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  3. Molly O'Neill
MO

Molly O'Neill

Root Literary

United States

Open to Queriesquery_managerAAR Member
Submission GuidelinesWebsite
Manuscript Wish List (MSWL)

Looking For

Groundbreaking picture books, MG novels, or YA novels with memorable settings, vibrant characters, confident storytelling, fascinating structures, resonant themes, universal messages about being human, and a delightful sense of humor that transcend simple trends and become part of the canon.

Not Looking For

Prescriptive nonfiction (self-help, diet); adult thrillers, crime, SF/F; picture book texts; poetry chapbooks; screenplays; erotica.

Themes & Elements

character-driven storiesstrong voice

Tone & Style

lyricalvoicey

Comp Titles

WHEN DIMPLE MET RISHIMERCIFUL CROWHER ROYAL HIGHNESS
Read MSWL profile →

About

Molly O'Neill is a literary agent at Root Literary with 20 years of experience in the publishing industry. She previously worked as an agent at Waxman Leavell Literary Agency, as an editor at HarperCollins Children's Books where she acquired Veronica Roth's Divergent series, as Head of Editorial at Storybird, and in marketing roles at HarperCollins and Clarion Books. She is passionate about discovering and developing talented authors and illustrators while building connections among creators, readers, and stories.

Submission Guidelines
Format: query_manager
Submission Page: https://querymanager.com/query/mollyoneillbooks
Guidelines:

Submissions should be emailed to https://querymanager.com/query/mollyoneillbooks Please follow the submission guidelines on my website. NOT REPRESENTING: - Prescriptive nonfiction (self-help or diet books) - Adult thrillers, adult crime fiction, or adult SF/F - Picture book texts (though I work with illustrators who also write) - Poetry chapbooks (though I represent novels-in-verse for young/teen readers) - Screenplays - Erotica

Notable Clients
  • Veronica Roth
  • Rii Abrego
  • Temre Beltz
  • Temmer Beltz
  • Chan Chau
  • Ellen T. Crenshaw
Notable Sales
  • Divergent
  • Veronica Roth's Divergent series (acquired as editor at HarperCollins)
  • Divergent series (acquired as editor)
  • INK, IRON, AND GLASS
  • WHEN DIMPLE MET RISHI
  • MERCIFUL CROW
  • HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

Social

Twitter / X@@molly_oneill

Sources

MSWL ProfilePersonal Website

Last verified: March 14, 2026

Audience

AdultMiddle GradeYoung Adult

Genres

Literary Fiction
Commercial Fiction
Fantasy
Science Fiction
Historical Fiction
Graphic Novels / Comics

Focus Areas

genre bendingstrong voice

Style

Character-Driven

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