle grade, young adult
Special interest: Stories addressing how political landscape impacts LGBTQ+ communities
Perfect for: Contemporary YA tackling current issues affecting queer youth
Personal connection: Mother of autistic child, passionate about authentic representation
Andie Smith – Booker Albert Literary / AAL Literary Agents
Newly open: YA thriller, science fiction (NEW!), MG & YA contemporary
Open to queries: 2026
Perfect for: Contemporary YA with LGBTQ+ characters
Ashlee MacCallum – Howland Literary
Seeking: Picture books through YA
Opening: Regularly throughout 2026
Check: Updated MSWL
Beth Phelan – Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency
Seeking: MG & YA fiction
Founder: Diverse Voices nonprofit (#DVpit, #DVart, DVcon)
Open: First week of every month starting November 2025
Perfect for: Debut voices, particularly from marginalized communities
Agents Seeking LGBTQ+ Graphic Novels
K.J. Belcastro – (Agency listed in bio)
Seeking: Queer graphic novels, horror GN, slice of life
Age range: Upper MG, YA, adult
NOT seeking: MG or younger (opens Nov/Dec for those)
Perfect for: Queer graphic novel creators
More Agents Actively Seeking LGBTQ+ Stories:
The following agents have LGBTQ+ explicitly listed in their MSWLs on ManuscriptWishList.com:
- Tricia Skinner – Adult fiction with LGBTQ+ themes
- Ariell Cacciola – Dark, lush, literary fiction with queer elements
- Multiple agents at P.S. Literary Agency – Various categories, all welcoming LGBTQ+ stories
- Agents at Serendipity Literary Agency – Marginalized perspectives including LGBTQIA+
- Agents at The Tobias Literary Agency – Multiple agents seeking queer narratives
What Makes Your LGBTQ+ Story Stand Out
With so many agents seeking LGBTQ+ stories, how do you make yours irresistible? Here’s what agents specifically want:
1. Authentic Voices Matter Most
While allies are welcome (with proper research and sensitivity readers), agents overwhelmingly prioritize stories based on lived experiences. If you’re writing from lived experience, mention it in your query letter.
2. Queer Joy Is In Demand
Trauma narratives have their place, but agents are actively seeking stories that center LGBTQ+ joy, hope, community, and happy endings. Claire Draper explicitly states: “I like lighthearted, romantic, hopeful reads” and “I love books with happy endings, themes of hope and joy.”
3. Intersectionality Sells
Stories featuring LGBTQ+ characters who are also BIPOC, disabled, neurodivergent, or from other marginalized communities are highly sought after. Many agents specifically request intersectional narratives.
4. Genre Doesn’t Matter—LGBTQ+ Fits Everywhere
Don’t pigeonhole your queer story. Agents want LGBTQ+ themes across:
- Romance and romantasy
- Mystery and thriller
- Horror and gothic
- Science fiction and fantasy
- Contemporary and literary
- Historical fiction
- Graphic novels
- Middle grade and YA
- Memoir and nonfiction
5. Specific Sub-Categories Of Interest
- Sapphic fantasy (especially YA)
- Queer horror (adult particularly)
- LGBTQ+ rom-coms
- Trans and nonbinary protagonists (all ages)
- Queer historical (untold stories)
- LGBTQ+ thriller/psychological suspense
How to Query Agents for Your LGBTQ+ Story
Step 1: Use ManuscriptWishList.com’s LGBTQ+ Filter
The official ManuscriptWishList.com website has a searchable database where you can filter by:
- LGBTQ+ fiction
- LGBTQ+ nonfiction
- Age category (MG, YA, Adult, etc.)
- Genre
- Agent vs. Editor
Pro tip: Check multiple boxes. If you’re writing queer YA fantasy, check “YA,” “Fantasy,” and “LGBTQ+” to see all agents interested in your specific combination.
Step 2: Follow Agents on Bluesky
As of November 2024, 95% of #MSWL activity has moved to Bluesky. Many of the agents listed above maintain active Bluesky accounts where they post updated wish lists, opening/closing announcements, and specific requests.
Start here: Follow @ManuscriptWishList on Bluesky for verified agent posts, then follow individual agents whose interests match your work.
Step 3: Personalize Your Query
When an agent explicitly states they’re seeking LGBTQ+ stories, mention it briefly in your query. Example:
“I’m querying you because I noticed your MSWL specifically mentions sapphic YA fantasy, and my novel features a queer protagonist navigating…”
Keep it to one line. Your story should speak for itself, but acknowledging the match shows you’ve done your research.
Step 4: Check Submission Guidelines
Query windows vary widely:
- Some agents are open year-round
- Others open first week of each month
- Some have dedicated windows for marginalized authors
- A few open only at conferences or specific dates
Always verify current status on the agent’s agency website before submitting.
