199+ United States crime & thriller literary agents whose current PairPi record says they are open to submissions. Each listing includes a source link and last-checked date.
199+ verified agents · 199 currently open
Mystery, suspense, thrillers, crime fiction, upmarket fiction
High-stakes narratives, complex characters, and stories that refuse to be put down. Crime novels with anti-hero main characters, mystery novels that keep him guessing, clear stakes, surprise endings
Check agent's submission page
Literary fiction, horror, thriller, contemporary fiction, queer fiction, magical realism, narrative non-fiction, memoir, essay collections
Wants: Query letter, first three chapters, nonfiction book proposal
Nina is looking for literary fiction, horror/thriller, contemporary fiction, queer fiction, and magical realism. She is drawn to emotionally complex characters, family sagas (especially those that focus on mothers and daughters), voice-driven novels, and untold queer stories. She is always on the lookout for psychological horror, particularly queer horror novels. In nonfiction, she is most interested in narrative nonfiction such as memoirs and essay collections, with climate, psychology, and gender/queer studies as top categories.
Submit query via QueryManager profile. Include query letter and first three chapters for fiction or full nonfiction book proposal.
Young adult, fantasy, horror, thriller, romance, graphic novels
Wants: Query letter, first 1-2 chapters
Young adult, fantasy, light horror, thriller, the occasional rom-com, graphic novels, and almost anything with a strong female lead.
Queries should be emailed to submissions@inkwellmanagement.com. In the body of your email, please include a query letter and a short writing sample (1-2 chapters). You may specify the name of the agent to whom you are submitting in the subject line.
Literary fiction, historical fiction, crime, mystery, thrillers, horror, women's fiction, romance, young adult fiction, memoirs, essays, narrative nonfiction
Wants: Query letter, brief sample in email body
Literary fiction; historical fiction; sophisticated genre (crime, mystery, thrillers, horror); upmarket character-rich women's fiction and smart romance; realism-based young adult fiction; memoirs, essays, and narrative nonfiction. Nonfiction interests include: music, sports, wellness, the natural world, animal welfare, feminism, true crime, sociology, and culture both pop and serious.
Submissions strictly via dedicated email address: submissions@dvagency.com
Literary fiction, commercial fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, romance, thriller, mystery, middle grade, young adult, narrative non-fiction, essay collections
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, sample pages
She seeks literary family sagas, genre-blending fiction, heists and cons that critique power systems, murder mysteries with humor, literary fiction about BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ protagonists, feminist revenge stories, whimsical fantasy, high-heat romance, historical fiction with unexpected settings, middle-grade adventures and slice-of-life, Young Adult queer and anticolonial revenge stories, narrative nonfiction connecting journalism to personal experience, and microhistories described as love letters to niche topics.
Submit via QueryManager submission form. Include polished query letter, bio, and manuscript pages according to genre guidelines. Select one agent at ALA to submit to initially.
Fantasy, romance, mystery, horror, upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, thriller, science fiction, non-fiction
Wants: Query letter, biography, sample pages
She seeks accessibly-written novels that transport readers and make them forget the world around them. She loves deep POV, compelling hooks, and confident voices. She's particularly interested in fantasy, romance, mystery, horror, and upmarket or commercial fiction, especially with speculative elements. In nonfiction, she wants paradigm-shifting, platform-driven books that make readers reconsider what they know about the world.
Submit through Query Manager only. Include query letter, bio, and 10-20 polished pages for novels. No email submissions accepted unless requested or on referral.
Young adult fantasy, middle grade, young adult mystery, adult mystery, folk tales, mythology, graphic novels, adult narrative non-fiction, true crime, investigative journalism
Wants: Query letter, first chapter, synopsis, sample chapter
She is particularly eager to acquire BIPOC/underrepresented voices and prioritizes stories of joy where identity isn't the focus. She's especially excited about stories rooted in history, mythology, and legends, particularly those that are lesser-known or underrepresented in traditional publishing. She's very interested in stories that explore the intricacies of multicultural identities and loves stories of immigration and first/second generation Americans who struggle balancing values.
