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Literary Fiction Literary Agents

558+verified agents378open nowLast reviewed20 Jul 2026

PairPi is a verified literary agent directory for writers looking for representation. Save shortlists, check submission details, and track every submission in one place.

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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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Agents representing literary 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

Practical nonfiction, business, health, wellness, mind body spirit, psychology, parenting, technology, narrative nonfiction, memoir, biography, history, pop culture, current affairs, women's interest, social trends, sports, fitness, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, suspense, thriller

Wants: Query letter, author bio

Looking for

Dana is interested in practical nonfiction by authors with smart, unique perspectives and established platforms, compelling narrative nonfiction, memoir, biography, history, pop culture, current affairs, women's interest, social trends, sports and fitness, plus select literary fiction, upmarket fiction, and suspense/thriller.

How to submit

Email dananewmanliterary@gmail.com with QUERY and the title in the subject line. Send a one-page query letter in the body of the email with category, title, word count, project overview, credentials, publishing history, contact details, and disclosure of simultaneous submissions. Do not send attachments.

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

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, young adult, middle grade, narrative nonfiction, practical nonfiction, biography, history, memoir, pop culture, upmarket women's fiction, food writing, cookbooks

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages

Looking for

Elizabeth focuses on literary fiction, young adult fiction, narrative nonfiction, issue-based nonfiction, history, biography, food writing, cookbooks, memoir, and upmarket women's fiction.

How to submit

Email a query letter to query@elizabethkaplanlit.com. Do not send attachments, fiction writers may paste the first ten pages into the body of the email. The agency replies only if interested.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Poetry, literary nonfiction, literary fiction, investigative nonfiction, translation, criticism, music writing, food writing, cookbooks, children's

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Erika seeks projects that excite, invigorate, argue or surprise across poetry, literary nonfiction and fiction, investigative nonfiction, translation, criticism, music writing and food writing/cookbooks. In children's literature, she seeks inclusive work for children with gender-expansive identities and families.

How to submit

Submit through Erika Stevens's QueryManager form. Submit to only one SLM agent at a time, no response within 12 weeks means pass.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
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

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

Literary fiction, speculative fiction, gothic fiction, thriller, psychological horror, noir, non-fiction, history, popular science, political writing, investigative journalism, cultural criticism, memoir, biography, nature, food

Looking for

Provocative, morally ambiguous fiction charged with darkness and desire — exploring themes of shame, obsession, and power — often blending literary fiction with thriller, noir, or psychological horror. Speculative and gothic novels haunted by grief, repressed desire, climate, technological dread, colonialism, or history. Voice-driven, humorous fiction with emotional heft, including messy family dramas, campy queer tragedies, and rural romances with a self-aware take on identity and community. In non-fiction, academics and journalists writing on history, popular science, politics, investigative journalism, cultural criticism, memoir, biography, nature, and food — particularly writers who can marry vivid narrative with deep research. Also political and cultural commentary, mind-bending science writing, narrative biography, landscape and history memoir, insider accounts, and obsessive literary true crime.

How to submit

Email submissions@greeneheaton.co.uk with your covering letter in the body of the email and submission materials as Word Document attachments. Include Imogen Morrell's name in the subject line. Fiction: first three chapters or around fifty pages, plus a one-to-two page synopsis that reveals the ending. Non-fiction: three sample chapters or around fifty pages, plus a proposed chapter summary or synopsis — a completed manuscript is not required. No postal submissions accepted. AI-generated or AI-edited submissions will not be considered.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, health nonfiction, young adult, short stories

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages

Looking for

Ismita is seeking literary fiction, health-related nonfiction, YA, and short story collections. She is drawn to Southern settings, gritty realist writing, health or disability themes, and writing with a sense of humor.

How to submit

Submit through Ismita'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

Fiction and non-fiction

Looking for

Contemporary, historical and literary fiction, crime and thrillers, memoir, biography, narrative history

How to submit

Email isobel@blakefriedmann.co.uk with a cover letter in the body of the email. Attach a synopsis of 250-300 words and the first three chapters or first 10,000 words as Word documents (.doc or .docx). Include the book title and your name in the subject line. For non-fiction, attach a synopsis of up to 500 words, a chapter plan, and two sample chapters.

