Mark O'Brien is an associate agent at Azantian Literary Agency who specializes in queer, neurodivergent, and BIPOC voices across YA contemporary and genre fiction, graphic novels for all ages, queer adult romance, and accessible nonfiction.
In brief
O'Brien joined Azantian in 2024 as an associate agent, bringing nine years of publishing experience across editorial, sales, and sensitivity work — he is actively building his list from the ground up, which means debut and emerging writers have a genuine shot.
His professional background as a sensitivity reader and volunteer with #DVpit and Quillers SWANA is not just biography: it signals that marginalized-perspective stories will get a sophisticated, informed read, not a surface-level nod.
Before agenting, he worked directly with authors like Becky Albertalli, Kelly Loy Gilbert, Ryan La Sala, and Victoria Aveyard — his taste is clearly rooted in character-driven, emotionally resonant YA, and his wishlist reflects that lineage.
He has openly shared that manuscripts opening with a character running are a notably common pattern — a small but concrete signal that he reads closely and values distinctive, intentional opening imagery.
His current agency page confirms OPEN status as of April 2026; all submissions go through an online form — email queries are not accepted.
Lately
I’m being impersonated by a scammer. Like any reputable agent, I will never refer querying writers to a freelance editor. Nor will I contact writers directly from a Gmail account. My agency has some tips for identifying these sorts of scams: www.azantianlitagency.com/scams
What is going on with querying writers telling me upfront, in the first line of their query, to forward their work to a specific coworker of mine? I am a literary agent myself, and this practice comes across as so rude to me, as if I’m not worth my salt as an agent. Blah.
He noted publicly that a surprisingly common pattern in manuscript openings is a character in the act of running — and while he is not prescribing changes sight-unseen, he thinks writers should be aware of how their opening image lands.
What Mark is looking for
This is O'Brien's declared first love and the clearest lens into his taste. He wants contemporary realistic YA and 'realistic with a twist' — stories where the world is mostly our own but something slightly strange or heightened is at work. Emotionally raw, character-anchored storytelling in the vein of Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King and The Art of Starving by Sam J. Miller. Queer narratives, neurodivergent protagonists, and BIPOC perspectives are especially welcome. Lyrical prose and a distinct narrative voice are non-negotiable.
He describes himself as actively building this part of his list, which means he is open but selective. He gravitates toward YA SFF with strong character work and emotional weight — not high-concept spectacle alone. His touchstones suggest he responds well to atmospheric fantasy, morally complex heist-style ensembles, and speculative premises rooted in personal or cultural identity.
O'Brien is open to graphic novels across every age range — from middle grade through adult. His touchstones share a warm, community-centered sensibility: humor, heart, whimsy, and a cast of characters you want to spend time with. Stories centering queer identity or neurodivergent experience would align well with his broader focus.
He is actively seeking queer romance across its many subgenres — his admiration for authors spanning historical romance, contemporary rom-com, and emotionally complex love stories suggests he has wide range within the category. The through-line is authentic queer emotional experience, not simply queer-coded aesthetics. Both lighter and more emotionally weighty ends of the romance spectrum appear to interest him.
He wants nonfiction that is accessible in voice and queer or neurodivergent in subject matter or perspective. His touchstones skew toward personal essay, memoir, and cultural commentary rather than academic or prescriptive nonfiction. A conversational, witty register — matched with genuine insight — seems to be the target. Readers who enjoy his wishlist references will recognize a preference for books that feel like a brilliant, candid conversation.
Not the right fit
On Mark's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Mark
Do not query by email — Azantian's policy is that unsolicited email submissions will not be considered; the online form is the only accepted route.
Submit to only one Azantian agent at a time; if O'Brien passes, you may then submit to up to two other agents at the agency.
Lead your query letter with what makes your protagonist's voice and emotional arc distinct — his wishlist consistently prizes lyrical, character-anchored prose over plot mechanics.
If your manuscript opens with a character running, reconsider: he has publicly flagged this as an extremely common opening image, which implies it may work against a first impression.
Foregrounding queer, neurodivergent, BIPOC, or disabled identity in your query bio or character description is a genuine plus here — he has stated explicitly that he is especially excited to work with creators from these communities.
Clearly identify your age category and genre combination in the query; he has meaningfully different enthusiasm levels across categories (YA contemporary is a top priority; YA SFF is a list-building priority; graphic novels are open across all ages).
He welcomes debut creators — no credits are required, but a bio is expected. List any relevant community involvement, lived experience, or prior editorial work.
AI-generated content in the manuscript will result in an automatic pass; Azantian accepts only human-created work.