Submit queries only through QueryManager. For fiction, include a query letter, first chapter, and synopsis with genre and word count. For nonfiction, include a full proposal with query letter and sample chapter.
Memoir, pop culture, commercial fiction, mystery, thriller, horror, romance, cookbook, non-fiction
Voice-driven pop culture writing that brings fresh perspective to contemporary culture, non-fiction histories that recast narratives by centering unexpected or previously unheard voices, and adult commercial fiction featuring diverse casts and original stories, particularly in mystery, thriller, romance, and horror
Submit via Query Manager only. Darga does not represent children's books, political or crime thrillers, fantasy or science fiction, or non-fiction in the self-help, how-to, or business categories.
Debut fiction, horror, mystery, thriller, romance, general fiction, literary fiction, biography, film, television
Wants: Query letter, short bio, synopsis, chapter breakdown, first three chapters, book proposal
Priya represents fiction, nonfiction, authors, and screenwriters, with AALA-listed interests including debut fiction, horror, mystery, thriller, romance, general fiction, literary fiction, and biography.
Email submissions to contact@lotuslit.com with a short bio, query letter, brief synopsis, chapter breakdown, and first three chapters as a Word document. Nonfiction submissions should include a proposal and detailed information on competing books.
Romantic suspense, contemporary romance, young adult, urban fiction, erotica, suspense, thriller, christian fiction, women's fiction, inspirational fiction, mystery
Wants: Query letter
La Sheera is open to romantic suspense, contemporary romance, young adult, urban fiction, erotica, suspense/thriller, Christian fiction, women's fiction, inspirational fiction, mystery, thriller, romance, and general fiction.
Submit through La Sheera Lee's QueryTracker form. Query only one SBR Media agent at a time.
Speculative fiction, horror, romance, mystery, thriller, literary fiction, fantasy, young adult, self-help, spiritual, occult, nature memoir, nature non-fiction
Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages
In fiction, she is particularly drawn to speculative, atmospheric, and voice-driven narratives for both adult and young adult audiences. She has a soft spot for hybrid genres, such as horror-romance or speculative thrillers, and books with big hooks. On the non-fiction side, she is interested in self-help, spiritual (Marina loves the woo woo!), and the occult. She's also very keen to find poignant nature memoirs and other nature-based non-fiction.
Please use this format in the subject field of your email: 'Marina or BOOK TITLE or CREATOR NAME or GENRE'
Contemporary romance, thrillers, suspense, ya or na romance, commercial fiction, romantic comedies, fantasy, paranormal romance
Emotionally driven stories and swoony character arcs, contemporary romance, thrillers, suspense, YA/NA romance, commercial fiction, romantic comedies, and fantasy or paranormal romance, but only when the romance leads the way
Check agent's submission page
Young adult, new adult, fantasy, thrillers, mysteries, suspense, romance, women's fiction, horror, literary fiction, historical fiction, contemporary, nonfiction, faith-based books, illustrators
YA (all subgenres except sci-fi), thrillers/suspense/mystery, horror, contemporary, romance, new adult, women's fiction, historical fiction, literary fiction, faith-based/inspirational fiction and nonfiction, true crime, illustrators. Welcomes BIPOC and disabled main characters.
Query via agency submission process
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, commercial fiction, thriller, mysteries, speculative fiction, non-fiction
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages
Kirby represents both literary and commercial authors. He seeks manuscripts that straddle the fence with upmarket expression combined with a genre element or plot device. For literary work, he's drawn to rich, sweeping stories that encompass a time or place, or tightly written, narratively innovative stories with award potential. His commercial interests include thrillers, mysteries and speculative fiction. He also represents nonfiction from leaders and journalists in science, culture and current affairs, plus pop culture including music and comedy.
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 the sample pages in the body of the email below your query. Direct your submission to an individual agent and send your material to submissions@janklow.com.
Nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, histories, biographies, science, food, sports, fiction, thriller, mystery, romance, young adult, middle grade, sci-fi
Non-fiction, especially narrative nonfiction histories, biographies, international current events, finance, science and sports; fiction, particularly in the young adult, middle grade, mystery, sci-fi and thriller categories.
