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Biography Literary Agents

144+verified agents108open nowLast reviewed21 Jul 2026

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Biography covers presidential chronicles, scientific lives, cultural histories, intimate memoir-adjacent portraits, and investigative deep dives into figures the reader thought they already understood. Robert Caro's Lyndon Johnson volumes, group biographies, and the recent wave of underexplored-life reclamations all sit inside the label, though they ask for different agents. Some focus on commercial subjects with built-in audiences, others on scholarly biographies requiring archival access, and many on cultural figures whose stories illuminate broader social or political currents. Platform matters for some projects and storytelling matters for all of them. 70+ agents on this page show biography signals or closely adjacent narrative non-fiction interests. A biography is typically sold on proposal with sample chapters, so consider whether the project fits the investigative, the literary, or the scholarly tradition before identifying the right agents to submit to.

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Agents representing biography

Open agents first
Represents

General fiction, thrillers, crime, historical fiction, suspense, mystery, women's commercial fiction, non-fiction, arts and crafts, cookery, biography and autobiography, popular science, business, natural history, sport, travel, health

Wants: See submissions page; requires synopsis and first 3 chapters.

Looking for

General fiction including thrillers, crime, historical fiction, suspense, mystery, and women's commercial fiction. On the nonfiction side, illustrated books covering arts and crafts, cookery, biography and autobiography, popular science, business, natural history, sport, travel, and health. Open to submissions from new authors.

How to submit

Email a brief synopsis and the first three chapters as Word or Open Document attachments to mail@limelightmanagement.com. Include 'Submission' in the subject line and the title of your work in the attachment filename. Also include a note about your professional life and writing ambitions.

Last checked 20 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

History, science, medical, politics, biography, literary fiction, poetry, theology

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Don roams widely in terms of subject areas and categories, but what catches his attention first is the author's voice. He is particularly drawn to historians, scientists, medical writers, political commentators, novelists, poets, and theologians.

How to submit

Send a query letter using the online form to one agent only. Query should include only a paragraph about yourself, a brief plot synopsis and contact information. Do not include manuscript, proposal, or writing samples unless requested.

Last checked 19 Jun 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Commercial fiction, literary fiction, young adult, children's books, biography, memoir, music, popular science, politics, social justice, adult illustrated, cookbooks, sports, health and wellness, fashion, art, design, popular culture

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Thompson Literary is always on the lookout for both commercial and literary fiction, as well as young adult and children's books. Nonfiction is their specialty, with interests including biography, memoir, music, popular science, politics, social justice, adult illustrated, cookbooks, sports, health and wellness, fashion, art, design, and popular culture.

How to submit

All agents at Thompson Literary Agency are now accepting queries through Query Manager. Please click to view agent bios, which have specific query instructions for each.

Last checked 17 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Non-fiction, politics, culture, biography, memoir, music writing, fiction

Wants: Adult

Looking for

Serious and popular non-fiction, with a particular focus on politics and culture from across the ideological spectrum, as well as music writing. Also represents fiction, though non-fiction remains the core of the list. Areas include political commentary, cultural criticism, biography, memoir, and music history.

How to submit

Submissions should include a covering letter, a short bio, and a brief synopsis. A full manuscript or an excerpt of the work should be attached as a Word document. Queries by mail or over the phone are not accepted. Submissions can be made through the agency's online submission form on their website, which accepts doc, pdf, and docx files up to 128 MB. If no response is received within two months, the agency will not be making an offer of representation.

Last checked 14 Jun 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, mystery, thriller, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, middle grade, biography, history, pop culture, sports, business, wellness, narrative nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio

Looking for

Jonathan represents a select fiction and nonfiction list including mysteries, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, middle grade, biographies, history, pop culture, sports, business, wellness, and general narrative nonfiction.

How to submit

Email a query through the protected email listed on the Lyons and Salky literary representation page with a synopsis and short author biography in the body of the email. Do not include attachments or sample chapters.

Last checked 12 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, non-fiction, literary estates

Looking for

Non-fiction: history, current affairs, biography, geopolitics, intelligence studies, history of war. Fiction: international thrillers and espionage

How to submit

Email submissions@nurnberg.co.uk with a covering letter in the body of the email, a one-page synopsis and first three chapters or 50 pages as attachments (for non-fiction: an overview, chapter outlines, and three sample chapters). Address the email for the attention of Michael Dean in the subject line.

Last checked 11 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, commercial non-fiction, food writing, cookery, memoir, biography, true crime, lifestyle, health, parenting

Wants: Commercial non-fiction and fiction, with focus on health and cookery (agency focus). submissions start with a brief email explaining book and target audience; no attachments.

