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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Literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, thrillers, mysteries
Literary fiction, narrative non-fiction (current affairs etc), and high-quality thrillers and mysteries
Email submissions directly to amd@theampersandagency.co.uk
Fiction, nonfiction, commercial fiction, book club fiction, thriller, literary memoir, narrative nonfiction, commercial nonfiction, cookery, food writing
Wants: Non-fiction that informs understanding of world/society; life writing; topical/essayistic; cookery/food; experts writing accessibly. fiction: 'what if' novels; incisive/witty; moral dilemmas; fun romantic reads. not children/YA; not historical fiction; not adult sf/fantasy
Sile Edwards is a literary agent at Andrew Nurnberg Associates building a list across adult fiction and non-fiction, with a focus on perspectives that have historically been excluded from the mainstream. She has worked on cookery and food writing, literary memoir, historical biography, commercial non-fiction, contemporary and commercial fiction, and thriller. She is not the right agent for children's or young adult writing, or for adult historical fiction, science fiction or fantasy.
Submit through the Andrew Nurnberg Associates submissions page and follow the agency guidelines, naming Sile Edwards as your chosen agent. Do not approach the agency generally.
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, fantasy, science fiction, romance, mystery, young adult, pop culture, select non-fiction
Wants: Query letter, bio, first five pages
She seeks compelling stories with clear concepts, fresh voices and emotional heart that grab readers from the first page. She is especially interested in emerging writers and underrepresented voices, looking to develop long-term relationships.
Email a brief query letter containing information about your book, your bio, and the first five pages in the body of the email. Include the word 'query' and your book title in the subject line.
Literary fiction, book club fiction, upmarket commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, cookery, feminist fiction, feminist nonfiction
Wants: Literary/book club/upmarket commercial fiction; historical and women's fiction; open to speculative and romance crossovers; non-fiction that surprises/challenges; cookery/food writing; feminist narratives; underrepresented voices. not seeking children's/YA, crime, thriller or horror.
Laurie Robertson is an agent at Peters Fraser and Dunlop building a list of adult fiction and non-fiction. She is actively looking for literary, book club and upmarket commercial fiction with strong original voices, uplifting narratives, clever storytelling, strong emotional hooks and complex characters. On non-fiction she wants stories that surprise and challenge, narrative non-fiction that reads like fiction, and cookery from food writers who can transport the reader. She is always keen on feminist narratives across fiction and non-fiction and on voices from underrepresented backgrounds. She is not currently looking for children's or young adult, crime, thriller or horror.
Email one agent or assistant only, include a cover letter, full synopsis, and first 3 chapters or approximately 50 pages for fiction, or a detailed proposal for non-fiction. Find contact details at https://petersfraserdunlop.com or our-team/
Fiction and non-fiction
Fiction: literary and speculative (and overlap), all adult/YA fiction (not below YA). Non-fiction: untold/unknown stories, expert insights, narrative/serious non-fiction
Email - submissions@appletreeliterary.com
Adult fiction, upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, literary fiction, crime fiction, mystery, cozy mystery, historical mystery, suspense, thriller, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, book club fiction, romantic comedy, contemporary romance, women's fiction
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first three chapters, proposal, author bio, pitch
Sandy Harding is Senior Literary Agent at Spencerhill Associates. She is seeking mainly upmarket commercial and literary fiction for the adult market, including women's fiction for book clubs, smart page-turning thrillers, suspense with complex protagonists, mysteries of all sorts including cozies, historical, and traditional mysteries, and romance. Her official submissions page adds engaging adult upmarket and commercial fiction, crime fiction of all sorts, historical and contemporary upmarket fiction, book club reads, romantic comedies, and contemporary romance. She is drawn to complicated protagonists, multiple points of view, diverse voices, and writing with a captivating voice and story.
Submit through Sandy Harding's official Spencerhill linked QueryManager form. Spencerhill accepts submissions only through Query Manager, asks writers to query one agent, and says a response from one agent should be considered a response from all. Sandy's form requests a query letter, author biography, book details, synopsis, first 3 chapters or full nonfiction proposal, pitch, target audience, and similar books.
Literary fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, cultural history
Wants: Query letter, first five to ten pages
Maria Massie is a partner at Massie McQuilkin & Altman and specializes in literary fiction, memoir, and cultural history. MMQA's contact page says Maria seeks literary fiction, memoir, and narrative nonfiction and will not accept commercial fiction or YA.
Email a query to the attention of Maria Massie at info@mmqalit.com. Include Query in the subject line, a brief description of the project, relevant personal or professional information, and the first 5-10 pages pasted into the body of the email. Query only one MMQA agent at a time, if one agent passes, you may query another. MMQA accepts electronic submissions only and does not represent screenplays.