Send queries by email to jeff (at) jenniferlyonsliteraryagency (dot) com
Literary fiction, mainstream fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, historical fiction, contemporary women's fiction, young adult, middle grade, memoir, biography, history, business, psychology, pop culture, popular science
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first 5 to 10 pages, writing credentials
Maria Carvainis Agency represents a wide range of fiction and nonfiction with special interest in literary and mainstream fiction, mystery, suspense, thrillers, historicals, contemporary women's fiction, young adult and middle grade, memoir, biography, history, business, psychology, pop culture, and popular science.
Email a query letter, a synopsis of the work, the first 5 to 10 pages, and a note of any writing credentials to mca@mariacarvainisagency.com. Attachments must be Word documents or PDF files. Queries are also accepted by post.
Chick lit, commercial, contemporary, cozy fantasy, cozy romantasy, crime, detective, police, family saga, fantasy, fantasy: magical realism, fantasy: urban, graphic novel, historical, horror, lgbtq and, literary, middle grade, military, espionage, multicultural, mystery, new adult, offbeat, quirky, romance, romantasy, suspense, thriller, upmarket, women's fiction, young adult
Query Letter, Synopsis, One Paragraph Pitch, Comparable Books, First 10 Pages
Submit through Query Manager. Unsolicited queries sent to his email address will be deleted unread.
Romance, fantasy, upmarket or women's fiction, mystery or thriller, young adult fiction, middle grade fiction
Voice-driven YA and romance that balances heart, humor, and hope. High-concept setups with emotional depth: the summer that changes everything, the cruise that goes hilariously off course, the fantasy quest that doubles as a love story, or the play that blurs the line between acting and truth. She loves lush, escapist settings—coastal towns, vibrant cities, magical kingdoms, faraway ships.
Before you hit submit on any queries please verify her #MSWL.
Fantasy, historical fiction, romance, speculative fiction, psychological thriller, true crime, music, religion, history, wellness, psychology, science
Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages
In non-fiction, she is particularly drawn to true crime, music (almost any genre, but especially blues and classic rock), religion, and history (especially ancient civilizations or intellectual history). She also likes expert-driven wellness, popular psychology, and other science-related ideas (especially in biology or physics). In fiction, she is interested in fantasy, historical, romance (especially fantasy, historical, or LGBTQ), speculative, and psychological thrillers.
Include the first ten pages of text only within the body of your email for adult fiction, adult memoir, adult non-fiction essay collection, or children's fiction and non-fiction.
Literary, commercial, mystery, thriller, suspense, romance, business, history, politics, current affairs, memoir, health, wellness, sports, humor, pop culture, pop science, pop psychology
Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages
In terms of fiction, he is seeking literary, commercial, mystery, thriller, suspense and romance. In terms of non-fiction, he is looking for business, history, politics, current affairs, memoir, health, wellness, sports, humor, pop culture, pop science, and pop psychology.
Address your query to the attention of the agent you feel is the best match for your work. Include the first ten pages of text only within the body of your email for adult fiction, adult memoir, adult non-fiction essay collection, or children's fiction and non-fiction.
Women's fiction, historical fiction, romance, contemporary fiction, narrative nonfiction, prescriptive nonfiction, gift nonfiction, true crime, pop culture, motivational or self-help, business, finance, wellness, spiritual, diet, parenting, lifestyle
Wants: Query letter, book proposal for nonfiction
Transportive upmarket and commercial fiction, strong female voices, sweeping love stories, historical fiction, new adult, romantic comedies, quirky mysteries, family dramadies, psychological thrillers, and broad nonfiction topics.
Use The Knight Agency submissions page and the relevant QueryManager link, do not query multiple TKA agents simultaneously.