Looking for

Commercial non-fiction, food writing and cookery, memoir, biography, true crime, lifestyle, health, parenting, and commercial fiction

How to submit

Brief email explaining book and target audience, no attachments initially

Last checked 10 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Cookbooks, culinary, health, wellness, lifestyle, food narrative, women's non-fiction, caregiving, parenting, select non-fiction

Wants: Book proposal with all essential components including title page, concept/overview, author biography, markets, promotion plan, competition analysis, table of contents, chapter summaries, and complete sample material

Looking for

Culinary, health, wellness, and lifestyle talent, from first-time cookbook authors to chefs, restaurant owners, professional food writers, bloggers, online creators, and journalists, plus books about caregiving, parenting, and other select non-fiction genres

How to submit

Full proposal required - see comprehensive guidance on website

Last checked 9 Jun 2026Via Form
Represents

Literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, biography, cultural studies, history, current events, hybrid work, memoir, popular culture, science

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, first 10 pages

Looking for

Literary fiction and a wide variety of narrative nonfiction (including biography, cultural studies, history/current events, hybrid work, memoir, popular culture, and science)

How to submit

Send queries directly to michael@mmqalit.com with subject line 'query' and include synopsis, publication history, brief bio, and excerpt up to 10 pages

Last checked 8 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, memoir, politics, journalism, cultural history, biography

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Literary fiction and nonfiction in the areas of memoir, politics, journalism, cultural history, and biography. In fiction: beautiful writing, unforgettable characters, family stories, socially engaged writing, and compelling plots

How to submit

Send queries to the attention of Max Moorhead at max@mmqalit.com

Last checked 8 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Voice-driven fiction, short story collections, narrative nonfiction, science, history, biography, memoir, pop culture

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, first 3 chapters

Looking for

Voice-driven fiction, short story collections, narrative nonfiction (especially science, history, biography, memoir, and pop culture)

How to submit

Query her directly at renee@mmqalit.com with word 'query' in subject line, attach excerpt up to three sample chapters as Word document

Last checked 8 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, mystery, historical fiction, biography, memoir, history, young adult fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

He is particularly drawn to historical fiction and voice-driven narratives, especially when both dark and humorous. He is also looking for realistic young adult fiction.

How to submit

Query by email only. Query letters should be no more than two pages and should include a convincing overview of the book project and information about the author and his or her writing credits. Address queries to the specific agent.

Last checked 5 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Graphic novels, young adult contemporary, young adult science fiction, young adult fantasy, adult romance, adult non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, biography, first 10 pages

Looking for

He loves lyrical prose, wordplay, and humor. He is especially excited about working with queer, neurodivergent, BIPOC, and disabled creators. In Young Adult, he seeks contemporary realistic fiction and science fiction/fantasy. In adult fiction, he wants queer romance. For nonfiction, he prefers accessible, queer, and neurodivergent works.

How to submit

Fill out his submission form via QueryManager. Submit one agent at a time, but can submit to up to three ALA agents if one passes. Include polished query letter, bio, and complete work.

Last checked 5 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Fantasy, romance, mystery, horror, upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, thriller, science fiction, non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, biography, sample pages

Looking for

She seeks accessibly-written novels that transport readers and make them forget the world around them. She loves deep POV, compelling hooks, and confident voices. She's particularly interested in fantasy, romance, mystery, horror, and upmarket or commercial fiction, especially with speculative elements. In nonfiction, she wants paradigm-shifting, platform-driven books that make readers reconsider what they know about the world.

How to submit

Submit through Query Manager only. Include query letter, bio, and 10-20 polished pages for novels. No email submissions accepted unless requested or on referral.

Last checked 5 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Biography, history, current affairs, international relations, politics, arts, sciences, sports, popular culture, literary fiction, genre fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

He is looking for engaging stories that make complex ideas accessible to the curious reader and bold arguments that challenge the conventional wisdom. He is also interested in finding new, compelling voices in literary and genre fiction, especially novels that bridge the gap between the two.

How to submit

Query by email only. Query letters should be no more than two pages and should include a convincing overview of the book project and information about the author and his or her writing credits.

Last checked 4 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, historical fiction, commercial fiction, narrative non-fiction, biography, memoir, current affairs, cultural criticism, science, sports, children's

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

He works primarily with quality fiction – literary, historical, strongly written commercial – and with voice-driven nonfiction across a range of areas including narrative history, biography, memoir, current affairs, cultural trends and criticism, science, and sports.

