Jennifer Unter is a versatile literary agent at The Unter Agency who champions both adult and children's books across fiction and nonfiction, with a particular appetite for compelling narrative nonfiction, literary and commercial fiction, and picture books by author-illustrators.
In brief
Jennifer Unter represents a notably broad range of categories — adult fiction and nonfiction alongside children's publishing — making them a strong single-submission target for writers who work across age groups.
Their nonfiction practice leans heavily toward narrative and prescriptive works with strong platforms, suggesting Unter values authoritative voice as much as story.
Unter's children's list spans picture books through young adult, but they do not seek picture book manuscripts from writers who are not also the illustrator — a crucial gate that many queriers miss.
The Unter Agency is a boutique operation, which typically means a closer, more hands-on editorial relationship than larger agencies — a meaningful differentiator for debut writers.
Query status was observed as open as of April 2026; confirm via the live submission form before sending, as boutique agency windows can shift quickly.
Lately
Unter's submission status was confirmed open in April 2026, indicating active acquisition across represented categories.
What Jennifer is looking for
Unter is drawn to literary fiction with a strong, distinctive voice and emotional depth. Character-driven stories that illuminate something true about the human experience are a consistent priority.
Commercially driven narratives with broad reader appeal are welcome, particularly those with a fresh hook or an underrepresented perspective. Strong pacing and a compelling premise are essential.
Unter actively seeks narrative nonfiction that reads with the momentum of a novel — deeply reported, character-rich stories on topics of cultural or historical significance. A clear authorial platform strengthens the pitch considerably.
Practical nonfiction with a defined audience and a credible author platform is welcome. Unter looks for books that offer genuine, actionable insight rather than retreading familiar territory.
Middle grade stories with heart, humor, or both — particularly those featuring protagonists navigating big emotional or social challenges in authentic ways. Unique settings or underrepresented voices are a plus.
Young adult fiction across a range of tones and genres, with an emphasis on authentic teen voice and emotional stakes that resonate beyond the page.
Unter considers picture book projects, but ONLY from author-illustrators who are submitting both text and art. Writers submitting text alone without illustration samples should not query Unter for picture books — this is a firm gate, not a soft preference.
Nonfiction for young readers that combines solid research with an engaging, age-appropriate voice. Subjects with educational appeal and narrative energy tend to stand out.
Not the right fit
On Jennifer's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Jennifer
Address your query specifically to Jennifer Unter by name; boutique agency queries that feel personal and targeted consistently outperform generic submissions.
Because Unter works across both adult and children's publishing, make the target audience and category crystal clear in the very first sentence of your query letter — don't make them guess.
If you are querying a picture book, include illustration samples or a portfolio link. Queries without art from author-illustrators will likely be passed over, and text-only picture book queries are outside their scope entirely.
For nonfiction, lead with your platform credentials early in the query. Unter's interest in prescriptive and narrative nonfiction signals that author authority matters — establish yours before diving into the book concept.
Keep your query letter to a single page. Open with a one- or two-sentence hook that captures the book's core premise and emotional stakes, then move to a brief synopsis and your bio.
Do not query multiple projects simultaneously in one submission. If you write in more than one category, pick your strongest manuscript and query that one first.
Confirm the current submission guidelines on The Unter Agency's website immediately before querying — small agencies update their preferences and windows more frequently than large ones, and a stale query format can sink an otherwise strong pitch.