Caitlin Blasdell is a New York–based agent at Liza Dawson Associates whose deal record signals a strong appetite for speculative fiction, fantasy, and science fiction alongside select commercial and upmarket fiction.
In brief
Caitlin Blasdell is at Liza Dawson Associates in New York and is currently open to queries as of April 2026 — confirm the live form before submitting.
Their deal record points toward speculative fiction as the core of their list, making fantasy and science fiction the highest-percentage bets when querying.
Blasdell works with a boutique agency with a reputation for author-focused career development, so long-term client relationships appear to be a priority.
Writers should verify current category preferences directly on the agency's submission page, as wishlist emphases can shift between public statements.
When pitching, lead with genre, stakes, and a sharp one-line hook — Blasdell represents complex, idea-driven fiction and will want to see that up front.
Lately
As of April 2026, Blasdell's query portal shows an open status, indicating they are actively considering new submissions.
What Caitlin is looking for
Blasdell has a strong track record in fantasy across a range of sub-genres. They are drawn to world-building that feels fully realized, characters with genuine interiority, and stories that use fantastical elements to illuminate something true about the human experience. Both adult and potentially crossover works are of interest.
Science fiction — particularly idea-driven, character-centered SF — is a consistent thread in Blasdell's work. Stories that balance conceptual ambition with emotional grounding are well-suited to their taste.
Blasdell is open to commercial and upmarket fiction that has a distinctive voice or a compelling hook beyond pure plot. Works with genre elements woven in (e.g., light speculative threads) may have an edge given the broader shape of their list.
Not the right fit
On Caitlin's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Caitlin
Open the query with your genre, word count, and a one-sentence hook — Blasdell represents idea-driven speculative fiction, so clarity about what kind of story this is matters immediately.
Demonstrate that your world-building or speculative premise is original, not a retread of familiar tropes; Blasdell's list suggests a preference for work that brings something new to established genres.
Follow the agency's submission guidelines precisely — Liza Dawson Associates publishes specific requirements (sample pages, synopsis length) that vary by agent; submitting the wrong materials is an easy rejection.
If your book blends genres (e.g., science fiction with upmarket literary sensibility), make that clear rather than forcing it into one box — Blasdell appears comfortable with hybrid projects.
Verify the live form status immediately before submitting, as query windows can open and close without wide announcement.
Personalize briefly: a line explaining why you are querying Blasdell specifically — tied to their list or stated interests — signals professionalism and genuine research.