PairPi is a verified literary agent directory for writers looking for representation. Save shortlists, check submission details, and track every submission in one place.
Start a free account →Literary fiction has no fixed definition and everyone in publishing behaves as if it does. Agents usually mean voice, intention, control, and a reason for the book to exist beyond its plot. It is one of the most selective areas of submissions because taste is personal and lists are small. This page shows agents who explicitly represent literary fiction. The broad search toggle catches more who'd consider it under upmarket fiction, book club fiction, or a wider literary list.
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Describe your book in a sentence or two. Smart Search ranks open agents whose taste actually matches.
Adult fiction, select children's or ya and non-fiction
Upmarket commercial/book club and accessible literary, female-lens storytelling, historical with hook, romcoms, unusual structures, thrillers/crime with point of difference, select children's/YA crime/thrillers and MG adventure
Email - sohoagencysubmissions@gmail.com
Adult literary fiction, upmarket fiction, speculative fiction, magical realism, historical fiction, romance, contemporary fiction, book club fiction, narrative nonfiction, history, science, memoir, technology, race, gender, class, disability, multicultural perspectives
Wants: Query letter, one sentence pitch, comparable books, first twenty pages, full nonfiction proposal, ai disclosure
Natalie Edwards represents adult literary fiction, upmarket fiction, and nonfiction. In fiction she is looking for literary fiction that breaks convention, upmarket fiction about subcultures and quirky communities, speculative fiction and magical realism where the strange or supernatural sharpens real-life stakes, grounded historical fiction, untraditional romance, contemporary work led by voice, complex characters, and deep interiority, and book club novels. In nonfiction she likes narrative nonfiction about niche corners of history and science, memoirs with a strong voice and a singular lens, and books that change how readers understand technology, social media, food, sports, medicine, race, gender, class, disability, or multicultural perspectives.
Submit to Natalie Edwards through her official QueryManager link. Trellis accepts unsolicited submissions only through QueryManager. Do not submit to multiple Trellis agents during the 8-12 week review window. Natalie's form asks for a query letter, one-sentence pitch, comparable books, AI disclosure, and the first 20 pages or a full nonfiction proposal.
Big idea nonfiction, narrative journalism, history, science, cultural criticism, upmarket fiction, literary fiction, poetry
Mackenzie Brady Watson is actively looking for compellingly written, deeply researched books that help readers better understand the societal forces and systems shaping their realities and how they might think or behave differently, including big idea books, narrative journalism, history, science, and cultural criticism. On the fiction side, she is seeking emotionally evocative and voice-driven upmarket and literary fiction and poetry with a surprising hook.
Mackenzie Brady Watson is currently closed to queries according to the official SKLA submissions page.
Women's commercial fiction, literary fiction, crime, thriller, upmarket book club fiction, quirky non-fiction, nature writing, history
Women's commercial fiction, literary fiction, crime/thriller, uplifting/book club, quirky non-fiction (nature/crime/history)
Email bd.submission@dhhliteraryagency.com with a cover letter and first 3 chapters (approximately 10,000 words) and a synopsis for fiction, or a cover letter and full proposal (covering overview, themes, story, and sources) for non-fiction.
Fiction and non-fiction
Non-fiction: craft, cookery, biography, memoir, health, mind body spirit, travel, history, natural history, true crime, pop culture. Fiction: commercial women's, crime, thrillers, literary (not experimental), YA, children's
Agency is currently closed to new clients and not accepting submissions.
Narrative nonfiction, memoir, commercial fiction, literary fiction, poetry, self-help
Aemilia Phillips represents fiction and nonfiction, with interests in narrative nonfiction, hybrid memoir, commercial and literary fiction, select poetry, and self-help. She is excited by diverse writing with impactful stories, social justice issues, nonfiction that challenges how readers think, smart cultural critiques, complex characters, commercial projects with literary intelligence, and stories with a touch of magic.
Aemilia Phillips is currently closed to queries according to the official Stuart Krichevsky Literary Agency submissions page.
Contemporary fiction, literary fiction, historical fiction, lgbtq, fantasy, magical realism, science fiction, pop culture, memoir, humor, creativity, craft, graphic novels
Wants: Query letter
She is primarily interested in fiction for adults, young adults and middle grade readers in contemporary fiction, literary fiction, historical fiction set in the 20th Century, LGBTQ issues, fantasy, magical realism, and science fiction. In non-fiction, she represents books by authors with demonstrable platforms in pop-culture, memoir, humor, creativity, and craft. She is also interested in graphic novels and memoirs for all ages.
Submit query via QueryManager only. No snail mail submissions will be considered.