Women's fiction, upmarket adult, commercial adult, domestic suspense, literary mystery, thrillers, historical, contemporary romance, book club fiction, pop science, business, psychology, cookbooks, memoirs, lifestyle, narrative non-fiction
Wants: Query letter, first 10 pages
In terms of fiction, she is seeking women's fiction, upmarket adult, commercial adult, domestic suspense, literary mystery and thrillers, historical, contemporary romance, and smart book club fiction. In terms of non-fiction, she is looking for pop science, business, psychology, cookbooks, unique memoirs, lifestyle (health, wellness, relationships, parenting), narrative, and platform based non-fiction
For fiction queries, please format email subjects as 'Fiction: TITLE or GENRE or CREATOR NAME' and non-fiction queries as 'Non-Fiction: TOPIC or TITLE or CREATOR NAME'
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.
Mystery, high-concept suspense, domestic suspense, psychological thriller, book club women's fiction, commercial fiction, crime fiction, underrepresented voices
Wants: Query letter, first twenty pages
Michelle Richter is Vice President of Fuse Literary. She represents leaders in the crime fiction community, award-winners, and debut authors, and wants to boost underrepresented voices in her favorite genres. She is especially eager to find high-concept crime fiction with catchy hooks, twisty plots, and complex lead characters. She likes emotionally engaging fiction with a voice that immediately identifies the author, and welcomes BIPOC, LGBTQ, and disabled voices in fiction. She loves twists, unreliable narrators, isolated locales and locked rooms, stories of family secrets, friendships, and sibling relationships, and book club fiction that makes readers think and feel.
Submit to Michelle Richter only through QueryManager. Fuse says unsolicited submissions to email or social media will be deleted unread. For conference, press, or rights inquiries only, use michelle@fuseliterary.com.
Adult fiction, adult nonfiction, young adult, children's books, romance, romantasy, fantasy, science fiction, thriller, paranormal romance, urban fantasy, southern gothic, memoir, humor, gift books, bipoc voices, queer voices, chronically ill voices
Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, sample chapter, ai disclosure
Patrice Caldwell is Founder and CEO of The Caldwell Agency and a literary agent. Her list is focused on adult fiction and nonfiction, YA, and children's books. Her official QueryManager notes broad interests across adult, YA, and children's work, including romantic fantasy, retellings, thrillers, memoir, humorous or tabletop nonfiction, science fiction, paranormal romance, urban fantasy, southern gothic, family dynamics, and work by BIPOC, queer, and chronically ill writers.
Submit to Patrice Caldwell through her official QueryManager or QueryTracker form. The form asks for author details, project details, genre, query letter, AI disclosure, and the first 10 pages or one sample chapter for nonfiction. Patrice notes that she may forward queries to Caldwell Agency colleagues if she thinks they are a better fit.
Picture books, mg fiction, ya fiction, adult commercial fiction, fantasy, mystery or thriller, upmarket women's fiction
Picture Books: Author/Illustrators ONLY. MG fiction: funny, mad-cap adventures; epic fantasy; magical realism; high-concept twists; strong plots and voices. YA fiction: commercial and high-concept fiction (all genres). Plot-driven and escapist books. Humor, imagination, adventure, romance. Adult commercial fiction (accessible fantasy, mystery/thriller, upmarket women's fiction). Fun, escapist reads. Great hooks. Great writing.
Use QueryManager link provided
Women's fiction, romance, historical fiction, ya, fantasy, mystery, suspense
Bestselling authors in women's fiction, romance, historical fiction, YA, fantasy, mystery, and suspense, and is always looking for exciting new voices in fiction
Complete the form
Fiction, thriller, book club fiction, cinematic fiction, film and television adaptation
Wants: Query letter, first twenty-five pages
Charlotte works with Celeste Fine on bestselling fiction. She is seeking surprising thrillers, book club novels with staying power, and atmospheric, cinematic stories that can expand into film and television.
Email queries@parkfinebrower.com and specify Charlotte Cohen Sunderland plus the category and genre in the subject line. Adult fiction submissions should include a query letter and roughly the first 25 pages in the body of the email.
Nonfiction, how-to, health, wellness, science, technology, nature, outdoors, true crime, history, investigative journalism, international relations, sports, parenting, business, illustrated books, brand books
Wants: Query letter
John is building a wide-ranging nonfiction list including how-to, health and wellness, science, technology, nature and outdoors, true crime, quirky history, investigative journalism, international relations, sports, parenting, business, illustrated books, and brand-led book programs.