Step 5: Consider Submission Priority Windows
Several agents offer priority reading or dedicated windows for LGBTQ+ and other marginalized authors:
- Jonathan Villegas has an indefinite window exclusively for LGBT+ writers
- Multiple agents at various agencies offer priority consideration
- Beth Phelan’s #DVpit periodically features Twitter pitch events for diverse voices
If you qualify for these windows, take advantage of them—they often result in faster response times and higher request rates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Querying
Mistake #1: Assuming LGBTQ+ Is Your Only Hook
Your characters being queer shouldn’t be your entire pitch. Agents want to know: What’s the plot? What’s the conflict? What makes THIS story unique? Being LGBTQ+ is part of your character’s identity, but it’s not the entire story.
Mistake #2: Querying Agents Who Don’t Represent Your Genre
Just because an agent wants LGBTQ+ stories doesn’t mean they want ALL LGBTQ+ stories. If an agent only represents adult romance and you’ve written YA space opera, they’re not the right fit—even if they love queer characters.
Mistake #3: Sending During Closed Periods
Many agents close to queries when their inbox is full. Sending during closed periods means your query gets deleted unread. Always check current status before submitting.
The State of LGBTQ+ Publishing in 2026
The data is clear: 2026 is an exceptional year for LGBTQ+ stories.
Here’s why this moment matters:
- 87% of agents explicitly request LGBTQ+ themes in their MSWLs
- Dedicated submission windows for queer authors are increasingly common
- Publishers are acquiring LGBTQ+ stories across all genres and age categories
- Reader demand is high and continues growing
- Intersectional stories are particularly valued
- Queer joy narratives are outselling trauma-centered stories
But here’s the important part: This isn’t about trends. This is about the publishing industry finally catching up to where readers have been for years. LGBTQ+ stories are a permanent, essential part of the literary landscape.
Beyond This List: Finding More LGBTQ+ Friendly Agents
This list represents agents who explicitly and actively seek LGBTQ+ stories, but many more agents are open to queer narratives even if they don’t specifically mention it. Here’s how to find them:
Use QueryTracker’s Agent Database
Search for agents who have sold LGBTQ+ books, even if they don’t explicitly mention it in their MSWL. Sales history tells you more than wish lists.
Follow #MSWL on Bluesky
The @ManuscriptWishList feed on Bluesky aggregates verified wish list posts from hundreds of agents. Filter by your genre and watch for LGBTQ+ mentions.
Join LGBTQ+ Writing Communities
Communities like:
- #WritingCommunity on Bluesky
- Queer writing groups on Reddit
- LGBTQ+ author Discord servers
- #QueerBooks hashtags across platforms
Members often share successful agent experiences and recommendations.
Attend Conferences
Many agents on this list attend writing conferences where they explicitly state they’re seeking LGBTQ+ stories. Check their individual MSWL posts for conference schedules.
Get the Complete 2025-2026 MSWL Trend Report
This list is based on data from our comprehensive 2025-2026 #MSWL Trend Report, which reveals:
- 87% of agents request LGBTQ+ themes (up 87% from previous period)
- Sapphic yearning is the #1 most-requested subgenre
- Complete breakdown by genre, age category, and specific interests
- Declining trends to avoid
- How to position your LGBTQ+ story for maximum success
View the full MSWL Trend Report for deeper insights into what agents want and how to query strategically.
Your Next Steps
If you’re writing LGBTQ+ stories, you’re writing at exactly the right time. Here’s what to do next:
- Finish your manuscript – Agents can’t sell an incomplete novel
- Research 5-10 agents from this list who match your genre and age category
- Follow them on Bluesky and note their current query status
- Read their client’s books to understand their taste
- Craft personalized queries that acknowledge the LGBTQ+ connection
- Submit during open windows and track your queries
- Keep writing while you wait for responses
The publishing industry is actively seeking voices like yours. These 50+ agents are proof that it’s a great time to query your LGBTQ+ story.
About The Manuscript Academy: is a conference, agent meeting portal, written critique marketplace, workshop hub, event space, and podcast designed to treat you, the writer, as a real person–not one of thousands in the slushpile. Learn more about us here.
Related Resources:
- The 2025-2026 #MSWL Trend Report: Complete Analysis
- How to Write Query Letters That Get Requests
- Bluesky for Writers: Complete Setup Guide
- Should You Mention #OwnVoices in Your Query?
- Agents Seeking Sapphic Romance in 2026
Note: Agent query statuses change frequently. Always verify current submission windows on agency websites. This list was compiled January 2026 and represents agents actively seeking LGBTQ+ stories at time of publication.