Fiction, graphic novels, middle grade, young adult, adult fiction, fantasy, science fiction, historical fantasy, magical realism, psychological horror, literary fiction
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages
She is currently only open to graphic novel proposals. She seeks explorations of love, friendship, or familial bonds against fantastic backdrops, obscure retold fairy tales, women and girls in STEM, quirky middle grade, modernized mythologies, psychological horror/thrillers with speculative elements, literary and near-future science fiction, historical fantasy, magical realism, and internally consistent epic fantasy.
All ALA agents use Query Manager. Submit to one agent at a time. Include polished query letter, bio, and follow manuscript guidelines: novels submit 10-20 pages, graphic novels submit proposal with 10-20 sample pages and 2-4 full colored pages.
Upmarket literary fiction, literary non-fiction, picture books, middle grade fiction, middle grade non-fiction, young adult fiction, young adult non-fiction
Wants: Query letter
She seeks first and foremost voice, a strong narrative, memorable characters, unusual premises, and underrepresented people, places, and perspectives, including #OwnVoices writers and stories.
Starting January 2026, queries must be submitted through QueryManager only. Address query to the agent you think would be the best fit. Only send one query to Dunham Literary as agents share queries with each other when appropriate.
Adult fiction, adult non-fiction, children's books, historical fiction, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, romance, fantasy, science fiction, biography, memoir, middle grade, young adult, picture books
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first 10 pages
In Adult Fiction she seeks captivating settings and relatable characters that highlight virtues like empathy and self-sacrifice in historical, literary/upmarket, romance, or fantasy/science fiction genres. In Adult Non-fiction she wants well-researched titles that make complex topics accessible, biography and memoir that connect diverse readers, and books about poverty and justice. For children's literature, she loves books that can be read aloud and shared with families, especially middle grade, and seeks books with hopeful, informative, or lyrical tones.
Starting January 2026, queries must be submitted through QueryManager only. Address your query to the specific agent you think would be the best fit. Only send one query to Dunham Literary as agents share queries with each other when appropriate.
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, thriller, speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, young adult
Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, brief bio, title/genre/word count
Literary/commercial novels that tackle timely issues and uncomfortable relationship dynamics. High-concept, character-driven novels with one foot in genre. Delightful and emotionally engaging novels that can be read repeatedly. Character-driven thrillers, speculative, science fiction and fantasy that illuminate the world through imagined worlds.
Submit through Query Manager with a brief bio including writing credentials, title or genre or word count, query letter, and first ten pages.
Literary fiction
Wants: Synopsis, writing sample
Barrie James accepts work across a broad range of categories including General Fiction, Thrillers, Romance, Short Stories, Non-Fiction, Erotica, Supernatural, Fantasy, Children's, History, Science Fiction, Religion, Guides, Poetry, and Women's Fiction. The agency focuses on unpublished new writers seeking exposure for their work.
Online submissions are preferred. Submissions should be approximately 1,500 words in total, with the first 200 words used as a synopsis and the remainder as a sample of the work. A one-off registration fee of £20.00 is required.
Fiction
Upmarket genre (especially thrillers), reading group and accessible literary fiction, powerful page-turners, unique voices
Email submissions@nurnberg.co.uk with the agent's name in the subject line
Literary fiction, narrative nonfiction
Literary fiction and narrative nonfiction - ranging across history, cultural criticism, memoir, and biography - with the occasional young adult novel. She's particularly interested in distinctive voices, original perspectives, and writing that lingers
Currently closed to general submissions but is selectively open to queries from authors she meets at conferences and other literary gatherings
Literary fiction and narrative non-fiction
Literary fiction and narrative non-fiction with international potential and narrative drive, race/sexuality/identity, immigrant perspectives, strong essay writing/memoir. Not children's/YA/genre fiction
Submissions in any language with extensive synopsis and author bio in English
Literary fiction, crime, women's fiction, narrative non-fiction, children's, picture books, ya
Fiction: literary fiction, crime, women's fiction. Non-fiction: narrative. Children's: picture books to YA
Email submissions to submissions@jennybrownassociates.com for adult work (or directly to jenny@jennybrownassociates.com or lisa@jennybrownassociates.com), or to childrens@jennybrownassociates.com for children's submissions. Write a covering letter in the body of the email. Fiction: attach first three chapters (around 50 pages) and a synopsis in a single document. Non-fiction: attach a proposal and a couple of sample chapters. Picture books: send three complete stories. Illustrators: send samples and a link to your website. Attach text as .doc, .docx, or .pdf, illustrations as .jpeg, .gif, or .pdf. Number your pages.
