Alex Adsett is a Brisbane-based independent literary agent and publishing educator who champions Australian authors across commercial fiction, literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, and children's/YA titles.
In brief
Alex Adsett operates as an independent agency out of Brisbane, making them one of a small number of standalone boutique agents in Australia — a meaningful distinction for authors who want direct, hands-on representation without a large agency layer.
Beyond agenting, Alex Adsett runs structured publishing education programs (including the 'Toolkit Towards Publication' course), signalling deep industry knowledge and a commitment to author development that extends past the deal stage.
The agency's Australian base means Alex Adsett likely has particularly strong relationships with local publishers and imprints, while also negotiating international rights — a dual strength worth weighing if your work has both domestic and global appeal.
Query status was observed as open in April 2026; always verify the live submission form before querying, as status can change without notice.
The combination of boutique independence and active public education work suggests Alex Adsett takes a mentorship-oriented approach to client relationships — writers who want an engaged, collaborative agent may find this a strong fit.
Lately
Alex Adsett announced that their 2025 'Toolkit Towards Publication' course opened for general registration, running across six consecutive Wednesday evenings beginning in mid-June. The course promises behind-the-scenes publishing industry knowledge aimed at writers working toward traditional publication.
What Alex is looking for
Alex Adsett represents a range of adult fiction spanning commercial and literary modes. Writers with strong voices, Australian or international settings, and stories with genuine emotional or cultural resonance are encouraged to query. Work that bridges the commercial-literary divide — accessible prose with meaningful depth — appears to sit in a sweet spot.
Non-fiction with a strong narrative drive and a clear authorial perspective is of interest. Think well-researched stories told with the propulsion of a novel — investigative, memoir-adjacent, or topic-driven works that go beyond the dry informational register.
Alex Adsett works across the children's and YA spectrum. Given the Australian base, there may be particular openness to stories reflecting Southern Hemisphere voices and settings, though this is not a stated requirement. Authors with strong, authentic child or teen perspectives are encouraged to query.
Not the right fit
On Alex's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Alex
Alex Adsett is an independent Australian agent — your query letter should acknowledge the local market and speak clearly to where your book sits in the Australian publishing landscape, even if you also have international ambitions.
Because Alex Adsett also teaches publishing industry courses, they will expect professionalism in your query: demonstrate that you understand how traditional publishing works, not just what your book is about.
Clearly state your genre and word count upfront — boutique independent agents handle their own slush and appreciate queries that are easy to assess quickly.
If your manuscript has strong Australian voice, setting, or themes, lead with that — it is a genuine differentiator for this agency's submission pool.
Check the live submission guidelines on the agency website immediately before querying; independent agents adjust their preferences and open/closed status more fluidly than large agencies.
Do not query a work-in-progress unless the guidelines explicitly permit it — Alex Adsett's educational background suggests a preference for polished, submission-ready manuscripts.