Brandon Burnside

Founder and literary agent at Burnside Literary Agency, representing select horror, supernatural suspense, psychological thrillers, gothic fiction, dark fantasy, crime, and high-concept commercial work.

Brandon approaches representation as a working author and publishing entrepreneur. Burnside Literary Agency operates separately from Nightgrave Publishing, with its own submission process, representation agreements, professional standards, and conflict safeguards.

Visit Burnside Literary Agency

What he represents

Dark fiction with a clear identity.

Adult horror, supernatural suspense, psychological thrillers, gothic fiction, and selected dark crime. Complete standalone novels and standalones with series potential are welcome.

How to query

Start with the essentials.

Email a query letter, full synopsis including the ending, manuscript title, genre, audience, final word count, comparable titles, and a short author biography. Include the first ten pages in the body of the email. Do not send a full manuscript unless requested.

Professional terms

Traditional representation only.

Representation is aimed at publisher-funded traditional opportunities. There are no reading fees, no guaranteed placements, and no pay-to-publish or hybrid-placement services. Representation begins only through a separate written agreement.

Role transparency

Clear disclosure matters.

Brandon is also Nightgrave’s founder and publisher. Literary representation inquiries are reviewed separately from Nightgrave publishing submissions. Any potential overlap involving Nightgrave will be disclosed before a decision, and writers may seek independent legal advice.

Representation inquiries

Query Brandon Burnside.

Queries are handled through the independent Burnside Literary Agency website. Review its current genres, required materials, no-fee policy, and AI disclosure rule before submitting.

Open agency submission guidelines