How to submit

Email query letters to mail@dclagency.com and paste the first ten pages of your manuscript below your letter. Address your email to a specific agent who you think might be the right fit. Submitting to more than one agent at a time is permitted, but indicate in your letter which agents you are querying. Emails with attachments will not be opened.

Last checked 4 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, non-fiction, memoir, narrative non-fiction, history, biography, food writing, cultural criticism, graphic novels, young adult fiction

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Emily seeks voice-driven literary fiction and non-fiction, including original writing that jumps off the page. She is drawn to beautifully crafted writing, characters that come fully alive on the page, and stories rooted strongly in their setting. Humor is always welcome.

How to submit

Query by email only. Query letters should be no more than two pages and should include a convincing overview of the book project and information about the author and writing credits.

Last checked 4 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Non-fiction

Looking for

Commercial and upmarket non-fiction, psychology, popular science, wellbeing, narrative non-fiction, biography, food, sustainability, health, expert-led projects with international/screen potential

How to submit

Email rachel@rmliterary.co.uk with as much detail about yourself and the project as possible, ideally including at least one sample chapter. No reply within one month means the project was not a fit.

Last checked 2 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Non-fiction and select fiction

Looking for

Non-fiction: compelling narrative history, ideas books on urgent questions, absorbing biography and memoir, pop culture, humour, and entertainment. Fiction: memorable characters on gripping journeys, principally crime or literary-commercial crossover. Not considering children's, YA, sci-fi/fantasy, or screenplays

How to submit

Send your work and a covering letter to wiseofficesubmissions@curtisbrown.co.uk. Gordon Wise and his team are taking on only a couple of fiction writers a year. They are not considering submissions for Children's, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy, or screenplays. If you have not heard back within four to six weeks, this means they are unable to offer representation.

Last checked 2 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, near historical fiction, narrative non-fiction, adventure, popular science, history, politics, current affairs, social history, memoir, biography

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, first five pages

Looking for

Wendy specializes in literary fiction and narrative nonfiction. She represents award winning literary novelists, short story writers, journalists, activists, anthropologists, scientists, doctors, and educators.

How to submit

Make your submission letter to the point and as brief as possible. Include a short synopsis of your work, an author bio, and the first five pages of your manuscript pasted into the body of your email, no attachments please.

Last checked 2 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, genre fiction, narrative non-fiction, pop culture, psychology, history, science, art, business books, biography, memoir

Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages, writing sample

Looking for

She looks for commercial fiction and is interested in brilliant novels, fun beach reads, gripping nonfiction narratives, inspirational memoirs or biographies, and instructional self-help titles.

How to submit

Send query letter via email with full query in body of email, not as attachment. Include first 25 pages of manuscript for fiction or proposal with sample chapter for nonfiction in the body of the email below the query letter.

Last checked 2 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, literary fiction, memoir, biography, history, science narratives, medical narratives

Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages

Looking for

Jane is interested in women's commercial fiction and big think non-fiction. She loves to read commercial and literary fiction, memoir, biography and history, with particular interest in current events, politics, legal subjects, science and medical narratives.

How to submit

Send query letter via email with full query in body, include first 25 pages of manuscript for fiction or proposal with sample chapter for nonfiction in email body. For picture books, include full text and dummy or sample art as PDF attachments under 20MB.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, literary fiction, women's fiction, thriller, mystery, psychology, science, history, biography, diet, health, fitness, how-to, self-help, narrative non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, author bio, synopsis, first five pages

Looking for

Harvey loves great adult commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction books with a strong narrative voice in all disciplines, written by authors who already have an established professional platform in their field of expertise.

How to submit

Submit via email with a short synopsis of your work, an author bio, and the first five pages of your manuscript pasted into the body of your email. Do not send attachments.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Grounded genre fiction, upmarket romance, psychological thrillers, folk horror, book club fiction, narrative non-fiction

Wants: Query letter, one sentence pitch, first 20 pages, comparable books, biography

Looking for

Gracie is interested in grounded genre fiction, upmarket romance, psychological thrillers, folk horror, book club fiction, and narrative nonfiction examining culture and social issues. Across young adult and adult categories, she's interested in underrepresented voices, inventive storytelling, and delicious prose.