Fiction (literary to commercial), non-fiction
Varied list, bio notes temporarily closed to submissions due to limited capacity
Email bluntoffice@curtisbrown.co.uk with a cover letter, one-page synopsis (approx. 500 words), and up to 10,000 words of your manuscript. For non-fiction, send 2–3 sample chapters or 10,000 words, a chapter breakdown, and an overview explaining your book's relevance.
Literary fiction, adult nonfiction, picture books, narrative nonfiction
Wants: Query letter
Mona seeks smart, resonating literary fiction and nonfiction for adults that speaks to cultural currents. She is closed except by referral and plans a one-month July 2026 opening for exceptionally crafted picture books from author-illustrators, adult literary fiction, and adult narrative nonfiction.
Submit through QueryManager only when open or by referral. Do not query multiple Great Dog agents.
Picture books, middle grade, young adult, narrative nonfiction, serious nonfiction, literary fiction, magical realism, surrealism, experimental fiction
Wants: Query letter
Rachel has a list spanning picture book, middle grade, young adult, narrative and serious nonfiction, and literary fiction. She is drawn to unique voices, diverse perspectives, immersive settings, complicated family relationships, young protagonists, magical realism, surrealism and experimental style.
SLM lists Rachel as a junior agent, but the current submissions page only lists Jesseca, Eryn, Kate, Erika and Kristin as direct query recipients.
Literary fiction, women's fiction, mystery, thriller, narrative nonfiction, memoir, graphic memoir, psychology, self-help, popular culture, women's issues, history, biography, lifestyle, careers, health, medicine, parenting, cooking, nutrition, gardening, gift books
Betsy Amster Literary Enterprises is interested in literary fiction, upscale commercial women's fiction, voice-driven mysteries and thrillers, narrative nonfiction especially by journalists, travelogues, memoirs including graphic memoirs, social issues and trends, psychology, self-help, popular culture, women's issues, history and biography, lifestyle, careers, health and medicine, parenting, cooking and nutrition, gardening, and quirky gift books.
Betsy Amster Literary Enterprises is currently closed to submissions so the agency can focus on existing clients.
Literary fiction, memoir, graphic novels, picture books, middle grade, young adult, adult
Wants: Personalized pitch letter, first five pages
Anjali Singh focuses on literary fiction and memoir and represents graphic novel writers and illustrators across all age ranges.
Anjali Singh is currently closed to queries except by referral. For permitted referral queries, send a personalized pitch letter with the first five pages of the manuscript in the body of the email and the project title in the subject line to queries@anjalisinghagency.com. She will likely respond only if interested.
Literary fiction, fiction, memoir, biography, self-improvement, spirituality, contemporary issues, narrative nonfiction, nonfiction, young adult
Wants: Query letter
Cynthia Cannell Literary Agency represents fiction as well as memoir, biography, self-improvement, spirituality, and nonfiction on contemporary issues.
The agency contact page says it is not currently accepting unsolicited queries. The public contact email is info@cannellagency.com, but writers should not send unsolicited queries while closed.
Adult fiction, nonfiction, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, thriller, speculative fiction, horror, memoir, narrative nonfiction, social justice, cultural criticism, true crime, essay collections
Wants: Query letter, sample pages
Meredith represents adult fiction and nonfiction, including transportive fiction, dark or darkly humorous stories, thriller/speculative/horror elements, voice-driven memoir, narrative nonfiction, social justice writing, cultural criticism, true crime, and essays about race, class, and identity.
Submit through UTA Publishing's official query route and select Meredith Miller where available. Do not query multiple UTA literary agents simultaneously.
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, fantasy, mystery, romance, narrative non-fiction, memoir, history, pop culture, children's non-fiction
Wants: Query letter, first 25 pages
Jim is particularly interested in literary fiction, underrepresented voices, fantasy, mysteries, romance, anything unusual or unexpected, and any book that makes him cry or laugh out loud. He wants to see more children's nonfiction.
Submit to Jim McCarthy only via Query Manager at https:// queryManager.com or JimMcCarthy. Include query letter in body with first 25 pages of manuscript for fiction or proposal with sample chapter for nonfiction.
Literary fiction, non-fiction
See source page for more info
Email submissions to the agency. Include a covering letter in the body of the email and attach sample pages as a Word or PDF document. For fiction, include a synopsis and the first three chapters (or approximately 50 pages). For non-fiction, include a detailed outline and at least one sample chapter. Submit to one agent only.
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, crime, thrillers, narrative non-fiction, memoir, current affairs, personal development, humor, ya
See source page for more info
Check agent's submission page
Literary fiction, historical fiction, book club fiction, business, history, memoir, popular culture, science
Narratives in business, history, memoir, popular culture, and science that offer insight and practical wisdom; literary and historical fiction; and books designed to help readers live more meaningful lives
Submit queries through Aevitas Creative Management's contact and submissions form. Include standard query materials appropriate to your genre.
