Thank you for thinking of me on your search for a literary agent. I aim to review all queries within a week and all requested materials within four. I don't take lightly that you've entrusted me with your work and my goal is always to reply swiftly out of respect for your time. My wishlist is below and I'd love to consider your work.

Please note: I am not open to children's books at this time, including picture books, middle grade, and/or young adult fiction. I am happy to consider illustrator portfolios, however.

WISHLIST

James is looking for fantasy and speculative fiction in all its forms—from sweeping epic fantasies in intricate second worlds to grounded stories where magic reshapes ordinary lives. He is drawn to plot-driven books, strong characters, and commercial hooks. James is looking for stories that readers can obsess over and build fandoms around.

James is most drawn to epic and political fantasy. Think books with immersive worldbuilding, complex characters, political intrigue, dangerous magic, and high stakes. He loves flipping back to a map to understand where a character’s going, or referencing a family tree to understand the implications of a certain dynamic. He loves books that have a unique pantheon of gods, or that retell myths, legends, and folklore from cultures around the world. He likes political scheming or morally complicated characters. Some of his favorites include: The Fifth Season, City of Brass, This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me, Game of Thrones, The Empire Burns at Dawn, and The Poet Empress. (James is especially on the hunt for a dragon book in this space.)

James also enjoys cozy fantasy, but especially books with stakes or something unexpected beneath the surface. A strong sense of humor is always a plus. He’s open to contemporary fantasy that brings magic or mythology to recognizable modern settings like AM Kvita’s An Unlikely Coven. Distinctive magical systems and protagonists with something to lose (or everything to gain) are key. James loves historical fantasy and would love to find more books that use a real historical period/event as the foundation for a story that feels fresh, immersive, and transformative. Think The Familiar, Babel, or even something more epic. He’s interested in seeing more genre blends, whether it’s a mystery in a second world like The Tainted Cup or The Raven Scholar, or a blend of science fiction and fantasy like Jade City. He loves books that play with form, structure, perspective, or genre expectations.

While science fiction makes up a smaller portion of his list, he is especially keen to find an epic and political space opera along the lines of Red Rising and The Expanse.

Above all, James is looking for a strong voice, unforgettable characters, emotional depth, and a premise that makes him eager to know what happens next. He’s happy to be surprised, so if your manuscript doesn’t fit neatly into one of these sub-categories, send it anyway.