How to submit

Submit via Query Manager only. Include query letter, one sentence pitch, first 20 pages, and comparable books. Do not query via email.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Music history, music journalism, memoir, biography, narrative non-fiction, media, film, tv, essay, literature, pop culture, young adult fiction, middle grade fiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, first five pages

Looking for

David specializes in music-related nonfiction, biography, narrative nonfiction, and young adult and middle-grade fiction. He seeks contemporary, adventure, thriller, and mystery in Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction.

How to submit

Make your submission letter to the point and as brief as possible. Include a short synopsis of your work, an author bio, and the first five pages of your manuscript pasted into the body of your email, no attachments please.

Last checked 1 Jun 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, non-fiction, children's fiction 8 and

Looking for

Distinctive fiction, non-fiction including memoir, history, narrative, biography, lifestyle, sports, self-help, humour, pop culture. Not horror, sci-fi, screenplays, or picture books

How to submit

Email info@lisarichards.ie. For fiction, include the first three or four chapters, a covering letter, and an SAE if required. For non-fiction, send a detailed proposal, a sample chapter, and a cover letter.

Last checked 29 May 2026Via Email
Represents

Memoir, geography, economics, politics, history, nature writing, biography, science, travel, literary fiction

Wants: Genres include memoir; geography; economics; politics; history; nature writing; biography; science; travel; and literary fiction.

Looking for

See source page for more info

How to submit

Email james@jameslockhartagency.com with a covering letter in the body of the email and the first 30 pages attached as a Word doc or PDF.

Last checked 29 May 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, women's fiction, intelligent crime, thrillers, historical fiction, history, nature, science, self-development, biography, memoir, lifestyle, food

Looking for

Quality commercial and popular literary fiction with emotional heft, original voices and broad appeal, including twisty thrillers, ghost stories, and epic romantic stories. For non-fiction, experts in their fields writing about history, nature, science, self-development, biography, memoir, original thinking, lifestyle and food — particularly books that educate and illuminate worlds readers don't know, strong women's voices, and food writers with fresh perspectives or a built community.

How to submit

Email submissions@hhbagency.com with the genre in the subject line. Put your covering letter in the body of the email including a brief pitch, relevant background, and comparison titles. Attach the first three chapters or around 50 pages as a Word document, plus a synopsis. Fiction writers must have completed the manuscript before submitting. Non-fiction writers may submit before completion.

Last checked 29 May 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction and non-fiction

Looking for

Fiction: book club/literary, character- and voice-driven crime/thriller/suspense, dark/gothic/uncanny, love stories, family sagas, historical from a slant, Highsmithian thrillers. Non-fiction: accessible social/cultural history, biography/memoir, reportage, popular science, nature, arts, food/cookery, experts, journalists, lived experience

How to submit

Email charlotte@johnsonandalcock.co.uk with a short covering letter (including a book blurb and brief author bio), a synopsis of no more than two pages, and the opening 50 pages of the manuscript (fiction), or a book proposal of approximately 50 pages (non-fiction). Submissions must be in Word Doc format, at least 1.5 line spaced, page-numbered, on A4. Submit to one agent only, do not blind-copy. Attachments must be under 5MB.

Last checked 26 May 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, book club fiction, contemporary fiction, commercial women's fiction, crime, mystery, thrillers, fantasy, genre romance, historical fiction, horror, ghost stories, sagas, science fiction, biography, memoir, cookery, gardening, gift books, humour, history, military history, lifestyle, mind-body-spirit, self-improvement, politics, popular science, psychology, travel, children's, ya

Looking for

SF/fantasy, sweeping historical fiction, character-driven sci-fi, action/adventure, crime. Non-fiction: history, biography, music

How to submit

Email submissions@sheilland.co.uk with a cover letter, a one-page synopsis (fiction) or brief outline (non-fiction), a short CV, and the first three chapters or around fifty pages. Submissions should be 1.5 line spaced with margins and page numbers, and must include a word count. Only one work at a time. No AI-generated content accepted.

Last checked 25 May 2026Via Email
Represents

Nonfiction, popular reference, business, health, psychology, poker, spirituality, self-help, humor, cookbooks, pop culture, biography, women's issues, decorating, crafts, music

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Sheree is currently only considering nonfiction, including popular reference, business, health, psychology, poker, spirituality, self-help, humor, cookbooks, pop culture, biography, women's issues, decorating, crafts, music, and related adult nonfiction.

How to submit

Email a one-page nonfiction query in the body of the email to shereebee@aol.com. Put Query and your name in the subject line. Do not send attachments unless requested.

Last checked 15 May 2026Via Email

144+ agents we've verified represent biography specifically. Many others represent broader categories like commercial fiction or genre fiction — try Smart Search to find those too.

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