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Commercial Fiction Literary Agents

409+verified agents267open nowLast reviewed20 Jul 2026

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Commercial fiction is less a genre than a promise about readership. It can mean book-club novels, high-concept family stories, beach reads with bite, workplace fiction, relationship-led plots, or upmarket novels that move with more engine than a purely literary book. Agents use the label differently, which is inconvenient but also useful: it tells you they are thinking about reader appetite as well as taste. Emily Henry, Lessons in Chemistry, and the sharper end of contemporary book-club fiction all live near the conversation, though they are not doing the same job. 170+ agents on this page list commercial fiction or close neighbouring interests. Before submitting, work out whether your book is being sold on hook, voice, emotional payoff, pace, or subject. The wrong label can make a good manuscript look vaguer than it is.

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Agents representing commercial fiction

Open agents first
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, nonfiction, memoir, biography, history, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, middle grade, children's, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages, credentials

Looking for

Writers House represents adult and juvenile fiction and nonfiction, including literary and commercial fiction, science fiction/fantasy, memoir, history, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, juvenile books, picture books and illustrators.

How to submit

Email an individual Writers House agent with a query letter, credentials, an explanation of what makes the book unique, a synopsis, and ten pages in the body of the email. Check individual Publishers Marketplace profiles for agent-specific requirements.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thriller, mystery, romance, children's books, women's fiction, general fiction, literary fiction, trade nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, sample pages

Looking for

The agency works with commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers and mysteries, romance, children's books, women's fiction, general fiction, literary fiction with a strong narrative hook, and trade nonfiction.

How to submit

Email agent@ethanellenberg.com, indicating the agent, manuscript title, and genre in the subject line. Paste all materials in the body: for fiction, query letter, 1-2 page synopsis, and first 50 pages, for nonfiction, query letter, outline, and sample chapters up to 50 pages.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, mystery, thriller, suspense, historical fiction, biography, memoir, narrative history, pop culture, sports, travel, health, medicine, science, multicultural

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, author bio

Looking for

BJ Robbins represents quality fiction, both literary and commercial, and general nonfiction, with particular interest in memoir, biography, narrative history, pop culture, sports, travel and adventure, medicine and health. The agency is especially looking for literary/commercial crossovers with book-club potential, smart speculative fiction, and multicultural stories.

How to submit

Email BJ Robbins with a succinct description of the work, relevant bio information, and the first ten pages in the body of the email. Do not send attachments unless requested.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult fiction, contemporary fiction, upmarket fiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction, historical fiction, grounded speculative fiction, thriller, suspense, horror, romance, mystery, adult nonfiction, spirituality, mind body spirit, food, agriculture, science, stem, natural living, animals, pets, community, culture, pop culture, health, wellness

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

Carleen is building a list in adult fiction and nonfiction. In fiction she likes contemporary genres, upmarket or literary voices, commercial work, historical genre blends, grounded speculative stories, thrillers, suspense, horror, mysteries, and romance with a strong subplot. In nonfiction she is interested in niche topics with wide appeal, including spirituality, food, agriculture, science, natural living, animals, culture, pop culture, and health/wellness.

How to submit

Submit through Carleen Geisler's QueryManager form. The form asks for a query letter, synopsis, genre, word count, comparable books, AI-use disclosure, publication history, and the first 10 pages, or a book outline for nonfiction.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, commercial fiction, literary fiction, international authors

Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first three chapters, proposal

Looking for

Carole Delmon is listed on the official Susanna Lea Associates Paris team page. The Paris office says its taste is eclectic and that it is interested in works of both fiction and nonfiction, commercial and literary, with projects that have international potential beyond the French market.

