373+ literary fiction literary agents whose current PairPi record says they are open to submissions. Each listing includes a source link and last-checked date.
373+ verified agents · 373 currently open
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, romance, book club fiction, culture and society non-fiction, cookery
Literary and commercial fiction alongside romance novels with strong book club appeal. In non-fiction, writing that explores culture and modern society, as well as cookery in all its forms, from narrative food writing to practical cookbooks.
Submissions can be sent by email to honor@rcwlitagency.com.
Fiction, non-fiction
Speculative fiction, commercial fiction, literary fiction, crime and thriller, serious non-fiction (big ideas/subversive assumptions, serious histories, narrative non-fiction re contemporary events/issues)
Email alexander@greyhoundliterary.co.uk with a cover letter pitch in the body of the email. For fiction, attach the first three chapters and a synopsis. For non-fiction, attach a proposal and sample writing. Do not submit by post. Do not submit to more than one agent at the agency.
Literary fiction, general fiction, epic fantasy, history, memoir, reportage, narrative nonfiction, art, music, nature writing
Beautiful, ambitious, and unusual literary fiction, epic fantasy, and upmarket general fiction that is emotionally engaging and compulsively readable. In nonfiction, interested in history, memoir, reportage, and big ideas, as well as writing on art, music, literature, and nature.
Submit via the button on John Ash's agent profile page at https://www.caa.com or entertainmenttalent or books or agent or john-ash/. For fiction, include a cover letter, synopsis, and the first three chapters or opening 50 pages. For nonfiction, include a cover letter and proposal.
Adult literary fiction, book club fiction, narrative non-fiction, children's books, historical fiction, family sagas, memoir, self-help, young adult, middle grade
Wants: Query letter, first chapter, brief bio, book description
She responds to voice and character-driven stories that draw her in and give her a new perspective on a world she doesn't know, or make her think more deeply about a world she does know. She seeks books with a heart and writers with wonderful storytelling abilities. She is particularly interested in finding emerging and underrepresented voices, and loves books that focus on diversity and explore the experiences of BIPOC people.
Send an email query to querymiriam@defliterary.com with a brief description of your book, a brief relevant bio, the first chapter pasted in the body of your email, and what you feel the heart of your book is in one or two sentences. Attachments will not be opened.
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, narrative non-fiction, pop culture, biography, journalism, memoir, self-help
Wants: Query letter, first five pages
Mason seeks innovative, boundary-pushing literary fiction, engrossing upmarket and commercial fiction, and nonfiction that amplifies traditionally underrepresented voices in publishing. He is particularly interested in working with queer authors and LGBTQIA+ themes.
Send a brief email describing yourself and your project to mason@defliterary.com with the word "QUERY" in the subject line and the first five pages of your manuscript or proposal pasted in the body of an email. Attachments will not be opened unless requested.
Fiction, non-fiction, children's, memoir, biography, natural history, literary fiction, mystery, suspense, women's fiction, health, fitness, young adult, faith, popular culture
Wants: Query letter, first 50 pages
Laura represents a wide range of fiction, nonfiction and books for children. Her interests include memoir and biography, natural history, literary fiction, mystery, suspense, women's fiction, health and fitness, children's and young adult, faith issues and popular culture.
Email Laura directly at lbp@cbltd.com and attach the first 50 pages of your project. Include 'lbpquery' in the subject line.
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, non-fiction, science fiction
Wants: Query letter, first fifty pages, full proposal
James Farrell seeks literary and upmarket adult fiction, non-fiction, and occasionally science fiction. He is especially seeking voices from underrepresented backgrounds.
Direct queries to jtf@cbltd.com with the first fifty pages of your manuscript or a full proposal in the body of your email, and include the title, genre, and 'jtf query' in the subject line.
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, young adult, non-fiction
Wants: Query letter, first 50 pages, full proposal
Kerry is particularly drawn to character-driven work, unconventional plot structures, unreliable narrators, complicated family relationships, and speculative elements that challenge our ways of thinking about the world.
Email query letters to Kerry at kd@cbltd.com and include either the first fifty pages of your manuscript or your full proposal in an attachment as a Word document.
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative non-fiction, creative non-fiction, young adult literary fiction, middle grade literary fiction
Wants: Query letter, first 30 pages, author biography
Katie Grimm seeks plot-driven literary and upmarket fiction, narrative and creative nonfiction, and literary fiction for young adult and middle grade audiences. She looks for voice-driven books with a heartbeat and sense of purpose, particularly interested in the darker and weirder side of human history, previously under- or misrepresented experiences, and narratives that contribute to larger cultural conversations.
