Gemma Paynter An agent with P.S. Literary Agency (see other agents at this agency). About Gemma Paynter is an associate agent at PSLA. She holds a BA in Philosophy and a postgrad in Publishing. After over a decade working in marketing and strategy, she moved into publishing with Harlequin, working across both trade and category romance. She brings an instinct for audience development, emerging trends, and the cultural undercurrents that shape what resonates, often before it fully breaks through. Country Canada AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Collapse section Fiction Temp Closed In fiction, she loves immersive atmosphere, sharp observation, twisty storytelling, and offbeat wit. She is especially interested in folktale-inspired horror and fantasy, gothic mystery and romance, fantasies featuring mundane magic, puzzle-driven mysteries, and cozy stories that feel hopeful yet grounded, like a Studio Ghibli movie. She has a soft spot for “weird girl” literary fiction, unreliable narrators, and true rom-coms — make her laugh! She is drawn to work that takes an irreverent, witty approach to the macabre and is always on the lookout for projects that capture the strange, uncanny magic of Twin Peaks. She encourages submissions from underrepresented voices, especially those centering characters who don’t often get to be the protagonist.Dates:Opens to submissions on 08 September 2026* (within the next 24 hours)Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: General Fantasy Open to all/most Subgenres Horror Open to all/most Subgenres Mystery/Crime Open to all/most Subgenres, including: Cozy Romance Open to all/most Subgenres, including: Gothic, Romantic ComedyLengths: NovelStyles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Humorous, Literary, Mainstream.Topics: Open to all/most Topics including... Folklore/Mythology.Submissions:Method: Email. Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed. Collapse section Nonfiction Temp Closed In non-fiction, she is drawn to narrative projects that bring niche subjects to a wide readership, particularly those that blend memoir with expertise. Her interests include pop culture, pop science, fashion, design, literary commentary, and the history of subcultures and counterculture.Dates:Opens to submissions on 08 September 2026* (within the next 24 hours)Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: BookStyles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary, Mainstream, Personal.Topics: Open to all/most Topics including... History: See guidelines. Literature/Books. Memoir. Science. Society/Culture: Pop culture. Style/Beauty: Fashion. Visual Arts: Fashion design.Submissions:Method: Email. Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary.* We do not know the time and/or timezone, so we cannot be more precise. Submit early to avoid disappointment. Go to agent's webpage Report: Submission/Query Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Bluesky @psliterary.bsky.socialInstagram @psliteraryagencyThreads @psliteraryagencyX (Twitter) @psliterary For the Agent: Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Agent Impersonation Scams are becoming commonplace.A legitimate agent will not contact you and request money to represent you. Never pay an agent an up-front fee. That is not how literary agent representation works. Agents earn a commission only after they've landed a publishing deal for you. Also, agents scarcely ever contact writers. If an agent that you haven't queried contacts you about representation, be suspicious. Look up the agent and check if the email address is correct for that agent/agency. Gemma Paynter Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the agency or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. Filter: Category: All Categories Fiction Nonfiction Group by submission Include other agents at the same agency Accuracy We have received 1 report within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Other Information The agent will try to make a decision within 42 days. (100.0 % of the responses reported to us for this listing have taken longer than 42 days.) Date compiled: 07 Sep 2026 19:20 UTC (less than a minute ago). Work submitted to this agent was also submitted to...This section is available to subscribers only. Sign up and start your free trial today!Members accepted by this agent also had work accepted by...This section is available to subscribers only. Become a member and start your free trial today! Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Other Agents at this AgencyRose FerraoElizabeth Fithian CLOSEDAlexandra GranaMarina GreenElizabeth GuthrieMaureen Moretti CLOSEDMadison PotterCurtis RussellMaria VicenteCarly Watters Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the agent or agency being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the agent/agency meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the agency/agent.Unless the agency's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.For agency submissions, it is standard to submit a query letter and sample instead of the full manuscript. Do this unless otherwise instructed.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 24 Aug 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only