How to submit

For submissions in France, email paris@susannalea.com. SLA asks for a concise and thoughtful cover letter, a brief synopsis, and either the first three chapters or a detailed proposal. Do not submit to more than one SLA office, and do not send post or fax queries.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction and non-fiction

Looking for

Fiction: literary, upmarket commercial, book club, historical, crime, thrillers (no sci-fi/fantasy/children's). Non-fiction: serious/pop science, psychology, feminism, big ideas/current affairs, health/body/mind, personal development, selective lifestyle, narrative/memoir

How to submit

Email submissions@hardmanswainson.com. Name your chosen agent in the cover email. For fiction, attach a one-page synopsis and the full manuscript. For non-fiction, attach a proposal and a sample chapter, or the whole work if complete. Submit to one agent only.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction and non-fiction

Looking for

Fiction: literary prize-winners to upmarket reading group, well-written crime, ambitious/surprising, messy family stories, longing/relationships. Non-fiction: art, culture, music, food, nature, mental health

How to submit

Submit via the online portal at https://felicitybryan.com or submissions or submit-your-work/ — upload a synopsis or proposal and the first 3–4 chapters.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Literary fiction, contemporary fiction, upmarket fiction, book club fiction, fantasy, horror, young adult, crossover

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first three chapters

Looking for

Clara Foster wants intelligent, original fiction with deep emotion, strong line-level writing, and voice-led characters. She is looking for adult literary contemporary fiction with a strong female focus, upmarket and book club novels that are cleverly conceived, beautifully written, and accessible, fantasy and horror that explore the real world or the self, historical romantasy, urban fantasy, academic settings, body horror, lightly speculative fiction, and YA/crossover stories that are political while providing a strong story. She is not a likely fit for commercial women's fiction, science fiction, World War II or Holocaust stories, or narratives driven primarily by sexual assault, eating disorders, a great lie, or death of a child. She is not accepting nonfiction except by referral.

How to submit

Submit via Clara Foster's official QueryTracker link from her submissions page. Send a query letter, synopsis, and first three chapters. All queries will receive a response.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryTracker
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, nonfiction, memoir, biography, history, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, middle grade, children's, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages, credentials

Looking for

Writers House represents adult and juvenile fiction and nonfiction, including literary and commercial fiction, science fiction/fantasy, memoir, history, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, juvenile books, picture books and illustrators.

How to submit

Email an individual Writers House agent with a query letter, credentials, an explanation of what makes the book unique, a synopsis, and ten pages in the body of the email. Check individual Publishers Marketplace profiles for agent-specific requirements.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, nonfiction, memoir, biography, history, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, middle grade, children's, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages, credentials

Looking for

Writers House represents adult and juvenile fiction and nonfiction, including literary and commercial fiction, science fiction/fantasy, memoir, history, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, juvenile books, picture books and illustrators.

How to submit

Email an individual Writers House agent with a query letter, credentials, an explanation of what makes the book unique, a synopsis, and ten pages in the body of the email. Check individual Publishers Marketplace profiles for agent-specific requirements.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction and non-fiction, estates

Looking for

Fiction: originality/style, literary to commercial, imaginative setting, strong voice, compelling premise, active SFF list, high concept, intelligent crime/thrillers, genre-transcending. Not taking new YA/children's, no plays/film scripts. Non-fiction: politics, narrative history, sport, natural history, quirky memoir, popular culture, inventive angles

How to submit

Email - ed@johnsonandalcock.co.uk

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial women's fiction, psychological thrillers, popular science, true crime

Looking for

Fresh commercial women's fiction with big hooks/diverse characters, pacy psychological thrillers, cutting-edge non-fiction (popular science to true crime)

How to submit

Email submissions@cmm.agency with: a one-paragraph author biography (including whether the manuscript has been sent to other agents or publishers), a one-paragraph blurb with hook, genre and audience, a short synopsis covering plot, setting, theme and characters, and the first three chapters as an attachment. The manuscript must be double or 1.5 line-spaced, with wide margins, in at least 12-point font (preferably Times New Roman), fully paginated, and with name, address, contact number and email on the first page.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thriller, mystery, romance, children's books, women's fiction, general fiction, literary fiction, trade nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, sample pages

Looking for

The agency works with commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers and mysteries, romance, children's books, women's fiction, general fiction, literary fiction with a strong narrative hook, and trade nonfiction.

