Chelsea Hensley (Agent)
REGISTER FOR CHELSEA HENSLEY (Registration open now for members; 9/22 for everyone)
Chelsea Hensley is an agent at Mad Woman Literary Agency representing a varied list of clients writing across ages and genres and a few who are also illustrating. She began her agenting career in 2020 and continues to build a list that reflects her own diverse tastes, from the lushest of fantasies to the tensest thrillers, steamy, hilarious romcoms to smart sci-fi, lyrical picture books to plucky middle grade, and imaginative, innovative horror to intelligent, deeply researched nonfiction. In all areas, Chelsea enjoys bold work from ambitious creators who share her unrelenting drive to succeed in a challenging industry.
Chelsea is a Capricorn from St. Louis, where she lives with a pair of very cute, though very chaotic, dogs. She enjoys D&D, Golden Girls, women’s soccer, chocolate chip cookies, and Airtable. She is a member of the AALA.
Chelsea Hensley's Availability During Manuscript Mart Fall 2025:
- Thursday, November 13: 10:00–4:00
Please register with Chelsea Hensley ONLY if you can be available within the time windows above.
Zoom Meetings with Chelsea will be scheduled within these time periods (all EDT), but are subject to change. If Chelsea must make a change to this schedule, we will arrange a mutually agreeable Zoom time outside of Manuscript Mart Week.
What I'm Looking For
In all areas I’m looking for lyrical prose, voice that comes off the page, intricate plots, complex emotional arcs, and immersive worlds. I’d love to see some ambitious works that play with form and narration as well as works that blend genre, aren’t afraid to get a little weird, and surprise me. The bolder the better. I'm looking for picture books from authors and author-illustrators; middle grade mysteries and horror; YA across genres; adult SFF and particularly mysteries/thrillers and horror. A more extensive MSWL is available on my website.
Sample Titles or Authors
The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown
Now She's Dead by Roselyn Clarke
Black Salt Queen by Samantha Bansil
Specializes In / Will Consider
Specializes In:
FICTION: Children's, Fantasy, Picture Books, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Horror
Will Consider:
FICTION: Children's, Crime, Fantasy, LGBTQIA+, Horror, Middle Grade, Mystery, Picture Books, Romance, Science Fiction, Thrillers/Suspense, Young Adult
Chelsea also represents SPECIALIZED NONFICTION.