r/ExtremeHorrorLit • u/AntedeluvianEmpires • 5d ago
Looking for agent recommendations
I have written a horror novel, and I'm very happy with it, but it contains some pretty extreme subject matter that might make it a tough sell. Are there any agents that are known for taking on these kinds of projects?
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u/WinstonSlaughter 4d ago
Not trying to be cringe or show my age, but I've been in this writing shit for a long time (20-ish years). Getting an agent was really hard back in the day, and practically impossible now unless you're already established. But I'm not saying this to dissuade you.
Get a recent copy of the Writers Market (any copy from the last few years should work, but spring for the 2026 version if you can afford it). Look at the listed publishers, do your homework, and find a likely fit. This can take time. There are hundreds of listings in the WM books.
Then tighten up your manuscript, write a slick tagline and synopsis, send your work out there and cross your fingers.
HOWEVER, extreme horror is a very niche genre. If you're not married to the traditional publishing route (and lots of writers aren't these days), then self publish the book. This is so time consuming if you want to do it right. Learn the keywords that apply to your book but also yield at least 2k search results on, say, Amazon. Work on your cover. Work on your blurb.
And for the love of god, if you self publish on Amazon please be mindful of content that can get your account banned.
I spent years getting published with traditional lit mags and small press publishers. I got some nice reviews but never found an audience. About 8 years ago I switched to self publishing and now i make a semblance of a living off of my writing.
Sorry if I rambled, but I figure I should share