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 romance, literary fiction, family saga, magical realism, narrative nonfiction, wellness, social activism

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

Looking for

Jesseca is selectively looking for contemporary YA romance, literary fiction with family stories, strong sense of place, magical or mystical elements or daring voice, and narrative nonfiction in wellness, social activism and purposeful living.

How to submit

Submit through Jesseca Salky's QueryManager form. Submit to only one SLM agent at a time, no response within 12 weeks means pass.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Adventure, survival, historical fiction, literary fiction, women's fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thriller, suspense, nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, first three chapters, synopsis, author bio

Looking for

Jessica represents everything from novelty board books to adult science fiction and political thrillers, and is drawn to atmospheric adventure and survival stories, historical fiction, literary fiction, women's fiction, hard-science or literary magical realism SFF, adult thrillers and suspense, and selected nonfiction.

How to submit

Send a query letter and the first three chapters pasted into the body, plus complete synopsis, author bio, social media links, a short description of other completed works, and contact information. Attachments are not opened unless requested.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Form
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

Debut fiction, mystery, new adult, paranormal fiction, science fiction, fantasy, romance, general fiction, literary fiction, parenting, advice, relationships

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Josi represents fiction and selected nonfiction, with interests including romance, dark romance, contemporary romance, fantasy/urban fantasy, paranormal, new adult, romantic suspense/crime, mystery, fresh perspectives, parenting, advice, and relationships.

How to submit

Use Beck Literary Agency's Work With Us route or current submission form. Query materials should follow the current agency form instructions.

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

Fiction and non-fiction

Looking for

Literary/book club/romantic fiction, character-led "gentler" crime in communities, non-fiction including relationships, pop culture, social history, food, some cookery/illustrated. Not currently considering memoir

How to submit

Email juliet@blakefriedmann.co.uk with your cover letter as the body of the email. Attach a full synopsis of 250-300 words and the first three chapters or first 10,000 words as Word documents (.doc or .docx). Name each attachment with the book title and your name. Include your title and name in the subject line. Do not send PDFs or external links.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, contemporary fiction, historical fiction, mystery, thriller, food writing, journalism

Wants: Query letter, first five pages, author bio

Looking for

Kate is particularly interested in literary and upmarket fiction, memoir and narrative nonfiction that contributes to conversations that move society forward, with strong narrative voices and clear confidence of intention.

How to submit

Submit through Kate Garrick's QueryManager form. Submit to only one SLM agent at a time, no response within 12 weeks means pass.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Young adult, science fiction, fantasy, horror, romance, mystery, thriller, literary fiction, historical fiction, contemporary fiction

Wants: Query letter, first three chapters, full proposal for nonfiction

Looking for

Laura represents YA, science fiction, fantasy, horror, romance, mystery, thriller, literary fiction with speculative elements, and select contemporary and historical fiction. She is aggressively looking in adult horror, mystery, and thriller, and is interested in genre-crossing work.

How to submit

Submit through QueryManager. Follow standard query-letter format, query one Headwater agent at a time, and do not email queries.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, investigative journalism

Looking for

Sweeping narratives with voice-driven prose, particularly genre-bending projects that offer fresh perspectives. Timeless stories exploring migration, family, socioeconomic inequality, and speculative worlds that reveal complicated truths about our own reality. Also select narrative nonfiction, memoir, and investigative journalism projects; across all genres, books that uplift historically underrepresented voices.

How to submit

Submit queries through Aevitas Creative Management's contact and submissions form or contact the agency directly by phone at and 1 (212) 765-6900.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Fiction, nonfiction, young adult, commercial fiction, literary fiction, book club fiction, thriller, speculative fiction, food, true crime, pop culture, history

Wants: Query letter

Looking for

Lily represents fiction and nonfiction, including YA, from commercial to literary. She is actively looking for novels with strong hooks, propulsive plots, book club appeal, nuanced female perspectives, high-concept thrillers, speculative fiction, atmospheric settings, strange women in strange circumstances, and nonfiction on food, true crime, pop culture, and untold history with a feminist angle.