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, book club fiction, narrative memoir, family saga, high society fiction, speculative fiction, magical realism, contemporary fiction, upmarket suspense, psychological thriller, postcolonial fiction, translated fiction, classical retellings
Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first three chapters, first ten thousand words, proposal, writing sample
Rachel Yeoh is a literary agent building a list in literary, upmarket, and book club fiction, as well as select narrative nonfiction. She is actively looking for literary, upmarket, book club, global stories, human experience, social critique, class conflict, speculative fiction, family sagas, contemporary fiction, upmarket suspense, psychological thriller, postcolonial literature, translated fiction, classical retellings, and narrative memoir.
Submit through the relevant Madeleine Milburn online form and select Rachel Yeoh where available. Adult fiction submissions require a cover letter pasted into the form and one attachment containing a one-page synopsis plus the first three chapters or first 10,000 words. Nonfiction submissions require a cover letter and one document containing a 5,000 to 10,000 word sample and proposal. Do not submit by post or directly to email addresses.
Literary fiction and non-fiction (international or translated)
Voice-led literary fiction and non-fiction that cross borders, plays with form/genre, open to submissions in all languages
Synopsis and bio in English preferred
Fiction and non-fiction
Adult crime, thrillers and suspense, contemporary romance, women's fiction (commercial/literary/historical/humour). Adult non-fiction: mental health advocates, adventurers, entertainers
Email - submission@bell-lomax.co.uk
Fiction and non-fiction
Romance, upmarket crime/thrillers, uncanny/eerie/weird literary, gothic/supernatural elements, voiced historical, memoir and narrative non-fiction, health/wellbeing proposals from experts
Email submissions@greeneheaton.co.uk with the full manuscript, synopsis, and a cover letter naming Judith Murray as the preferred agent in the subject line
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, historical fiction, literary thrillers, crime, gothic horror, speculative fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels
Literary and upmarket fiction/non-fiction, genre-bending/speculative-adjacent literary, literary historical, family novels, literary thrillers/crime, gothic horror edges, non-fiction art/music/aging/neurodiversity/psychotherapy/sport/science, graphic novels
Submit by email following DHA's submissions guidelines at https://davidhigham.co.uk or submissions/
Literary fiction, speculative fiction, translated fiction, history, journalism, politics, pop culture, music history
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, bio, sample pages
Jennifer is most interested in literary fiction, speculative fiction, and translated fiction for the adult market, unusual history, journalism, politics, and pop-culture and music history. She is particularly drawn to eccentric and unusual stories and values a distinct narrative voice and a strong sense of place.
Submit through QueryManager portal with query letter, 1-page synopsis, brief bio including publishing history, and first 10-15 pages of manuscript for fiction.
Fiction, nonfiction, memoir, biography, literary fiction, narrative nonfiction
Wants: Query letter, first five to ten pages, bio
Lane Zachary is looking for fiction and nonfiction that are beautifully crafted and have the capacity to change the way readers see and live in the world. Her background includes memoirs and biographies, and the official MMQA about page lists her long publishing career and authors recognized by major prizes and bestseller lists.
Email queries directly to lane@mmqalit.com. Include the word Query in the subject line, include a query letter describing the project plus relevant personal or professional information, and paste the first 5-10 pages into the body of the email. Query only one MMQA agent at a time.
Historical thrillers, literary fiction, upmarket genre fiction, book club fiction, science writing, food writing, history, nature writing, music journalism, memoir, cultural criticism
Wants: Contemporary crime and thrillers; historical fiction (esp historical crime); books with a fresh angle/clear identity; non-fiction on any subject with a strong angle and page-turning storytelling
Contemporary crime and thrillers, historical fiction and historical crime, upmarket and literary fiction with a fresh or distinctive angle, voices from marginalised or underrepresented communities, and non-fiction on any subject where the author has found the right angle and can make the material a page-turning story
Email submissions@greeneheaton.co.uk with covering letter in the body of the email. Fiction: attach first three chapters or around fifty pages plus a one-to-two page synopsis that reveals the ending. Non-fiction: attach three sample chapters or around fifty pages plus a chapter breakdown or synopsis. Attach files as Word documents, not PDFs. Include preferred agent name in the subject line.
Literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, cultural criticism, reportage, social history, cultural history, memoir, poetry
Wants: Query letter, sample chapters
Alice represents a wide range of nonfiction, including voice-driven narrative non-fiction, cultural criticism, reportage, social and cultural history, and memoir, literary fiction, and a select list of poets.
Send a query letter briefly describing your project and professional background, along with up to three chapters of sample material. Do not query more than one agent.