Fiction and non-fiction
Upmarket and accessible literary/commercial 'sweet spot', thrillers/suspense, book club fiction, epic multi-generational family drama, powerful love story with mystery
Online form - https://www.madeleinemilburn.co.uk or submissions/
Cookbooks, investigative journalism, self-help, health, wellness, social science, popular science, culture, narrative nonfiction, upmarket fiction, literary fiction, contemporary fiction, historical fiction, literary mystery, magical realism, science fiction
Wants: Query letter, first chapter, first 10 pages, author platform
Kim primarily specializes in nonfiction and is actively seeking expertise- or platform-driven cookbooks, investigative journalism, self-help, health, wellness, social science, pop science, culture, and narrative nonfiction that adds nuance or makes niche subjects accessible. On a highly selective basis, she also considers adult upmarket and literary fiction, including contemporary and historical realism, literary mystery, magical realism, and near-future science fiction.
Stonesong accepts electronic queries at submissions@stonesong.com, but the current submissions page does not list Kim among the named query recipients. Verify current route before querying Kim.
Narrative nonfiction, literary fiction, commercial fiction, memoir, adult fiction, adult nonfiction
Sloan Harris is Co-Head of CAA's Books Department and serves on CAA's Board. Official CAA page text identifies him as representing narrative nonfiction, literary and commercial fiction, and memoir.
CAA's official US literary agents page says writers should review agent profiles and use the submission button or link on an agent profile if that agent is open. Sloan Harris's static official profile did not expose a public agent-specific submission button or link in this run, so no public submission route is imported.
Fiction and non-fiction
Smart compelling commercial-to-literary, upmarket crime/thrillers, voiced historical, light horror/gothic/supernatural, memoir, narrative non-fiction, health/wellbeing/lifestyle from experts
Email julia@greyhoundliterary.co.uk
Investigative journalism, history, current affairs, science, memoir, biography, literary fiction
Investigative journalists, thought leaders, memoirists, and prominent academics working in investigative journalism, history, current affairs, science, and big ideas that reshape public discourse. Books with intellectual rigor and cultural impact, particularly those exploring complex social and political subjects.
Submit to Aevitas Creative Management using their contact and submissions form available on their website. Include a query letter describing your project, along with relevant credentials and platform information. Address submissions to the New York office.
Literary fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, current affairs, pop culture, children's books
A wide range of nonfiction including narrative and expert-driven works, memoir, current affairs, and pop culture, as well as literary fiction and children's books
Submit your query through the contact and submissions form available on the Aevitas Creative Management website, or contact the agency by phone at and 1 (212) 765-6900. The agency is located at 19 W. 21st Street, Suite 501, New York, NY 10010.
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, thrillers, young adult, history, travel, food, nature writing, investigative journalism, popular science, popular psychology
Literary fiction, book club and commercial fiction (including thrillers and YA). In non-fiction: history, travel, food, nature writing, investigative journalism, popular science and popular psychology.
Email: rachel@georginacapel.com
Literary fiction, international fiction, narrative nonfiction, historical biography, memoir, business, science
Both seasoned authors and new voices in fiction and nonfiction. She specializes in literary fiction and has a soft spot in her heart for international fiction hailing from the homeland of authors like William Trevor, Edna O'Brien, and Zadie Smith, not to mention Rohinton Mistry, Mario Vargas Llosa and J.M. Coetzee and Nadine Gordimer. She is also interested in continuing to build a narrative nonfiction list in the genres of historical biography, memoir, business, and science
Email: christina@unionliterary.com
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, science fiction, fantasy, narrative nonfiction, history, memoir, biography, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult, children's fiction, children's nonfiction, picture books, illustration
Wants: Query letter, credentials, synopsis, first ten pages
Writers House represents adult and juvenile fiction and nonfiction, including literary and commercial fiction, women's fiction, science fiction and fantasy, narrative nonfiction, history, memoir, biography, psychology, science, parenting, cookbooks, how-to, self-help, business, finance, young adult and juvenile work, picture books, and illustration.
Email an individual Writers House agent with a query letter, credentials, an explanation of what makes the book unique, a synopsis, and 10 pages in the body of the email. Consult the agent's Publishers Marketplace profile for any agent-specific requirements. Do not query two Writers House agents simultaneously.
551+ agents we've verified represent literary fiction specifically. Many others represent broader categories like commercial fiction or genre fiction — try Smart Search to find those too.
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