AAR Literary Agents in California Seeking Fiction Writers

Nov 21, 2011
Margi Desmond

Agents in California are seeking quality fiction from writers. - Photo by completelynovel.com

Reputable literary agencies in California are seeking manuscripts from fiction writers in a variety of genres including mystery, romance and young adult.

Although many literary agencies are located in New York, there are several reputable agencies located in California that are active members of the Association of Author’s Representatives (AAR). The AAR is a not-for-profit agency that governs members’ conduct to ensure they fulfill client obligations. Prior to submitting queries, authors should thoroughly investigate the agency, confirm that the agency is accepting the genre the manuscript falls under and make sure to submit requested material according to specific instructions outlined by each agent.

Books & Such Literary Agency – 52 Mission Circle Suite 122 PMB 170, Santa Rosa, CA 95409

Established in 1996, Books & Such works with over 50 publishing companies including Doubleday, Harcort and Random House. The agency is a member of AAR and has 150 clients. Agents are currently accepting queries for both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts written with adult to middle-grade age ranges. They ask that queries be limited to one page; include the genre and subject of the manuscript, target audience, a marketing plan and author’s writing experience. If an agent is interested she will request a synopsis, the first three chapters and the author bio.

Bradford Literary Agency – 5694 Mission Center Rd. #347, San Diego, CA 92108

This agency is currently looking for romance, urban fantasy, women’s fiction, mystery, thrillers, children’s and young adult manuscripts. A member of AAR, the agency has 35 clients. Query letters should include genre and word count. The first chapter and synopsis are to be sent with the query letter. They respond to queries in two to four weeks.

Cornerstone Literary – 4525 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 208, Los Angeles, CA 90010

A member of AAR with 40 clients, Cornerstone accepts one-page query letters describing the manuscript and outlining the author’s qualifications. The first chapter of the novel may also be submitted. Agents are interested in literary and commercial fiction. Response time ranges six to eight weeks.

Dijkstra Literary Agency – 1155 Camino del Mar PMB 515, Del Mar, CA 92014

Sandra Dijkstra only accepts referrals; however, other agents Jill Marr, Elise Capron, Thao Lee and Jennifer Azantian will accept unsolicited manuscripts. They request a query letter, one-page synopsis with a brief bio including the author’s publishing history and the first 15 pages of the manuscript. The agency is a member of AAR and currently has more than 100 clients.

Grayson Literary Agency – 1342 W. 18th Street, San Pedro, CA 90732

A member of AAR with 100 clients, the agency responds to queries in one month and manuscripts in two to three months. The agency is looking for fantasy, juvenile, mystery, romance, suspense, women’s, young adult and science fiction novels.

Manus & Associates Literary Agency – 425 Sherman Ave. Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA 94306

This agency is a member of AAR, has 75 clients and receives 1,000 queries each month. Agents are actively seeking literary, mainstream, multicultural, mystery, suspense, thriller and women’s fiction. One-page query letters should be submitted with the first 30 pages of the manuscript.

Rhodes Literary Agency – 8840 Villa La Jolla Dr. Suite 315, La Jolla, CA 92037

This agency boasts 75 clients and is a member of AAR. Agents represent ethnic, family saga, historical, literary, mainstream, mystery, suspense, thriller, women’s and young adult novels. Queries may include the first 50 pages of the manuscript. Include the author’s bio with credentials in the query letter.

Rinaldi Literary Agency – PO Box 7877, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

A member of AAR with 50 clients, this agency seeks commercial and literary fiction, suspense, literary historical thrillers, gothic suspense and women’s book club fiction. Queries should include the first three chapters and a synopsis. The agency responds in six weeks to queries.

Veritas Literary Agency – 601 Van Ness Ave. Opera Plaza Suite E, San Francisco, CA 94102

This agency is currently seeking commercial, fantasy, literary, mystery, science fiction and young adult fiction. Queries should include a listing of previously published work, a one-page summary and the first two chapters of the manuscript.