An agent who lives in the space where genre bleeds into the literary — Smith chases category-blurring adult fiction, high-concept rom-coms, wide-ranging nonfiction, and the standout kid-lit project, with a clear pull toward neurodivergent and adoptee voices.
In brief
Genre-blending upmarket and literary fiction is the heart of what Smith looks for — books that smuggle a thread of genre into literary storytelling.
They are hungry for high-concept, out-of-the-box rom-coms, and have clients already working in that lane.
Smith prioritizes own-voices work: stories celebrating neurodiversity by neurodivergent authors, and joyful adoptee narratives by adoptees.
Science fiction and fantasy only land with them when they're accessible to readers who don't usually reach for the genre — no epic fantasy, military SF, or doorstoppers.
Kid-lit (YA and MG) is a narrow door: the client list is fairly full, so only a genuine standout will break through.
Lately
Reported open to queries as of mid-April 2026, by email in standard query-letter format with no attachments.
What Eric is looking for
Smith's stated sweet spot: fiction that pulls a bit of genre into the literary register. They want category-crossing, upmarket storytelling and explicitly invite more of it.
A genre Smith reads widely and actively wants more of — unique, high-concept romantic comedies that step outside the expected. Several of their clients are already writing in this space.
Fiction and nonfiction celebrating neurodiversity from neurodivergent authors, and joyful novels and memoirs about the adoptee experience written by adoptees.
Smith loves and reads a lot of SFF but is picky: the work must be accessible enough that a reader who doesn't normally pick up the genre can still enjoy it. Not the right fit for epic fantasy, military SF, or doorstoppers.
Wide-ranging nonfiction tastes. They're after memoir (best when it reads like a linked essay collection), essay collections, pop history, and wellness — the wellness titles from platformed writers who are genuine experts in their topic.
Smith reads broadly across YA and enjoys nearly every genre within it — moving contemporary, thrilling SF, lush fantasy, and diverse, inclusive stories. But the kid-lit client list is fairly full, so only a true standout will grab them. They'd also welcome more MG and YA nonfiction, including memoir and essay collections.
Not the right fit
Taste fingerprint
How to query Eric
Send a standard query letter — pitch only, no attachments.
Don't overthink the format; a clean, conventional query letter is all they ask for.
Lead with the genre-blend or high concept, since that's Smith's stated bullseye.
If you write SFF, make the case for accessibility up front — and skip it entirely if it's epic, military, or doorstopper-length.
For wellness nonfiction, foreground your platform and subject-matter expertise.
Expect a reply to every query in roughly four to six weeks; nudges after that window are welcome.