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.
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, nonfiction
Literary and upmarket fiction and nonfiction, with a special interest in voices from underrepresented communities
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Literary fiction
Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages
Literary fiction with experimental and speculative bends. She is particularly excited by queer voices, Midwestern settings, and unique approaches to the form of the contemporary novel
Send a brief query letter, including information on your publication history, current project, and any other relevant experience you bring to your work. Send a sample of the first ten pages of the work pasted into the body of the email
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, mystery, thriller, current affairs, politics, civil rights, memoir, business, history, health and wellness
Fiction and nonfiction across a wide range of genres. Nonfiction interests include current affairs, politics, civil rights, health and wellness, memoir, business, and history; fiction interests include literary and commercial novels, including mysteries and thrillers. Works with established authors, journalists, and public figures whose work demonstrates significant cultural impact or commercial potential.
Other submissions
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, prescriptive nonfiction, illustrated projects
Work that is fierce, sharp, nuanced, and uncompromising. In fiction, she is looking for work with that is inventive and strange, brave and honest, with humor and heart. She especially loves fiction that employs genre elements—whether evocatively surreal, slightly askew, or supernatural. In nonfiction, work that investigates culture, identity, sexuality, disability, and mental health is especially welcome
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Nonfiction, literary fiction
Narrative nonfiction in science, history, big ideas, reportage, and smart culture writing with a sense of play. Also memoir plus—work that blurs the lines between memoir and straight nonfiction—and voice-driven literary fiction with bold plots and fresh, imaginative characters. Strong female and underrepresented voices, the strange and speculative, folklore, and projects that ignite cultural conversation.
Submit your query through Aevitas Creative Management's contact and submissions form available on their website. Include your cover letter, manuscript details, and any relevant background information.
Literary fiction, autofiction, graphic novels, picture books
Seoyeon Park represents Korean authors and publishers, introducing distinctive, boundary-pushing voices to readers around the world. She has a particular love for graphic novels, picture books, and intimate, journal-like narratives that feel personal and sincere. She is especially drawn to autofiction and literary fiction that challenge convention while staying emotionally true, and is passionate about uncovering Korean stories the world has yet to see.
Submit via QueryManager. For fiction: include a cover letter (query letter) with a short pitch and author bio, a one-page synopsis, and the first 1,200 words or first two chapters (whichever is shortest) uploaded as an attachment. For non-fiction: include a proposal of up to 20 pages covering an overview or hook, chapter outline, 1–2 sample chapters as an attachment, and an author bio with platform. Submit to one ICA agent at a time.
Fiction and non-fiction
Literary and general fiction and non-fiction, especially autobiography and memoir, international writing
Submit via email to the agent directly or send to the general submissions address if unsure which agent to approach. Full submission guidelines are at https://davidhigham.co.uk or submissions/
Science fiction, fantasy, literary horror, non-fiction
Sam represents science fiction, fantasy, literary horror, and non-fiction for a general audience. He is looking for fantasy with wit and deep world-building, hard SF and cyberpunk exploring big questions about humanity, and work that pushes SFF genre boundaries. He is also interested in upmarket folkloric horror-tinged fiction, fiction and non-fiction engaging with landscape or the sea, books about jazz and classical music with an unconventional approach, and writing by experts who relay complex ideas with verve. He is keen to work with writers whose background, identity, sexuality, cultural experience, or ethnicity have historically been under-represented on publishers' lists in the UK. He does not accept children's or young adult submissions.
Email: sam@greyhoundliterary.co.uk
Literary fiction, contemporary fiction, memoir, history, non-fiction
Sarah Ballard seeks work with a sense of urgency and an attempt to make change in the world. She is drawn to fiction with compelling plot or structure overlaying big ideas, memoir-style non-fiction with obsession that unfolds hidden agendas, and meticulously researched history that changes worldviews. She has particular interest in feminism and feminist approaches but enjoys exploring completely new ideas and angles.
Send the full manuscript for novels plus a one-page synopsis giving the complete story arc, or a proposal including sample text for non-fiction. Include information about your writing experience and explain why you think you would be a good match. Email submissions to ballardofficesubmissions@cwagency.co.uk for the attention of Sarah Ballard and her assistant Liv Bignold.
Literary fiction, commercial women's fiction, contemporary fiction, family drama, historical fiction, crime fiction, thrillers, suspense, magical realism, speculative fiction, sff, horror, gothic fiction, romantasy, fantasy, science fiction
Susan Armstrong seeks strong prose, compelling storytelling, vivid characters, and originality of vision. She welcomes novels that blend genres, feature unusual settings or circumstances, contain unexpected twists, possess some darkness, and present moral dilemmas. Books that evoke laughter are particularly appreciated.
Send all submissions to susan.submissions@cwagency.co.uk.
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, literary nonfiction, culture criticism, essays, political nonfiction, history, popular science
Wants: Query letter, first three chapters, full proposal for nonfiction
Erik represents fiction, literary fiction, general fiction with speculative elements, upmarket and commercial fiction, literary nonfiction, culture criticism, essays, political nonfiction and reporting, American history, and popular science.
Submit through QueryManager. Follow standard query-letter format, query one Headwater agent at a time, and do not email queries.
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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