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JM

Jim McCarthy

Dystel, Goderich & Bourret

United States

Open to Queries~8 week responsequery_managerAAR Member
Submission GuidelinesWebsite
Manuscript Wish List (MSWL)

Looking For

Fresh voices, particularly in underrepresented communities, new takes on old tropes, humorous novels, dark stories, sagas of family or friendship, queer stories, super twisty thrillers, and historical fiction about lesser-explored times and places.

Themes & Elements

unusual or unexpected
Read MSWL profile →

About

Jim McCarthy is a literary agent at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret with a passion for fresh voices and diverse storytelling. He represents a wide range of fiction including YA, fantasy, middle grade, and adult fiction, with particular enthusiasm for humorous novels, dark stories, family sagas, queer narratives, and historical fiction. He is known for his appreciation of literary quality and his theater geek sensibilities.

Submission Guidelines
Format: query_manager
Submission Page: https://querymanager.com/query/JimMcCarthy
Response Time: ~8 weeks
Guidelines:

Submissions should be emailed to [email protected] Please query me at https://querymanager.com/query/JimMcCarthy

Notable Clients
  • Ian Ferguson
  • Joy McCullough
  • Margaret C. Sullivan
  • Robin Talley
  • Diana Urban
  • Christine Virnig
  • Talia Tucker
  • Tehlor Kay Mejia
  • Shawntelle Madison
  • Victoria Laurie
  • Sabrina Blackburry
Notable Sales
  • HOW TO TRAIN YOUR EVIL ROBOT by Joy McCullough to Sourcebooks (World)
  • GHOSTED by Talia Tucker to Feiwel & Friends (World English)
  • UNDER THE GOOD NIGHT MOTEL by Tehlor Kay Mejia to Delacorte (World)
  • THE MIDNIGHT BUS by Shawntelle Madison to Storehouse Voices (World English)
  • Victoria Laurie's next two mystery novels to Kensington (World)

Social

Facebook

Sources

MSWL ProfilePersonal Website

Last verified: March 31, 2026

Audience

AdultMiddle GradeYoung Adult

Genres

Literary Fiction
Commercial Fiction
Mystery
Romance
Paranormal Romance
Fantasy
Memoir / Autobiography
Narrative Nonfiction

Focus Areas

underrepresented voicesMulticulturalLGBTQ

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