Literary fiction, essay collections, memoir, hybrid texts, commercial fiction, poetry, speculative fiction, science fiction, horror, short stories, cookbooks, cultural issues, food, journalism, lgbtq and issues, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, women's issues
Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, full proposal
Kima Jones is interested in representing literary fiction, essay collections, memoir, hybrid texts, commercial fiction, poetry, speculative fiction, science fiction, and horror. Her official QueryManager genre list also includes short stories, cookbooks, cultural and social issues, food, gardening, journalism, LGBTQ+ issues, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, and women's issues.
Submit to Kima Jones through the QueryManager link on Triangle House Literary's official staff page. Her QueryManager asks for a query letter and the first 10 pages, or for nonfiction the full proposal. Do not query Kima if you have queried another Triangle House agent.
Narrative non-fiction, women's fiction, thrillers, young adult, middle grade, picture books, cookbooks, literary works, suspense, horror, speculative fiction, popular science, astrology, tarot, lifestyle, humor
Wants: Query letter, first chapter
Literary works, women's fiction, thrillers/suspense and especially interested in works with horror elements, speculative fiction and spooky reads for both adult and children's markets. For non-fiction: narrative works, books on popular science (especially space), astrology, tarot, cookbooks, lifestyle, and fun/interesting works in humor category
Query via email to dca@doncongdon.com with 'Query' and agent's full name in subject heading
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative non-fiction
Wants: Query letter, first ten pages
Veronica Goldstein is drawn to distinctive voices with a fresh story to tell and a strong sense of urgency, especially Americans whose stories have been underrepresented in publishing and international writers. She represents narrative and personally-driven nonfiction about feminism, pop culture, science, technology, politics, and the natural world, as well as literary and upmarket fiction with an original, contemporary voice and can't-put-it-down storytelling.
Please email query letters to mail@dclagency.com, and paste the first ten pages of your manuscript below your letter. You are encouraged to address your email to a specific agent who you think might be the right fit. Emails with attachments will not be opened.
Literary fiction, historical fiction, suspense, magical realism, multicultural fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, journalism, travel, popular science, women's issues, parenting, food writing, young adult, business, sports, pop culture
Wants: Query letter, bio, publishing history, proposal or manuscript status
Felicia Eth is interested in literary accessible fiction, historical and suspense novels with a literary bent that transcend genre, magical realism or multicultural fiction, narrative nonfiction including memoir, journalism, unusual travel books, popular science, psychological and social concerns, women's issues, fresh parenting ideas, and culinary writing. She may occasionally consider strong short story collections, crossover YA, idea-driven business books, sports books, and pop culture.
Send an email query to feliciaeth.literary@gmail.com or submit by hardcopy to the agency address. For fiction, write a query letter introducing yourself, the book, and your writing background, and wait for a response before sending sample pages unless requested. For nonfiction, introduce the idea, what has already been written, your background and expertise, and your platform.
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, book club fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, essay collections, food writing, cookbooks
Fiction and non-fiction from underrepresented voices. In fiction, drawn to literary, upmarket and book club novels exploring family and relationship dynamics, sexuality, identity, and vulnerability — particularly stories about polyamory and ethical non-monogamy, epic multi-generational narratives, intelligent romantic comedies, relationship drama, coming-of-age tales centred on girlhood, and intimate formally inventive prose. In non-fiction, interested in narrative, memoir and essay collections from experts, academics, critics and journalists writing about society and culture, especially writers seeking to reshape conversations in their field. Particularly keen to add cookbooks and food writing to her list. Does not represent children's, YA or fantasy.
Email submissions@watsonlittle.com with Ciara's name specified. Include a cover letter in the body of the email with genre, word count, one-line pitch and a brief author bio. For fiction, attach approximately 10,000 words from the beginning of the manuscript and a separate synopsis as Word documents. For non-fiction, attach a full proposal as a single Word document. Do not submit to more than one Watson, Little agent at once. No AI-generated material accepted.
Fantasy, romance, mysteries or thrillers, select horror, literary or upmarket, commercial science fiction
Fantasy: standout world building, compelling characters & voices, dark fantasy, cozy fantasy with an edge. Romance: mystery romance & romantic suspense, why-choose, unusual settings or communities, historical-with-a-twist, dark romance. Mysteries/Thrillers: unusual structures/unreliable narrators, cross-genre elements. Open to select horror, literary/upmarket, and commercial science fiction with standout hooks and strong writing. Interested in working with fan writers who are looking to explore trad pub!