How to submit

Email agent@ethanellenberg.com, indicating the agent, manuscript title, and genre in the subject line. Paste all materials in the body: for fiction, query letter, 1-2 page synopsis, and first 50 pages, for nonfiction, query letter, outline, and sample chapters up to 50 pages.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thriller, mystery, romance, children's books, women's fiction, general fiction, literary fiction, trade nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, sample pages

Looking for

The agency works with commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers and mysteries, romance, children's books, women's fiction, general fiction, literary fiction with a strong narrative hook, and trade nonfiction.

How to submit

Email agent@ethanellenberg.com, indicating the agent, manuscript title, and genre in the subject line. Paste all materials in the body: for fiction, query letter, 1-2 page synopsis, and first 50 pages, for nonfiction, query letter, outline, and sample chapters up to 50 pages.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thriller, mystery, romance, children's books, women's fiction, general fiction, literary fiction, trade nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, sample pages

Looking for

The agency works with commercial fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers and mysteries, romance, children's books, women's fiction, general fiction, literary fiction with a strong narrative hook, and trade nonfiction.

How to submit

Email agent@ethanellenberg.com, indicating the agent, manuscript title, and genre in the subject line. Paste all materials in the body: for fiction, query letter, 1-2 page synopsis, and first 50 pages, for nonfiction, query letter, outline, and sample chapters up to 50 pages.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Young adult fiction, adult fiction, commercial fiction, upmarket fiction, fantasy, romance

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Gabriella represents YA fiction and adult fiction, with interest in stories by Latinx/Hispanic authors, commercial or upmarket fiction, stories that present real issues in a digestible format, and YA/new adult fantasy or romance.

How to submit

Submit through Gabriella's QueryManager form. Great Dog accepts queries only through QueryManager and asks writers not to query multiple Great Dog agents.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Women's fiction, book club fiction, fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, horror, romance, memoir, narrative nonfiction, true crime, cultural issues, lgbtq and, young adult, middle grade

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Haley is building a list in adult women's fiction, book club fiction, grounded genre fiction, romance, memoir, narrative nonfiction, true crime, cultural, LGBTQ+ and women's issues, plus young adult and middle grade across contemporary, mystery, fantasy, science fiction and horror.

How to submit

Submit through Haley Casey's QueryManager form. CMA asks writers to query only one CMA agent at a time and to review each agent's bio, wishlist, and QueryManager page before submitting.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Fiction (primarily)

Looking for

Commercial and book club fiction with a strong hook, genre-crossing, dystopia, elevated sci-fi, big love stories, domestic suspense, horror (incl social commentary)

How to submit

Email submissions@janklow.co.uk with your full name, the title of your work, and Hayley Steed's name in the subject line. Include a covering letter in the body of the email. Attach a synopsis and either the first three chapters or the first fifty pages (Word or PDF). All documents should be double-spaced, size 12, in a reasonable font. Do not include external links, attach all materials directly.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Fiction, children's books, nonfiction, thriller, suspense, historical fiction, literary fiction, book club fiction, young adult, middle grade, romantasy, memoir, cookery, lifestyle, narrative nonfiction

Wants: Covering letter, synopsis, first three chapters, first fifty pages, outline, sample chapter, bio

Looking for

Hellie Ogden is co-head of WME UK Books and represents fiction, children's books, and nonfiction. She is actively taking on new clients and wants bold storytelling, moving prose, vivid thought-provoking characters, standout debut work, high-concept thrillers and suspense with fresh hooks and daring twists, historical fiction with original courageous ideas, page-turning literary fiction about millennial experience, nostalgia, sexuality and family complexities, upmarket book club fiction with commercial hooks, female-led mysteries, emotionally deep fiction, YA with big heart and voice, romantasy, middle grade adventure with magic, memoir, standout cookery, lifestyle writers, moving narrative nonfiction, and work with social following and cross-media potential.

