High-concept, speculative fiction with a mix of humor and tragedy, experimental mysteries, fantasies, and psychological suspense; YA and middle grade works that tackle heavy themes with an optimistic or eccentric touch; picture books from adventurous author/illustrators; memoirs with unique voices; non-fiction tackling difficult issues; detective stories that bend reality; ghost stories that challenge the boundaries of reality.
Stephen Barr is a literary agent at Writers House who represents adult fiction, YA, middle grade, picture books, and narrative non-fiction. He seeks literary works that combine artistry with emotional depth, from experimental mysteries to heartfelt contemporary stories.
Submissions should be emailed to [email protected] You can send me a query letter by e-mail, and just make sure to include the first five or ten pages of your manuscript, then fire away! I promise to fire back, hopefully within two weeks' time.
Last verified: March 26, 2026
The Purcell Agency
Focused Artists
Howard Morhaim Literary Agency
Response time: ~10 weeks
Triada US