How to submit

Submit through the Sterling Lord Literistic submissions form. The agency asks writers to complete the form by email and says it only responds if interested.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Online Form
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

Fiction and non-fiction

Looking for

Commercial women's fiction with strong hook/twisty plots/emotion/drama, eclectic list. Agency also considers crime/mystery/suspense/thrillers, horror, historical, commercial and literary, non-fiction including politics/current affairs, environment, lifestyle, popular science, self-help/how-to, true crime

How to submit

Email submissions@cmm.agency with a one-paragraph author biography, a one-paragraph blurb or hook including genre and audience, a short synopsis covering plot, setting, theme and characters, and the first three chapters as an attachment. Manuscript must be double or 1.5 line-spaced, with wide margins, in a font no smaller than 12-point (preferably Times New Roman), fully page-numbered, with your name, address, contact number and email on the first page.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, historical fiction, psychological suspense, crime, thrillers, non-fiction

Looking for

Multi-generational domestic novels that follow characters over a significant time frame, particularly those exploring the intricacies of female familial relationships. Pre-twentieth century historical fiction. Big, pacy standalone crime and thriller novels, preferably with surprising twists. Non-fiction with an element of mystery and discovery, especially books that challenge readers to re-examine previously held conceptions of history.

How to submit

Email submissions@hardmanswainson.com naming Lucy Malone in your cover email. For fiction, attach a one-page synopsis and the full manuscript. For non-fiction, include a covering email outlining the book, why it has a place on the bookshelf, and why you are qualified to write it, along with a proposal and a sample chapter or the whole work if completed. Submit to one agent only, do not email individual agent addresses.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, historical fiction, romance, nonfiction, graphic memoir, journalism

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages

Looking for

Imaginative, genre-bending literary fiction and capacious historical novels that push boundaries, beautifully told queer stories, and smart, feminist romance. In nonfiction, projects that probe assumptions and invite nuance, with special attention to queer, trans, and underrepresented experiences, as well as narratives exploring culture, technology, food, and the environment.

How to submit

Submit your query via Query Manager at the link provided. Include a cover letter, synopsis, and sample pages as appropriate for your project.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Fantasy, speculative fiction, romantic fantasy, romantic fiction, general fiction, literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, cookery

Looking for

Grounded fantasy with light magical elements edging toward speculative or dystopic, with exceptionally strong world-building. Romantic fantasy with compelling protagonists, particularly a queer male lead or a non-binary/gender-neutral vampire story. Romantic fiction with a strong USP, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, competitive settings, and crossover with horror or crime. General fiction exploring friendship over time, sibling relationships, ensemble casts, and modern loose retellings of classics or plays — especially an own-voices retelling of The Crucible from Abigail Williams' perspective. In non-fiction: narrative memoir with a fresh angle, pop and fan culture exploring why topics trend online, and cookbooks from authors with strong social media platforms.

How to submit

Email submissions@greeneheaton.co.uk with your covering letter in the body of the email and attachments as Word Documents. Include Mia Dakin's name in the subject line. Fiction: first three chapters or around fifty pages plus a one-to-two page synopsis that reveals the ending. Non-fiction: three sample chapters or around fifty pages plus a proposed chapter summary, your reasons for writing the book, and your intended readership. AI-generated or AI-edited submissions are not accepted.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Email
Represents

Nonfiction, literary fiction, science fiction, fantasy

Looking for

Nonfiction that illuminates the past and present across arts, pop culture, education, politics, sociology, and technology, with a vision toward more just and equitable futures; also select genre fiction with literary merit, particularly science fiction and fantasy stories that explore new worlds while revealing something essential about our own.

How to submit

Submit through Aevitas Creative Management's contact and submissions form.

Last checked 9 Jul 2026Via Online Form

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