How to submit

Submit through Hellie Ogden's official WME profile or query button. Include the author full name and work title in the email subject line. Fiction submissions should include a covering letter, synopsis, and either the first three chapters or first fifty pages. Nonfiction submissions should include a covering letter, full chapter outline, and if possible a sample chapter. Include a bio with all submissions. Query one WME agent at a time.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Online Form
Represents

New adult, adult fiction, young adult, middle grade, fantasy, upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, dark academia, epic fantasy, historical fantasy, contemporary fantasy, romance, diverse voices

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Isabelle is actively looking for New Adult books across genres and is also interested in adult, young adult, and middle grade fantasy plus upmarket and commercial adult fiction with worldbuilding, unique characters, strong plotting, hooks, romantic subplots, and diverse voices.

How to submit

Submit through Isabelle Rader's Codex Literary online query form. Codex asks writers to choose only one Codex agent and notes that it cannot represent authors who have worked with one of its agents on Reedsy or work-for-hire projects.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Speculative fiction, historical fiction, upmarket crime and thriller, memoir, narrative-led non-fiction, nature, food, sport, psychology, business, craft and design, social sciences, investigative journalism

Wants: Quality and commercial fiction and non-fiction (no children's). fiction: first 3 chapters/50pp and synopsis. non-fiction: pitch and sample chapter

Looking for

In fiction, books combining compelling storytelling, engaging characters and strong plotting, especially novels of ambition and scope with big-hearted characters. Particularly interested in speculative fiction with a real-world edge or near-future settings. In non-fiction, broad tastes including memoir, narrative non-fiction with deep focus that expands outward to explain a culture or subculture, immersive journalism, and books where subject-matter expertise meets great writing. Does not represent children's books.

How to submit

Fiction: first 3 chapters or 50 pages and synopsis. Non-fiction: pitch and sample chapter

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Adult fiction, young adult, middle grade, narrative nonfiction, memoir, commercial fiction, mystery, thriller, magical realism, horror, rom-com, women's fiction, science fiction

Wants: Pitch

Looking for

Jen represents adult, YA and middle-grade fiction, plus narrative nonfiction and memoir. She does not represent picture books, novellas or high fantasy.

How to submit

Email Jen Nadol with a pitch at Jen.Nadol@theunteragency.com. If there is no response within three months, consider it a pass.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Romance, women's fiction, book club fiction

Wants: Query letter, first 3 pages

Looking for

Jessica is seeking romance (including category, contemporary, historical, LGBTQ+, paranormal, and thriller/suspense romance), women's fiction, and book club fiction. She is also interested in subrights representation for previously published authors.

How to submit

Submit through the QueryManager form with query letter and first 3 pages. One BookEnds agent at a time.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, crime fiction, thriller, historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, commercial fiction, book club fiction, upmarket fiction, history, sport, popular science

Looking for

Entertaining and diverse fiction with well-told stories, big ideas, emotional hooks and gripping plots. In commercial fiction, particularly interested in crime, thriller, book group and upmarket titles, as well as historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy. In non-fiction, looks for expertise, fresh ideas and genuine passion for the subject, working across history, sport and popular science.

How to submit

Direct queries about submissions to Isobel@rcwlitagency.com.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks, thriller, fantasy, horror, young adult, picture books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

The Book Group represents award-winning novelists and illustrators, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, thrillers, fantasy, horror, young adult classics, memoirs, cookbooks and picture books.

How to submit

Email a query letter addressed to the agent at submissions@thebookgroup.com. Put the agent name in the subject line and paste the first ten sample pages below the query. The Book Group only accepts electronic queries to that inbox and does not read attachments.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email

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

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