Finding a literary agent who actually "gets" your work feels like winning the lottery. You spend months—maybe years—polishing a manuscript, only to send it into the void of a generic submission inbox. But then there’s Eric Smith literary agent, a name that pops up in almost every conversation about Young Adult fiction, geek culture, and inclusive storytelling.
He isn't just a guy behind a desk. Honestly, he's one of the few people in the industry who sits on both sides of the table. He writes the books, he sells the books, and he genuinely seems to love the people who create them. If you’ve been scouring QueryTracker or Twitter (well, BlueSky now) for a champion for your story, you've likely seen his name.
But what does it actually take to get his attention? And why does he matter so much in the 2026 publishing landscape?
The Neighborhood Literary Shift
For a long time, you probably associated Eric with P.S. Literary Agency. He spent a decade there, building a massive list of bestsellers. However, things changed recently. In early 2025, Eric launched his own boutique agency, Neighborhood Literary, based out of Philadelphia.
This was a huge move.
It signaled a shift toward a more personal, hands-on approach to agenting. He isn't just looking for "hits." He’s looking for a community. Neighborhood Literary reflects that vibe—it's about the people and the passion behind the pages. He still works with heavy hitters like Mike Chen and K. Ancrum, but the new agency structure allows him to be even more selective and dedicated to the voices he champions.
Why his dual career helps you
Eric is an author himself. We’re talking about books like With or Without You, Don't Read the Comments, and the IndieBound bestseller The Geek's Guide to Dating.
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Because he knows the soul-crushing reality of a revision letter, he tends to be more empathetic. He understands that your book isn't just a "product"—it's your heart. Clients often mention that he doesn't just "sell" the book; he helps shape it because he understands the mechanics of a scene just as well as he understands the mechanics of a contract.
What Eric Smith Literary Agent is Actually Looking For
If you think you can just fire off a generic query and hope for the best, you’re gonna have a bad time. Eric is famously specific about his tastes. He doesn't want "everything." He wants the right thing.
The "Vibe" Checklist:
- Neurodiversity and Inclusivity: This isn't a trend for him; it's a core value. He actively seeks out stories that celebrate neurodivergent characters and authors.
- The Adoptee Experience: As an adoptee himself, he has a massive soft spot for joyful, nuanced portrayals of adoption in both fiction and non-fiction.
- Genre-Blending: He loves "upmarket" fiction that isn't afraid to get weird. Think literary prose mixed with a sci-fi hook. If it feels like Station Eleven or The Night Circus, he’s probably interested.
- High-Concept Rom-Coms: He wants the "swoon" factor, but it needs a hook. Give him something that feels fresh, funny, and maybe a little geeky.
One thing to keep in mind: he’s not the guy for epic fantasy doorstoppers or military sci-fi. If your manuscript is 200,000 words and involves a 50-page glossary of elven languages, he’s probably going to pass. He likes his stories accessible. He wants the kind of book that someone who doesn't usually read sci-fi could pick up and love.
The "No-Go" Zone
He’s pretty vocal about what he doesn't like. For example, he’s mentioned that super "snarky" YA voices often don't work for him. If your narrator is constantly rolling their eyes and being mean-spirited for the sake of humor, it might be a mismatch. He leans toward earnestness.
The Reality of Querying Him in 2026
Let's talk logistics. As of early 2026, Eric is often "closed" to unsolicited queries. Why? Because he’s busy. Between running a new agency, teaching at places like Rosemont College, and his own writing deadlines, he has to protect his time.
However, he frequently opens up for conferences and referrals. He’s a regular at the Philadelphia Writing Workshop and various SCBWI events. If you can get your work in front of him during a "First Pages" session or a ten-minute consultation through something like The Manuscript Academy, do it. He’s known for being incredibly kind even when he's saying no.
A quick tip on word counts
If you're writing Middle Grade, keep it tight. Eric has mentioned in the past that he's wary of MG manuscripts that bloat over 50,000 words unless there's a very good reason. For YA, the sweet spot is usually between 60k and 85k. Showing that you understand these industry standards tells him you’ve done your homework.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception about Eric Smith literary agent is that he only cares about "geek" stuff. Sure, he loves video games and pop-punk. Yes, he wrote a book called The Geek’s Guide to Dating. But his list is much more diverse than that.
He represents:
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- Hard-hitting non-fiction about reproductive rights (Sophie Saint Thomas).
- Lush, dark YA fantasies (K. Ancrum).
- Emotional memoirs about disability (James Tate Hill).
- Smart, speculative adult fiction (Mike Chen).
He’s looking for the voice first. The "geekiness" is just a bonus if it’s there.
How to Stand Out in His Inbox
If you happen to catch him when Neighborhood Literary is open for submissions, your query needs to be sharp. He’s mentioned before that he loves a "back-jacket copy" style pitch. Don't summarize the whole plot. Tell him what the stakes are. Tell him why you are the person to write this.
Also, be a human. Eric is very active on social media (find him @ericsmithrocks). He talks about his kid, his dog Augustus, and his love for Philadelphia. You don't need to stalk him, but knowing that he values community and kindness goes a long way. He wants to work with people who are "good humans," not just talented writers.
Final Steps for Your Submission Strategy
So, you’ve got a manuscript and you think Eric is the one. What now?
First, check the Neighborhood Literary website. Don't rely on old blog posts from 2019. Look at his current MSWL (Manuscript Wish List). If he’s closed, don't "sneak" a query into his email. That’s a fast way to get blacklisted.
Instead, follow his blog. He often shares "Query Tips" and breakdowns of successful non-fiction proposals. Use that time to refine your own materials. If you’re writing non-fiction, make sure your "platform" is solid—he needs to see that you are an expert in your niche.
Actionable Insights for Authors:
- Audit your word count: Ensure your manuscript fits the standard 60k-90k range for YA/Adult before querying.
- Research his clients: Read Icarus by K. Ancrum or A Quantum Love Story by Mike Chen. If your book feels like it could sit on a shelf next to them, you’re on the right track.
- Polish your "Why Me": Especially for non-fiction or diverse stories, clearly articulate your personal connection to the material in your query letter.
- Watch for conferences: Keep an eye on the Philadelphia Writing Workshop or Manuscript Academy for live pitch opportunities, as these are often the only way to bypass a "closed" status.
Publishing is a marathon, not a sprint. Having an agent like Eric Smith in your corner can change the trajectory of your career, but it starts with respecting the process and bringing your most authentic voice to the page.