Tricia Okuniewska is a Putnam editor-side agent with a tightly curated fiction-only list built around emotionally resonant commercial fiction, escapist romance and rom-com, immersive historical fiction, and a niche but genuine appetite for gothic horror — all tied together by a demand for exceptional voice.
In brief
Fiction-only, no exceptions: Okuniewska is explicit that their list is all fiction right now, spanning commercial contemporary, historical, rom-com, women's fiction, and gothic/crossover horror.
Voice is the throughline: nearly every genre note circles back to 'strong voice' — snarky, millennial, atmospheric, or literary-gothic. A flat, competent prose sample will not land here.
Agented submissions only: the wishlist profile states clearly that Okuniewska is accepting only submissions from literary agents, meaning unagented writers cannot query directly.
Historical fiction is a genuine strength, not a checkbox: the breadth of named touchstones across WWII, Cold War, Gilded Age, and Civil War eras — plus repeated enthusiasm for untold or underrepresented perspectives — signals deep investment in the category.
The horror interest is narrow but real: Okuniewska is not a general horror agent but wants gothic or thriller-adjacent horror specifically — think eerie atmosphere and page-turning momentum, not gore-forward genre horror.
Lately
Okuniewska describes their ideal historical fiction as stories that excavate overlooked or marginalized perspectives — not just familiar events from a new angle, but voices that have been genuinely absent from the historical record. This signals a preference for research-grounded, character-driven narratives over sweeping epic plots.
What Tricja is looking for
Okuniewska actively hunts feel-good, escapist romantic comedy with diverse, snarky voices, millennial sensibility, and classic tropes refreshed by an unexpected twist or setting. Holiday romances are especially welcome. Unconventional protagonists and heroes are a plus. The bar is a high-concept 'what if' premise that drives the love story rather than decorates it.
Okuniewska wants emotionally charged contemporary fiction with relatable female narrators and writing that makes you feel something. Multi-generational ensemble casts are a particular draw. Voicey, millennial fiction sits right at the center of what they're building.
One of Okuniewska's deepest areas of enthusiasm. They want female-led historical narratives — especially female spy novels — and are equally drawn to untold stories or familiar history seen through a perspective that hasn't been centered before. Eras of particular interest: WWII, Cold War, Gilded Age, and Civil War/post-Civil War. Atmospheric prose and strong voice are non-negotiable even here.
This is a narrow but genuine appetite: Okuniewska wants horror that lives at the crossroads of dread and thriller momentum, ideally with rich nature writing, a gothic or atmospheric quality, and touches of magical realism or whimsy. The goal is a book that compels you to talk about it the moment you finish — not shock-value horror, but the kind that lingers. Adult 'Chilling Adventures of Sabrina' energy is one stated reference point.
Not the right fit
On Tricja's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Tricja
You must be a literary agent to submit — Okuniewska's profile states clearly that they accept agented submissions only. Unagented writers should not email directly.
Lead with voice: open your pitch with a sample of the prose or a logline that demonstrates the specific tone (snarky, atmospheric, gothic, millennial-wry) rather than a plot summary. Voice is the consistent filter across every category on this list.
Name the genre and era precisely in historical fiction queries. Okuniewska responds to specific eras (Cold War, Gilded Age, Civil War/post-Civil War) and to the framing of whose perspective is being centered — make that argument explicitly.
If your rom-com has a holiday hook, a non-standard setting, or a protagonist who defies the genre's conventions, say so in the first paragraph. These are stated distinguishing factors, not afterthoughts.
For horror submissions, clarify upfront how your book sits at the intersection of gothic atmosphere and thriller pacing. A pure supernatural or slasher-mode pitch is unlikely to connect — frame the dread, the nature writing, and the 'can't stop talking about it' hook.
Personal details in the wishlist (Polish heritage, Scandinavian affinity, New York roots) are genuine taste signals, not filler. A novel with Central or Eastern European historical settings, Scandinavian settings, or a New York milieu may warrant a brief, genuine nod to that alignment — but don't manufacture a connection that isn't there.
Verify current submission status before your agent reaches out — the last-known status is unconfirmed and may have changed.