Shannon Hassan is a Boulder-based agent at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency who specializes in upmarket adult fiction, middle grade, and YA — with a particular appetite for historical narratives, book-club-ready women's fiction, and stories that center underrepresented voices.
In brief
Hassan's deal record reveals a clear commercial sweet spot: historical fiction and women's fiction for adults, and character-driven middle grade series with humor and heart — categories she sells heavily and repeatedly.
Her middle grade roster punches well above its weight: two series (Bowling, Currie) reach bestseller status, and the Currie series hit the New York Times list — signaling she has real publisher relationships that move middle grade at scale.
She is a repeat-client agent: Dusti Bowling's 'series,' Lindsay Currie's 'series,' and Debra Bokur's 'series' all appear in her confirmed sales, meaning she cultivates long-term author careers, not one-book deals.
Despite listing 'lightly speculative' and 'magical realism' as interests, her confirmed sales skew toward grounded realism and historical fiction — writers pitching speculative elements should anchor them firmly in the real world.
She holds a JD from Harvard and a BA from George Washington University, which may explain her affinity for rigorously researched historical narratives and the precision she likely expects in a query.
Lately
Hello and happy #MSWL day! My wishlist is here: manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/sh... @manuscriptwishlist.bsky.social
Hassan shared a reminder pointing to her active wishlist, signaling that she is currently accepting queries and actively looking for new projects.
What Shannon is looking for
Contemporary stories that balance genuine humor with emotional resonance, adventure narratives with heart, historical MG that illuminates overlooked episodes or figures, and thrillers/mysteries. Magical realism and light speculative elements are welcome provided the story remains grounded in a real-world setting. Quirky, distinctive narrative voices are a strong draw. Her bestselling track record in this category — including a NYT-bestselling series — confirms this is a primary strength.
Contemporary YA with humor and emotional depth, historical YA that thrills or brings underrepresented stories to light, thrillers and mysteries, and grounded speculative or magical-realism-inflected stories. Strong, quirky points of view stand out. Confirmed sales include award-winning literary YA and a TV-optioned speculative YA.
Commercially appealing literary fiction that works for book clubs — stories that sit at the intersection of a strong narrative hook and real thematic depth. Women's fiction with historical grounding is especially welcome. Debut authors are on the table, as evidenced by confirmed sales.
Historical novels — particularly those centering strong women, untold or underrepresented stories, or events that carry genuine narrative drive. Epic historical fiction (e.g., ancient-world settings) also has a home here. This is the single most represented category in her confirmed adult deals.
Literary and upmarket suspense for adults, including mystery series set in evocative locations. Espionage and military thrillers are explicitly excluded. Domestic suspense or suspense woven into a broader women's or literary narrative appears most aligned with her taste.
Adult fiction rooted in Western American settings, mythology, or sensibility — including contemporary neo-Westerns. This is a stated wishlist priority, though confirmed sales in this specific sub-category are limited in the public record, suggesting it is genuinely sought rather than well-stocked.
Adult literary or upmarket fiction with a speculative thread — think a subtle fantastical premise anchoring an otherwise grounded, character-driven story. Full fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal are not wanted. The speculative element should serve the human story, not define the genre.
Not the right fit
On Shannon's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Shannon
Submit through the online form linked from the Marsal Lyon submissions page — Hassan does not accept email queries outside that system.
Lead with your hook and category in the first sentence; her wishlist emphasis on 'fresh voice and big hook' suggests she makes quick initial decisions.
Historical fiction queries should name the time period and central figure or event early — and, if the story centers a woman or underrepresented perspective, say so explicitly, as this is a stated priority.
Middle grade and YA writers: distinguish clearly whether the speculative element is light/grounded or genre-defining — she wants the former and will pass on the latter.
For adult suspense, clarify upfront that the story is not espionage or military in nature, since she is explicitly not seeking those.
She represents series in both MG and adult — if your project has series potential, it is worth flagging briefly (not promisingly vague, but concretely: 'this is the first in a planned trilogy').
Given her legal background and affinity for rigorously researched historical fiction, a polished, precise query letter signals that you take craft and accuracy seriously — this matters to her.
Confirm the form is still accepting new submissions before querying; status was last verified in April 2026.