Send query via Query Manager at https://querymanager.com or KGRIMM with query letter, first 30 pages, and author biography.
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, chick lit, mystery, suspense, thriller, picture books, middle grade, young adult, memoir, celebrity biography, arts, popular culture, self-help, health, spiritual
Wants: Query letter, first pages, synopsis, bio
She seeks literary fiction with unique voices and commercial fiction including women's fiction, mysteries, and thrillers. For children's books, she wants picture books and character-driven middle grade and Young Adult with distinctive voices. In nonfiction, she represents memoirs, celebrity biographies, books about arts and popular culture, and empowering self-help titles.
For fiction queries, send the first twenty pages in the email body to jenndec@aol.com with a one-paragraph bio and synopsis. For nonfiction, attach the complete proposal as a Word document with a sample chapter, plus bio and synopsis in the email body.
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, young adult fiction
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages
Alexandra is particularly interested in upmarket and literary fiction, narrative nonfiction and memoir, and select literary Young Adult.
Email queries to acf@cbltd.com with a synopsis and the first ten pages of your manuscript in the body of the email with QUERY in the subject line.
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.
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, business, finance, memoir, narrative nonfiction, parenting, religion, spirituality, science, advice, relationships
Wants: Query letter
Bethany represents literary fiction and nonfiction, including business/finance, memoir, narrative nonfiction, parenting, religion/spirituality, science, general nonfiction, advice and relationships.
Submit through the Wave Literary QueryTracker form.
General fiction, literary fiction, anthology, biography, business, cooking, health, history, politics, current affairs, humor, lifestyle, memoir, narrative nonfiction, parenting, pop culture, reference, sports, true crime, general nonfiction
Wants: Query letter
Bill focuses heavily on sports and nonfiction, with AALA-listed interests including biography, business, cooking, health, history/politics/current affairs, humor, lifestyle, memoir, narrative nonfiction, parenting, pop culture, reference, sports, true crime, general nonfiction, general fiction, and literary fiction.
Contact Bill Ames at bill@amesliterary.com for submission instructions, which vary based on genre, length, and topic.
Debut fiction, horror, new adult, science fiction, fantasy, romance, general fiction, literary fiction, business, finance, cooking, health, history, politics, current affairs, lifestyle, parenting, pop culture, science, sports, advice, relationships
Wants: Query letter
Irene is open to adult fiction and nonfiction across commercial and literary categories, including debut fiction, horror, new adult, science fiction/fantasy, romance, general fiction, literary fiction, business/finance, cooking, health, history/politics/current affairs, lifestyle, parenting, pop culture, science, sports, advice and relationships.
Submit through Irene Kaster's QueryTracker form. HJLit does not accept unsolicited manuscripts by email.
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.
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
Reading group fiction, crime, thriller, psychological fiction, literary fiction, fantasy, historical fiction
Wants: Covering letter, synopsis, first three chapters, first 10, 000-15, 000 words, first fifty pages
Reading group fiction, crime and thriller, psychological novels, high-concept hooks, novels that feel ambitious and international, page-turners with a lot of twists and turns
Email submissions@mushens-entertainment.com with a clear subject line (e.g. Fiction Submission: TITLE), the cover letter in the body of the email, a synopsis as an attachment, and a PDF or Word document containing either the first three chapters, the first 10,000 to 15,000 words, or the first 50 pages. Address the email to Juliet.
Literary fiction, historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy
One-Page Outline, First Three Chapters, First Fifty Pages, Author Bio
Email submissions@miccheetham.co.uk with a one-page outline, either the first three chapters or first fifty pages, and a brief author bio. Word attachments are preferred and should be double spaced.
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, mystery, crime, thriller, science fiction, horror, western, women's fiction, middle grade, young adult, narrative non-fiction, true crime, memoir
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, first five pages
She is a fan of magical realism, contemporary westerns, science fiction and all stories that quicken the pulse and imagination.
Make your submission letter to the point and as brief as possible. Include a short synopsis of your work, an author bio, and the first five pages of your manuscript pasted into the body of your email, no attachments please.
Literary fiction, near historical fiction, narrative non-fiction, adventure, popular science, history, politics, current affairs, social history, memoir, biography
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, author bio, first five pages
Wendy specializes in literary fiction and narrative nonfiction. She represents award winning literary novelists, short story writers, journalists, activists, anthropologists, scientists, doctors, and educators.