Email john@defliterary.com with QUERY: at the beginning of the subject line, followed by the book title. Include a brief description of yourself and the project. Attachments are not opened unless requested.
Commercial women's fiction, ya, contemporary romance, thrillers, suspense, historical fiction
Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first three chapters
Commercial women's fiction with a fresh and fun hook, all genres of YA (especially diverse stories), contemporary romance, thrillers and suspense, the occasional historical fiction, and anything that might be read in a day on the beach
Complete the form with query letter, synopsis, and first three chapters
Literary fiction, mystery, suspense, memoir, cookbook
Upmarket fiction with strong commercial potential, particularly mystery, suspense, and psychologically layered narratives. Also select cookbooks and literary memoir from exceptional storytellers whose work resonates with national media and has film and television potential.
Submit through Query Manager at QueryManager.com or QueryLoriGalvin. Lori only accepts submissions via this platform.
Adult fiction, adult nonfiction, book club fiction, mystery, crime fiction, psychological thrillers, speculative fiction, horror, historical fiction, history, science, memoir, idea-driven nonfiction, diverse voices
Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, proposal, ai disclosure
Melissa Danaczko represents a wide range of adult fiction and nonfiction. In fiction, she gravitates toward high-concept novels with a fresh perspective, energetic writing, deep emotional connection, and an immersive sense of place; favorite categories include contemporary book club fiction, mystery, crime, psychological thrillers, speculative fiction, horror, and historical novels. She also represents history, science, memoir, and idea-driven nonfiction that is rigorous, emotionally compelling, and has something big to say about the world. Across categories, she seeks diverse voices and projects that are both entertaining and enlightening.
Email Melissa Danaczko at mdquery@skagency.com with a query letter and the first 10 pages of your manuscript or proposal in the body of the email, not as an attachment. SKLA asks for full disclosure in the query if AI tools have been used or are intended to be used in creating the work. Due to volume, SKLA responds only if interested in reading more.
Commercial fiction, upmarket fiction, romance, romantasy, thriller, book club fiction, retellings, memoirs, narrative non-fiction, essay collections
Wants: Query letter
Aurora seeks commercial and upmarket fiction, particularly narratives with romantic or fantastical threads. She loves romance from smart romcoms to romantasy, with favorite tropes including forced proximity and rivals-to-lovers. She's drawn to thrillers like Megan Miranda's work and upmarket fiction with interesting female dynamics and moral dilemmas. For nonfiction, she wants select memoirs, narrative nonfictions, and essay collections on pop culture, modern dating, women's issues, and respectful true crime.
Send a query letter using the online form to one literary agent only. Query should include only a paragraph about yourself, a brief plot synopsis, and contact information. Do not include manuscript, proposal, or writing samples unless requested.
Commercial fiction, horror, thriller, suspense, romance, mystery, young adult, non-fiction, true crime, essays
Wants: Query letter
Kristen seeks commercial fiction including horror, thriller/suspense, and romance. She wants horror novels with dark twists, ghosts, and romance, plus young adult slashers. For mysteries/thrillers, she prefers ambiguous endings, contained whodunits, and surprising twists. In romance, she loves second chances, beach settings, and coming-of-age stories, plus crossover romance with fantastical elements. She also accepts respectful true crime and personal essay collections.
Send a query letter using the online form to one literary agent only. The query should include only a paragraph about yourself, a brief plot synopsis and your contact information. Do not include a manuscript, proposal, or writing samples. Do not send a manuscript or proposal until requested.
Literary fiction, thriller, young adult, memoir
Wants: Query letter
Great storytelling that gets into your head and heart, anything you can't stop thinking about. Books and stories that touch the soul, make you laugh or cry or both. Stories that haven't been told before or are told in a different way.
Send a query letter using the online form to one literary agent only. Query should include only a paragraph about yourself, a brief plot synopsis and your contact information. Do not include manuscript, proposal, or writing samples.
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