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  3. Jill Marsal
JM

Jill Marsal

Marsal Lyon Literary Agency

United States

Open to Queriesquery_manager
Submission GuidelinesWebsite
Manuscript Wish List (MSWL)

Looking For

Novels with a dramatic storyline, compelling characters, interesting relationships, and an original hook, particularly in women's fiction, commercial fiction, mysteries, psychological suspense, and thrillers.

Themes & Elements

family storiesinteresting relationshipsmulti-generationsSouthern settingsstrong voicememorable charactersfresh storylinesprovocative argumentsinteresting researchuseful advice

Tone & Style

page-turningengagingthought-provokinginspiring
Read MSWL profile →

About

Jill Marsal is a founding partner of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency with 20 years in the publishing industry. She previously worked as a Literary Agent with Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency for eight years and held editorial positions at Dorchester Publications and Tudor Publishing. She has a strong legal background with a J.D. from Harvard Law School and practiced as an attorney with Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati for five years.

Submission Guidelines
Format: query_manager
Submission Page: https://QueryManager.com/QueryJill
Guidelines:

Queries via QueryManager form on agency website. Currently closed to unsolicited queries.

Notable Clients
  • Angela Pisel
  • Matthew Dixon
  • Brent Adamson
  • Lynn Cahoon
  • Marina Adair
  • Melinda Leigh
  • Jo Boaler
  • Phyllis Fagell
  • John S. Allen
Notable Sales
  • WITH LOVE FROM THE INSIDE
  • THE CHALLENGER SALE
  • FIELD GUIDE TO HOMICIDES
  • A TASTE OF SUGAR
  • CROSS HER HEART
  • LIMITLESS MIND
  • MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTERS
  • FEELING AT HOME: THE BRAIN AND WHERE WE LIVE
  • WITH LOVE FROM THE INSIDE by Angela Pisel (Putnam)
  • THE CHALLENGER SALE by Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson (Portfolio)
  • FIELD GUIDE TO HOMICIDES by Lynn Cahoon (Kensington)
  • SEE HER DIE by Melinda Leigh (Montlake)
  • LIMITLESS MIND by Jo Boaler (Harper One)
  • MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTERS by Phyllis Fagell (Da Capo)
  • ONE POISON PIE by Lynn Cahoon (Kensington)
  • FEELING AT HOME: THE BRAIN AND WHERE WE LIVE by John S.

Social

Twitter / X@@jillmarsal

Sources

MSWL ProfilePersonal Website

Last verified: March 26, 2026

Audience

Adult

Genres

Women's Fiction
Book Club Fiction
Romance
Contemporary RomanceHistorical Romance
Mystery
Cozy Mystery
Thriller
Psychological Thriller
Literary Fiction
Upmarket Fiction
Commercial Fiction
Family SagaSouthern Fiction
Historical Fiction
Memoir / Autobiography
Narrative Nonfiction
Business / Finance
Health / Wellness
Science / Nature
Psychology
Prescriptive Nonfiction / Self-Help
Parenting

Focus Areas

Multicultural

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