Make your submission letter to the point and as brief as possible. Include a short synopsis of your work, an author bio, and the first five pages of your manuscript pasted into the body of your email, no attachments please.
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, speculative fiction, horror, magical realism, mythology reimaginings, fairy tale reimaginings, folklore reimaginings, cultural criticism, narrative nonfiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, food writing, short story collections, novellas
Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first three chapters
Literary and upmarket fiction, speculative fiction, horror, magical realism, and reimaginings of myths, fairy tales, and folklore. Also cultural criticism, narrative nonfiction, big-idea nonfiction, and select cookbooks and food writing. Maria is the only agent at the agency who accepts novellas and short story collections.
Email submissions@mushens-entertainment.com with your submission addressed to Maria. For fiction, include a clear subject line (e.g. Fiction Submission: TITLE), a cover letter in the body of the email, an attached synopsis, and a PDF or Word document containing either the first three chapters, the first 10,000–15,000 words, or the first 50 pages. For non-fiction, include a proposal or the first 10,000–15,000 words of a completed manuscript. For short story collections (40,000–75,000 words total), include a synopsis and the full collection. For novellas (17,000–40,000 words), include a synopsis. Do not use AI to write or edit any part of your submission. Notify the agency if another agent requests your full manuscript or offers representation.
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, memoir, nonfiction, business, art, history, politics, sports, popular culture
Wants: Email query
Dan Mandel represents literary and commercial fiction, memoir, and nonfiction about business, art, history, politics, sports, and popular culture.
Email Dan Mandel at querydm@sjga.com. Greenburger asks writers to read each agent page, submit to only one Greenburger agent at a time, and query by email only, if there is no response within 8 weeks, writers may query another Greenburger agent.
Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, narrative nonfiction, cultural criticism, essays, expert-driven nonfiction, translation
Wants: Query form
Christopher Combemale is looking for a broad range of literary fiction and voice-driven upmarket fiction with an unexpected hook, including a literary campus novel. In nonfiction he is interested in narrative nonfiction, cultural criticism and essays, and expert-driven projects. He is drawn to international voices and writers in translation.
Submit to Sterling Lord Literistic through the official submissions page form. SLL says it can only respond to queries if interested in seeing more material and does not represent screenplays.
Non-fiction and select fiction
Non-fiction: compelling narrative history, ideas books on urgent questions, absorbing biography and memoir, pop culture, humour, and entertainment. Fiction: memorable characters on gripping journeys, principally crime or literary-commercial crossover. Not considering children's, YA, sci-fi/fantasy, or screenplays
Send your work and a covering letter to wiseofficesubmissions@curtisbrown.co.uk. Gordon Wise and his team are taking on only a couple of fiction writers a year. They are not considering submissions for Children's, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy, or screenplays. If you have not heard back within four to six weeks, this means they are unable to offer representation.
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, crime fiction, non-fiction
Well-written commercial and literary fiction (incl women's fiction, award-winning crime, upmarket), interested in dysfunctional families, outsiders, messiness, working-class/regional voices (Irish/Scottish), diverse perspectives. Non-fiction: housing, class, feminism, social change, globalisation, sexuality and similar areas
Email - submissions@ryeliterary.com
Fiction, narrative non-fiction, literary novels, cultural criticism, essays, pop culture
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages
Marya seeks books that immerse, critique, delight, or illuminate. She represents literary novels, cultural criticism, voice-driven essays with a humorous or critical edge, and pop culture writing.
For fiction submissions, send an informative description, a brief synopsis and the first ten pages. For non-fiction submissions, send an informative description, a full outline, and the first ten pages of the manuscript. Include sample pages in the body of the email below your query. Direct your submission to an individual agent and send material to submissions@janklow.com.
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, non-fiction, pop culture, criticism, fantasy
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages
Jessica represents fiction across the literary and commercial spectrum, journalistic nonfiction, and select pop culture and criticism. She is drawn to intimate narratives that examine complicated relationships, great love stories, immersive fantasy worlds, and propulsive plots grounded by unforgettable characters. In nonfiction, she seeks fresh, thoroughly-reported narratives that examine systemic injustice focusing on individuals impacted by climate change, women's rights, mental health, and race relations.
For fiction submissions, send an informative description, a brief synopsis and the first ten pages. For non-fiction submissions, send an informative description, a full outline, and the first ten pages of the manuscript. Please include the sample pages in the body of the email below your query. Please direct your submission to an individual agent.
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