Use QueryManager link provided
Upmarket fiction, literary fiction, cultural criticism, journalism, memoir, essay collections, illustrated projects
Wants: Query letter, first 3 chapters, full proposal
Upmarket and literary fiction with strong sense of place, cultural criticism, journalism, memoir/narrative, and essay collections
Query Clare at cmao@sjga.com under the subject line 'QUERY – project title.' Include your query letter and the first 3 chapters (fiction) or full proposal (nonfiction)
Adult science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, speculative fiction, select literary fiction, narrative history, narrative nonfiction
Adult sci-fi/fantasy manuscripts, historical fiction, select literary fiction, narrative history and narrative nonfiction. Fantasy: Epic Fantasy, Grimdark, High Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Military/Naval Fantasy, Crime and Caper Fantasy, Historical Fantasy, Humorous Fantasy, Steampunk, Dragon Fantasy. Science Fiction: Space Opera, Dystopian Sci-Fi, Literary Sci-Fi, Climate/Environmental, Space Western
Query Darryl
Literary fiction, science fiction, thriller, horror, true crime, romance, young adult, cookbooks, interior design, gardening, parenting, self-empowerment, memoir, biography
Wants: Query letter, proposal, sample pages
Christine J. Lee is an Associate Literary Agent with interest in full-length literary fiction, sci-fi, thrillers, horror, true crime, romance, YA, cookbooks, interior design and gardening, parenting, self-empowerment, and memoirs or biographies touching on race, sex, class, and identity.
Submit through The Leshne Agency's official QueryManager route or email a query letter to submissions@leshneagency.com, but do not do both. Email subject lines should begin with QUERY followed by the title. For fiction, include author information, title, genre, word count, hook or tagline, brief synopsis, comp titles, and 10-20 sample pages. For nonfiction, include a complete proposal with overview, table of contents, chapter outline, target audience, marketing or promotion plans, comps, bio, and at least two fully written sample chapters.
Literary fiction, character-driven genre fiction, nonfiction, science, arts, pop culture, history, current events
Wants: Query letter, proposal, manuscript
On the fiction side, Eloy is especially interested in literary fiction along with character-driven, elevated genre fiction. In nonfiction, Eloy is always eager to be introduced to an under-explored subject, no matter the exact field of study—so long as the writer can make their passion infectious. He's looking for obsessives who can take a single topic and explode it into a vast, multidisciplinary inquiry.
Please send your query letter, proposal, and or or manuscript to submissions@neonliterary.com. Please specify in the subject line of your email whether you are querying Kent, Anna, or Eloy.
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, mystery, historical fiction, biography, memoir, history, young adult fiction
Wants: Query letter
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.
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.
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative non-fiction
Wants: Query letter
Jody represents both literary and upmarket fiction, as well as narrative nonfiction. She enjoys books that are beautifully written while also containing a rich storyline, and she's especially looking for deeply drawn characters and voice-driven narratives. She's interested in untold stories, misunderstood populations, and anything that's plugged into the current cultural conversation. In nonfiction, she's seeking narratives related to culture, social justice, sports, food, history, literary memoir and journalism.
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.
Biography, history, current affairs, international relations, politics, arts, sciences, sports, popular culture, literary fiction, genre fiction
Wants: Query letter
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.
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.
Literary fiction, literary memoir, children's books, idea-driven non-fiction
Wants: Query letter
Gail represents works of literary fiction, idea-driven non-fiction, literary memoir and children's books that she loves most to read.
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.
Literary fiction, non-fiction, memoir, narrative non-fiction, history, biography, food writing, cultural criticism, graphic novels, young adult fiction
Wants: Query letter
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.
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.
Literary fiction, historical fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, investigative journalism, popular history, children's books
Wants: Query letter
She is looking for fresh, lyrical, and voice-driven writing, suspenseful plots, emotional narratives, transporting settings, and unforgettable characters. Books that grapple with the dynamics of relationships (of all kinds, but especially from a female perspective), have a grounded speculative bent, or explore the current cultural landscape are all of perennial interest.
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.
Science fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction, horror, romance, literary fiction
Wants: Query letter, first ten pages
Ambitious worldbuilding, strong voices, fast-paced plotting, cross-genre elements, dark romance, and anything slightly unhinged.
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. Submitting to more than one agent at a time is permitted, but indicate which agents you are querying. Emails with attachments will not be opened.
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
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.
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.
Non-fiction, literary fiction
Wants: Query letter, first ten pages
Erin primarily works with authors of nonfiction and select literary fiction for adults, with special interest in memoir, secret histories, music biography and pop culture, science, humor, cultural criticism, and untold stories of all kinds.
Email query letters to mail@dclagency.com, and paste the first ten pages of your manuscript below your letter. Address your email to the specific agent. Submitting to more than one agent at a time is permitted, but indicate which agents you are querying.
Narrative non-fiction, literary fiction
Narrative non-fiction with strong writing (science/nature/landscape/anthropology/history/politics/philosophy/gender/health/myth, environmentally aware). Internationally relevant literary fiction, character-led, warm/life-affirming or dark, lasting impression
Email jessicawoollard@davidhigham.co.uk and esmebright@davidhigham.co.uk — submissions should be sent to both the agent and her assistant Esme Bright
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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